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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week With Art Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheetz and Suds Open for Business Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

#ShopSmall Republic County Read More »

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

Northwest Kansas Learn and Live Scholarship Read More »

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

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

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

BCMS Weekly News 10/13/20 Read More »

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

New CEO Announced For Republic County Hospital Read More »

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

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

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

KANcycle Bikes Open for Business Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

A Weighty Recognition Read More »

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

Courtland Businesses Improve Streetscape Read More »

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

Set in Stone: Clark Place Read More »

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

Upcoming Business Events in September Read More »

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

Reinke and CropX Announce Partnership Read More »

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

New Family Medicine Doctor Starts Monday Read More »

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

FHSU/DANE G. HANSEN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Read More »

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

Housing Intern Presentation Summary Read More »

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

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

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

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

RCED Launches Home Expo Read More »

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

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

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

2020 NCK Free Fair Signs Read More »

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

Housing Survey Preliminary Results Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community foundation accepting applications for fall grants Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

Main Street Program Receives State Accredited Status Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RCED Hosts Dane Hansen Community Intern Read More »

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

Kansas Youth Virtual Entrepreneurship Challenge Read More »

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

County Sales Tax Revenues Continue To Rise Read More »

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

Home Ownership Program Announced for Republic County Read More »

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

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

Business Impact Survey Read More »

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

Duclos Grant Deadline is May 8th Read More »

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

Destination Creation Course – Scholarship Read More »

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

Put your money where your farmer is. Read More »

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

Small Business Courses (ONLINE) Read More »

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

A Business In Creation Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cleaning Up The Downtown Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

No Interest Loans To Businesses Read More »

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

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

COVID-19: Business Programs and Resources Read More »

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

Business Conference Call Times Read More »

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

RCHD: COVID-19 Business Press Releases Read More »

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

COVID-19: Republic County Business Updates Read More »

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

County Businesses Asked to Hang Posters Read More »

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

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

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

2020 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Read More »

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

Faulkner Challenge Read More »

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

Hospital Staff Underscores Need For Daycare Read More »

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

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

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

Census Participation Important To Area Representation Read More »

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

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

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

RCED 2019 Annual Report Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

Planting Seeds of Expansion Read More »

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

Commission Hopes State Student Loan Repayment Program Continues Read More »

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

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

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

Local Realtors Swap Ownership Of Agency Read More »

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOCAL GRANTS RP Economic Development / Local Grants Slides by Luke Mahin on Scribd COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Promotional video for NCRPC Community Development – North Central Regional Planning Slides by Luke Mahin on Scribd

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

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

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

December Donations to RCCF Matched by Dane Hansen Read More »

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

Ridership Up Read More »

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

FREE computer classes Jan. 22nd Read More »

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

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

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

Marketing Internship hosted by RCED Available Read More »

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

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

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

BCMS: Weekly News Read More »

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

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

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

What is the impact of #ShopSmall? Read More »

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

The Write Stuff/ No Free Lunch Read More »

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

Local art classes celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week Read More »

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

Republic County unemployment 2.1% in October Read More »

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

Farmers’ Market Regional Workshops Read More »

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

Read Northwest Kansas Today magazine online! Read More »

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

Youth Community Perceptions Read More »

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

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

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

New Curator/Director Hired Read More »

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

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

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

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

#ShopSmall Republic County Read More »

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

Blair Monster Bash To Support Community Movie Theater Read More »

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

BCMS Weekly News Read More »

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

Pinky’s Bar & Grill Survey Read More »

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

Kansas has more jobs than unemployed. Read More »

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

Internships Available for Local Businesses Read More »

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

Radiothon & Health Fair Read More »

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

Northwest Kansas Today Magazine Read More »

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

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

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

They Could And Wood Read More »

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

Downtown Buildings Tour Read More »

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

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

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

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

Local Food Important to NCK Read More »

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

River Valley Extension District – Events Read More »

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

US 36 Treasure Hunt Attracts Thousands Read More »

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

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

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

RURAL & INDEPENDENT INNOVATORS CONFERENCE Read More »

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

2020 – Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Read More »

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

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

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

What A Find Republic County Is Read More »

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

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

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

Cuba Can Do Read More »

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

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

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

Future Of Cuba Cash Grocery Store Is Uncertain Read More »

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

EMPLOYER APPLICATION OPEN FOR HANSEN INTERNS FROM FHSU Read More »

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

Housing Intern Presentation Summary Read More »

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

Local Awards from KDOC Read More »

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

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

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

Rural Single-Family Housing Programs Read More »

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

Faith Works – Refresh Home Project Read More »

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

Young Entrepreneurs Read More »

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

Housing Internship Presentation Read More »

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

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

Kansas Official Travel Guide Listings Read More »

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

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate Read More »

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

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

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

Office of Rural Prosperity Listening Tour – Concordia Read More »

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

RCED hosts Dane Hansen Community Intern Read More »

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

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

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

Local teams win at state Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge Read More »

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

Rural Kansas Counts Read More »

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

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

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

County Health Rankings in a Changing Kansas Read More »

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

Three Youth Entrepreneurship teams qualify for State. Read More »

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

Firing Up Development Read More »

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

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

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

Kansas Tourism Signage Read More »

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

Food Insecurity Read More »

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 …

Inching Closer Read More »

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 …

Tech Help Lab Read More »

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 …

New Director At Pawnee Read More »

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 …

It’s Always Better To Break Bread Together Read More »

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 Courtland Read 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 …

$17 Million Payback Read More »

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

2019 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Read More »

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

Republic County to Host Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge March 5th Read 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 …

Jon Schallert Workshop in Hays Read More »

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

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

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

Spring RCCF Grant Applications Open Read More »

