NOTICE OF GRANT REQUEST DEADLINE THE LEVA AND FRANK DUCLOS FOUNDATION The semi-annual meeting of the Advisory Board of the Leva and Frank Duclos Foundation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at The Citizens National Bank in Concordia, KS. Special requirements must be met when applying for a grant: 1. Requests will only be …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
USD 109 Recruiting For Five Vacant High School Positions Republic County USD 109 Superintendent Mike Couch came face to face with the reality of the teacher shortage in Kansas this month. At a recruitment fair at Kansas State University, there were 74 education majors attending—80 schools recruiting. At a similar event at Lindsborg: 20 education …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
County Loan Funds To Help Business Expansion Project In CourtlandRead More »
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 …
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 …
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 …
Republic County to Host Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge March 5thRead More »
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 …
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 YearRead 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE Belleville Area WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019 12 noon to 6 p.m. Republic County 4-H Bldg., 901 O St. Belleville, Kansas WALK-INS ARE WELCOME Or make an appointment redcrossblood.org Or 1-800-REDCROSS
USD 109 To Continue To Study Possibility Of Pre-school In 2019-20 By Deb Hadachek Telescope News Superintendent Mike Couchpredicts he is “90 percent certain” USD 109 will offer pre-school services during the the2019-2020 school year Monday night, the USD 109board authorized Couch andelementary principal KatieStruebing to move forward todevelop a plan for staffing. “It will …
Read more about the Panther Producers program and how it started here. KSNT article – https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/community-members-helping-improve-school-s-lunches/1755265660? SCANDIA, (Kan.) – For many students when they go home from Pike Valley High School they know where the food on their dinner table came from. Thanks to some generous neighbors in the community, they know at school as well. …
Invest in yourself, others and Kansas through the Individual Development Account Program. Program Purpose and Overview – Visit their website here –https://www.kansascommerce.gov/119/Indiv-Development-Account-Tax-Credit-Pro The Individual Development Account (IDA) Program allows qualified Kansans of low income levels the opportunity to achieve financial self-sufficiency through education and asset development via special savings accounts. Application The IDA program allows qualified Kansans …
The Republic County Community Foundation is home to many scholarship funds that support area students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarship funds have been established by many generous donors who value education and leave a lasting legacy. Learn more about these donors and the criteria of their scholarships here. When to Apply: Online applications are …
Republic County Community Foundation ScholarshipsRead More »
High School & College Internship Program application https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4820395/2019-Nex-Gen-Internship-Application Internship Dates: May 29 – August 2, 2019**Some positions may begin prior to or extend beyond these dates. Application Deadline: March 15, 2019**Some positions may remain open until filled. From the Classroom to a Career The Nex-Generation Student Internship Program offers area youth with paid, summer internships with a variety …
LISTEN TO AUDIO OF THEIR TESTIMONY HERE – http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20190117/-1/5248#info_ Matthew R. Sanderson, Randall C. Hill distinguished professor of sociology, anthropology, and social work and professor of sociology, provided testimony on demographic trends in rural Kansas to the new House Committee on Rural Revitalization in a public session on Thursday, Jan. 17. Sanderson’s presentation highlighted trends in …
Sociologist provides testimony to Kansas House Committee on Rural RevitalizationRead More »
Health Care Services Generate Another 23-Cents In Retail Sales In Local Economy By Deb Hadachek Telescope News – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Health care services continue to be an economic driver inRepublic County. In both Kansas and Republic County, the health care sector ranks fifth among all economic sectors behind agriculture, government and other trade services. Health services …
Two minutes of your time can help identify Republic County strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This will help guide our future strategies with economic development projects. Please add a new response in the “Other” if an option is not listed. Loading…
January 29th, 2019 – Topeka – Republic County Economic Development Director, Luke Mahin, was asked to join KSU Research & Extension Director, Marlin Bates, in presenting to the Kansas House Agriculture Committee. The presentation was on Harvesting Opportunities conference from last May an speciatly crop resources in rural Kansas. Audio of the presentation – http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20190124/-1/5695#info_ Testimony House …
The first anchor of “Sunday Morning,” Charles Kuralt, was also the show’s storyteller-in-chief. In 1983 he met with photographer Jim Richardson, who was revisiting the town of Cuba, Kansas, population 300. “When you hear Jim Richardson talk about the people in Cuba, Kansas, about the children they raised here, you understand why he comes back year …
“Sunday Morning” at 40: Stories with heart – Cuba, KSRead More »
KHA Media Release: Hospitals and health care systems are a powerful economic force in Kansas. The state’s health care sector generated $16.6 billion in income and $28.5 billion in sales last year, ranking it fifth among all economic sectors in the state. Hospitals were the biggest contributor in the health sector, generating $7.9 billion in …
Kansas Hospitals Keep Kansans Healthy and Economically StrongRead More »
North Central Regional Planning January Newsletter by Luke Mahin on Scribd
Some communities use Land Bank program proposed here to spur growth, prevent eyesores By Jennifer McDaniel Special to The Telescope It’s a problem plaguing most cities and small towns across Kansas. In rural communities,vacant storefronts dot downtown shopping districts, andin the state’s more urban areas, abandoned homes and vacant lots stand in place ofonce thriving …
Diversity outside of agriculture lies in nurturing entrepreneurs, says RCED director By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor Small business is big business for Republic County. Between 2001 and 2016 the number of jobs in Republic County provided by businesses that employ two to nine people grew by 526 jobs, according to information compiled by Republic County …
A proposal under study to add a pre-school program to USD 109services might extend to a daycare facility. Superintendent Michael Couch offered few details at the regular board meeting January 14, other than the plan might involve moving a modular unit to property across the street and offering the facility to a private daycare provider. …
Pre-school proposal for USD 109 might include a daycare facilityRead More »
By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher By all accounts the first phase of the City of Belleville’s nuisance abatement program was a resounding success. Despite a lot of grousing from local citizens, a lot got done. Members of the Belleville city council were told Monday that, in all, 441 properties were initially identified as being in violation of …
Council discusses ‘next phase’ nuisance abatement, falls short of okaying projectRead More »
There will be a free webinar from the National Main Street organization January 17th 2-3:30 pm. Belleville’s census tract was approved as a Federal Opportunity Zone in 2018. Learn more about FOZ in Kansas here – http://www.republiccountykansas.com/page/kansas-federal-opportunity-zone.html Register for the webinar here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/862646431500212482 Learn about the “opportunities” and potential issues for preservation presented by the new …
By TOM PARKERKansas Rural Center “That’s the thing about rural Kansas,” Corie Brown wrote. “No one lives there, not anymore.” The Los Angeles author’s assessment on rural Kansas in particular and Kansans in general was the outcome of an odyssey across the state for an online article published in April 2018. Its title, “Rural Kansas …
We’re still here: a discussion on the future of rural KansasRead More »
Republic County Economic Development invites the public to our annual presentation Monday, January 21st, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Belleville City Office. The presentation will cover: Programs and incentives available to businesses Resources offered by local, county, and state partners Recent business and quality of life projects Seek input for 2019 projects Beneficial for …
KSN News has covered four local businesses since December click each video below to check them out! PROHOE TOOLS Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/RogueTools/ Online store – www.prohoe.com https://www.ksn.com/news/local/main-street-kansas/main-street-kansas-munden-man-turns-plow-blades-into-practical-garden-tools/1724549425? C & C HIGH TUNNEL FARMS Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/CCHighTunnelFarms/ www.ksn.com/news/local/main-street-kansas/-high-tunnels-and-hoop-houses-allow-for-year-round-harvesting-in-scandia/1685753146 THE FEATHERED NEST Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/featherednestshopping/ Website – www.featherednestshopping.com/ www.ksn.com/news/local/main-street-kansas/shoppers-from-near-and-far-are-hooked-on-belleville-store/1644199466 SOUL SISTER CERAMICS Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/soulsisterceramics …
On two days in January 2019 – January 28 and 29 – innovators and subject matter experts will gather from across the state of Kansas to kick off the first Kansas SBDC Rural & Independent Innovators Conference, or “RIIC.” RIIC is focused on rural and independent innovators living across the state of Kansas. It’s an …
USD 109 to offer discussion on challenges of poverty to the public Belleville Telescope – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Teachers in the Republic County USD 109 school district will experience what it’s like to live in poverty during an in-service on Wednesday, January 2. “Most of our educators come from middle-class backgrounds,” says school counselor Gina Aurand. “It …
Depot Market – Courtland Depot Market: Scaling to Wholesale with Specialty Crops in North Central Kansas Fourth in a series of five farmer feature profiles distributed by the Kansas Rural Center By Jennifer Kongs Most specialty crop operations in Kansas rely heavily on direct-to-consumer sales. While several farmers are specializing and scaling to provide to …
KRC: Tunnel to Table -Features two county businessesRead More »
French chateau reminder of one-time active county industry By Cynthia Scheer Special to The Telescope A large French chateau built into the famed hills of Minersville sits dark and empty about 100 yards off Old 81. The inscription “C 1882 M” is chiseled in the dressed rock above the north front door. Another chiselled stone …
These are some of my favorite podcasts that cover random topics from entrepreneurship, new ideas, and rural places. Some I found my self others were recommendations from Lea Anne Sieler, Hodgeman County Economic Development, and Simone Elder, Network Kansas. If you have other podcasts that we should mention please email us at rced@nckcn.com. KSU Research & …
You keep bending the rules and bending and bending until you bend backward. ”That was the comment of RepublicCounty Appraiser Barry Porter in recommending to Republic County Commissioners Monday that people who want tax rebates from the Neighborhood Revitalization Program must complete all necessary paperwork–on time. Commissioners agreed. “I think we’re dealing with adults here,” …
DECEMBER IS MATCH MONTH! In December donations to Republic County Community Foundation will be matched at $1.50 for every $1 donated thanks to Dane G. Hansen Foundation. ☎️Call – 785-527-5631📧 Email – republiccounty@gscf.org 📫Mail checks to – RCCF, PO Box, 541 Belleville, KS 66935💳Donate online – http://republiccountycf.org/donate-online 💻Learn more – http://republiccountycf.org/give-now/ Over the next 50 years, Republic County, Kansas will …
Republic County Economic Development has been awarded a Dane G. Hansen Community Intern position to be funded this summer to assist with Housing. Full details below. Student Intern – Republic County Housing Click here to apply now Department: 3670035130 Ag Natural Res & Comm VitalityJob no: 505264Work type: InternshipLocation: OtherCategories: Architecture / Construction, Business / Accounting / Finance, Community Development …
Student Internships High School and college students are matched with local businesses throughout northwest and north central Kansas for 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 jobs – all …
Deadline to host a free intern for businesses Dec. 31stRead More »
Nex-Tech is pleased to introduce our new Courtland Customer Solutions Specialist, Lindsay Brinker. Lindsay joined the Nex-Tech team in October and will be available for all your customer services needs in Courtland each Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 – 11:30 am and 12:30 – 3:30 pm. Lindsay is a graduate of Fort Hays State University. She calls …
“Our store employees work for Hay !” Store hours from December 8 -24th is 10 AM to 5 PM daily. MOST OF OUR GIFTS ARE PRICED UNDER $25.00. ANVIL ALPACASRay & Brenda Danielson1880 130 Road Belleville, KS66935Home Phone (785)361-4853Cell Phone (785)955-0009
Luke Mahin, RCED Director: Not everything is black and white in rural, especially food access. The videos and blogs below were produced by students in Art, English, and Journalism departments at KSU. They worked to expand on the story of food deserts in rural Kansas. RCED assisted in connecting the KSU students and instructor Dr. …
Republic County Hospital administrator David-Paul Cavazos was authorized by the board of trustees Monday to begin a serious study of adding a daycare for hospital employees only to the hospital campus. “Just counting informally we think there would be at least 12 children of hospital staff members that could use the service,” he said. “I …
Hospital to study adding daycare program for employees’ childrenRead More »
The Republic County Community Foundation was founded in 2007 to benefit the communities of Republic County. The foundation is a permanent source of charitable funds used to meet both the current and future needs of our county. The Republic County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation in Salina, Kansas. SCROLL …
Read the entire blog here – https://www.travelks.com/blog/post/top-10-kansas-items-to-put-on-your-shopping-list/ Kansas Blog Top 10 Kansas items to put on your shopping list Kansas has some serious shops to celebrate. Not quite finished with holiday shopping? Explore unique Kansas gifts and charming stories – in person or online. Give someone you love something special from Kansas …. 4. PRAIRIE TREASURES …
Soul Sister Ceramics mentioned in Kansas Top 10 Shopping ListRead More »
Courtland, Kansas – KSN Channel 3 News out of Wichita recently featured Soul Sister Ceramics, owned by Shanna and Michelle Lindberg of rural Courtland. The sister-in-law duo renovated a 1920’s downtown gas station for their unique paint your own pottery / retail boutique business. They opened this summer and you can read more about …
Twenty-Two Applications Approved for Dane G. Hansen Community Intern Program November 26, 208 Twenty-two NW Kansas communities, including cities, towns, school districts or other qualified organizations located in the 26 counties served by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, were approved to host one or two summer interns for 2019. The 22 host communities will …
Twenty-Two Applications Approved for Dane G. Hansen Community Intern ProgramRead More »
SHOP REPUBLIC COUNTY ONLINE If you have an online store and would like to be included in this list send us your logo, website, and description to Luke Mahin, RCED Director, rced@nckcn.com. Belleville Hometown Lumber https://www.truevalue.com/shop/sale/black-friday-sale?cid=fbshopping_112318_blackfriday Belleville Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com Subscribe to the print and online version. Bringing you Republic County News since 1870. Fisher Rocks …
HOLIDAY EVENTS November 16-30th Professional Computer Systems – https://www.facebook.com/events/270410403613591/ November 22nd Republic Turkey Trot – https://www.facebook.com/events/2220471681298583/ November 23rd – December 31st Rocky Pond Christmas Lights Park – https://www.facebook.com/rockypondchristmas/ November 23rd Belleville Chamber / Main Street Christmas on the Square – https://www.facebook.com/events/2204118859834960/? November 24th – SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Cuba Hometown Christmas – https://www.facebook.com/events/178830173063858/ Soul Sisters Small Business …
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 high school students from Republic County HS and Pike Valley HS worked with their teachers to focus on a local entrepreneur. They used a variety of mediums to feature their …
USD 109 to study in-house pre-school By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com A plan always proposed as “someday” may become “next year” if the Republic County USD 109 board agrees. Superintendent Mike Couch told the board Monday night that he and elementary principal Katie Struebing will begin serious study of whether to add a school-based …
More than $33,000 in pledges was collected by the North Central Kansas Health Care Foundation Radiothon on KR-92, 92.1 FM, Belleville on Thursday, November 8. Funds raised are used to recruit physicians in Republic County. Money goes toward salary guarantees, student loan repayment, moving expenses and other expenses associated with recruiting. Chairman Brent Scott said …
Congratulations to local Republic County Community Foundation grant recipients! The Republic County Community Foundation awarded $80,000 to area organizations during its fall grant cycle. Projects were funded through the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Republic County, North Central Kansas Health Care Foundation Fund and Republic County Health Fund. Recipients include: …
www.thebellevilletelescope.com I spent last Friday in Wichita at a meeting designed to help rural communities “think out of the box” to recruit family practice physicians. It was a good meeting, for two reasons. First, we made several contacts among family practice staff and residents which will be invaluable in the future. We have always found …
