Care Facility

Alpaca w kids

Abby Amick — 2011-09-13T21:39:28Z

Alacas of Wildcat Hollow logo

Abby Amick — 2011-09-13T21:40:54Z

FH Cowboy Gathering Poster

Abby Amick — 2011-12-06T22:27:32Z

Farm Day 2011

Abby Amick — 2011-12-06T22:27:50Z

Alma Sub-Division Housing Lot Auction

Abby Amick — 2011-10-04T19:35:00Z

Mandatory Registration for the Auction will be from 8:45am to 9:15am with the auction begining immediately following.

Offering Lots: 1-7; 17-25; 33-56

The housing sub-division is plotted for roads, sewer, water, and utilities, but not all services have been installed.

All properties are subject to specials, however, Wabaunsee County Neighborhood Revitalization is available on construction projects started in 2011. This program offers a tax rebate on new construction over a 5 year period. Specials on the properties are set to expire in November 2015.

Covenants for the housing addition are available for reveiw in the Alma City Offices or in the Wabaunsee County Register of Deeds Office in the Wabaunsee County Court House.

24/7 Store

Ashley Westhoff — 2011-12-06T15:23:52Z

News

Abby Amick — 2011-12-06T22:15:00Z

Access recent News Items related to Wabaunsee County Economic Development

Buying Local Campaign

Abby Amick — 2011-12-06T22:16:08Z

Karaline Mayer

News Release for Nov. 10

November 7, 2011

kamayer@ksu.edu

With the holiday shopping season on the horizon, Wabaunsee County Economic Development Council and Wabaunsee County Extension are teaming up to encourage a local approach to shopping.

Buying Local is an initiative to increase revenue for the local economy while boosting sales at hometown merchants. Residents are encouraged to purchase their gifts this year through these businesses.

Wabaunsee County is home to a variety of merchants anticipating holiday shoppers. The column “Bluestem Breezes” will highlight many of Wabaunsee County’s new and established shops available. Buying Local will be the column’s main focus through Christmas.

A list of local businesses is available through Wabaunsee County Economic Development’s Business Directory. Visit www.wabaunsee.com or the Economic Development Office at Third and Missouri in Alma to obtain the directory.

Buying Local Week 2

Abby Amick — 2011-12-06T22:21:20Z

Karaline Mayer

Bluestem Breezes

November 14, 2011

Buying Local

For Week 2 of my shopping adventures, I traveled to the Eskridge area. There seems to be a common theme across this county. You never run out of places to visit!

No, I am not kidding. For every person I tell about this project, they list off somewhere between three and ten businesses as suggestions for future stops. It is amazing what we as Wabaunsee County residents do not realize is here at our fingertips.

As a quick recap of our purpose here, the Wabaunsee County Economic Development Council is challenging residents to purchase Christmas gifts (one or more!) locally. Hence, the recurring column title “Buying Local”.

While there are many types of presents you are not able to purchase from local merchants, there is a vast variety of gifts you may not even know exist here.

Each week, I’ll highlight a few local merchants to hopefully give you more shopping ideas (and save a few miles of that expensive gasoline). And, if you’re a local merchant and would like to be included, please contact me.

My first stop in the Eskridge area was to a craft shop I had heard a lot about through 4-Hers: Debbie’s Craft Creations.

I have on display in my office an absolutely beautiful ceramic art piece of a cowgirl that looks like a bronze. If I knew much about ceramics, I could maybe give you a more educated explanation. What I do know, however, is that Debbie taught this 4-Her for years and her students are wonderful examples of the talent occurring in that shop.

Debbie is able to bring life to these ceramic pieces and they are breathtaking. She takes great pride in providing high quality products sold at low, affordable prices. In addition to ceramics, she designs wreaths and is a seamstress. For young children who love to play dress up, there is a beautiful princess dress to take a peak at.

Now, if you have as much ceramics experience as me, you may also be interested in knowing that she offers classes on Mondays. So, if you like making your own Christmas gifts this may be an excellent option. And in case you are interested in knowing, there is a cowboy that would complete the bronze-looking set in my office…..

I have heard gossip that the Eskridge Lumber Company is quite the asset for our community! Rumor has it their prices are better than many big box stores when it comes to lumber, and they are able to special order many items like windows and doors.

I decided to visit for some first-hand experience. It was loaded wall to wall with everything you need to remodel any room in your house. I love to paint, so my eyes wandered there quickly. If you need to spruce up a room before those in-laws arrive, make a stop here. There is quite the paint selection, along with all the supplies you’ll need.

I also verified that gift certificates are a hot item! They make great stocking stuffers and gifts for newlyweds.

After you finish painting the dining room, I suggest completing your décor with an alpaca rug from Alpacas of Wildcat Hollow.

