We've been discussing moving for a while and everytime we start researching places to live we end up on Kansas. After researching the towns and economy and school systems, we're really interested in Howard.
How would I go about finding a home to buy/rent? Realtor.com only lists 4 houses, and we really wanted to rent for a while until we decided if Kansas is the place for us.
I was also wondering what type of stores were in each of those towns, is there a grocery store close? or would we have to drive into surrounding towns like Wichita (which we've figured is about 75 miles away).
Any insight you could give us would definately be appreciated!
Samantha
Samantha,
I'll let the locals tell you all about the local advantages, but I can tell you this: You'll never regret moving to Howard.
I live 50 miles away in Caney, and I always enjoy driving into Howard and feeling an air of friendliness and relaxation. The pace is slow. The people are wonderful. And you will be far away from the big-city problems that have really started to plague society.
Come on down.
Rudy
Hey Samantha...
If you're looking to buy or rent, two places to start would be either the City Office in Howard or Jerry Hubble, who was in real estate when I was last there. I would imagine that either source could point you in the right direction. I agree with Rudy...you will truly enjoy living in Howard...I certainly did. You might experience a bit of culture shock initially, if you're a big city person, but once you're acclimated you'll find it to be wonderful. The key is getting out to Toot's (on the highway) or out to Poplar Pizza (on the main drag) and sitting down with the local gentry. They'll all be glad to meet you!
Well the community we live in now has about 200 people, but I grew up in a town about 20 miles from home that had 10,000 people, and work in a town about 30 miles from home that has about 100,000 people.
Our community doesn't have a school, so I have to shuttle the kids 20 miles north to school then turn around and drive another 25 miles west to work, then the whole thing again when I get off in the evening. We love the small town feeling, and we're already used to driving at least a half hour to get anywhere.
Where is the school the Howard kids attend? (I think maybe Moline?) Anyways, the average us school spends just over $6000 per student - but Howard spends over $8300. And the cost of living seems to be lower, and the crime rate is definately lower.
http://www.bestplaces.net/city/Howard-Kansas.aspx
Our high school and junior high are just south of Howard. The lower grades are bussed to Severy, 12 miles to the north or Moline, 8 miles south. This has been the arrangement since the new high school building was completed and I can't remember just when that was, sometime in the mid 70's I think. Heather, do you know about this?
On another thread, School Changes, you can read about what is being considered. Mom70X7, you could help with this, too. We have gobs of people that know more about Howard than I do and they will be on here later. So, just hang with us. Your questions will be answered.
ok here is what i know samantha i live in howard just graduated from moline 6th grade and am going to west elk...anyways moline pre-k kdg 1-3 are at moline and pre-k kdg. and 4-6 are at severy and 7th-12th are at howard i grew up in howard i love it very much and we have toot's&populars to eat at and family market grocery store and batsons drug store in moline there is the swimging bridge or whatever it is called now (when you drive in you will see it right away) and in severy there is the bar and thats really it and what ages are your kids
and there is a house on pennsylvania street big blue house in howard
Guess I better jump in here. Samantha, I grew up in Severy and lived there for almost 60 years. Thriving town THEN but now there is next to nothing. The bar Heather mentioned closed a couple years ago. There is no grocery store. There is a banking branch out of Eureka and the Co-op and that's it. For a few years there was a "convenience" store, but that too has closed. There is the school, which is changing it appears, so all first graders through third graders will be bused to Moline, which is 18 miles m/l plus any time rural children will be on the their regular bus routes. When I sold my place in Severy just short of 3 yrs ago I moved to Howard. I find it a nice, quiet, friendly community. I knew a lot of people already so wasn't like moving to a strange town. There are places to eat out, two banks, grocery, pharmacy w/ gift shop, large friendly hardware store, large nursing home, floral shop, 2 or 3 beauty shops, car repair shops, insurance offices, abstract/title office, Tax preparation/bookkeeping offices, two parks, swimming pool, just to name a few. Housing, I'm not sure. When I bought my house, it was the only one for sale at the time. Since then there have been several. I would imagine it depends a lot on how big a home you need and what your budget demands. Give Howard some thought, you'll be glad you did. ;D
PS - how could I have forgotten - Howard also has 4 churches, if I counted right. There are churches in Severy and Moline also, with Moline having a Catholic Church in addition to protestant churches.
I'm not sure of anything for rent in Howard at this time, but you can always call the city office. (620) 374-2202 There are quite a few houses for sale in Howard.
Batson's Pharmacy and Family Market are all in the same place, as well as the gift shop. We also have a hardware store (Cookson's), 2 banks, 2 gas stations (one of which is a service station also). We have a large nursing home. Also a laundry mat, floral shop, soap shop, and 2 veterinarian clinics.
The schools are wonderful. The businesses can order anything you'd like that they don't already have. We also have several people, some members of the forum, who sell farm fresh eggs, as well as garden produce.
Howard has a beautiful lake and also a city swimming pool. Also, a city library. Not sure if the bar (Penny's Pub) is still open or what the hours are there. We have a health clinic on Wabash street (the main drag) which is a branch of the Eureka Hospital.
A few area realtors are
# J P Weigand and Sons, Inc. 620_374_2400
1230 State Hwy 99, Howard, KS 67349
Residental, Commercial and Farm
Judy Nungesser, Realtor, E-mail: jnung@sktc.net Route # 1, Howard, KS 67349
# Longhorn Reality 620_374_2012
Residental and Farm
Jerry Hubbell, Salesperson
# Sundgren Realty 620_330_2438
1681 Native, Howard, KS 67349
Liz Hendricks: lperkins@terraworld.net
Specializing in rural and recreational properties
LOL I was posting the same time as flo.
But, Flo, there is a new bar in Severy that Ervin's have opened in the old convenience store/cafe.
Hi Samantha! I moved to from Indiana to Kansas in 2001, and have never regretted it. My husband moved here in 2002 from Washington State and he's very happy here as well. We lived in Wichita until this past December, when we moved to our "nontraditional" home (a former church) in Howard. It's a great place to live and raise a family, and though I'm just learning the ropes here, I'd say the same is true in all the small towns in this part of the state.
