BELLEVUE, Neb. (KMTV) — During the flood of 2019, the Bellevue Knights Event Center was underwater and once the water subsided, totally lost.
“We lost everything, couldn't save anything out of the place, didn’t have insurance,” said Larry Reed, manager of the Bellevue Knights Event Center.
But the owners persevered, and they found enough money to move into a building off Harvell Drive.
“And then the pandemic comes,” said Reed.
The hall eventually began to have more parties and wedding receptions, but it was tough to hold weddings there until a local teenager stepped up.
Billy Dunkleman, a Bellevue boy scout trying to be an eagle scout, needed a project to move him up the ranks.
”I chose the Knights of Columbus because they have had a rough couple of years,” said Dunkleman.
For those that didn’t want to say "I do" inside, he specifically built an arbor for couples to get married under.
He also planted oriental trees as a backdrop, along with nine Norway spruce trees in hopes of creating a more intimate setting.
“To act as a sort of a sound barrier and a privacy screen from the wedding venue to Harvell Drive” said Dunkleman.
The trees are small now but are expected to grow about two feet a year.
“I hope to see it when they get 30 feet high at least. I hope I’m around for that!” said Reed.
Now the hall can give couples a full wedding experience, which will allow the place to get back on its feet after a rough couple of years.
“Oh my God, prayers are answered,” said Reed.