Ed and Marta Howe opened a shop in their barn called “The Last Stall” and what a neat and cozy place to visit! They raise alpacas and will definitely welcome you to the operation. Alpacas are new to me, so this was really an education.

The kids would love a visit to meet the alpacas! Truly, the alpacas are great with children. And, the gift shop will surely complete shopping for your kids this year: socks, scarves, hats, gloves, headbands, and more. Visit www.alpacasofwildcathollow.com for more information.

Next week, we’ll head toward the northwestern portion of the county for applesauce and steaks served on a custom made dining room table. Our scouting team consists of Bud Hund (Paxico), Ed Howe (Eskridge), and this column’s writer. We look forward to hearing your comments, shopping suggestions, and sharing a taste of Wabaunsee County with you each week.

Businesses and brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. For more Wabaunsee County information, visit the Extension Office (215 Kansas, Courthouse, Alma; kamayer@ksu.edu; 765-3821) or the Economic Development Office (3^rd & Missouri, Alma; wcedc@embarqmail.com; 765-4655). For Bluestem Breezes archives, check out wabaunsee.ksu.edu.

Buying Local Week 3

Abby Amick — 2011-12-06T22:22:27Z

Karaline Mayer

Bluestem Breezes

November 19, 2011

Buying Local

In Week 3 of my shopping adventures, I traveled to the northwestern portions of Wabaunsee County. I tell you, the hospitality never goes away! At every place I visit, these merchants are opening their doors wide for local traffic.

While there are many types of presents you are not able to purchase from local merchants, there is a vast variety of gifts you may not even know exist here.

Please give me a brief moment here to clarify a few statements made in the past two weeks’ columns.

Rest assured that I love Christmas; I just choose not to decorate or listen to music until after giving respect to the Thanksgiving holiday. Kudos, though, to my dear friends who chose to text me Christmas carol lyrics and hang Christmas wreaths on my vehicle. I do hope my position is now clarified.

And, if you read last week’s column, my ceramic set of ranch-hands is complete! I am so thankful to the 4-Her who brought my “local”, handcrafted cowboy to join his cowgirl companion. I invite you to visit our office for an excellent example of the crafts available in our county!

My first stop this week was to Grandma Hoerner’s, located just north of I-70 on Wabaunsee Road. This place is buzzing with traffic, all stopping to take in their wonderful gift shop. With over sixty products made in-house and 1,500 products from around the world, I wonder who couldn’t find a gift there?

Grandma Hoerner’s prides themself on providing 100% natural products. Many are organic and diabetic-friendly. I also found it nice to hear Judy and Regina explain the importance of their many USA suppliers.

Their product selection is huge! I found applesauce, jellies, pasta, BBQ sauces and rubs, candles, coffees, Christian themed signs, pie filling, and even gift baskets. Although their business is ever growing, you still feel their neighborly hospitality the minute you walk in the door.

Driving down the road just a few miles, we stopped in to visit Larry at Plumlee Buffalo Ranch.

What an experience! I am not going to lie. I did feel a sense of anxiety come over me when he offered to drive us out into a pen with buffalo only inches away from us. You see, I grew up one mile from a buffalo pasture. On runs around the section, we always ran just a little faster past that pasture.

However, these are not the same buffalo. I had a wonderful time with the very calm and subdued animals. And, Larry was gracious enough to answer every one of my buffalo-raising questions. I encourage you to offer a buffalo tour to your loved one this holiday season. When it warms up a bit, Larry will take you through the herd as well.

To change up your food menu this season, try some of his home raised buffalo meat. He has quite the selection to offer, whether through a nearby grocery store or his ranch. There are steaks, brats, and ground meat to try. The meat is very lean and Larry will offer advice on cooking strategies to make the most of your meal.

Our final stop was to Homestead Cabinetry on K-99 north of I-70.

Now, I know that custom cabinets may not be your normal holiday present. But, I quizzed the guys and they are talented! They can make end tables, bedroom sets, wine cabinets, dining room tables, coffee tables, and more.

What I found so intriguing is their ability to match your current furniture in stain and appearance. They also offer installation services for their wood products.

Homestead Cabinetry is such a prime example of so many of the services offered here locally. They are committed to making a quality product, the way you request it, in a timely fashion, AND they stand behind their products.

Next week, we are heading to Harveyville seeking out gifts from southeastern Wabaunsee County. Our scouting team consists of Bud Hund (Paxico), Ed Howe (Eskridge), and this column’s writer. We look forward to hearing your comments, shopping suggestions, and sharing a taste of Wabaunsee County with you each week.

