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DENEE CUPP – MKC’S KITCHEN – Makenzee Cupp loved to cook and her dream was to go to culinary school, own a food truck, and become a farm-to-table chef. That’s exactly what she was doing when she was struck and killed by an inattentive driver on March 1, 2021. Her parents decided to carry on Makenzee’s dream. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says they created a commercial kitchen, purchased a food truck and are now preparing such food products as her signature sauce and rub.

1880 BEEF – ANDY AND SARA LARSON – Andy Larson’s family has been raising beef in the northern Flint Hills since 1880. Using his beef production skills and his wife Sara’s marketing skills, they have opened a direct beef marketing business that is sending beef products across the nation. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says they’ve worked hard at improving their beef quality through the years.

SARA LARSON – WILD & BLOOMING – Sara Larson developed a love for floriculture as a young 4-H member. Following a career in the hospitality and events business, she became a young mother and her career path took a turn – she founded her own floriculture studio. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Sara provides floral arrangements for weddings, large fundraisers and K-State events. She’s also decorated Christmas trees at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC, and has been accepted to do the holiday decorations for the White House.

TIM STRATHMAN – 6S CREATIVE – As a high school student, Tim Strathman enjoyed video production and web design. He even helped teach the class, and by his senior year was building websites for local businesses. After studying software design at Manhattan Tech, Strathman worked for a couple of businesses, before opening his own full-service marketing agency in rural Kansas. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says many of his clients are ag-oriented, and he values those relationships.

ASHLEY BEAN AND BAILEY TUCKER – Ashley Bean and Bailey Tucker are nurses who grew up in northeast Kansas. As co-workers they found a shared interest in natural healing and holistic health and started creating their own all-natural household, self-care and beauty products. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says it worked so well that they created an online business, Humble Homestead. He says the products, which are made in their homes, are now being shipped to customers across the nation.

SOLID BAR FITNESS – After a successful college football career at Baker University, Brad Roepke came back to his hometown and worked for his father’s business, Roepke Processing. His interest in sports continued and he started making his own weightlifting equipment in his garage. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says that eventually turned into Solid Bar Fitness, a business that produces weightlifting equipment and outfits weight rooms across the nation.

MIA BELLA INTERIORS – WATERVILLE – After marrying a native Kansan and moving to Waterville, Ronna Trosper, who has a background in retail, found shopping was limited. So, she decided to open a store featuring home décor, gifts, coffee and laser engraving. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the Trospers enjoy being in a small town where everybody knows you and you can count on each other. He says the Coffeehouse part of their business has become a gathering place for the community.

ERIC SPURGEON – TARHUN 3D – After graduating from Kansas State University in mechanical engineering, Michael Spurgeon has designed and built projects across the country. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State, says this ranges from a display case to exhibit the Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, to a sprayer designed for rice fields in California.

ERIC SPURGEON– IRON HEDGE – Eric Spurgeon grew up building fence, which caused him to think about a better way to set corner posts. He and a partner designed a new system that has been installed 40 times across Kansas. . Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the company now owns two patents.

KATIE WAGNER – ENRICHED AG – As a young mother, Katie Wagner, sought a remote work opportunity and found one as communications director for a high-tech ag startup company called Enriched Ag. This company uses digital imaging to help producers monitor animal health, fences and forage conditions. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Enriched Ag serves customers all over the nation and Wagner.

DIAMOND W CUSTOM MACHINE WORKS – Eric Wagner grew up helping in his grandfather’s mechanic shop. He later became an engineer and moved back to his hometown where he created a business in that same shop, serving engineering clients across the nation. Today, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says this rural Kansas company offers 3D printing, metal welding fabrication, engineering design and CNC machining.

DON ATHA– BUG SCULPTURES – Not everyone would think of using large bugs to help attract visitors to their community. However, Don Atha and his wife Rebecca believe strongly in the value of public art and Don thought of creating large metal sculptures of bugs to place around the community. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the community of Anthony now has 30 bug sculptures on display – with more in production.

GROWING HOPE GLOBALLY – Kaylyn Morse serves as regional director for Growing Hope Globally, a faith-based charity working to support agricultural development around the world. It’s supported by people such as the Guetterman farm family of Bucyrus, Kansas and others. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the charity is helping more than 200,000 in 31 countries find lasting solutions to hunger.

