This is directed to those people who don't live in Elk County (Not Here's), and to those who used to live in Elk County but don't anymore (Left Here's).
What would make you move back to Elk County?
Tell us what it would take to get you to pick up and move to Elk County. Available houses that don't need fixed up? 30K job? 40K job? 50K job? Free land? Batson's Super Center? Lower taxes? Large firehouse with child teaching center (Diane)?
Anything goes. We want/need to know what it is that will attract people BACK to Elk County, as well as what it will take to attract people TO Elk County for the first time!
We're listening...
An economy that's not based nearly exclusively on extraction of natural resources. There are very few things "made" in Elk County.
We quarry rock. Do we make concrete pavers or retaining wall block?
We extract natural gas. Do we use it to fabricate metal?
We extract oil. Do we turn it into plastics?
We raise corn. Do we turn it into soda pop?
We raise livestock. Do we make leather or cheese in the county?
We are about to "farm the wind." Will Elk County use the electricity to make anything?
Excellent points, Charlie...So, when are you moving back?
As soon as the Fort Smith, Howard and Northwestern Railroad gets built. :D
LOL ;) ;)
Hey the road got better since you left. Super two and the shoulders don't have that precarious view. Maybe you should stay down there. I think it is not just timing.
Watch it Patrick, or I'll tell all the Wallyworld tree huggers down here to take all your wind and power up a supercenter in Severy! >:( :( >:(
It would appear that there's more than enough wind to go around at the moment! ::) ::)
We seem to have strayed from Tobina's original topic. It is an important topic, because I never thought I'd leave Elk County, but I did. And I would like to come back, but there really is nothing for I and Angie to make a living at without driving 45 miles (or more) one way.
Upchuck: Go ahead it wouldn't be the first mega structure building in Severy. They need all the outside influence they can get. Could you get a nice Chinese restaurant with buffet out by the entrance. They better build their own lake for a water source. We might get a dry spell.
PEP - BE NICE - or else the forum police will send you to jail - Charles - we appreciate your opinions even if some of us can't be nice...
Thanks, Liz.
Pat's just jealous because he wasn't quite old enough to be the fourth Perkins in our class. ;D
You should think of the drive to work as time to cool down before coming to the relaxing scenic EK. The gas money should be thought of as helping the poor starving oil men of ELK county keep drilling just one more hole. There is always a need for labor but you have to have a skill to get the big bucks. Maybe you need more schooling? Dr Durbin?
I left for 10(wife just informed me it was 8 years) wonderful years... I was a from here. Then I left to become a left here...I came back underduress. My partner made a speculative realestate purchase and I have to follow through with it untill it starts to turn a profit. If it takes me untill I turn into one of those, 'I don't know why you would want to change that because we have been doing that way for 30 years,' people I am a will be here.
The crime rate alone should have a great influence on your coming back here choice. Crime in Elk county gets less press than a flip flopper in national politics.
The biggest things we complain about are the easiest things to fix.
Plus being from here give you one of these EK on your car.
Why must you live elsewhere? Can you get the rainfall report over a cup of coffee on Rock Road? Do people ever wave with more than one finger where you live now? Ever get chewed out for not waving back?
When was the last time you stopped right smack in the middle of an interstate to find out who's cow that was out or how long you had that truck?
Stop lights cause cancer....
I would have been the smartest...CLASS OF '87 RULZ
Patrick the smartest Perkins in the 86 class? Doubtful, even with Liz in PA. Smartest overall in the class? Exactly who was 99th percentile on the ACT, first time, morning after an away basketball game at Caldwell?????
FFA Dairy Judging Reject ;)
so you were good at taking tests......... why don't you use your superior intellect to finance your lifestyle and move back here .
Jeopardy tryouts in Fayetteville are in September, If I could win there, then on to "Who wants to be a Millionaire" . . . .
Oh, wait. Then Angie would want a better house than 502 N. Pine
675 Road 14
Actually, I think she would want something brand new, uphill, with an exceptional view of 675 Road 14. And I would need my tractor back!
On a good day, there's enough wind power on our forum to power every town in the county.
Who needs those big windmills?
:-)
You're not joking, Rudy! I was excited to see that there were 19 replies... and then I read them.
So, Flint/Charlie/Upchuck... you never did tell what would bring you back to EK? What type of business would need to be here to keep you from driving 45 miles to work? And if we could snap our fingers and it would be here, would you immediately move? What are other things? You mentioned a house?
There's a few "free land" programs around Kansas. Has anyone thought of doing that in EK? I don't know much information, like where they got the land to give away, but in the town I grew up in you have to start building a house within a year to get the free land. In another town, I think you have to start a business within a year to qualify for the free land.
Good thread Tobina,
I feel that housing is a real problem in our communities, or the lack of it. The people that we are trying to attract have little desire for a 30K dollar 2 bed 1 bath fixer-upper.
