Village of Utica Logo

Fire Hydrant Flushing

Sept 16-20, 2024

The Village maintenance department will be

flushing fire hydrants several evenings the week

of September 16-20.  During these times you

may experience discoloration in your water.

We recommend you do not regenerate soft

water systems during this time to avoid

discoloration in your home.  If you do experience

discoloration, run your garden hose outside 

until the water clears up.

 

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Jonathan Jank 

Company: Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership 

Phone: (402) 643-4189 

Email: jonathan@cultivatesewardcounty.com 

 

Village of Utica Continues to Progress

 

[Utica, Nebraska – July 13, 2024] In a recent property tax analysis, citizens of Utica, Nebraska experience the lowest property tax rate in the region at 1.39530000. This has been accomplished by consistent and responsible fiscal management by local elected officials including the Village of Utica Trustees and Centennial School Board. Good financial stewardship along with engaged local community members has led to continued recent success. 

Progress in Utica has been spurred on by local philanthropic efforts and tied to community building events and activities. This has encouraged updating parts of town to create a welcoming and modern atmosphere for new citizens while sustaining the small-town charm that has been held dear by long-time members of the community. Some of the most prominent projects have been accomplished through hard work and dedication by various local organizations including:

Village of Utica

• 2024 
  • After the closure of the Utica Care Center in 2019, the site was redeveloped by the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership, SCCDP, into a fourteen-lot subdivision called Bronco Heights
  • New street signage was installed in the village at every intersection in town
  • A new ambulance will be ordered by the end of 2024 
  • The old picnic shelter by the South Playground area will be relocated within the Village
  • The Village is currently in the second phase of undergoing a new FEMA Hazard Mitigation plan in partnership with the Upper Big Blue NRD. This plan will examine regional and local vulnerabilities in a range of hazards and will identify specific strategies and projects to reduce their impact on the community
  • The Village plans to also update the Strategic plan for the town in the coming year and will need community volunteers along with their input to help identify areas of concern
  • A new street sweeper was purchased in the spring
• 2023

• New generators were installed at the Village Office and the Water treatment plant to provide alternate power for operations to continue to run smoothly in the event of an emergency. This will also allow us to offer a place at the Auditorium for residents to shelter, in the event of a power outage in extreme heat and cold
• An ADA ramp was rebuilt at the Heritage Library, which is located at 4th and D Street.
• The Volunteer Fire Department replaced vital Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, SBCA’s, for the department, along with a new set of bunker gear

• 2022

• Utica was named a Leadership Certified Community by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development making it one of twenty-eight in the state 

For more information: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/state-of-nebraska-commends-community-wide-quality-of-life-enhancements-and-economic-growth-in-village-of-utica/ 

• The water tower was drained in 2022 to allow a full inspection of the tower; both inside and out, allowing it to be as closely rehabilitated to its original form as possible. During this process, if there were any parts that were deemed necessary to be repaired to prolong the life of the tower, those repairs or corrections were done. The tower was revitalized with a new coat of paint and design as well
• The Village of Utica’s Comprehensive Plan was updated, the last update prior was done in 2011 

• 2021
  • The Village website was updated to allow more accessibility for the residents, one of the primary changes being the adding the Village ordinances and zoning codes to the site.  Another change was adding an app to the Google Play store, which also allows a push notification to any user with the app on their phone. *IOS is still being worked out due to restrictions by the Apple Store. The village web address is www.Uticane.org

• 2020

• The Volunteer Fire Department expanded their fleet of trucks with a new fire truck

• 2019 

• The “First Street Project” was completed. This task had many helpers, some of them being the Betterment committee, the Village Board, The Legion, and the Village Foundation. All groups worked together to facilitate the funding needed to repave the road, and pour new concrete sidewalks with ADA accessible cut outs. The streetscape was redone with plants, trees and a veteran memorial. The light poles were all replaced with a more modern, decorative look
• A dilapidated property was replaced with new home
• A new sunshade was installed at the Utica Community Swimming Pool to provide the patrons relief from the hot summer sun

Utica has an active volunteer base, one group being the Utica Lions Club.  

Utica Lions Club

The Utica Lions is a club of Lions International, a service organization.  They are responsible for the Utica signs both on Hwy 34 and the I-80 Spur.  Their activities are:

• Purchasing and setting up the Nativity scene in the park every year
• Providing a health screening for schools in the surrounding areas
• Serving breakfast during Utica Days, Utica’s annual summer celebration
• Supplying an annual appreciation meal for the Utica Volunteer Fire Department
• Arranging a meal for the Centennial and St. Paul School staffs at the start of the school year

The Lions Club has their annual Colorado peaches and pear sales and assists with concessions at athletic events to raise funds for the following services:

• Contributing funds towards the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for Seward County, which provides books for local children each month.
• Donating to area groups that help those in need
• Granting scholarships for graduating Centennial seniors
• Supporting the community pantry
• Dispensing financial support for people with serious illnesses
• Supporting educational opportunities, such as a book to all 2nd graders

Utica Commercial Club

The Commercial Club has existed for almost 75 years. The Club was started by the business owners in Utica and grew to include all residents (not just business owners) of Utica and surrounding areas. The Club is still open today to ALL residents of Utica and the surrounding area.