THE KITCHEN TABLE – FREDONIA – Fredonia’s Brian Mayeske and his wife, Kathy, are owners of the Kitchen Table, a restaurant that prepares daily homestyle meals and 10 to 14 pies per day. They also offer Take “N’ Bake carry-out freezer meals which can be prepared at home. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says that’s becoming a fast-growing element of their business.

CUSTOM FORESTRY APPLICATIONS – Luke Terry got a big surprise when he took a job that involved putting out land improvement projects for bid…there were very few contractors to do such projects. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Terry started his own company that now offers multiple woodland, wildlife and grassland conservation and improvement services in northeast Kansas.

THE COOKBOOK HOUSE – When Barb Rathbun had an opportunity to purchase her aunt’s two nearby houses, she knew exactly what to do with cottage – display her cookbook collection. After completing renovations and showing the collection to some friends, she decided to take their advice and open the collection to visitors. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the collection includes 9,000 cookbooks and has attracted visitors from at least 13 states.

TEILA KEYS – HONEYDO FARM – When Teila Keys and her husband, Matthew, bought her parent’s five acres, that site became their homestead. It also provided an opportunity for them to start a garden and take spices to sell at the local farmers market. Today, HoneyDo Farm offers a variety of homegrown products and experiences. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says they raise milk dairy goats eight months of the year and use the milk to make cheese, lotions and soap. They also produce homemade jams and jellies, spices and freeze-dried candy. They also host events at the farm.

TRAVIS SCALES COMPANY – As a mechanic, Ron Travis serviced industrial scale trucks. In 1997, he founded his own business that is now certified to install, calibrate and service industrial weighing and measuring devices in seven states. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the company uses the latest technology backed by the best quality manufacturers in the world to serve the food processing, chemical, metals, automotive, trucking and transportation, plastics and manufacturing industries.

NEX-GENERATION – KELLI HUENEKE – As a schoolteacher, Kelli Hueneke observed the benefit of programs from Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc. Now she is executive director of Nex-Generation, which offers students programs in career development, entrepreneurship, internships, and Young AmeriTowne of Kansas. Specifically, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Nex-Generation sponsors virtual career fairs and expos for high school age students, plus life skills training and sessions on resume writing and interviewing.

EDWARDS COUNTY DAIRY – A young economic developer in rural Kansas had to overcome some challenges to attract a state-of-the-art dairy to Edwards County. Heather Strate became economic development director in the county in 2022 and had to hit the ground running because a major economic development project – a dairy – was under consideration. The project fell through, but Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says she sent out the information they had compiled to other prospects. It turned out an operation in Texas was looking to expand. In spring 2024, a groundbreaking for the Twin Circle Dairy was held. It’s projected to milk 19,300 cows in the first year and grow to 23,700 cows – enough to fill 20 supertankers per day.

MENNONITE MUSEUM – FERN BARTEL – After volunteering on the board of the Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum in Goessel for 15 years, Fern Bartel became director in 2017. In 2024, the museum and the Goessel community are celebrating 150 years since their Mennonite ancestors brought Turkey Red winter wheat to Kansas. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, explains the significance of Turkey Red winter wheat to Kansas farmers and the state’s economy.

STEPHANIE SWITZKY – INDIGENOUS LITERATURE – When Stephanie Switzky became a teacher at Royal Valley High School, she learned that about a third of the school’s students were considered indigenous. She worked to expand here curriculum and is now leading an initiative to teach Native American and other indigenous literature in her school. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the curriculum is having a positive impact on all students.

ZOE RHODES – ED ASTRA – Zoe Rhodes is an agricultural education major at Kansas State University who is passionate about the value of rural schools. Zoe is president of a new K-State organization called ED ASTRA. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the organization has a goal is to encourage education majors from rural areas to return home after graduation and encourage others to consider teaching in a rural district.

RURAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE – Native Kansan and Kansas Supreme Court Justice KJ Wall as asked to chair the court’s Rural Justice Initiative, aimed at remedying a looming lack of attorneys in rural Kansas. After months of interviews and other research, the committee will make its report in fall 2024. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says more law firms are participating in high school career fairs to encourage more young people to consider a career in law.

