Lincoln’s downtown commercial district was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places on June 1, 2020. The district’s buildings date from between 1881 to 2001 with two-thirds of them being built by or before 1920.
Category: Featured
History of the Methodist Church in Lincoln County
The Lincoln United Methodist church got its start in Lincoln county the same year the county was founded, and is also celebrating its Sesquicentennial in 2020. With the beautiful stained glass windows recently restored, here’s a look at its history. (Photo by Kris Heinze)
Lincoln County Response
BUSINESS & ORGANIZATION UPDATES RELATED TO COVID-19 Especially as we begin to re-open our local business economy, please send us your updates so we can keep this page current with updated information, thank you! Statewide Coronavirus resources can be accessed at covid.ks.gov, and daily data reports from KDHE are also available at kdheks.gov. As of …
Resources for businesses
For Businesses Loans from the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Various programs designed to provide businesses with immediate relief to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Loans are to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofit organizations with working capital and debt service immediately and over the next 6 months. Programs …
Lincoln has good taste with MarCon Pies!
Mary Ann and Craig Stertz renovated a building in downtown Lincoln, KS, to house the famous MarCon pies previously made in Washington, KS. (Photo by Kris Heinze)
Hungry Hunter open again in Lincoln
Bob Berthelson reopened the Hungry Hunter restaurant in November in Lincoln, at 116 S. 5th St, bringing back the menu loved far and wide for over 20 years.
#LiveLincolnCounty Photo Contest Winners
The Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation (LCEDF) hosted the first #LiveLincolnCounty Photo Contest in 2019, and accepted over 130 photo submissions from local amateur photographers. The purpose of the contest was to positively promote quality of life in Lincoln County, Kansas. Announcing the 2019 #LiveLincolnCounty Photo Contest winners. (Photo by one of our locals – Allison Johnson)
Remote-work jobs in computer science, professional fields or support services*
The Rural & Remote program connects Lincoln County residents with remote-work jobs ensuring those who want to live a rural lifestyle can still advance in their careers.
Barb Hollis recognized for 50 years at Lincoln County Hospital
In July, Lincoln County Hospital recognized long-time radiology technician Barb Hollis for 50 years of service to the Lincoln County Hospital with a reception in the cafeteria. Administrator Steve Granzow presented Hollis a framed certificate commemorating the event, as well as a pin to recognize her years of service to the Lincoln County Hospital. Hollis …
Seirer’s Clothing celebrating 35 years in business in downtown Lincoln
This July, Seirer’s Clothing will celebrate its milestone 35th birthday by treating customers to a huge birthday sale. (Photo courtesy of Seirer’s Clothing)
Lincoln’s City Park listed in the National Register of Historic Places
A survey of Lincoln’s City Park has been completed to determine if the area would be eligible for any historic designations that could open up financial resources to the City to help maintain and improve the park.
Historic Survey of Downtown Sylvan Grove
A survey of downtown Sylvan Grove has been completed to determine if the overall downtown district (and/or individual properties within it) would be eligible for any historic designations that could open up financial resources to property owners to help maintain and improve their properties.
Incubating a business, not just eggs
Prairie Land Gamebirds recently expanded its business with a new hatchery. David, who runs the business with his son Ryan Wacker, said it has been positive to not rely on another entity to provide chicks to them. (Photo courtesy of David Wacker)
Countywide “Healthy Living Master Plan” created by Strategic Doing committee
Through the Lincoln County Strategic Doing process, and with financial support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Post Rock Community Foundation, a countywide “Healthy Living Master Plan” was developed by a group of volunteers to help move several priority projects forward.
Lincoln County students compete at the second annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
The event, which was March 5, 2019, challenged local high school students to develop a sustainable business idea. A panel of judges, including local business owners and bankers, scored projects. Pictured are the winners of this year’s event. (Photo courtesy of Kelly Larson, Lincoln County Economic Development Director)
Sylvan Grove Public Library’s Downtown Design Assistance project underway
Library patrons and Sylvan Grove residents are getting excited about the changes happening at the Sylvan Grove Public Library.
Baetz expanding Kansas Pregame publications
Kansas Pregame publisher John Baetz is expanding his business with publishing winter and spring sports magazines, a new website and more coverage of football.