Holiday Shopping List #1 Kansas products you can buy online 11.04.18 The annual shopping list of Kansas products is a courtesy of the Inman-based Kansas Sampler Foundation. Our mission is to preserve and sustain rural culture. You can support our work here. Want to be included in this e-blast? 2,000 people open these shopping list e-blasts each …
Holiday Shopping Lists – Kansas Sampler FoundationRead More »
2018 Health Fair at the Crossroads Thursday, November 8, 2018 from 6AM – 1:30 PM Mark your calendars! The annual RCH Health Fair and the NCK Healthcare Foundation Radio-thon will be held Nov. 8th from 6:00am to 1:30pm. Thursday, November 8, 2018 from 6AM – 1:30PM ISB …
RCED will host the 3rd annual YEC business plan competition at Republic County High School on Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 in Belleville, Kansas. Students from Republic County and Pike Valley will compete for $1,750+ in cash prizes and a chance to go on to State YEC at KSU. Teams are judged on three items: a …
RCED provided contacts for KSU faculty in planning part of the documentary on food deserts in rural Kansas for their October 5-6th visit. www.kstatecollegian.com/2018/10/26/channel-8-food-deserts-prevalent-in-rural-kansas/ The issue of food deserts plagues many small town communities in the Kansas area. To raise awareness on this issue K-State journalism students are hard at work producing a documentary that covers …
Channel 8: Food deserts prevalent in rural KansasRead More »
Network Kansas Announces New National E2 Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative Contact: Steve Radley 316-425-7572 sradley@networkkansas.com Wichita, …
Network Kansas Announces New National E2 Rural Entrepreneurship InitiativeRead More »
Mayor prods council to move forward with nuisance abatement By Fred Arnold – Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com It took some prodding from Belleville Mayor Kim Lapo to get the city council off of dead center on the final steps of the nuisance abatement ordinance. But once council got moving things got done fairly quickly. Carol Torkelson …
But property, sales tax make difference in break-even year Belleville Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com A choice nobody wanted to make a year ago is starting to pay off in terms of the financial position of Republic County Hospital. JH Seitz, regional vice president of the Great Plains Health Alliance which manages the hospital, told the board Monday, October 22 …
Hospital financial position improves in first year after LTC closingRead More »
Saturday, November 24, 2018 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 …
More than a movie theater Visit by real service dogs to highlight Blair showing of ‘Pick of the Litter’ By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com The Blair Theater is going to the dogs. But that’s exactly what Blair manager Danielle Smith hopes will draw a crowd next Thursday evening, October 11, beginning at 6 p.m. …
Local services can help people take charge of their health, disease prevention Hospital offers breast, low-cost vascular screenings By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Screenings are fast, inexpensive, don’t require a doctor’s orders- -and save lives. Radiology technicians at Republic County Hospital plan to broadcast that message frequently in October and November as they encourage …
www.thebellevilletlelescope.com County schools report more than 700 students in class Enrollments for Republic County USD 109 and Pike Valley USD 426 remain steady, according to official counts taken in September. Republic County Superintendent Michael Couch said the head count taken September 20 shows 505 students in the district, not counting pre-school students enrolled in the …
EVENT SIGN UP – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-rules-of-business-success-marion-county-tickets-50662485859? JON SCHALLERT BIO Jon Schallert is the only business consultant in the world teaching businesses and communities how to reinvent themselves into Consumer Destinations. Jon speaks to thousands annually on his trademarked 14-step “Destination Business” process, which he developed over the course of 31 years after interviewing over 10,000 independent business …
You’re Invited to an Evening of TRAIL TALK Wednesday, October 3 6:00 – 8:00 pm at TAGS 319 Cloud Street ~ Scandia Facebook even – www.facebook.com/events/425585894633576/ Appetizers & Beverages will be provided We hope you’ll join us to talk about your favorite trails and we’ll share our photos of some of the coolest trails in …
The Belleville Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com Fifty-six businesses across northwest and north central Kansas hosted 68 high school and college interns through this summer’s Nex-Generation Student Internship Program. Participating students received an opportunity to prepare them for future career paths. “Each summer, our interns receive hands-on instruction from local, business professionals in their hometowns or nearby communities,” …
Students gain practical experience through internships Read More »
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek – Editor The Belleville Telescope – www.thebellevilletelescope.com I’ve been following news stories out of a nearby county that should keep us all awake at night. In the past few months, the independent grocery stores in Marysville and Blue Rapids both closed. That means for a wide swath of Marshall County citizens, the …
Owners of Cuba restaurant to open second location in Belleville By Deb Hadachek www.thebellevilletelescope.com Telescope editor In a community known for cooking up its own entertainment, Betty’s Cafe filled a hole on Cuba’s main street for a restaurant and gathering place. Now owners Jeff and Cheryl Hoard, and daughter/manager Amanda Huff plan to bring that …
Find more information about the 13th annual US Highway 36 Treasure Hunt at www.ushwy36.com. Belleville Courtland Munden Scandia
Here are some basic takeaways from Republic County in this year’s Kansas Statistical Abstract. For a deeper dive into our county’s growth in entrepreneurship and a better look at 30-35 year olds coming back to the county read this blog – www.republiccountykansas.com/opportunity-in-rural/. The Institute for Policy & Social Research (IPSR) at the University of Kansas …
Think Like an Entrepreneur Five-week workshop Belleville, Kansas 6:00 – 8:30 pm Week #1 – Tuesday, October 16th – Orientation & Introduction Week #2 – Tuesday, October 23rd – Choice, Recognizing Opportunities & Ideas into Action Week #3 – Tuesday, October 30th – Ideas into Action, Pursuit of Knowledge & Creating Wealth Week #4 – …
Contact RCED for questions on how to apply or host a work-study student during the school year. Polansky Seed – Allayna Hanson, daughter of Kirk and Rhonda Hanson of Concordia, interned with Polansky Seed, Inc., in Belleville. “During my internship, I learned various aspects of the seed business and industry. I shadowed sales, seed technicians, …
Nex-Generation intern program impacts 68 studentsRead More »
Knowledge, skills in electricity launched school benefactor in career with General Electric By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor Subscribe to the e-edition www.thebellevilletelescope.com You never know when a skill is going to spark a career. But that’s what happened for John Heller, says his longtime hunting companion, Ken Naysmith of Belleville. USD 109/Republic County was notified by …
By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher Subscribe to their E-edition – www.thebellevilletelescope.com A Utah man was hired on Monday as Belleville’s newest city manager. Adam Anderson of Sandy City Utah was officially announced as the city manager at Monday’s meeting of the Belleville City Council. City leaders were unanimous in their hiring of Anderson. No details …
This spring RCED was provided a report on our county by Don Macke and the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, this report was presented in June. Our presentation on Opportunity in Rural is at the bottom of the page Here are some of the more intriguing statistics on how our county is constantly changing. Adapting to these …
This Nebraska Community Foundation example resonates with the same purpose of the Republic County Community Foundation and our affiliate Greater Salina Community Foundation. Why Keep 5 in Kansas By the year 2020, $79 billion will be transferred from one Kansas generation to the next. Think about what matters to you. Perhaps it’s the schools your children attend, or the …
Couple having a ‘blast’ with new business, home in Munden They came to Munden banking on a simpler life. What Shari and Doug Cornelson found in the former Munden State Bank building was space for a home, space for workshops, space for a new retail business aptly named Blasted Moments, and space to enjoy their …
Couple having a ‘blast’ with new business, home in MundenRead More »
NWKEICI is a private operating foundation that provides economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs in rural Northwest Kansas. NWKEICI has a 26 county coverage area. With its current and future programs, NWKEICI hopes to reverse the outflow of people and businesses from Northwest Kansas, as well as work with existing businesses or entrepreneurs …
What: Launch & Grow – a Republic County business networking event. When: October 9th, 2018 – Time: 6:30 pm Where: Scandia Library Conference Room – meal by T.A.G.’s / Panther Pause hosted by RCED, business networking, and downtown tours Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/247394549396674/ RSVP Required: Call (785) 374-3047 email rced@nckcn.com Launch & Grow is a business networking …
Kelly Larson to speak at Business Networking EventRead More »
Republic County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program, an intensive outpatient group counseling program, is designed to meet the unique needs of older adults over the age of 65 struggling with depression and anxiety often related to aging. If you or someone you know has recently experienced any of the following, this program might be right …
Full details – https://kansasruralcenter.org/calendar/krc-voting-for-the-future-dinner-dialogue-forum-concordia/ Voting for our Future: Dinner & Dialogue AGENDA Concordia, Thursday, August 30 Valley Venue, 803 Valley St. Dinner by: Marla’s Joy 5:00 p.m. Registration & Dinner Begins 5:30 p.m. Program begins with welcome and introductions KRC 5:40 p.m. National & State Legislative Overview Presentation – Overview of recent national and state legislation and …
KRC Voting for the Future Dinner & Dialogue Forum – ConcordiaRead More »
Click below to cycle through photos. Dale Strickler Grazing Operation Cattle, Grass and Forages for Grazing, S of Courtland – https://www.storey.com/books/drought-resilient-farm/ Depot Market Specialty Crop Grower and Retail Market, N of Courtland – https://www.facebook.com/Depot-Market-322223234566671/ C & C High Tunnel Farms Specialty Crop Grower with CSA and Retail marketing, Scandia – https://www.facebook.com/CCHighTunnelFarms/ T.A.G.’s – lunch location – https://www.facebook.com/tagsgrill/ Freeday Popcorn – Lunch …
Photo Album – Thinking Outside the Box NCK Ag TourRead More »
ESHIP 2018 – Why Do You Do What You Do? from Wellington on Vimeo. Read Simone Elder’s full blog post here about the work Network Kansas does to help counties like ours build our entrepreneurial ecosystem. – www.networkkansas.com/ecommunities/news/ntks-blog/2018/08/02/ecosystem-builders-unite-2018-eship-summit-takeaways The Kauffman Foundation has identified Seven Design Principles for building entrepreneurial ecosystems, which should be top of mind …
Setting yourself apart in small business By John Forshee, District Director River Valley Extension District Printed in The Belleville Telescope I had the opportunity to sit in on a webinar by the well-known small business guru, Jon Schallert from Longmont, Colorado. Over the span of 45 minutes, Jon shared a variety of ideas on what …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com He came for five years and ended up staying 28. This week, as John Bleecker, DDS, prepares to move to Georgia, he says he is grateful for the friendships he’s made in North Central Kansas. “Practicing here has been really nice,” he says. “I appreciate everything that has been …
Dentist sells practice; chiropractor to move downtownRead More »
ANVIL ALPACAS FARM DAYS ********************************* OPEN HOUSE Hours 10 AM to 6 PM, daily August 10, 11, 12 – 2018 1880 130 Road, Belleville, KS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meet our soft Alpacas Learn about Alpacas Pet an Alpaca Hug a Baby Alpaca Shop the little Farm Store See items made from Alpaca Fleece Free Refreshments for all …
New photo exhibit to document ‘tenacity’ of town at 150th celebration It’s the town that refused to die. That was photographer Jim Richardson’s goal some 40 years ago–to document the demise of a rural community in Kansas. He picked Cuba -just down the road from his hometown of Belleville. Richardson photographed the everyday life of …
Acquisitions at Star House Designs opens in remodeled vet clinic By Maggie Kuhn Special to The Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com Brightly painted chairs stand in the entrance of Brian Griffiths new business, Acquisitions at Star House Designs, opening in Courtland on July 19. Griffiths and his mother, Coralee, have remodeled a former Courtland vet clinic into …
Jon Schallert – Destination Business Expert August 8th, 2018 8:00 – 9:30 am Blair Theatre Belleville, Kansas 66935 Facebook event link – https://www.facebook.com/events/219569438859583/ ADMISSION $5 for out-of-county FREE for Republic County residents/businesses Please RSVP by August 1st call (785) 374-3047 or email rced@nckcn.com. Republic County Economic Development and Belleville Chamber and Main Street are proud to …
The Courtland Pride Club is hosting a photography contest to produce a unique calendar for 2019 highlighting our slice of Kansas. Photos can be from in-town but will be allowed in the rural areas around Courtland but not beyond surrounding cities. Submissions are due September 31st. PHOTOS WILL NOT BE JUDGED ON QUALITY ALONE BUT …
A Community Food Survey sponsored by the North Central Kansas Food Council will end July 31. There is still time for those currently living in the 12-county region (including the counties of Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Ottawa, Republic, Saline, and Washington) to participate. The survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCKFCSurvey. Paper copies …
Deadline July 20, 2018 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 …
Think Outside the Box: NC KS FARM TOUR July 30 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm |$10.00 – $55.00 It’s a great time to explore options with agriculture! The ‘Thinking Outside the Box’ farm tour series spotlights farms doing things differently. Whether it’s reducing inputs and focusing on soil health in row crops; bringing diversification back to …
FCC Mobility Fund II Initial Eligible Areas Map: non-blue area indicates coverage Although phone carriers say Kansas is covered with reliable, fast cell phone coverage, we know that isn’t true. Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) was recently granted a waiver from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to challenge the legitimacy of coverage maps from various major …
July 7th – American Ag Heritage Festival American Ag Heritage Festival July 13-15th – Scandia Riverfest Friday 5:00PM Hog Dinner Sponsored by Tater & Nell Hine – The Park 5:00PM – 10:00PM Beer Garden – The Park 5:00PM – 10:00PM Talent Show – Karaoke/Open Mic – The Park 5:00PM – 8:00PM Quilt Show – The …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek – Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com One of the things my family enjoys most about vacations is the food. We intentionally look for restaurants when we’re traveling that serve well-prepared local food in a place with local flavor. For instance, I recently ate lunch in a restaurant in a remodeled hay mow in a dairy …
The All-America Selections display garden is looking for a small donation to help offset the cost of hotdogs and complimentary food for our Open-house on July 15th at 6:00 pm. The display is located at 12th & R Street near Rocky Pond. Master Gardeners introduce new crop of old favorites to local growers By Deb …
by Don Macke The Great Recession hit America hard. The recovery at times has seemed slow and weak. But household wealth formation has once again set new records and is growing faster when compared to the boom years of the 1990s. However, this good news is undermined with the reality that wealth inequality in …
Is Entrepreneurship a Pathway to Greater Wealth Equality?Read More »
History T.A.G.’s Grill and Bar is family owned and operated, T.A.G.’s was originally a grocery store. Garman’s moved to Scandia in 1979, purchased the grocery store and ran Garman’s Grocery for many years. The building was leased for some years and used as a construction site for a time. The family and John Davis began …
If you missed this meeting you can see the entire report below in PDF. Download the PDF here – https://www.dropbox.com/s/qxp1z9jbb4vledl/Republic%20County%20KS%20DOP.PDF?dl=0 Recommendation 1 – Population Recommendation 2 – Agriculture Recommendation 3 – Retirees Recommendation 4 – Commuters Recommendation 5 – Spending Capture Recommendation 6 – Local Entrepreneurs Recommendation 7 – Regional Development
By Dan Kuhn www.depotmarket.net Every so often, a thirty-something person comes in the Depot and says something like “When I was a kid my gramma would bring my sister and I to the Courtland orchard to pick apples. We had the best time. It was a happy childhood memory.” We, at the Depot miss that. …
COURTLAND, KS, Soul Sister Ceramics is pleased to announce the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of its new business on Main Street on July 7, 2018. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the grand opening to follow at 10:00 a.m. Soul Sister Ceramics will offer walk-in paint your own pottery …
Soul Sisters Ceramics – Ribbon Cutting / Grand OpeningRead More »
Life Lessons www.thebellevilletelescope.com My mom grew up in Diller, NE. Diller is a small town of about 300 people, and it’s a spot on the map not far from Fairbury. The Republic Pioneers 4-H Club, which I’m a part of, visited three businesses in and around the Diller area. We visited a green dairy, a …
Meeting to address local opportunities for growth Entrepreneurship is a Team Effort is the theme of a public meeting Monday night, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Blair Theater in Belleville, hosted by Republic County Economic Development and Network Kansas. The meeting will discuss results of a study conducted by the Center for Rural …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Elected officials and government employees don’t have an easy job to balance the wants and needs of the public against the reality of what it costs to operate. But there’s the important phrase: the wants and needs of the public. Not necessarily the wants and needs of a government employee …
REPUBLIC COUNTY RESIDENTS CAN ATTEND CLOUD COUNTY BUSINESS CLASSES FREE This is a partnership between both county economic development groups to provide better course coverage in the region. Sign up by calling 785-243-2010 or email info@cloudcorp.net.