CHAD RUSSELL – FIRE SAFETY – The unchecked spread of eastern red cedar trees is not only consuming much more water than native grassland, it’s creating a fire hazard that can threaten homes, farms and families across the state. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Chad Russell, the fire chief in Andover, is working to protect fire fighters and homeowners from the dangers associated with the spread of eastern red cedars in rural areas.

AUTUMN FEVER DESIGNS – Autumn Breault enjoys art and creating macramé and jewelry with her hands. In college, one of her class assignments was to design a business to market her products. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says that business now sells her homemade products from coast to coast and beyond.

KANSAS TOURISM TARGETS FAMILIES – A program started with COVID relief dollars in 2021 to encourage educational summer activities showed such positive results, when it was about to end, the program was chosen to continue under the auspices of Kansas Tourism. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says this new program, Sunflower Summer, is offering Kansas families free tickets to more than 220 attractions across the state this summer.

MAKING DAMAR A CLEAN COMMUNITY – After successful careers, Bob Morin and Kaylon Roberts decided to invest in their hometown. Both are active in the Damar Community Historical Foundation. As part of their efforts to revitalize Damar, downtown buildings have been renovated and trash is picked up immediately, making Damar one of the cleanest communities in the country. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, has more on the efforts to make Damar a great place to live.

KELLI HANSEN – THE HUB – When Kelli Hansen saw a beautiful historic downtown building come up for sale in her hometown, she and others from Downtown Plainville, Inc. and the Plainville Community Foundation, raised funds to save the building and repurpose it to a co-working space for the community. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says The Hub, which offers high speed internet, semi-private office spaces, a coffee bar, and a large conference, is a cornerstone for the business district.

FLINT HILLS PINTS – After being disappointed in store-bought ice cream during the pandemic, Karen Moege and her husband, Darrin, decided to see if they could make better ice cream. The experiment went so well that it became a business. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Flint Hills Pints uses local milk and eggs to produce all-natural ice cream in traditional and their own creative flavors – and customers are giving it rave reviews.

STEPHANIE MORAN– GO TOPEKA – Stephanie Moran was president of a startup business before becoming vice president of innovation for GO Topeka, the economic development arm in the state’s capitol city and one of the first regional partners with K-State 105. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Moran utilizes many tools to encourage business, such as tech accelerators, matching grants, entrepreneur support and more.

LAUGHING ROOSTER EATS – Growing up, Chuckie Hessong loved preparing food in her mother’s kitchen. It inspired her to become a family and consumer sciences teacher and Extension agent while growing products of her own. Today, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says she manages a foodie website and blog that reaches across the nation and beyond.

OSKALOOSA FLOWER FARM – Dawn Alexander Halla loves growing flowers. She moved to Kansas to help her daughter care for grandchildren and launched a flower farm in Oskaloosa. Having noticed how holistic land management benefitted animals are her previous home, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says she is researching regenerative agriculture in her flower farming operation.

DON ROWLISON – COTTONWOOD RANCH – Don Rowlison, the first State Public Archeologist for the Kansas State Historical Society, became curator for the Cottonwood Ranch state historic site, which commemorates the ranch founded by a British sailor. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the sailor migrated to northwest Kansas more than a century ago and the Brit’s home is one of the oldest intact buildings in that part of the state.

ROUTE 66 VISITOR’S CENTER – Route 66 went from Chicago south and west through Missouri, across the corner of Kansas and then west to California. It received its federal highway Route 66 designation in 1926. Now, the Visitor’s Center in Baxter Springs shares the story of the historic Route 66 with visitors from across the nation and beyond. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the community also helped provide inspiration for elements of the animated movie Cars, which has sparked renewed interest in the region.

BAXTER SPRINGS MUSEUM – Mary Barrington is the director of the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum and Visitor’s Center, which shares the story of this historic community and southeast Kansas. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Baxter Springs was actually the first Cowtown in Kansas and southeast Kansas was also a site of extensive mining of lead, zinc and cola. Today, the 20,000 square foot museum attracts visitors from all over the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway and New Zealand/Australia.

CHENEY LAKE WATERSHED – In the 1990s, farmers along the Ninnescah River noticed that sediment and nutrients were building up in Cheney Lake, which supplies more than 60% of the drinking water for the 350,000 residents of Wichita. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Reno County farmers reached an agreement with the city to provide funding to help them implement practices to improve water quality and quantity.