Housing is indeed an issue, as there aren't many places for rent or sale. The Flint Hills Express classifieds list rentals/houses for sale, but most are in Sedan or other towns farther south of Elk County. Sedan and Eureka aren't too far from here, less than 30 miles, so that's an option.
The biggest hurdle is finding work without driving to one of the larger towns every day. I was blessed to find a job at an insurance agency here, and I'd say it's easier for women to find a job than for men. Unless you are a business professional and can set up shop, there aren't many employment options. The good news is the cost of living is very reasonable here so you don't have to make tons of money to survive.
I don't have school-aged children but from what I hear (and the teachers I've met) the school system here is terrific.
As you have probably noticed, Elk County folks are friendly, helpful and genuinely down-to-earth. We hope you'll decide to become part of our community!
My kids are 5 and 8 (kindergarten and 3rd grade).
I won't need to worry about a job for myself, as my company will allow me to work out of my home. But my husband on the other hand will need to find work quickly :)
He can do just about anything from sheet metal work, to oil field equipment, to water treatment plant repairs, to farming, to duct work in buildings. He's a good ole country boy that can figure just about anything out :)
I really appreciate all of ya'lls help! We were thinking about driving up there this weekend or next just to look around (its about 6 hours from here) Where is the nearest hotel?
There are quite a few houses for sale in Howard that might not be listed in the traditional newspapers, but probably on the websites of the realty companies listed below. I imagine that if you consider buying rather than renting, you'll find that the cost of a house is much less than you expect. Many people have been purchasing homes in the county and fixing them up for much less than it costs in urban areas. I know that Liz Hendricks has a beautiful house for sale on one of the main streets in town, Washington. I've been meaning to get a tour from her, as it looks so cute and quaint on the outside (but don't let those words fool you; it looks to be a large house!).
Also, like in many rural areas; word of mouth is the best way to find what you need. There are people who own houses that don't really advertise them for rent, but would be willing to rent to upstanding families.
As for jobs, like I just said, word of mouth is your best bet. It sounds like your husband has many good skills for this area and shouldn't have a hard time finding a job at all!
Hotels; no actual hotels in town (too small), but a good selection of rental rooms and a few bed-and-breakfasts. At least 1 in Moline (Swinging Bridge Cafe and Lodge), and at least 1 in Howard (Cattlebaron Inn). I know there are more, but I can't think of them right now.
243 W Washington?
There is a house on realtor.com with that address, its a 3 bed 2 bath for 39,500. My husband and I saw that and assumed that it must need a lot of work since there was only 1 picture (that wasn't close up) and the price was so low.
The listing didn't say anything about a basement, are they common in Kansas?
I also saw the house that was mentioned earlier on realtor.com, the one on Pennsylvania. It's 29,000, so again we assumed it needed major work. We also thought maybe it had been on the market a while since the picture shows snow in front of the house...
Are these common prices for homes in Howard? Its hard to find a 3 bed 2 bath house over 1200 sq ft for less than 70,000 where we are!
Houses are very cheap in this area. You can buy a house cheaper than a brand new pickup!!
The house on Pennsylvania is very cute but it still needs a lot of remodeling.
Moline is 11 miles from Howard; there are a few homes for sale here but not as many as in Howard. The housing market is inexpensive here compared to other areas of the country. However there are drawbacks; the first being the distance to services. We have the basic needs, but one must travel some also. Good luck to you and your family.
Quote from: Devyn-Leann on June 30, 2008, 11:20:09 AM
But, Flo, there is a new bar in Severy that Ervin's have opened in the old convenience store/cafe.
yes, I knew about Ervins opening a bar, but it is strictly a bar I understand. I was thinking about the one downtown that also served good food. I had thought later about the Library that I didn't mention but forgot about the Medical Clinic and also the Museum. You know, Howard just has quite a bit going for it when you sit down and think about it. Isn't this forum just the grandest thing and so very helpful?
wow i had to come here to see if this was my wife who posted this (it wasn't :) ). We have been looking off an on for a couple years and more seriously the past couple weeks but we are looking more for land with or without a house although the house on Pennsylvania looks like it could be great for city living (I like the large lot and character of the home).
I do know of a couple that are purchasing houses to make into rentals. We have a rental house, but right now it is rented. It depends on the size of house you need. The school system here is great. You do need to read the thread on school changes. The problem with small schools is the number of students right now are getting lower and the state money depends on the number of students that you have in your school. Since our numbers are so low, we are not getting the state money that we need to keep a float. But we have great teachers that care about the childrent that they teach. Just let us know what size of house you would need and maybe we could find you something, evening in the renting!! Keep us informed on your decision!!! We would be glad to welcome a new family to our wonderful town!!! :angel: :angel:
Our house would have to be at least 3 bedrooms, hopefully with a den or extra room that could be used as an office.
Hi Samantha,
My name is Tessa and my boyfriend owns his home in Howard which we just put up for sale about two weeks ago...it is a two story older home that does need a little bit of work...It has two bedrooms downstairs and one upstairs and a small room that could be made into an office...We are not going through a real estate to sell...my boyfriend and I both work in Chanute Kansas and I own my home there...we are going to sell both homes eventually and have one...we have a big yard...I know he is wanting to sell it asap and not asking much...we also own the property to the south of us...which has a good size shop on it....if you are interested in looking or asking about it...his name is Lyle Riggs and his number is 620-583-3845 (cell)....any questions feel free to email us at tessalogan@att.net....Thanks
The last I knew, the Severy Coop was looking for a manager for the station.
They have one. Steve Tolle went out there from the elevator.
The house at 243 W Washington is catty-corner across the street from us. I've not been in the house - but I know the neighborhood is terrific! :D :D :D
Folks - That's Wanda Young's house. Has anyone been inside?
Seriously - the neighborhood is good. Washington is a major street, so it's always cleared. The mayor lives across the street north from the house and the sheriff lives just east of the mayor. It's only 2 blocks from downtown - but most of Howard is only 2 or 3 blocks from downtown! :D
With the age of your kids - Moline would also be a logical place to look for housing. You'd be in the same town as their school. At least for a year anyhow.
If you do come to visit - whether it's this weekend or another time - let us (the forum) know and we'll get together and answer questions.
