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Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants Program
The USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production has announced the FY24 <a href="https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/grants">Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Competitive Grants Program</a> Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applications are now being accepted via <a href="https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/352256">Grants.gov</a>


These competitive grants initiate or expand the efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, govern
Cheyenne Co producers are eligible to receive financial assistance
SALINA, KANSAS, May 31, 2023 ‒ Eric A. Allness, Acting State Conservationist, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has announced that producers in the South Fork Republican River (SFRR) watershed in Cheyenne county are eligible to receive financial assistance under the Regional Conservationist Partnership Program (RCPP). The project is funded through the USDA Partnership program which is locally led by the Cheyenne County Conservation District a
Star's Writing Class
I attended Star's Creative Writing Class last Tuesday. Her suggestions for connecting with the wells of memory that have become forgotten or overgrown are ingenious and very effective. I've been swimming in memories, each begging for further exploration. If you want to bring those fleeting jewels to the light of day definitely consider taking Star's class. We all have beautiful thoughts and memories that deserve to be shared and it is easier than you may think. Remember, Tuesday at 10:45 at the
February Farmers' Market to be held on the 18th
On Saturday, February 18th, there will be a Farmers' Market at 218 W Washington St., from 10 till 2.

This market is one of the monthly Farmers' Markets held through the off-season (Oct-May). These monthly Markets will be held every third Saturday.

Vendors are lined up for the market, and there is a plan for food to be served, for donation.

If you are a vendor and would like to participate, please let the coordinator know at: coordinator@cncofarmersmarket.com

Or if you are a customer,
Thermal Greenhouse
Kriss Harris is has built a small thermal green house that is growing healthy greens this early in the year. Rich healthy greens are wonderful through the spring and summer and even more of a delight in the middle of winter. The greenhouse is small, was built with scrap material and only 4 feet deep but is working very well. It goes to show how we can supplement our diet and health with just a little effort. One way to counter the effects of chemicals in our air, water and soil is to strengthen
Western Prairie Food Farm and Community Alliance among 11 councils selected to participate in nationwide community of practice to advance regional approaches to food system policy
November 8, 2022

Western Prairie Food Farm and Community Alliance has been selected to participate in a community of practice focused on regional food systems development. After a thorough review of over 50 applications by a team of project organizers, 11 food policy councils from across the country were selected for the 18-month project, reflecting a diversity of approaches to regional food systems work. Regional food policy councils are collaborative groups that seek to address food-related
202 on Washington Project
TAX CREDIT OPPORTUNITY

Cheyenne Center for Creativity has been awarded $75,000 in CSP tax credits by the Department of Commerce.

This is a great opportunity for our community! When you donate to the 202 on Washington Project, you will receive tax credits equal to 70% of your donation.

These donations will be used for Phase II of the project: renovation of the 3000 square foot area to develop a much-needed community event center.

Donations can be mailed to:
202 on Washington Project
USDA Announces Framework for Shoring Up the Food Supply Chain and Transforming the Food System to Be Fairer, More Competitive, More Resilient
<div style='text-align:center; text-decoration:underline;'>USDA efforts to create more and better markets will benefit both producers and American consumers through fairer prices, as well as address longstanding issues intensified by pandemic</div>

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing details of a framework to transform the food system to benefit consumers, producers and rural communities by providing more options, increasing access, and creating new, mor
NWKS Food Climate Survey
Healthy and robust food systems help to support and sustain healthy communities and strong local economies. One of the key steps to understanding a community food systems’ current strengths and gaps is to conduct a comprehensive assessment.

This assessment is conducted by Western Prairie Food Farm and Community Alliance (WPFFCA) which includes the counties of Cheyenne, Decatur, Gove, Logan, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas and Wallace.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3M8FMSL
Highway 36 Bloggers will visit Cheyenne County
The Highway 36 Association has been working with local Chambers of Commerce, Main Streets, and Economic Development offices in the thirteen Kansas counties that Highway 36 runs through to bring two travel bloggers to our region this month. These bloggers, Sara Broers with Travel with Sara, and Melody Pittman with Wherever I May Roam Blog, will be road tripping along Highway 36 to highlight what visitors can experience in all 13 counties along Highway 36. They arrive in Doniphan County on Sunday,
FISCAL YEAR 2021 AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
Information from Helen Dobbs, Director of the Cheyenne Community Development Corporation


Under the American Rescue Plan, EDA was allocated $3 billion in supplemental funding to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks.

American Rescue Plan funding enables EDA to provide larger, more transformational investments across
USDA SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS TO HELP RURAL BUSINESSES PRODUCE AND MARKET VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2021 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is accepting applications for grants to establish and operate Agriculture Innovation Centers.

