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Republic County, KS – Republic County in partnership with Republic County Economic Development (RCED) is offering three housing incentives in a pilot program available through 2022 to help address housing issues in the county. Funding of $27,500 was awarded by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to the county for three programs in 2021 and the remaining funds have …

Dane Hansen Foundation approves second round of Housing Incentive Programs Read More »

REPUBLIC County Point-In-Time Child Care Data Thanks to Childcare Aware of Kansas we have access to data on current childcare figures for Republic County. See more here – https://ks.childcareaware.org/data-research/.

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com “This is a big day for Belleville,” mayor Adam Robertson said on Friday. Last week the mayor and other city and civic leaders gathered near Love’s Travel Plaza on North Highway 81 in a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Industrial Park Road. Belleville city council members have been working on …

Groundbreaking Ceremony Read More »

A new family medicine physician, Dr. Josh Chapman, will start practice in Republic County in September. A meet-and-greet to introduce Dr. Chapman and his family to the community will be held Thursday, April 7 starting at 8 a.m. in the Republic County Hospital ISB dining room hosted by the NCK Health Care Foundation, Republic County …

Doctor To Start Practice In Republic County In September Read More »

It was announced Monday night at the monthly meeting of Republic County Economic Development (RCED), transitions will be happening in the director role at the end of April as Luke Mahin takes on a full-time role running his new business, Irrigation Ales.  RCED is a county-wide 501(c)6 organization created in 1999 with equal representatives from …

Transitions Happening Next Month at RCED Read More »

Republic County Historical Society & Museum to host “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” Belleville – Republic County Historical Society and Museum in Belleville, KS is hosting “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition. “Voices and Votes” will be in Belleville from November 27, 2023 to January 7, 2024 at 615 …

The Smithsonian is coming to Belleville Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County Commissioners spent an hour in an executive session Zoom call Monday with Wichita attorney Trish Voth, who has recently been retained to represent the county in negotiations with wind energy developer NextEra Energy. Voth is the primary contact in the Kansas Wind and Solar Energy division for Foulston …

Commissioners Meets With Wind Farm Attorney Read More »

Linda Sutton-Nutsch from LRS Consulting Inc. will be teaching the next round of FREE small business courses for Republic County or Cloud County residents. RSVP required. 3 M’s: Money, Marketing, & Management / The Right Start to using a Business PlanningWednesday, March 23rd6:00 – 9:00 PM Cash Flow Made EasyWednesday, March 30th6:00 – 8:00 PM …

Spring Small Business Classes Read More »

Republic County, KS – Republic County Economic Development, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, will host the 6th annual Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Monday, March 7th at Republic County Jr/Sr High School in the new gym.  Eight teams made up of nine students will compete from Republic County and Pike Valley High schools for over $1,500 in …

2022 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Read More »

RCED presents 2021 Annual Report By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County Economic Development met on February 21 in Cuba and heard a summary of the year’s activities from Director Luke Mahin. Business highlights during the past year include: Highbanks Wind/NextEra continue to lease land for a potential wind farm. Heartland Gamebirds, Courtland, open a …

‘Most New Jobs Are Created By Existing Businesses’ Read More »

SAVE THE DATE: Specialty Crop Webinar Series During the month of March and the first week of April, the Kansas Department of Agriculture will offer a Specialty Crop Lunch and Learn Webinar Series for those interested in the specialty crop industry. Topics of interest include production practices, specialized equipment, floriculture, diversifying and scaling your operation, …

Specialty Crop Webinar Series Read More »

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE Republic County Economic Development with Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Small Business Development Center assists with business planning, incentives, and program information and updates. Other assistance may begin at local workshops or small business training and continue from there as the business starts, expands, or is looking for succession planning help. Below are …

2021 RCED Annual Report Read More »

Cuba, KS – The Republic County Economic Development Corporation will host its Annual Meeting at the Cuba Community Hall Monday, February 21st, 2022 at 6:30 pm. The meal will be catered by Cuba Cash Store for a Dutch-treat meal. Each year the annual meeting is held in a different community with the meal. RCED committee will …

Republic County Economic Development to hold Annual Meeting Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan.— In December, the Republic County Community Foundation had an opportunity toreceive matching funds from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation during what is considered ‘Match Month’. The foundation is excited to announce that it raised a total of $132,963.88 during their December MatchMonth. With a total match of $75,000 from Dane G. Hansen, this …

Community foundation raises funds during December Match Month Read More »

More time with family. Less commuting stress.  Improved work-life balance. Location independence.   Flexible schedule. All this and more, all the while doing a job you love, in a place you love, while wearing your comfiest sweats, sounds like something out of a dream, doesn’t it?  (Okay, we will admit the sweats are optional, but we …

Rural & Remote Sees Successful 2021, Continues To Make Big Impact In NWKS Read More »

The Kansas Farm Bureau Legal Foundation Rural Law Practice Grant is a $16,500 grant to help defray the educational costs of law school and to encourage new attorneys to locate their legal practice in rural Kansas. The grant furthers the mission of the KFB Legal Foundation to provide legal information and advocacy to farmer and …

KFB Legal Foundation Announces New Rural Law Practice Grant Program Read More »

KANSAS OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE The guide provides inspiration and planning tools for those with an interest in traveling in Kansas. 350,000 guides are distributed annually to people who request them and at rest stops, visitor centers, and events, in and out of Kansas. Additionally, an online guide is available for download on TravelKS.com.  Travel Guide …

Business Listings for the 2023 KS Travel Guide Read More »

NCK Tech is gearing up for our two spring Career Fairs for our Beloit and Hays Campuses. These days are for our students to meet with local businesses who are hiring. Would you be able to promote this opportunity to businesses in North Central Kansas? The two events take place: Feb. 9 at Beloit Campus …

Employers invited to attend NCK Tech College Career Fair Read More »

Courtland, Kansas Release January 3rd, 2022 Rural residents of North Central Kansas will now have increased access to quality health-related services, resources and education provided by local clinicians.   Pivotal Health & Wellness Inc, a nonprofit community-based center, is opening its doors to the public on January 18th, 2022 at their location on 314 Main Street, …

Opening of Pivotal Health & Wellness Inc. Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com The options are endless. What can you do with a newly created vacant lot within the city limits of Belleville? New home construction? A garage? Speculative housing? Maybe an apartment complex or green space. Thanks in large part to the dozers, trucks and excavators of the city of Belleville a …

Demolition Of Houses Opens Doors For New Possibilities Read More »

By Laura Leite Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com By his own admission Brian Stephens says it has been a long time getting to this point. “We’ve been working on this for a long time, as we always wanted to expand,” he said. “But due to delays in site work and materials delays for construction, we are just now …

Belleville Business Set For US 36 Expansion Read More »

All courses will be held on Zoom and are free for Republic or Cloud County residents. The instructor is Linda Sutton-Nutsch of LRS Consulting Inc. This is a great resource for preparing for a business loan application, getting new ideas for a current business, or planning an expansion. Click on the link to RSVP https://forms.gle/eNQ1XKc8eGaj7fSG9

January 13, 2022 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm FREE This informational session is designed to grow awareness of the importance of succession planning for small business owners in Central Kansas. It is not a ‘how to’ workshop for exiting a business. Our session is particularly well suited for owners in the 30-50 year range, or at …

Succession Planning Read More »

This winter season it will be especially important to check road conditions before traveling in or after inclement weather. While the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) offices in north-central Kansas are committed to keeping the highways cleared whenever inclement weather occurs, KDOT announced today that it does not have enough equipment operators – the agency’s …

KDOT Is Short Staffed Read More »

www.thebellevilletelesope.com Marshall County Commissioner Keith Bramhall said the economic benefits to his county from the construction of a wind farm are “enormous”. Bramhall and Public Works Director Mike Craig answered questions for two hours November 23 at a Republic County Commission meeting. “Anywhere there was a vacant lot (owners) plowed in electric and water lines …

Economic Benefits To Wind Farm Construction ‘Enormous’ Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com All the things you don’t think about. Upgrades to roads and bridges. Added demolition waste to the landfill. Camper hookups for 250-300 construction workers. Food to feed them. Those were just a handful of the revelations Marshall County Commissioner Keith Bramhall and Public Works Director Mike Craig shared with Republic …

Marshall Co. Shares Wind Farm Experiences Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com “We’re this close,” Belleville city manager Adam Anderson said to The Belleville Telescope on Monday as he showed fingers that were about an inch apart. Anderson said he is asked almost daily how soon before lots are ready for sale at the newly planned housing development. The development, located north …

Anderson: “New Housing Development Almost Ready” Read More »

Copper Room Event Center Available For Rent By Fred Arnold – Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelesccope.com A downtown Belleville landmark is in the process of re-opening. Doug Wilkinson, owner of the After 5 Sports Bar and Copper Room announced last week that he will be re-opening. “We would like to be open in time for Christmas,” Wilkinson said …

Downtown Bar & Grill To Re-open Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan.— Republic County could earn additional dollars for charitable grants in the community through a county-wide Match Month gift matching campaign. In December, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation will match all public gifts to the Republic County Community Action Fund at the Republic County Community Foundation, up to $50,000. Every dollar donated will be …

Gifts to the community foundation are worth more in December Read More »

Our next business networking event is back in downtown Belleville with a tour of new businesses and updates. All Republic County business owners and future entrepreneurs are welcome to join the tour and network. 6:00 pm – Tuxies Ten Pin – 1306 19th – We will have food for those that RSVP by Nov. 26th …

Launch & Grow Business Networking Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan.— During its fall grant cycle, the Republic County Community Foundation awarded over $43,000 to 10 projects throughout Republic County. The following organizations received funding: City of Republic, $5,000 to replace the furnace and air conditioning, along with caulking for windows, paint for metal window frames and fixing a leak in the roof at …

Republic County Community Foundation awards over $43,000 in fall grants Read More »

Whether you are shopping early or looking to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 27th. To help you prepare, here is a list of places to keep your dollars local with products, gift cards, or pre-paid services. Help us update the county list by sending the name and link to rced@nckcn.com. Republic County Holiday Shopping …

#ShopSmall Republic County 2021 Read More »

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new grant program that will move quickly to help revitalize underutilized, vacant and dilapidated downtown buildings in rural Kansas communities. The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding …

New Grant Program Launches for Historic Building Revitalization Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan. —Matt and Tynan Dowell, the parents of Clara Dowell, have created an endowed scholarship fund to honor Clara’s life and benefit local students. The Clara Dowell Legacy Scholarship Fund was created in partnership with the Republic County Community Foundation and will award $4,500 during 2022. Applicants must be a female student or graduate …

Dowell Family Announces Scholarship Fund Read More »

High school seniors in North Central Kansas are invited to compete for a chance to win $850 by submitting an entry in the 2021-2022 Rural Voices Youth Contest. The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC), Beloit, Kansas, sponsors the contest and has awarded more than $26,000 to high school seniors from around the region since …

Seniors Invited To Compete In Rural Voices Contest Read More »

