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
Two arrested after Doniphan Co traffic stop
Seven arrested in Atchison drug investigation
Atchison man sentenced on child sex charge
Sabetha Community Hospital appoints new CEO
Two arrested after Jackson Co pursuit and manhunt
Shots fired, vehicle attack, leads to Mayetta arrest
Atchison woman sentenced on charges in fatal crash
Heavy rain contributed to wreck injuring one person
Man arrested in Tecumseh, Neb following standoff
One killed, 3 injured in NW MO crash
Longtime Nemaha Co Appraiser retires
Longtime Sabetha Fire Chief recognized for service
Jackson Co traffic stop results in two arrests
Atchison Co: Motorists reminded to use only hwy detours
Hiawatha City Commission sets fireworks dates, times
Child abuse arrest made in Pawnee County
Brown Co Appraiser re-appointed
Brownville under consideration for small modular nuclear reactor
LATEST STORIES
Atchison man facing drug-related charges in Jackson Co
Shots fired, vehicle attack, leads to Mayetta arrest
Nominees sought to fill local judicial seat
Protect yourself from West Nile Virus
Unemployment figures mixed in SE Nebraska in May
Purchase of 2 patrol units for Richardson Co Sheriff's Office approved
One killed, 3 injured in NW MO crash
New firm to do facilities assessment for USD 415
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