Levee board president Ryan Ottmann was the special guest speaker at the ACDC lunch, where he gave an update on the Atchison County Levee District and the effects of the 2019 flood.

Sheriff Dennis Martin shared stories of travelers during this flooding situation.

Atchison County Development Corporation (ACDC) hosted its 2019 business lunch for the Rock Port/Watson area at Dusty Trail on March 20, where nearly 60 attendees enjoyed a wonderful lunch. W.C. Farmer, ACDC board member, welcomed all to the meeting and Jim Clodfelter offered a prayer of thanks and blessing for the meal.

Susette Taylor, Atchison County Clerk, mentioned the upcoming renewal of the 1/4-cent economic development sales tax (on the ballot April 2) and discussed the benefits of having an office that dedicated to the development of Atchison County. Over the years, the county has been able to attract new businesses and industry, largely due to ACDC’s efforts to establish the Enhanced Enterprise Zone and Tax Increment Financing incentives. She discussed ACDC’s role in keeping boards like the Industrial Development Authority in place and their part in the overall increase of the tax base over the last 25 years.

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), mentioning that the office will help however is needed as we work to recover from the flood. She asked supporters to vote yes to renew the 1/4-cent sales tax on April 2, so that ACDC’s work can continue.

Finally, the conversation turned to flooding in Atchison County. Ryan Ottmann, President of Atchison County Levee District #1, gave an overview of flooding and levee status in Atchison County. Sheriff Dennis Martin shared stories of travelers during this situation, reminding attendees that there is no better place than Atchison County to lift each other up and that we will get through this.