One of the primary jobs of the Utica Commercial Club is taking the lead in organizing and running the annual community festival called, “Utica Heritage Days” which welcomes alumni and visitors along with engaging permanent residents to celebrate what makes Utica special.

This is a club that has annual events to not only raise money, but also to say thank you to all Utica residents. Some of these events include:

• Annual FREE pancake feed with Santa for residents 
• Easter Egg Hunt for the elementary kids in the community
• Utica Cleanup Day

Over the years they have been silent partners on a lot of different projects throughout Utica. From donating money to help support the project but also donating their time and labor as well. Their activities are:

• Installing sidewalks and built bathrooms at Conns Park
• Developing an area for RVs at the village campsite
• Helping with the remodel of the ball fields at South Ball Park
• Donating scholarship money to local students whose parents are members

Utica Community Foundation

The Utica Community Foundation was established in 2017 to work with the Village Board to make monetary contributions for the beautification and growth of the town of Utica.  Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $250,000, and has invested that money back into the community through a variety of projects.  

• In May of 2024 the Utica Community Foundation partnered with Concordia University- Nebraska art professor, Seth Boggs, to create a mural that would represent the community's history and values.  The board approached Roy Richters, the owner of the building at 2nd and D streets upon which the board received approval and support for the project.  The building was a perfect canvas for the project as the location is immediately upon entrance into the business district of town and was just a large two-story white building with no windows. The building sitting on a corner and having two sides gave Seth a unique opportunity for the artwork.  

The foundation did receive a grant from the Seward County Visitor's Bureau and is in the approval process still for a few other grants.  

Overall, the project has created a lot of buzz in town and social media, specifically Facebook where the mural has been shared in multiple posts and been shared hundreds of times.  There is a large sense of pride whether it's people that see it daily, people that stop through town on their way by, or people that grew up here that are excited to see it when they are back home to visit.  The hope is that the project is something that all people with ties to Utica can be proud of and hope that it serves as true visual representation that a community becomes what its people make it.  

For more information follow this link:  https://www.sewardindependent.com/stories/mural-to-represent-uticas-roots,103842 

• In 2023 the Utica Community Foundation partnered with the Fire Department during the Foundation’s annual Tie One On event that raised over $63,000 to assist Utica Fire & Rescue with the purchase of their new ambulance and supporting equipment.
• In 2021 and 2022 funds were raised for a new 30'x64' picnic shelter that will be built close to the current shelter at Pool Park.  The project will begin soon.
• In 2021 the Utica Community Foundation made a $20,000 donation to SCCDP for the Rural Workforce Housing Fund, which resulted in buying the nursing home property to be developed into housing. 
• The first project in 2017 was for the downtown lighting, which was a part of the Main Street Revitalization Project.  Donations were also made to put awnings on the downtown buildings. 

The Utica Community Foundation continues to search for projects and fundraising opportunities that can benefit the beautification and growth of Utica for years to come.

Centennial Market

In any small town, the grocery store is a staple business. Centennial Market in Utica is no different. The store has been with the community since 2013 but shifted to a cooperative financial model in 2022. This cooperative model has allowed the entire community to be involved in its success. The grocery store supports the Utica schools and churches and has thrived based on loyal community support.

For more information, follow this link: https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/nebraska-cooperative-development-center-helps-utica-keep-its-grocery-store/ 

Utica Senior Center

The Utica Senior Center provides services to Seniors in Utica and the surrounding area. There are currently 70 or more active seniors attending the Senior Center throughout the year. Meals are provided at a minimal cost on Wednesday & Fridays with activities available on those same days such as card playing, presentations, interviews, games, chair yoga, crafts, etc.

The Senior Center has an exercise room for the seniors and the Utica Museum is also located at the Center. In May 2022 the Utica Senior Center purchased an electronic marque sign which provides the community with information regarding the Senior Center events and other community organizations events. The funding for the sign was provided by donations from citizens in the community.

Patriotic Groups

American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion Auxiliary Mission Statement:

In the spirit of Serving Not Self, the mission of The American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad.  For God and Country, we advocate for Veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. 

