Panhandle Area Development District

08/11/2026

Please come join us at Papa Moon's next Thursday 8/20, .

Come learn more about a local business, hear from a community resource, and build connections with others who care about strengthening our region.
🗓 Thursday, August 20, 2026
🕓 4:00 – 5:00 PM MDT
📍 Papa Moon | 3109 Ave. B, Scottsbluff
Space is limited, so secure your seat today!
👉 https://forms.gle/NYHHJXypXUW3N2Kb9
Questions? Contact Anthony at [email protected]

This month’s Trusted Business Connections Resource Spotlight features David Welanko with Panhandle Area Development District

David serves as Grant Manager at PADD, one of eight development districts in Nebraska. Through his role, he works with local communities, businesses, local leaders, and nonprofits across Western Nebraska to support regional growth and development.

PADD does more than help communities apply for grants. David works with businesses, local governments, and organizations through the process of identifying opportunities, understanding available resources, and managing projects through completion. It is detailed, behind-the-scenes work that can make a real difference in what communities and businesses are able to accomplish, build, and sustain.

Whether a small business is looking for resources, a nonprofit needs funding support, or a local leader wants to understand what opportunities are available, David encourages people to reach out.

Join us at Trusted Business Connections on Thursday, August 20, to hear more from David and connect with others who care about strengthening our region.

🗓 Thursday, August 20, 2026
🕓 4:00 – 5:00 PM MDT
📍 Papa Moon | 3109 Ave. B, Scottsbluff

Reserve your seat:
https://forms.gle/d5m2724x4r96wi6e9

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

The Old West Balloon Fest is in full swing! If you missed the morning competition today, don't worry, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the week to catch the balloons soaring high! The evening competition today will start at 5:00 p.m.

Update on launch location information:

That decision is made by the national team. They look at weather conditions, wind direction and figure out where the targets will be for morning and evening flights each day. The decision is not announced until the pilot briefing at 5:00 am and 5:00 pm. People can get information from the Old West Balloon Fest page to see where the balloons can be viewed or listen to KNEB for updates.

05/29/2026

05/08/2026

https://panhandle.newschannelnebraska.com/story/254629724/housing-project-in-gordon-turns-loss-into-new-homes

Nebraska is facing a significant housing shortage, with a need for more than 120,000 new homes statewide, according to the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority.

05/04/2026

It’s time to step up for housing in Western Nebraska.

We’ve talked enough—now it’s time for action! Housing won’t fix itself, and it will take all of us working together to move it forward.

Join us May 21 for the 6 Regions, One Nebraska – Western Region Meeting and be part of the solution.

📍 Weborg 21 Centre - Gering, NE
🕙 10 AM – 3 PM MST
🔗 RSVP & Agenda: https://web.nechamber.com/atlas/events/822/details

Less talk. More action. Housing starts here.