High Point Welcome Center preparing for ribbon-cutting event on August 16 at 5:00 p.m.

The High Point Welcome Center has been overloaded with visitors in the first month of its existence, according to County Tourism Director Jo Caskey.

"It's been relatively nonstop. After the end of the first four full weeks, we've had 942 visitors through from 42 states and nine foreign countries," Caskey said.

The center maintains a relatively consistently flow throughout the week, with Caskey constantly jumping onto her feet from her desk in order to answer questions and direct visitors to destinations throughout the region.

"Mondays are typically slow, maybe about 20 people, but this past monday we had about 50 people. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday have been moderate in the high 20's and low 30's, but weekends are always busy," Caskey said.

Currently, Caskey has been traveling around the different counties in the region to seek more help in funding and receive sponsorships from other cities that may benefit from the efforts of the center.

"I presented to the city of Gering at budget hearings last Wednesday. We should know if they're going to allocate anything from their 2013-2014 budget as far as sponsorship. I've been working on contacting the other nine counties for help with sponsorships. We'll be talking with them as a whole in September at the fall county officials' meeting," Caskey said.

However, residents still seem to be unaware of where the money that funds the welcome center truly comes from, according to Caskey.

"A lot of people still think that we get county tax dollars, but we don't. It's lodging tax and what other money I can go out and either raise or generate or grants or sponsorships," Caskey said. The building is also stocked with pamphlets and travel guides from areas across the state of Nebraska with more being placed on the shelves every day, and officials are currently working on getting the internet access for the center up and running.

"We're getting new materials all the time. I've already had to call and re-stock, because I can't keep it in here. The flag pole got installed yesterday. We're working with a company for our wi-fi center. We're going to have to go with satellite, because we have no land connection on this side of the interstate," Caskey said.

Presently, Caskey is still the sole official employee of the center which leads to many long days on the job.

"It's just constant. Every pile of paper on my desk is another project. We've taken some applications for part-time positions. That won't be decided until after I've had my budget review.I do have one lady that is volunteering on a fairly regular basis," Caskey said.

However, even with such a chaotic schedule and projects lining up, Caskey still finds a way to help each visitor that walks through the doors.

"With the visitors, they come first before the phone, before the project. We're here to serve their needs," Caskey said.

An official grand opening for the High Point Welcome Center will be held Friday, August 16 starting with an open house to run from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. with a public forum to take place from 3:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. The ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 5:00p.m. followed by a chamber business after hours and 50/50 raffle that will last until 7:00p.m.