Finch Theatre awning replaced, new LED sign installed
A new lighted sign was installed at the Finch Theatre in Lincoln in January and the new awning was installed in November. This project was made possible by a grant from the Post Rock Community Foundation.
2018 Economic Year in Review
At the end of every year, I always like to reflect on the past year’s economic activity. It’s my way to take a mental ‘deep breath’ before recharging the brain and entering the new year full steam ahead. Here’s my list of happenings over the past year
Patterson Health Mart welcomes a new pharmacist
David King, a 2018 KU School of Pharmacy graduate, is settling in as a new pharmacist at the Patterson Health Mart in Lincoln.
Replenishing Hope owner becomes Airbnb host in Sylvan Grove
Licensed professional counselor Katie Reagan offers counseling services to individuals, couples and families through her practice, Replenishing Hope. Replenishing Hope provides serenity by offering both counseling and lodging in one location. After purchasing the building, located on Sylvan Grove’s Main Street in 2017, Katie Reagan and her husband are also offering an upstairs vacation rental on Airbnb.
Stertz’s completed restoration project on Lincoln Avenue
Next door to the historic Cummins Block Building on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Third street, sits another piece of Lincoln history restored. Craig and Mary Ann Stertz completed four years of restoration work and hosted an Open House in August for the community to see the finished work. (Courtesy photo)
Local family cattle business selling homegrown beef across the country
Approximately three miles southwest of Sylvan Grove is the home of Ringler Ranch, where Post Rock Beef is operated by Justin Ringler and Shawn Elder, with their families. Post Rock Beef, Ringler and Elder’s beef business, has served over 100 customers with approximately 5,000 pounds of beef sold, according to the Post Rock Beef website. (Courtesy photo)
Street Plumbing acquires Deep Creek Construction
R&R Street Plumbing, Heating and Electric, Inc., 2009 E. Hwy 18, announced, in a press release, the acquisition of Deep Creek Construction, L.L.C., owned by Kirk and Susan Wollesen of Lincoln. As part of the acquisition, Kirk and Susan became part owners of R&R Street Plumbing, Heating and Electric, Inc. , and will become members of its management staff at the Lincoln office. (Photo by Kris Heinze)
LCEDF announces Downtown Revitalization Projects
By Hailey Dixon for the Lincoln Sentinel Out of 17 applications, eight businesses were selected for the Downtown Revitalization Project by Kelly Larson, Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director, members of the LCEDF Board and two interns, Miki Blair and Bethany Pingel. “I am grateful that we were a part of that decision,” Blair …
Eagle Fiber is on the way
Eagle Communications recently announced a major investment in the community of Lincoln, that will bring high-speed Internet access to residents and businesses. This week, crews recently began installing fiber and electronic equipment to allow speeds of up to 1 Gig. (photo courtesy of Kris Heinze)
The Paw Print opens downtown storefront
The Paw Print, a student-run merchandise business of USD 298, opened a new storefront at the end of June. The new store is attached to the USD 298 Board Office, which is located at 133 E. Lincoln St. in downtown Lincoln. (Photo courtesy of Kelly Larson)
College interns share experiences working with O’Hare, LCEDF
Bethany Pingel, Miki Blair, and Drake Koops are spending the summer in Lincoln, KS, gaining valuable real-world work experience as interns for Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation and O’Hare Law, LLC.
Lincoln County gaining Historic Preservation Fund grant
Lincoln County is receiving a Historic Preservation Fund reimbursement grant through the Kansas Historical Society to hopefully gain historic status in various places in the county. A study will be conducted in the Lincoln and Sylvan Grove downtown’s to see if the areas could be eligible for any historic designations. (Photo illustration by Kris Heinze)
Dirt work being completed at Lincoln Municipal Airport
A new runway is being installed at the Lincoln Municipal Airport. The runway will be 4,200 feet long by 60 feet wide, which will accommodate larger aircraft landings and takeoffs. According to Clay Haring, Post Rock Aviation Owner, the dirt work underway now was funded by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation, and Esfeld Construction, Great Bend, is leading the construction.