Buying Local Week 4

Abby Amick — 2011-12-07T15:18:36Z

Karaline Mayer
Bluestem Breezes
November 28, 2011
Buying Local
It is Week #4 for local shopping adventures and the fun never stops! This week we visited Harveyville for more hometown hospitality at several businesses, all within walking distance of each other.
As a quick recap of our purpose here, the Wabaunsee County Economic Development Council is challenging residents to purchase Christmas gifts (one or more!) locally. Hence, the recurring column title “Buying Local”.
While there are certain types of presents you are not able to purchase from local merchants, there is a vast variety of gifts you may not even know exist here.
Each week, I’ll highlight a few local merchants to hopefully give you more shopping ideas (and save a few miles of that expensive gasoline). And, if you’re a local merchant and would like to be included, please contact me.
I want to commend so many of you for trying this Buy Local thing! I am hearing great stories about the gifts you are discovering here in Wabaunsee County.
I am not joking about hospitality. Our first stop was to Harveyville Seed Company. A little orneriness aside, their employees always have a helpful smile on their face when you walk through the door.
I was amazed at the amount of items that would make great gifts: gloves, pocket knives, hand tools, and bird feeders! A new arrival for any true K-State fan would be their purple Bogs Boots.
For the hunters, there were deer blocks and scents.
As with many local stores, their selection is great and the prices are right on target! They are focused on increasing their product selection, so if you haven’t visited Harveyville Seed Company in a while, now is the perfect time. And, I am still loving those purple boots…
A short walk down the street landed me in Jepson Pottery. Have I mentioned my addiction to pottery? There is indeed a reason Person B prefers I never see pottery for sale; I was instantly dreaming of adding on to our house to accommodate for my ever-growing collection.
Here is why Jepson Pottery makes great gifts: it is handmade on-site, oven/microwave/dishwasher safe, and lead free. As well, the variety to choose from is huge and includes differing techniques, textures, and colors. There is even a line of running horses and the cat’s paw prints (ask Barry for the story!).
Jepson’s is open seven days a week and is hosting a Christmas Open House from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve. There are refreshments on Saturdays (10:00-4:00) and Sundays (12:30-4:00). Don’t forget to bring in this column to receive a 20% discount on your purchase!
As we continued our trek through Harveyville, I had been told not to leave town until visiting Bell Wildlife Specialities. What a cool place! There is so much talent within those walls. This business prides themselves on offering a variety of services for any hunter on your gift list. They offer deer processing, outfitting and taxidermy services. There are also a few mounts for sale and tanned firs and hides.
A gift certificate would be perfect for your hunter this season! And, while you are there picking up that gift certificate, ask to see Dan’s collection. It includes buffalo, deer, tigers, and many other examples of his great work!
Next week, we are continuing this treasure hunt as we seek out more local Wabaunsee County merchants. Our scouting team consists of Bud Hund (Paxico), Ed Howe (Eskridge), and this column’s writer. We look forward to hearing your comments, shopping suggestions, and sharing a taste of Wabaunsee County with you each week.
Businesses and brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. For more Wabaunsee County information, visit the Extension Office (215 Kansas, Courthouse, Alma; kamayer@ksu.edu; 765-3821) or the Economic Development Office (3rd & Missouri, Alma; wcedc@embarqmail.com; 765-4655). For Bluestem Breezes archives, check out wabaunsee.ksu.edu.