We moved here nearly 20 years ago because we wanted a big enough house for all our kids with a low enough price we could afford to our kids. ::) Haven't regretted it for a minute. (Sometimes the town wondered about my kids, but that's another story. ;) :D :) :D ) Actually, we were welcomed with open arms.
I've lived in towns from 150 up to Chicago - with a stint or two in the country. Everywhere has its benefits. Howard (Elk County) is an excellent place to raise kids. We might not have a WalMart and a hospital around the corner, but we have our stores, our medical people, and the neighbors that share and the neighbors that care and the freedom to show our love for each other.
I';ve been in the house. I looked at it before I bought this one.
it is old.. ( but lots of the Howard houses are old. mine is 103 yrs old) and set up the way old houses were back them . The wallpaper upstairs in the rooms will literally BLOW YOUR EYES OUT!
And I mean that literally. I had to step into the room.. close my eyes.. put my hands up on both sides of my eyes (like horse blinders).. square myself up to one side other wall..and then open my eyes and look at that side of the room.. then I would shut my eyes and do it again until I saw all 4 sides. it made me sooo dizzy and if you looked at it and them looked away ..you could see the stripes and squares ( like a flash had gone off ) hahaha
In my opinion.. it needs a LOT of work. The rooms are small and cut up ..the stairway is very narrow and weird to get up stairs. the back room porch is very much in need of repair.
If you had the money to go in and take out the living room and dining room wall and make one room..
change all the wallpaper in the house and repair and redo.. it might be ok.
but then again.. everyone's tastes are different ..and someone might like it just as it is.
The kitchen has a little table nook that is neat and has lots of cabinets..
Yeah I saw the pictures of the wallpaper on the realtor website! Makes you wonder what the owner was thinking, they even wallpapered the ceiling!
Does anyone know what kind of shape the house on Pennsylvania is in?
ummmm... i think i do (sorta) my good friends step-dad lived thier and they shaped it up pretty well they were living in it for about a month then they moved so i'd say it isn't to bad of condition and i can ask my brother billy how it is looking he worked with jason that lived thier and was over thier all the time...agian i say(sorta)
yah i do amuse my myself....hehehehe now i must venture off next door to go water for Lloyd yipppeeee seee ya'll later at about 11'
Okay - so I went to the listing for 243 Washington - WOW! That's definitely some wallpaper upstairs! ! !
It looked like there were pocket doors upstairs? I love them. We've got them downstairs, from the living room to the office and from the living room to the dining room.
One thing I forgot to ask about was childcare. I'm assuming there probably isn't a daycare in Howard... Is there a YMCA or anything like that close? I would only need child care in the summer (probably starting next summer2009). What does everyone do with their kids?
WOW are you in luck. Okay, Angie, your turn. (She runs a daycare). That would be angtown3 on this forum.
I have owned and operated my daycare for going on 4 years now. I have a licensed daycare facility. I also have a BS in Elementary Education. I am pretty full most of the time, especially summer with school being out. But it also depends. I have some information if you do come to town to visit and check things out. Also, a friend of mine has a daycare in her home. I helped her get her's started, too. Mine is in another facility, not my house.
As for YMCA, there is one in Eldorado. There are things to do in Independence, but to tell you the truth I don't do any of them with my kids, just to much going on. But I do know about the YMCA in Eldorado, my sister lives close to it and they have lots of activities for the kids there.
Come and check out the town. I love living here. I have been and lived in other towns around Kansas, I was born and raised in Severy. But nothing beats the small town!! Especially these days raising kids!!!
Ok are yall tired of me yet? I have a few more questions...
When is dove season in Kansas?
What are the temperatures in the middle of the summers and the dead of winter? We're in Texas, so our winters are about 0 degrees (at the very lowest) and our summers get up to about 110 degrees. We also only get like a TOTAL of 2 inches of snow a year.
And last, my husband is terrified that yall won't know what chicken fried steak is. I know it sounds silly, but just humor him :D
;D ;D ;D We're in mid-america, but we're thoroughly modern. Temps in mid-july and august can be a bit hot hot hot - triple digits, and mid winter can get down to -5 degrees. One difference between here and Texas I found is Kansas does not have as high a humidity, which helps some. When I visited Dallas, humidity was my biggest complaint. As for dove season, some guy will have to let you know that. Chicken fried steak? Get one at most any restaurant in the State of Kansas. Swinging Bridge Cafe in Moline serves a very good chicken fried steak. Keep those questions coming, cause we got to get you guys settled in this wonderful neck of the woods.
Dove season starts on Sept. 1st and runs till I think the end of October.
(We have excellent dove hunting!) which is good because the quail and prairie chicken hunting has gone into the tank!
Middle of summer is comparable to east Texas as we have some humidity with our heat, but 100 isn't uncommon.
Winters vary, but we have this wonderful thing that influences the cold and that is wind!!!! It can get awful at times, but most generally lows in the single digits at worst and highs in the teens at the worst of it.
Chicken fried steak can be found on almost all menu's!!!!
There are many advantages to living in Howard - opposed to Moline. Now, don't get all riled up, anyone, the reasoning for this is, a grocery store - a pharmacy - a hardware store - the Court House the swimming pool -- that is just to mention a few. Molne is a GREAT TOWN, but with small children I think Howard in the long haul would benefit you much more.
And do we know what Chicken Fried Steak is????? Ohhhhhhh You Betcha!!!! Poplar Pizza had the BEST as far as we are concerned and it gets about the same temps here that you have in the summer, but the winters are much colder - with snow and ice .. But that way, you have a well rounded climate and good healty air to breath.
Come to Howard -- Look around and smile all the way back to Texas, thinking you will soon be a Howardite !!