KR-92 FM radio station in Belleville will host the North Central Kansas Health Care Foundation Radiothon all day on Thursday, November 4. During the annual event, which raises pledges for the physician recruitment fund, local physicians, hospital staff and patients take to the airwaves to discuss the health care options Republic County offers to residents …

Radiothon To Promote Health Care Thursday Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com Belleville city manager Adam Anderson has been watching and waiting. Publicly optimistic but privately cautious. The municipality applied for $1,00,052 in KDOT grant funds to help pay for the $2 million dollar road project in the Belleville Industrial Park. If awarded, Belleville should know by the end of the month. …

KDOT Pledges $1 Million Grant For New Road Read More »

The Write Stuff – Deb Hadachekwww.thebellevilletelescope.com This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. …

Somebody Should Do Something About That! Read More »

By Laura Leite – Telescope Newshttp://www.thebellevilletelescope.com The little boutique store, Plum Crazy, started as an idea about three years ago with Deanna Morris and this last July she and her daughter, Emma Morris, opened the shop to the public. Deanna bought the fixtures from a store that was closing a couple of years ago and …

New Boutique Opens In Belleville Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherhttp://www.thebellevilletelescope.com It finally happened. At a special meeting of the Belleville city council on Monday, city leaders unanimously passed a measure to allow for the construction of a threephase road system in the Belleville Industrial Park. The authorization paves the way for new business and industrial growth in the area adjoining …

Council Passes Wide-Sweeping Industrial Road Project Read More »

1/2 Day Startup Bootcamp October 16 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm FREE This unique workshop is not offered anywhere else. It is designed to help entrepreneurs move through the challenging “Business Plan” phase of starting a business. It is ideal for folks that already have an idea to start their business and want to do it …

1/2 Day Startup Bootcamp Read More »

Kallman Office Suites A Smash Hit In B’ville By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com Drug store turned office space. Would it work? Boy, did it ever work. When Clay Close and his wife Ashley Kallman were looking at a way to give back to Ashley’s home community of Belleville the vacant Arbuthnot Drug building downtown seemed …

“We’re Full With A Waiting List” Read More »

Bowling Alley Re-Opens Downtown By Laura Leite Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com After seven years of standing empty, bowling shoes will once again be sliding and pins falling. Belleville once again has a bowling alley. Tuxie’s Ten Pin officially opened on Monday to full lanes and a full downtown with the start of Men’s League Bowling. Amid a …

Pins Are Falling Again In B’Ville Read More »

MANHATTAN – A pair of Kansans will be recognized during this year’s Fall Forestry Field Day for their efforts to sustain the state’s forestry resources.  Steve Haas of Riley County, and Locke Pierce of Republic County will be recognized formally at the 26th annual event on Oct. 13.   Haas will receive the Kansas Agroforestry …

Republic County’s Pierce to be honored for forest resource efforts Read More »

Republic County joined the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program in 2012. Each year the county allocates funding for the program as the local match. Typically there has been a waiting list for these funds but due to applicants graduating out of the five-year program there are now matching funds of $8,791.19 for …

Funds available for the ROZ Student Loan Repayment Program Read More »

Charts and maps can be found at https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/. For instructions to create one based on towns or counties at https://lehd.ces.census.gov/doc/help/onthemap/OnTheMapSampleIOAnalysis.pdf. 2002 2018 % Change Employed in Republic Co. 1824 1789 -2.0% Employed in Republic Co. live outside 444 608 27.0% Employed and live in Republic Co. 1380 1181 -16.9% Living in Republic Co. 2265 2272 …

Republic County Workforce Migration 2002 – 2018 Read More »

Brainstorming For Local Business By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com Where do we go from here? Can we expand? Maybe there are new opportunities for local and area businesses? Last week, Republic County Economic Development in conjunction with Network Kansas hosted a market opportunity meeting for county businesses at the Blair Theatre in Belleville. Sarah LaRosh …

What’s The Next Big Thing? Read More »

September 8, 2021 Location Concordia, Kansas Join us for a free soil health workshop hosted by the Kansas Soil Health Alliance and No-till on the Plains featuring several area producers, soil demonstrations, and a rainfall simulator. The day will also include representatives from the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation and Kansas Department of …

HOME Pilot Program for HWY 81 Corridor Read More »

Ed Glenn, Director/Curator, Republic County Historical Society and MuseumFeatured in The Belleville Telescope August 25th edition – http://www.thebellevilletelescope.com In 1927, a neighbor to the northwest of Republic County, Willa Cather, wrote the following in her great book, Death Comes for the Archbishop: “A soup like this is not the work of one man. It is …

Food Traditions In Republic County Read More »

FHSU/DANE G. HANSEN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 18TH Fort Hays State University invites employers interested in hosting a student intern to apply for the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship Program. Through a generous grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, 25 internships are available for the 2020-21 academic year (spring or summer). FHSU will partner …

Businesses can apply to host interns in 2022 Read More »

The North Central Regional Planning Commission is hosting a series of FREE trainings over the next year for businesses and nonprofits located in North Central Kansas (12-county NCRPC service area)* to aid in successful recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. *North Central Kansas counties included are Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Ottawa, …

Free Trainings for Businesses and Non-Profits Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com When the Rock Island Railroad left Belleville in 1980, local trackage was never updated. The line was purchased by the KYLE Railroad, an arm of the Genesee & Wyoming Railroad. Since that time the short line railroad has been used for small industrial and agricultural customers. In an interview with …

Short Line RR Plans Upgrades On Old Rock Island Line Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com William Wilkins, project developer for NextEra Energy says you never know what kind of a response you’re going to run into at a public meeting. He said some people come in with no opinion and are just looking around. Some are 100% for what you’re doing and other times? Well, …

NextEra Officials Pleased With Response By Land Owners Read More »

Belleville, KS – On Monday August 30th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm a free event will be hosted at the Blair Theater in Belleville. Republic County Economic Development with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership (www.networkkansas.com), will present a summary of the Republic County Market Opportunity Profile which features data specifically on our retail markets.  All are welcome, it …

County Growth Opportunities Read More »

Republic County only saw a -6.1% county population change from 2010 – 2020. The county has seen over 10%+ decreases every year since 1940 indicating the population decline has slowed this decade. Two cities have saw increases, Belleville 2,007 (1,991) and Courtland 294 (285). Census Pop. %± 1870 1,281 — 1880 14,913 1,064.2% 1890 19,002 …

Census 2020 Results Read More »

Greetings! As summer winds down and we gear up for fall, I want to take this opportunity to sayTHANK YOU!! to everyone who helped make our summer successful at the Museum! We want our positive momentum, growth and success to continue well into the future. The success of this year is leading us to develop …

Republic Co. Historical Society & Museum Fall 2021 Membership Drive Read More »

C&C High Tunnels Achieves Dream Of ‘Cute Country Store’ On Scandia Main Street By Laura Leite Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com Chris and Christi Janssen, Scandia, started a high tunnel farm in 2009. “We have changed a lot since the original plan of growing wholesale tomatoes. Soon we started going to farmer’s markets,” said Christi. “Selling at farmer’s …

From Farm To Home To Store Read More »

By Laura Leite Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com Dan and Kathy Kuhn are the owners of the Depot Market. Dan went to school for fruit production and knew people from the area. He fell in love with the area and came here to manage the apple orchard for the Monk family. Later he purchased the land near the …

Depot Market At Courtland Expands Retail Space Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com From banking to Boeing to butchers. Brothers Luke Hubert and Mark Hubert plan to start the next seasons of their lives this fall at a new meat processing plant in Belleville. The business will be located in a former veterinary clinic on the south edge of Belleville on US81 Highway. …

Two New Businesses Get Set To Open Read More »

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced an exciting new partnership between the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Certified Sites program and Kansas-based Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, which will increase the number of shovel-ready development sites Kansas can showcase to developers nationwide. Commerce’s Certified Sites Program, originally created and administered by the Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), …

New partnership makes it easier for developers to find attractive building sites in Kansas Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan.—The Republic County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for fall grants. Online applications are due Wednesday, September 15, 2021. This fall, over $75,000 is available to charitable projects in Republic County. This cycle will fund local community projects that meet one or more of the following criteria: Projects that improve the quality of …

Community foundation accepting applications for fall grants Read More »

The Belleville Telescope – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Anvil Alpacas started 17 years ago by Ray and Brenda Danielson. “Ray pointed out an ad in a farm magazine selling alpacas, and I said what are alpacas?” Brenda says. “Alpacas are cousins of llamas and camels, and they are really cute,” she says. “There are short- haired and longhaired …

Anvil Alpacas Allows Visitors To Experience
Animals And Products Made From Alpaca Wool Read More »

The Kansas Department of Labor has published the 2021 Kansas Wage Survey which includes updated County Median Wage (CMW) information.  The 2021 Kansas Wage Survey is attached and can also be accessed at klic.dol.ks.gov.   The median wages increased for most Kansas counties, including the metro counties (Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte).  The median wages increased in 79 counties …

2021 Kansas Wage Survey Read More »

City of Belleville CDBG CV GrantBusiness Criteria The Kansas Department of Commerce CDBG Program has awarded CV business grant funds to support the working capital needs of businesses in Belleville. Applications are available from the City office. Terms: Businesses in Belleville who are facing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to receive …

Belleville Businesses can apply for CDBG-CV3 funds Read More »

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today the third round of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) awards, distributing nearly $4 million to 25 Kansas communities to promote business retention for small businesses affected by the pandemic. “Kansas continues to experience record economic success, bringing in jobs and business investment at historic levels,” Governor Kelly …

Governor Laura Kelly Announces $4 Million in Community Development Block Grants to Promote Job Retention for Small Businesses Read More »

The Belleville Telescope – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Economic Development Republic County Economic Development’s recurring Launch and Grow Events landed at the Kallman Office Suites in Belleville on June 30. Belleville native Ashley Kallman and her husband, Clay Close, East Brunswick, NJ acted on a dream to invest in Belleville by purchasing a former drug store and remodeling …

Launch & Grow hosted at Kallman Office Suites Read More »

RCED is working with the Belleville Chamber & Main Street to offer NCK Free Fair signage at entrances to the fair. DEADLINE IS JULY 23RD

The Belleville Telescopewww.thebellevilletelesccope.com Clay Wallin, Nathan Lindberg, and Kyle Anderson, owners of Heartland Game Birds, have remodeled an old bank in Courtland, Kansas to start Heartland Lodge. The lodge is primarily lodging for patrons of Heartland Game Birds, a guided pheasant hunt service. The building features two levels with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and two full …

Heartland Lodge Provides Guests Small-Town Amenities Within Walking Distance Read More »

SAVE THE DATE!RURAL & REMOTE SUMMIT 2021THURSDAY / SEPTEMBER 23 A message from Rural & Remote Director, Kade Wilcox. We are excited to invite you to our 2nd Annual Rural & Remote Summit, it will be all about the future of remote work and its evolution. Because of the Pandemic, Remote work and its knowledge really accelerated, therefore our summit will unpack and focus on what the future of remote work …

Rural & Remote Summit – Hays Read More »

Find NCK Free Fair information for the 2021 event! www.facebook.com/NckFreeFairwww.nckfreefair.net

