(Sutherland, Nebraska, February 13, 2026) — The Village of Sutherland is pleased to announce it has received a $100,000 grant award from the Robert F. Hanich Charitable Trust to support the Sutherland Parks Safety & Lighting Project. The award was confirmed in a January 28, 2026 letter from Adams Bank & Trust, Trustee for the Trust.
Earlier this winter, the Trust requested that the Village prioritize the elements included in its grant application. The Village Board of Trustees identified the Restroom and Tornado Shelter Facility at Anchor Memorial Park as its highest priority. The Trust’s committee expressed appreciation that this dual-purpose safe room was ranked first and directed the award toward that portion of the project.
At the Village Board meeting on February 11, the Board directed Village Engineer Tom Werblow and Public Works Superintendent Casey Kendall to begin evaluating construction options for the tornado-rated restroom facility. The Village will explore both traditional construction and pre-fabricated FEMA/ICC 500-compliant safe room structures in an effort to maximize the impact of the Trust’s award and additional Village investment. The goal is to determine how much of the project can be completed with the awarded funds and local contributions.
The Board also directed staff to examine the feasibility of including the proposed 72’ x 40’ community picnic shelter as part of a future phase of park improvements, depending on available funding.
This project builds upon several years of substantial local investment in Sutherland’s parks. In 2025 alone, the Village and its residents committed more than $468,000 toward recreation and park improvements. These efforts included the expansion of the inclusive playground and multi-sport court at Anchor Memorial Park, development of the Veterans Memorial Garden, ballfield upgrades, land acquisition for future park growth, and the construction of a safe walk/bike path connecting central neighborhoods to the pool complex and planned improvements to Cobbler Lane scheduled for this spring. This progress has been made possible through community fundraising, private donations, volunteer labor, and the active participation of residents, together with the ongoing leadership and commitment of the Village Board of Trustees and staff to enhance Sutherland’s quality of life.
“This award represents not only a financial investment in public safety, but a meaningful continuation of Bob Hanich’s legacy in Sutherland,” said Village representatives. “We are deeply grateful to the Trust for its confidence in this project.”
Robert F. Hanich (1923–2007) was a lifelong Sutherland resident, progressive farmer, and dedicated community member. He attended Sutherland Public Schools and went on to farm south of town for decades, remaining actively involved in agricultural leadership organizations including the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association and the National Farm Bureau.
He was a lifetime member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving as a lay minister, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and church council member. He was also a charter member of the Riverview Cemetery Board and played a hands-on role in community projects, including helping transport materials during the church’s remodeling efforts in 1950.
Those who knew Bob remember him as a man of integrity, faith, and quiet generosity—someone who loved Sutherland and worked throughout his life to strengthen the community he called home. Through the Robert F. Hanich Charitable Trust, his commitment to Sutherland continues to support projects that improve quality of life for future generations.
The proposed restroom and tornado shelter facility will provide modern ADA-accessible restrooms for park users while also serving as a tornado safe room during severe weather events. Located at Anchor Memorial Park, the structure will enhance both daily usability and emergency preparedness for residents and visitors.
The Village will provide updates as engineering and cost evaluations progress. Community members are encouraged to follow Village communications and attend upcoming Board meetings for further information.
