Nearly a month after the historic flooding that battered eastern Nebraska, Bellevue’s beloved Beauty and the Bees Honey Shop is back on track. Owner Anne‑Marie Mistanoglu says the shop has replaced almost all of the 35 hives lost in the flood with 30 new colonies, allowing the business to resume production well before spring.
Community support and state assistance
Mistanoglu credits a local farmer, Kevin Craft, who heard about the shop’s plight and offered his own bees for purchase. “He came to me and said I was going to retire and wanted to see if we wanted to purchase his bees. He had heard about our story,” she said.
The shop is still clearing damaged equipment and destroyed hives from its original property, but the outpouring of community goodwill has made the cleanup easier. “I feel really good about being back. We don’t have to wait until the spring. They’re ready to go so we just have to get ready for winter,” Misanoglu added.
Governor’s request for federal aid
Governor Jim Pillen recently submitted a request to FEMA for public assistance covering eight counties, including Douglas County where Bellevue resides. The governor’s office confirmed the request was forwarded to the White House and is awaiting approval. “They said I had to have had a farm established so they’re going to try and help me establish a farm and then I’ll be able to apply for assistance,” Misanoglu explained.
State officials also noted that property owners in Douglas County now have access to low‑interest loans to aid recovery, following a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Award‑winning resilience
In addition to rebuilding its hives, Beauty and the Bees earned the Best of Bellevue award for the third time, a testament to the shop’s quality and community standing. The recognition highlights the shop’s role in providing locally sourced honey and supporting pollinator health in the region.
For families still coping with flood damage, Misanoglu emphasized the broader impact of the aid request: “For families that may have lost their homes, or parts of their home, this will help them rebuild their lives.”
Looking ahead
With new hives in place and financial resources on the horizon, Beauty and the Bees is preparing for a productive winter season. The shop plans to sell honey, beeswax products, and educational kits to local schools, reinforcing its commitment to both the local economy and environmental stewardship.
Residents are encouraged to support the shop by purchasing its honey and spreading the word about its recovery. As Bellevue continues to rebuild, stories like this illustrate the resilience of small businesses and the power of community solidarity.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