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com It took months for city of Belleville officials to get a nuisance abatement officer hired. Now it has taken just weeks to see noticeable progress. On Monday Scott McGee, told members of the Belleville city council that he has seen significant progress in people cleaning up their properties. The nuisance …

Abatement Official: We’re Making Headway Read More »

Belleville, KS – Republic County Historical Society & Museum in Belleville, Kansas will host “Ruralpreneurs: Tumbleweeds and Talents in Kansas Communities,” a presentation and discussion by Ron Wilson on Tuesday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Republic County Historical Museum, 615 28th Street (Highway 36), Belleville, Kansas.  Members of the community are invited to …

Presentation Explores Rural Entrepreneurs Read More »

During its spring grant cycle, the Republic County Community Foundation awarded over $68,000 to 17 projects throughout Republic County. The following organizations received funding: City of Narka, $5,000 to replace playground equipment. City of Courtland, $4,000 to fund additional basketball goals for Courtland Mini Park. USD 426, $2,568.52 to add landscaping to the Pike Valley …

RP County Foundation Awards Over $68,000 Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newshttp://www.thebellevilletelescopecom The developer of a proposed wind farm in eastern Republic County and western Washington County said response to the project from landowners has been “very positive”. Billy Wilkins, project director for renewable development for NextEra Energy told Republic County Commissioners June 2 that options have been signed on about a …

High Banks Wind Makes Progress On Land Agreements Read More »

The Write Stuff – Deb HadachekBelleville Telescope – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Kids these days. I was thinking that the other day at the county commission meeting as I listened to Drew and Blake Erkenbrack talk about their dreams for the Belleville High Banks. The Fair Amusements Committee is pretty much all new, and pretty much all young …

Our Future Looks Bright Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newshttp://www.thebellevilletelescope.com “We really need houses here. It’s a problem countywide we need to figure out.” That statement by Belleville mayor Adam Robertson to Republic County Commissioners is a drum beat that has sounded faster and faster in recent years. It’s a hot market,” says realtor David Blecha of Blecha Realty of …

Local Leaders Grapple With Housing Shortage Read More »

Salina, KS – Salina Area United Way awards $105,000 in Make A Difference Grants to 13 community partners.  Grant recipients are organizations Strengthening Our Community through Health, Education, and Financial Stability. “We are thrilled to be able to fund 13 agencies in our communities working to Make A Difference.  These agencies are working tirelessly to …

Salina Area United Way Awards Make A Difference Grants for 2021 Read More »

Opportunities Aren’t Always Answered At A University This time of year is always one of the very best times of the year. Caps and gowns, mortar boards and “attaboys.” Local and area schools have been shined, polished and decorated as they welcome the newest crop of graduating seniors to take one final trip across the …

Telescope Editorials 9/19/21 Read More »

The Write Stuff – Editorialwww.thebellevilletelescope.com There’s no place like home. That is the 2021 theme of the Republic County Community Foundation. That phrase has double meaning. It both spotlights the positive things going on in Republic County, and is a reminder that investments we make at home, in our communities, make lasting impact for our …

If There’s A Need, Attempt To Fill It Read More »

Manhattan, KS – The Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC) State Championship, hosted by the Kansas State University Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, and sponsored by the Kansas Masonic Foundation, took place virtually on April 27th and awarded high school entrepreneurs with over $20,000 in prize money. This statewide competition featured high school and middle school students …

E-Community Students Compete in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge State Championship Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County Commissioners approved the first five Paint the County grants of $500 each at their regular meeting Monday. One of three housing incentives programs developed for Republic County by Republic County Economic Development, Paint the County is designed primarily for home improvement. Recipients must purchase paint and supplies from …

Grant Program Aims To ‘Paint The County’ Read More »

Sneak peek of Cuba Heritage Center set for May 1st by Deb Hadachek – Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com A place where many Cuba area residents got their start in life is now an educational center that documents what it meant to live in Cuba, and the Midwest, in eras past. A sneak peek of the Cuba Heritage …

A New Look At The Past Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com For a topic so many people were opinionated on as recently as a year ago, now that it’s time to step up, no one is making a sound. Belleville city manager Adam Anderson told members of the local city council on Monday that his office has received no applications for …

Abatement Position Has Zero Public Interest Read More »

Feasibility study to assess nationally significant heritage of NCK and SCN. The Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership (KNHAP), a diverse, bi-state partnership of cultural, historical, economic development and tourism organizations and individuals, has formed in hopes of establishing a National Heritage Area within 49 counties between North Central Kansas and South Central Nebraska. The mission …

Feasibility study to assess nationally significant heritage of NCK and SCN Read More »

NCK Today Mar 26, 2021 – Toby Noskerhttps://www.ncktoday.com/local/bi-state-partnership-seeks-national-heritage-area-designation-north-central-kansas-and-south The Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership, a diverse, bi-state partnership of environmental, cultural, and historical organizations and individuals, has formed to establish a National Heritage Area within 49 counties between North Central Kansas and South Central Nebraska. The mission of the Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership is …

Bi-State Partnership Seeks National Heritage Area Designation in North Central Kansas and South Central Nebraska Read More »

The Write Stuff – Deb Hadachekwww.thebellevilletelescope.com I followed the story of the cargo ship stuck in the Suez Canal with great interest and sympathy last week. Anyone who has ever worked themselves into a difficult position trying to parallel park a modest-size sedan on a busy city street with their husband in the passenger seat …

If Only It Was As Easy To Do The Work Of Others As It Is To Criticize Their Performance – Editorial Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com A heritage tourism project that volunteers in dozens of counties in Kansas and Nebraska have worked to put together for more than three years has recently come under fire from people afraid it’s a way for the federal government to grab land. Luke Mahin, Republic County Economic Development director and …

Detractors Accuse Regional Tourism Proposal Of Darker Land Grab Motives Read More »

Salina, KS – The Salina Area United Way announces the 2021 Make A Difference Grant funding process.  We are excited to announce we will be awarding $140,000 in Make A Difference Grants this year.  The purpose of the Make A Difference grant is to be responsive to community needs.  Consideration will be given to programs which make a …

Salina Area United Way Announces Make A Difference Grant Opening Read More »

Republic County, KS – Republic County Economic Development, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, hosted the 5th annual Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Tuesday, March 2nd virtually.  Thirteen teams made up of twenty-three students competed from Republic County and Pike Valley High schools.  Eighteen judges from the county and region volunteered to score the projected digitally. Student business ideas …

2021 Republic County YEC Awards Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan. — The Republic County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for spring grants. Online applications are due Thursday, April 15, 2021. Last spring, the Blair Center for the Arts Foundation identified a need to offer high-quality entertainment to people in the area through a mobile outdoor cinema package to utilize while their main …

Community foundation accepting applications for spring grants Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope NewsSubscribe at www.thebellevilletelescope.com David Pachta didn’t know if it was a good idea to start a business in the middle of a pandemic. That’s why he turned to Republic County Economic Development to guide him to resources to crunch the numbers, find a location, and suggest sources of financing. Turns out, …

Economic Development Group Helps Businesses Gather Information; Celebrates 10th Anniversary In 2020 Read More »

Dishing Up Innovation Series– Laura Leite – Belleville Telescope News Three in a series. The pandemic has been a challenge for Republic county restaurants. Many found innovative ways to serve and support the community they call home. Over the next few weeks, the Telescope will take a closer look at local restaurants and how they …

Cuba Restaurant Owners Decide To Stay After Czeching Out Local Hospitality – Dishing Up Innovation Read More »

“We want to offer you the opportunity to advertise your business at the Blair! Attached are the current advertising opportunities. There are some new options, so if you have any questions or would like to purchase an ad, please email manager@theblairtheater.com. The funds raised through the advertising sales help cover a portion of the Blair’s yearly …

Advertise at the Blair Theater! Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan.— The Republic County Community Foundation plans to hold a free, virtual grant writing workshop on Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You are invited to join the virtual workshop to learn tips on how to improve your grant writing application process in order maximize the response to your funds. …

Grant Writing Workshop – RCCF Read More »

Scholarship recipient, Chris Coffman – Pinky’s Bar & Grill, talks about his DCC experience Introduce yourself, your business, when you started. Howdy! I’m Chris Coffman, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of the new Pinky’s in Courtland, KS with my wife Adri. Both of us spent most of our professional careers in the hospitality industry and found …

Chris Coffman – Pinky’s Bar & Grill – Destination Creation Course Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com In an industry limited only by imagination, the Blair Center for the Arts in Belleville is reimagining its services for the future. The Blair will return to in-theater movies on the big screen starting Friday, January 29 with the Tom Hanks movie, “News of the World”. New hours will be …

Blair Theater Reopening This Weekend Read More »

2020 RCED Annual Report BUSINESS ASSISTANCE Republic County Economic Development with Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Small Business Development Center assists with business planning, incentives, and program information and updates. Other assistance may begin at local workshops or small business training and continue from there as the business starts, expands, or is looking for …

2020 RCED Annual Report Read More »

BELOIT, KS, January 19, 2021 — Financial incentives offered through the Republic County Home Ownership Pilot Program assisted in the purchase of 11 homes in the county last year. The program, which provided home buyers with down payment and closing cost assistance, officially launched in April 2020. The total investment in the 11 homes was …

Home Ownership Pilot Program Benefits Republic County Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com Belleville city council member Mike Palmquist is passionate about progress. He says one way or another 2021 is going to be a year of progress for Belleville. And that includes infrastructure. Specifically, Palmquist said one project that needs to be moved up the city’s priority list is the extension of …

Council Member: “This Sidewalk Project Is Going To Get Done!” Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com A proposal to expand retail and wholesale opportunities for ethanol production in Republic County was presented Monday to Republic County Commissioners. Tony Strnad, Scandia, told the board that Hoard Oil Co./ Scott and Brenda Howard, Courtland, Nesika Energy, Premium Feeders and the Kansas Corn Commission are cooperating in an effort …

Four Entities Hope To Create Ethanol Blending Site In Republic County Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisherwww.thebellevilletelescope.com When the rubber meets the road it’s all about the water. What to do with it when it rains and where to send it. On Monday members of the Belleville city council heard a report from Ken Johnson of the engineering firm Campbell and Johnson of Concordia. Council members had …

Looming Business Expansion Projects Tied To “What To Do With Water” Read More »

By Deb Hadachek – Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com A wind farm project first proposed in Republic County four years ago has picked up speed. Dan Scheffler, lead project manager for NextEra Energy Resources in Kansas and Missouri, told Republic County Commissioners Monday that the company has representatives in eastern Republic County gauging landowner interest in a 600-megawatt …

NextEra Renews Interest In Eastern Republic County Wind Farm Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com Rich Schintler keeps moving closer to his roots. He grew up learning carpentry skills from his dad. He pursued a degree and a career in engineering and steel fabrication. “I like to do all sorts of building,” Schinter says. But now the Belleville man is going clear back to the …

New Sawmill Capitalizes On Demand For Live Edge Lumber, Building Crafts Read More »