Do you live in one of these 12 NCK counties: Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Ottawa, Republic, Saline, or Washington? SCROLL DOWN IN THE SURVEY WINDOW TO BEGIN THE SURVEY OR CLICK HERE www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCKFCSurvey Create your own user feedback survey “The NCKFC wants to help increase support for local growers,” Benedick …
Community Food Survey – North Central Kansas Food CouncilRead More »
Individuals, families can contact agencies directly to ask about availability of home health services May 24, 2018 By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Adequate home health care options for the elderly and disabled appear to be available at the present time in Republic County. All people need to do is ask. That was the …
Some Orphan Train riders made lasting mark on Republic County It was a pathetic scene at the courthouse last Friday to look into the inquisitive and anxious faces of the sixteen homeless little ones as they sat there awaiting their inevitable fate. Tears were brought to the eyes of many sympathetic souls as the …
View the newsletter online – https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=newsletter&id=6F5BEF17-364C-44DF-88C3-E603408B0DD4/ Fighting for Farmers in the Bostwick Irrigation District As a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, I had the opportunity to raise an important issue with the top official of the Army Corps of Engineers, R.D. James, during a hearing on water infrastructure legislation. I questioned …
Fighting for Farmers in the Bostwick Irrigation DistrictRead More »
Questions about the Belleville Nuisance Abatement Program? Call North Central Regional Planning Commission 785-738-2218. NCRPC Quote – “The City is trying to portray a positive image of the community. They passed the Ordinance in order to get areas cleaned up and hired NCRPC as a third party to inspect and enforce the Ordinance. The pictures …
Posted by Scandia, Kansas on Monday, May 21, 2018 Posted by Scandia, Kansas on Monday, May 21, 2018
Retirement short-lived after couple returns to her Munden roots and start new business By Lance Rundus Special to The Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com After working and living abroad and then in the Kansas City area, Barb Newcomb (Sterba) and Gary Lightfoot decided to retire from the “big city” and return to Barb’s roots. Despite many wonderful friends …
Belleville, Kan. – Republic County Hospital is taking steps to provide better-quality health care, more-efficient care, better patient and employee satisfaction, and improved population health. Through their participation in the Patient Satisfaction Learning Community 2018 Project, Republic County Hospital is working to better engage patients and families as part of the care team. During this …
Republic County Hospital Establishing Patient and Family Engagement PracticesRead More »
Wages, health insurance priorities for commission By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com What’s old news is new again. Republic County Commission chairman displayed a headline from a 1995 Telescope Clerk Kathleen Marsicek found while cleaning out old papers: Commission puts county on short financial leash for remainder of year. The article warns that in that …
Commission doesn’t want to be caught ‘flat-footed’ if Rolling Hills building sells By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Potential funding sources to renovate or build a new health department building were outlined for Republic County Commissioners Monday. The health department is currently located in space leased from Rolling Hills Electric on US81 Highway, and the …
City council, county elections share ballot with state offices By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com With the deadline to file just days away, few new faces appear interested in elected offices in Republic County. Filing deadline is Friday, June 1 at noon to be listed on the August 7 primary election ballot. The general …
Courtland Mini Park Improvements – On Saturday, April 28th Healthy Republic County and Courtland Pride hosted a community work day in the mini park. Sixteen adults and seven kids spent the day making improvements. Volunteers stained the pool house and pergola at the swimming pool. The pool tarp was stored away, and the pool shell …
Courtland Park Work Day – Healthy Republic CountyRead More »
Janssens invite others growers to join Community Supported Agriculture venture By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com It’s a business that keeps growing into more of a hybrid. When Chris and Christi Jannsen, Scandia, started C&C High Tunnels nine years ago, their vision was to sell locally-grown fruits and vegetables wholesale to grocery stores and …
Scandia growers help other farm-to-table businesses find marketsRead More »
County health department ends Medicare services but says other in-home care available for elderly By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Whether home health services for Medicare patients is available in Republic County seems to be a question with a vague answer. Republic County Commissioners decided by consensus last week that the Republic County Health Department …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Come rain or come shine, harvest will be in full swing on one Republic County farm over the next month. That’s because the asparagus crop is ready, and asparaguCourtland farm provides asparagus for Eastern Kansas markets doesn’t keep, says Dan Kuhn, owner of Depot Market. “Chefs love asparagus,” Kuhn …
Courtland farm provides asparagus for Eastern Kansas marketRead More »
Register Now for the National Small Business Week Virtual Conference hosted by the SBA and SCORE. This online conference will offer 12 educational webinars, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities and resources in a 3-day event. You will hear from industry experts, such as Visa, Google, Chase, Constant Contact, Square and more. The U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE Association will host a free, …
This is the second year Republic County Economic Development has hosted a county-wide business plan competition. Growing the event from 2017 with 11 teams and 19 students to 2018 with 30 teams and 68 students. And for the second year, Republic County will have two teams qualify for the State Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. In 2017 …
Two Pike Valley Teams Qualify for State Entrepreneurship ChallengeRead More »
Roadtrip Roulette Ep. 14 – Dear Hearts and Baseball Diamonds in Narka KS Episode 14! Time to take a trip to the lil midwestern town of Narka, KS. We’ve got baseball, we’ve got potlucks, it’s some wholesome stuff. Enjoy! http://roadtriproulette.libsyn.com/roadtrip-roulette-ep-14-dear-hearts-and-baseball-diamonds-in-narka-ks
April 4, 2018 www.thebellevilletelescope.com The City of Belleville Council has approved moving forward with the Nuisance Abatement Program this spring and residents are encouraged to clean up nuisance areas in the City Limits. “In the next few days an assessment will be conducted and those residents requiring property clean up will be notified by …
Foundation hopes to inspire projects that strengthen county communities By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Think big. That’s what Republic County Community Foundation members want to impress on county citizens as they prepare to review another round of grant applications. Deadline for applications for this distribution is April 15. Foundation members know that’s not enough …
At the recent WeKan Conference hosted by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, there was a session on restoring old buildings. The session was hosted by Kelly Larson a Scandia native, now Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation director and board member of the Kansas Preservation Alliance and Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance. Kelly provided this great …
Do you love the idea of restoring an old building?Read More »
Continued success 2018 Rock-A-Thon grosses nearly $38,000 Cuba residents are taking a breather this week, after last week’s 43rd Rock-A-Thon. The event grossed nearly $38,000, which will translate into around $20,000 for community improvement projects. This year’s total was less than $500 shy of last year’s event. Above, Ella Pachta and Lindsey Gieber perform a …
Cuba Rock-A-Thon raises nearly $38,000 in one weekRead More »
Facebook event – www.facebook.com/events/103490720483076/ Republic County Economic Development and Belleville Chamber & Main Street will host, Launch & Grow, Monday, April 2nd at the Blair Theater in Belleville starting at 6:30 pm. This is free of charge and open to current and future entrepreneurs. We will feature a short episode of Small Business Revolution, talk …
BRB Services begins construction on new M Street office Visit their website – http://www.brbservices.net/ Construction began last week on a building at the corner of M and 24th ST that will become the new home of BRB Services. Owner Brad Boyer said he hopes the new 2,500 sq. ft. building will be ready by summer. “We …
Scandia, KS – Republic County Economic Development, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, hosted the 2nd Annual Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Monday, March 5th at the Pike Valley High School. Thirty teams made up of 68 students competed from Pike Valley and Republic County Junior/Senior High schools. Nearly two hundred people were in attendance for …
Cuba is set to rock for 43rd year Food, fellowship and a week of fun rolls into Cuba starting Sunday, as residents rock for the 43rd year at the Cuba Rock-a-Thon. The event annually raises tens of thousands of dollars for community projects. One of the most recent, visible results of the community’s fundraising efforts …
FFA Alumni contribute to success of local program By Lasondra Aurand Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com National FFA Week is February 17-24 While this week celebrates the achievements and goals of the National FFA Association, it also provides the opportunity to recognize those who support the FFA and its members as well. In 2009, the Republic County …
Courtland producer spearheads movement to put locally-grown beef on school lunch trays Deb Hadachek – Telescope Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com If they can do it in Nebraska, why can’t we do it here? That was the question that popped into the mind of Mark Reed, Courtland, when he heard a news story about local cattle producers who …
USD 109 voters approve historic $16 million school bond by 60-40 margin www.thebellevilletelescope.com The first major improvement to school buildings in Belleville in more than 50 years was approved by voters in a mail ballot election counted Tuesday, February 20. The unofficial tally was 960 yes, 684 no. Two-thirds of the Republic County/USD 109 eligible …
We Kan! Conference 2018 What should Kansas look like? Let’s start shaping it! Wed., March 7, Meridian Center, Newton 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $75 (fee includes lunch and snacks) with option for March 6 evening 5:30 p.m. $15 REGISTER See who has already signed up as sponsors and attendees. The We Kan! Conference will mix elements of …
Ambulance department hopes class will train more EMTs for transfers By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com The Republic County Emergency Medical Service has enough emergency medical technicians to fill shifts. But director Dave Holloway and assistant director Jeff Beikmann hope to train more qualifi ed staff to serve as backups and to help transfer patients …
KRC’s 2018 Specialty Crop Workshops The Kansas Rural Center (KRC) will host five specialty crop workshops during March to provide information and education necessary for beginning specialty crop growers to establish a successful specialty crop enterprise in Kansas. The workshops will focus on conservation, production and marketing practices for specialty crop growers, and will provide an excellent …
From the Classroom to a Career The Nex-Generation Student Internship Program offers area youth with paid, summer internships with a variety of local and area businesses and organizations. Our interns gain instructive and hands-on experiences in a variety of technical and non-technical fields as they work alongside skilled professionals. Upon completion of the program, students …
Friendship Meals program serves up 18,000 plates a year By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com You could call it comfort food. Every week day, year around, Vicki Henderson, head cook at the Golden Bell Haven in Belleville, prepares some 60 healthy, balanced meals to serve to people at the senior center, or to be delivered …
Viewpoint Nuisance to neighbor February 7th, 2018 Deb Hadachek Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com I have hope that a nuisance abatement plan being tested in Belleville this year might help many cities with a problem that has long been a blemish on their landscapes. North Central Regional Planning, Beloit is using Belleville as a pilot project to see …
Commentary We do a great job or promoting everyone…except ourselves www.thebellevilletelescope.com Dan Thalmann at the neighboring Washington County News is a darned good newspaper publisher. And he regularly puts out one of the best printed products in the state of Kansas and is probably my best friend in the newspaper business. In reading his paper …
We do a great job or promoting everyone…except ourselvesRead More »
School bond ballots must be returned by February 20 www.thebellevilletelescope.com Several hundred ballots for the USD 109/Republic County school bond election have already been returned to the Republic County Clerk’s office early this week. Voters are being asked to decide on a $16 million bond issue to make improvements to the school buildings. The clerk …
Hospital considers walk-in clinic, more outpatient providers www.thebellevilletelescope.com Potential new services were on the agenda when the Republic County Hospital board met January 22. Hospital administrator David-Paul Cavazos said he is researching the addition of an after-hours walk-in clinic that would allow patients to be seen for non-emergency care. “One option would be to use …
Introducing Panther Producers https://sites.google.com/pikevalley.com/panther-producers/home Appears in the Courtland Journal – February 1, 2018 Panther Producers is a partnership of Pike Valley FFA, Pike Valley Foundation and local producers to supply our school district with locally produced beef, pork and produce. In early 2017, local producer, Mark Reed, initiated the idea of donating beef to our district for school lunches. Mark …
Help us celebrate Kansas Day by submitting your favorite Republic County photos for our Facebook album. Submit to our Facebook page, email rced@nckcn.com, or tag it with #RepCoKs on social media. Please list who took the photo and where in the county, the photo was taken.
Republic County – How I Started Republic County has 189 employer establishments and 420 non-employer establishments across eight communities. It’s impossible to know every entrepreneur in the county and their personal story. I feel fortunate through my position I get to assist start-up and succession businesses and hear their entrepreneurial stories. I would like to …
Agencies, landowners work together to create public outdoor recreation space at Talmo Marsh By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Most conservation work is about improving on Mother Nature. But the goal of an ambitious project in Republic County the last five years has been to return the Talmo Marsh to the way it looked centuries ago. …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Tabled. Tabled. Tabled. That was the decision on many Belleville City Council agenda items Monday night as a new council and mayor tried to sort out old procedures and new ways of doing business. “It’s going to be a long agenda at the next meeting,” joked Belleville City Clerk …
For information on the bond please visit the USD 109 website – www.usd109.org Viewpoint Deb Hadacheck Editorial www.thebellevilletelescope.com There are people passionately in favor of the proposed USD 109 school bond at any cost. There are people adamantly opposed, no matter the cost. Then there are the rest of us. The Republic County Clerk’s office will …
Belleville awarded $600,000 grant to replace aging water lines The second phase of a project to replacing aging waterlines in the city of Belleville was approved for Community Development Block Grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Belleville will receive $600,000 in grant funds, which is about 50 percent of the total project cost, …
Belleville part of pilot program of outside enforcers of nuisance ordinances January 24, 2018 By Deb Hadachek – Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter where you live. If you live in Belleville, someone from the outside is going to be looking at your property soon to make sure your …
Contact Us North Central Regional Planning Commission – http://www.ncrpc.org/services/housing/contractor-opportunities/ If you are interested in learning more about contractor opportunities, please contact us at 785-738-2218 or 800-432-0303. For Housing Rehabilitation, contact Carol Torkelson, NCRPC Housing Director. For the Weatherization Assistance Program, contact Amanda Peterson, NCRPC Weatherization Director.
