New airport opens in Rooks County

After over eight years of planning, developing, and construction, the new Rooks County Regional Airport officially opened on April 5, 2012.  It is the first new airport built in Kansas since 1989. The new airport replaces two low-use grass airstrips in the cities of Plainville and Stockton with a paved runway on newly acquired property in between.

The $6 million project was a cooperative effort between Rooks County and the two cities to stimulate future growth and development in the area, explains county economic development director Roger Hrabe. "We wanted to be at the forefront, not sitting back wishing we had done something," Hrabe explains.

The new airport was financed with Airport Improvement Program dollars and local matching funds. A county-appointed airport commission oversees its management and operations.

Officials expect the airport's 5,000-foot paved runway to eventually make the area more attractive to new business opportunities, but they also have more immediate returns in mind. "In the short term, we're thinking about our existing businesses and meeting their needs," says Hrabe.

According to Hrabe, momentum for expanding aviation in the region began in 2004. That's when the county contracted H.W. Lochner to update the Airport Layout Plan and Airport Master Plan for existing airports in Plainville and Stockton, and to complete a site selection study for the new Rooks County Regional Airport.

The site was eventually selected that would support the entire county and be easily accessible for the hospital.  "Rooks County has never had the capability of supporting fixed-wing Life Watch flights" Hrabe said.   "Now we will have that ability."

The Rooks County Airport Commission is now working on a fuel facility that is due to be installed this summer.  The commission received a KDOT grant to cover 80% of the cost.  Several hangars are already in the beginning stages, and more are planned for later. 

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.