SUSAN ROMMELFANGER – ROMMEY FARMS – Susan Rommelfanger’s family had a big garden growing up. Today, she and her husband own Rommey Farms, which produces fresh produce, eggs, honey and flowers. In addition, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says their farm has a story walk to educate children about pollinators, and they’ve created the Prairie Wellness Foundation to promote healthy food.

DADDY’S GIRL SMOKED MEATS & CATERING – Deb Tudor dreamed of having a restaurant with her father, who loved to grill steaks while she loved to smoke meat. After her father passed suddenly, she opened her own restaurant, which has drawn high praise from online reviews, and more importantly to her, two sixth graders who wrote about the restaurant for a school essay. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says one essay was titled, “The World’s Most Amazing Restaurant” and the other was titled simply, “The Best Restaurant.”

SALTY SUNFLOWER DESIGNS – While visiting her grandparents in the Caribbean, Becky Nestor found she could make and sell jewelry made from sea glass that is gathered on the beach. She is now the owner of Salty Sunflower Designs, which is a combination of her love of the beach and Kansas. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Becky is now making permanent jewelry which is spark-welded onto the wearer’s body.

DAN SMOOTS – FANESTIL MEATS – Dan Smoots learned about the meat business in Emporia while working at a beef packing plant. Years later, he purchased Fanestil Meats – described as a locally legendary processor of ready-to-eat fresh and smocked and cooked, value-added meats for local and regional retail customers. In 2023, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Fanestil Meats expanded by building a state-of-the-art 47,000 square foot production facility.

BORDER QUEEN HARVEST HUB – Through a local community foundation, Vision Caldwell, and with support from the Patterson Family Foundation, citizens in Caldwell, Kansas have developed the Border Queen Harvest Hub to connect producers and consumers. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the hub provides opportunities for producers to expand revenues and helps consumers find products that are fresh and local.

CVR MANUFACTURING – Living in the forested part of eastern Kansas, Kelly Coover designed and improved a tree chopper to clear trees from fields. According to Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, Kelly and his brother formed a manufacturing company to make tree choppers and market outdoor furnaces, which are sold across the nation.

ONLINE MEDIA MONITORING FROM HOME – Annie Yungeberg is a teacher in Washington, Kansas. Recently, she learned of a business doing online media monitoring, analysis and summarization. After taking a class on how to work remotely, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says she now performs that work on her own time from home, serving national and international clients.

THE ART OF BARN QUILTS – In 2012, a handful of women in northeast Kansas developed a trail in the Flint Hills where visitors could view barn quilts – quilt patterns that are painted onto a board and put on the outside of a structure, such as a barn or shed. According to Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, the trail has since been featured in a book, and the trail website has grown to 525 listings.

DUCK CREEK CUSTOM METAL – Daryl Henton enjoys working with metal in his shop. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Daryl’s business, Duck Creek Custom Metal, offers CNC plasma cutting, computer-aided design drawing, and welding services. He also has more than 700 electronic files of designs he can produce.

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TARYN SIDES – K-STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL – It’s not easy for any player to step to the foul line and make two pressure freethrows. Now, imagine doing that as a freshman. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, profiles Taryn Sides, a point guard on the K-State women’s basketball team who is a four-time Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-State recipient and two-time 3A Player of the Year.

HADLEY PANZER – K-STATE FOOTBALL – Homegrown talent has been a cornerstone of the Kansas State University football program. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, introduces us to Hadley Panzer. He graduated from Lakin High School in 2020 and saw action as a true freshman with the Wildcats in 2021 before becoming a fulltime starter in 2022 and 2023. Wilson says he has also earned First Team Academic All-Big-12 honors.

LYNNE HAGMEIER – QUILTS – The history of quilts in America has evolved from basic bedcovers to become an important part of America’s cultural heritage. Lynn Hagmeier, who learned sewing and crafts as a little girl, is now an internationally known quilt designer who has created hundreds of quilt designs. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says she has also led quilt retreats and cruises, and produced two dozen books.

GALLERY MOSTAZA – HARPER – Isaac Shue always enjoyed art. In college, he discovered that he especially enjoyed making ceramics. On a special holiday edition, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, tells the story of how Isaac met his wife, Karina, in Ecuador on a church service mission and how they were able to build their own pottery business, serving customers coast to coast and beyond.