Apply here – https://danehansenfoundation.org/?page_id=1465 Are you attending a community or technical college and planning to matriculate to a four-year school? Please remember that you can apply for a $4,000 Hansen Community or Technical College Transfer Scholarship. Community College students must have completed a minimum of 32 hours of college credit and Technical College students must …
$4,000 Hansen Community or Technical College Transfer ScholarshipRead More »
The Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement is hosting the second annual New-Media Marketing Boot Camp on February 27 and 28 at the Bluemont Hotel in Manhattan. The Boot Camp is designed to provide agricultural and rural business owners and service-oriented individuals, such as extension agents, with the tactics necessary to combat the ever-changing, new-media technology …
Five scholarships available for New-Media Marketing BootcampRead More »
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com The 10-year-tax exemption on the Nesika ethanol plant at Scandia expires the end of 2018, but no one is sure what that might mean for the county’s property valuation, Republic County Appraiser Barry Porter told county commissioners Monday. “The state just throws their hands up and says it’s up …
RSVP on Facebook – www.facebook.com/events/2079725685593397/ Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation spent four years going to every 626 incorporated cities in Kansas. The result or their research journey is The Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers. On Sunday, January 21 at 2 p.m., Penner and Rowe will present a program called, “Exploring …
Kansas Explorers to highlight WPA, local projects SundayRead More »
Kansas Gov. Brownback: Repaying student loans as rural recruitment from CNBC. Learn more and apply here www.kansascommerce.com/rural. Republic County funds fifteen people in the program and Republic County Hospital sponsors two employees. For questions, if you qualify contact Luke Mahin, RCED Director, 785-374-3047 or rced@nckcn.com.
Click the arrows to navigate through the slides, click expand to go fullscreen. Thanks to the Belleville Telescope for use of images and screenshots www.thebellevilletelescope.com. 2017 Neighborhood Revitalization Program – 11 new projects approved $2,676,580 added in incremental value Rural Opportunity Zone – Student Loan Repayment Program $43,516.68 back to applicants rather than student loan …
New high-purse national race to debut on High Banks in August By Deb Hadachek Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com An opening act will get its chance to become the star when the Belleville 305 Nationals debuts on the Belleville High Banks August 3 and 4. The winged sprints with 305 engines have run on the High Banks …
Population Estimates Source – https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF 2010 Population: 4,980 2011 Pop. Estimate: 4,901 (-1.58% / 79) 2012 Pop. Estimate: 4,847(-1.10% / 54) 2013 Pop. Estimate: 4,794 (-1.09% / 53) 2014 Pop. Estimate: 4,776 (-0.37% / 18) 2015 Pop. Estimate: 4,722 (-1.13% / 54) 2016 Pop. Estimate: 4,699 (-0.48% / 23) Statistics from Kansas Department of Health & Environment Source – http://www.kdheks.gov/phi/AS_Tables/AS_2016.htm?panel=9#undefined Births 2012: …
Read the online edition each week in full at www.thebellevilletelescope.com January Outstanding Marching, Outstanding Drum Major. Outstanding Music. Outstanding Percussion. Outstanding General Effect. First Place in Class AA And the Special Award to the Program that Most Embodies the Fiesta Bowl. The Republic County Marching Buffs had to make room for some metal on their …
2017 a year of change for businesses, communitiesRead More »
RCED shares community information on our blog when requested. This post is not an endorsement either way for the bond issue, but to provide the public with information and meeting dates. USD 109 School Improvement Bond Information from www.usd109.org For immediate questions contact Board President Clay Siemsen (785) 243-4962 or Superintendent Mike Couch (785) 955-0950. Please view this video and …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek www.thebellevilletelescope.com They say the only thing constant is change. At first, it was a little dismal compiling the annual year-end review for 2017. On the surface, it appears a lot of negatives happened in 2017. The final demolition of the Republic Hotel block and WPA bathhouse at the park. The abrupt end …
Hospital continues to gauge region’s health needs Work to recruit another physician, bring specialists to the community, and add services to Republic County Hospital was discussed November 27 at the regular meeting of the hospital board of trustees. Administrator David-Paul Cavazos said he and members of the NCK Health Care Foundation continue to reach out …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek www.thebellevilletelescope.com When I look at really, great, out-of-the-box thinking that originated in Republic County the last few years, the first and best example that comes to mind is Republic County Economic Development. Economic development– what to do and how to pay for it–is a subject I see played out often in newspapers …
Investment adds growth in past seven years By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com A focus on economic development costs $12.64 every year for every man, woman and child living in Republic County. For that investment, county citizens get fulltime attention on a wide range of subjects from business recruitment and expansion to quality of life …
Online Kansas accredited high school lets Freitag combine farm, teaching careers By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Nate Freitag will teach 150 Kansas high school students US History this year–and never leave his home in Belleville. Unless he needs to work from his tractor cab. Or a hospital waiting room. Or his in-laws home in …
This is a test for using data on maps for immigration to Courtland, Kansas.
The Republic County Community Foundation announces the Dane G. Hansen $50,000 December Match Program All donations to the Republic County Community Foundation during the Month of December will be 150% matched by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Limited only by the maximum of $5,000 per family. Donation checks should be payable to the Republic County …
USAC pulls plug on 41st race; Fair Amusements Committee caught off guard By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Midget racing in Belleville is likely dead–at least for 2018. A somber fair amusements committee broke the news to the Belleville Chamber & Main Street board of directors Thursday that the United States Auto Club is no …
HAVE YOU STARTED CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, YET? NEED A UNIQUE GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL *WE HAVE USEFUL, UNIQUE ITEMS* ~~~~~~ COME VISIT OUR FARM STORE ~~~~~~ OPEN 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily, until CHRISTMAS MEET THE ALPACAS THAT HELPED MAKE OUR LUXURIOUS GIFTS ANVIL ALPACAS Ray & Brenda Danielson 1880 130 Road Belleville, KS Phone :(785) 955-0009 E-mail: anvilpaca@ruraltel.net Website: http://anvilalpacas.alpacanation.com/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Estimated Economic Impact of Agriculture, Food, and Food Processing Sectors – http://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ag-marketing/county-ag-stats/county-stats-2017/republic-ag-contribution-2017.pdf http://agriculture.ks.gov/economic-development-statistics/county-ag-statistics-%28j-z%29/republic-county Republic County 575 farms accounting for 361,076 acres $197.3 million in crop and livestock sales in 2012 Data according to the USDA 2012 Census of Agriculture CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE OVERVIEW OF REPUBLIC COUNTY 17 Republic County Agriculture, Food, and Food Processing Sectors: Oilseed …
More information for potential Tyson poultry growers next week in Belleville www.thebellevilletelescope.com A grower meeting for producers interested in raising chickens if Tyson Foods locates in North Central Kansas is scheduled for next Thursday, December 14 at 10 a.m. at the Blair Theater in Belleville. Presenter will be K-State Research and Extension poultry specialist Scott …
RCED will have a presentation for the Belleville City Council Monday, December 11th at 7:00 pm at the Belleville City Office. The stats below will be part of the presentation among other major program and project benefits to the county and City of Belleville. Viewpoint / Deb Hadachek Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Every so often I go …
Wildlife and Parks closes hunting area until whoopers leave www.thebellevilletelescope.com Thursday, November 30th, 2017 The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has announced that the Talmo Marsh located in southern Republic County is closed to all activity because of the presence of whooping cranes. “The area will reopen when the whooping cranes leave,” says a …
Free Day Popcorn recently was promoted on a national podcast The Simple Show.It’s not every day you hear of a rural Kansas business advertising o a podcast to reach a broader national audience. Speaking national, they are one state away (IDAHO) from having customers in all 50 states, so pass it along to anyone you …
Economic development is key to any community’s survival Commentary Fred Arnold – Telescope Publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com To say that last week’s story in the Telescope regarding economic development caused a stir is an understatement. Though appearing on “inside pages” the story line was that Belleville councilman Dr. Roger McCartney questioned if the city was getting (basically) …
Economic development is key to any community’s survivalRead More »
Small business expert to bring principles of Destination BootCamp to Belleville By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Building communities is a bottom-up process, says small business strategist Jon Schallert. “I’ve been in extremely small towns where businesses pull customers from literally hundreds of miles away,” says Schallert. Some people expect organizations like Chambers of Commerce …
Councilman puts economic development under the microscope By Fred Arnold Belleville Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Are the funds the city of Belleville spends on economic development worth the investment? That was the question asked by one member of the city council on Monday. During the portion of this week’s agenda relegated for paying the bills, Dr. …
Grower Meeting – Thursday, December 14 Grower Information Meeting, hosted by CloudCorp and 81 Corridor Partners, 10 .am., Blair Theater, Belleville. Presented by Dr. Beyer of Kansas State University on the basics of joining a poultry grower network. Tyson representatives will not be present. Sponsored by Citizens National Bank, Cloud County, Republic County and Ottawa …
Saturday, November 25, 2017 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 seven …
BELLEVILLE Nov. 24 – Dec. 31st– Rocky Pond Christmas Lights – Open nightly Thanksgiving through New Years. Like their Facebook page to see updates below. Facebook –www.facebook.com/rockypondchristmas/ Dec. 9th – Friends of the Belleville Public Library Cookie Walk – 9:00 am – till cookies are gone! – www.facebook.com/LibraryBelleville/ Dec. 17th – Carols and Candles – …
Native turns childhood interest into watchful eye WEATHER on the sky By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com If some people follow whichever way the wind blows, it might not be a compliment. But it was a strong wind that pushed Regina Bird into her career, a job where she spends her days warning friends about …
James accepts state job regulating amusement parks By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com The search is on for a new Republic County Attorney. Marlea James, who has served as county attorney nine years, submitted her official resignation Monday to Republic County Commissioners. November 12 is her last day at work. James has been hired by …
CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE A Health Fair at the Crossroads will be staged at Republic County Hospital Thursday, November 9, with 30 booths featuring hospital services and local health care vendors. The fair will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in south lower level of the hospital, in the Intermediate Swing Bed unit …
Small Business Needs Republic County Economic Development (RCED) has expanded resources for entrepreneurs in many ways since becoming an Entrepreneur (E-) Community in 2014. We raised over $300,000 for our county revolving loan fund through the sale of tax credits and grants. Additionally, a percentage of those funds can be used for marketing and programs …
Donors help make ag lab a reality at Republic County By Lasondra Aurand – Telescope intern www.thebellevilletelesope.com On October 20 at the Republic County home football game, the Republic County FFA Chapter will unveil the newly built greenhouse located to the east of the vocational ag building. There will be an open house from 5 …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek – Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com We know Republic County is a great place to call home. Great citizens. Quality lifestyles. Good schools, and communities that love to support young people’s activities. Employers who are ready to hire workers immediately. We can’t understand why everyone wouldn’t want to live here. Except, possibly, because there’s a …
Local businesses and director return from “Destination Bootcamp” with tools to change business, attract new customers Republic County, KS, October 2017 – Belleville’s Monica Douglas, Jeanette Sheets and Scandia’s Megan Melby, owners of Belleville Hometown Lumber, Dairy Queen, and Melby’s Home Center returned this month from a Colorado-based business improvement “Destination BootCamp”, where they learned …
Republic County Economic Development has been awarded $28,900 in tax credits from a state program to add to the revolving loan fund pool. RCED has raised over $300,000 for the revolving loan fund through tax credits and grants from NetWork Kansas while approving six loans totaling $219,145 since 2014, says RCED director Luke Mahin. Republic …
US81 corridor, including Republic County lends support to Tyson bid By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com A chance that egg money could once again provide an economic boost for local farm families is being pursued by CloudCorp, the Cloud County economic development agency. CloudCorp announced plans last week to compete for the Tyson chicken project, …
Council votes to increase size of local police department By Fred Arnold – Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com The “what’s next” has finally been answered. For more than a few Belleville city council meetings, city manager Neal Lewis has been asking what the next step is going to be as far as either keeping a local police department, …
City sells former TIC to pharmacy; will move in 2018 By Deb Hadachek – Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com A longtime downtown business has purchased the former Travel Information Center on US81 Highway at 12th ST and plans to move in early 2018. Tony Bombardier and Kevin Couture, Belleville, owners of Arbuthnot Drug Company, entered an agreement …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Twenty years ago, Republic County Hospital started to plan for renovations needed to a 50-year old building When all the wants and needs were tallied, the total came to $12 to $14 million. Too much, said the hospital board. So everyone got their heads together and whittled and pared and …
Republic event to start fund for earth lodge An event to showcase Pawnee traditions and start a fund to build a historic earth lodge will be held Friday and Saturday, September 29 and 30 at the Pawnee Indian Village Museum and at the Republic School building. On Friday from 2-5 p.m. the Friends of the …
Republic County Economic Development in partnership with LRS Consulting, will be offering free small business courses to Republic County and Cloud County residents. The first two courses will be Wednesday, October 11th and the third course is Wednesday, October 18th. October 11th 5:30 – 9:30 pm Meeting the 3Ms – Learning the Basics of Money, Marketing & …
Who needs to know about the school bond? Editorial – Deb Hadachek Belleville Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com On September 26 at 8 p.m. at East Elementary, the USD 109 board of education will host a public meeting to drill down on the details of a proposed $12 to $16 million school bond issue. You should attend …
Announcing the 2017-2018 Rural Voices Contest The Rural Voices contest is sponsored by the North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC), Beloit, Kansas, to engage the youth of North Central Kansas in thoughtful reflection on rural Kansas and to promote a discussion among citizens based on their insights. The contest, which launched in 2006, has now …
Doubters proved wrong 12th year of Treasure Hunt brings new travelers to US36 By Deb Hadachek Belleville Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com “It will never work.” That’s what a friend told Paul Kallman a dozen years ago when local members of the US36 Highway Association proposed a 400-mile long flea market along the route from state border …
You get a lot of strange looks when you tell someone I’m going on vacation to Kansas! The Courtland Journal Kate Benz A lot of strange looks. Looks that say quite plainly: Are you nuts? And the people that wonder if you’re nuts often follow up their assessment of your mental state with a series …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com It was good news/bad news to learn the Republic County Health Department is once again certified to offer home health care to Medicare clients–but is having trouble finding registered nurses to staff the service. Home health has become an issue as nursing home costs skyrocket. Medicare continually tightens the screws …
Hospital considers addition of outpatient service for Medicare-eligible residents in region The possibility of adding an outpatient mental health service for Medicare-eligible residents of North Central Kansas was presented to the Republic County Hospital board at their meeting Monday Called Senior Life Solutions, the service is a hospital-based outpatient psychiatry program designed to diagnose and treat …
Belleville council wants to sell empty downtown lots, but not too quickly By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Proceed. But proceed cautiously. That was the message members of the Belleville city council put forth Monday following discussion on what the next step is in developing a viable project for the open block of downtown lots. …
BUSINESSES CAN APPLY TO HOST AN INTERN Republic County businesses who might consider an intern for their business and/or want to start considering trying someone out for their retirement replacement can apply now through December 31st for Nex-Gen Round Up for Youth Interns. STUDENTS CAN APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP Additionally, do you know a student who would …
2018 Student and Business Internship OpportunitiesRead More »
Grants are awarded in increments of $500 or greater, up to $35,000* for one project, to individuals, institutions or organizations within a 50-mile radius of Minneapolis, KS, to help fund projects that improve our communities. A maximum of $35,000 will be awarded in any one year. G.L. Huyett reserves the right to award less than $35,000 in a single …
Did you know that Brenda and Ray Danielson raise and sell alpaca products at their farm north of Belleville? They are located between Republic and Belleville and not far off the “Republic black top”. It would be a great stop between the Pawnee Indian Village Museum and HWY 81. Raymond & Brenda Danielson 1880 130 …
By Cynthia Scheer – Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com There will be quite a few new faces in the halls of Republic County Schools this year with the addition of new teachers and staff. The elementary has new teachers for kindergarten, fourth grade and music. There is also a new school psychologist. In the junior/senior high In …
Republic County welcomes nine new teachers this fallRead More »
By Fred Arnold Telescope Publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com The City of Belleville began work on a series of widesweeping changes Monday that would crack down on owners of commercial properties who are in violation of local ordinances. Council members voted in separate motions to contract with the North Central Regional Planning authority, who will inspect local commercial …
Information below from www.ksrevenue.org/prtaxcredits-roz.htmlhttps://www.ksrevenue.org/prtaxcredits-roz.html This incentive has different requirements than the ROZ – Student Loan Repayment Program, which does not require you to move from out-of-state. More information here – www.kansascommerce.com/rural. Income Taxpayer-Effective for all taxable years commencing after Dec. 31, 2011 and before Jan. 1, 2022. A resident income taxpayer that establishes a domicile in a Kansas rural opportunity …
KHC’s new Kansas Stories catalog showcases lectures and discussions available free to Kansas nonprofits, as funding allows. These stories examine our shared human experience — our innovations, culture, heritage, and conflicts. KHC Speakers Bureau presentations are intended for out-of-school adults. Click here to view the Kansas Stories catalog. “Kansas Humanities Council programs are awesome and a real benefit to rural …
Click to see video- https://www.facebook.com/pawneeindianmuseum/videos/1092572727539583/ This drone footage of the Pawnee Indian Museum clearly shows the depressions where the earth lodges were located, and if you look even closer you can make out a fortification wall and storage pit depressions! We would like to extend a huge thank you to Dylan Howard who took this great …
Aerial view of Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic SiteRead More »
Service Characteristics The bus service has three bi-directional trips each day, Monday through Friday, with stops along Highway 81/135 in Belleville, Concordia, Beloit (at the Highway 24/Highway 81 junction), Minneapolis, and Salina. There are two identifiable buses with three drivers along the route each day. An additional 4th route could be added if needed. Transportation …
By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com On Monday Belleville city leaders voted to officially sell the closed Travel Information Center building on US81 and 12th ST, and the downtown lots are commonly known as the Republic Hotel block. On a 5-1 vote, with councilman Doane Sells casting the only dissenting ballot, the TIC will be …
USD 109 board wrestles four hours on what scope of project to recommend to patrons By Fred Arnold – Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County Superintendent Mike Couch openly said he was hoping for a 7-0 consensus among board members at Thursday night’s special meeting. After nearly four hours of discussion what he got was a …
www.kindermusik.com Parents of Kids 0-3: Want to help your child learn through music? Please help Debra Rundus gauge the demand for these classes by filling out this survey and share it with others in the Republic County area.
