Jeff Hanson of Muscotah was among two hundred Kansans who attended the Big Rural Brainstorm at the Meridian Center in Newton on February 3-4.
With an atmosphere of hope, energy and opportunity, the goal was to think outside the box and come up with ideas that are achievable at the grassroots level for rural communities.
Facilitated by Marci Penner, director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation based out of Inman, the format consisted of diverse breakout sessions, StandUp reviews, appointments, and group discussions.
There were no keynote speakers.
The group also experimented with a We Kan Bank, an inventory of community needs and those who could offer service.
On Saturday morning, forty people came forward to declare action steps they would take when they got home.
A sampling of those actions include starting a community garden and community foundation, developing a rural entertainment network and internship programs for businesses, and doing an inventory of PowerUps (21-39 year olds who are rural by choice).
Those who would like to be on an e-blast list to help sustain rural communities should contact the Kansas Sampler Foundation at marci@kansassampler.org.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
LATEST STORIES
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
April is Alcohol Awareness Month in Nebraska
MoDOT to discuss Holt County bridge projects
Sheriff's Office to take part in drug take back event
Council hears report from golf course
RELATED STORIES
Muscotah Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Welfare Fraud
Progress Made from Tinker Project Work Weekend
Community Info Session Thursday on Muscotah Projects
July 27th Proclaimed Joe Tinker Day in Kansas
Lancaster and Muscotah Council Filings
Crews Prepare for Winter Weather
One Injured in Accident near Muscotah