Attention HS and College Students (ages 16+) We have more than 140 PAID internship positions available in NW and NC Kansas! WOW!!The Summer Internship Application portal is now OPEN for you to apply! www.nex-generation.org/internships REPUBLIC COUNTY INTERNSHIPS Learn more and apply at – www.nex-generation.org/internships 2021 Nex-Gen Internship Application Step 1 of 3 High School & College …

Republic County Internships – Nex-Gen Roundup for Youth Read More »

By Laura Leite Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com If you are looking for Dan’s Autobody, they have moved to the old Sankey building Northwest of the square in Belleville, Kansas on the first of November. Even though Dan Wilber had a great relationship with the owners of the building that he rented for his shop, he had been …

Dan’s Auto Body Relocates To Downtown Building Read More »

Your support makes a meaningful difference in Republic County both now and in the future! Throughout the month of December, your dollars are worth more! Every dollar donated to the foundation is matched $1.50 by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. In 2020 RCCF granted $170,000 to 24 projects across the county and this year granted …

December is Match Month for Republic County Community Foundation Read More »

By Laura Leite Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com It has been a record year for Christmas tree sales this year, both at the Kasl Tree Farm and on the state and national levels. Scott Kasl says the business expects to sell 400 to 500 trees this year, up from a normal year when 200 to 300 trees head …

Kasl Tree Farm Sees Growth in Business This Year Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com Belleville native Ashley Kallman and her husband Clay Close believe there’s two lessons from the pandemic. One, people learned they can be productive workers from remote locations. Two, people still yearn to interact and share ideas with other people. That’s the target audience for Kallman Office Suites, a co-working space …

Couple Plans To Convert Former Drug Store Into Co-Working Space Read More »

Kansas Department of Labor Monthly Labor ReportsOctober 2020 https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx Civilian Labor Force1,517,304 Nonfarm Jobs1,368,900 Private Sector Jobs1,120,500 Unemployment Rate5.3% Unemployment Rate (not seasonally adjusted)4.9% Initial Claims (Regular UI)90,568  View Entire ReportCounty Unemployment MapInteractive Unemployment Rate Map 

Republic County Economic Development in partnership with NetWork Kansas is celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week with a $250 grant to our local high school art classes. Participating students from Republic County and Pike Valley HS worked with their teachers to focus on a local entrepreneur. They used a variety of mediums to feature their businesses and the …

Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week With Art Read More »

Hospital, School Officials Plead With The Public To Take Covid Risk Seriously By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Subscribe or read online www.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County officials confirmed more positive Covid-19 cases in the first 15 days of November–98–as the entire preceding nine-month period. The sense of anxiety from local health and school officials about the need …

‘We Need To Work Together To Stop The Spread’ Read More »

Luke Mahin heads the economic development office for the Republic County of Kansas, where there are many families who come from the city (Francesc Peirón) FRANCESC PEIRÓN | COURTLAND (KANSAS) , CORRESPONDENT  10/26/2020 01:33 | Updated 10/26/2020 07:20 There’s a closet installed in the middle of a sidewalk on Main Street in Courtland . A poster specifies the only rule of use. “Take …

Return to ruralism – La Vanguardia (Spain) Read More »

Neighborhood Revitalization Program renewed Republic County Economic Development has been busy this fall working with eleven taxing entities including the cities, schools, and county to renew the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. The program provides a five-year tax rebate for new construction that increases the appraised value of your property by $25,000 or more. Eligible for residential, …

Property tax rebates, holiday shopping, destination creation, and… burgers Read More »

By Laura Leite Telescope News Read or subscribe – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Belleville’s new laundromat opened about a month ago and has been busy with people coming from all around to enjoy a clean safe place to do their laundry, says owner Waylon Sheetz. “The idea was planted about a year-ago for the laundromat during a chamber …

Sheetz and Suds Open for Business Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan.— During its fall grant cycle, the Republic County Community Foundation awarded over $111,000 to 17 projects throughout Republic County. The following organizations received funding: City of Cuba, $15,000 for handicap accessibility, landscaping and display cabinets for the Cuba Heritage Center. Belleville Main Street, $13,000 to install a wireless sound system downtown. USD 426 …

Republic County Community Foundation awards over $111,000 in fall grants Read More »

Now is the time to VOTE for the BEST 13 Burgers on Highway 36! One Burger will be selected from each of the 13 counties in Kansas that Highway 36 runs through. The BEST Burger from each county will be voted on by the residents of that county – the restaurant must be located in …

Who has the best burger in Republic County? Read More »

Whether you are shopping early or looking to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 28th. To help you prepare, here is a list of places to keep your dollars local with products, gift cards, or pre-paid services. Republic County Holiday Shopping Lists Submit your business with a link by emailing us at rced@nckcn.com. 🛍️ = …

#ShopSmall Republic County Read More »

The Northwest Kansas Learn and Live Scholarship has been established to provide educational assistance to Fort Hays State University students who aspire to work and live in Northwest Kansas, specifically the 26-county Hansen Foundation service area (particularly the rural communities outside of Hays and Salina). Recipients can be undergraduate or graduate students, on-campus or virtual …

Northwest Kansas Learn and Live Scholarship Read More »

JenRus Freelance has been serving the Republic County Economic Development Board for 10 years this month! Jenny (Ahlvers) Russell, founder of JenRus, previously served as the RCED director in 2003-2004, before moving to Downs when she married Jay Russell. In 2010 the couple with their son moved back to the county. Luke Mahin joined JenRus …

How It Started vs. How It’s Going Read More »

Did you know that Republic County is becoming an entrepreneurial hub for both local people and new people coming to the area? Just in the past six months we have seen over four new businesses pop up in Belleville from a pharmacy, small engine repair shop, flower shop, and a laundromat. There are also several …

BCMS Weekly News 10/13/20 Read More »

The Belleville Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com The trustees at Republic County Hospital, Belleville, and Great Plains Health Alliance announce the hiring of a new chief executive officer. Dan Kelly comes to Republic County from Nebraska City, NE. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Kearney, NE and a masters from the University of Missouri. He held positions at …

New CEO Announced For Republic County Hospital Read More »

November 4, 2020 #201: Small Business Tax Workshop—9:00am—12noon Register at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NmMaRUE_Q_6XEfNOHS0v0w Kansas Retailers’ Sales Tax and Compensating Use Tax Goods and Services subject to Sales Tax Record Keeping and Filing Requirements Form Preparation Exemption Certificate Withholding Requirements #211 Labor: Understanding Regulations, Forms & Reports—12:15pm-1:15pm Register at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bgW-UFxsRZapYanXF0WXng Unemployment Insurance Tax Liabilities Steps for Filing Tax …

KSBDC Tax Workshops – Nov. 4/5th Read More »

October 2, 2020 Salina, KS – OCCK Transportation is pleased to announce KANcycle bikes, the regional bike sharing program that serves north central Kansas is back up and running and bikes are available to be rented.  KANcycle has been closed since the end of March because of COVID.  Riders can access the bikes through the …

KANcycle Bikes Open for Business Read More »

By Deb Hadachek – Belleville TelescopeSubscribe and read online www.thebellevilletelescope.com . Republic County Commissioners plan to extend a program that offers property owners a five year tax rebate on qualifying new construction. The Neighborhood Revitalization Program will be extended through 2025. Beginning January 1, 2021, the market value of new construction to qualify for the …

County To Extend Tax Rebate Program On New Construction Read More »

Republic County joined the Entrepreneurship (E-) Community partnership with NetWork Kansas in 2014. This provided Republic County Economic Development (RCED) access to additional revolving loan funds, small business training, workshops, and the annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) with Republic County and Pike Valley students. RCED is promoting the 2020 tax credit opportunity to help raise …

Entrepreneurship Tax Credit Now Available for Individuals, Businesses, and Banks Read More »

FIsher Rocks in running for “Coolest Thing Made In Kansas” By Deb Hadachek Telescope NewsRead online – www.thebellevilletelecope.com The products made at Fisher Rocks in Belleville are a labor of love, says Julie Hartner. Emphasize the word “labor”. And a finished product that displays customers’ special loves. In a sector where manufacturing is connected with …

A Weighty Recognition Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope NewsRead online and subscribe – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Seven years ago, Courtland won a Community Development Block Grant to replace sidewalks, gutters and curbs. But once the new sidewalks were poured, business owners began to notice their storefronts could use attention. In the ensuing seven years, more than 25 projects have been completed …

Courtland Businesses Improve Streetscape Read More »

Built to last ‘Clark Place’ standing since 1876 By Cynthia ScheerTelescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com Paul Clark was born on the kitchen table of a two-story stone house in rural Courtland. The stone house was his home for the next 19 years. “It was a real good life,” Clark says of growing up on the farm about two …

Set in Stone: Clark Place Read More »

RCED hosts these quarterly events connect entrepreneurs to each other, local business resources, and provide tours hosted in a different town across Republic County each time. Funding provided thanks to the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership. There will be plenty of room to social distance at the tours and park shelter. Please be aware of social …

Upcoming Business Events in September Read More »

Companies Combine Strengths To Provide The Most Advanced Water Prescriptions In The Industry The Belleville Telescope – www.thebellevilletelscope.com Reinke Manufacturing, a global leader in irrigation systems and technology, and CropX, a leading global agricultural analytics and soil sensing company, today announced a partnership to empower growers with the world’s finest irrigation scheduling tools. By integrating …

Reinke and CropX Announce Partnership Read More »

Dr. Kurtis Klecan will begin his family medicine practice in Republic County on Monday, August 31, at the Belleville Medical Clinic. He is accepting patients now. Appointments can be made by calling 785-527-2217. He will join Dr. Andy Walker, Dr. Nolan Beavers, Lori Rhine, ARNP and Briana Jensen, ARNP to provide care for patients in …

New Family Medicine Doctor Starts Monday Read More »

Fort Hays State University invites employers interested in hosting a student intern to apply for the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship Program. Through a generous grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, 25 internships are available for the 2020-21 academic year (spring or summer). FHSU will partner with an employer in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service …

FHSU/DANE G. HANSEN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Read More »

Once again, RCED hosted a Dane Hansen community intern to assist in housing work. This internship is just one of many efforts by RCED to address the housing issue in the county. After a summer of research and work doing multiple projects, intern Kyra Lampe presented her findings to the community on August 4th.  Her …

Housing Intern Presentation Summary Read More »

ORP Virtual Meeting: North-Central KansasJoin the Lt. Governor and State Agencies to learn how the Office of Rural Prosperity is working to improve the lives of Kansans.There will be live Q&A and regionally focused examples during the meeting.Closed captioning and Spanish interpreter available.Aug 6, 2020 05:30 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

High school and college students are matched with local businesses throughout northwest and north central Kansas for both work study opportunities during the school year and paid, summer internships. Students gain professional skills and broaden their perspectives on career options. Local businesses benefit by networking with youth, bringing fresh ideas to the workplace, and “interviewing” students for potential future …

Business Applications to Host NexGen Intern Due August 15th Read More »

