Affordability and availability are key considerations for fire departments when updating or replacing vehicles. Kansas fire departments have access to some unique, cost-effective options through the Kansas Forest Service. An example surplus HMMWV modified with fire-suppression capabilities and awaiting painting. (Courtesy Photo) The Kansas Forest Service administers the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) and Firefighter Property (FFP) programs on behalf of the USDA Fores

Funding available to help with training and conference costs Looking to build your skills, strengthen your leadership or bring new ideas back to your community? The NCRPC McKinney Leadership Stipend can help offset the cost of training and conferences. Up to $500 per fiscal year is available to individuals who live or work in the 12-county NCRPC service area and are committed to making a difference in their community or workplace. Eligible opportunities include conferences,

NCRPC Business Finance Program Assists in Business Purchase Project A long-time employee has purchased a long-standing glass business in Concordia, completing a transition that keeps commercial glass services available to customers throughout the community and surrounding area. Effective December 31, 2025, Travis Chartier, a 25-year employee of Jackson’s Glass Shop, purchased the Concordia business from longtime owner Larry Jackson. The business is located at 101 West 5th S

The draft NCRPC Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 2026–2031 is now available for public review and comment. The five-year strategy provides a roadmap for strengthening communities, supporting economic growth, and building resilience across North Central Kansas. A regional strategy session in February 2026 was one of several opportunities for stakeholder engagement during the CEDS planning process. As the region’s Economic Development District designated by t

The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC), based in Beloit, Kansas, invites the public to attend Celebrating Service & Partnerships, a regional event recognizing public service and celebrating projects making a difference across North Central Kansas. The event will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at The Farm & The Odd Fellows in Minneapolis, Kansas

The NCRPC is accepting nominations for the 2026 Lifetime Public Service Award recognizing long-term leadership and community impact across the region.

Courtland, Kansas, will host the annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and rural community growth.

The Kansas Micro-Internships program connects students with paid, short-term projects while helping Kansas businesses and organizations access workforce support at no cost.

Two North Central Kansas seniors were named winners of the 2025-2026 Rural Voices Youth Contest for essays focused on leadership, opportunity, and the future of rural Kansas communities.

The NCRPC announced several staff role updates and leadership changes aimed at strengthening organizational operations and regional service efforts.

The Todd Tuttle Fund for Arts and Science continued building momentum through community support and matching donations during the Give to Grow event.

NCRPC Executive Director Debra Carlson Ohlde shares insights on leadership, rural Kansas communities, entrepreneurship, and the future of regional development.

The NCRPC Board of Directors appointed Debra Carlson Ohlde as Executive Director, bringing decades of experience in community development and regional leadership.

Two North Central Kansas seniors were selected as winners of the 2024-2025 Rural Voices Youth Contest for their essays reflecting on life in rural Kansas hometowns.

The NCRPC announced the creation of a new endowment fund supporting science education and the arts across North Central Kansas communities.

The NCRPC announced a leadership transition following Executive Director John Shea’s departure and the appointment of Deb Ohlde as Interim Executive Director.

Darla Bebber and Don Landoll were recognized with the 2024 NCRPC Lifetime Public Service Awards for their lasting contributions to North Central Kansas communities.

The NCRPC announced limited funding opportunities to help eligible rural Kansas communities prepare preliminary engineering reports for transportation, water, and sewer projects.

A grant-funded remote work certification program helped North Central Kansas residents build remote work skills and strengthen workforce opportunities in rural communities.

Two Ellsworth County students were selected as winners of the 2023-2024 Rural Voices Youth Contest and received scholarships for their reflections on innovation in rural Kansas.