SELDEN – Third graders saw their reading scores improve an average of more than 6 points during the semester after their classroom was equipped with 15 new iPads.

Grant funds paid a portion of the cost of for Golden Plains Elementary School, and funds from Midwest Energy covered the cost of a charging and storage cart.

ELLIS – A one-third scale replica of a 1950s train big enough for children and adults to ride was recently restored, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ellis Railroad Museum attraction is being planned for the fall.

Recent improvements on the grounds have also included a new secured, train-depot shed to store the replica of GM’s Aerotrain, which is one of only four like it ever built. Grant funds helped pay for improvements to the train and facilities.

Honas Tank Service helped in transporting the train to the body shop, and D&B Body worked to finish the locomotive in time for a major winter event. Stockton Correctional inmates cleaned and prepared the track area.

Ellis residents take pride in their high school mascot, the Railroaders, and the community has a deep history with the railroad.

FORMOSO – Repairs shored up a crumbling wall and floor in the downtown building that houses the Formoso Community Exchange, a thrift store that serves as a community hub and gathering place and is staffed by volunteers.

Profits from the store go to support community projects, including seating at the skating rink, new sidewalks and a community shelter house.

Mason Michael Hansen did such good work on repairs to the former bank building that board members at the library voted to hire him to replace crumbling brick on the front of that downtown structure as well.

HAYS – Five manikins, as well as furnishings and other equipment needed, were purchased with grant funding to create a lab for the NCK Tech Allied Health Program in the high school.

Enrollment in the program that trains certified nursing and medication aids, as well as providing first aid and CPR certifications, went from 12 students in 2019 to 27 students enrolled for this year. HaysMed provided beds for the simulation lab.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the lab was postponed because of COVID-19 until later in the fall.

McDONALD – Renovations and expansion of the McDonald American Legion building have made the facility more accessible and better suited to the needs of its users.

On Memorial Day, the building was opened for public viewing, and people were amazed at the improvements, which were partially funded by a grant.

A new tribute wall in the building’s new entrance foyer memorializes Chester Phipps, for whom Post 229 is named. Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate Phipps was one of 77 members aboard the USS Pompano SS-181, when it was lost at sea off the coast of Honshu, Japan, in 1943.  He is a World War II Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient.