An evening of networking, dining, and a keynote address culminated in the presentation of the 2024 NCRPC Lifetime Public Service Awards to Darla Bebber of Miltonvale, Kansas, and Don Landoll of Marysville, Kansas. The event took place on October 24 in Salina, Kansas.

Darla Bebber from Miltonvale, Kansas, was awarded a 2024 NCRPC Lifetime Public Service Award. She is shown with NCRPC Executive Director John Shea (left) and NCRPC Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives Deb Ohlde (right).

The Lifetime Public Service Award was established in 2022 to honor individuals or organizations for their exceptional contributions to the well-being of North Central Kansas over an extended period. Darla Bebber was the Miltonvale City Clerk for 42 years. During that time, she demonstrated a tremendous commitment to public service through her position with the city, and also as a volunteer.

“City Clerks have a key position in a community as a source of information, a hub of connections and also to keep things running smoothly,” says Deb Ohlde, NCRPC Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives, who worked with Bebber on various community projects. “Darla embraced that role and went above and beyond the basics to do it well.”

Don Landoll, Marysville, received a NCRPC Lifetime Public Service Award. Presenting the award were NCRPC Executive Director John Shea (left) and Marysville Community Foundation President Jeff Crist (right).

Don Landoll, the founder, owner, and president of Landoll Company, LLC, has long been dedicated to community and public service both locally and regionally.

“Don is always willing to give his time, talent, leadership, and resources to promote the quality of life in rural areas,” says Jeff Crist, President of the Marysville Community Foundation. “Additionally, he is responsible for the creation of hundreds of local jobs and career opportunities in North Central Kansas and surrounding areas.”

Attendees were also entertained by keynote speaker Aaron Putze, who shared insights on fostering progress, connections, and growth in rural communities. Putze is an author and speaker who also serves as the Chief Officer of Brand Management and Engagement at the Iowa Soybean Association. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event!

This article appeared in the Quarters 3 & 4 2024 NCRPC Newsletter.

Second Year Program Results Show Benefit to Six Kansas Counties

Financial assistance provided through the second year of the NCRPC Housing Initiative enabled the completion of 87 housing rehabilitation projects and the demolition of 55 dilapidated residential structures across six Kansas counties: Cheyenne, Decatur, Gove, Graham, Republic, and Rooks.

The initiative was administered by the North Central Regional Planning Commission through a partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan, Kansas.

Intended to strengthen housing in communities, the initiative included pilot programs focusing on moderate-income housing rehabilitation and the demolition of dilapidated residential properties.

The Demolition Pilot Program offered reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per property for removal and cleanup of structures. The Moderate Income Housing Rehabilitation Pilot Program offered reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 to homeowners to complete minor housing upgrades. Households met moderate income guidelines to be eligible to apply.

“The moderate-income housing rehabilitation pilot program was designed to assist homeowners that are many times underserved by other funding programs,” said NCRPC Housing Director Keegan Bailey. “There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing housing challenges in rural communities. This initiative was one tool available to assist homeowners.”

The most common housing improvements completed with program assistance included upgrades to windows, siding, electrical systems, and HVAC systems.

“We were thrilled with results of year two of the initiative and appreciate the local partners who helped make the program a success in these locations,” Bailey said. “Anything we can do to help preserve housing stock or remove dilapidated structures is a win for communities,” Bailey said.

Similar pilot programs have also been completed in Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Russell, and Smith counties. A third year of the NCRPC Housing Initiative has also launched in six additional Kansas counties, including Logan, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Rawlins, and Sherman, and is currently ongoing. It is anticipated that the initiative will expand to more counties in the Dane G. Hansen Foundation service area in 2025, subject to the availability of funding.

Learn more about the NCRPC Housing Initiative.

This article appeared in the Quarters 3 & 4 2024 NCRPC Newsletter.