New Rooks Co. Regional Airport officially opens

Rooks County Regional Airport officially opens

After over eight years of planning, developing, and construction, the new Rooks County Regional Airport officially opened on April 5, 2012.  It is the first new airport built in Kansas since 1989. The new airport replaces two low-use grass airstrips in the cities of Plainville and Stockton with a paved runway on newly acquired property in between.

The $6 million project was a cooperative effort between Rooks County and the two cities to stimulate future growth and development in the area, explains county economic development director Roger Hrabe. "We wanted to be at the forefront, not sitting back wishing we had done something," Hrabe explains.

The new airport was financed with Airport Improvement Program dollars and local matching funds. A county-appointed airport commission oversees its management and operations.

Officials expect the airport's 5,000-foot paved runway to eventually make the area more attractive to new business opportunities, but they also have more immediate returns in mind. "In the short term, we're thinking about our existing businesses and meeting their needs," says Hrabe.

According to Hrabe, momentum for expanding aviation in the region began in 2004. That's when the county contracted H.W. Lochner to update the Airport Layout Plan and Airport Master Plan for existing airports in Plainville and Stockton, and to complete a site selection study for the new Rooks County Regional Airport.

The site was eventually selected that would support the entire county and be easily accessible for the hospital.  "Rooks County has never had the capability of supporting fixed-wing Life Watch flights" Hrabe said.   "Now we will have that ability."

The Rooks County Airport Commission is now working on a fuel facility that is due to be installed this summer.  The commission received a KDOT grant to cover 80% of the cost.  Several hangars are already in the beginning stages, and more are planned for later. 

Groundbreaking for Stockton Estates Apartments

Although dirt and foundation work has already begun on the Stockton Estate Apartments, the official groundbreaking ceremony for the faciliyt took place on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Present for the ceremony were Stockton Estates builder Wes Bainter, and his daughter Dr. Raquelle Bainter, as well as other officials, dignitaries, and residents of Stockton and Rooks County.

This new senior independent living complex is scheduled for completion by Winter 2011. The complex will contain 8 apartments with attached private garages. Located at 206 S. 2nd, Stockton Estates will be positioned ideally near the business district and directly adjacent to the new medical clinic that is also under construction.

Groundbreaking held for new Stockton Medical Clinic

A new medical clinic for the city of Stockton is soon to become a reality. A formal groundbreaking was held on January 19, 2011 at the new site located on the 400 block of Main. Weather permitting, the clinic is slated to be finished in the fall of 2011.

The ultimate goal of the clinic is to provide better access to health care for the residents in the northern part of the county. "Community members and hospital administration and staff saw a need to build a new clinic where people had the opportunity to receive the care they deserve close to home" said Kathy Ramsay, director of the Rooks County Healthcare Foundation. The Foundation will be responsible for maintenance of the building and is currently raising the money for construction.

The foundation has collected a total of about $834,000 for the project and is continuing its efforts.

2010 Vision Leadership Class celebrates graduation

The largest Rooks County Vision Leadership class to date celebrated the end of this year's leadership program on the evening of Wednesday, December 15 at Cedar Links Country Club. Fourteen class graduates gathered with nearly 40 other alumni and family members to mark the occasion.

For a full story, go to www.rookscounty.net/2010_leadership.htm.

New construction to continue

Whoever said construction ever had to grind to a halt during winter months? Not in Rooks County this winter. Construction is well underway on the new Rooks County Regional Airport. The new 5,000 paved runway should be operational by the fall of 2011.

Construction is continuing on the new Plainville Swimming Pool. Foundations and walls have been poured and crews continue to work throughout the week on different parts of the $1.5 million project.

Construction could begin soon on a new medical clinic in Stockton. The new clinic would replace the aging clinic facility near the Solomon Valley Manor and would be the home to two new doctors slated to come to Stockton and serve the Rooks County Health Center.

Construction could also begin on a new Independent Living facility in Stockton. The new facility will be located on the west side of Stockton near the swimming pool and downtown areas.

Good things going on in Rooks County

Wow, it doesn't take long to fall behind on the old blog. What are all the positive things going on in the county right now? Here is just a sample:

• New swimming pool under construction in Plainville
• New medical clinic in Stockton designed; over $600,000 raised to date
• New Independent Living facility coming to Stockton
• Former Schult Home plant purchased by county; new businesses bidding.
• New Rooks County Regional Airport under construction
• New Assisted Living facility now full with a waiting list
• Several new businesses started over the last month (www.rookscounty.net)
• Grants lead to projects in Plainville (water), Woodston (water treatment), Damar (Urgent Need), 2 new ambulances (Plainville & Stockton).

So, the next time someone tells you that nothing good is happening, hold them accountable for being negative and then give them this list. :-)

A Hot Time at the Fair!

To say that it is going to be at "Hot Time" at the 2010 Rooks County Free Fair is definitely going to be an understatement. With temperatures hoving near 100 degrees, the heat will be on, but don't let that deter you from taking in all the attractions, exhibits, events, shows, and food.

The highlight of the fair will once again be the Friday concert featuring country music stars The Lost Trailers and Jesse James.

For a full list of activities, go to the fair website at www.rookscountyfreefair.com.