BUTTE, Neb. — October 16, 2025 — Senator Barry DeKay of District 40 and Senator Tanya Storer of District 43 visited the Ponca Creek Living community to learn more about the ongoing efforts to reopen local senior care services in Butte. During their visit, they met with members of the local development team to discuss the reopening process, the challenges faced, and the remarkable progress made toward restoring long-term care options across the region.
While touring the ten-unit independent and assisted living wing, Senator Storer remarked how special it was to look out the window and see corn being harvested nearby — saying, “There’s nothing like feeling at home.”
The senators also toured the main care center, taking in the progress made and the work still needed before it can reopen to serve residents. Over the past several months, Ponca Creek Living has made major improvements — with the independent and assisted living area cleaned, painted, and prepared to welcome residents from communities throughout the area.
Ponca Creek Living recently hired Anita Mathine as Administrative Assistant. Anita brings over 20 years of experience in senior living, having served in multiple roles including aide, medication technician, and activities director. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in moving the reopening process forward. She will oversee day-to-day operations of the independent and assisted living community as restoration work continues on the main care center.
Opening the independent and assisted living homes first will create a much-needed income stream to help sustain the long-term reopening process. “It takes tremendous community effort and financial support to bring care back home,” the team shared. “But our goal remains clear — to keep our residents close to their families, friends, and communities.”
The closure of the former nursing home left a lasting impact on the entire region — from residents forced to relocate miles away from home to local staff members commuting long distances to continue their caregiving work. Many have reflected that we took our local nursing home for granted, never imagining it would close. Now, we are determined to bring it back — stronger, more sustainable, and truly community-owned.
A Community on the Brink of Renewal
With the independent and assisted living community nearly ready to open, excitement is growing. The refreshed space stands as a symbol of hope and progress — a tangible sign that care is coming back home to Boyd County and the surrounding area.
Community Support Still Needed
While incredible progress has been made through volunteer hours and local donations, significant funding is still neededto complete renovations and reopen the main care center. Every contribution — whether financial, material, or volunteer time — helps ensure the continuation of local care and allows you to leave your impact on a project that will serve generations to come.
We are determined to bring care back to our region in a lasting, sustainable home — one built by and for the people it serves. Every dollar given stays right here, helping rebuild a place of comfort, connection, and dignity for those who need it most.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Ponca Creek Living extends a sincere thank-you to everyone who has donated time, skill, and resources toward this effort. From volunteers who cleaned and painted to those who contributed financially — your belief in this mission is what’s making reopening possible. Together, we are proving what rural communities can accomplish when we unite for a shared purpose.
Applications open November 1 for the independent and assisted living community. For more information or to learn how to donate or volunteer, please contact Ponca Creek Living at 402-775-2355 or email info@poncacreekliving.com.
