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Rush County Economic Development Rush County Courthouse 715 Elm, LaCrosse, Kansas 67548-0326 |
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Rush County Economic Development Rush County Courthouse 715 Elm, LaCrosse, Kansas 67548-0326 |
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By being designated a a non-metropolitan business region, a business wishing to locate or expand in Rush County may be eligible for job creation tax credits of $2,500 per net new job.
For more information, contact:
or
David L. Ross, Business Finance Specialist,
Business Development
1000 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 100
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1354
Phone: (785) 296-1868
Fax: (785) 296-3490
E-mail: dross@kansascommerce.com
The Strategic Planning Steering Committee for Rush County economic
development suggests a long-range plan that would serve the need to bring
people in the county together as a community, increase the quality of life
in order to attract new residents, stimulate business growth and development,
and make greater opportunity for youth.
This year, the committee has chosen to adopt new strategies to accomplish their goals. Strategy one: to combine independently functioning task forces in the development of the plan into one steering committee. The committee believes that due to our relatively small county population, individual aspects of the plan overlap, and what affects individual factions, affects the whole. Strategy two: to replace the terms goals and objectives, with planned strategies and opportunities. Previous experience has taught that due to the constraints of being a small county, some goals could not be met. By targeting specific strategies and opportunities as we are best able, the county is in a better position for success.
Thus, the Rush County Economic Development Committee, The Steering Committee/Task Force, and the citizens of Rush County seek to continue to accomplish the following:
1. Create and maintain desirable housing and improved city and county services by consulting with local government officials in a study of problems and needs for developing the community infrastructure, including medical services and advantages for the aging, that would support an appealing environment for municipal and rural residents and those outside the county who might seek homes here.
2. Work to improve the learning environment and attend to the needs of both youth and adults in developing quality educational systems consistent with an attractive living atmosphere.
3. Assist existing small business operators in assessing problems and encourage expansion where desirable and possible, seek individuals with potential for creating new ventures, and be alert for small businesses or light industry desiring relocation.
4. Study the need for countywide artistic and recreational projects that would serve all age groups, and lead in promoting any permanent organizations to serve that purpose.
5. Increase travel and tourism within the county by preserving the county's heritage through new and existing attractions.
6. Study the transportation infrastructure within the county to locate weaknesses and determine the best possible alternatives for improvement.
To accomplish these Visions and Values, the Rush County Economic Development Committee has developed the 2001 revision of the Rush County Strategic Plan.
The county manufacturers and other employers have indicated that when hiring employees, one of the problems in getting the individual to come to work is lack of livable housing that is for sale or for rent.
There is a pre-existing need for additional available housing for families falling into each of three categories: 1) middle-income, 2) young professional, 3) executive.
Houses and building lots may be obtained in Rush County at a substantially lower cost than in many large or nearby cities.
There is a trend existing whereby families are choosing small, rural communities over larger cities to live and raise their children. Most Rush County towns are within a 20-40 minute commute to the cities of Hays and Great Bend via excellent highways. Rush County towns are in an excellent position to become bedroom communities to these cities.
The county needs to review or establish zoning requirements for commercial
and residential building.
A new mid-priced apartment complex was completed in the northeastern
part of La Crosse in the spring of 2001. The complex is privately owned
and consists of two and three bedroom units in the $400-500 per month price
range.
The City of La Crosse has continued the demolition of unlivable homes.
An ordinance has been passed requiring the demolition of unoccupied structures
which are beyond repair. La Crosse continues to send letters
to owners of abandoned or unsafe structures requiring them to be removed
or repaired. Other cities continue the demolition of unusable homes and
buildings as well.
A local contractor has recently rehabilitated two smaller unoccupied
homes in east La Crosse. One was occupied in early 2001, and the second
will be ready for occupancy in late 2001. Many other older homes in Rush
County have undergone minor to extensive rehabilitation and are now occupied.
1.2 Continue to encourage communities to remove unsafe and dilapidated structures. However, this should be used as a last resort as in most cases, it is less costly to repair than to replace. Objective: to clean up the communities, at the same time preserving as much of our heritage as possible.
1.3 Work with the KDOC&H and/or other state organizations to discuss options for creating additional housing in Rush County. This may be accomplished through public meetings and the assistance of individuals from each town to help compile the necessary information. Objective: the state has many resources available that can be utilized at far less cost than securing from the private sector.
