Falls City Journal/May 6, 2010

By Jason Schock

Ground was broken on the 17-room wing, and office/breakfast area, of the Vision Inn motel last September with a projection of opening in the spring of 2010.  Despite one of the harshest winters in memory, that vision was, in fact, a perfect 20/20.

The new rooms opened for business last Friday and though there was little fanfare or advertising, 15 of the 17 rooms were occupied Saturday.

“We were off-the-wall surprised,” majority investor Jerry McKim, of Falls City, said.  “I think we had two reservations-the rest were walkins.  It’s just fabulous.  We’re almost booked now every weekend until fall, too.”  McKim is one of 11 investors who make up the motel’s Vision 20/20 group, which also includes Allan Clark, Leon Wilhelm, Jim Jones, Brian Palmer, Phil Bletscher, Rich Witt, Gary Jones, Dr. David Borg, Madaline Wilhelm and the late Dr. Duane Stehlik.

McKim, Clark, Jones and Leon Wilhelm kicked things off in 2007 by purchasing the Stephenson Motel at 26th and Harlan Sts.  Since the original investment, the other seven were added.  McKim said “99 percent” of all goods and services used in the project were purchased in Falls City.

The motel offers continental breakfast, wireless internet, two adjoining rooms, microwaves, refrigerators, smoke-free rooms, some pet-friendly rooms, security cameras and a picnic area.  Two-guest rates include:  Single and double queen ($69.95); kitchenette suite, with two queen beds and hide-a-bed ($129.95).  A 10 percent senior discount is offered and weekly rates are available.  The motel is open from 5 a.m. – midnight.

Plans now call for the demolition of the remaining old motel wing, and addition of another new wing, housing 12 more rooms.  The facility is managed by Julie Marteny and employs seven people.  The facility can be viewed online at www.visioninnmotel.com.