Samantha, it depends on what part of Texas you are moving from. I lived in West Texas for 27 years and there were times when we virtually had no humidity. 11 or 12 was considered high!!!! I grew up there in Kansas where you are looking at and I've seen the temp drop to -10 in the winter. You're right, Texas doesn't get too much snow unless you live in the mountains. Where we lived, we could get a snow knee deep, and it would be gone in about 24 hours. Expect snow to stay on the ground longer up that way. If you are coming from DFW area, yes, the humidity is quite high there, but I can tell you it is also high in Kansas, especially if you are coming from a desert area. There are lots of lakes and rivers up around there. When we would come home for a visit, it was hard on us. Yes, there are chicken fried steaks in Kansas. The people are nice and friendly. We live in NE Oklahoma now and go up there quite often as we have friends and relatives in the area. So, what part of Texas are you coming from? That is the question--
mlw
Chicken Fried Steak is the National Steak of Kansas. What Part of Texas, I lived in Midland for almost 28 years. Midland the former home of former President Bush, and also now Presdent Bush and the really neat Texan First Lady Laura Bush. I did lots of Dove Hunting in West Texas, I have hunted dove in lots of places but I have never seen the Dove Hunting in the States that is as good as West Texas. Hope you move to Kansas and enjoy it. We loved Midland, 13 inches a year annual rainfall, little or snow or ice. I was born and raised in Howard Kansas and lived there for 25 years, I left it but it has always remained number one as home to me.
Frank Winn
;D ;D I said when I visited Dallas that humidity was ONE of my complaints. The other was the pace at which all the residents seem to go at. Rush rush rush. Guess this is why you never seen many older people. lol . My daughter called once laughing - they had gotten an ice storm which was unusual for that area and she said the people had no idea how to drive on it. Rush to the stop sign then break and sllllllllliiiiiiiidddddddddeeeeeeeee right on through. If they did get stopped they tromped on the gas when the light turned green and ssssssllllllliiiiiiiiiiiidddddddd right where they set. This was probably not everyone, but she got a grin out of it. Weather wise every location has it's good and bad moments. We've had some very mild winters and some very harsh winters. Summers are the same way. Some very wet ones, some very dry ones. You know the saying, I suppose, that if you don't like the weather in Kansas, just wait a minute, it'll change.
Frank, 13 inches annual rainfall? We got that in 10 days here just a couple weeks ago. ;D
That's right Flo. It was desert where we lived. One year we had 36 inches during the time we lived there. Very very unusual. we did have ice that year off and on through the winter, but most of the time 12-13 inches of rain was all we got. Dallas can have lots of ice. Our daughter lived there for several years--she went to school in Denton and worked in Dallas after that. They called and told them not to come to work for a day or two and bridges over the lakes are closed at times and you have to find a way around. East Texas also has ice. We have a son living there. They have to wrap the palm trees to keep them from freezing out.
mlw
P.S. Flo, this year Midland has had 3" this year. Frank talks to them every day down there.
We are moving from a little bitty community just outside of Wichita Falls. We are less than 10 miles from the Red River. We have family here and family in Oklahoma - which is why we decided on Kansas ;D. Its a little over 5 hours from here, which is far enough away that we won't have all the family drama but still close enough to visit on weekends. I hope that doesn't make us sound horrible! We've both been in this area practically our whole lives and we're ready for some new people and places!
What kind of churches are in Howard?
We are planning on spending a weekend up there in the next few weeks, but I think we are looking at October to move. Unless we get up there and find an incredible house and job for hubby!! ;D
Samantha, if you want to post something, you better jump in here --- seems like the rest of us ( or at least a few) are "hogging the show".
Nice that so many are willing to share with you and your family --- Kansas is home to many of us.
If y'all want some humidity -- take a trip to Aransas Pass or Corpus Christi..Now that is humidity !!!
I know the area, I have purchased crude oil in that area, Also I quail hunted several times just over the line in Oklahoma near Walters, awesome bird hunting area. The best and most memorable, unforgettable people in my life were and are people from or at Howard Kansas.
Frank
PS Howard has 800 friendly people and a few old soreheads, when I was growing up it had 1200 friendly people and a few old soreheads.
I am going to weigh in here. My dad moved us to Moline in 1975 from Belle Plaine near Wichita. I was thirteen. We had visited my aunt there and my cousins in Longton, which was where my dad was from, many times. I honestly had not seen any teen agers when we visited. I just knew my dad was going to move me to a ghost town. Mom put her foot down and said no further than Moline and definitely not Longton. Turns out it was the absolute best thing my dad ever did. I loved my teen years there. I worked at the Library and had a great lady there, Esther Wilson, who helped me get through my teen years' angst.
I was in the first Sr. class to be at the new West Elk school. It was not that bad. I had heard about rivalries and actually witness a little tension when I first went there in 75-76. By the time we were Srs. that had pretty much passed. However, I am still a proud member of the Moline Alumni.
Things do move slower and you have to plan more. Mom went to Indy for groceries about once a month but other than that we hit the two grocery stores that were there in town and of course Mr. Campbell's cookies. You could let your kids ride their bikes around town and you knew not to get into trouble because it would get back home before you did. I know things have changed. My two houses I lived in have burned down, but I still like visiting. Even though I am not a native Moliner, it will always be my hometown. Howard has changed since I went to school there too. I agree though, you have to go to Toots. I don't know if they still have it or not, but if they do, order the upside down banana split. It was awesome. We also went to the pool there and the movies, but I notice the movie theater is gone now.
Severy was where I went to pick up my two girlfriends from High School days. It used to have a cafe that served an awesome chicken fried steak. Not been back there since the early 80's.
You won't be sorry for choosing to move here.
Quote from: frawin on July 01, 2008, 12:45:50 PM
I know the area, I have purchased crude oil in that area, Also I quail hunted several times just over the line in Oklahoma near Walters, awesome bird hunting area.
I have family that live in Chattanooga which is really close to Walters! We live in Thornberry, which is close to all the peach orchards in Charlie.
Quote from: Buddyboy on July 01, 2008, 12:47:34 PM
You could let your kids ride their bikes around town and you knew not to get into trouble because it would get back home before you did. I know things have changed.
I hope this isn't a thing that has changed! When we lived in town we were afraid to take our eyes off the kids cause there were always sooo many people around. We live away from town now but we live on a busy fm road, one that is a favorite for the air force guys to fly down on their motorcycles.
all day and into the evening children go by my house on their bikes. Some in a group, some alone, some are just walking and talking and having fun. No problems. Right now I am waiting on my granddaughter who will be walking to my house from the pool. We won't worry about someone kidnapping her. When she gets here I'll take her home. That's not to say that some stranger couldn't come to town and change all this. There were a couple registered sex offenders moved to Severy and still live there far as I know. People like this are watched very closely in a small town. I would not hesitate one minute to get involved if I saw a child having any kind of trouble at all, of any kind, and I think Howard is full of that kind of people.