Cuba native says it’s ethics he learned on farm that helped him pursue global paths By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Two attitudes have guided Jim Trecek’s life. One is: “Go! Go! Go!”. The other: “Nobody ever told me I couldn’t do something.” Those two principles led the Cuba farm boy to travel a path …
Deadline dates: July 21, 2017 – New signs need to be turned in to us along with information/logo and $22.50 per sign. July 26, 2017 – 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 …
Courtland benefits from expanding adult recreation. Thanks to the Courtland Fun Day committee, Bryan VanMeter with the City of Courtland, Alsop Sand Co. with the sand donation, Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District for hauling the sand, and other volunteers we added a second volleyball court in 2016 to the City Park. This helped start our adult …
Courtland benefits from expanding adult recreation.Read More »
North Central Regional Planning July Newsletter www.ncrpc.org July 10, 2017 Nuisance Abatement Program to Begin Every community desires to be an inviting place to live. The NCRPC is rolling out a new pilot Nuisance Abatement Program that will assist communities struggling to deal with “nuisance” properties that are unsafe or not in compliance with ordinances. …
The ‘Swedish Bloom’ quilt block pattern, with a dala horse in the center, was selected by the Larson family of Courtland, to honor their ancestor Arvid Larson who owned the barn. Paul and Beverly Freeman of Courtland later owned the barn and then donated it to the Republic County Historical Society Museum. The barn was …
Councilman asks for bathhouse issue to be re-visited By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com You can hear crickets on a quiet summer night. You could almost hear them Monday at the regular meeting of the Belleville city council. Belleville city council. Councilman Doane Sells said, during the old business portion of the agenda, that he …
Scandia man elected chair of US 36 Highway Association By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Paul Kallman can rattle off a long list of not-to-be-missed businesses and sites just a few blocks off US36 in most towns from the Colorado to the Missouri line That encyclopedic knowledge and passion for the highway makes him an …
Republic County first in state in increase of registered organ donors Republic County has gone from last. That news this week from the Midwest Transplant Network, who said Republic County had the highest percentage of adults who registered as organ donors last year.o first. “Previously Republic had the lowest percentage of adults in the registry …
Commission starts considering future of downtown health department building By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County joins a list of other area counties that have abandoned, renovated or built new health department facilities, commissioners were told June 26. Doug McKinney and Emily Benedict of the North Central Regional Planning Commission said grants are available …
A new regional fixed route bus service will be in operation in early September 2017 for north central Kansas. The Kansas Rides 81 Connection will serve Highway 81 locations from Belleville to Salina with a tentative start date of September 5, according to a press release from OCCK, Inc. OCCK is an agency that provides …
New regional fixed route bus service in the works for North Central KansasRead More »
This photo from the Sept. 15, 1955, Telescope shows the opening of the 20 mile section of US81 pavement between Belleville and Concordia. At 2 p.m. A. Q. Miller cut the ribbon on the U.S. 36 overpass on the semi-cloverleaf, allowing traffi c onto the highway. Before the dedication the men attended a …
County residents start visioning for Hansen $500,000 gift By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com “You have something everyone else wants.” Those were the words of consultant Betty Johnson as she led 75 county residents through a “Strategic Doing” exercise June 20 at Republic County High School. What everyone else wants is money to make their …
Council to interview four of 11 applicants for new chief By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Despite a vote to retain the Belleville police department, the future of the local law enforcement agency is still somewhat murky. Meeting in special session last Thursday members of the Belleville City Council voted 5-1 to retain the department. …
–Telescope photo by Deb Hadachek www.thebellevilletelescope.com Two groups of archealogy and anthropology students from the University of Kansas and other volunteer amateur archeolgoists spent 10 days each at the Pawnee Indian Village State Historic Site south of Republic in June to continue excavation of a Pawnee Indian lodge first opened in 2008. Professor Jack Hofman …
LTC to become Intermediate Swing Bed Unit July 1 www.thebellevilletelescope.com With only nine residents remaining, Republic County Hospital has asked the state to officially license the former long-term care unit as an Intermediate Swing Bed Unit effective this Friday, June 30. “We will maintain a waiting listing,” said hospital administrator Blaine Miller of the eight …
REPUBLIC COUNTY TIRE CLEAN-UP Republic County Economic Development applied for the Dane G. Hansen Clean-Up Grant and successfully secured $11,300 to do a tire clean-up countywide. Champlain Tire Recycling out of Concordia provided a quote to provide tire collection and recycling. Tires will be collected in two separate piles. One for regular vehicle/trailer sized …
County plans to offer three chances to citizens to get rid of old tires By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County has been approved for up to $11,000 in expenses from the Dane Hansen Foundation to conduct a countywide tire cleanup. In addition three communities: Courtland, Narka and Cuba, will receive funds for additioinal …
By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com Mike and Sara Samples have always liked adventure and camping, they said, and she has dreamed of one day having a bed and breakfast. The couple didn’t think they’d be combining the two anytime soon. But then the Cabins at Rocky Pond became reality. When land just west of …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor The assessed valuation for Republic County 2017 is $76,530,152, up $7 million from a year ago, said Republic County Clerk Kathleen Marsicek Monday. For tax purposes, that means that one mill levied in the county will generate $76,530. Last year a mill was worth $69,500. The new mill value is …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek – Telescope Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com There’s an illustration that often gets resurrected about a stranger who comes to town and asks a man sitting outside a gas station “What kind of people live here?” The local man asks “What kind of people live in the place you’re from?” and the stranger recounts the …
Council votes 3-2 to replace old bathhouse with memorial June 15, 2017 By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Local historical preservationist Nancy Holt implored the city council to “make a decision.” The Belleville woman who has spear-headed the effort to save the WPA-era bath house in the city park says she has collected pledges totaling …
The following area students have completed their degree requirements at Cloud County Community College: Amanda Beam of Narka; Kimberly Harig of Belleville; Brady Lowell of Scandia,; Kayla Sly of Belleville; Andrew Seifert of Clyde; Rebecca LeBlanc of Clyde; Adam Templeman of Belleville; Ty Amanda Beam of Narka; Kimberly Harig of Belleville; Brady Lowell of Scandia,; …
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management partnered with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in an effort to combat mosquito population this summer by providing grants to counties to hold waste tire amnesty events. Eight counties participated in holding tire amnesty events. Tires can be breeding grounds for mosquitos …
County leases Rolling Hills building for health department By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor The Republic County Health Department hopes to be back seeing clients late this week in a new location after a quick decision to rent the former Rolling Hills Electric facility on US81 Highway. Republic County Commissioners said the decision was spurred by …
Republic County’s biggest month of the year for small-town festivals, the fair, and fun! AMERICAN AG HERITAGE FESTIVAL JULY 1ST Facebook – www.facebook.com/AmericanAgHeritageFestival/ American Ag Heritage Festival SCANDIA RIVERFEST JULY 7-9TH Facebook Event – www.facebook.com/events/1068817423251320/ Scandia Community Club CUBA HARVEST FESTIVAL JULY 14-15TH Facebook – www.facebook.com/CubaHarvestFestival/ CUBA Harvest Festival COURTLAND FUN DAY JULY 28-30TH Facebook – …
By John Forshee RVED Extension Director Community Development Agent http://www.rivervalley.k-state.edu/ The old saying, “You only get one chance to make a good first impression,” remains so true today and is relevant for our personal lives, our homes, our businesses, and our communities. I recently had the opportunity to go through a training on the First …
Republic County student gets up early to put cattle business before school By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com By the time the school bell rings at 8:11 each morning, 15-year-old Anna Pachta has already milked and fed cows, bottle fed 12 calves and done a variety of other chores before getting ready for school. The …
RCCF distributes grants to a dozen county projects Nearly $62,000 in grants were awarded through the Republic County Community Foundation in the May grant cycle. $54,000 was distributed through funds the RCCF receives from the Dane Hansen Foundation at Logan. Counties in the Hansen area were recently notified they will receive another $150,000 to distribute, …
Area residents turn vacant spaces into rentals for travelers from around world By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletlescope.com Caleb and Gayle Mahin got into the Airbnb market by accident. The Formoso couple purchased a house in town after it sat for sale “for months.” They planned to fix it up to rent out or re-sell, …
2017 Archaeological Field School University of Kansas Department of Anthropology The 2017 field school will be at the late 1700s Pawnee earth lodge village site (14RP1), located in Republic County, north-central Kansas. The site represents a dynamic period of cultural contacts and changes. Significant technological and social changes are expressed through the Native and introduced …
Find more information about the event on their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/events/460138414325697/?
Residents notified LTC service will end by July 10 www.thebellevilletelescope.com Long Term Care occupancy stands at 21 Monday, three weeks after the Republic County Hospital board decided to reduce the number of residents to eight intermediate swing bed patients. The LTC was home to 32 residents at the end of April. Hospital administrator Blaine Miller …
ROZ scholarship recipients ‘repay’ county through tax obligations By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com It’s a scholarship program that seems to be paying for itself. Republic County Economic Development director Luke Mahin said the recipients of the 15 Rural Opportunity Zone scholarships funded by Republic County pay an average of $1,357 in property taxes–just $143 …
A City-School General Election will be held in Republic County on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. The filing deadline for all candidates is 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 1, 2017. School board candidates and candidates for Mayor and City Council must file in the County Clerk’s Office. The following positions are up for election in 2017: • …
City-School General Election Filing Deadline June 1stRead More »
Cavazos is only 4th administrator in hospital’s 57 years Great Plains Health Alliance and Republic County Hospital announced that David-Paul Cavazos has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (hospital administrator) for Republic County Hospital. Cavazos brings more than 10 years of healthcare experience to RCH with strengths in strategic leadership, physician relationships, and …
Students learn grant writing, finance, tech skills on quest to make books accessible By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com It all started with a question. If Pike Valley High School was serious about improving English and reading test scores, why didn’t it have a library? That question set in motion a series of events for …
109 board sees first draft of updates proposed for district buildings By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com The full USD 109 school board got a peek Thursday night at what building updates could make Republic County High School and East Elementary ready for students in future decades. Architect Kelly McMurphy of Landmark Architects, Hutchinson, walked …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor 5,000 tires is one big pile of tires. But Luke Mahin, Republic County Economic Development director, told Republic County Commissioners Monday that’s how many tires might be available for disposal in the county. Commissioners directed Mahin to move forward with a community clean-up grant to the Dane Hansen Foundation to …
Hospital board votes to shut down Long Term Care May 10, 2017 By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com The message last week was very simple and pointed. “We can close one or possibly close both,” Republic County Hospital board member Dr. Cayle Goertzen told a crowd of approximately 25 people last week, referencing if Long …
Commentary Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com It’s very interesting to me how when it comes to the “Republic Hotel Block” that the experts are now coming out of the woodwork. With the series of building that once were: The Republic Hotel, The Print Shop, JC Penney and Coast To Coast now nothing more than a …
A little foresight would have been better than trying to save the debrisRead More »
Viewpoint By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Money doesn’t grow on trees, but there’s an awful lot of it available right now for those willing to provide a little time or talent. Local organizations have until May 1 to apply for the latest round of Republic County Community Foundation (http://republiccountycf.org/) grants. $35,000 is available, including …
Secret to Czech pastry is practice, says local baker By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com It’s just an experiment, Katherine Wilber insists. Two egg yolks or one egg? Whatever you like. No mashed potatoes or potato flakes? Throw in a little cake mix. Expensive flour? “I think it all comes out of the same spout,” …
Pike Valley to add rotation of tech classes for 8th grade students By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Eighth graders will get a taste of high school next year at Pike Valley. Principals Jeremy Luedke and Mike Gritten told the USD 426 school board April 10 that they plan to give the junior high students an …
PV 8th Grade to test out ag, industrial arts, business and artRead More »
By Toby Nosker KNCK News Director Halle Hartner and Natalie Wise, 7th graders from Republic County Junior High School, won $500 this week at the 2017 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) State Championship. Thirty-three businesses consisting of 48 students presented their entrepreneurship concepts on Monday, April 24th. Student teams submitted a written executive summary and presented …
Students Qualify for State Youth Entrepreneurship ChallengeRead More »
If you live in one of Kansas’ Rural Opportunity Zone counties, you may be eligible for: NO COST energy audits Renewable energy site assessments And more! Contact us today to find out how you can receive a written report of energy audit results, recommendations for cost effective energy efficiency improvements, and an estimate of energy …
The Telescope staff earned three first place awards in Division II for weekly newspapers at the Kansas Press Association Better Newspaper contest. Awards were announced at the annual convention April 7-8 in Topeka. The Telescope’s editorial page was judged first in the division. 7he editorial page is a joint effort of staff Fred Arnold, publisher, …
Telescope tops categories in KPA Awards of ExcellenceRead More »
Council studies ‘problem’ of compliance by both home-based businesses and vacant building owners By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Belleville city leaders describe it as a problem that’s been allowed to go on entirely too long. On Monday members of the local city council discussed two hot-button issues: people who operate businesses from within a …
Butamax buys Nesika, says it will bring jobs, demand for grain By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com “It’s a win-win for everyone.” Those were the sentiments of Stuart Thomas, CEO for Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC, following Monday’s announcement announcing the sales of Nesika Energy LLC of Scandia to Butamax in a 50/50 joint venture with …
BP And DuPont Joint Venture Acquires Nesika Energy LLC And The Ethanol Facility In Scandia Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC, a 50/50 joint venture between BP and DuPont that combines expertise in fuels with industrial biotechnology, announced the acquisition of Nesika Energy LLC and its state-of-the-art ethanol facility in Scandia, Kan. Butamax will now start the …
Republic Hotel block demo is filling cells at landfill faster than expected By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Local government officials who thought they finally had all the details sorted out about the Republic Hotel block saga discovered this week not everything is sorted out. How the debris is sorted when it arrives at the …
100 Years – The Belleville Telescope The Belleville Telescope March 22, 1917 Belleville’s Building Growth This Community Shows many Signs of Future Growth and Development. The opening of spring will see considerable activity in the building boom in Belleville. A number of residences and modern bungalows are planned and several business buildings as well. A …
Final collection date for the Republic County Countywide Cleanup is this Sunday, April 2. County crews will pick up items for disposal next week. Collection points have been established in Cuba, Narka, Munden, Scandia, Courtland and Republic. Areas are marked for different types of material to be sorted and placed in appropriate piles: wood construction/furniture; …
Countywide clean-up sites available through SundayRead More »
Local citizens send hay, money for fencing supplies to southwest Kansas By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com The people of Republic County are showing their support for ranchers who lost cattle, hay, fences, and grass in the southwest Kansas fires earlier this month. Local farmers are donating hay, fuel costs and the use of semi …
$1,844.00 Raised of $4,280.00 Raised by 16 people in 22 days In 2008 technology burst onto the scene at Pike Valley High School which impacted the function of the library. The library lost its’ luster and was doomed to almost extinction. The book inventory went downhill, the services of a librarian were halted due to …
Republic County Economic Development in partnership with LRS Consulting, will be offering free small business courses to Republic County and Cloud County residents. The first two courses will be Wednesday, May 3rd and the third course is Wednesday, May 10th. May 3rd 5:30 – 9:30 pm Meeting the 3Ms – Learning the Basics of Money, Marketing …
