Historic Hartington Hotel is being sold

HARTINGTON — A Norfolk man will receive city funds to help him in his effort to purchase the Historic Hartington Hotel from Ben and Erin Schroeder.

On Monday the Hartington City Council approved a zero interest $25,000 LB840 loan and a $25,000 grant for Ben Conover, Norfolk, who is in the process of purchasing the facility.

Hartington Mayor Mark Becker said Conover and his partners have a long history of developing property in small towns, mainly to be used as event space.

'They have renovated six or seven older buildings, bringing them back to life. Their niche market is primarily weddings and events or gatherings,' Becker said.

The three-story hotel had been shuttered for over 20 years before Ben and Erin Schroeder decided in late 2017 to revitalize Hartington’s once-grand community centerpiece.

The Schroeders worked for 10 solid months to bring the long-closed hotel back to life, and again turn it into a thriving business.

The facility was closed in 2020 during the Pandemic. It re-opened in 2021, but only on a scaled down basis and the restaurant, coffee shop and bar in the facility never reopened.

Also Monday, the City Council gave tentative approval to a proposal from the Needles and Nails 4H Club to install a 'Little Pantry' outside of the City Hall.

The facility would be used much like a 'Little Library,' and would allow area residents to easily donate food to the Hartington food pantry, which is located in the old ambulance bay area of City Hall.

The Council also approved a designated liquor license on Monday for Cedar Catholic High School to be used for their annual Gala dinner in March.

Council members also agreed to start using direct deposit for employee payroll.