SMART RURAL COMMUNITIES – In 2015, the Rainbow Communications Company in Everest was one of ten rural telecommunications companies that won a Smart Rural Community Showcase Award. The designation – “Smart Rural Community” – was created by a national association to recognize rural telecommunications companies that are providing superior broadband service in their areas. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says many of those are found in Kansas.

RAINBOW COMMUNICATIONS – The availability and reliability of broadband connections across the state varies greatly, especially for rural areas. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Rainbow Communications has been working hard to enhance its service to the region and have fiber to the home in every place in Everest, and fiber within its co-op boundaries. He says the company now has 40 employees and can serve 9,700 locations.

THE TIPTON TIMES NEWSPAPER – It’s a natural curiosity for people who have moved away from a community to still want information about what’s going on. With fewer small town newspapers, that can be difficult. However, for those living in Tipton – and abroad – there’s a quarterly newspaper that goes from the town of 193 people to approximately 1700 subscribers. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the Tipton Times grew out of a newsletter Fred Smith designed to keep donors who supported the creation of an independent school informed.

TIPTON GROCERY– OWNERSHIP TRANSITION–We’ve heard it said that “timing is everything” – and in the case of two ownership transitions of a local grocery store – that’s definitely true. Fred Smith took the opportunity to move back to the community where he’d been born and assume ownership of the Tipton Grocery store, along with an original sausage recipe. After 32 years of serving the community, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Fred and his wife successfully made another ownership transition to a young couple who visited Tipton and fell in love with the community.

FUSION ALLEY AND PRIMETIME GRILLE –Some things just go together. For example, peanut butter and jelly or pie and ice cream. In Ottawa, local investors have come up with the unique combination of a bowling alley and a restaurant that specializes in Kansas cuisine. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, explains how these businesses are serving the community.

MISS ABLE GOES INTO SPACE –Kansas has been home to several astronauts: Ron Evans, Joe Engle and Steven Hawley, for example. When the United States was gearing up to send a human into outer space in the late 1950s, its spaceflight testing included two rhesus monkeys – Miss Able and Miss Baker. On May 28, 1959, the monkeys were successfully launched on a Jupiter rocket from Cape Canaveral. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Miss Able was born at a zoo in Independence, Kansas, making her the first “astromonkey” from Kansas to travel into outer space.

VICKIE VANDEMENT– ALPACAS–Sweater weather has arrived. If you’re looking for a really warm sweater, consider purchasing one made from alpaca fiber that produced in rural Kansas. In 2004, Vickie Vandement and her husband Mitch, who passed away in 2020, decided to try raising alpacas and found they enjoyed it so much they opened up a retail store near Osborne in 2015. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Vickie and a crew continue to run the business and have sold alpaca socks, sweaters, scarves, blankets and headbands as far away as the Virgin Islands and Sweden.

FLICKNER INNOVATION FARM – Ray Flickner is the fifth generation to farm his family’s land. His farm has always believed in conversation and leaving the land in a better condition than how they found it. In 2019, the family launched the Flickner Innovation Farm to test conservation, soil health and weed management practices on a field-scale operation. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the farm also hosts summer field days and winter meetings where peer-reviewed research is shared with other producers and partners.

JACE KAMINSKA– TYRO TORPEDO–As a farm kid from Tyro, Kansas, Jace Kaminska first appeared in his hometown newspaper after earning a purple ribbon for his homemade bread at the 4-H baking championship at the Montgomery County Fair. Years later, he was back in the news as one of the top baseball pitchers in Kansas. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the “Tyro Torpedo” – a nickname given to him by the editor and publisher of the Montgomery County Chronicle, Andy Taylor – is currently working his way up in the baseball world after being drafted by the Colorado Rockies.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM – When the Wabaunsee County Historical Museum expanded into the building next door, contractors uncovered a hidden underground stone cellar under the annex. This man-made “cave” built of laid limestone featured an arched-ceiling design and a long stone staircase downstairs from the annex building. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says these arched cellars were common in the 1860s and it’s another asset the museum staff would like to use to promote the history of Wabaunsee County.

