New Plainville pool has grand opening

The new Plainville swimming pool opened with great fanfare and a lot of happy kids on Friday, May 27, 2011. A crowd of kids had lined up at the gate well before the official 4:00 p.m. grand opening, and for everyone involved, the wait was worth it.

The pool, located at 100 S. Section Line, features two zero-depth entry zones that will serve as a swim area for children and a concrete island where visitors can find shade. Fountains of water shoot up from the cement outside the pool, and colorful buckets continually will pour water on swimmers standing underneath.

The $1.8 million project was funded by a 1-cent sales tax Plainville voters approved in August. Admission is free for both residents and non-residents thanks to the city residents who pay a little extra on each water bill. Donations are accepted from non-residents.

New Farm Implement & Supply location opens

After serving farmers and ranchers from the same location on W. Mill Street in Plainville since 1947, Farm Implement & Supply Co. has expanded to a new, more visible location on S. Washington (U.S. Hwy 183). The formal grand opening was held on Monday, March 21.

The new location has been the site of several businesses, but the building has been expanded considerably, and given a new fresh look with the blue and yellow New Holland colors prominently featured. The expansion also features increased space for retail and for equipment repair.

Farm Implement was incorporated in 1947, with Harold (Ike) Gilliland hired as manager. He later became the sole owner in 1954. Ike's two sons, Barry and Ron, managed the store for many years, and now it is run primarily by Ron's son, Todd.

Congratulations to Todd and all the employees on the grand opening.

Moving along in "The Ville"

Good things happening in the Ville. The new Plainville Pool is moving right along despite the cold weather this winter. As the weather warms, you can see the buildings taking shape and can begin to imagine what it will look like this Memorial Day when it is scheduled to open.

Another new project that is exciting to see coming along is the new Farm Implement and Supply building on the south end of town. The new location is sure to increase visibility for one of the Ville's largest employers.

And don't forget about the increased activity at the former Schult Home plant. As warmer weather sets in, you are sure to see new businesses move into several of the buildings.

Stay positive!!!

Positive things going on

It doesn't take long to fall behind when posting here when so many good things are happening. Just since the last post, here is a sample of the good things going on in Plainville:

• A new swimming pool under construction; completion by Summer, 2011
• A new airport between Plainville and Stockton under construction; completion by Fall, 2011.
• Grant recieved for a water project to replace mains; construction to begin 2011
• Former Schult Home facility purchased by county: new tenants pending
• Several new businesses open in recent months; www.rookscounty.net/new_businesses.htm

So, don't let the naysayers get away with being negative. Emphasize the positive.

New swimming pool on August ballot

If you have not already taken a "Dive into the Facts" to get a true picture of the need for a new swimming pool in Plainville, take the time to research the issue before the August 3 vote. Brochures have been prepared that give very clear explanations of the current pool condition, and why the city feels we need a new pool.

Stop by the city office to pick up a brochure or call Mayor Kelli Hansen, or any city council member if you would like to know more.

The election is August 3rd.

Paradise Creek Festival offers something for everyone

The 2010 edition of the Paradise Creek Festival is quickly approaching, and it promises once again to have a little something for everyone. The festival dates for 2010 are June 11-13.

For a full list of events and locations, go to www.plainvillesaddleclub.com and click on the Rodeo and Festival link.

For more information on what there is to see and do in Plainville, visit the following websites: www.rookscounty.net, or www.getruralkansas.org and click on Plainville in the drop down menu.

These park benches ROCK!

The park benches you find in the Plainville City Park, located on a city block surrounded by Mill, Cochran, Section Line, and S. First streets, are a remnant of the days when travelers along highways would need resting spots.

These park benches were actually constructed as part of a pocket park located at Mill and Broadway, along what was at one time the Red Line Road, later to become Kansas Highway 18 (before it was moved north of town). The benches were constructed in the early 1930's in the pocket park of the old Home Oil Company and then moved to the City Park after World War II.

Credit for the building of the pocket park and the benches is given to John Hilgers, Sr., and Harvey Shaw. John reportedly worked on posts and benches for hours and would come home with his fingers raw and bleeding.

Some of the product for the benches was imported from Nebraska.