Elk Konnected Hand out at County Commissioners meeting on 4/25

[Diane Amberg]

Sorry Pam, I think that was Angie now that you mention it, but I know you would approve too.

[Ross]

Don't like politics, never have and never will!! It's just to much of who you are. I am really not sure what the teach about government. I guess that will be another thing I will have to do research on. They have state standards that the state is to teach so I will have to check that out.

I have to put a boost out. I am a 4-H leader and this year our younger kids did gavel games. That is where they have to learn about running a meeting, and all the procedures that are involved with meetings. The kids learned alot!! Probably can run a meeting that would make some people go WOW!! I didn't know that is how a meeting is ran. It is amazing the stuff that I learned, too!! Ok, just putting a good thing about 4-H in there, had to!!

Good boost for 4-H, that's a great organization, just like the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and so many other organizations.Lots of fun learning.

[Diane Amberg]

Red, you couldn't be more wrong about me and "my kind." I thought you knew by now that I am a huge believer in charter schools.  NCS started out in a passel of portables while money was raised to build the permanent buildings. My company acted as owners rep. when we built Newark Charter Middle, which came first, and the elementary school which came second. You are most welcome to look us up. Google Newark Charter Delaware and learn all about the school and the "Core Curriculum" that is taught there. We did indeed have to jump over all the school board hurdles to get permission to form the charter school. There were a lot of backers then, including foundation grants, and if we build it overnight we could fill another school instantly tomorrow. ( By lottery.) The school was asked by the state to take over the Christiana High School, which is failing, but the politics got so thick the idea was turned down by the Newark Charter's school board. Yes the school is considered a public school, but it is run as a private school and can move money around in it's budget line independently and can build its buildings to our own standards rather than state standards.That saved us a ton of money as we were able to build ordinary construction, not the typical glazed tile block that many schools are built from. Parents are begging us to build a high school but I'm not sure we want to stretch that far. That remains to be seen. I'm sorry Kansas seems to be a stumbling block for you. For us it was and still is is a very exciting project.

[Ross]

"We face difficult challenges at home and abroad," O'Connor said. "Meanwhile divisive rhetoric and a culture of sound bites threaten to drown out rational dialogue and debate. We cannot afford to continue to neglect the preparation of future generations for active and informed citizenship."

I thought this fell right in with our conversation and might explain why people ask questions and why others fail to and hide behind closed doors.

[Ross]

Can anyoone tell me anything about the "Elk County Community and Education Foundation "?

[Warph]

Can anyoone tell me anything about the "Elk County Community and Education Foundation "?

No.

[Mom70x7]

Have you done a search for them? ECCEF

[Patriot]

Can anyoone tell me anything about the "Elk County Community and Education Foundation "?

Well, one of their missions of 'community & education' involved a clock for the county courthouse....

...An 85 foot bucket truck was rented from United Rentals in Wichita to give us access to the clock tower from the outside. David Seay, master clockmaker from Manhattan, and his assistant moved the supplies, material and themselves up to the tower via the bucket truck. David Seay was assisted by Patrick Perkins, from PEP Electric, as well as Bob Black, John Black and John Cooke.

The glass for the clock faces came in several pie shaped pieces to allow ease of transport and installation. The numbers and frame are wrought iron. Currently the clock chimes on the hour from 8 am to 10 pm and is silent through the night. We have several chime and melody options to explore in the future.

Many thanks to all who donated to the lovely clock. Donations can still be sent to the Elk County Community and Education Foundation at PO Box 956, Howard, KS 67349.

Full story:  http://kansasflinthills.travel/articles/Clocktower

And was once led by our own Charles Durbin who subsequently decided to make his home somewhere other than Elk County. (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Charles/Durbin)

Title
    Former Director of Economic Development - Elk County, Kansas
Demographic info
    Fayetteville, Arkansas Area | Nonprofit Organization Management

Past:
    Department Manager at Lowe's Home Improvement, Director of Economic Development at Elk County, Kansas, President and Board Member at Elk County Community and Educational Foundation, Board Member and District Loan Committee Member at South Central Kansas Economic Development District, Board Member at See-Kan Resource Conservation and Development (See-Kan RC&D), (Founding) Board Member, Executive Council Member at Q.U.A.D. Enterprise Facilitation, (Founding) Board Member, Treasurer, and Director of Communications at Elk River Public Wholesale Water Supply District (PWWSD No. 24), Formation Task Force Member, Secretary/Treasurer, and Facilitator at Elk County Rural Water District No. 02, Council Member at Elk County Extension Council, Feed Production and Sales at Mills Feed and Supply, Key Carrier and Department Manager at Atwoods Farm and Home
Education:
    Kansas State University
Summary:
    OBJECTIVE: The opportunity to utilize my diverse understanding of community and economic development, not-for-profit management, grant writing, communications, marketing, and governmental relations. SUMMARY: I have over ten years experience in community and economic development, including three as a county director of economic development. I have enhanced my knowledge of community and economic development, and my skills and abilities in marketing, public relations, and management through collegiate education, professional development activities, and civic leadership positions held.

I'm amazed that with all the vast experience and frenetic efforts brought to bear by so many in this county (past & present), we're still one of the poorest counties in Kansas, with a shrinking population and little prospect for growth.   Real growth is so evasive.  Maybe we should admit that what has been and is being done has had little effect in accomplishing the stated goal of 'developing the community.'   Unless development really means cosmetic facelifts.  Maybe we need another grant.  Though the clock chimes are nice and give a real homey feel to Howard.  

[Ross]

Have you done a search for them? ECCEF

I'll try that, ECCEF thank you.

[Roma Jean Turner]

I love hearing the clock chime when I go to Howard. As of next weekend the population will go up 1.  Not much I know but hope to be a help in some way.