HENDRICKS HARDWARE –Gwen Hendricks’ husband, Marvin, was working at the hardware store in Alma when they bought it in 1951. The family has owned and operated the business ever since. Gwen turns 98 in October. The hardware store continues to operate in its original stone building – the second oldest surviving building in the Alma downtown historic district. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the store offers a variety of hardware, building supplies and toys, plus household items, greeting cards and more.

ANTIQUE EMPORIUM OF ALMA –A community in northeast Kansas is proving you don’t need to be in a big city to attract customers and to operate a thriving business. Alma, with a population of 802 people, has several woman-owned businesses that are helping lead a resurgence of downtown enterprises. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says that includes Morgan Holloman, owner of the Antique Emporium of Alma.

MT. ZION CHURCH REVIVAL –An abandoned old stone church in a rural area of northeast Kansas had always been admired by neighbors Dave Nelson and Jerry Petty. When Dave learned the former church was for sale, he bought it, and convinced Jerry to help in its restoration. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the historic stone church is being saved and repurposed as a center for the community.

KSDS ASSISTANCE DOGS – 4-H families in north central Kansas were raising puppies to be assistance dogs, but when they found that only a few of the puppies were being placed in the Midwest, they founded a service dog training organization of their own. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the organization has placed 630 service dogs in 36 states, providing guide and service dogs free to people needing a canine partner.

MELVINA JONES– POTWIN–Melvina Jones grew up with a garden on her family’s farm and took gardening as a 4-H project. When she became a teacher in Potwin, she not only had her own garden but also helped lead the community garden. This volunteer community garden is small but mighty. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says that since its beginning, the garden has produced more than 106,000 pounds of produce.

ROXIE YONKEY– SECRET KANSAS–Some secrets are just too good not to share. That’s the case with the latest book by author and travel blogger Roxie Yonkey. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure, is packed with little known oddities and attractions around the state, complete with photos, locations and tips for visiting.

McPHERSON COUNTY– MOBILE ROBOTICS–To help increase skills and awareness of the opportunities in STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – the 4-H staff in McPherson County worked with organizers to buy age-appropriate robotic equipment for students in 1st, 3rd and 6th grade. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the results were overwhelming.

DON AND SHARON MEYER– CHUCKWAGON–Don and Sharon Meyer are the owners of a chuckwagon that Don designed and built to look just like an old fashioned chuckwagon. However, this one comes equipped with a built-in gas grill. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Don and Sharon have taken the chuckwagon all over the United States to cook for guests.

SUMP RESTORATION –From building his own go cart at age 10 to working on his cousin’s 1965 Chevelle the summer of his senior year, Todd Sump has always enjoyed car restoration. In 2010, Todd left the construction business to open Sump Restoration, which specializes in restoring automobiles. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the company does original restorations plus what’s called a resto-mod – where the classic look is restored but the internal operating systems are modernized.

MIKE SMITH– AG 1 SOURCE–Finding the right person to fill a position isn’t easy. In fact, many companies are hiring recruiting companies to do the work for them. During his career in agribusiness, Mike Smith worked with an employment recruiting company and eventually founded a business of his own. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says this company now has recruiters in every major U.S. production region, serving customers across the nation.

THE SHERIDAN SIX LEMA –Alarmed by the rapid drop in the water tables, a northwest Kansas farmer and his neighbors formed a locally enhanced management area, or LEMA, for their region. The result, was a significant reduction water use. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the effort also gained national attention.

KANSAS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT –In 2022, leaders with the volunteer-led, community-improvement Kansas PRIDE program saw a need to clarify its role and brand. Because of the way the program empowers local people, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the state program is now known as Kansas Community Empowerment.

THE HOFFMAN GRIST MILL –A grist mill, built in the 1860s by Swedish immigrant Christian Hoffman, closed during the depression. Joe Minnick had a fascination with the mill and years ago found old grinding stones and built a working re-creation near the mill’s original site. Today, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the Hoffman Grist Mill offers many types of flour and other local products.

ABILENE & SMOKY VALLEY RAILROAD –The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad operates on track which once belonged to the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. The A&SV non-profit association was formed in 1993 and operated its first excursion train from Abilene to Enterprise a year later on track donated by the Union Pacific. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad offers regular excursion trains, private charters, school field trip excursions and dinner trains, along with seasonal themed excursions. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says riding the train is like immersing oneself in a mobile museum.

