( KMZA )--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced the recipients of grants from the Nate and Bernadine E. Rettele Advisory Fund for the fall 2012 round of grants.

The city of Seneca has been awarded $30,000 to assist with the construction of a new basketball and tennis court facility to be located at Skoch Park.  Construction is planned for next year.

The Kelly Ball Association has been awarded $15,000 to assist with improvements at the Kelly Ball Field, which include the installation of light poles, light fixtures, and fencing.

Members of the Kelly Ball Field Association and their families volunteered their time and efforts to the project, which was completed in May of this year.

The Seneca Area Community Theatre has been awarded $1,000 to assist with efforts to expand arts and cultural opportunities in the area by offering various productions.  The organization hopes to offer at least two productions annually.  The first production was The Odd Couple, with performances held in July of this year.

The grants were made possible by the generous donation of Nate and Bernadine Rettele and are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Seneca and the immediately surrounding area.

Applications are reviewed and approved by the STEP Foundation Board of Directors. Grants are awarded twice a year. The next deadline for grant applications is January 15th.  More information may be obtained from the STEP Foundation at Post Office Box 165 in Seneca or by visiting their Web site at nemahacountystepfoundation.org.