Blog Archives

Growing the Housing Stock

One Local Group is Expanding Housing Options in Rural Kansas

image of new home

The Rural Development Group has built new homes in several communities in the region, similar to the one shown here. (Courtesy Photo)

In rural housing, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but one local development group has found a niche building new homes in communities across the region.

The path to housing development was unique for Austin Gillard and his wife, Michelle, who own Rural Development Group, based in Clay Center, Kansas. They first moved to Clay Center for Austin’s job as CEO of Clay County Medical Center 11 years ago. The topics of housing, daycare, and workforce have been a concern since his arrival on the job. Gillard said he was inspired to tackle the housing challenge after completing several large hospital projects and working with several contractors in the region.

“We need quality and affordable homes in our rural Kansas communities,” said Gillard. “This attracts people to stay and come to our communities, including all healthcare occupations. My goal is to fill needs in North Central Kansas.”

The Rural Development Group has developed and implemented new housing with support from programs provided through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. Homes cost around $250,000, often with $30,000 in down payment assistance for the buyer.

The new 1,886-square-foot homes have three bedrooms, two baths, a two-car garage, a reinforced storm shelter, and are built to meet Kansas accessibility requirements.

One of the company’s first steps in determining project feasibility is to review the City’s housing assessment. The NCRPC provides guidance on the Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) for communities.

Gillard said the company works with local contractors and suppliers whenever possible. Households earning 60 to 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible to purchase the homes. The company is on track to build 25 new homes by the end of 2027.

“We are not in the business of large margins or building low-quality homes. I have a great full-time career outside of building homes,” Gillard said. “We have been blessed to work with so many neat community members, home buyers, contractors, and Cities to make this all possible.”

Learn more about the Rural Development Group.

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 NCRPC Newsletter.


Kansas Micro-Internships Connect Students, Employers

Program Offers No-Cost Project-Based Internships

Stack of books with laptop on tableKansas businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurs are eligible to benefit from no-cost, short-term projects completed by students in areas such as business, communications, finance, information technology, marketing, research, and social media.

The project-based internships are part of the Kansas Micro-Internships (KMI) program,which began in 2021. Kansas organizations and entrepreneurs can complete their first five projects at no cost, with a simple startup process.

“It only takes about 15 minutes or less to post the first project,” said Tim Peterson, Senior Project Director for Workforce Development at the Kansas Board of Regents.

These paid assignments typically range from 20 to 40 hours and can be completed remotely, providing students with both income and skill development.

“By completing the short-term paid KMI projects, students gain both real world experience in many professional fields and essential skills including the career readiness competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers,” said Peterson.

The program is open to students at all 32 Kansas public colleges and universities. Parker Dewey, LLC manages the platform, with funding support from the DeBruce Foundation, Strada Education Foundation, and the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Learn more or get started.

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 NCRPC Newsletter.


Courtland Prepares to Host Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference

courtland, ks, mural wall and image promoting the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conferenceCourtland, Kansas, will serve as the hub of activity June 24-26 as it hosts the annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) conference. The event focuses on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in rural areas and is a collaborative effort among Kansas State University, Network Kansas, the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and local partners. A pre-conference event will be held the evening of June 24, followed by workshop sessions June 25-26.

Courtland applied in 2024 to serve as a host site for the conference, which launched its inaugural event last year in Kingman, Kansas.

“We are thrilled for this opportunity for our community and county, as visitors from across the state will be staying in surrounding communities,” said Josey Hammer, Director of Operations at JenRus Marketing, and Courtland’s community coordinator and planner for the conference. “It’s not just about what Courtland has to offer, but it’s about the conversations that will be had in these small business settings as the speaking locations. It’s important that anyone with a connection to entrepreneurship in the region join the conversation.”

Registration is $175 through May 31, increasing to $200 in June. Entrepreneurs can receive a $75 discount with a code at checkout. Learn more and register.

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 NCRPC Newsletter.