Patrick had some excellent points about some of the attractions to here. Low Crime, great schools, friendly people, everyone is helpful, and overall a slower pace of life.
A big problem stated is jobs, of which there are few of, but it is a difficult sell to a company, even a small one, to relocate here with the labor pool that is available here. With jobs, it would be a great advertisement and draw for people, but then where would they live?
Sorry, I catch myself rambling in my own mind and my inability to get the thought across typing is maddening. I will regroup and post later.
Dan Out
Quote from: Rudy Taylor on July 31, 2008, 07:06:30 AM
On a good day, there's enough wind power on our forum to power every town in the county.
Who needs those big windmills?
:-)
Rudy you are so right. I have just been laughing out loud at these guys and can't wait to see what is next.
I am not one of the shakers or doers and really haven't any ideas about how to get more people here.
I do know that for the most part I don't want to see too much change around here......the rural life and the ranch/farm
turf is pretty much why I am still here..............plus the slowness of the area.
I do agree that we need jobs to KEEP the people here. Plus better housing. The town of Longton is in the process of getting rid of the unsightly houses around here. I don't know all the stats to tell how that is going. I haven't been to a counsil meeting.
nor talked to the mayor for awhile.
Keep up the good work of improving the county and come on down to the fair. That is where I will be the rest of the day.
Hope the heat stays down.
Have a good day. Judy
Now, let's see. I thought about this for a while and now I'll respond. I'd have to be 20 years younger and have the energy to restore one of the big Victorians or completely redo and add on to one of the little ones...I like lots of space. I'd want water to not be an issue, and I'm not into cisterns. I like a more moderate climate. The big fire house and teaching center would be great. I'd like to see a healthier business climate. I love the people, the atmosphere, the scenic beauty and the slower pace of life. I love the beef, but I'd sure miss the fresh seafood, the ocean and the real cheese steaks and Capriotti's subs.
Tobina, I apologize for all the fluff on this thread. I did try to bring it back on subject,
Quote from: Flintauqua on July 30, 2008, 08:37:33 PM
We seem to have strayed from Tobina's original topic. It is an important topic, because I never thought I'd leave Elk County, but I did. And I would like to come back, but there really is nothing for I and Angie to make a living at without driving 45 miles (or more) one way.
but you never know where Pat and I's witty banter will manifest itself.
Seriously, you have created an important thread here. A community needs to know what's wrong, what's right, what to change, and what to never touch. I believe what you may be striving for here is an informal SWAT analysis. I am glad that you and many other like-minded individuals have stepped up to the plate to not only help create a vision and action plan for the area, but to actually put that plan into action.
I will go into more detail, but it will have to be next week, as I and my lovely wife are gettting ready to take a few days off from the daily grind.
No worries! I enjoy the banter! You just said enough in one of your earlier posts that intrigued me, so I'm anxious for you to really state your thoughts on what would could make you move back to the area. Then you can banter with PEP in person! Ha!
Hey, was I just called"fluff?" :P :'(
Diane...No one could ever call you mere 'fluff'! I would save that moniker for someone else who just goes with what the majority would say!
Cat, that would be for someone like me .
Frank
Not hardly! ;D
Sometimes threads have to be licked to get the fluff to lay down before you can get it in the eye of the needle. ;D :o ;D
OHMIGAWD...uh...excuse me while I try to pick myself up off the floor after dying laughing...Frank...you are too much! :laugh: :laugh: Thank goodness there are people out there like you, who bring such a smile to my face! ;D ;D
Cat, I was trying to be serious.
Oh, the team just got "run-ruled" Guess I better start back to the bench from way out here in right field. . . . Maybe I'll get to bat in Monday's game.
Oh, and like a pee wee'er playing right field whose throws aren't aimed at anyone specific (just throw it and hope it makes it to the infield), my zingers aren't aimed at any one either.
Unless your initials are PEP.
OK, Frank...you go right ahead and try to be serious...while I try to quit laughing! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Sell your house....I don't understand the logic of not moving here because of lack of housing. If you want to live in a perticular neighborhood just buy one the the affordable houses in the area and call some of the local tradesmen. I bet when they are done you will not even have used half of the depressed housing market price you got for where you live now. We have some talent in the area that can make wood dance. The trees sway towards Elk falls not because of the flood water bent them that way but they are paying respect to the master craftsman.
There are others too that will say you can build a $200000 house in elk county but it won't be worth anything because you can never sell it. Then don't ever sell it. We will take never leave over a come back any day of the week. Try pricing a townhouse for less than what you can build here. There are no covenents, specials, neighbors..........well some but they only eat what they can get out of you garden while you are out.