The Republic County Economic Development has officially launched its Home Expo. With this countywide real estate marketing campaign, RCED hopes to help stimulate the home sales in the county. This program will allow for realtors and homeowners to have increased coverage across multiple media platforms and gives potential buyers greater access to available real estate …

RCED Launches Home Expo Read More »

By Deb Hadachek – Telescope NewsSubscribe or read online www.thebellevilletelescope.com Education. Relationships. Local producers say those may be the two biggest benefits to the surge of interest in consumers who want to buy food directly from the farm. “This year has been a lesson to a lot of consumers on how food production works,” says …

Local Producers See Uptick In Interest Of Farm-To-Table Sales Read More »

Deadline July 21, 2020 New signs need to be turned in to us along with information/logo and $45.00 per sign. If you would like for us to place your previous years sign out, $10.00 per sign. Republic County Economic Development and Belleville Chamber & Main Street are once again giving you the opportunity to display …

2020 NCK Free Fair Signs Read More »

RCED’s Housing Survey has already seen promising results so far. With 63 responses from 5 different states, the results are providing helpful data about the housing needs in Republic County for both in and out-of-county residents. About half of respondents are from Belleville, while out-out-county responses make up about 22%, with the remaining responses being …

Housing Survey Preliminary Results Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope NewsSubscribe or read online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County Commissioners stopped short of mandating masks in public spaces in Republic County, but recommended people wear masks as outlined by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s order that went into effect at midnight July 3. Businesses and government offices can require that customers wear masks. …

Commission Says Individual Businesses And Offices Can Require Face Coverings Read More »

Ideas Needed To Spend $922,000 Allotted To RepCo By Deb Hadachek Telescope NewsSubscribe or read online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Any local unit of government with expenses related to COVID19–or ideas on ways to protect citizens from virus outbreaks in the future–needs to contact Republic County Clerk Kathleen Marsicek, pronto. At least for now, county commissioners agreed …

COVID-19 Money Available To County, Cities Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope PublisherSubscribe or read online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Things are definitely on the upswing for the KYLE Railroad. The short-line railroad, which runs through Belleville and Republic County, is seeing improvements to trackage and infrastructure in the millions of dollars. According to Jeffery Van Schaick, vice-president for government affairs for the KYLE, the …

Short-Line Railroad Gets $2.3 Million, Transportation Grant Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan.—The Republic County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for fall grants. Online applications are due Tuesday, September 15, 2020. Last fall, a windstorm in Belleville blew a tree over in City Park and destroyed one of the biggest slides. This was one of the more popular components of the park, that hundreds of …

Community foundation accepting applications for fall grants Read More »

By Ron Wilson COURTLAND – “Soul sister.” The term implies a kinship, a virtual sisterhood, a deep connection. Today we’ll learn about two young women who have formed a creative business together and are now connecting with customers across the nation. Shanna Lindberg and Michelle Lindberg are co-founders of this remarkable business known as Soul …

Now That’s Rural: Shanna Lindberg, Soul Sister Ceramics Read More »

Hiawatha, Kansas — NEK-CAP, Inc. announced immediate availability of direct services funding to assist up to 300 households in Northeast and North Central Kansas. To apply for assistance, visit our website www.nekcap.org. On the homepage scroll down to the Apply Online section and click on the Emergency Services Online Application button. The purpose of these …

NEK-CAP, Inc. Announces the Availability of Funding for Direct Services to Assist Eligible Low-Income Households Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope PublisherSubscribe online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com A step has been taken toward the revitalization of Belleville’s downtown. A big step. According to Belleville Chamber & Main Street director Waylon Sheetz, it’s a huge step. Sheetz said his office was notified last week that Belleville has been designated a 2020 Accredited Main Street America …

Main Street Program Receives State Accredited Status Read More »

RCED is conducting a housing survey to assess the housing demand in Republic County. The survey results will also help RCED promote opportunities to remodel existing housing stock for sale or rent, develop new housing, and better connect housing information to those seeking it. This survey comes as the NCK Homeownership Program, an assistance program for home buyers, …

We want to hear from: alumni, newcomers, and current residents! Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com (Editor’s note: The road through Republic County is located on private property. People who would like to retrace the trail should do so on nearby public roads and not enter any private properties without the owners’ permission.) Where other people see streets, highways, houses and a golf course, Duane Gile …

Ft. Riley to Ft. Kearney Road led country’s first settlers through western Republic County Read More »

The following information is required for the purchase of a listing in the 2021 Official Kansas Travel Guide. THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL ORDER FORM – the intent is to help you prepare for your listing order(s). Final listing information will need to be entered into the TravelKS.com Extranet (by the Belleville Chamber & Main …

2021 Official Kansas Travel Guide Listing Information (Republic County) Read More »

  Republic County Economic Development is once again hosting a summer intern and would like to introduce this year’s intern, Kyra Lampe. Kyra’s position is graciously funded by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Internship Program which has partnered with RCED in the past. The program places interns across northwest Kansas communities every summer, and …

RCED Hosts Dane Hansen Community Intern Read More »

Wichita, Kansas— May 22, 2020 — Camp Destination Innovation partnered with Network Kansas for the first-ever Kansas Youth Virtual Entrepreneurship Challenge, an event designed to engage currently quarantined youth and spark innovation and creativity for a chance to win cash prizes and the youth of Kansas showed up. Over 140 young people across the state …

Kansas Youth Virtual Entrepreneurship Challenge Read More »

Collections Up Seven Percent From Last Year By Deb Hadachek Telescope NewsSubscribe – www.thebellevilletelescope.com The latest sales tax distributions show that revenues continue to climb in Republic County compared to last year. The April report shows a seven percent increase in sales tax collections in the county for the period July through April compared to …

County Sales Tax Revenues Continue To Rise Read More »

NEWS RELEASE Contact: Debra Peters, Program Manager 785-738-2218, dpeters@nckcn.com BELOIT, KS, April 30, 2020 — A new program that seeks to make home ownership more affordable is now available to eligible buyers purchasing a home in Ottawa and Republic counties. The two-county pilot project of the NCK Home Ownership Program is designed to boost home …

Home Ownership Program Announced for Republic County Read More »

For specific questions contact the Republic County Health Department – (785) 527-5671 4/30 – REOPEN KANSAS FRAMEWORK View the full document here – https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.pdf?

All Republic County businesses are asked to complete the following anonymous survey. The survey will help Republic County Economic Development and our resource partners assess the economic outlook of businesses. The survey is very easy and will only take a few minutes at most. Thank you for your time! Take the survey here or in …

Business Impact Survey Read More »

NOTICE OF GRANT REQUEST DEADLINE THE LEVA AND FRANK DUCLOS FOUNDATION THE CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK, TRUSTEE Due to COVID-19, changes have been made to the application process. The semi-annual meeting of the Advisory Board of the Leva and Frank Duclos Foundation is scheduled for May 2020. Special requirements must be met when applying for a …

Duclos Grant Deadline is May 8th Read More »

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to help you maximize the draw to your business by helping you to identify what makes you a unique destination. Now is the perfect opportunity to build upon your business so that once we emerge from our current situation, you’ll be stronger and better prepared to bring people back …

Destination Creation Course – Scholarship Read More »

Republic County Local Food Republic County Economic Development is working on a local food directory. The goal is to better connect local food products with consumers through our website and Facebook page. We will feature local farmers and create a local food map for the county. If you would like us to list your business …

Put your money where your farmer is. Read More »

The spring session of the small business class will be hosted over Zoom video conferencing. The courses are free and each student will receive instructional documents via email before the courses. The instructor is Linda Sutton-Nutsch from LRS Consulting Inc. Courses are available for Republic County or Cloud County residents. Register here – https://forms.gle/hLxd7Tiwtxf6ZrSu9. Wednesday, …

Small Business Courses (ONLINE) Read More »

Lifelong Floral Designer To Open Belleville Store By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Subscribe – www.thebellevilletelescope.com It’s the biggest birthday present he’s ever bought himself, laughs David Pachta. The Belleville man, who celebrated his birthday April 4, plans to purchase a building on the south side of the square in Belleville to open David’s Creations, a …

A Business In Creation Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Subscribe – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Things just got real. The first two positive COVID 19 cases in Republic County were confirmed early this week, and Republic County Health Department director Danielle Swanson said more than 50 people are under mandatory quarantine orders who may have had contact with the individuals. “Right now …

County Health Department Orders Quarantines After Positive COVID Diagnoses Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisher Subscribe online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com It took less than a week. On March 23 Republic County Commissioners announced that local businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for up to $20,000 in no-interest loans. By April 1 the money available for a loan was completely exhausted, according to …

County Loan Money ‘Gone With The Wind’ Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisher Subscribe and read online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Social media can be a good way to get a message out quickly. Unfortunately, it can also be a hindrance to getting the proper message to people. Republic County Health Department director Danielle Swanson says her office has been fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on …

Director Says Social Media, Rumors Hinder COVID-19 Education Efforts Read More »

Belleville Man Gets Funds To Open Laundromat By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Read and subscribe www.thebellevilletelescope.com A vacant building on the south side of the downtown square that’s become a bit of Belleville’s dirty laundry will soon get a clean start. On Monday, Republic County Commissioners approved a $65,000 loan from the Republic County revolving …

Cleaning Up The Downtown Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope NewsRead or subscribe online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County has been praised by state officials for its quick work to distribute no-interest loans to businesses affected by CV19. Republic County Development secretary Kay Shoemaker said 11 businesses have already qualified for $20,000 no-interest loans to help meet payroll and other vital functions. …

State Praises Republic County For Quick Loans To Help County Businesses Read More »

For Immediate Release March 26, 2020 While there are currently no known cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Republic County, we are working closely with state and local medical personnel to ensure preparedness. Due to the recent recommendations from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE), concerning COVID-19, Republic County Health Department is on restricted …

3/26 RCHD COVID-19 Press Release Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Subscribe today – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Local businesses struggling due to COVID-19 may qualify for an economic shot in the bank account to keep employees working thanks to the Republic County Revolving Loan Fund. The Kansas Department of Commerce has released some $411,000 of RCD funds to provide no-interest loans so local …

No Interest Loans To Businesses Read More »

Smartphone data reveal which Americans are social distancing (and not) –https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/03/24/social-distancing-maps-cellphone-location/

RCED is working with local and state agencies to provide an updated list on programs and resources regarding COVID-19. Please email rced@nckcn.com or call 785-374-3047 for questions. REPUBLIC COUNTY #ALL CDBG FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED# COVID-19 Republic County CDBG Loan Program – – Up to $20,000 The funds will be used for working capital such …

COVID-19: Business Programs and Resources Read More »

To assist with COVID-19 impacts in the county, Republic County Economic Development is scheduling video calls for businesses and county/city officials. These will be reoccurring after the first call(s). RCED will continue weekly conference calls for businesses and county officials in regard to COVID-19. They are scheduled for the following Mondays at 12:00 pm on March …

Business Conference Call Times Read More »

QUESTIONS CALL – 785-527-5671 Employee Health Screening Guidelines It is recommended that employers take all possible preventative measures to ensure health and safety in the workplace. The employee should not enter the workplace and the Republic County Health Department should be notified immediately if any of the following is true for said employee. Temperature of …

