BEATRICE – The former Orange Bowl, bowling alley will be reopening next week under new ownership.


Described as Family Bowl and Social, the new recreation alternative is being led by Steven Sempeck, of Omaha, who owns other bowling and recreation establishments in Nebraska.


Beatrice Mayor Stan Wirth spoke about the new business Thursday on KWBE’s Ask the Mayor program.
"I think they're going to concentrate not only on league bowling, but kind of a social atmosphere. Long range plans and tax increment financing may help in some areas here....with sand volleyball courts, a restaurant, party rooms. There could be some advantages to that business with tax increment financing. So, slowly but surely some of those unoccupied buildings are being occupied, so that's good news".


Wirth says the opening of the business would provide another essential recreation amenity for the community.


"One this we were missing was a bowling alley. I know I've talked with numerous people where they are members of leagues in Lincoln, Marysville and Wilber. We certainly don't want to take business away from them, but if we can keep it right here...that's all the better, and people don't have to travel".


This week, city officials approved a consulting study of that east Beatrice area to determine if it qualifies as a blighted and substandard area….thereby allowing for the use of tax increment financing.