Good things About Elk County

[Lookatmeknow!!]

After much reading about the roads, and this and that, that has gone on lately, can I ask you this?  What do you think is good about Elk County?  I wouldn't live here if I didn't like it.  I don't mind that the roads are not perfect at all times.  I try to help out whenever I am ask. 

I have noticed such negative things being said about Elk County or cities within the county, lately, that I just wonder WHY?  If you don't like something that is being done, go to meetings, call your commissioners, or do something positive about it.  Why all the negative things all the time?  I am proud to say that I was born and raised in Severy.  Attended high school here, West Elk, moved around while going to college.  Married my high school sweet heart and we now live in Howard. He has always lived here, I have lived here about 12 years.  I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.  I am proud to live here.

Now, can anyone say nice things about Elk County?  I just want to see.  No gripping about the roads, the schools, the taxes.  Why do you like to live here?  Just wondering if there are others that are glad to live here, and appreciate it!!!

[Wilma]

Angie, it is going to take me a while to list the good things about Elk County, so I will get back to you later.

[larryJ]

Angie, it will take a while for forum members to say what they think are the positive reasons for living in Elk County.  I only lived there in summer visits at my grandmother's house, and after she (and my mother) passed away, then only visited a few times.  So, I really have no say on this subject.  However, I do remember the kindness and generosity of the people; how people came together and helped those who needed help; the old fashioned traditions that are still in place.  I can remember (and that is a hard thing to do!) how when someones family would lose a family member, my aunts coming together to provide food and comfort and whatever else was needed for that family. 

Living in Southern California, where things are so much different, blurs the memories of small town traditions.  Here, if you don't like your neighbor next door, you can actually co-exist without speaking to them unless it is absolutely necessary.  People you see while shopping, you may never see again unless they work in that store. 

Those of you who live in Elk County have it good and despite the problems with the roads or whatever is not right, a small community setting makes it possible for the citizens to come together for the good of all.  You won't see that where I live.

You can slap my hand, but what "she" said, "It takes a village", etc. etc.  Reading some negative posts on the forum makes me think that some of you don't really appreciate what you have.

I know that in my grandparents and my parents day, it wouldn't be about "here's my taxes, fix it", but, "I will pay my taxes to help the county and whatever I can do to help, I will do."

Time for a second cup!!!

Larryj

[frawin]

I can name the good things about Elk County very quickly.
1. The people
2.The people
3. The people
4. The People
5. the People
6. The People
7. The people
8. The people
9.The people
10. The People
I was born in Elk County, lived there until I was 25 years old and I still love the area and the people.  I would live there now if not for my wife's health.

[Joanna]

If there's a traffic jam (and you're driving instead of walking  ) it takes you half a minute to go around instead of half an hour.
My neighbors watch out for me & mine even before being asked
The guys at the recycling trailer always say "Hi" and pet our dog Squirt
If I have a problem with someone, it's simple to find them or get in touch to work things out in person.
I can jaywalk and not worry about being run over (though a few folks will pretend to rev up the motor)
I have actually met every member of my city council, county commissioners and school board, in person; and they know me too.
Dog food at the vet's office here is cheaper than at WalMartTheEvilEntity.  Plus they actually remember me and my pets.
The grocery, pharmacy and hardware stores have everything you could want, or they can get it within the week. Bonus: I can park within 10 feet of the door (assuming I'm not walking )
Pat at P&J's just makes my day every time I see her mopping up my muddy footprints and telling me not to worry about it    Feels like home.
I can leave a note on my front door for delivery people, and they'll hunt me down that day.
Howard has a SWEET fitness center now... I really should walk more

[Rudy Taylor]

I have been so pleased with the friendships and business contacts we have made in Elk County. Also, I'm impressed with the number of people who have moved to Elk County for retirement, or as a central location as they continue to do day-to-day business throughout the nation.

The Elk Konnected organization is one of the most positive and forward-thinking groups I've ever seen.

You have every reason to wake up each morning and breathe a prayer of thanks for living in Elk County. If I were 10 years younger, I'd move there myself. But we've lived in the same town for 40 years and probably won't make a change.

I hold great hope for Elk County because it's in line for a big blessing. I really feel it coming.

[mayflower]

We have lived in Elk County for 25 years, and I want to say the citizens of this community are the friendliest people I have ever seen.  We were always accepted from the beginning, and we just have loved every minute of it. Our children started school at West Elk as a 7th grader and a sophomore.  They loved it from the start. It is a great school. We had lived in a town of about 4,000, and the school was twice as big, but it wasn't as good.  Bigger doesn't mean better! Also, all those things Joanna said fit right into what I think.  We lived in town for 12 years before moving to the country.  Yes, the streets had pavement, and my car didn't get dirty; but I love the country!  Sometimes problem roads are just a sacrifice we make to live in the country. 

[Jo McDonald]

Elk County is  HOME  it is love, comfort, happiness, family and friends all rolled into one ----Need I say more?

[jensarlou]

Angie,
As you may know I grew up in New Orleans.  Growing up I always said there would be no way I would ever live someplace without all the conveniences of a big city.  That was till I moved to Howard.  Life was moving at a different pace.  I found I didn't need all the trappings of the city, but maybe for a visit to Indy or Wichita once a month.  I liked waking up and being able to look out the front window and see deer in the front yard in the am.  Or going to bed at night and hearing the coyote howl at night.  I loved that my kids were safe and could go anywhere in town on their bikes.  I truly miss Howard and its wonderfull people.  My favorite was the Halloween traditions.  I tell people about it all the time.
I live in a smaller town now but it just isnt the same.  Like some of the other responses, I live where I do now mainly because I have to, although I did choose the little town i lived in because it was far enough away from the big city to still have that small town feel.
Maybe somday when I retire I may just have to move back to KS and live out the rest of my days in the one place I felt I could truly call home.

[Wilma]

Well, Angie, I am back.  I haven't been able to come up with a list of why I live in Elk County or what is good about it.  After reading the other responses, all I have to say is:

                                                        ALL OF THE ABOVE!!!!!!