Turn-A-Page, Touch-A-Mind puts books in the hands of kids
The Kansas Pediatric Foundation’s Turn-A-Page, Touch-A-Mind program distributed more than 2,000 books at well child checks throughout the Hansen service area in 2024-25. Each time a book was given, a […]
Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge offers opportunities for business creation
Successful Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge events were held in Smith, Logan and Osborne counties during the 2024-25 school year, with students going on to compete and win at the state level. […]
Age-appropriate activity kits appreciated at child care facility
ST. FRANCIS – New age-appropriate activity kits designed to help build new neural connections in developing brains for children in their first year of life and set older children up […]
GROW Ottawa County exceeds fundraising goal
MINNEAPOLIS – Local donors supported GROW Ottawa County by giving more than $106,000 to support the community foundation during its Match Month in April. That level of local giving ensured […]
Staff and children share love of books
SALINA – Children at Magnolia Kids Childcare in Salina love books that are rich in color, words or textures purchased through a Hansen grant. In addition to fulfilling teachers’ wishlists, […]
Iwo Jima memorial is re-dedicated in WaKeeney
WAKEENEY – A memorial to the men at Iwo Jima was created by a local WaKeeney businessman and stood on his private property for years. When the property sold, the […]
Historical re-enactment takes visitors back to 1876
KANOPOLIS – During a historical re-enactment on May 2 and 3 called Revisiting 1876, students and members of the public were able to visit with 19 re-enactors who represented military […]
Fireworks show caps celebration at Webster State Park
WEBSTER STATE PARK – A Hansen grant put the snap, crackle and boom in the Fourth of July celebration at Webster State Park. Fireworks for a show sponsored by the […]
Custom-built lighting system to enhance outdoor events
GOODLAND – Local people had designed and crafted a portable stage that has been used at community events in Goodland and the surrounding area for five years now, but additional […]
WPAA season offers wide variety of entertainment
At a school program during the 2024-25 Western Plains Arts Association season, a performer unexpectedly presented a brand new guitar to an Oakley elementary student. It was a touching bonus […]
Norton County Leadership Class prepares local residents to step up
NORTON – Individuals already serving in meaningful roles within the community but with untapped leadership potential were identified and offered a spot in the Norton County Leadership Class. They represented […]
Bonuses help staff feel appreciated at Hays child care facility
HAYS – Staff bonuses make a difference for the people working at Hays Area Children’s Center. Discretionary bonuses allow a special reward for workers who go above and beyond, so […]
Child care workers appreciate bonuses
MANKATO – Staff longevity bonuses funded by a Hansen grant are appreciated by the employees of the Jewell County Strong Community Daycare. They are part of fostering a workplace where […]
Alton builds, sells first home; launches into constructing another
ALTON – A new home constructed in Alton was sold to a buyer who fell in love with the loft space for her art studio. Proceeds from the sale are […]
Salina Art Center offers culinary classes, streaming filmmaker Q&As
SALINA – Programming expansions, including seven sold-out culinary classes featuring local chefs, and four national filmmakers participating in live-streamed Q&As after their movies aired at the Salina Art Center Cinema, […]
PBS provides programming for kids and adults
BUNKER HILL – Osborne Elementary School students are more likely to enter the PBS Kids Writer’s Contest put on by Smoky Hills PBS each year than students from any other […]
Mural brightens downtown Ellis
ELLIS – A large mural on the side of the Municipal Building provides a new point of interest in downtown Ellis, bringing together several historic landmarks and sunflowers in its […]
Jewell County foundation has record fundraising year
MANKATO – The Jewell County Community Foundation raised more money than ever before during its Match Month effort. More than $117,000 raised locally means Jewell County will receive the full […]
Ellis students learning from printing business
ELLIS – Ellis High School students have started a printing shop, after utilizing grant funds to purchase equipment from an existing printing business in the community that was closing. A […]
New equipment improves firefighter safety
OBERLIN – New self-contained breathing apparatus units and a dedicated air-filling station significantly advance firefighter safety, operational readiness, and long-term service to Oberlin. Shortly after installation, the fire department responded […]