2017 Prairie Wildfires – FULL LENGTH from Arable Media on Vimeo.
25 Years The Belleville Telescope March 19, 1992 Contractors’ Bids For Medical Arts Center $100,000 Below Estimates The bid opening Tuesday afternoon, March 17, for the North Central Kansas Medical Arts Center in Belleville revealed a low bid nearly $100,000 below the architect’s estimates. Oetinger-Lloyd Construction of Clay Center was apparent low bidder with a …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek – Telescope Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com While the destruction of the Republic Hotel block in Belleville Monday was cause for great interest and comment, it’s likely that the demolition of downtown buildings is not over in Belleville, or other communities like it. In Belleville, city fathers are worried about a half dozen other vacant …
Belleville, KS – Republic County Economic Development, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, hosted the 1st Annual Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Monday, March 6th at the RCHS Library. Eleven teams competed from Pike Valley and Republic County schools. Students were judged on three items: three-page executive summary, two-minute elevator pitch, and tradeshow booths. Shannon …
NCK Farm and Food Policy Council Formed A NCK Farm and Food Policy Council has been formed that encompasses all 12 counties in the North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) primary service area. Council members who bring a variety of expertise to the table, met for the first time on February 24. Members include Ellen Barber, Deana Betts, Aaron Floresch, Brenda Guitierez, Kelsey Hateshol, Chris Janssen (of C&C High Tunnel Farms in Scandia), Lance Nobert, Greg Renter, Julie Roller, Jennifer Simmelink, Ashley Svaty, and Gaylene Zier‐Ryan. The Council will help bolster connections between producers and customers, vendors and marketers; and will be positioned to take advantage of various funding programs and partnerships/collaborations. Project Summary Project Description: Form a NCK Farm and Food Policy Council Partners: NCRPC, LiveWell Saline County. These partners also wish to recognize the support of the Greater Salina Area Community Foundation and the Kansas Health Foundation. Goal: Add value to the agricultural sector of the region while bettering the health of consumers. Some issues that may be addressed include increased local food availability, healthy food habits, and market access. Project Contacts: Doug McKinney NCRPC Executive Director | dmckinney@nckcn.com Emily Benedick Community Development Representative | ebenedick@nckcn.com North Central Regional Planning Commission P.O. Box 565 | 109 N. Mill Beloit, KS 67420 | 785‐738‐2218 Our Mission Advancing rural Kansas through comprehensive planning and development services. www.ncrpc.org “Noteworthy in Your Neighborhood” is brought to you by the North Central Regional Planning Commission. It intended to inform Executive Board members, local governing bodies and stakeholders of local successes and noteworthy activities in their areas.
Mayor’s tiebreaker gives Chamber & TIC new start By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com It took a tie-breaking vote from Mayor Blaine Miller on Monday to end a stalemate from a sharply divided Belleville city council, but for now, at least, the long embattled Travel Information Center will be morphing into a new use. Miller’s …
Finding Dory Secret Life of Pets Trolls Zootopia Angry Birds Moana Star Wars Miracles from Heaven Jungle Book TMNT Animated movies were the top draw at the Blair Theater in Belleville during 2016. Finding Dory, the sequel to Finding Nemo, attracted 620 viewers during a two week run, edging out the 530 tickets sold for …
Cuba Rock A Thon SATURDAY, MARCH 18 10:00 am Check in Crafts – All Crafters are Welcome (Baked items can be brought in anytime during the week) SUNDAY, MARCH 19 – DIGNITARIES DAY 11:00am Turkey and Dressing Lunch 1:00 pm Rockers Begin, Welcome by Pres. Kevin Henke 1:15 pm Introduction of Dignitaries 1:30 pm …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek – Telescope Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com At the end of an hour-plus presentation of all the activities Republic County Economic Development was involved with in 2016, director Luke Mahin commented that he has been approached by commissioners from other counties with the question “How do we set up an economic development program like yours?” …
Belleville City Attorney Rachel Zenger has resigned. Zenger, who has served as the city attorney since 2014, has accepted a full-time position with another city. Members of the local city council made the announcement Monday following a 15-minute executive session. In another In another high profile, matter Monday city manager Neal Lewis told council members …
Daycare to add pre-school this spring By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com USD 109 board members gave preliminary approval on Monday night to provide a soon-to-expand child care facility with food service. Little Sprouts Daycare owner Ashley Nutsch told school board members that she plans to open a 26-child daycare and pre-school facility on May …
City says no decision yet on police department By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com A group of nearly 40 people packed City Hall Monday to hear an official account of what the future of the Belleville Police Department might be. And while most in the room thought it was a “done deal” that the police …
Wind developer says it may lease more land here than first planned By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com County commissioners learned a tantalizing piece of information in a phone call Monday morning with the development manager of a proposed wind farm in Republic and Washington counties. Sam Massey, development manager in Kansas for NextEra Energy, …
White Rock area barn recipient of Heritage Trust Fund grant By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com A historic barn in extreme northwest Republic County came a step closer to salvation and new life this week. The barn on the Woodland Place Stock Farm will receive a $44,448 grant from the Kansas Heritage Trust Fund for …
White Rock area barn recipient of Heritage Trust Fund grantRead More »
Four generations of Lundblades have called Kackley stone house home By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com The year was about 1870, and Charles Fredrick Lundblade had just arrived near Kackley in a covered wagon with his wife and 12 children. Lundblade, a native of Sweden, had been working at a stone quarry in Missouri when …
Barn near Wayne is older than the railroad By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com Stanley Krohn spent many boyhood hours playing in the hay mow of an old stone barn located south of Wayne. The now-74-year-old Wayne-area man said he didn’t think much about the barn’s uniqueness at the time, though he has grown to …
A tale of two houses Wohlforts kept expanding their farmstead of stone south of Scandia By Cynthia Scheer – Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com A thirty-something Swedishman and his 14-year-old wife settled about 150 years ago on a piece of land about a mile south of Scandia. Thure Wohlfort and Louise Erickson Wohlfort established a 600-acre farm complete …
Wednesday, January 18th, 2017 Republic County Economic Development hosted their 2016 Annual Report at Two Doors Down in Cuba, Kansas. Click below to start the presentation. Before the meeting, the RCED board attended an open house at the Cuba Cash Store with new owner Cheri Cardi. Read more about the Cuba Cash Store business transition …
Cloud Corp is hosting two dates for small business courses coming up in Concordia. Saturday, February 4 or Saturday March 4. 8:00am- 10:00am: Meeting the 3Ms- Learning the Basics of Money, Marketing & Management 10:30am- 12:30pm: Cash Flow Made Easy 2:00pm-4:00pm: The Right Start Using a Business Plan After completion, you will …
Nutritious and Delicious… Come Warm-Up with tasty hot soups! It’s: Republic County Historical Society Museum’s Annual ‘Soup Supper and Bake Sale!’ Hope to see YOU: Sunday, January 29 th , 2017 – on Kansas Day! 4:30pm to 7:00pm held on site at: Golden Bell Haven Senior Center 1401 17 th Street (northeast corner of downtown …
THIS is worth sharing. “Don’t ever apologize for where you’re from – that’s what makes us who we are. That’s our foundation, our values. We’ve had young people move here from urban areas after getting a top class education and they said, ‘I feel like I’m part of something, I’m part of a community.’ It’s …
Olson family has owned limestone house near Courtland for entire 139 year history By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News European houses made of stone are 400-500 years old, Larry Olson said, so the fact that the estimated 139-year-old house he owns near Ada Lutheran Church is still in good shape shouldn’t be an impressive feat. The …
‘Hottest in the summer, and coldest in the winter’ Stone house sheltered Larson through childhood, early marriage By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News Eldon Larson said he remembers his childhood home as being cold and small. The one-and-a-half-story “simple rock house” had a “company” door on the south side that almost no one used and a …
By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com Hidden off the road – and the beaten path – behind trees and crop fields is the Hanson House, a three-room stone house that has been handed down through family for four generations. It is unknown when the house, which is located north of Kackley, was built, but Frank …
Underground mysteries Arched-ceiling cellars are tribute to early masons By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com It’s the architecture underground that draws Jack Hofman to Republic County. The archaeology professor at the University of Kansas digs regularly into the soil at the Pawnee Indian Village State Historic Site at Republic to undercover the round earth lodges …
Early builders carved their names in stone for future legacy By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebelevilletelescope.com Beverly Kunc said she “had always heard” that there was a stone house with a plaque above the door that was built by her great-great-grandfather, Paul Svoboda. It took her several years to realize that the house was only …
Rural Courtland landmark also called ‘old cheese factory’ By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News In Republic County’s southwest corner there is an old, falling down stone house and barn that sets along a well-traveled blacktop road. To some, the property is known as “the old cheese factory.” To others the property is referred to as “the …
Belleville Telescope Wed, 10/23/2013 www.thebellevilletelescope.com The University of Kansas, Department of Anthropology’s archaeological field school spent six weeks working in Republic County this summer, led by Dr. Jack Hofman (back row, left). — During the three 10-day work sessions students camped at Rocky Pond in Belleville, at Republic working at the Pawnee Indian Village, and …
‘Scotch Castle’ built by elite Minersville family By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com Minersville was once home to two stone castles: The French Chateau of Charles Murray, and the 1878-built Scotch Castle of Alexander Henderson. The Hendersons, who came from Scotland, were prominent miners lived in a still-visible dugout until Alexander Henderson built the family a …
Set in Stone: Scotch Castle / French Chateau – MinersvilleRead More »
Little history remains of iconic house north of Cuba By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News Very little is written about the “Shimek place.” Locals with connections to the stone house, which is located about three miles north of Cuba, know little about the property and refer questions to the 1975 limestone publication “Land of The Post …
From The Belleville Telescope – June 8, 2016 – By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News It’s called the old Seapo Mill. It was once a state-of-the-art steam flour mill. More than three decades ago it underwent an estimated $250,000 rennovation as it was transformed into a dream home for a well-to-do Alaskan. The longtime-empty home with broken …
Early mentors inspire Ritterling to continue machining skills as sideline By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com At the age of 12, Jason Ritterling was straightening aluminum irrigation pipe in exchange for cans of pop, candy bars and stories of Leon “Hank” Krause’s fishing trips and days in the Navy. “These are memories that I cherish …
Buffs sweep Fiesta Bowl parade awards By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Outstanding Marching, Outstanding Drum Major. Outstanding Music. Outstanding Percussion. Outstanding General Effect. First Place in Class AA And the Special Award to the Program that Most Embodies the Fiesta Bowl. The Republic County Marching Buffs had to make room for some metal on …
A look back at 2016 – The Belleville Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com January No one in the community of Belleville has stepped up to inquire about filling the vacant council seat created when Blaine Miller ascended to the position of Mayor following the resignation of mayor Tatum Couture. The previous opening garnered 4-5 inquiries. A dispute between …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek, Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Like each year, the 365 days of 2016 brought change to Republic County. As we look back on the events of the year, these are some of our dreams for the county in the coming year: The initial success of the Love’s Travel Plaza on US81 will attract other …
Fred Arnold – Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Vision. Having a vision to see what a community is and what it can be is a good feature, I think. My old boss and Telescope publisher Merle Miller had it. I reference the following story a lot and will do it again in this space. In the early …
Commentary: Look down the street and tell me what you seeRead More »
City Manager Pleased With Demo Bids, Wrecking Ball To Swing Soon By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Belleville City Manager Neal Lewis said it has been a long time coming but “the train is definitely pulling in the station.” On Thursday city officials opened bids for the On Thursday city officials opened bids for the …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek – Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com I move very fast but I don’t have feet, You can hear me but not for my mouth, I can bring down a building yet I’m not a machine…what am I ? –Children’s riddle As I listened to a December gale buffet the house early this morning, I thought …
View Point – Trying to guess the direction of the windRead More »
County, wind farm company agree to permit, but not financial details By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletlescope.com Timing is everything. And for Republic and Washington counties, the timing of a proposed wind farm maybe a little too late to gain the windfall of tax revenues that some other counties have received from wind development. Republic …
The Rural Digital Divide In rural Mississippi, the digital divide is still a relevant barrier to economic advancement. Overcoming that obstacle is an idea that is long overdue. Roberto Gallardo explains the impact that high-speed connectivity could make on a struggling population and the extension service model he is using. Roberto Gallardo is an Associate …
The Rural Digital Divide | Roberto Gallardo | TEDxJacksonRead More »
County commission works to negotiate a payment in lieu of tax agreement with wind farm company before December 31 By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Republic County Commissioners met in a closed door session with officials from NextEra Energy Monday to hammer out terms of a conditional use agreement for a proposed wind farm in …
Scandia farmers hope to replace commercial fertilizers with compost By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com The Robisons are in the composting business. Brothers Delton and Doyle Robison began the composting project this spring and said they plan to have the compost available for purchase by Spring 2017. The brothers, who farm with their children and …
The North Central Kansas Coordinated Transit District has launched www.ksrides. org, a website devoted to improving public transportation in north central Kansas. Www.ksrides.org will provide consumers in north central Kansas easy access to all the public transportation providers in the eight county region of Saline, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa, Mitchell, Cloud, Jewell and Republic. The transit …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com Melinda Pierson has left her mark on Main Street. Pierson became the first executive director of the Belleville Main Street program 14 years ago soon after the program was established in Belleville. Later she also took on the duties of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, and the two programs …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com For nearly 45 years, the man known by many in Republic County as simply “Sheriff Bob”, hunted criminals. These days Robert Blecha still roams the roads in Republic County, hunting for pheasants or dry fields of milo to harvest. Election Day 2016 marked the 50th anniversary of when Blecha, …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor Belleville council member lobbies county for financial support, help with oversight of TIC The work to promote tourism should be a county effort, believes Belleville City Council member Doane Sells. On Monday, he pitched that idea to Republic County Commissioners, asking for funding and members to serve on an expanded …