Washington County Automotive Business Completes Addition

NCRPC Business Finance Program Assists in Business Expansion Project

Duis Automotive LLC has been serving the Hanover community and surrounding areas since 2018, helping keep vehicles and farm machinery running reliably.

The business offers a full range of auto repair services for both older and newer vehicles, including oil changes, diagnostics, engine repair, brakes, A/C, and transmission service. In addition, they service tractors and heavy trucks.

Owner Kurt Duis brings extensive experience in automotive and equipment repair. He earned an associate’s degree in Farm Diesel Mechanics from Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, in 2007. After many years working for a local implement dealer, Kurt established his own business in 2018, choosing Hanover, Kansas, as its home.

To meet growing demand, the business expanded its facility last year with the addition of a new 60-by-60-foot shop. The expanded space, which includes three additional hoists, has improved workflow efficiency and increased service capacity.

This investment allows the business to serve more customers efficiently while ensuring area producers and residents have access to dependable, high-quality service.

“As demand grows, our business remains committed to providing reliable repairs and supporting the long-term vitality of the Hanover community and surrounding area,” said Duis.

The business expansion project was made possible through investments from the owners, assistance from the Citizens State Bank in Hanover, and the North Central Kansas Business Down Payment Assistance Loan Program.

To learn more about the financing program used, contact Debra Peters, NCRPC Business Finance Director.

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 NCRPC Newsletter.


New Housing Program Launches

“Demo to Dirt” Provides Help to Remove Dilapidated Housing

A new housing initiative launched in several counties in North Central Kansas this Fall, aimed at addressing the issue of dilapidated residential structures. The “Demo to Dirt” program provides financial assistance to help property owners remove unsafe or blighted housing, contributing to safer neighborhoods and enhancing the overall appearance of communities.

The NCRPC is administering the program with support from a 2025 grant by The Patterson Family Foundation.

Eligible applicants may qualify for reimbursement grants of up to $4,000 toward demolition costs for deteriorated residential homes, garages, and sheds that pose safety risks or detract from neighborhood quality. There are no income requirements for the program. Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Property owners are required to contribute a 25% match and cover any costs that exceed the $4,000 grant.

This program is available for a limited time in incorporated cities located within select counties of the NCRPC service area, including Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Ottawa, Republic, and Washington.

“We appreciate The Patterson Family Foundation’s support in aiding this initiative,” said Keegan Bailey, NCRPC Assistant Director and Housing Director. “This program helps remove financial barriers for property owners while fostering safer neighborhoods and opening the door to future investment and housing opportunities.”

Property owners interested in learning more can visit the Demo to Dirt program page.

This article appeared in the December 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.

NCRPC Housing Initiative Update

Did you know? Limited funds are still available in select Kansas counties through the NCRPC Housing Initiative, including the Moderate Income Housing Rehabilitation Pilot Program and the Demolition Pilot Program.

Learn More>>

 


Project Spotlight: City of Miltonvale Completes Street Improvements

KDOT Cost Share Program Provides Assistance for Long-Term Solution

Miltonvale’s project repaired historic brick streets and improved sidewalk accessibility, curbing, drainage issues, and more. (Courtesy Photo)

After completing a major project to update problematic waterline infrastructure, the City of Miltonvale was ready to turn its attention to finding a long-term solution to improving its streets.

The city explored options and ultimately learned that it was awarded a $600,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation Cost Share Program in Spring 2021. The project included addressing safety issues on the historic downtown brick streets, replacing dangerous curb/gutter and sidewalks in front of downtown businesses, and replacing two dangerous intersections.

Although substantial completion of the project was nearly two years ago, residents and businesses continue to appreciate its long-term benefits.

“The project encompasses several street issues in the community, all of which were in need of critical repairs,” said Darla Bebber, former Miltonvale City Clerk who was on staff when the project was completed. “Every resident in our community has benefited from the project, which would not have been possible without the KDOT grant involvement.”

