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Trails' Pankratz honored by Malta Chamber

Congratulations to Laura Pankratz as she was recently recognized as the Malta Chamber of Commerce first Person of Influence last Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Pankratz started promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness in Phillips County by establishing Malta Trails, Inc. in 2010. The Malta Trails mission statement is ‘Creating a healthy community, one trail at a time.'

In 2011 the first trail was completed with all community donated materials, equipment and labor. The Trafton Trail connects Trafton Park to the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, the Phillips County Museum and the H.G. Robinson House & Gardens.

In 2013 a second trail was developed -- the ‘M’ Trail -- which is dog friendly along with the Trafton Trail but features painted fire hydrants. Both trails have benches for resting and viewing nature.

Pankratz has been diligent in creating other fitness outlets; the Summer Hikes & Bikes events, a Bike Safety Educational Teacher program (a trailer of bikes were taken to Saco, Whitewater and Malta for Health Enhancement classes), and a Beginner Kayak series.

Fund raising for matches on grants have gained two Recreational Trails Grants for the ‘M’ T rail, the latter at $90,000.00, and a ‘TAP’ (Transportation Alternative Program) for the US Hwy 2 Bridge Project worth over half a million dollars.

Pankratz accepted the Person of Influence award from Dina Meneely stating, “None of it would have become reality without the continuous support of our hometown community. I am honored to be a part of this special award and will continue work with the community and government members on making Phillips County a better place to live. Thank you so much.”

 

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