Regan Griffin, president of Restore Rock Port, shared with the group the upcoming project to demolish the two buildings next to the Walk of Honor. Regan also talked about future projects for Main Street.

Atchison County Library Director Jennifer Roup, left, and Library Board President Janet Griffin, right, showed a blueprint of the layout of the new library and a rendering of the outside of the building. Jennifer said the project is still moving forward, but that the timeline had changed due to joining in with the city’s grant they received for demolition.

Atchison County Development Corporation (ACDC) hosted its 2025 community lunch for the Rock Port/Watson area at Dusty Trail on March 13, where over 25 attendees enjoyed a wonderful meal. W.C. Farmer, ACDC board member, welcomed all to the meeting and offered a prayer of thanks and blessing for the meal.

Regan Griffin was the first of two guest speakers. Regan is president of the Restore Rock Port group which is responsible for getting the former Jack and Jill grocery store torn down last year He visited with everyone about their upcoming projects. The first will be the buildings next to the Walk of Honor, with the goal of turning the area into a useful area for the community. Regan also talked about the CDBG demolition grant that was received by the City of Rock Port for $259,100 from the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments. This grant will be used to help with the Restore Rock Port project along with demolition of the buildings south of the Atchison County Library to prepare for the construction of the new Atchison County Library.

Atchison County Library Director Jennifer Roup was the second guest speaker. Jennifer brought everyone up to date on the new library project. The timelines have changed due to the grant but the project is still moving forward and they hope to be starting in the near future. Jennifer had on display the blueprint of the layout along with a rendering of the exterior of the new building.

ACDC Director Monica Bailey highlighted ACDC’s mission and activities (growing existing businesses, encouraging new business, promoting the county, advocating for the county, developing economic development tools, and creating career development opportunities for youth).