S.T.A.R.T.
The local newspaper and cable station were used frequently for advertising by the S.T.A.R.T. committees. The local newspaper editor was very generous in allowing free publicity through news articles and advertisements. Cable TV of Stanton (the local cable company in the community) used their local channel for advertising as well. These tools were estimated to be the number one source of informing the general public with up-to-date announcements, events, and public services.
The City Council and START committee of the Stanton Community Club used these tools to inform citizens of the re-issuing of the Stanton Attitude Survey in 1993 and again in 1996. After the surveys were completed, they once again used the same tools to remind the citizens of the town hall strategic planning meeting that followed the survey. Almost every business in town was given a town hall flyer to post in their window. The local grocery store distributed 500 flyers in the grocery sacks the week before the town hall meeting in 1993. The results of the survey were published in the newspaper prior to the meeting so that the citizens could discuss and ask questions that evening. Almost 100 people attended the strategic planning meeting facilitated by Northeast Nebraska Economic Development Director. Results of the survey were discussed, and a vision process was begun. The strengths and weaknesses of Stanton were identified and written on a flip chart posted in the auditorium. The 'Visioning of Stanton in 2014' led to a list of 43 items. Top priorities at the 1994 town hall meeting in order were:
- Housing
- Water Treatment
- Nursing Home Expansion / Daycare
- Community Image
- Recycling
- Business and Economic Development
- Motel
- 4-way Stop Sign
- Track / Recreation
The following priorities set at the 1994 Town Hall meeting have been accomplished:
- Housing - CDBG Grant
- Nursing Home Expansion / Daycare - CDBG Grant
- Community Image
- Recycling Program - DEQ Grant
- 3-way Stop at Casey's Intersection
Other accomplishments from the "Visioning Process - Stanton 2014" list include the following:
- New High School with facilities available for Wellness/Heath Maintenance
- Fairground Improvements
- Handicap Parking at Post Office and Senior Center
- Pride - New Slogan UNITED IN HEART on billboards, tee shirts, and float.
The new Stanton Rescue emergency vehicle became a reality after a public meeting of concerned citizens who were willing to begin a campaign for volunteer contributions. The Fourth of July Celebration was a priority of the Stanton Community Club to make the event bigger and better in 1996. A Community Development Block Grant made regional comprehensive planning possible. Stanton had not updated their plan for 20 years. The goal was to prepare for Stanton County, City of Stanton, and the Village of Pilger, a community and economic development profile by studying and preparing strategies and solutions for growth in the future. The Stanton Medical Clinic was saved as a result of a special town hall meeting and a telephone survey by 20 volunteers.
Results of 1994 Town Hall Meeting
Stanton's Strengths
- Good School System
- Community Building
- VFW Club
- Competitive Spirit
- Electrical
- Recreational
- Golf Course
- Maskenthine Lake
- County Fair
- Good People
- Near Norfolk
- Smallness
- Retirement Locations
- Churches (cross section)
- Wide Variety of Services
- Low Crime Rate
- County Seat
- Excellent Snow Removal
- Located on Highway 24
- Mix of Ages
- Nursing Home
- Leadership Resources
- State Senator
- Good Highways
- Ivy Manor
- No Flooding
- Paved Streets
- Good Leadership
- Fire & Rescue Dept
- Telephone
- Business Try
- Youth Programs
- Medical Clinic
- Jaycees
- Two Good Banks
- Mortuary
Stanton's Weaknesses
- Overcrowding in School
- Housing
- Need Electrician
- Opening of Dairy Lane
- Town too cliquish in Community
- Substandard Housing
- Lack of Available Lots
- Need to be Friendlier
- No Welcome Committee
- More Cooperation
- Poor Water Quality
- No Walk/Run/Jog Facility
- Job Opportunities
- Young People / No Voice
- Day Care Volunteers / Meals on Wheels
- Being Close to Norfolk
- Apathy of Young
- Water Quality / Pressure Image problem
- Survey Sewer System
- Low Income Housing
- Lack Community Funds
- No Handy Men/Women
- Pharmacy
- Senior Center
- Law Enforcement
- No Industrial Park
- Street Updates
- Curb & Gutters
Stanton 2014 - Visioning Process
- Daycare Center
- Jobs in Town for People Living Here
- Develop River Front / Accessibility
- Modernized / Cleanup
- Codes & Ordinances Upheld
- Nursing Home Expansion - Assisted Living
- New Water Plan & Good Water Quality
- All Streets Paved with Curb & Gutter
- True Community Center
- Wellness / Health Maintenance Facilities
- Community Foundation with $ Million
- 18 Hole Golf Course
- Bed/Breakfast or Motel Facility
- Industrial Park/Agriculture Facility
- Trail to Maskenthine
- Expanded Land Use Planning
- Larger Fish in Ponds
- Booming Businesses
- No Empty Buildings on Main Street
- No Eyesores Around Town
- New Restaurants
- Redo Downtown Buildings
- Recycling Center
- Improved Fairgrounds
- Handicap Parking
- New High School
- 4-Way Stop at Casey's Intersection
- New City Office/Handicap Accessible
- New Library
- Handicap Accessible Post Office
- Keep Up with Technology
- Expansion of Industry & Recreation
- Safe Streets maintenance
- Pride
- Education
- People Networking Together
- Stability (Economic)
- Industrialized
- Beautify
- Cohesiveness
- Bedroom Community/Norfolk
- Chance for Growth
- Broader Tax Base
Stanton's Top Priorities
Priority Votes:
- Housing 51
- Water Treatment/Task Force 37
- Nursing Home Expansion/Daycare 36
- No Eyesores/Community Image 36
- Recycling Program - Shawn Boldt 32
- Jobs in Community/Business Development 27
- Motel/Bed & Breakfast 25
- 4 Way Stop at Casey's 25