   Some of the accomplishments of Utica Unit #49 for the Auxiliary are:

• Helping put out flags at the Utica Cemetery and handed out poppies at the Memorial Day ceremony in Utica and Waco
• Gold Star members present a wreath to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Memorial Day ceremony 
• Presenting Auxiliary Color Guard at Utica Cemetery.  
• Serving a lunch at the Legion meeting in honor of the Legion’s Birthday in March
• Sponsoring one or two girls for Cornhusker Girl’s State in Lincoln, NE
• Riding on a float and pass out candy for Utica Heritage Day Parade 
• Making 75 tray favors for the Omaha VA Medical Center
• Attending a coffee meeting and the Veteran’s Day Program at Centennial Public School
• Making over 100 “goodie bags” and gave to the teachers and staff at the Centennial and St. Paul Schools in honor of American Education Week 
• Holding a Salad Luncheon in December followed by the “Candle Light Service”
• Donating to the Community Food Pantry
• Holding our annual February Soup Dinner at St. Paul School Gym, the only money-making project
• Making donations to:  Little Red Schoolhouse (for nursing scholarships), give to the poppy fund yearly, Gifts for Yanks, Centennial Scholarship Foundation, Utica’s Avenue of Flags project, plus supporting the programs of the Auxiliary with monetary donations at department level
• Helping and providing food for the Seward County Government Day

 

American Legion Post #49

   Some of the accomplishments of Utica Post #49 for the Legion:

• Holding a Memorial Day Service for Utica and Waco Cemeteries.  Members place and recover the avenue of flags (over 200 flags) at the Utica and Catholic Cemeteries 
• Holding a Spaghetti Feed after the Memorial Day Service
• Sponsoring a Boy for the Cornhusker Boys State held in Lincoln, NE
• Holding a dignified disposal of flags on Flag Day June 14^th
• Holding a Beef BBQ at Utica Heritage Days with an annual raffle fundraiser
• Riding on a float for Heritage Days Parade
• Celebrated the Legion’s 100^th Birthday with special guest speakers after the BBQ in 2019.
• Selling tickets every year for “200 club” drawing 
• Purchasing a Large Flagpole and Flag for downtown at the Utica’s Memory/Honor area and maintain flag upon need
• Helping at the Seward County Government Day
• Attending a coffee and the Veteran’s Day Program at Centennial where Legion members present the colors, and the Veterans are honored
• Sponsoring a Jr/Sr Legion Baseball team gate, provide fees for insurance, uniforms, equipment, umpires, entry fee for tournaments
• Taking money at the gate of baseball games
• Helping Charter Boys Scout Troop 180
• Donating to the Boys Scout Troop 180 to help purchase an enclosed trailer and camping equipment for trips
• Purchasing the Veterans Memorial at the Utica Cemetery and maintain the flags
• Making donations to a variety of community projects

 

Religious Communities

Utica is home to several churches of different denominations for citizens to attend. Utica churches include First United Methodist Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church, and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

 First United Methodist Church is involved in:

• Providing lunch after the church’s Christmas program 
• Preparing funeral luncheons
• Presenting Prayer Shawls to the grieving, ill, or others
• Donating to area groups in need

St. Paul Lutheran Church serves the community by:

• Organizing Caring Christian Kid service projects as outreach for Utica and surrounding communities 
• Packing clothes and meals with Orphan Grain Train
• Keeping the community food pantry stocked 
• Serving immigrants in Omaha
• Going on mission work in Germany

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church continues to grow, and they recently purchased the northeast corner of their block for parking. The church structure has recently been restored and the steeple replaced. The social hall was built and dedicated in 2011 and is used for parish events and meetings, Catechism classes and rented out for community events. The parishioners within the church hold many events to serve Utica, including: 

• The Pork and Polka Fest, 
• The Fall Soup Dinner 
• The Lenten Fish Fry 
• The garage sale during Utica Days

The Ladies Organization within the church is active as well. Their activities consist of the following:

• Clean the church
• Serve funeral luncheons 
• Serve monthly coffee and rolls after Mass
• Host diaper drives 
• Provide scholarships for seniors
• Deliver food to shut-ins 
• Assist with community and school projects

Schools

St. Paul Lutheran School

St. Paul Lutheran School is gracious to be fully funded and supported by their congregation. The students attend tuition free. The school offers Christian education and opportunity for faith development, while also teaching mathematics, science, computers, art, music, and physical education.

Centennial Public School

Centennial Public School is rated as an excellent school district by the state’s most recent accountability measure, the highest ranking within the AQuESTT classification system. The central factor of this ranking system is the academic performance of the school. The teaching staff at Centennial is highly qualified and stable. Nearly 100% of teachers are teaching within their content area, and due to its geographic location and excellent facilities, Centennial consistently attracts qualified teachers to open positions.

Centennial Public School provides a strong educational environment for students while being one of the lowest tax levy districts in the state due to its large tax base. Centennial’s enrollment allows students the opportunity to participate in many extracurricular activities and organizations, which grants students avenues to find their passions. There are a wide variety of courses for students to take, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings have increased to meet the interests of students and the demands of the labor market. Dual credit courses are also available for students to earn college credit. The patrons of Centennial’s districts have an impressive history of supporting quality education as evidenced by multiple bonds passed for classroom and facility improvements. The most recent voter approved improvements (in 2015) of Industrial Arts, Science classrooms, and gym, have benefitted Centennial students.

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