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AmeriCorps VISTA Positions Available NOW

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring their passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. The most pressing challenges we face as a nation require the most courageous and creative people to address them. An AmeriCorps VISTA member serves as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to advance local solutions. Apply NOW for positions here in Stafford County that provide the following benefits:

Living Allowance of $12,300
Housing provided for $250/month
Time, space and support to test your own business concept
AmeriCorps Health Benefit Plan
Choose ONE for end of service: Education Award of $5,775 OR Cash Stipend of $1,800
Attendance at school/online classes permitted off-hours
Working at another job permitted off-hours

1. Employment Opportunity VISTA

The Employment Opportunity VISTA for Stafford County Economic Development will work to combat community decline by promoting, researching and developing plans to increase employment opportunities, which is focused countywide. The VISTA member duties will include fund development and community collaboration. The VISTA will build capacity by improving community capacity to create jobs and develop, both of which will help to break a cycle of poverty and decline. The VISTA will also develop a marketing and outreach plan and assist with activities to increase economic growth capacity.

For more detailed information and to apply, visit the My AmeriCorps website.

2. Community Development VISTA

The Community Development VISTA for Stafford County Economic Development will work to engage and combat community decline, which is focused countywide. The VISTA member will research and create strategic planning documents, gather information about current real estate trends, help with the creation of shared workspace and work to increase community support. The VISTA will build capacity by improving community capacity to develop jobs and expand community support, both of which will help to break a cycle of poverty and decline. The VISTA will also develop a marketing and outreach plan and assist with activities to increase economic growth capacity.

For more detailed information and to apply, visit the My AmeriCorps website.

3. Arts-Focused Community Relations VISTA

Details coming soon!

The annual Farm & Art Market gears back up in June on Thursday the 7th on the east side of the City Square. Weekly time will run from 4:00pm - 6:00pm on Thursdays! If you're interested in selling your produce or items, please stop by the K-State Research & Extension office at 210 E 3rd Ave. in St. John for a vendor application or call (620) 549-3502.

2018 Photography Contest

Show us your best shots at the Stafford County Fair!

Stafford County Economic Development sponsors an annual photography contest for images that will be used on promotional materials and/or our website. A $25.00 prize will be given to the winner in each of the 3 categories listed below, and an unlimited amount of honorable mention winners will receive a $5.00 prize for each entry.

Categories:

PEOPLE: depicting individuals interacting by conversation or work
PLACES: the areas and businesses we utilize, as well as unique locations of Stafford County
COMMERCE: business interactions within our cities or beyond city limits, but WITHIN Stafford County

In all categories, consideration will be given to the clarity of the image, visual appeal, and artistic quality. Photos that include people and portray everyday life are encouraged. Images are valued for their ability to portray a vibrant, progressive culture.

Visit our website to view full contest rules.

Housing Available

$25,000 Down-Payment Assistance Program
**TWO slots left**

EcoDevo/The County of Stafford still have slots available for the down-payment assistance program for new home construction. This program was made available through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. The grant funds received will allow for four families to construct a new home and receive the down-payment assistance.

There are three house plans available to choose from. All include three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two car attached garage and a full unfinished basement with roughed in plumbing and egress windows for two additional bedrooms.

Click to read our original informational blog post. continue reading →

Tiger Town Pizza NOW OPEN

Sunday - Thursday 11:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11:00a.m. to 9:00p.m.
CLOSED Tuesdays
302 North Main Street, St. John
(620) 377-5002

Assistance Programs

Click on the photo to learn more!

Aspiring Business Owners & Current Owners:

Stafford County is designated as a NetWork Kansas E-Community. An E-Community cultivates an entrepreneurial environment by connecting startups and small businesses to a network of resources who offer business-building expertise, education, and economic resources at low or no cost to the business owner.

What can the E-Community Program do for me?
Have you ever thought about starting a business? Do you own one already? Being an entrepreneur comes with many challenges; and many rewards. Stafford County Economic Development is here to help you tackle some of the challenges so that you can reap more rewards.

Click to learn more → .

If you missed our recent monthly radio segment with Steve Webster on 1590 KVGB, click here to be directed to our website page where the replay is located.

Our radio program is aired on the fourth Thursday each month beginning at 11:30am on 1590AM KVGB and 97.7FM!

Stafford Chamber of Commerce

Member Spotlight:

Country Yard Service

Sylvia, Kansas

For all of your yard maintenance needs, contact Gary Meggers at (620) 921-5377.

Golden Belt Telephone's mission is to:

Provide state-of-the-art broadband communication and information technology
Provide products and services at an affordable cost
Administer the allocation and distribution of members’ capital credits
Provide prompt and satisfying service
Promote local community development efforts

We will seek to extend these technology products and services to businesses, institutions, and all individuals.

We will accomplish our goals in a manner that preserves quality service to current and future customers while maintaining the financial stability now enjoyed.

Visit their website or call the St. John location at (620) 377-5555.

Check out all of the activities Stafford Rec. has to offer! Like their Facebook Page, visit their website or call Jan at the office (620) 234-5248 ext. 259 or her cell (316) 734-3721 for more information.

Business Space Available!

110 S. Main Street - Stafford, KS 67578

Rent = $250/month + 45% utilities

If interested, please contact Jamie Kreutzer (Chamber President)
(620) 664-0224 OR sfcofc@att.net

Other Upcoming Events on the Calendar:

June 4th - 7:00pm Macksville City Council Meeting
June 5th - 7:00pm St. John City Council Meeting
June 6th - 8:30am Stafford County Commission Meeting
wKREDA quarterly meeting in Ulysses
June 7th - 7:00pm Stafford Chamber of Commerce Ice Cream Social
wKREDA quarterly meeting in Ulysses
June 11th - 7:00pm Stafford City Council Meeting
June 13th - 8:30am Stafford County Commission Meeting
June 19th - 7:00pm St. John City Council Meeting
June 20th - 8:30am Stafford County Commission Meeting
June 21st - 9:00am NetWork KS Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Summit
June 24th - 7:00pm Hudson City Council Meeting
June 25th - 7:00pm Stafford City Council Meeting
8:30am National Rural Grocery Summit in Manhattan
June 26th - 8:30am National Rural Grocery Summit in Manhattan
June 27th - 8:30am Stafford County Commission Meeting
June 28th - 11:30am Focus on Stafford County Radio Program on KVGB 1590AM & 97.7FM
10:30am Byway Committee Meeting in Great Bend

Thanks for Subscribing!

Eco Devo wants to extend a hearty 'thank you' to all of our wonderful readers. You've made Stafford County shine, and we want to keep that going! If you're not a regular just yet, visit Eco Devo's website or F acebook page for enlightening discussion on our latest projects and successes.

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