1.4 Establish county-wide zoning codes to facilitate future home construction. Individual cities will review existing zoning codes and make changes as necessary. Objective: to deter further deterioration of neighborhoods and to lessen the chance of intermingling incompatible zones.
1.5 Encourage local or outside contractors and investors to initiate the construction of "Spec Homes" within interested communities to meet the needs of young professional families. Objective: the need exists. If local contractors are unable or unwilling to take a risk, outside sources may be explored.
1.6 The Rush County Economic Development may compile a list of available building lots in each community to facilitate the construction of new homes. Objective: to assist interested builders in finding a suitable location quickly. This would be operated as a service to, not in competition with, local realtors.
1.7 Communities may provide free building lots to persons willing to
build homes with a pre-established value on the lot. Lots may be obtained
through gifts or tax sales. Objective: a free lot may provide an incentive
to build and the costs incurred in securing the lot will be recovered many-fold
through property taxes.
The population of Rush County is predominately 60 and over. As the population ages, it becomes more difficult for them to travel outside of their community for products and services. Therefore, it is necessary for Rush County to explore options for citizens to obtain services locally.
With the technological advances in computers and telecommunications,
it is no longer necessary for many broad-based businesses and services
to locate in a populous area. Many Rush County communities have sufficient
infrastructure necessary to support internet-based business.
2.2.1 Seek strategies to retain viable businesses as owners approach retirement age. This can be accomplished by identifying potential retirees in time to locate replacement owners before the business is closed. New owners may be sought through advertising via bulk mailings to specialized lists or county alumni lists. Objective: Keep businesses open and assist in the transition from retiring owners to younger proprietors.
2.2.2 Develop a coordinated career opportunity awareness program by informing local businesses about tax credits for job training.
2.2.3 Assist retiring or businesses wishing to sell in locating financial support for new owners from both traditional and nontraditional sources. i.e. venture capital group, block grant funds, S.B.A. loans, owner funding.
2.3 Increase employment opportunities by identifying local services needed as well as new opportunities. Objective: To attract new businesses and expand existing ones.
2.4 Inform existing local businesses about State and Federal programs available for development and expansion and assist in applications. Also inform business owners about seminars regarding finance, marketing, etc. Objective: To strengthen existing businesses.
2.5 Encourage adding value to agricultural products through presentations by the Agricultural Value-Added Center at Kansas State University, the University of Nebraska, and other institutions. This may also include studying attracting new agriculture related businesses such as grain processing facilities, mills, etc. Objective: To expand our existing agricultural business base.
2.6 Seek viable options for internet-based business or services to locate
in Rush County. Objective: Many Internet-related businesses do not require
a large population or employment base.
We feel that by increasing literacy among the adult population we will
maximize the possible benefits of any strategies we employ. Since the most
efficient form of learning is modeling, we feel it is important that we
involve adults to serve as models. We also know that children who read
for enjoyment usually come from families who read for enjoyment; therefore
it is important to encourage reading.
Libraries sponsor reading programs for community youth. Most county libraries sponsor summer reading programs and other programs during the school year.
Both USD 395 and USD 403 are both successfully involved in a SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk) program.
Area libraries participate in the Central Kansas Library System rotating book program to provide a regularly changing variety of reading materials.
The communities of Rush Center and Alexander have established very nice
libraries. The senior center is home to the library in Rush Center, and
the Alexander library is located in the United Methodist Church basement.
3.2 Survey patrons of USD 395, USD 403, and Rush County residents, to assess their views, opinions, and suggestions for the education of the children. This survey should be separate and distinct from the public school system. Objective: The results of the survey will be shared with the school districts and the public in general. Issues such as parent involvement, quality of class work, quantity of administration, etc. could be addressed.
3.3 Promote academics in Rush County on a county-wide basis. This may be accomplished through county-wide quiz/scholar bowls or county-wide essay contests based upon an announced theme. Objective: To promote cooperative educational efforts over the entire county and to provide students additional learning opportunities while having fun.
3.4 Start a program of Homework Helpers, an afternoon school program in which volunteers are available to help students with their homework or extra tutoring. Students could make individual appointments or referrals could be made through school staff. Objective: To create a link between the community and schools, and to provide alternatives to hiring additional staff.
3.5 Make the student newpapers available at locations throughout the county. These can be easily located at local coops, coffee shops, and other gathering places. Objective: This will provide a link between the community and students.