‘A win-win’ Wind energy company meets with county to begin negotiations for road, tax agreement By Deb Hadachek Belleville Telescope editor It might be years before a wind farm is built in Republic County–if ever. But Republic County Commissioners have just six weeks to decide whether to negotiate a payment in lieu of taxes with NextEra …
The Republic County Head Start will have a new home next year, although that location is not yet decided. The lease for the free pre-school, located in Belleville on L Street just south of the post office, ends at the end of June 2017 and will not be renewed. Senior director Lisa Stonehouse said she …
Head Start to lose building, looking for new preschool facilityRead More »
From North Central Regional Planning’s monthly newsletter – http://www.ncrpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1611.pdf NCRPC/NCKCN Hosted Bi-Annual Banquet in Abilene National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, or NBAF, Liaison, Dr. Ron Trewyn, was the featured speaker at the NCRPC Bi-Annual Banquet on November 3 in Abilene. The NCRPC also hosted the banquet on behalf of its not-for-profit affiliate, North Central Kansas Community …
From North Central Regional Plannings monthly newsletter – http://www.ncrpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1611.pdf New Economic Innovation Center Begins Work in Northwest Kansas Increasing economic opportunities, enhancing the quality of life, and reversing the population decline within Northwest Kansas are the primary long-term goals of the newly formed Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc. (NWKEICI). The NWKEICI, headquartered in Norton, Kansas, …
New Economic Innovation Center Begins Work in Northwest KansasRead More »
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek – The Belleville Telescope www.thebellevilletelescope.com A few weeks ago when I was visiting with Cheri Cardi about her purchase of the Cuba Cash Store, she made a comment on how important every dollar of property and sales tax is to our county. That is an idea people often thoughtlessly stomp on when …
Monday, March 6th, 2017 Public Welcome – 6:30 pm / Awards – 7:30 pm Republic County HS Library 2405 P St, Belleville, KS 66935 Republic County to Host Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in March Belleville, KS – Republic County E-Community, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, announces the Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge will take …
Republic County to Host Youth Entrepreneurship ChallengeRead More »
The Republic County Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) began January 2011 – 2015 and was renewed for another five years extending into 2016-2020. In the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, the eligible property owner receives a 5-Year tax rebate of 95%, 90%, 70%, 40%, & 20%, respectively – for those who are current on taxes and whose investment …
Team qualifies for regionals in Arkansas The 2016 Pike Valley Robotics Team competed Saturday at Koch Area on the Wichita State University campus and earned a spot in the regional competition held in Arkansas in December. Ryne McCreight, Brayden Carlgren, and Trevor Allen drove the robot for six rounds to advance to the semi-finals where …
NOTICE The Republic County RCD Committee will meet Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm to consider business development applications that have been received in a timely fashion. Applications must be received in the Republic County Clerk’s office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2016. Applications are available at the Republic County Clerk’s office. …
Revolving Loan Fund – $233,000+ Available for Local BusinessRead More »
Oxygen company serves patients within an hour radius By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletlescope.com Business is personal for Central Plains Respiratory and Medical’s Deanna Morris. The Republic County native opened her own business in downtown Belleville last December and said she now takes care of people she’s known her whole life. The registered respiratory therapist …
Massage therapy offers techniques to improve lives of all ages By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com Business is good for Deidre Banahan. The massage therapist said her number of clients has grown since she moved her business Relax Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks into her downtown Belleville location from her home in Cuba about 10 months …
RCED is going to share a new episode from the Wabash, IN Small Business Revolution – Main Street Series each week. If you missed the first episode click here. Republic County businesses deal with similar issues like the owners of Harry’s Old Kettle Pub & Grill. My biggest take-away has been that our local businesses can …
Small Business Revolution – #2 HARRY’S OLD KETTLE PUB & GRILLRead More »
Cuba’s grocery store will transition to new ownership next week By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelscope.com Bologna and brisket, a full line grocery store and fresh meats will continue to be a mainstay on Cuba’s main street. Cuba Cash Store owner Laverna Huncovsky expects to pass her apron to new owner Cheri Cardi, Cuba, next …
I recently came across the online series Small Business Revolution. Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer at Deluxe, along with Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec, employed their marketing and business expertise to help six small businesses learn more about what it takes to compete in their local and regional markets. I encourage you to …
Nominate Belleville for the Small Business RevolutionRead More »
Molli B Polka Party Saturday, October 15 – Cuba Community Hall, Cuba, KS – 7:00-10:00pm Tickets are $15.00. Children through 10-years of age are FREE. Teenager’s (11-18) admission is $5.00. Doors will open at 5:30. Food is available from 6:00-7:00. The hall is on the south end of Main Street. To purchase tickets on-line with …
NextEra Energy continues to lay groundwork for possible wind farm By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com While company officials say there is nothing new to report, NextEra Energy continues to explore the potential for a wind farm in Republic and Washington counties. “We continue to work to acquire land for the project and we are …
Wednesday I had chance today to visit with Corey Winesburg and his students from Oklahoma’s Northeast Technology Center, a high school in Afton, Oklahoma. They made the trip to Courtland’s Depot Market to pick specialty estrella pumpkins for their annual Punkin’ Chunkin’ competition. A few years ago a Tusla produce retailer lead Corey to Dan Kuhn’s farm to source more estrella pumpkins. Dan happens …
NOTICE OF GRANT REQUEST DEADLINE THE LEVA AND FRANK DUCLOS FOUNDATION The semi-annual meeting of the Advisory Board of the Leva and Frank Duclos Foundation is scheduled for Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at The Citizens National Bank in Concordia, KS. Special requirements must be met when applying for a grant: 1. Requests will only be …
Leva & Frank Duclos Foundation Requests Due Oct. 28thRead More »
‘The need is huge’ for child care, preschool, providers say By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com The need for daycare and pre-school providers is great, local childcare providers said. Both Chris Kirkpatrick and Ashley Nutsch opened new facilities in Belleville this fall and said their daycares are already full, and they have a waiting list. …
NOTICE The Republic County RCD Committee will meet Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 7:00 pm to consider business development applications that have been received in a timely fashion. Applications must be received in the Republic County Clerk’s office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016. Applications are available at the Republic County Clerk’s office …
Belleville Travel Center will close this time… for good By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.thebellevilletelescope.com Mayor Blaine Miller broke a 3-3 tie on Monday casting the final vote which will close the Kansas Travel Information Center located in Belleville permanently. Following nearly 40 minutes of testimony and debate members of the local city council unanimously …
www.thebellevilletelescope.com Work has progressed quickly this fall on a $350,000 project to improve the ballfields in Belleville and create a walking trail around the Belleville City Park, across the NCK Free Fairgrounds, connecting with 12 ST to Rocky Pond at the Fair and Lions Fields. Belleville City Manager Neal Lewis said the city received a …
KDA Seeks Participants for Statewide Survey of Specialty Crops The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension are seeking specialty crop producers to participate in the Statewide Survey of Specialty Crop Production. A specialty crop is defined by the USDA as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and dried fruits, as well as horticulture and …
Luke Mahin, RCED Director, had the opportunity this week to visit with NPR affiliate KCUR 89.3 in Kansas City. The program talks about young people returning to rural Kansas and state wide efforts to bring more young people back. Listen to the full program online here – www.kcur.org/post/how-rural-communities-are-working-bring-young-people-back#stream/0 Learn more about Marci Penner and the Kansas …
How Rural Communities Are Working To Bring Young People BackRead More »
Rural Voices Youth Contest Announcing the 2016-2017 Rural Voices Contest The Rural Voices Contest is sponsored by the North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) to engage high school seniors in North Central Kansas in thoughtful reflection on rural Kansas and to promote a discussion among citizens based on their insights. The contest, which launched in …
Vendors see new faces, demand for smaller items at Treasure Hunt By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com Fewer buyers turned out for last week’s Treasure Hunt. Vendors said people who have been coming for years didn’t stop this year, and many of the shoppers were new. There were far fewer people traveling with trailers, vendors …
Republic County Economic Development in partnership with LRS Consulting, will be offering free small business courses to Republic County and Cloud County residents. The first two will be Wednesday October 12th and the third course is Wednesday October 19th. All courses will be held at the Belleville City Office 1819L Street Belleville, Ks. RSVP by calling Luke Mahin …
Waste not, want not VIEWPOINT Editor, Deb Hadachek www.thebellevilletelescope.com Probably most of us wouldn’t drive down the highway and toss dollar bills out the window. But I feel like we might be doing something just as wasteful if we don’t come up with some creative ideas to use more than $80,000 the Republic County Community …
Shop Talk Coffee time keeps sense of community, relationships in small towns By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com It’s not about the coffee. It’s about seeing friends. And checking in. And hearing the local news. And sharing goodies. And, okay, it might be a little bit about the coffee, especially if it’s free. People don’t …
“IT WILL NEVER WORK”. This is the statement made to me by a good friend when he heard about our plans to create a 400 mile garage sale from Missouri to Colorado along US 36 Highway. The idea originally came about by three Scandia individuals, Jim Erickson, Jane Ann Carlgren and Paul Kallman wanting to generate interest for our …
11th Annual – HWY 36 Treasure Hunt – Sept. 16-18thRead More »
Kansas Global Signs Export Promotion Contracts With Kansas Department of Commerce and City of Wichita www.kansasglobal.org The Kansas Department of Commerce, along with the City of Wichita, has signed contracts with Kansas Global Trade Services. This will give Kansas businesses direction on the road to the international marketplace. The contracts provide funding for two separate …
Fast friendships Motel guests, race fans celebrate 25 year friendships in Belleville They thought they were just booking a motel room for race weekend. But somewhere along the way people from Iowa and Nebraska and Arizona and Indiana and California and points in between became friends, mostly centered around their support of Midget driver Jerry …
The Republic County Community Foundation (apply here www.republiccountycf.org) has distributed $102,000 to local projects since 2008. The next round of grant applications is due October 1, and the RCCF has more than $80,000 to distribute. Projects funded in the Spring 2016 disbursement include: Narka Volunteer Fire Department, $5,000 to purchase five large doors for the openings …
Karen Cheney is our FEATURED speaker, and here is her lineage to her family. *Karen Cheney / Edna Mitchell- Karen’s mom / Rosa Bowen; Karen’s grandmother / Andrew and Sara Stromberg; Rosa’s parents / and then Anders Jansson & Anna; Karen’s great great grandparents/THE people who homesteaded in/and at the log cabin/site. *The Log …
RP Co. Historical Society Museum: Log Cabin Presentation & Tours Sept. 6thRead More »
The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is partnering with the Community Foundation to provide community clean-up grants. Grant applications accepted August 1-June 1. Up to $20,000 available for a county wide clean-up day. If applying for an individual community, town, or city clean-up day, grants will be considered at a lesser amount. Grants will be awarded …
The 11th Annual US Hwy 36 Treasure Huntis September 16-18. Find more information on their website – www.ushwy36.com. Below are the map coordinators for each town. Belleville If you are planning to have a sale in Belleville and want to be included on the local map please contact the Belleville Chamber & Main Street Office …
The 2016 KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair, taking place on Tuesday, September 27th, will provide employers the unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with highly-qualified veterans and job seekers. This event will take place in nine different locations throughout the state, allowing employers to choose the most convenient site. Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 Time: 2:30-3:00 p.m. …
Download the PDF form here. NCK Free Fair Signage Form 2016
Grand Funds Announced for Business Assistance Program Wichita, Kan. July 19, 2016 – The Kauffman Foundation recently awarded NetWork Kansas a grant to facilitate business assistance projects in Kansas. A portion of the grant funds will be utilized to send a select number of second-stage Kansas businesses through the Kansas Economic Gardening program. Economic gardening …
County businesses may qualify for business assistance grants.Read More »
www.thebellevilletelescope.com The City of Belleville has a problem that really isn’t unique to our community. Belleville has problems finding people who want to serve on its city council. Local council member Tiffany Hansen Monday unknowingly brought up one of those things that tends to raise my hackles. So did her fellow council mate Steve Scofield. …
Informational meeting at Cuba draws several hundred listeners By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com What’s happening at eye-level can be deceiving. But at 200 and 250’ in the air there are “good drafts” in Republic County, and that’s why a wind energy developer wants to explore the potential for a farm here, says Doug McKinney, …
Feathered Nest creates urban loft environment for customers across the region By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com The Feathered Nest in Belleville is a shopping destination for some who travel US 81. Website: www.featherednestshopping.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Feathered-Nest-115819008448189/ Business manager Lynette Beam said she has been amazed by the number of travelers who see the store’s billboards along the …
US 81/36 ramps to close for construction A road reconstruction project on US-81 in Republic County that began Monday, April 18 has progressed to the point when traffic has been switched to a head to head configuration, reports the Kansas Department of Transportation. The project begins 8 miles north of the Cloud/Republic County line one …
A new kind of farm? Wind company says it is in ‘very, very early’ stages of testing Republic County for wind turbines By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com A wind energy company is serious about developing a wind farm in Republic County. But whether that project will become a reality is yet to be …
via www.ncktoday.com Love’s Travel Stop & Country Store in Belleville is scheduled to open Thursday, June 30th. The 24/7 store, built on the northwest corner of 7th Street and US Highway 81 in Belleville, is to include a Subway restaurant, showers for professional drivers and approximately 66 truck parking spaces and 36 motorist spaces will also …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com A Florida-based wind energy company is visiting with landowners in Republic and Washington counties about the potential development of a wind farm. A representative of NextEra Energy Resources LLC plans to meet with Republic County Commissioners at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 27, and with Washington County Commissioners at …
Prairie Land Food Announces Updates to Monthly Menus Prairie Land Food Announces Updates to Monthly Menus New Package, New Prices Visit them online at www.prairielandfood.com Prairie Land Food announced the upcoming updates to their monthly menus which will include the new “Mega Box” as well as new pricing on popular Prairie Pak, Meat Only and the …
