Tell us about your family:  I’ve been married to Rodney Godfrey for 31 wonderful years, and we have two amazing children. My eldest, Katarina, is a Special Education teacher at the junior high, and she’s married to Jerrett Mills the AD at Northeast. They have two little girls, Loren and Laney, who are absolutely my whole world. My son, Hunter, works at a local bank in town. Family is everything to me, and I feel so lucky to have such a loving, close-knit crew.

Tell us about your pets: I have a full little zoo at home! Two dogs — Hawkeye, a Doxiepoo, and Scarlett, a Maltese — plus three cats: Blue, Bella, and Sabine. Life is never dull with this crew around!

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? I would choose Robin Williams. He had an incredible gift for making people laugh and feel understood, even while facing his own struggles. I’d love the chance to talk with someone who brought so much light into the world, often from a place of deep empathy.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?  A sunrise/sunset hot air balloon ride somewhere.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The best part of my job is supporting my team — giving them the tools and information they need to shine. I also love being able to help our clients move closer to their goals. And honestly, the people I work with make it even better. Being part of such a positive, hard-working team is truly rewarding.

What is your favorite holiday/time of the year and why?  My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving — it’s all about the food, there’s zero pressure to buy gifts, and you still get to see all your favorite people. Plus, I swear the mashed potatoes hit a whole different level on Thanksgiving. I don’t know what kind of magic happens in that bowl, but they never taste that good any other day of the year.

What was the best gift you’ve ever received? The best gift I’ve ever received is becoming a Grammy. Honestly, I thought I knew what happiness was… then that tiny human showed up and completely rewrote the definition.

What are you grateful for? I’m really grateful for my healthy, loving family, a job I genuinely enjoy, and the gift of good health. Those are the things that make life feel rich and meaningful every single day.

What kind of car did you drive in high school?  High school…..my parents didn’t think a car was necessary — we lived three blocks from high school, so I got a VIP pass to the daily walk. College, however, brought me a true legend: a 1974 Baby Blue Ford LTD. She was a tank of a car — could fit seven of us on a road trip, started in sub-zero weather like it was nothing, and somehow survived sitting outside all the time without ever complaining. No check engine lights, no breakdowns, just pure reliability… I sometimes daydream about taking her out for one more spin!

What word best describes you?  If I had to pick one word, it would be ‘Positive.’ I like to think of myself as a little human caffeine — bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a smile that’s (usually) contagious. I also love connecting with people which makes lifting moods and getting everyone excited even more fun.

What’s your nickname, and is there a story behind it?  My nickname is ‘Jilly Bean,’ thanks to my lifelong love of jelly beans. It started back in high school and somehow never let go — even new coworkers who’ve just met me end up calling me that. I like to think it’s because I’m just as sweet and colorful as the candy… or maybe people just can’t resist a good rhyme!

What’s a fun or interesting fact about you? I’m a passionate bicyclist and have done plenty of organized rides around the tri-state area. My longest? 75 miles in a single day — which felt heroic until the next morning when my legs reminded me I’m no longer in my 20s!

Battle Creek, Nebraska–The City of Battle Creek has been awarded a $586,159 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Works award to support improvements at the Battle Creek Community Pride Care Center. The funding will assist with critical infrastructure upgrades that enhance safety, accessibility, and long-term service capacity at the facility, which plays a vital role in meeting the healthcare and residential needs of the community.

The Public Works grant program, administered through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, supports communities in completing essential projects that improve public facilities, strengthen local services, and advance community well-being. Funding awarded to the Community Pride Care Center will help ensure the facility remains a sustainable, high-quality resource for residents, families, and surrounding communities.

“This investment strengthens our community’s ability to provide essential care and support for our residents,” said Mayor Heath Mettler. “As Battle Creek’s largest employer, the CPCC is an anchor community partner and these improvements will ensure they can continue serving our citizens with excellence. The City of Battle Creek is grateful for the opportunities this grant will make possible.”

“All of us at the CPCC are appreciative of this support,” said Allan Murphy, Chairman of the CPCC Board of Directors. “These improvements will directly contribute to the quality of life for the individuals we serve, ensuring we can continue delivering safe, accessible, and high-quality care for years to come. Thank you to the City of Battle Creek for your continued collaboration and support.”

The project will include infrastructure and facility improvements including the construction of a garage, sidewalk and window replacements, a new whirlpool tub, hot water heater, and commercial grade stove. Project components will be finalized through planning, engineering, and procurement processes in coordination with state program requirements.

The City of Battle Creek extends its appreciation to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District staff, and local stakeholders whose support made this grant possible.