USDA is making $7.4 million available under the Agriculture Innovation Center Program [2]. Agriculture Innovation Centers may use the grants to provide technical assistance to help agricultural producers develop and market value-added agricultural products using a variety of options, except joint
GOVERNOR LAURA KELLY ANNOUNCES KANSAS SURPASSES $6 BILLION IN NEW BUSINESS DOLLARS INVESTED IN THE STATE
For Immediate Release:
June 29, 2021

Contact:
Reeves Oyster, Press Secretary
Reeves.Oyster@ks.gov

_~Kansas Gross Domestic Product grows 7.3% in first quarter of 2021~_

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that since she took office in January 2019, more than $6 billion new business dollars have been invested in the state of Kansas and 26,000 new jobs have been created.

"This administration has prioritized rebuilding our state's economic foundation and supporting se
Deadline Approaching in Kansas for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Excessive Rain, Flash Flooding and Flooding
Disaster Field Operations Center West

Release Date: June 11, 2021

Contact: Richard A. Jenkins, (916) 735-1500, Richard.Jenkins@sba.gov

Release Number: KS 16781-02

Follow us on Twitter [1], Facebook [2], Blogs [3] & Instagram [4]

Deadline Approaching in Kansas for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Excessive Rain, Flash Flooding and Flooding

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West to
Governor Laura Kelly Announces KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair Dedicates Day To Serving Veterans
March 22, 2021

Contact:
Reeves Oyster, Press Secretary
Reeves.Oyster@ks.gov

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that, to support those in our state who have served in the armed forces, this month's KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair will dedicate the first day to military veterans, their spouses and caretakers.

The fair will begin tomorrow, March 23, and will continue through Thursday, March 25.

"Kansas veterans pick up valuable career skills during their ti
How Coronavirus-Impacted Businesses Can Use the Employee Retention Tax Credit
Businesses seem to be confused or unaware of the ERTC, perhaps because, prior to the new bill in December, you couldn't do both the PPP and the ERTC - now you can. The recent bill also raised the allowable credit from 50% to 70%.

The employers can even request the funds in advance, with IRS form 7200. Employers need to work with their accountant and/or payroll provider for the credit and advance.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a great article:

https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strate
Natural Disaster Information Links
From:
Oliver Lambert | information@disastersafety.info

Since we’re heading into the time of year when natural disasters are a constant threat, it is time to gather information on how to prepare and stay safe during whatever natural disasters we may face. Here are some links to informational articles which may help:

Hurricane Safety Tips
https://safety.lovetoknow.com/Hurricane_Safety_Tips

Flash Flood Safety and Damage Prevention Guide
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/flash-flood-safety
Call for the Count
Cheyenne County response rate is only 52.8%. The 2020 Census affects many types of funding opportunities for Cheyenne County. Please do what you can to encourage Cheyenne County residents to fill out the short 2020 Census form.

~Helen Dobbs

From:
David Driscoll

Hello!

Many things have been changing of late in our communities but some exceedingly important efforts must also continue during these times. The 2020 Census is a prime example.

In recent weeks, census self-response rates
Raise the Roof
The roof on the historic Danielson-Faulkender building is nearly 100 years old. No wonder it has a leak or two! What is needed now is a roof that will last another 100 years. Let's do it right! After last week's rain, it is needed more than ever. In fact, it is URGENT. Help replace the roof on the future home of "202 on Washington", a center where art and community will come together for events, meetings, receptions, shows, exhibits... imagination is the limit.

Cheyenne Center for C
Bushels build dreams!
As early as 2015, community members had a dream, a dream of bringing the historic building at 202 on Washington back to life. That dream was to restore and re-purpose it as a multi-use structure that would serve the community both culturally and economically. Step by step, with the work and planning of dedicated volunteers and generous ongoing donations, the dream is slowly taking shape.

Tap into the history that lives within the walls of that vast, but now empty building at 202 on Washingt
Agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan
NEWS RELEASE

SBA to Make Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to U.S. Agricultural Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

Release Date: May 4, 2020

WASHINGTON – U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today that agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. SBA’s EIDL portal will reopen today as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Pro
Information on the CARES Act from Congressman Roger Marshall
From Helen Dobbs -

I just completed a wKREDA Skype with Congressman Roger Marshall and his office staff. Attached is information on the CARES Act.

Coming out soon will be information for Sole Proprietor's and Independent Contractor's. In order to apply for benefits they will first need to apply and get a denial letter from Unemployment.

To reach the Congressman's Staff for business questions, contact katie.sawyer@mail.house.gov.