Prairie Land Food Announces Updates to Monthly MenusRead More »
If you get bored in Republic County from July-August you are doing it wrong!!! CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER!!!!! American Ag Heritage Festival – July 2nd – Belleville 7:00 AM Flag Raising 7:30 AM 5k Fun Run Registration begins Sponsored by BDefined Fitness Start & Finish at 19th & M St. 8:00 AM 5k run/walk starts …
The Belleville, KS Cruise-in at the Crossroads is Father’s Day weekend, June 17-18. The event features a free meal and entertainment on Friday evening during the cruise-in followed by a car, motorcycle and truck show on Saturday. The event begins on June 17 with the Friday night cruise-in in downtown Belleville around the courthouse square. …
Student loan program reaps tax benefits for Republic County By Deb Hadachek Telescope editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com It’s the gift that keeps giving back. Republic County’s investment in the Rural Opportunity Zone scholarship program has attracted the interest of some 45 applicants, Republic County Economic Development Director Luke Mahin told Republic County Commissioners Monday. A snapshot of …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek Editor www.thebellevilletelescope.com I was visiting with board member Troy Carlgren, who noted he is the third or fourth generation of his family to take a turn serving on a school board in Republic County. We talked about the changes in school districts we’ve seen in the last 10 and 20 and 30 …
By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News www.thebellevilletelescope.com And people said they’d never make it. City manager Neal Lewis said there was a lot of skepticism last October that the new pool would open by Memorial Day. Construction was complete with a couple weeks to spare, he said of the nearly $1.9 million project that began Oct. …
BAK 2016 Route and Itinerary Total Mileage: 491 Friday, June 3 (early start) Colorado Border to Saint Francis: 14 Saturday, June 4 (regular start) Saint Francis to Oberlin: 69 Sunday, June 5 Oberlin to Phillipsburg: 66 Monday, June 6 Phillipsburg to Mankato: 60 Tuesday, June 7 Mankato to Belleville: 59 Wednesday, June 8 Belleville to …
Private Daycare Workshop Monday, June 13 (7:00-8:30 p.m.) Astra Bank meeting room, Belleville “Private daycare providers are in demand in north-central Kansas! To help solve this shortage, the Republic Co. Economic Dev. office along with RVD Extension is sponsoring an ‘informational & recruitment’ program for persons interested in starting a home-based child care business. Health Department …
Luke Mahin is a new board member representing Republic County on the North Central Regional Planning Commission board. The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) is committed to advancing rural Kansas through comprehensive planning and development services. We provide multiple services to our core planning area in North Central Kansas in addition to contracted administration …
To the Class of 2018, 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! …
Republic County can send up to ten businesses to this workshop for free if you sign up before May 16th. Contact Luke Mahin RCED 785-374-3047 or email rced@nckcn.com. This public workshop is helpful to anyone and can be beneficial to those interested in attending his bootcamp in Colorado. Learn more at http://jonschallert.com/bootcamp/ WHAT CLIENTS AND SESSION ATTENDEES …
From The Belleville Telescope – www.thebellevilletelescope.com April 26, 2016 Dear editor: Small town living is wonderful. Living in Munden KS is so enjoyable. It was so unbelievable how the community came together and helped each other after the tornado Sunday night. To all our friends and neighbors in Cuba, Narka, Haddam, Mahaska, Clyde– thank you …
New resident impressed with response to Munden tornadoRead More »
Volunteer (noun) – A person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. “Ever thought about giving of your time or talents to help others? Want to see community projects succeed? My name is Nicholas Piroutek. I am an 11 year member of the Discovery 4-H Club. As a …
Read the full Telescope weekly online www.thebellevilletelescope.com. By Deb Hadachek Belleville Telescope editor There’s a difference between affordable housing and low income housing. But most people aren’t aware they aren’t one in the same, says Craig Reed of Perry Reed Properties, Lincoln NE, which manages the new Buffalo Apartments in Belleville. That confusion has led some people …
Belleville Chamber & Main Street is offering two Business Courses Wednesday April 27th with instructor Luke Mahin at the Belleville Public Library. There are two classes. You may attend one or both. The cost of the entire evening is $5 for Chamber & Main Street members and $10 for non-members.Sign-up prior to the class at …
Republic County Economic Development in partnership with LRS Consulting, will be offering free small business development courses to Republic County and Cloud County residents on Wednesday May 11th and Wednesday May 18th at the Belleville City Office 1819L Street Belleville, KS. If you have questions or would like to RSVP call Luke Mahin at (785) – …
Small Business Development Courses May 11th & 18thRead More »
NOTICE OF GRANT REQUEST DEADLINE THE LEVA AND FRANK DUCLOS FOUNDATION The semi-annual meeting of the Advisory Board of the Leva and Frank Duclos Foundation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at The Citizens National Bank in Concordia, KS. Special requirements must be met when applying for a grant: 1. Requests will only be …
Voters will decide hospital sales tax question beginning next week Registered voters in Republic County will begin to receive mail ballots next week to vote on a question on whether to extend a one-cent sales tax to benefit Republic County Hospital. Ballots will be mailed April 20, and are due back to the Republic County …
City Manager makes case for implementing building standards By Fred Arnold Belleville Telescope publisher Belleville City Manager Neal Lewis said Monday it’s about trying to get people to do the right thing. At this week’s city council meeting Lewis said he is in favor of implementing a vacant building ordinance that would “have some teeth” in …
Biking Across Kansas is coming through Belleville this year and will have an overnight stop on June 7th at the Republic County USD #109 High School. There will over 800 people on the trip and we want to make Belleville and Republic County a very memorable, enjoyable and entertaining stop for them. Ideas and volunteers …
Viewpoint – Deb Hadachek www.TheBellevilleTelescope.com Some 25 years ago when I started to cover Republic County Hospital board meetings for the Telescope, I was welcomed with open arms. Not all governmental agencies feel that way about the media when they show up to report on their meetings. “We want the people in Republic County to …
The 22nd annual Northern Exposure Show will be Sunday, April 19, at the NCK Free Fair grounds in Belleville. Check-in for the youth show will begin Saturday evening and a mountain oyster supper will be served to the contestants and their families. Check-in continues at 7 a.m. Sunday morning with the show starting at …
Luke Mahin, RCED Director, and Christy Hopkins, Unified Greeley County Community Development Director, were asked to speak at this year’s Rural Opportunities Conference in Dodge City, Ks on April 5th. Below is the agenda for this portion of the conference with presentations. Demographics for Our Area – Where are we now? Before we set our …
Growing grant opportunities Dane Hansen promises new funding source for community foundations By The Belleville Telescope www.danehansenfoundation.org The potential pot of funds to grow local projects just got bigger. The Dane G. Hansen Foundation announced this week a commitment to infuse up to $150,000 in new funds for 2016 in each of the 26 counties …
Monday, March 7, 2016 Applications are being accepted now from Kansas-based startups for Kansas State University’s third annual Launch a Business program, which provides the building blocks to turn a concept into a successful venture. | Download this photo. MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is seeking applications from Kansas-based startups to participate in its third annual K-State …
Kansas State University seeks innovative startup ideas for Launch a Business programRead More »
Republic County Economic Development and Cloud Corp, in partnership with LRS Consulting, will be offering Small Business Development Courses to Cloud County and Republic County business owners Saturday, April 2nd at Elk’s State Bank beginning at 8:00 am. To sign-up for the Small Business Development Courses, contact Cloud Corp at (785) 243-2010. Meeting the 3Ms – …
By Cynthia Sheer Telescope News www.TheBellevilleTelescope.com Jerry and Pamela Cash knew Belleville would be their home as soon as they walked into the fixer-upper house located just west of Food Mart Thriftway. For a year the Lincoln, Neb., couple had been spending their weekends touring towns in Kansas and Iowa as they looked …
More than $56,000 in grant dollars are available to local projects in this spring’s distribution by the Republic County Community Foundation. Applications are due April 15 and can be made online at www. republiccountycf.org. $50,000 of the funds come from the Dane Hansen Foundation, which makes money available for community projects in 26 northwest Kansas …
$56,000+ in grants available for Republic County projectsRead More »
Deb Hadachek Belleville Telescope Editor A couple weeks ago I was in Wichita at a Kansas Hospital Association meeting for hospital trustees when one of the board members at my table dared to grumble about the presence of the news media at their meetings. He complained he wanted to ask questions of hospital staff about …
County voters will decide hospital sales tax in May; choose elected officials in November The first candidate for Republic County Commission filed for office this week. Robyn Nelson, Scandia, filed on the Republican ticket for Commissioner District 2. While the focus has been on the national presidential tickets, a full slate of local offices are …
41st ANNUAL CUBA ROCK-A-THON MARCH 13 – 19, 2016 318 ½ HOURS OF “ROCKIN” BELLEVILLE TELESCOPE 41 years and more than a half million dollars raised for community projects through the efforts of more than 12,000 hours of volunteerism. That’s the running tally in Cuba, where the annual Rock-a-Thon kicks off Sunday for a …
By Deb Hadachek Telescope Editor Republic County Commissioners and members of the NCK Industrial Development group met Monday to agree on an easement for a public access road at the Love’s Travel Stop property on US81 Highway. “The county just wants to make sure that we always have access to our property,” said County Commissioner …
By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News A young man walked through the door of Shane Throckmorton’s newly opened automotive business, EST Automotive. He introduced himself and asked Throckmorton if he’d donate $20 for his eight man all-star sponsorship. Without hesitation Throckmorton pulled his checkbook from his chest pocket and wrote a check. “I’m all about helping …
New automotive shop opens on US 36 west of BellevilleRead More »
The Kansas Department of Transportation announced Tuesday, March 1st approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects in Kansas. The letting took place Feb. 17 in Topeka. In North Central Kansas, Pavers, Inc. of Salina, Kansas received the bid for 3.7-miles of a pavement reconstruction project to US Highway 81 in Republic County, beginning …
Discount ticket sales help push Blair Theater attendance over 11,000 in 2015 By Deb Hadachek Belleville Telescope editor Read the entire paper online each week here – www.thebellevilletelescope.com Few businesses can slash their prices to end up in the black. But for the Blair Theater in Belleville, $2 Tuesdays and $3 Thursdays is a strategy …
Republic County current and former residents have over 1,572 unclaimed properties on file with the Kansas State Treasurer. You can find the full list for Republic County here – www.kansascash.com/prodweb/up/ownrlist.php?start=0#proplist Below are other features and resources listed on the site: Search for Property Just For Holders For Veterans For Business and Organizations Status of Claim Search …
Republic County Unclaimed Property List – Kansas Treasurer’s OfficeRead More »
Freitags test waters in wholesale, retail popcorn value-added business By Cynthia Scheer Telescope News The ears of popping corn weren’t supposed to sell this well. As Nate Freitag tells is, his father, Lonny, laughed at him for even trying to market the whole ears of corn and said he’d have the combine ready to run …
New Study Reports on the Vulnerability of Rural Kansas Hospitals 1 in 3 rural hospitals in Kansas are classified as vulnerable and “at risk” of closure. (February 5, 2016) – iVantage® Health Analytics, a leading national provider of health care analytics and decision support tools, released its 2016 Hospital Strength INDEX Study this week, which …
‘Keeping rural hospitals healthy is an urgent matter’Read More »
Becky McCray is a small town business owner in Hopeton, Oklahoma, a community of 30 people. In 2006, Becky started her Small Biz Survival blog to teach small town entrepreneurs simple actions to put into place to save their towns. Following is a great article from Becky about her work: What rural people say they need: The …
Table Tents For those unaware of the term, “table tents” are the trifold piece of paper at almost every food establishment in the county. Table tents are a great way to inform a captive audience in our local eateries about local events, news, and programs. The table tents started as a collaboration between the Belleville …
Viewpoint Deb Hadachek – Belleville Telescope Editor One of two television programs I make a point to watch each week is Fixer Upper, a series on Home and Garden Television. The program follows Waco TX renovators Chip and Joanna Gaines who remodel “the worst house in the best neighborhood”. What caught my attention to Fixer …
Wichita State University – Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR) posted: Where will Kansas be in ~50 years? Check out the #Kansas #PopulationForecast released today! https://youtu.be/PDUvEvB1nm4 See detailed data at www.population.cedbr.org.
Health Promotion Task Force Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes are the leading cause of death and disability in Kansas and account for 75% healthcare costs in the state. The Republic County Health Task Force is striving to improve these conditions in the County. Our current focus is to support implementation of …
While researching for a meeting this month I cam across the website www.censusreporter.org and it had some great infographics that broke down the Census figures for the average person.
Council stymied over lack of interest on vacant seat By Fred Arnold Telescope publisher www.TheBellevilleTelescope.com Zip. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Not one person in the community of Belleville has stepped up to inquire about filling the vacant council seat created when Blaine Miller ascended to the mayor’s position, following the resignation of sitting mayor Tatum Couture. …
KDA to Host Six Regional Agribusiness Development Workshops The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will host six Regional Agribusiness Development Workshops in 2016. The workshops will provide Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses with resources, and current business development and organizational contacts to assist with startups or expansions. The KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing received a …
Belleville to host regional KDA Agribusiness Workshop.Read More »
Contributions from the The Belleville Telescope. January Polansky Seed is raising a new seed cleaning plant at their east campus on US36 east of Belleville. The 60 ft high structure will house a need seed cleaning plant with state of the art equipment, says Mike Baxa, manager. District Court Judge Kim Cudney granted the City …
Time to start again In the December 30th, 2015 edition of The Belleville Telescope Viewpoint – Deb Hadachek We have had a pretty good run in Republic County the past few years. New businesses, tons of new construction, (some which is shown on the front page), healthy farm prices. 2015 ends on a bit of a …
“The rumors of our death are greatly exaggerated.”Read More »
K-State study shows impact of rural health care Article featured in the December 24th, 2015 edition of the Belleville Telescope. A good local health care system may itself be part of the prescription for maintaining a healthy rural economy. That was the bottom line from a study of the economic contribution of Republic County’s health …
Taking the economy’s pulse (Belleville Telescope)Read More »
Herrman House a tribute to Swedish immigrant’s success Set in Stone is a periodic Telescope feature recording the history of limestone landmarks in Republic County. Cynthia Scheer The Belleville Telescope Claes Herrman came to the United States in the 1860s as a poor man. He didn’t even know how to farm. But he learned how …
If you would like your event listed contact Luke Mahin at rced@nckcn.com or call 785-373-3047! Thanksgiving Iced Indian summer made an abrupt exit last week, with an icy Thanksgiving weekend that caused chaos with traditional holiday events in several communities. The Christmas on the Square in downtown Belleville has been rescheduled for the afternoon of …