Chicken Fried Steak; oh yes! No good hometown restaurant would survive without serving that! Along with Chicked Fried Chicken! (WHAT? My hubby always laughs at that.) And good old fashioned Fried Chicken. Tell your hubby that the only reason he'll want to back to Texas is for the fish! Ha!
My husband moved to rural Howard/Moline to take a ranch manager job about 4-1/2 years ago. I moved here from Kansas City a year later when we got married. We're both originally from small, agriculture towns. He's from South Florida, and I'm from NW Kansas. We really enjoy the whole of Elk County and many people have made us feel welcome.
I do most of my grocery shopping in Howard at the grocery/pharmacy store. Batson's is doing a great job of having a wide selection of food items, and they will be expanding, again, soon. For the rest of my household/personal items, I unfortunately haven't had very good luck at Batson's; that section is kind of slim pickings. But, since I travel for work a lot, it's not a big deal for me to get to a Walmart every few weeks to pick up that type of stuff (and food items that Batson's doesn't carry). I mostly go to ElDorado or Wichita. El Dorado if I'm in a hurry and need a lot of things; they have super Walmart and Dillons grocery (45 minute drive). Wichita if I want to do some extra clothes shopping or something (1hr 20 minute drive). If I'm in a REAL hurry or need something badly, I'll go to Alco in Eureka (30 minute drive). I rarely go to Indepencence since I live on the West side of the county, it's faster to go to El Dorado for the same services available. I've even driven to Bartlesville, OK or Winfield to get stuff; just depending on my mood (being a traveler, when I sit at home too long I sometimes need to wander around). I have friends and family in Wichita, so I just tend to go there more than anything (in spite of all the construction).
Tobina, if you get to Bartlesville again stop and see us and we will take you to dinner in Bartlesville.
Frank
man-o-man you will not for one second wish you could go back to texas (well hopefully) everything is good if your a pizza lover than you'll love it here or ambuger or smooth ice-cream :) ;D then we have the hcp the Howard City Pool
i live thier(pretty much) and then some and then batsons(family market) has some GREAT ice-cream and then we have the j&l movie store and cooksons(very handy) and we have most importntly LOVE and friendlyness and a protectull eye for everyone oh and p&j's and the nursing home and the floral shop and laundry mat and anything else ask anybody
Buddyboy, if you are talking about the "fudge monkey" at Toots, its alive and well. I had one the second week in June when we were in town. Still yummy.
OH, I just finished reading Buddyboy's post all the way through to figure out what the heck a Fudge Monkey was... and I realized that Buddyboy had 2 girlfriends from Severy? At the same time? ;)
Sorry, I know better than to unravel a thread with idle fun-making!
Ok, folks - she also asked about churches. I know some, but help me out.
Severy has Methodist, Baptist, Nazarene.
Howard has Methodiist, First Baptist, Independent Baptist, Assembly of God.
Moline has Methodist, Catholic, Christian, Baptist, Community Fellowship.
Elk Falls has Methodist, Calvary Chapel.
Longton has Methodist, Baptist.
What else?
Tobina, I AM SHOCKED!!! You live near Howard and don't know what a Fudge Monkey is? ;D Just think banana split in a big cup. It's easier to eat than out of a regular banana split dish. Well, at least I think so. It probably has a million calories, but the last one was in 1995, so I splurged this time. :laugh:
:-[ oh, Diane, I am sorry. I should have told you. Next trip as they are making your fudge monkey, you need to tell them to add the hot fudge slowly and to blow on it as it falls to the cup. That separates the calories and they fall to the floor. :angel:
Oh Flo!! HAHAHAHAHA!! ;D ;D
Longton has Methodist, Baptist.Longton also has a Christian church and it is growing.
We will be adding on later this summer.
Remember the Medical clinics one in Howard and the other in Moline.......also on Tuesday here in Longton we have a doctor come from Fredonia and he has lots of patients.
Remember the youth groups that each of the towns have.
4-H and all of the towns have baseball and little league/pee wee type games
We have a grade school and highschool in same campus area.......and each of the schools......High Schools have a good sports program.
Samantha this is a good all around area to raise kids in. If you want a slower pace this is it.
Also there are the rodeo's and fairs and the card party's and if you need movies Sedan and Independence have them.
Lots and lots to do here, IF YOU WANT TO.....it is also nice to know your neighbor by name and also their kids.
Come see what Elk County has to offer.......I am sure you will like it.
Oh, you must be ready for people to care what you do and how you are doing.
we are caring (need I say nosy) people and most of us will lean over backwards to help.....when and if you need it.
Wow ya'll sound like a good down home group of people and your efforts have helped so much already. Slow pace sounds great too as our two girls are growing so fast it would be nice to watch them grow a little instead of running ourselves ragged. And to have a group of children playing together instead of two of them glued to the newest video game would be so much healthier.
Is there a Howard newspaper? Do they have a website?
It's the "Flint Hills Express" and the link is at the top of the page.
Rudy Taylor is one of our regular post-ers here. (Notice, I did NOT say grump! ;D )
He's that laid-back looking guy sitting in a chair - when he posts.
**Calling out Rudy for not posting enough**
Nope just one at a time. One from 8th to Sophomore and one from Senior yr to a year after.
(I have a confession to make; I've never eaten at Toot's yet! I got some coffee from there once when my coffee maker was broke, but I've not ever eaten there! Guess maybe that's what I should do for lunch today?) ::)
If you do get a Fudge Monkey, be sure to follow Flo's advice. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: I wish I'd known!
Unfortunately, Diane, that advice never seems to work for me! ;)
OK... to re-thread this topic...
We talked about schools, churches, and houses... Heather touched on the pool a little, so let's talk about recreation!
The Howard City Pool is, of course, in Howard. And I think it's the only pool in the county?
There a multiple lakes around, too, but I don't know much about them. Anyone can fill in the blanks about swimming, boating, fishing in the local lakes?
What about activities out at Flint Oak? Parks in each of the towns? I know Moline has tennis courts that look nice and a sand VB court. And the park there is just wonderful! It was brimming with kids last weekend at Crazy Days! (This is a fun learning experinence for me, too... my recreation lately has been mowing and picking weeds!)