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 …

Housing – KS Rural Revitalization Committee Read More »

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 …

Faulkner Challenge – Business Plan Competition Read More »

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 …

A Story About White Rock Read More »

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 …

Kansas Healthy Food Initiative Read More »

 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 …

Next Steps Read More »

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. …

Panther Producers program featured in news. Read More »

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 …

Individual Development Accounts Read More »

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 Scholarships Read 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 …

Republic County Summer Internships Read More »

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 Revitalization Read 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 …

Ripple Effect Read More »

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 …

Mahin speaks to KS House Ag Committee Read More »

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, KS Read 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 Strong Read More »

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 …

Controling the neighborhoods Read More »

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 …

Homegrown success Read More »

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 facility Read 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 project Read 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 …

Free Webinar – Federal Opportunity Zones Read More »

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 Kansas Read 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 …

RCED Annual Presentation Read More »

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 …

Local businesses featured on KSN Main St. Kansas Read More »

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 …

Rural and Independent Innovators Conference Read More »

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 …

A hand up Read More »

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 businesses Read More »

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 & …

My favorite podcasts Read More »

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,” …

You snooze, you lose Read More »

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 …

Match Month for RCCF Read More »

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 …

Summer Internship Read More »

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. 31st Read 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 …

Courtland Nex-Tech Open House Read More »

“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. …

Hungry Heartland: Rural food deserts in Kansas Read More »

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’ children Read 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 …

Annual Report – RP CO Community Foundation Read More »

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 List Read 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 …

Soul Sister Ceramics featured on KSN News Read More »

  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 Program Read 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 …

Shop Republic County Online Read More »

  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 …

Holiday Events Read More »

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 …

Republic County – Global Entrepreneurship Week Read More »

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 …

Early education Read More »

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 …

Radiothon raises $34,000 Read More »

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: …

RCCF awards $80,000 in fall grants Read More »

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 …

We, the people Read More »

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 Foundation Read 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 …

Health Fair at the Crossroads – Nov. 8th Read More »

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 …

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2019 Read More »

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 Kansas Read 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 Initiative Read 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 …

From 400 to 22 Read More »

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 closing Read More »

www.theblairtheater.com  

  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 …

Small Business Saturday Nov. 24th, 2018 Read More »

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. …

More than a movie theater Read More »

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 …

Health aware Read More »

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 …

Student enrollment stays steady Read More »

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 …

Jon Schallert Workshop: MARION, KS Read More »

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 …

Kansas Trails Council – Presentation Oct. 3rd Read More »

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 …

 Eating our way to local destruction? Read More »

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 …

Cooking up a reason to return home Read More »

  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 …

2017 IPSR Statistics Read More »

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 – …

Think Like an Entrepreneur Read More »

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 students Read 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 …

Leaving a legacy Read More »

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 …

Utah man is new city manager Read More »

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 …

Opportunity in Rural Read More »

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 …

Why Keep 5 in Kansas? Read More »

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 Munden Read 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 …

Tech Opportunity in Rural Kansas Read More »

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 Event Read 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 …

Senior Life Solutions Read More »

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 – Concordia Read 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 Tour Read 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 …

Why Do You Do What You Do? Read More »

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 …

Setting yourself apart in small business Read More »

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 downtown Read 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 …

Anvil Alpacas Farm Days Read More »

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 …

Cuba, Kansas: A Place for Life Read More »

  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 …

Making Courtland a home (base) Read More »

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 New Rules of Business Success – August 8th Read More »

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 …

Courtland Photo Contest Read More »

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 …

Community Food Survey Ends Soon Read More »

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 …

NCK Fair Signs Read More »

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 …

Think Outside the Box: NC KS FARM TOUR Read More »

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 …

#CONNECTINGKANSAS Read More »

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 …

July Festivals in Republic County Read More »

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 …

We’ve got to sell ourselves Read More »

  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 …

T.A.G.’s History Read More »

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. …

Depot Market’s Prairie Berries Read More »

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 Opening Read 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 …

We need entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities Read More »

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 …

Help the economy Read More »

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 …

Public should weigh in on wants vs needs Read More »

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 Council Read 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 …

Getting the word out Read More »

  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 …

Early immigrants Read More »

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 District Read 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 …

Nuisance Abatement Questions? Read More »

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 …

Growing into the community: Munden Garden Mart Read More »

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 Practices Read 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 …

‘There will be tradeoffs’ Read More »

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 …

County begins grant search for health building Read More »

  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 …

Filing deadline June 1 Read 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 markets Read More »

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 market Read 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, …

Live Webinars – National Small Business Week Read More »

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 Challenge Read 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 …

Belleville residents urged to ‘clean-up’ Read More »

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 …

Lasting impact Read More »

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 week Read 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 …

Launch & Grow: Business Resources / Networking Read More »

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 …

Business growth Read More »

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 …

2018 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Read More »

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 …

Cuba Rock A Thon March 18-24th Read More »

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 …

Giving back Read More »

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 …

Where’s your beef coming from? Read More »

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 …

Yes! Read More »

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 …

WeKan! Conference 2018 Read More »

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 …

No emergency, but … Read More »

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 …

Specialty Crop Workshop – Scandia Read More »

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 …

County – High School & College Internships Read More »

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 …

More than a meal Read More »

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 …

Nuisance to neighbor Read More »

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 ourselves Read 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 …

Vote Now Read More »

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 …

Boosting services Read More »

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 …

Panther Producers Read More »

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 …

How I Started – Republic County Read More »

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. …

Back to nature Read More »

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 …

Questioning the old ways Read More »

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 …

I am voting yes – Editorial Read More »