RCHD: COVID-19 Business Press Releases Read More »

To assist our local businesses RCED will be updating a list of changes due to COVID-19 as we receive them. Send to rced@nckcn.com or leave a message with (785) 374-3047. 6/1 – Republic County Phase 3 COUNTY / CITY / NON-PROFITS Belleville Public Library – Check Facebook for updates. Belleville City Office – Open city updates …

COVID-19: Republic County Business Updates Read More »

The Republic County Health Department is strongly encouraging all county businesses to post these posters in plain view immediately. For specific questions contact Danielle Swanson. For general information visit the links below. If you are not able to print them contact their office or RCED (785) 374-3047 to receive physical copies. Danielle Swanson, R.N./AdministratorRepublic County Health Department2316 G StreetBelleville, KS 66935Phone: …

County Businesses Asked to Hang Posters Read More »

GOVERNOR’S AWARDS FOR BUSINESS EXCELLENCE Nominations for the 2020 Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence are now open! We invite you to join us in recognizing businesses in your community by nominating them today. Businesses can be nominated by an individual or an organization, and you may nominate as many companies as you wish. Nominations close Friday, …

Nominate a Republic County Business / Non-Profit! Read More »

Scandia, KS – Republic County Economic Development, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, hosted the 4th Annual Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Monday, March 2nd at the Pike Valley High School.  Eleven teams made up of twenty-three students competed from Republic County and Pike Valley Junior/Senior High schools.  Over one hundred people were in attendance for …

2020 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Read More »

INSPIRING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN WESTERN KANSAS The FHSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Grow Hays invite you to submit your business plan idea and compete in the 2020 Faulkner Challenge! Submit your written plan and compete for a place in the Faulkner Challenge Finals where you’ll present your business to a panel of judges and compete for …

Faulkner Challenge Read More »

Several staff members attended the Republic County Hospital board meeting February 24 to encourage the board to move forward on a proposed child care center. “We hear all the time about the struggles staff members have with child care,” said Audrey Carlson, Social Services director. Jillian Tuma, dietary director, said some staff members say they …

Hospital Staff Underscores Need For Daycare Read More »

From KSU Polytechnic’s website – https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/news/2020/tipton.html? At a young age, Christian Tipton knew the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus would be a part of his future. From a family of farmers in Munden, Kansas, who also enjoy working on old cars and attending drag races, Christian was excited to follow in his older brother’s footsteps …

Students Christian and Caroline Tipton experience the K-State family while building one of their own Read More »

In March, mailboxes across the country will bring an opportunity that only comes around once in a decade – the chance to be counted during the U.S. Census. Getting a complete and accurate count of all the people who live in Northwest Kansas on Census Day, April 1, is important for many reasons. Census results …

Census Participation Important To Area Representation Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Read online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com A Belleville icon died last week, but the legacy of laughter and wonder he brought to thousands of people around the world lives on. Paul Boyer, 89, died February 10 at home with his daughters by his side. They said his last thoughts were of “smiles …

Paul Boyer’s Life’s Work Brought Joy To Others Read More »

Scandia, KS – The Republic County Economic Development Corporation hosted its 2019 Annual Meeting at the Scandia Community Building Monday, February 17th. The meal was catered locally by T.A.G.’s and the 2019 RCED Annual Report was presented by Director, Luke Mahin. The RCED committee held annual board and officer elections. Officers elected were Jim Blecha …

RCED 2019 Annual Report Read More »

This article was published in a series by Nick Poels the Phillips County Economic Development director just west of us down Highway 36. His description was a great way explain RCED’s role when it comes to developing the entrepreneurship ecosystem of the county. Published on February 11, 2020 Nick Poels – Entrepreneurial ecosystem builder with …

What is the role of Local Economic Development Organizations? Read More »

6:00 pm – Tradeshow / Art Projects Open7:00 pm – Speaker – Shanna Lindberg – Soul Sister Ceramics7:30 pm – YEC Awards: 1st $750, 2nd $500, 3rd $250, 4th $50 Belleville Chamber Bucks, Nex-Gen Best Marketing Award Pike Valley High School Gym100 School StreetScandia, Kansas 66966 Scandia, KS – Republic County E-Community, in association with the Network …

RCED to host Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge March 2nd Read More »

Polansky Seed Grows Presence in Existing Markets While Looking to New Opportunities By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Subscribe – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Sometimes something old becomes cutting edge. And one local longtime business has opened up a brand new market for itself by recognizing the potential in lessons of the past. That’s the case for the Polansky …

Planting Seeds of Expansion Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Read online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County Commissioners passed a resolution January 21 that will be forwarded to the Kansas Department of Commerce of the county’s intent to continue to participate in the Rural Opportunity Zone scholarship program. Republic County commits $22,500 a year to match the state’s contribution of up …

Commission Hopes State Student Loan Repayment Program Continues Read More »

C & C High Tunnel FarmsCity: ScandiaCounty: RepublicCategory: Agriculture We are looking for an intern with one of these two interests:  1) Interested in specialty crop farming or adding value to the family farm.  This person would be involved in all aspects of planning, planting, tending, & harvesting produce.  Tasks would include planting, hoeing, tying, …

County Internships – Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth Read More »

Role Reversal By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Subscribe online at www.thebellevilletelescope.com The name on the sign will change, but the faces in the business will remain the same. David Blecha, Munden, purchased the real estate business owned by Roger Novak on the north side of the square in Belleville effective January 1. The name of …

Local Realtors Swap Ownership Of Agency Read More »

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOCAL GRANTS RP Economic Development / Local Grants Slides by Luke Mahin on Scribd From the local grant slides, this video from Jeff Yost and the Nebraska Community Foundation highlights the importance of foundations and economic development in rural. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Promotional video for NCRPC Community Development – North Central Regional Planning Slides …

City Council / Board Member Training Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisher SUBSCRIBE ONLINE – www.thebellevilletelescope.com “There’s nothing in Belleville anymore, the town is dying.” No words strike more fear into promoters and supporters of Belleville. And according to Waylon Sheetz, nothing could be further from the truth. The Chamber & Main Street director says that the business district in Belleville is …

‘Belleville Kansas….Open For Business’ Read More »

“Capital, in all of it’s forms (human and financial), flows to certainty and optimism.” – Jeff Yost BELLEVILLE, Kan.— Republic County could earn additional dollars for charitable grants in the community through a county-wide Match Month gift matching campaign. In December, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation will match all public gifts to the Republic County …

December Donations to RCCF Matched by Dane Hansen Read More »

Use Of County Transportation System On The Increase By Deb Hadachek Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com A jump in the number of citizens who use the Republic County Transportation Service on a weekly basis keeps drivers on a tight schedule to meet riders’ needs. “It’s still difficult to justify more than one bus,” Dusty Zenger, administrator of …

Ridership Up Read More »

These classes are free to the public.   Call the library 785-527-5305 to sign up for 1 or all!  10:30 am – Basic Computer Skills 1:00 pm – Excel 3:00 pm – Google Katrina Sorell, DirectorBelleville Public Library1327 19th StreetBelleville, Kansas 66935Phone or Fax: 785-527-5305E-mail: belleville.director@gmail.comVisit us on the web at bellevillelibrary.orgLike us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/librarybelleville Bring the …

FREE computer classes Jan. 22nd Read More »

BELLEVILLE, Kan.— Republic County could earn additional dollars for charitable grants in the community through a county-wide Match Month gift matching campaign. In December, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation will match all public gifts to the Republic County Community Action Fund at the Republic County Community Foundation, up to $50,000. Every dollar donated will be …

Gifts to the community foundation are worth more in December Read More »

TITLERepublic County Housing Community Intern LOCATIONCourtland, Ks (Republic County) PROJECT DESCRIPTION In 2019 an architecture intern started the process of assessing the housing needs and issues in Republic County. The 2020 intern will continue the work and dive deeper into the housing market demand, promote existing housing stock and programs available to home buyers and …

Marketing Internship hosted by RCED Available Read More »

NetWork Kansas Announces First Group of Banks Supporting Small Business Wichita, Kansas, — Today NetWork Kansas announced the first round of banks who made a commitment to be Anchor Supporters of NetWork Kansas in an effort to provide small businesses with additional support. Anchor Supporters are banks contributing from $50,000 – $133,333 each through participation …

Entrepreneurship Tax Credit Now Available for Individuals, Businesses, and Banks Read More »

Research, research, research! As promised last week I have some interesting figures that will hopefully turn some heads and paint a new picture of our beautiful downtown. Due diligence and keeping your wits about you are crucial during any conversation, especially those conversations that involve possible gossip and rumors. When information is questioned is when …

BCMS: Weekly News Read More »

For years, rural areas and small towns consistently lost some of their most talented young people, who moved to urban centers. But recent census data indicates that this “brain drain” phenomenon is subsiding as both millennials and more Americans of all ages are increasingly choosing to live in suburbs and smaller cities. Jeffrey Brown travels …

Why millennials are moving away from large urban centers Read More »

Saturday, November 30th, 2019 is Small Business Saturday® – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. The Saturday following Thanksgiving plays hide and seek between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but easily stands on its own as one of the most important shopping days of the year. Founded ten …

What is the impact of #ShopSmall? Read More »

Belleville Telescope Editorial – Deb Hadachek www.thebellevilletelescope.com I sit writing this morning sipping a cup of coffee (which I bought at the grocery store), in a warm office (because I pay my propane bill), using electricity and internet (both services I am grateful are delivered for a fee to my rural home). Then a headline …

The Write Stuff/ No Free Lunch Read More »

Republic County, KS – Global Entrepreneurship Week is November 18-24th, 2019. Network Kansas and Republic County Economic Development are celebrating along with 170+ countries, 10 million people, through 35,000 events. NetWork Kansas provided RCED with a $250 grant for a creative project to celebrate entrepreneurship in the county which was awarded to the Republic County and …

Local art classes celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week Read More »

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is reporting that its unemployment rate in October dipped to 3.1% and was at its lowest rate in more than 40 years. The state Department of Labor said Tuesday that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined from 3.2% in September and was below the 3.3% recorded in October 2018. Labor …

Republic County unemployment 2.1% in October Read More »

Farmers’ markets are growing across the state and continue to be an important source of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and other value added agricultural products from small towns to large metropolitan areas. In 2019, 57 farmers’ markets were registered with the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets. To support Kansas’ farmer’s markets, we …

Farmers’ Market Regional Workshops Read More »

Read Northwest Kansas Today magazine online! Click on an issue below to read the magazine online, read bonus stories and view videos. ABOUT THE MAGAZINE READ FALL 2019 ONLINE BONUS STORY: ANNIE AND ALEC BONUS STORY: MUDCLOTH BONUS STORY: INTERNS FALL 2019 VIDEOS READ SUMMER 2019 ONLINE BONUS STORY: WORKING FOR CHANGE BONUS STORY: FOUND IN SPACE …

Read Northwest Kansas Today magazine online! Read More »