Buying Local Week 5

Abby Amick — 2011-12-07T15:24:23Z

Karaline Mayer
Bluestem Breezes
December 5, 2011
Buying Local
Someone asked me if I was running out of places to visit yet. Are you kidding?!? We are full steam ahead for Week #5 visiting antique dealers in several towns. If my other half (Person B) finds out I went antiquing again, it may be the final week of this column, though!
As a quick recap of our purpose here, the Wabaunsee County Economic Development Council is challenging residents to purchase Christmas gifts (one or more!) locally. Hence, the recurring column title “Buying Local”.
While there are certain types of presents you are not able to purchase from local merchants, there is a vast variety of gifts you may not even know exist here.
Each week, I’ll highlight a few local merchants to hopefully give you more shopping ideas (and save a few miles of that expensive gasoline). And, if you’re a local merchant and would like to be included, please contact me.
Did you know that the word Paxico actually means “Antiquer’s Paradise”? It is amazing what they aren’t teaching kids in school anymore.
Every antique store we visited has a life of its own. I am still in a daze after a day of drooling, I mean walking, from one store to the next.
One store had over 170 patterns of elegant and depression glass. If you did not inherit glass from a relative, I suggest you stock up before your company arrives this season. Everything you’ll need is there! If you are missing a piece to your own set, I believe they have the replacement.
Another location prided itself on advertising items (matches, programs, ads, postcards, etc.) from local towns. I found comic books, Longaberger baskets, and furniture pieces. We warmed up down the street next to wood burning stoves while taking a peek at jewelry, both old and new. I didn’t realize the amount of jewelry at many antique stores. Whether you enjoy costume jewelry, silver, or turquoise, we found it all at various shops.
I often preach to my loved ones about emergency preparedness, especially during the winter months. Oil lamps are a must at home! Several stores sold quality lamps and one even sold replacement parts. I am serious; if you don’t own one please go buy one. When the lights go out, how in the world will you finish that hand of pitch!?
One of my missions in life is to continue populating the walls of our home with antique furniture. A great benefit to antiques is often the stories that come with them. I urge you to find the wooden bowl in Paxico from a gas station in Oklahoma. When you find it, you’ll find a man with a passion for antiques and enough historical knowledge to fill the building he restored.
And, he is not alone. Every merchant we spoke with was passionate about their antiques and it was addictive! One explained it as being a steward of the furniture, not just the owner. Many antiques house generations of memories; they are handmade items representing the legacy of their creator, not a machine. Our dining room table was given to me by my grandparents. As I feed the men helping us work cattle, I oftentimes wonder how many decades of men helping with cattle or farm work ate around that table. The shop owner was correct; antiques do come with memories and I look forward to passing that on some day (the table and the memories).
Now, don’t forget about the antique stores in your town, too. I have long enjoyed stopping through the Antique Emporium in Alma. They have a great selection of kitchen serving pieces and linens – all great items to help you entertain this holiday season! Many of our local antique stores offer gift certificates, in case – like me – you have a hard time deciding on just one gift.
If you are making a day out of your Paxico trip, I encourage you to put a few additional items on your shopping list. For the bakers in your midst, there were cookbooks and a huge assortment of cookie cutters! I also found a host of other local products in town: pork patties, Paxico sausage, jams, jellies, and candies.
Likely the newest business in the county, Counstryside Feeds recently opened their doors in downtown Paxico. There was feed for nearly every farm animal, mineral, salt, and milk replacer. For some, that doesn’t sound like a typical Christmas gift. For others, it’s perfect! I know I have seen bird feeders for sale across the county. Well, Countryside Feeds sells the birdseed to fill the feeder! Stop in and check them out.
Next week, the hunt continues as we seek out more local Wabaunsee County merchants. Our scouting team consists of Bud Hund (Paxico), Ed Howe (Eskridge), Abby Amick (Alma) and this column’s writer. We look forward to hearing your comments, shopping suggestions, and sharing a taste of Wabaunsee County with you each week.
Businesses and brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. For more Wabaunsee County information, visit the Extension Office (215 Kansas, Courthouse, Alma; kamayer@ksu.edu; 765-3821) or the Economic Development Office (3rd & Missouri, Alma; wcedc@embarqmail.com; 765-4655). For Bluestem Breezes archives, check out wabaunsee.ksu.edu.

Winter 2011

Abby Amick — 2011-12-29T15:34:00Z

Read this newsletter for details on the Flint Hills Visioning Summit II, the announcement of the location for the 2012 Symphony in the Flint Hills, a brief overview of the thesis written about Wabaunsee County youth, and an invitation to the upcoming annual meeting.

CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE Homes Tour

Abby Amick — 2011-11-23T19:20:00Z

Lake Wabaunsee is hosting their CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE Homes Tour Saturday December 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at any tour location. Proceeds are donated to the Wabaunsee Pines Golf Course. The Tour of Homes will begin at the Mehrhof Log Cabin by the East Bridge. A map of the lake with the homes to tour is available there. I'm looking forward to enjoying a fire in their beautiful fireplace!

Glen & Nikki Feuerborn, 386 Lakeshore, will be the next stop with Mary Reed Spencer's home just down the road at 370 Lakeshore. Rich & Cindy Langworthy are opening their home at 334 E Flint Hills Dr. as well as Dave & Sherry Kriegshauser's at 240 W. Flint Hills Drive. Be sure to stop by the Wabaunsee Pines Club House. It has been transformed into a Holiday Country Store. Hand and home-made goodies will be for sale to browse as you enjoy refreshments that will be available for you there. A door prize drawing and quilt raffle will take place at 8pm. Get your advance tickets at the Eskridge & Alma banks, Lake Wabaunsee restaurants and the Eskridge Library or call 785-449-2723 or 785-442519.

The tour is scheduled for evening so that we can enjoy everyone's lighted home. Please do your part to lighten up the neighborhood by having your lights up and on for the tour. We appreciate your participation!

Santa's Visit to Alma

Abby Amick — 2011-11-23T19:23:03Z

4:30 – 6:00 Santa arrives at the Legion Hall

5:30 – 7:00 Sleigh Rides (beginning at Legion Hall)

6:00 – 7:30 Christmas music at Legion Hall with refreshments – cookies, brownies & hot chocolate

7:00 Chamber Christmas Drawing (need not be present to win)