Housing isn't an issue for Angie and I. There is more to Benton county than what's along I 540. We are in a town the size of Sedan and we rent a house very similar in size and quality of the one we own in Molline. I'm six miles from my job, and Angie is only four blocks.
The problem is our living expenses would be about the same in Elk County, but if we had to travel very far to work, then transportation costs go way up, and we would definitely take a hit on the income side. So, at the moment the math just doesn't work.
What if you could catch a train to work? Why can't we expand the Elk County Transportation from taking people to shop and doctor out of town to taking them to work... I remember back in the seventies both Boeing and Cessna had 15 passenger vans that ran back and forth twice a day. Why not get a car pool list together and figure out some employment routes. Then offer that to the larger employers as an incentive to hire people from this area because they won't be late to work because the car wouldn't start.
How much does it cost to drive to Wichita, Bartlesville, or even Ponca City if you split the ride 15 ways? City funding makes the most sense. If you build a house in our area we will provide you transportation. I know it limits the amount of flexibility you have with your time but adjust. Get a better job and move to Elk County. Our school is great. Bring your kids...Have a dip in our pool. Buy a cold beer and sit outside to enjoy the freeway traffic noise........oh yeah there is none.
But you'd better warn them about the Elk County Creeper. You wouldn't want to scare any newcomers.
Move the county line a couple miles to the North.
Quote from: Diane Amberg on July 31, 2008, 09:05:42 PM
But you'd better warn them about the Elk County Creeper. You wouldn't want to scare any newcomers.
Tell me more about the creeper.....Wait, maybe not
You don't know about your Elk County Creeper? How can that be? That story has been around since the area was settled back in the early 1800s. and maybe even before.
Well, don't just sit there, Diane, tell us what it is.
I don't go back as far as the 1800's, but this is the first time I have heard of such a thing.
OK ---get set --- GO -- start typing.
I have never came across a creeper either.
Richard Graves was the first settler in 1856 but he was run out.
There were 19 settlers in Godfrey County in 1860.
Numbers began arriving in the north around 1866, or so.
Could you be referring to Elk County Pennsylvania?
Nope, southeastern Kansas. The Creeper is supposed to be a large, slim, boar hog sized animal, with short legs. It has dark brown to black thick wiry hair with a lighter underbelly. It has large dark forward facing eyes that reflect light and short round furry ears. The short legs have cloven hooves like a small cow. It has a medium length brown and white tail that stands straight up. It is very shy and nocturnal. It is thought to eat grasses and plants, as no harm to animals or attacks on people have ever been documented. There is some thought that it might be able to climb trees, but that has never been documented either. It has a rather musky odor and has been heard to make a soft "woofing" sound as it rushes away. It is thought to hide in cedar thickets during the day. It was sometimes briefly seen during coyote hunts many years ago. It is not known if small populations may still exist in isolated areas.
I'll bet that was what was on my front porch last night that Bud was having fits about.
Do ya think that's what washed up on the shores at Montauk?
;D
I doubt it. That thing was nasty looking. Of course even a dog looks bad after it's been in the water long enough for the hair to come off and decomposition to really set in. Yuck.
Sounds to me like those wild pigs that my uncle hunts down in TX. As far as I know, pigs can't climb trees, though...although, I've known some two-legged swine that were quite proficient at that activity. ::) ::)
Diane I think I may have heard about the Creeper one night while I was out hunting Snipe with a flashlight and a pillow case. Are you sure this is not a story one of my Uncles told you?? LOL ??? ;)
David
Hi David, it seemed like ever time you got to go Snipe hunting it was in the dark of the Moon and they just won't go in to a pillow case unless the moon is full. I was born and raised in Elk County and hunted everything that lived there and I have never heard of the Creeper.
Uncle Frank
Uncle Frank, I think Uncle Fear would have been out with his mules hunting that Creeper? Diane are you pulling my\our leg?.
David ??? ;)
That or your Uncle Wes would have been.
You'll have to look it up in "Tall Tales of Old Kansas." It would be far too big to go in a snipe hunting sack. They are/were very reclusive and shy and never were seen very often. Frank, you never smelled a slightly musky oder that wasn't quite skunk? Were you hunting at night?
Diane is that a book? Whatever it is I need to find it. I love tall tales, mythology, and ghost stories. Tell me where can I find this Tall Tales of Kansas that you mention.
David
I could not find anything called Tall Tales of Kansas in Alibris but I did find a new book called Kansas Tall Tales on amazon.
Would that be it?
Nope....It's a brand new book and the Elk County Creeper will be the first story in it. ;D ;D ;D. David have you read the ones that do exist? Ghosts of Southeast Kansas by Cheryl Carvajal. Haunted Kansas by Lisa Hefner Heitz and the two by David Dary. True Tales of Old Time Kansas, and More True tales of Old Time Kansas
Diane those are all new to me. I have a couple by S. E. Schlosser that are about California, Alaska, Kansas, and Missouri the states that influenced me growing up. I will have to check your suggested reading list out. Thanks.