Tobina,
There are also the hay fields and the cowboys that work around here.....
all are usually looking for helping hands..LOL
We do have a park here in Longton..........it has several nice playground equipment for the kids.
What I like about it is there is lots of shade down there.
I can stop and sit on bench and just watch the kids play when I am walking about town.
Oh, it is totally safe to walk the roads of this town. We (I think the other towns do to) have a leash law.......and most of the time
the only critter you need to watch out for are the ones that are friendly.
There is always someone picking up a softball game. Use to be a coed slow pitch...but I think they grew up and got to busy.
Most of our summer activity is the Fair that Howard and Longton take turns in hosting the 4-H fair and ours is the first weekend of August and we will have a free bean feed and kids contests and the yearly rodeo.
I know Howards fair is coming up later this month and I will let some one from Howard tell about that.
Now, our school year does revolve around our school kids. If something is going on at school......all have an interest whether we have kids there or not.
On a lighter note. A building here (old hotel) had to be knocked down because of being condemned and a very large amount of us were in attendence.
Some students were allowed out of class to come watch the action.
It doesn't take much to intertain us...........we take lawn chairs to fires (when it is a practice drill for firemen).
Who is Next to talk about their area of county?
I am going to chime in here on something that doesn't get near the recognition it deserves and that is the service community.
We have an excellent Sheriff's Department, Ambulance, and Fire. All of the local fire departments are made up of volunteers, but are all well trained and well equipped.
There is always someone on duty from the Sheriff's dept. and we have little to no crime. All of the people from the Sheriff to the deputies are all friendly and very helpful to anyone in need.
The ambulance department is an awesome group who have some of the most caring and knowledgeable people that get there fast and know what to do when they get there!!!
All of these departments do a fine job of serving the communities and don't get enough recognition for a job well done!
Dan... so modest... he forgot to toot his own siren...
The firefighter volunteers are just as friendly and just as responsive as the other 2 departments! Unfortunately, we've had some structure fires in town in the last year or so, and these guys have been amazing with how quick they've got there and how long they've stayed... until the last flame is out. Even in the rural areas when helping with grass fires, all the neighbors keep their fire trucks filled up and ready to help each other out, and when the fire dept is called in, they bring their big tanker truck and will refill up the local's trucks, not just the fire trucks.
That's a great point to bring up, Dan! It does say something about our community and volunteerism that exists.
i agree 2 or 3 years ago when we had those really bad grass fires out in the country i think i saw more trucks so go by my house all day or maybe week.... everybody can tell when their is fire because if they are volenteer firemen there zooming down the road to the station in about 3sec. everybody is thier and yah I know because i live so far away from the station (not neccisarily) i can't tell that anyways or for instance when thier is a need for a ambulance im sure you'll probly see ken mitchell a runnning to the ambulance barn or like last night i saw the rescue truck ambulance and doug zooming down the road so fast it was almost like you didn't see em'
so no matter what you know if something goes wrong you can count on somebody to make sure your safe whether it's a fire a wreck or anything bad that happens you know somebody will be there to make sure your safe yep so samantha you will be safe here in elk county
And the scenery! The drive to Sedan yesterday was sublime with all the green green grass across the hills. And the bails of hay being put up across the fields! Gorgeous!
You're right about the scenery!
That drive to Sedan is one of my favorite - no matter the time of year.
Now that one I can chime in too. It's a beautiful drive.
Is there a girl scout troop?
Samantha, one negative I thought of today was that Kansas has state income tax, which Texas does not.
Frank
Yeah we noticed that. How does a state income tax work? Do they take the taxes out of your refund?
Your sales tax is lower than ours. Ours is 8.25% and yours is only like 6%
Taxes - most companies that take out fed taxes also take out state.
Somewhere else you asked about the Elk River Festival.
The Elk River runs just south of town.
The festival itself is held in town.
As you can tell, most of us are quite passionate about our area.
There are rivalries between the schools and the towns, but for the most part the rivalries are friendly and we all get along. If one community were to have a disaster, the others would immediately jump in and help. There's a trust and faith among the people here that runs deep.
Thanks, Judy, for adding the Longton Christian Church. I knew as soon as I started listing them, I'd forget one. ;)
And that's another thing, Samantha. We have a good Ministerial Alliance in the county. Every 5th Sunday during the year, the churches all get together for an ecumenical service. Both the location and the speaker rotate among the participants. Different churches provide specials and we eat afterwards. Good fellowship.
yep that is sure right debbie
Heather,
5th Sunday was fun. The specials were all good and the ministers even did one! :o
They sang "bub-bub-a-bubbling" while the offering was collected. The men did the background and Susan Galvan and Chan Lovelace sang the melody. Robin Haines and Ron Bradley were supposed to snap their fingers in time to the music. That was comedy relief! :laugh:
Next time is in August, at the First Baptist.
QuoteI really appreciate all of ya'lls help! We were thinking about driving up there this weekend or next just to look around (its about 6 hours from here) Where is the nearest hotel?
Are you going to come for a visit?
In addition to the bed and breakfasts mentioned earlier, there's also the Silver Bell Motel in Longton - (620) 642-6145. Longton is a little bit east of Howard / Moline, but in Elk COunty.
We'd all love to show you around. :D
Samantha,
There was a girl scout troop in Severy, I'm not sure about Moline. In Severy it would met on Tuesdays in the school cafeteria right after school. But I don't know what they are going to do now that there is the school change. Maybe there might be older scouts in Severy and younger scouts in Moline. Don't know exactly though.
Quote from: Mom70x7 on July 04, 2008, 12:17:46 AM
QuoteI really appreciate all of ya'lls help! We were thinking about driving up there this weekend or next just to look around (its about 6 hours from here) Where is the nearest hotel?
Are you going to come for a visit?
In addition to the bed and breakfasts mentioned earlier, there's also the Silver Bell Motel in Longton - (620) 642-6145. Longton is a little bit east of Howard / Moline, but in Elk COunty.
We'd all love to show you around. :D
We are going to come look around. Not sure which weekend it will be. My sister is due any day now and we can't leave town until she has the baby, but we're looking at the first weekend after. We will sure let yall know when we come so yall can meet us if you want!
Yeah - just let us know. There are enough of us that someone will be around.
