Neligh becomes Certified Local Government, looks to preserve historic sites
A town of just over 1,500 people is now one of only nine cities in Nebraska known as Certified Local Governments (CLG).
By News Channel NebraskaNELIGH, Neb. — A town of just over 1,500 people is now one of only nine cities in Nebraska known as Certified Local Governments (CLG).
Behind Neligh’s modest population lies a wealth of history, which Economic Development Director Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen said will be preserved and celebrated.
“Northern Nebraska especially northeast Nebraska has a lot of history behind it," Sheridan-Simonsen said. "We thought if we start this process we can get other communities interested in doing it.”
Becoming a CLG is not just a title; it means access to grants and financial support for preservation-related projects. In Neligh, that means keeping historic sites intact like the Neligh Mill and the Trail of Tears Marker.
“Northern Nebraska especially northeast Nebraska has a lot of history behind it," Sheridan-Simonsen said. "We thought if we start this process we can get other communities interested in doing it.”
The journey to becoming a CLG took five years and Neligh is the first town to do so in eight years.
“Our history made us who we are and it also is helping to dictate our future," Sheridan-Simonsen said.
Looking ahead, Sheridan-Simonsen said she hopes that Neligh's achievement will inspire other towns in northeast Nebraska to follow suit.