David
Quote from: Diane Amberg on August 01, 2008, 05:39:29 PM
You'll have to look it up in "Tall Tales of Old Kansas." It would be far too big to go in a snipe hunting sack. They are/were very reclusive and shy and never were seen very often. Frank, you never smelled a slightly musky oder that wasn't quite skunk? Were you hunting at night?
That would probably the OLD COON hunters coming in from an all night hunt and after they had raided the CORN-LIkker
or our hay crews that come in from working on a hot summers day.
Creepy creatures, we have some of those too.....but usually they don't mean any harm, just make sure you check the out-houses before you lock up at night.If you lock up.
Tell us more Diane........I hadn't heard of this either.
But, I do believe there are wild hogs running in the back 40's and the wilderness we have around here along with blackbear and pumas and other critters that we were told did NOT live in Kansas any more. There would be plenty of game around here and really rural spots to have dens/lairs.
So who can say that this isn't fact.
This could be very good topic to get started and see how fast it goes along.
Judy
Judy, I know lots of responsible, reliable people that have seen the Cougars over the years and i believe they are in the area.
Tobina you ask a great question sorry it seems few want to say what they would want to make them move to Howard\Elk County. I will repost my reply to what to do with the school which is what needs to be done to get more people. Attract business, attract city people that want the rural experience, fix water system, roads, and spend the county resources on that first, then all the great amenities. Fix the blight at the owners expense or sell it to someone who will.
David
p.s. Tobina I believe I saw that you were president of the Elk County Cattlewomen do you all sell hats or T-shirts? I am a baseball cap collector and would love to buy one. Otherwise I will have to get a Kansas Cattlemans Assoc. hat. You are a great asset as are many others on the forum to Elk County. Have you and your husband ever thought of making cowboy boots? I like the saddlework and leather notebooks I have seen pictures of.
David
It would be nice to have something to do on Sunday besides church, eat, sleep. I would rather be entertained here than have to drive out of town for family entertainment.
Putt Putt anyone?
I love putt putt! The town where I grew up had a great mini-golf course, with elaborately painted pagodas, windmills, little water fountains. Fond memories.
Wouldn't there be plenty of room in one of the parks for one?
No we are pouring concrete on all the green spaces... We have no money to pour concrete on the roads but we are concreting the parks.
Why can't we putt putt through the existing trailer park?
Quote from: lola330 on August 03, 2008, 01:17:55 PM
It would be nice to have something to do on Sunday besides church, eat, sleep. I would rather be entertained here than have to drive out of town for family entertainment.
Putt Putt anyone?
wellll theres feeding the goats, chickens horses, dogs, uhmmm rabbits. Then theres milking the goats, Then you have making sure you haul water out to everyone. Theres two - 3 hours blown 2x a day. :)
But, would a Putt Putt park attract new citizens? Just a thought...economic development is badly needed, if you're going to attract more tax dollars to your venue.
We could use goats as the caddies?!!
Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Putt putt could attract some citizens on the weekend to spend some of their dollars here in Elk County. It was an example of what our county residents drive out of town to do. I would rather go watch a movie and eat buttered popcorn, myself.
I like the idea of putting through the trailer court. Then the course could go through Jackson park, past the nursing home for their entertainment. And Toots could be featured half way through as sort of the "club house" for drinks and snacks. I know, that's a long course. Maybe it's 18 holes!
Blind folded miniature golf? They go in pairs. One directs and one hits the ball. Or maybe an arcade with all kinds of games to play. How about an indoor fun house that is so cool people would come for miles to go through it, or maybe ride through it. Perhaps with a pirate theme. You could try to attract people whose jobs can go with them anywhere...computer and internet people?
Arcade with miniature golf would be excellent! Also consider go-karts and go-kart tracks. Maybe a small train ride like the park in Independence. Pony rides? Hey Pepelect--what about goats pulling carts???!!! I also like the idea of horse and carriage rides or even better, covered wagon rides and chuck wagon suppers. Pepelect had good ideas for trail rides.
I add these ideas because families are going out of town every weekend for entertainment. Even if activities were offered every other weekend it could still bring in neighboring towns and other out of towners for profit.
I'm a Moved Here! Love my part of Elk County. When I'm asked where do you live now, I tell them God's Country! What made me move here? We came over looked at some land for sale when I got out of the truck it just gave me a good feeling in my heart. :)
Meeee too bfrank. I can't imagine being anywhere else.
I love it . :)
bfrankjack; Welcome to Elk County! We're glad you're here! It looks like by your "Youth Basketball" post that you're going to be a great asset to the community and a welcome addition!
bfrank, Where in God's country are you located?