And, the Howard City Pool is open from 1 to 6 pm every day. They also have a kiddie pool, so your little ones can have a chance to play and relax. The pool manager is also one of the 1st grade teachers, so the staff there is usually excellent with kids.
that is sure right debbie :) :) :) :) :) :D susan is the one that tought me everything i know about swimming (almost) and the staff is just awesome they can help you with almost anything (everything) you need it's always open unless of bad weather and thier are swim lessons in the mornings !!!!!!!!!! and alot of stuff
Hi Samantha,
I'm usually a lurker on the boards rather than a poster but I thought I'd add my "two cents" to your questions as we recently decided to move back to Howard after living out of the area for the past 10 years. I grew up in Greenwood County (a few miles east) and moved away after colllege to Washington DC. While Howard seemed like a natural choice for me (my parents live there now), in my husbands case, he comes from a very different background (he grew up in the DC area) and simply fell in love when we came home to visit my parents so regardless of your background...its a very nice little town. We specifically picked it for a few reasons vs. any other town in the area. It really does have everything you need and if not, it has an excellent road system to anywhere you would want to go for more shopping or jobs...its less than an hour to Wichita and you never encounter heavy traffic. Good Luck!
OK, "Not In Oz" ... you gotta tell us all about yourself sometime soon. You sound so very interesting.
Hey, forumites, I'm so very proud of you for working this thread so generously. Samantha simply asked a friendly question about moving to Howard, and now there are 7 or 8 pages of responses. That's a great tribute to the folks who live in Elk County.
Just pack up the family and do it. MY Dad was in the air Force so we moved every 1.5 to 2 years as I was growing up, no place was home.
My Dad retired from the USAF in 1976 and our family moved to Howard when I was a senior in high school, I graduated and left that area immediately but always came back because my parents lived there.
As I got older I started really appreciating that area. If I was ever going to get married and have children I always told my Mother I would want to raise them in that area.
When I spoke at my fathers funeral, I told his friends how lucky they wer to haved a place like Elk County, that this place had become my home after so many years moving.
Will I ever move back to Elk County? I hope so but right now life has me in the big city still.
Even though I do not really know very many people from the community, I knew a lot about the community because my Mother woudl tell me the local gossip and Rudy's newspaper.
I still feel the conection to the community and love to show up at sporting events and photograph the new local athelets. I can't explain it but it is a connection.
Thanks Rudy for the reply...but unfortunately my story is not really interesting at all...just a Kansas girl who is originally from Rock (near Winfield), grew up near Fall River, went to K-State and then took a 10 year detour to Washington DC to work in agricultural public relations.
A few twists and turns later, I've been lucky enough (or crazy enough) :) to open my own company (www.planitworld.com if anybody is really interested in the details) but the gist of my job is public relations, management and event planning. While its based out of DC, thanks to the wonders of technology and an airplane ride when I need to be onsite, I'm able to run it from anywhere, so my husband Jason and I have decided to take a step back from the "hustle and bustle" and appreciate the slower pace of Elk Co.
We are in the process of purchasing a house in Howard and hope to be relocated totally in the next couple months so keep your fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly since we have 1200 miles between us and our new home!
Hooray! Good for you. Howard will love having you.
Hi! Another quick question, I remember hearing there's a Bed and Breakfast in Howard (I think) Can someone tell me the name of it please? I'd like to call and get the room rates.
Thanks!
Cattle Baron Inn Bed & Breakfast (620) 374-2503
P.O. Box 1218 / 516 E. Randolph,
Howard, KS 67349
You can see a picture of it here.. along with other Howard stuff.
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Howard/index.html
Thanks! I called and left them a message
Samantha,
I have the 2 houses listed that have been discussed on the forum - the one on Washington and also Penn. Washington house does have some unique wallpaper, but it also has really nice hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms, a gallery kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and 1 detached garage. It has a large shaded corner lot too. It is livable as is, but most people would want to do some remodeling before they moved in. Teresa is right, the back porch is less than desirable. The price has been reduced again to $29,900. (Teresa - let me know when I have over stepped the boundaries of the forum). Mrs. Young's family would really like to sale it and the folks of Elk County would love to have a young family in it. The other house on S. Penn is in various stages of remodeling. Again 3 bedrooms - all upstairs and 2 bathrooms. Howard has some great older homes - in various conditions and sometimes a new 3 bedroom is tough to find. I would love to show you around if and when you come up. Of course the other towns have possibilities too. Right now, as you probably saw, there isn't a lot on the market. There are a couple FSBO too and the other realtors have a few also, but right now I think they are all 2 bdrms. Not sure what Dana D has for sale in Moline - she might have some larger homes - not sure if her listings come up on realtor.com or not. Good luck and hope we will see you soon.
Thanks LHendricks! I sent you an email with some additional questions.
Don't worry, Liz. Teresa will just "boot" you to the For Sale section. :P
But I must say; that's an amazing price on that house! I'm perfectly fine where I am, but I would like to "peek" around sometime. I love to look at older houses... and now am curious about the "unique" wallpaper.
Samantha one other item you need to be aware of is that Groceries are taxed in Kansas, as you are aware Groceries are exempt from Sales tax in Texas. I am not trying to discourage you as I was born and raised in Howard Kansas and I still think it is a great place to live with some of the friendliest and most helpful people anywhere.
Frank winn
Most of our grocerys in Texas are taxed also. The only thing that isn't taxed are produce and meat.
Plus our tax rate is 8.25% where yalls is only 6something.
Thanks though!
Tobina, I heard there are dancing nudes on the bathroom walls in that house. ( that ought to get some action!) ;D
Hey yall, it's me again... are you sure you really want us there? I feel like I am asking tons of questions...
I would like to see if our utilities will transfer there or if we will have to open new accounts.
Do you have TXU (atmos) Electric?
Do you have Dish Network?
Do you have US Cellular?
What high-speed internet providers are available?
What home telephone service is available?
Is your trash service included in your water bill or do you have to pay separate monthly for it? We have IESI trash service here that we have to pay for monthly.
Do most homes there heat with natural gas or propane?
You guys have been so great to answer all our questions!