TAMPA VISITS TAMPA BAY (Part 3) –An all-expenses paid vacation typically includes sitting through a presentation on purchasing a timeshare. However, about 100 residents of Tampa, Kansas – nearly the entire town – were treated to a 4-day, all-expenses paid trip, to Tampa Bay, Florida. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, explains how this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity happened and the promotional value to the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau and the community of Tampa, Kansas.

TAMPA REVITALIZATION (Part 2)–With support of a locally owned bank, the local PRIDE group, a wind farm, community foundation and more, Tampa is attracting a remarkable influx of young families in the community. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says this is happening at a time when the average age of many smaller communities is creeping up and young people are moving out.

TAMPA TRAIL SHOP –When Dave Mueller’s aunt wanted to retire from the café in his hometown of Tampa, he bought the building so the café could keep operating. As it turns out, that was just the start. Dave bought another downtown building and then another. Today, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the Santa Fe Trail Café and Tampa Trail Shop Store are operating in new and refurbished buildings downtown.

SWEDISH PAINTED DALA HORSES –The rural Kansas community of Olsburg has a rich Swedish heritage. A group of residents recently launched a public art initiative using the Swedish tradition of displaying painted dala horses in front of homes and businesses. Today, 47 individually-painted and creatively named dala horses are displayed across the community and beyond. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says that’s more per capita than anywhere in the nation.

DEB HANES-NELSON– WATERCOLORIST–Upon retiring from the ministry in 2015, Deb Hanes-Nelson took up watercolor as a second career. Her studio, 315 Annex Studio and Gallery, is in Centralia. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says in 2003, Deb went to New Mexico’s Ghost Ranch for art classes in watercolor. She returned in 2005 for a class on Journaling through Watercolor and said she had a “spiritual experience” that launched a passion to paint. In the next six months, she painted every chance she had and produced 54 small paintings.

ROSE GARRISON– VOLUNTEER–It takes commitment and a lot of love to voluntarily plant flowers and weed flower gardens to beautify your community. Ron Wilson, the director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Rose Garrison has done that in Norton for 40 years. Rose’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she received the Norton Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award and there’s also a bronze statue and bench in the Library courtyard recognizing her support of Norton.

CY MOYER– LIFE CENTER–Just a few weeks before Cy Moyer, a retired banked and co-founder of the Huck Boyd Institute, passed away this spring, he and other Dane G. Hansen Foundation representatives helped break ground for the Logan Intergenerational Family and Education Center. Ron Wilson, a personal friend of Moyer’s and director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the LIFE Center, believed to be the first of its kind anywhere, will include a nursing home, pre-school, grade school, and community center, all in one interconnected facility.

AXTELL COMMUNITY GROCERY –The community of Axtell has a long history of volunteerism – rebuilding the American Legion building after it burned down and fundraising and opening a new restaurant to replace one that had been torn down. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the community also raised nearly $500,000 for a community grocery store after the town’s only grocery store closed.

STAFFORD COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY –While serving as the economic development director for Stafford County, Carolyn Dunn, currently president of the Stafford County Port Authority, discovered that companies interested in building grain shipping railroad facilities in her county couldn’t make the financing work. As she researched alternatives, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Carolyn found that a port authority could help support the infrastructure to make this possible.

CAROLYN DUNN– AFFORDABLE HOUSING–A lack of affordable housing isn’t just an urban problem – it’s also a concern for rural communities. Former Stafford County Economic development director Carolyn Dunn, the current president of the Stafford County Port Authority, was looking for a way to bring more affordable housing to her county when she met someone with a solution. In the second of a three-part series, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Michael Gibson, a K-State College of Architecture, Planning and Design professor and founder of the Net Positive Studio, helped design and build 10 new, affordable, energy-efficient homes.

STAFFORD COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT– In the first of a three-part series, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, looks at how the loss of the only grocery store in St. John resulted in a $3.8 million economic development project to build a new store near the highway with additional features to better serve customers.

