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)
The Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation is looking for summer interns! Work with property owners to design and develop improvement plans for downtown storefronts and buildings. This internship has been made possible through a partnership with Dane G. Hansen Foundation and K-State Research and Extension.
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.
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 …
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)
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.
A survey of the historic properties in downtown Lincoln 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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
Library patrons and Sylvan Grove residents are getting excited about the changes happening at the Sylvan Grove Public Library.
Kansas Pregame publisher John Baetz is expanding his business with publishing winter and spring sports magazines, a new website and more coverage of football.
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.
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
Take a step towards becoming an entrepreneur and being your own boss! Develop your entrepreneurial mindset by attending this Kansas Ice House Entrepreneurship Program being organized by the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation. The program will help you develop 1) critical thinking skills to identify and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities, manage risks, and learn from results, …
David King, a 2018 KU School of Pharmacy graduate, is settling in as a new pharmacist at the Patterson Health Mart in Lincoln.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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 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, 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)
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 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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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 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)
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)
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)
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.
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)
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
Steve McReynolds was recently recognized for 50 years of service during a retirement reception at Citizens State Bank & Trust Co. in Lincoln, KS. (photo by John Baetz)
Click here to take the survey! The USD298 and USD299 Alumni Associations, the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation (LCEDF) and local volunteers are working together to achieve the common goal of bringing former students of both school districts back to Lincoln County to live, work, and raise their families. In working towards this goal, we …
Match Month is the Post Rock Community Foundation’s biggest fund-raising effort of the year. PRCF grants have already helped create opportunities, like this Greenhouse Project at USD 299, for schools and nonprofits, as well as emergency medical services, hospital and healthy-living programs. In December, donations are matched by the both Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Kansas Health Foundation to triple fundraising efforts!