3.6 Emphasize community service projects rather than selling products. Objective: Because of our shrinking business base, fewer businesses are being asked to donate more. At the same time students are selling products that directly compete with local businesses. The message being taught appears to be how to take from the local economy without investing anything in return. Yard work, cleaning, running errands, etc. can be done for hire. In the process the students will become involved with their community and provide needed services as they raise money for activities.
3.7 Explore new horizons for education in business through cooperative trainings with area vocational-technical schools and community colleges. Objective: New products, new technologies, and changes in the economy, are creating new job and business opportunities. These changes are also making other jobs and products obsolete. Rural schools may not have the resources available to provide these trainings.
3.8 Develop adult computer training courses. Objective: With the continued growth of e-commerce, it is becoming more necessary for everyone to gain some level of computer literacy.
3.9 Explore avenues for cooperation between Rush County school districts. Objective: With the growing costs to educate our youth coupled with a decreasing population, it is necessary to initiate cooperative cost-shared efforts in order to provide the highest quality education possible.
3.10 In addition to the above objectives and strategies the task force
felt the following issues should be addressed by the local education systems.
>Flag etiquette
>Manners
>Professional demeanor and dress of teachers
>Improve vocabulary skills (i.e. teach and insist
on standard English)
>Emphasize critical thinking
4.2 Make Leadership Rush County self-sustaining through volunteer efforts
of program graduates. This can be accomplished through the recruitment
of graduates of Leadership Rush County to serve on the program committee.
Objective: Over a period of 3-6 years, enough participants should graduate
in or to provide a pool of volunteers to organize and operate the program.
Graduates may decide to donate funds to create a scholarship for persons
unable to pay the program fee.
There is a need to maintain and improve existing services. With the ever changing technology in medical care, it is necessary that the county adopt a plan to keep up with changes. Additionally, many county residents are unaware of the services available to them through the existing facilities. A main point that surfaced through earlier task force meetings was a need for educating the public about various local issues in the health care industry.
Fire protection in Rush County is provided by 7 fire districts with facilities located in all incorporated cities in the county.
Law enforcement is provided by a sheriff, 3 full-time officers, and
a reserve officer in the Sheriffs Department, a chief of police and 2
full-time officers in the LaCrosse Police Department, a city marshal in
Otis, and routine patrol by the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The Rush County Nursing Home purchased a van for resident field trips, or urgent need situations. The van is handicapped equipped.
In 1998, the Rush County Memorial Hospital completed installation and utilization of a telemedicine program. The program was financed through a $24,000 grant from KU Medical Center.
Rush County does provide a senior companion program with volunteers who serve as "companions" for the home bound.
Central Rush County EMS acquired a second ambulance to be used for local
transfers and less critical emergency situations and to provide a back-up
when one unit is already in service.
5.2 Evaluate needs of existing health care entities including but not limited to: evaluation and improvement of the quality of health care provided; improving the public image of health care; analyze the costs of care to ultimately increase revenue and decrease expenses; determine outcome related quality measures to compare local facilities to similar hospitals. Objective: to provide the maximum quality care possible at the same time maintaining profitability.
5.3 Initiate a plan for needed improvements to the hospital and clinic and to seek funding sources for these improvements. This may include improvements to patient rooms and other treatment facilities in the hospital, added facilities for records storage, and ADA, or other federally and state mandated improvements. Objective: To meet state mandated requirements and to provide up-to-date facilities.
5.4 Consult with the Rush County Nursing Home to evaluate needs for additional services and to determine funding options. Some of the requests indicated include: the construction or conversion of an existing wing of the Rush County Nursing Home to an Alzheimer's Care Unit and/or an assisted living facility to serve the needs of individuals who fall between the "Locust Grove" independent living facility and full-time nursing home care. Objective: to fill the gaps present in providing life long medical care.
5.5 Implement a plan for future physician recruitment with the support of the doctors in cooperation with the University of Kansas Rural Bridging Program for physician recruitment. Currently there is a four to five year waiting period for participation in the program. Objective: current doctors have indicated plans to retire in the coming years and the county requires the services of two to three physicians to provide quality healthcare.
5.6 Re-establish a local home health care provider. Reveal possible sources of funding for home care of those who currently do not qualify for existing programs. Objective: to fill a gap resulting from the loss of two local home health providers.
5.7 Continue existing fund raising programs to purchase and upgrade equipment for the McCracken EMS, Otis EMS, and Central Rush County EMS. This would also include funding for training and recertification materials for new and existing EMS personnel. Objective: to provide the best possible emergency medical care.