Want to involve youth in your community?  Youth Community Perceptions can help youth learn how to identify needs and opportunities that exist for your community’s future, and work with community leaders to make a difference! Forms and Templates: Youth Community Perceptions Handout Youth Community Perceptions Leader’s Guide Youth Community Perceptions Application Youth Community Perceptions School …

Youth Community Perceptions Read More »

Thursday, November 14th, 2019 BELLEVILLE, Kan.— During its fall grant cycle, the Republic County Community Foundation awarded over $40,000 to eight projects throughout Republic County. The following organizations received funding: • City of Cuba, $25,000 for the construction of the Cuba Heritage Center. • City of Belleville, $6,600 to replace the City Park slide. • USD 426, $2,800 …

Republic County Community foundation awards over $40,000 in fall grants Read More »

Republic County Historical Society and Museum615 28th Street Belleville, Kansas 66935 Phone 1-785-527-5971 Email – repcomuse@nckcn.comwww.republiccountyhistoricalmuseum.org November 14, 2019 BELLEVILLE – The Republic County Historical Society and Museum is pleased to announce that Ed Glenn of Belleville has been selected to be the next Curator/Director of the Republic County Historical Society and Museum. He will …

New Curator/Director Hired Read More »

Article shared with permission from Washington County NewsSubscribe online here The Washington-Republic Wind Farm is still an important development project for NextEra Energy, a wind development company based out of Juno Beach, Fla. But Dan Scheffler, Lead Project Manager for the proposed wind farm that would straddle the north part of the border of Washington …

NextEra looking for customer for local wind farm project Read More »

Google My Business – update hours, location, website, photos, etc. for FREE – https://www.google.com/business/

Many of our local businesses are busy planning events to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 30th. We realize, being in rural Kansas, not all of your favorite businesses may be open on that date and customers may shop before then. To help prepare you, here is a list of places for your dollars local …

#ShopSmall Republic County Read More »

Board Envisions Second Screen To Increase Offerings By Deb Hadachek – Telescope NewsSubscribe online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com It will be an evening of treats and no tricks–for party-goers and the community alike–when the Blair Center for the Arts stages the Blair Monster Bash Saturday, November 2 starting at 6 p.m. in the Commercial Building on the …

Blair Monster Bash To Support Community Movie Theater Read More »

From The Belleville TelescopeRead weekly online or in print – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Buildings, structures, vast opportunity! Belleville Chamber & Main Street and Republic County Economic Development have partnered to host a downtown Buildings Tour on Thursday, October 31st from 5:00- 6:30 p.m. This toured is being put on with the intentions of sparking interest to investors …

BCMS Weekly News Read More »

Pinky’s new owners would like your feedback if you can take one minute to fill out their survey – http://pinkyscourtland.com/ “Hello friends…We’re the Coffman’s, and we’re coming soon to Pinky’s. We’re very excited to meet you all and join the community, you can learn more about us below. But right now we want to talk about you …

Pinky’s Bar & Grill Survey Read More »

Statewide, employers reported 56,000 unfilled positions in the second quarter — the highest number since a survey began 15 years ago. If every unemployed person in Kansas took an open job, there still would be unfilled positions, according to a new Kansas Department of Labor report. 11,000 unfilled jobs in the Western half of our State. There’s …

Kansas has more jobs than unemployed. Read More »

Deadline for businesses to apply for a Summer Intern: December 31st, 2019 Republic County, KS – High school and college students are matched with local businesses throughout northwest and north central Kansas for both work study opportunities during the school year and paid, summer internships. Students gain professional skills and broaden their perspectives on career options. …

Internships Available for Local Businesses Read More »

2019 Health Fair at the Crossroads A Spooktacular Event! Thursday, October 31st from 6:30AM – 1:00PMISB Dining Room at Republic County Hospital In cooperation with the North Central Kansas Health Care Foundation Radiothon Sponsored by KREP-FM, KR-92 Everyone is welcome! Health education, service availability and health screenings will be provided. Dr. Kurtis Klecan will also …

Radiothon & Health Fair Read More »

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE – https://danehansenfoundation.org/?page_id=6305 Northwest Kansas Today is published quarterly by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and distributed to all residents of the foundation’s 26-county service area in Northwest Kansas. Each issue will feature the area’s businesses, arts, lifestyle, communities and people. The Hansen Trustees believe that this publication, highlighting the many positive attributes of …

Northwest Kansas Today Magazine Read More »

‘Melton Motors Celebrates 75 Years In The World Of Chevrolet’ By Fred Arnold Telescope PublisherRead online at www.thebellevilletelescope.com Growing up in the Melton household in the 1950s and 60s, there was only one word and one vehicle……Chevy. Fast forward three-quarters of a century and it’s still that way. “In our house, it was either Chevy …

For These Guys It’s Bow Tie Or Nothing Read More »

Wood Shop Pizza To Celebrate Grand Opening Saturday By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Read online at www.thebellevilletelescope.com Life is full of surprises. Kelly Sells Collard is surprised to find herself living in her hometown nearly 20 years after she graduated from Belleville High School. She’s surprised that her lifelong love of baking has become her …

They Could And Wood Read More »

Belleville Chamber & Main Street (BCMS) and Republic County Economic Development (RCED) are collaborating to host tours of available buildings in downtown Belleville this fall. Our goal is to assist future building owners or renters with local resources for new or expanding business. There will be multiple buildings on the downtown tour with more details …

Downtown Buildings Tour Read More »

​​ On Wednesday, October 30th from 6:00-9:00 pm ​RCED presents: ​​​Meeting the 3Ms- Learning the Basics of Money, Marketing & Management and ​​The Right Start Using a Business Plan at the Belleville City Office. Then Wednesday, November 6th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm will be ​​Cash Flow Made Easy. Both dates​ are free to attend …

RCED Host​s​ Fall Round of Small Business Courses Read More »

Check out the new guide put together by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. More information here – https://www.travelks.com/industry/agritourism/ Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Sue Stringer1020 S. Kansas Ave, Suite 200Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 296-1847 sue.stringer@ks.gov View the guide on ISSU here – https://issuu.com/ksagritourism/docs/reduced_kansas_agritourism_manual_2019

RCED Director Luke Mahin was able to attend the Harvesting Opportunity Conference in 2018 through his work on the North Central Kansas Food Council. Mahin was quoted in the article ‘Building Local Food Systems Through Conversations’ below by Sarah Green for the Kansas Rural Center. Click below to read the full article. … Luke Mahin, …

Local Food Important to NCK Read More »

Making a difference in your life In North Central Kansas, we cover Clay, Cloud, Republic and Washington Counties. The Republican River runs through the heart of the district affecting the nature of many of our agricultural practices. The Little Blue River runs through the eastern part of the District, and the Solomon River just clips …

River Valley Extension District – Events Read More »

By Jennifer McDaniel For the Belleville Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com Scandia resident Paul Kallman knew there were doubts when word for a 400-mile garage sale along US Highway 36 started to spread. Even his closest friends told him there way no way he could pull it off – it simply wouldn’t work. Originally sparked in 2005 among …

US 36 Treasure Hunt Attracts Thousands Read More »

Registration now open: Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Register for October 2: Hooking Your Grantmakers Hooking Your Grantmakers Through Your Stories Diane H. Leonard, GPC | While grant applications often feel void of the opportunity to share stories given their character counted structure or limited online format, successfully funded grant applications are FULL of …

Lunch & Learn: Hooking Your Grantmakers Through Your Stories Read More »

The Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) developed the Rural & Independent Innovators Conference (RIIC) model to cultivate innovators and entrepreneurs in rural areas of Kansas and to assist independent innovators and businesses anywhere in the state who lack the support of a developed research program.  By providing information, education, connections to resources and experienced entrepreneurs, this series of conferences across Kansas can help innovators start and …

RURAL & INDEPENDENT INNOVATORS CONFERENCE Read More »

Students can create their account and register for the 2020 Republic County YEC here – https://yecapp.knack.com/yec-version-20#welcome Links: Belleville Telescope – Young Entrepreneurs – an article featuring Bomb Creations and Otter Creek Farms 2019 State KEC – (3 teams from RP Co.) 2019 RP YEC – (29 teams / 66 students)  2018 State KEC – (2 teams from …

2020 – Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Read More »

Capturing Today’s Consumers as a Destination Business October 7-8, 20198:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Greyhound Hall of Fame407 S. Buckeye, Abilene, KS 67410 On October 7-8 in Abilene, Kansas, Jon Schallert will present his 2-day workshop on the “New Rules of Business Success: Capturing Today’s Consumers as a Destination Business”. Attendees of this workshop will not …

Jon Schallert Workshop: New Rules of Business Success – Abilene Read More »

To the People of Republic County, I’m writing to express to everyone in Republic County my gratitude for the hospitality and wonderful courtesies extended to my son and me during our visit from August 14-17, 2019. We journeyed from the Baltimore, MD area to find our Hay family roots and we did with your assistance. …

What A Find Republic County Is Read More »

By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Belleville fire chief Duffy Strnad was very dire in his assessment of a fire Monday night on Belleville’s south side of the downtown square. “We could have easily lost the entire block,” he said. “If there had been any wind at all I think we would have been looking …

Monday Night Blaze In Belleville Destroys South Side Of Square Buildings Read More »

Community Rallies To Keep Grocery Store In Business Thursday, August 29, 2019 By Deb Hadachek – Telescope News It’s not going down without a fight. That was the consensus after community members brainstormed in Cuba last week on ways to help the Cuba Cash Store’s cash flow. Store owner Cheri Cardi, who has owned the …

Cuba Can Do Read More »

The Belleville TelescopeSubscribe online today! – www.thebellevilletelescope.com What does it mean to be a community in Rural Kansas? Dictionary.com states that community is “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” When I read this, I think just how true this really is in Republic County. Being …

What does it mean to be a community in Rural Kansas? Read More »

By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Subscribe online here A public meeting was held in Cuba Monday night to discuss the future of the Cuba Cash Store. Owner Cheri Cardi said she has worried for several months that the store cannot generate enough profit to cover operating costs. A visit with her accountant last week confirmed …

Future Of Cuba Cash Grocery Store Is Uncertain Read More »

INTERNS MUST BE FHSU STUDENTS 07/30/19 HAYS, Kan. – Businesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a fall, spring or summer intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program. FHSU students may apply for a fall internship beginning Sept. 9. A grant from the Dane G. Hansen …

EMPLOYER APPLICATION OPEN FOR HANSEN INTERNS FROM FHSU Read More »

RCED has invested time, funding, and provided research in efforts such as adopting the Republic County Neighborhood Revitalization Program (2011 / 2016), FHSU Housing Study (2012), Countywide housing/landlord meetings (2014), assisted four cities with Housing Assessment Tool work (2014-2015), KU MBA Jayhawk Consulting research (2016), North Central Regional Planning – Nuisance Abatement Pilot Program in …

Housing Intern Presentation Summary Read More »

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce is proud to announce the beginning of Business Appreciation Month by announcing several award winners, including the finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Business Appreciation Month program has been in place since 1995 and serves as a statewide tribute to Kansas …

