The drive to raise funds to replace the track and field facilities at the sports complex at Bayard High School got a big boost.  Valley Bank and Trust Co. has pledged to contribute $100,000 to the Bayard Public Schools Support Fund, in coordination with the Oregon Trail Community Foundation.

In exchange for the contribution, the track will be named the “Valley Bank and Trust Co. Track and Field.”

Tate Rice, President of the Bayard Board of Education, said that the school was “truly blessed to have the Stinner family and Valley Bank as part of our community.”

President and CEO of Valley Bank and Trust Company John Stinner indicated his support for the project and the community of Bayard in saying, “In communities throughout Nebraska, a school and its facilities are the gathering place and point of pride for citizens young and old. Valley Bank and its predecessors, have been a proud part of the Bayard community for over 102 years and we are pleased to show our support with a contribution toward the renovation of the Sports Complex insuring the continued vitality of the Bayard community.”

The contributions from Valley Bank will be deposited in a fund established through the Oregon Trail Community Foundation.

The existing track at Bayard High School is approximately 40 years old and is in a state of deterioration. Over time the asphalt base below these top-coats has deteriorated and top-coating the track is no longer a viable maintenance option. The total cost of completing this project is expected to be approximately $450,000.

In addition to the generous contributions of Valley Bank and Trust Company, local community members have already committed to volunteering to help complete the demolition of the track which is anticipated to represent a considerable cost savings. Additionally, the members of a fund advisory committee have been writing for grants and are continuing to seek individuals and organizations that are interested in helping to fund the project.

Anyone who is interested in contributing to this project can contact Bayard Public Schools at 308-586-1325 for additional information.