Brule
Brule, located nine miles west of Ogallala, is a small rural village, whose very beginnings are rich with history. In 1886, Major Isaac Barton and his wife, Elizabeth, purchased a quarter section of land they considered the "garden spot of the county" in the "Great American Desert." A lumberyard was built, followed by a store, and soon a community was thriving. Rather than name this community for themselves, the Bartons chose to name it after the Brule Sioux Indians who had camped here, 5,000 strong in 1872.
Since its creation, the railroad has brought people and business to and from Brule. Even today, the agricultural products depend upon the railroad, but the economy is also enhanced by other businesses.
Today, Brule is a small rural community with a population of 330, according to the 2006 Census estimates. The Village Board consists of a mayor and four board members elected to four-year terms.
In the spring 2003, Brule completed a water renovation project at a cost of nearly $1,000,000. The project included a new storage facility, new well and replacement of service lines. The lift station at the sewer plant also underwent a renovation, at a cost of $230,000 and was completed in the fall of 2003. The Village of Brule formed a Community Development Authority in 2007, enabling the village to utilize tax increment financing to assist with public infrastructure improvements for redevelopment projects.
Services available in the Village of Brule include the Brule Volunteer Fire Department, Brule Volunteer Ambulance and the U.S. Post Office. Brule has available to the public a Community Hall as well as the Activity Center. The Brule Community Activity Center houses the Brule Senior Center lunch program, the Brule Village office and provides a place for local sports teams to practice. It also provides local children and adults a place to congregate for a game of hoops or to lift weights and work out. The facility will seat up to 600 and a newly renovated commercial kitchen provides for catering.
Churches located in Brule are the St. John's Lutheran Church and the United Church of Christ Congregational. A consolidated school system, grades K-12, serves the community. Civic organizations include the Lions Club, Happy Hour Garden Club, The Villagers Club, Town & Country Sewing Club, Lucky 8 Card Club, Community Improvement Group and Knight Watchers Booster Club.
Brule has an active calendar of events including the Ice Cream Social in February, the Fireman's Ball in March, the Brule Gun Show in February and September, the Alumni Celebration and Brule Day in August and the Harvest Festival in October.
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