Lori Seymour, ACDC President, welcomes everyone to the ACDC Tarkio Business Lunch meeting March 14.
Tarkio R-I Superintendent Karma Coleman provided an update on the impact that the wind farms will have on the school district, as well as the school district’s possible purchase of Heartland Recreation Center.
Atchison County Deputy Devon Sons discussed the many educational programs put on by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Department.
ACDC Director Monica Bailey highlighted ACDC activities.
Atchison County Development Corporation (ACDC) hosted its 2018 business lunch for the Tarkio/Westboro area at the Atchison County Nutrition Center on March 14, 2018, where 45 attendees enjoyed a wonderful lunch. Lori Seymour, ACDC President, welcomed all to the meeting and Lydia Hurst, ACDC Board member, offered a prayer of thanks for the meal and for the opportunity to make our county a better place.
Karma Coleman, Tarkio R-I School District Superintendent, provided an update on the impact that the wind farms will have on the school district. The income from wind farm taxes will make it possible for the district to address a number of issues on its list of desired improvements. The purchase of Heartland Recreation Center (HRC) is under discussion and would address many of these issues, including an additional gymnasium for practice and league play as well as other overflow needs of the district. Coleman spoke about her interest in maintaining and growing HRC as a resource for Tarkio, Atchison County, and beyond. The school district could own the building, make necessary improvements, maintain the building using school district funds for the school’s activities and use income from HRC activities to supplement the funding stream. Preliminary research done by the district indicates that the purchase of HRC might be a way to acquire additional space needed by the district, continue to make this type of center available to the county, and grow the activities that each can provide.
Devon Sons, Atchison County Deputy, talked about the impressive mix of educational activities available through the Atchison County Sheriff’s Department. The D.A.R.E. program is available through the school districts, beginning in kindergarten with a 911 Simulator program, Eddie Eagle Gun Safety, and “CAT” Caution, Action, Tell programs. D.A.R.E. continues with the traditional 6th grade and high school programs. ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) programs are available at the elementary through high school levels as well as community programs for adults. A college safety program for seniors is available, giving seniors tips for staying safe outside the home turf. Women’s self defense is offered. A bicycle rodeo is one of the newer offerings that includes bicycle safety and maintenance. A variety of firearms classes are offered by the Sheriff’s Department including Concealed Carry, defensive pistol classes 1 and 2, women’s introduction to handguns and firearms safety for kids. A sheepdog class is geared toward churches and faith based organizations as a mixture of ALICE, scripture and personal defense. Additionally, classes on personal defense inside the home, situational awareness and defensive mindset are available. For more information on these or other programs contact the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office at 660-744-6271.
ACDC Director Monica Bailey highlighted ACDC activities. ACDC is funded by a 1/4-cent sales tax that is up for vote every 5 years and charges the office with carrying out economic development in Atchison County. ACDC’s mission statement is “to initiate, stimulate, and facilitate opportunity in Atchison County through economic and community development.” Bailey said that ACDC’s mission, put into action, translates to connecting youth with their county, especially the business community, so that they know about career opportunities here; supporting existing businesses and helping new businesses get started; supporting the efforts of our local nonprofits, when those projects have a significant impact on our communities; sharing local information; and promoting our county to potential industries and residents. “Everything we do is based on three assumptions: that nobody cares about this place as much as we do, that no one is more capable than the people in our towns and the kids in our schools, and that the best way to grow and add jobs and add wealth is to build on what we have,” said Bailey.
Bailey discussed the importance of ACDC’s youth programs, targeted to Atchison County’s future workforce. ACDC’s 4th Annual Youth Professionalism Workshop was held in November, offering Atchison County juniors a crash course on professionalism. Throughout the day, students receive tips from business owners and other county leaders, such as how to apply for jobs and how to use social media wisely. In the afternoon, students are taken to businesses around the county, where they hear from an employer representing each of the 6 career clusters. Planning for ACDC’s spring job shadowing program is underway. Atchison County juniors will sign up to shadow a business in the county on March 28. Seniors will initiate their job shadow experience in April this year, utilizing this opportunity to put some of those professional skills into practice.
In addition to these workforce programs, ACDC also recognizes the importance of cultivating leadership and volunteerism in our future residents. Bailey discussed ACDC’s new youth grant program, called Make AC Beautiful. A grant of at least $500 will be awarded to a beautification project in each of the three school district areas (but not on school grounds). Applications will be due September 1, winners will be announced October 1, and projects will be completed by July 31 of next year. These will be youth-led projects, with a group of at least 3 students with an adult ‘sponsor’ to assist and guide. Grant information will be available around April 1.
Bailey also highlighted the Business Improvement Grant as ACDC’s tangible tool to help existing businesses grow and succeed. Applications are being accepted now for this year’s grant.
Finally, Bailey encouraged attendees to utilize ACDC assistance and asked the group to send individuals to ACDC when they are considering starting or growing a business.