To reach the Congressman's Staff for Medical and Hospit
Kansas officials to provide information to small businesses
Kansas officials to provide information to small businesses via First Friday online session April 3
Heads of agencies will take part in K-State monthly program in light of COVID-19
March 27, 2020

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Officials of two lead Kansas agencies responding to the COVID-19 outbreak will provide information for small businesses online Friday, April 3 at 9:30 am, as part of K-State Research and Extension’s First Friday monthly webinar series. The call will be recorded and archived.
USDA Service Centers Taking Precautionary Measures to Help Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus
SALINA, March 23, 2020 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.



USDA Service Centers in Kansas will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with our producers by phone, and using online tool
Resources for Home Quarantine
Cheyenne County Health Department

Resources for Home Quarantine
As we face this coronavirus together as a community, we wanted to share the resources available to help you and your family remain safe or work to contain the virus to limited numbers of people. Thank you to everyone for doing your part; whether it is staying home and away from others if you feel ill or by staying home to protect yourself from this virus.

Grocery Delivery and Curbside Pickup:
St. Francis Supers 785-332-2064
Plans Continue for Renovation of 202 on Washington
Cheyenne Center for Creativity (CC4C) is reaching out to inform the community and faithful contributors of changes to the spring fundraising plans for the 202 on Washington Project.

Gathering in large groups is being restricted in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19. In response to these restrictions, CC4C and the 202 Building and Fundraising Committees, are moving forward by exploring creative options to accomplish the renovation and re-purposing of 202 on Washington.

The Dane G.
MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE
FROM: Christopher C. Krebs Director

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

As the Nation comes together to slow the spread of COVID-19, on March 16th, the President issued updated Coronavirus Guidance for America. This guidance states that:

“If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of
Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you
have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Kansas Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Release Date: March 21, 2020
Release Number: KS 16385-01
Contact: Richard A. Jenkins, (916) 735-1500, Richard.Jenkins@sba.gov


SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Kansas small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedn
Kansas schools closed for the remainder of the school year
MESSAGE TO FAMILIES

Today, March 17, 2020, Governor Laura Kelly announced all school facilities will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. This will place tremendous hardship on our families and staff, and impact the social and emotional well-being of our students.

We have been working on contingency plans since mid-March, including how we can meet the ongoing learning needs of our students and provide breakfast and lunch for our students.

Please understand, there ar
KDHE issues new recommendations for quarantine and isolation of travelers, close contacts and those being tested
For more information, contact:
Ashley Jones-Wisner
Ashley.JonesWisner@ks.gov

Kristi Zears
Kristi.Zears@ks.gov


TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing new guidance today surrounding COVID-19, including travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested.
KDHE is now recommending 14-day home quarantine for Kansans who have:
<ul><li>Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (currently California, New
Give your business a main street address
The building which formerly was the home of Shay Realty in St Francis, has a new owner. Gabe Born purchased the building and plans to convert the realty office in to an office complex, initially housing 5 individual, rent-able offices. There is room to renovate one or two additional offices in currently unused spaces. The five available rooms range in size, location, features (like main street facing windows), and price. Utilities, including internet, will be included in the rent. Landline phone
The new St Francis Pool Logo... Drum roll please....
On Jan. 31st, on Facebook, was posted an article entitled:
</span style='font-weight:bold;'>Vote on the new Sainty pool logo</span>
The Saint Francis Community High School Public Relations course created logos for the new pool for the City Council. The Council would like the city's help in selecting the new logo. Please vote for your favorite.

This article sent the reader to a survey which asked you to pick your favorite design for the new St. Francis Pool logo.

All of the de
The on-going effort for 'Fiber-to-the-Home'
The St. Francis community had their hopes raised with the idea of getting internet connectivity through fiber-optic lines run to every home and business, installed through a grant from the USDA. Through constant work of the potential internet customers of St. Francis, the St. Francis Internet Committee, and Eagle Communications, a plan was devised to bring a fiber-optic lines directly to each building, supplying internet speeds many times faster, through a stable connection, for a reasonable fee
USD 297 Moves to eliminate nut products from schools
In a letter from the USD 297 Superintendent Robert Schiltz, it was stated that because of multiple students in both the elementary and jr/sr high schools have varying degrees of nut allergies, even to the degree that exposure to nuts/peanuts could be life-threatening.

So, the Superintendent is asking that students not bring any foods to school which are, or may contain nuts/peanuts. And the schools will be working to eliminate nut/peanut products from their food service program and vending m
Eagle Communications will not receive grant money
Earlier this year the citizens of St Francis, in conjunction with Eagle Communication, came together in and effort to receive a grant from the USDA which would allow the installation of a fiber-to-the-home internet service. Eagle Communications has been informed that they will not be receiving the grant.

Here is the notification from Eagle Communications:

CONTACT:
Travis Kohlrus, General Manager
tkohlrus@eaglecom.net / 785-301-2096

December 2, 2016

Eagle Communications – USDA Co