FIRST FINGERPRINTING CONVICTION –In the 1920s, the Fleagle Gang started robbing card games and then banks. After grabbing the loot they would return to Kansas where they had leased a ranch as a hideout. This gang is believed to be responsible for 60% of the bank robberies in California, plus many robberies in Oregon, Kansas and Colorado. During a bank robbery in Lamar, Colorado, there was an exchange of gunfire and a gang member left a single bloody fingerprint on the getaway car’s window. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the FBI used the fingerprint as part of the evidence leading to a conviction of the gang.

RAINBOW MEADOWS –There are people who like horses, people who love horses, and people who really love horses. Karen Everhart has loved horses since she was a kid. As an adult, she bought horses and then started taking in horses that were abused or neglected. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says that led to the creation of a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes horses, while also offering a place where horse owners can send their older equines to live out their days in comfort and safety.

SALT CREEK FARM – What started as a day-dream to sell beef directly to consumers has become a business that sells cuts of home-raised beef, heritage chicken and lamb directly to consumers. Today, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says they have an online presence and sell to consumers across the nation plus two dozen restaurants in the Kansas City area. And, they also offer local honey from what started as a beekeeping hobby.

BLING GLAMOUR –When you love fashion and were successful selling purses from your basement online, the next step would be to open a shop that sells handbags and accessories. Some might consider that a risky move, especially in a smaller community. However, the owner had faith that Bling Glamour would be successful – and she was right. In addition to its online presence, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says Bling Glamour now has 26 stores in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri, with another on the way.

BEACHY’S FLOWERS AND PRODUCE –A love for growing things in the garden has become a business that uses a state-of-the-art polycarbonate truss-style greenhouse to grow flowers and produce in northeast Kansas. The operation is fully hydroponic so the plants are raised in recycled water with the precise nutrients needed. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says their goal is to provide a place where people can buy produce at the same place that it is grown.

AMELIA EARHART HANGAR MUSEUM –Atchison is the childhood home of pioneering aviatrix Amelia Earhart. When the town learned that the only remaining model of the airplane she flew on her last flight was sale, not only did they purchase it, they built a hangar museum to display it. But that’s not all! Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says they’ve created a set of high-tech interactive displays to inspire the public and educate people about Earhart’s life.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS –Fort Leavenworth is the site where the first peacetime African-American Cavalry units formed, referred to by Native Americans as Buffalo Soldiers. The history of Fort Leavenworth is fascinating. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, traces the important role Fort Leavenworth has played in developing leaders for the U.S. military.

RIVERS EAGLE BAR & GRILL –A community celebration of the centennial of the 1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run in Arkansas City made such an impression on a young boy that he’s working to commemorate the Land Run’s 130^th anniversary later this year. In addition, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says this sixth generation Ark City resident is also the owner of Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill and the Cherokee Strip Campground near Arkansas City.

PERFORMANCE SPORTS –Two outstanding high school athletes who became teachers and coaches were able to buy a nearby school to train basketball players and track and field athletes. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says this athletic training facility is serving athletes from a three-hour radius.

LEFFLER PRIME PERFORMANCE – In business, being able to overcome adversity is often the key to success. That’s the case for a woman who moved back to her family’s fourth generation beef cattle operation and decided to add value by direct marketing the beef to consumers. Despite the first order being cancelled at the last minute, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says the business is marketing retail and custom beef to states throughout the Midwest.

ROSE CREEK SUDS –It’s often difficult for those with sensitive skin to buy products off-the-shelf that don’t sting or cause irritation. The mom of a three-year-old with sensitive skin decided to try something she remembered her grandmother doing – make soap by hand! It got rave reviews form her daughter and soon friends and family were asking for products so she started a business venture. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says she is producing handmade soaps, candles, wax melts, face mists and sugar scrubs.

CIRCLE P PROCESSING –”Do you know anywhere we can get in to get our beef processed?” was a question a professional farrier kept hearing from his customers. After doing some research and seeing how the retail price of meat had skyrocketed, he decided there might be an opportunity to process beef locally. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, explains how a former locker plant in rural Kansas is now home to this new locker plant.

C&L CRAFTS – After suffering a serious back injury at work, Curtis Swenson was looking for something to do with his hands while making a full recovery. He had seen a man hand-cutting designs into wood and decided to give that a try. Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University, says it went so well that he and his wife now produce thousands of hand-made wood designs that have been sold across the nation and beyond.