5.8 Assist with fundraising for Rush County fire districts for the acquisition and maintenance of equipment and for training and recertification materials. Objective: to provide the best possible protection from fire and other disasters. Also, a high-rated fire district will reduce insurance costs.
5.9 Assess needs of the Rush County Sheriffs Department and the LaCrosse Police Department for equipment and recertification training. Objective: to provide quality law enforcement.
5.9.1 Conduct a study of the current use of the Ellis County Jail by Rush County law enforcement agencies to determine if a less costly option could/should be pursued. Objective: to provide quality law enforcement in the most cost-effective manner.
5.10 The Rush County Economic Development could host "brainstorming"
meetings which would encourage cooperation between all county medical services.
Objective: The meetings could serve as a way to evaluate strengths and
weaknesses and to find ways to attract needed staff (nurses, rehabilitation
therapists, occupational therapists.)
Rush County is situated just twenty-five minutes south of Interstate
70. Two major east-west highways and one major north-south highway serve
the county. Rush County is also situated on the historic Fort Hays-Fort
Dodge Trail, and on the Fort-Hays - Fort Larned Trail. It is located less
than 30 minutes from three state and national historical sites.
In 2000, the Rush County Economic Development created a subcommittee who completed a new Rush County history book in 2001. The history book is being used as a fund raiser for the Rush County Historical Society.
The Baker Memorial Sportsmans Club recently completed the construction of a new clubhouse which is also used for hunter safety and other youth hunting and sporting programs.
In 1999, the Barbed Wire Museum underwent a management restructuring
to provide more opportunities for obtaining grants and to streamline operations.
The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum received a $7,000 federal grant in fall 2001
to assist with operating expenses and to increase advertising.
6.2 Continue working with area museums to promote Rush County's attractions. This includes being involved in the Golden Belt Cultural Alliance which includes attractions in Ellis, Rooks, Rush, Russell, and Trego counties. Objective: to maintain a working relationship with area museums and to take advantage of cooperative advertising that individual institutions could not provide alone.
6.3 Incorporate a Tourist Information Center in the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum. The TIC would provide information about who to contact for visits to other county attractions not open on a regular basis. (Example: Bison Community Museum, Lone Star School, McCracken Museum.) Objective: to promote other historical institutions who do not have the national publicity of the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum.
6.4 Continue printing and distribution of the Rush County Tourism Tabloid every three years. The recent update was bypassed due to the production of the new history book. The tabloid, coordinated by the Rush County Economic Development will be inserted in the Rush County News in late April and distributed throughout the summer at museums, service stations, restaurants, and motels. Objective: to provide travelers and other interested individuals with information about our countys history.
6.5 Research the feasibility of creating a museum in the Otis Community related to helium processing. Objective The museum could depict the history of the U.S. Government Helium Plant located south of Otis and helium processing in the area through the present day.
6.6 Develop a long-term plan to help secure additional funding to ensure the preservation of St. Joseph's Church in Liebenthal, St. Mary's Church in McCracken, and Holy Trinity Church in Timken. Objective: With the forthcoming closure of the churches, a long-term plan is necessary to ensure the preservation of these historic structures.
6.7 Begin a fund-raising campaign to move the former Nekoma State Bank
building to Grass Park in LaCrosse to house a banking museum. Objective:
This former structure was one of the last banks to operate in its original
wood-frame building and most of its original equipment is still in existence.
In addition, Rush County has a dramatic banking history.
The primary goal in creating recreational activities should be to fulfill
unmet needs in leisure opportunities, and to expand upon existing ones.
The recreational program should offer a variety of leisure activities such
as arts and crafts, theater, literature, physical fitness, ethnic culture,
garden, and special event activities which would encourage county-wide
participation.
Rush County churches have cooperated to form the Pro-Art Community Choir. This choir performs at various times during the year for holiday services or special events.
Rush County currently has active programs for all ages of Boy Scouts
and Girl Scouts. Local scout troops are actively supported by the local
Lions Clubs.
7.2 Establish physical fitness programs for senior citizens. Ideas could include some creative alternatives such as water aerobics, tap dancing or square dancing. Community resources such as the La Crosse, Otis, or McCracken swimming pools could be made available at times not normally utilized. A building could be made available for winter-time walking such as the school gymnasium. Objective: To promote life-long wellness.
7.3 Continue to expand upon existing special events by contacting event directors and determine what needs remain unfulfilled. Objective: Rush County is fortunate to have numerous successful events held on an annual basis. Examples include: Otis Old-Iron Days, La Crosse Barbed Wire Festival, McCracken Rodeo and Alumni Weekend, Bison-Timken Fun Day, Rush Center St. Patrick's Day Celebration, and the Rush County Fair.