Other non-funding project partners included project engineer CES Group, Inc., and contractor Jadwin Construction & Development, LLC. The NCRPC provided planning assistance, grant writing, and project administration.

“We worked with NCRPC staff to put together a game plan and project that would best prioritize the needs of our community and budget,” Bebber said.

KDOT opens the Cost Share program for applications twice a year, generally in the fall and spring. Several other communities in the region have received funding in recent years. Learn more about the KDOT Cost Share program or view past award lists.

This article appeared in the December 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.

There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas. Project Spotlight shares stories from communities around the region and how they solved challenges. View more at www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight.


Meet the New Executive Director

Debra Carlson Ohlde

The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) Board of Directors has appointed Debra Carlson Ohlde as its new Executive Director, effective May 1. Read the full news release.

Ohlde is no stranger to the North Central Regional Planning Commission.
She initially joined the staff in 1994 and served in various roles, culminating in the position of Assistant Director, through 2016. After that, Deb stayed connected to community development while operating her consulting company, NEW Heartland Freelance. She also served as the Director of Grower Services for Kansas Corn before rejoining the NCRPC in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Kansas State University. Deb and her husband, Tim, are long-time residents of Clyde.

Q&A with the NCRPC Executive Director: Community, Leadership, and the Future of Rural Kansas

For someone unfamiliar with NCRPC or its services, what would you tell them?

Our strength comes from a staff that lives in and loves the region. We understand our member cities and counties, and that impacts how we provide services. We are invested in the region so we strive to provide high quality service and doing so with integrity underpins what we do.”

What excites you most about the future of the NCRPC?

There is always opportunity for communities, businesses and non-profits in rural areas. I’m amazed at the number of young families returning who are choosing this lifestyle and already engaging in community activities and volunteering. We are in such great hands. The NCRPC has the chance to be a key player in solving the challenges we do face and supporting the next generation’s great ideas.

Do you have any advice for communities or businesses in the region or for others working in the field of community development?

Dream big, but validate your idea. I really love the book, “Who Owns The Ice House.”  It captures an approach to entrepreneurship that I think works for businesses and communities. In summary, you look to solve a problem, experiment with your solution on a small scale and then just keep growing and improving. People will support/pay for things that are done well. We see impressive projects and business transformations all the time in the region.

What is a leadership lesson you’ve learned that was impactful?

I admire my husband’s approach to life and his career. He always does ALL the research and has a strong knowledge base on any subject he is working on. He is also great at studying all the details. I tend to be bigger picture focused so I appreciate the balance of the detail person. He also represents servant leadership so well. He works very hard, behind the scenes and prefers to deflect the credit to others.

If you weren’t in this career, what would you be doing?

I thought very hard about going to law school. Once in awhile I wish I would have, but I think I would have been most interested in being in a court room and that doesn’t actually happen that much. I also really loved my accounting classes at KSU. But I don’t think I would have enjoyed doing that type of work all the time. A little bit here and there is enough.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing the most?

I have always enjoyed reading and still do. I rarely read fiction; it’s usually something self-help, biographical, or work-related. Podcasts are also wonderful because I do drive a fair amount and enjoy walking outside and I like to listen to them rather than music. Over the years, I have enjoyed the different volunteer things I have done – teaching Sunday School, being a 4-H leader, coaching, etc. I can honestly say that I enjoyed my 12 years on our local Board of Education. It is so important to have strong schools in our small towns.

This article appeared in the Quarter 2 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.


Initiative Helps Homeowners Complete Rehabilitation Projects

Housing Demolition Funding Still Available in Several Kansas Counties

Financial assistance provided through the third year of the NCRPC Housing Initiative enabled the completion of 90 housing rehabilitation projects across six Kansas counties: Logan, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Rawlins, and Sherman.

The NCRPC administered the initiative through a partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan, Kansas. The initiative offered two pilot programs: a Moderate-Income Housing Rehabilitation Pilot Program and a Demolition Pilot Program.