Family Hair Flair celebrates 30 years of business
Rhonda Base and the rest of the Family Hair Flair team recently celebrated 30 years in business. Base opened a second salon three years ago in Lincoln with Family Hair Flair 2. (Courtesy photo)
Live Lincoln County 2018 magazine hot off the press
Lincoln County and Kansas residents, travelers and readers from across the country now have the opportunity to take a closer look into Post Rock country with the latest online and print edition of the Live Lincoln County magazine.
Mary Andersen takes on new role as library director
After working at the Lincoln Carnegie Library for six years, Mary Andersen is taking a step forward to become the new director, and plans to continue as children’s librarian. Nancy Jensen recently retired after seventeen years. (Photo by Kris Heinze)
Gier starts new role as Lincoln Sentinel publisher
Sylvan Grove native Tyler Gier is now the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Lincoln Sentinel-Republican newspaper in Lincoln. Gier assumed the role of publisher after John Baetz, former owner of the newspaper, sold the Lincoln Sentinel-Republican to David Parker, current Lincoln Sentinel-Republican owner, earlier this year. (photo by Kris Heinze)
Disc golf course is officially open
The Lincoln Recreation Department unveiled a new disc golf course at Lincoln City Park on June 1. It is a 9-hole layout situated across the east and west ends of the park, and you can keep score by finding the course on the Udisc app on your phone. (photo by Hailey Dixon)
Local pheasant business expanding with hatchery
Pheasants are raised at the Prairie Land Gamebirds property in Hunter and sold to hunting operations across the country. The business is currently expanding with a hatchery and new pens. (photo by Hailey Dixon)
Master gardener working at Lincoln Building Supply
A new, yet familiar, face is assisting customers and walking the aisles of Lincoln Building Supply. Dennis Luck, a master gardener, began working at the hardware store a few weeks ago. (photo by Hailey Dixon)
Winners of the first Lincoln County entrepreneurship competition
Lincoln Junior-Senior High School senior Dylan Babcock took home first place at the first annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge on March 6. The event, which was sponsored by the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation and Network Kansas, showcased Lincoln County high schoolers and their potential business ideas at the Finch Theatre and Lincoln Art Center. LJSHS and Sylvan-Lucas Unified High School students presented 24 different concepts to 21 judges, who were local business owners, Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation Directory Kelly Larson said. “I was impressed with what the kids put together,” she said. (photo by Kris Heinze)
Historical buildings to gain funds for renovations
Two historic Lincoln County buildings will receive grant funding from the Heritage Trust Fund of the Kansas Historical Society for structural improvements and preservation. The Marshall-Yohe House in Lincoln and the Cross and Morgan General Store in Sylvan Grove were selected after an application process in late 2017 and recent announcement to receive the funds. (Courtesy photos)
Keever Auto receives ACDelco award
Elijah Keever, owner of Keever Auto & Ag, of Lincoln, was named as one of five ACDelco Professional Service Center owners across the country to receive the prestigious 2017 Top Shops Award. (Courtesy photo)
Lincoln woman starts local catering business
Catering with Grace, founded by Alisha DeWitt, has been providing catering services to Lincoln County since August 2017. DeWitt, who has been involved in the food industry for over 15 years, creates and designs a customized, homemade menu for each customer based on their desires and needs. (photo by John Baetz)
Mike and Sara Rosebrook – Young Farmers & Ranchers of the Year
Mike and Sara Rosebook were recognized as the Kansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers of the Year at the annual conference in Manhattan January 26-28, 2018. They are pictured here with Kansas Farm Bureau President, Rich Felts. (courtesy photo)
Lincoln County business leaders attend “Destination Bootcamp”
Six Lincoln County business leaders recently attended the training workshop “Destination Bootcamp,” in Colorado, to learn new ways to attract and increase the number of customers and visitors to the area. Back row (L-R): Jon Schallert, marketing consultant, Jennifer O’Hare, Sue Graham, Kelly Larson, Carly SeirerErrebo, Ronda Mishler. Front row: Alisha DeWitt and Angela O’Bannon. (Courtesy photo)
Humanitarian Mission: Cagle returns from response and relief effort in Puerto Rico
Lincoln resident Bill Cagle was part of a group of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers volunteers that recently returned from a response and recovery effort in Puerto Rico. Volunteers worked to restore power to the island, which was devastated by Hurricane Maria in September. (Courtesy Photo)
Substation now open in Beverly
Hungry customers in the Beverly area once again have a place to satisfy their appetites. The Substation opened recently in Beverly at 100 E. 3rd St. and is ready to serve customers a full menu with breakfast, lunch, supper and homemade specials.