Electric -Westar Energy
Dish Network -- national company will work anywhere
U.S. Cellular will work here fine. But there is also SKT
SKT offers high speed dsl cable internet in cities
ATT offers dsl over the telephone in some rurals and there is always satelite internet
Trash service in on city bills along with nat gas, water, sewer in Howard, Moline has separate gas bill
Houses in Howard can't have Propane only gas. Rural houses mostly have either totally electric or propane.
The biggest thing about living here is you don't have to worry about traffic. We have no stop lights for 40 miles. Not one in the entire county.
See Samantha? Aren't these the best people ever?
Quote from: Diane Amberg on July 10, 2008, 06:40:14 PM
Tobina, I heard there are dancing nudes on the bathroom walls in that house. ( that ought to get some action!) ;D
Diane.. I meant to tell you ...Liz and I already took all the nude pictures of you down off the walls.
:(I'm sorry... We didn't know you were going to advertise..or we would have left them up..
;)
(http://www.cascity.com/howard/animations/112.gif)
HA HA HA! ;D ;D ;D In my case any peepers would be yelling "put your clothes back on!"
I have sat here this evening and read every post on Hi! My family is really interested in moving to Howard, etc. What a fantastic job you all have done in selling our town to Samantha. Even the surrounding towns. I am so proud of all of you.
Samantha, If you decide to not move to Howard, I think you will really miss out on a wonderful little town experience.
This Forum makes me want to move to Elk Co. In fact the other day a friend of mine asked me if I was going to move to Elk Co. I asked him why he asked me that question. He said, because I talk about Elk Co so much. So..............I'm homesick for Kansas, I'll have to make another run again before long. (God, now I'm craving Poplar Pizza at 11:10pm).
Roma, it is really beautiful here right now. We have had plenty of rain, and the grass is gorgeous; all the trees are full in leaf and we haven't had enough hot weather to stress anything. I have a flower bed out beside our workshop that has gone crazy; the primrose is eave high and pushing hard against the sunflowers. I have not watered the tomatoes even one time and they are head high. The down side is mowing; every time you turn around, it is time to mow and trim. Lots of mosquitos too. I could use some pizza also; wanna split one?
I would love to split one. I was just talking to my stepsister in Wichita last night about when I might be able to go for a visit. The next time I am traveling through I will contact you, sixdogs, maybe we can have a little gathering for pizza. I always contact Wilma and Teresa if she is around. I can picture your house, plain as day, with little dogs looking out the upper windows on the west side. I'm homesick for Kansas.
I am a big fan of Springfield Roma!!
It would be just close enough to Branson so I could slip down to Lake Taneycomo for some trout fishing!!!
Roma, we love to stop at Lambert's (I think that is the name), home of the thrown rolls. Dan, I think you would like Lambert's they have people standing around in the dining room with pans of fresh baked dinner rolls, you signal to them and they throw the rolls across the room to you, they keep throwing until you catch one. The food is good also. Of couse my favorite stop in Springfield is Bass Pro, Springfield is the home for it.
Frank
Dan and I really don't want to stop anywhere on the way, Frank, we have been dead heading to Lake Tanneycomo since he was 4 years old. Trout fishing is the name of the game,---Right, Danny?
Yep, so many memories....
Every time I go and I see those ducks I always think about grandpa sitting out in the lawn chair while I fed them having a "toddie" and flipping those cigarette butts to the ducks and laughing when they would grab it and run for the water!!!
That is neat Jo, aren't grandkids fun, I tell my kids if I had known how special Grandkids were I would have skipped having kids and had Grandkids. I know those are special times for you and Dan both and times you both will remember forever. Dan is a pretty neat youmg man and don't tell him I said so but he is pretty astute businessman as well.
Frank
Quote from: frawin on July 15, 2008, 10:03:10 AM
Roma, we love to stop at Lambert's (I think that is the name), home of the thrown rolls. Dan, I think you would like Lambert's they have people standing around in the dining room with pans of fresh baked dinner rolls, you signal to them and they throw the rolls across the room to you, they keep throwing until you catch one. The food is good also. Of couse my favorite stop in Springfield is Bass Pro, Springfield is the home for it.
Frank
Frank, Lambert's "home" is in Sikeston Missouri
Quote from: flo on July 15, 2008, 03:33:25 PM
Frank, Lambert's "home" is in Sikeston Missouri
Miss Flo, Did I miss something in my post or were you just letting me know they, Lambert's have a place somewhere else. I love the way they serve the gimmes they pass out on a napkin. The first time we stopped there years ago, they came around with a big pan of fried Okra and asked me if i wanted any, I said I didn't have a plate or silverware, the guy pulled off a paper towel from a roll on the table and poured the Okra on it, and said I assume your fingers are clean.
??? I was just letting you know that Lambert's, Home of the Throwed Rolls, originated in Sikeston. Just that that was the first location . . . No alterior motive, didn't mean anything sarcastic . . .
Flo, I never take you as being sarcastic, well almost never
Quote from: frawin on July 15, 2008, 04:55:02 PMFlo, I never take you as being sarcastic ...
Frank, that's gonna get you in trouble some day... :D
I just had lunch at Lambert's Friday. It was a 45 minute wait to get in. We had meatloaf and cat fish, of course the rolls and then they came by with fried potatos and fried zuchini. Dan, I like to go to the Branson Landing and eat at Famous Dave's barbeque and catfish. If anyone is ever down this way and wants to meet, just give me call. I don't live very far from Bass Pro. I go there sometimes to just people watch and look at the fish and waterfall.
i went on the 22nd of june it was beutiful in there (bass pro) the the big it was awesome and then the deer museum and everything just a very nice place there
Hi Samantha,
I read your message that you are interested in moving to Howard, Moline, or Severy area. My fiance and myself are wanting to sell our house, we live in Severy approx. 2 miles north of Hwy 400. We have a two story home it has 3 bedrooms two bath, an office, laundry room, dining area, living room, and kitchen. The kitchen and the dining area have laminate flooring. The main bath have a shower/tub and the master bath has a whirlpool tub, both have tile floors, the laundry room also has tile. The rest of the house has carpet. We have propane, centeral heat and air. The home sits on 20 acres with a pond. The house was built around 1900 but is in good condition. There was a new roof installed in 06. If you are interested please let me know, if not thanks for your time.
Polly