County Notes Modest Tourism Increase

The Cheyenne County Tourism Board received positive news in their December meeting: the number of hotel stays is going up.

Tourism Director Kevin Howard said he reported in the December 4 meeting that lodging taxes are up 5 percent from a year ago. Howard said while 5 percent is not a big increase, the lodging tax revenue had been decreasing.

Howard said the December 4 meeting included an update on a promotional grant to Cruise N Class Car Show. The car show held the same weekend as Oktoberfest had a lower number of participants this year, believed to be a result of the weather. Howard said the organization is considering more, smaller events. Organizers are also seeking younger participants.

The Village of Potter's efforts to restore the Legion Hall is moving ahead with the support of the Tourism Committee's Improvement Grant. Howard said the community wants to restore the historic charm of the building, but add modern accessories including weather-tight windows and ADA accessibility.

“We looked at it as an investment in the future,” Howard said.

He said the Village of Potter hopes the Legion Hall could be part of future motor coach tours, which would benefit the Potter community and possibly hotels in the county.