Lincoln Center Antiques is now open
Mike Simmons knows antiques, and he has the collection to prove it. A purveyor of antiquities and heirlooms, Simmons spent more than 40 years searching for collectibles. (Photo by John Baetz)
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
We can all agree that economic development doesn’t happen overnight. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint”, as the saying goes. With the end of another year upon us, here’s a quick recap of the strides we have made in our marathon towards a stronger county.
Lincoln Art Center celebrates 25th anniversary
“I attribute the 25-year success and perseverance of the art center to Joyce Harlow, who, from the founding of the art center to the present, has dedicated her time, talent and expertise,” Board President Mary Ann Stertz said. “I also believe the countless volunteers and talented contributing artists throughout the years have furthered its success.”
The Finch Theatre: Twenty-five years later, a shining example of volunteerism at its best
In 2017, the Finch Theatre is a community hub, showing the latest movies on the big screen every weekend and hosting a children’s theatre production each summer. The adjacent Community Room is used for everything from dance classes and wedding receptions to community fundraisers and business meetings. This feature takes a look back at the spirit of volunteerism and coming together of all the communities in Lincoln County to renovate and build the Finch Theatre as we know it today.
Hell Creek Cabins now open at Wilson Lake
The Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event for Hell Creek Cabins. “We came up here, and fell in love with the area,” Hell Creek Cabins owner Kathy Usher said.
Upcoming Events
Jul
4
Sat
9:30 pm
Fireworks Display
@ Wilson Lake
Fireworks Display
@ Wilson Lake
Jul 4 @ 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Hosted by Wilson Lake Area Association (WLAA), Fireworks will start between 9:30 and 10 pm whenever it gets dark.
Jul
9
Thu
6:00 pm
Par 3 Golf Nights
@ Lincoln Golf Club
Par 3 Golf Nights
@ Lincoln Golf Club
Jul 9 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Par- 3 shootout on Thursdays. Par-3 starts at 6 p.m. Anyone can play! $5 entry- don’t have to be a member!
Jul
12
Sun
9:00 am
Two-Person Scramble Golf Tournament
@ Lincoln Golf Club
Two-Person Scramble Golf Tournament
@ Lincoln Golf Club
Jul 12 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday July 12th 2- person scramble! 9:00 a.m. shotgun start! Lincoln Golf Club Tournaments 2020
Jul
16
Thu
6:00 pm
Par 3 Golf Nights
@ Lincoln Golf Club
Par 3 Golf Nights
@ Lincoln Golf Club
Jul 16 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Par- 3 shootout on Thursdays. Par-3 starts at 6 p.m. Anyone can play! $5 entry- don’t have to be a member!
Jul
17
Fri
4:00 pm
Sylvan Grove-Lincoln County Fair...
Sylvan Grove-Lincoln County Fair...
Jul 17 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
***This event has been cancelled, but the fair will be ongoing and more details will be available soon! *** The Lincoln County Fairboard is planning a special 150th Anniversary parade in conjunction with Lincoln County’s Sesquicentennial year. More information will be coming as the County Fair nears in July.
Jul
23
Thu
6:00 pm
Par 3 Golf Nights
@ Lincoln Golf Club
Par 3 Golf Nights
@ Lincoln Golf Club
Jul 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Par- 3 shootout on Thursdays. Par-3 starts at 6 p.m. Anyone can play! $5 entry- don’t have to be a member!
Jul
25
Sat
9:00 am
County Wide Real Estate Open House
@ Lincoln County Open Houses
County Wide Real Estate Open House
@ Lincoln County Open Houses
Jul 25 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation (LCEDF) is organizing a countywide Real Estate Open House with the goal of boosting our local real estate market, attracting new residents into the area, and filling a variety of job openings. The day will provide a unique window of opportunity for individuals and families to tour multiple properties and …
