Replacing the roof and guttering on the Ellsworth Housing Authority’s Pines Apartments in December was a noisy process, but residents enjoyed hearing it was just Santa and his reindeer stomping around.

The new metal roof will ensure there are no more leaks in upstairs apartments, and that means happy faces at the morning coffee hour.

Thanks to students at Rock Hills Junior/Senior High School in Mankato who approached the school district’s Board of Education, the school now has a robotics club. With the help of a teacher and school administrator, the students successfully applied for grant funding for the purchase of Lego Robotics kits and expansion packs.

The new STEM initiative is also supported by the school district, making the opportunity available to all interested students.

The Goodland Regional Medical Center recently opened a Sleep Studies Lab, equipped primarily through grant funding. Patients from northwest Kansas and eastern Colorado suffering from sleep disorders can now receive diagnosis and treatment at a nearby hospital. Rest well, friends!

A pilot summer program offered one-on-one time for students needing assistance with reading and writing, as well as a popular field trip to the Hays Public Library.

A total of 120 kindergarten to second grade students from elementary schools at Lincoln, O’Loughlin, Roosevelt and Wilson participated in the USD 489 Summer Reading Camp.

A former Ben Franklin store in Hoxie is now serving the community as a multipurpose community center, where newly available classes in taekwondo, yoga, exercise and dance are taking place weekly.

Birthday parties and other special events have also been held in the facility, partially restored through grant funds. The facility, which was restored through the efforts of many volunteers and donors, will also showcase history from the community.  Historical photos from Sheridan County are being selected for display. The space will be utilized by area residents of all ages for many years to come.