The Moderate Income Housing Rehabilitation Pilot Program provided reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 to homeowners to complete housing upgrades. The most common upgrades completed with grant assistance were new HVAC systems, windows, and flooring.

“This year, we again saw a huge demand for the rehabilitation program,” said Keegan Bailey, NCRPC Housing Director. “It is making an impact in our rural communities by assisting homeowners that meet moderate-income requirements, which is a group that is not often served by other funding programs.”

Although funds for rehabilitation have been spent for all six counties, there is still funding available for the demolition of dilapidated residential structures in these locations through the Demolition Pilot Program. Property owners may apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per property for the removal and cleanup of residential structures, such as houses, garages, and sheds. There are no income restrictions to be eligible to apply.

“The decision to remove a residential structure is usually not an easy one to make, but it can be necessary if a property is impacting the health and safety of neighboring residents,” said Bailey. “Doing so may also open up an empty lot for new construction.”

As of July 2, the following slots were available for the demolition pilot program: Logan County (9), Osborne County (2), Ottawa County (2), Phillips County (4), Rawlins County (2), and Sherman County (5). The program will end on March 31, 2026 or when funds are expended.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in helping to make these programs possible through the NCRPC Housing Initiative,” said Bailey.

Similar pilot programs have also been completed in Cheyenne, Cloud, Decatur, Gove, Graham, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, Rooks, Russell, and Smith counties.

For the most up-to-date information on funding and to apply for the Demolition Pilot Program funding currently available in Logan, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Rawlins, and Sherman Counties, please visit www.ncrpc.org/housinginitiative.

This article appeared in the Quarter 2 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.


Energy Assessments, Grant Help Available for Eligible Entities

Helping to reduce energy costs for rural small businesses and agricultural producers is one of the goals of the staff at the Kansas Energy Program, housed within the K-State Engineering Extension Department.

The program provides free energy assessments to eligible small businesses, agricultural producers, and non-profit entities. It also provides assistance with applying for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants to agricultural producers or rural small businesses. Applications for the REAP program are anticipated to reopen on October 1.

The Kansas Energy Program assists with the REAP grants, which fall into two main categories: renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. While planning can take time, support is available.

“Depending on the project and its complexity, we can usually come out and conduct an on-site energy assessment,” said Ryan Hamel, Energy Program Specialist with Kansas State University Engineering Extension. “For energy efficiency improvements, we look at existing equipment and the proposed new equipment and estimate the savings. It’s important to note that for energy efficiency projects, they must involve replacing an existing system and cannot be for an expansion.”

Funding through the REAP program is provided via reimbursement-based grants of up to 25% of eligible project costs.

“We are happy to provide assistance/guidance with the energy assessments and grants. We try to make the application process as simple as possible,” said Hamel.

To learn more or to get started, visit the Kansas Energy Program.

This article appeared in the Quarter 2 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.


Endowment Fund Grows with Event

New Fund Gets Small Boost, Planning Beginning for Impact

The newly established NCRPC endowment, officially named the Todd Tuttle Fund for Arts and Science, received a small boost through its participation in a one-day giving event held in April.

“Even though we are just beginning, donors chose to contribute during this event, and we are grateful for their generosity,” said Todd Tuttle, Technical Consultant to NCKCN, an NCRPC affiliate. “Their confidence in the mission of the fund will help us grow the endowment so we can begin making an impact.”

Donations received during the Give to Grow event were matched dollar for dollar. The event was sponsored by the Solomon Valley Community Foundation.

“We are excited to see this fund grow so that future generations can benefit in the areas of Arts and Science,” said Julia Rabe, Executive Director of the Solomon Valley Community Foundation. “The Foundation is thrilled to partner with Todd Tuttle and NCRPC to achieve their philanthropic goals.”

Learn more about the fund. To learn how to make a donation online, visit the Solomon Valley Community Foundation and look for the “Give Now” button.

This article appeared in the Quarter 2 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.


Archives