Local Awards from KDOC Read More »

Grain farmers have a vital role in moving lives forward; growing food that nourishes our community and the world. The community foundation, too, is committed to improving quality of life in the areas we serve, both today and in the future. Giving a gift of grain is a simple way to make a lasting difference. …

Gifts of grain are a unique way to make a charitable gift. Read More »

Single Family Housing Programs Well built, affordable housing is essential to the vitality of communities in rural America. Housing Programs give families and individuals the opportunity to buy, build, repair, or own safe and affordable homes located in rural America. Eligibility for these loans, loan guarantees, and grants is based on income and varies according to the average median income …

Rural Single-Family Housing Programs Read More »

The group Faith Works is a county-wide gathering of individuals interested in working to lessen the burdens of individuals and families living in Republic County.   They have been active for about two years.  In that time they’ve identified and acted on projects that relate to better housing conditions for some who have been unable …

Faith Works – Refresh Home Project Read More »

By Deb Hadachek The Belleville Telescope They are the new faces of Republic County small business owners. Three 17-year-olds who have gone a step beyond “What do I want to be when I grow up?” and decided they could start businesses now. Cassie Strickler, produces The Bomb lip balm from the basement of her home …

Young Entrepreneurs Read More »

Hi, I’m Harley Schuster, and I’m the summer intern working with the Republic County Economic Development Corporation. While working here, I have been studying the housing situation in Republic County. While I can look at data and charts all day, it is important to understand the public’s perception and opinion on housing as well. With …

Housing Internship Presentation Read More »

If you need to submit entry forms for the North Central Kansas Free Fair below are the forms to download. Livestock Entry Form – http://www.nckfreefair.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/LivestockEntryForm.pdf Floral Hall Entry Form – http://www.nckfreefair.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FloralHallEntryForm.pdf Find more information on the fair here – http://www.nckfreefair.net/

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The guide provides inspiration and planning tools for those with an interest in traveling in Kansas. 400,000 guides are distributed annually to people who request them and at rest stops, visitor centers, and events, in and out of Kansas. Additionally, an online guide is available for download on TravelKS.com. Submissions generally open mid-April. Display advertising …

Kansas Official Travel Guide Listings Read More »

Chamber & Main Street Director Seeks To Rebound Group By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisher Read weekly online – www.thebellevilletelescope.com With little more than three weeks under his belt as the new director of the Belleville Chamber & Main Street, Waylon Scheetz says it’s going to be a busy summer. Scheetz, who served as interim director …

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate Read More »

OCCK Transportation is pleased to announce a ribbon cutting for KANcycle, bike sharing for rural Kansas, will take place Thursday, June 20 at 2:00 pm at the corner of 19th & M Street in Downtown Belleville. KANcycle, a program of OCCK, Inc. Transportation, and Zagster, Inc. will be launching a new bike-share program for eight …

OCCK Transportation Launches KANcycle Bike Sharing for Rural Kansas Read More »

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers announced at a press conference today details on the upcoming Office of Rural Prosperity Listening Tour. The tour is intended to foster new ways to help rural Kansas communities by hearing from the residents themselves. “Rural Kansas has been overlooked and unheard for far too long,” …

Office of Rural Prosperity Listening Tour – Concordia Read More »

June 3, 2019 Housing will be the summer focus of Republic County Economic Development’s summer intern, Harley Schuster. Her position is funded by the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Community Internship program. She will be housed in Belleville thanks to a grant from the Republic County Community Foundation. She is one of the …

RCED hosts Dane Hansen Community Intern Read More »

Please leave: your comfort zone and explore opportunities to find your passion to make connections to get a degree to learn a skill/trade to get a job/experience to see the world to start a family to appreciate where you came from AND WHEN YOU ARE READY, COME BACK! High school graduates might leave rural areas …

To the Class of 2019, Please Leave… Read More »

MANHATTAN — A student entrepreneurship competition featuring 56 high school and 10 collegiate teams from across Kansas has awarded entrepreneurial-minded students with $77,000 in prize money. The Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge gave students experience in the process of making a business proposal. The sixth annual event was organized by the Kansas State University Center for the Advancement of …

Local teams win at state Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge Read More »

The Census count in 2020 will set population data for our state for many years to come. Population data, and more importantly, correctly counting all members of a community is crucial to providing necessary funding for community services which cities rely on for their residents’ daily lives. We’re excited to announce the Kansas Health Foundation …

Rural Kansas Counts Read More »

Belleville – Republic County Economic Development will host the latest edition of “Launch and Grow”, a business networking event, April 29th from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Blair Theatre on the Belleville downtown square. Launch and grow provides an opportunity for education, collaboration, and networking for county businesses and potential startups.  Luke Mahin, RCED Director said, …

‘Rewriting the Rural Narrative’ showing at Business Networking Event Read More »

Program To Explain County Health Rankings And Changing Demographics The Belleville Telescope – Subscribe at www.thebellevilletelescope.com A free program “County Health Rankings in a Changing Kansas” will be held at Republic County Hospital in Belleville Wednesday, May 8,10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided.Seating is limited. Online reservations are requested by May 3 to …

County Health Rankings in a Changing Kansas Read More »

Congratulations to Republic County’s three qualifying teams for the state Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge at Kansas State University April 30th! This event combines Each team automatically wins $250 for qualifying with the chance to win up to $4,000 competing in the Existing, Agriculture, Technology, or the Open division. This is the third year in a row …

Three Youth Entrepreneurship teams qualify for State. Read More »

Assistance To Coffee, Pizza Venture Is 112th County Loan Made In 35 Years By Deb Hadachek – Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com The Belleville Telescope A new business planned by Josh andKelly Collard, Belleville, became the recipient of the 112th loan granted from the Republic County Revolving Loan Fund on Monday. The Collards plan to open Wood Shop …

Firing Up Development Read More »

The Republic County Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) began January 2011 – 2015 and was renewed for another five years extending into 2016-2020. RCED worked with eleven taxing entities in the adoption of the program. Those were all eight city councils, the county commission, USD 109, and USD 426 about the NRP program to provide the …

Property tax rebate for new construction continues to add value. Read More »

Many businesses and non-profits in Republic County may not be aware they could qualify for various signage programs. Below is from Travel Kansas website:www.travelks.com/industry/signage/ The Tourism Signage Program was developed to increase awareness for travelers and residents of tourism operations and attractions. It ensures that road signage for tourism attractions is consistent with road safety …

Kansas Tourism Signage Read More »

Several Local Resources Help Elderly, Families Make Ends Meet By Deb Hadachek Telescope News The face of a regular client at the Republic County Food Bank may look different than many people imagine. “Right now we have 100 families in our Caring Neighbors program,” says Carol Rauch, director of the Food Bank, located at the …

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Attorney Predicts DelinquentTax Sale Will Be Held This Spring By Deb Hadachek Telescope News If all goes according to schedule, Republic County may have a delinquent tax sale in time to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the last one. Republic County Attorney Justin Ferrell told commissioners March 11 that the required court proceedings are drawing …

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Need a little help figuring out the new tech devices you have?  Or want to sign up for audiobooks & Hoopla.  Or just have questions about your phone and apps.  Bring your devices with a short list of tasks/questions. The Tech Help Lab will take place on April 16th from 5-7 pm. Call the library to …

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Bouray Fills The Position Of Director Special To The Telescope By Maggie Kuhn / www.thebellevilletelescope.com  Haunting chants echo from the earthen-domed ceiling of the Pawnee Indian Village in Republic, Kansas, as Betty Bouray, the new director of the Pawnee Indian Village, greets visitors. The position of director, formerly held by Richard Gould, who worked and …

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The Write Stuff / Deb Hadachek – Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com The problem with trying to control your weight in the winter in Kansas is not the fact that we’re cooped up in our homes and offices all day, every day. It’s all those darned community pancake fund-raisers, which help keep very good causes going: fire departments …

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By Deb Hadachek Telescope Newswww.thebellevilletelescope.com Two Courtland businesses have joined forces to restore a historic downtown building to provide more space for their companies, and others. Courtland Building Venture, LLC was approved for a$30,000 loans from the RepublicCounty Revolving Loan FundMonday by Republic County Commissioners. The business will also receive a loan from the E-Community …

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Regional Planning Recaps Work Since 2005; Develops New Strategic Goals For Future By Deb Hadachek Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com It’s a “resource in our own backyard” that’s the envy of other economic development agencies around the state. That’s how Republic County Economic Development director Luke Mahin describes the North Central Regional Planning Commission, an organization formed in 1972 …

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Belleville, KS – Republic County Economic Development, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, hosted the 3rd Annual Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Monday, March 5th at the Republic County Junior/Senior High School.  Twenty-nine teams made up of 66 students competed from Republic County and Pike Valley Junior/Senior High schools.  Over one hundred fifty people were in …

2019 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Read More »

Belleville, KS – Republic County E-Community, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, announces the Republic County Youth EntrepreneurshipChallenge will take place in Belleville this March, as part of the 2018-2019 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) series. The competition will be held on Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 at Republic County High School Gym. The event is open …

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Website – https://jonschallert.com/ JON SCHALLERT President, The Schallert Group, Inc. Jon Schallert is the only consultant and professional speaker who teaches businesses and communities how to turn themselves into Consumer Destinations. Schallert speaks to thousands annually on his proprietary 14-step “Destination Business” process, which he developed over the course of thirty-one (31) years by studying …

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By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher – www.thebellevilletelescope.com For well over a year efforts have been heating up on exactly what the best way is to honor the finest athletes who have ever competed in Republic County. Not from just one school or from one area of the county, but from all schools and all corners. …

First Athletic Hall Of Fame Class To Be Inducted This Year Read More »

Community foundation accepting applications for spring grants BELLEVILLE, Kan.— The Republic County Community Foundation is accepting applications for spring grants. Online applications open Friday, February 15 and are due Monday, April 15, 2019. Over $100,000 in grants is available through the following funds: Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund – available for programs and projects …

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Rural housing is a challenge for many counties in Kansas who have the potential to realize any population growth.  Republic County has seen growth in manufacturing, small business ventures, expansion in healthcare services, and investment in local school districts. In that same time many towns have done great work in removing blight and clearing lots …

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THE FHSU CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO HOST $10,000 BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION 02/01/19HAYS, Kan. – The Center for Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University will host the Faulkner Challenge on March 30 at the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Fort Hays State students and residents of a 26-county area of Northwest Kansas are …

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The Write Stuff / Deb Hadachek In 2000 I interviewed the late Henry and Mary Smies,who at that time were the only residents in the townsite ofWhite Rock, in extreme northwest Republic County. This particular story has always stuck with me. White Rock was a boom town inRepublic County in the mid1800s, with some 250 …

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https://kansashealthyfood.org/apply/index.html Apply Financing Parameters  The financing program provides funding costs associated with land acquisition, predevelopment, construction, equipment, infrastructure and related expenses. Financing can be used for projects that expand access to affordable, healthy food.  Amounts up to $2.5 million  Terms: One to 15 years at 5 to 6.5 percent interest  No prepayment penalty  No appraisals …

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