7.4 Explore after school programs for the primary grades. These can serve multiple purposes by providing after school enrichment, supervision, and providing adult role models. Classes could include art, crafts, model car building, kite building, woodworking, or rocket building. These programs would be short term programs sponsored by various clubs (extension office, scout organizations) as a community service. Objective: This type of program could meet the needs of young people without a long term commitment required by a club such as 4-H or Scouts.
7.5 Establish new or expand existing summer youth programs. The summer programs would be similar to the after school programs. Summer recreational opportunities in addition to summer baseball could include: twirling, synchronized swimming, arts & crafts, photography, golf, or any other appropriate activities. High school students or college interns could be used to coordinate the projects emphasizing that volunteer experience can be used on scholarship or job applications. Americorps at Fort Hays State University could provide assistance. Programs would be coordinated by existing service organizations.
7.6 County FCE units could explore the interest in a county garden club. Objective: to provide instruction and promotion of vegetable and ornamental horticulture and provide support for the farmers' market.
7.7 Communities and churches should continue to lend support to the Pro-Art Community Choir. Objective: to foster inter-denominational cooperation between churches.
7.8 Establish a summer recreation commission sponsored in part by the
E.U.B. Trust organization (a community trust funded from the former Evangelical
United Brethren Church in LaCrosse). A college student from Fort Hays State
University could be hired to coordinate projects during the summer. Objective:
to provide expanded summer recreation opportunities for local youth.
Rush County's grain elevators continue to experience a shortage of grain cars on the rail lines. Rail transport is provided to McCracken, La Crosse, Bison, and Otis by a short line railroad that leases a portion of the former Missouri Pacific line from the Union Pacific Railroad. Rail transport to Alexander, Rush Center, and Timken is also provided by a short-line road who acquired a former AT&SF branch railroad.
Rush County has lost most of its blacktop roads due to the high cost
of repair. Over the past few years, the county has "ground up" the blacktop
and returned the roads to sand to allow for better and less costly maintenance.
8.2 Monitor the status of current and future rail transportation. Objective: Although the status quo no longer compares to that of a few years ago, we must continue to monitor the situation and determine the best course of action to meet needs of grain elevators and to ensure, as best we can, the future of rail transportation through our county.
8.3 Conduct a study of county blacktops and other county roads. Objective: The RCED will cooperate with the Rush County Commissioners to seek the most cost-effective way to seek the most viable and cost effective solution keeping in mind the needs of local citizens and businesses.
8.3.1 Study the feasibility of maintaining a 4-mile stretch of blacktop north from McCracken to the blacktop at the Ellis County line vs. maintaining the McCracken to Liebenthal road. Objective: If maintaining the shorter stretch of roadway would meet the same needs as the much longer McCracken-Liebenthal route, a substantial cost savings could result.
A RESOLUTION of support for the qualifying county strategic plan and requesting that the Secretary of Commerce & Housing approve the County of Rush as a designated Kansas Enterprise Zone non-metropolitan region.
WHEREAS, A county strategic plan, required by K.S.A. 74-50,116(c)(2), has been adopted by the Commission of the County of Rush on June 12, 1995; and
WHEREAS, Local business incentive of free dumping at the county landfill for one year to all qualified newly locating or expanding businesses in the County. The businesses would be required to haul any quantities of material, on their own, to the county landfill except materials designated as hazardous by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the E.P.A.; and
WHEREAS, All qualified businesses will be notified of the availability of the business incentive indicated above by The Commission through a meeting with the Commissioners, The Rush County Economic Development, and newspaper announcements.
WHEREAS, The Commission of the County of Rush chooses to participate as a designated Kansas Enterprise Zone non-metropolitan region as provided for by K.S.A. 74-50,116; and
WHEREAS, The Commission of the County of Rush has received an Opinion Letter from the County Attorney finding compliance with the Kansas Enterprise Zone Act, K.S.A. 74-50,113 et seq., as amended:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission of the County of Rush:
That the Secretary of Commerce & Housing is hereby requested to approve
the County of Rush as a designated non-metropolitan region pursuant to
the Kansas Enterprise Zone Act.
ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE COUNTY OF RUSH ON THIS 3rd DAY OF DECEMBER, 2001.
signed
Barbara Matal, Rush County Clerk