A New Diesel Mechanic Shop Meets a Long-Overdue Local Need

,

By: Ryan Russell

Early in 2024, I began researching business gaps in Stafford County; specifically, industries where local demand was high, but services were either absent or located miles away. One need rose to the top quickly: diesel repair.

Despite the county having a large number of diesel vehicles; county fleets, farm equipment, trucking operations, and heavy machinery. There wasn’t a single diesel mechanic shop within county lines. Every year, hundreds of thousands of dollars were leaving Stafford County as residents and businesses were forced to travel elsewhere for repairs and maintenance.

As I started asking around to understand the landscape, one name kept coming up: Addison Willinger, a talented local diesel mechanic who had been commuting to Great Bend for work. Around that same time, Addison’s father, Troy Willinger, walked into my office to talk about his plans to build a diesel mechanic shop right here in St. John. The timing for grant support or donor outreach didn’t quite align. Business grants are rare and often require long lead times. Troy was committed to moving forward anyway without our support.

His determination paid off. By late summer of 2025, the Willinger family had completed construction and officially opened their new shop in August. Since then, they’ve been busy nonstop.

The facility is impressive:

  • Four bays for smaller vehicles
  • Four bays for larger diesel trucks and equipment
  • 4 full time employees, 3 Addison, Devin, and Troy Willinger all owners of the business, 2 part time mechanics, and participating in the Work Release Program with USD #350.
  • An oil-burner heating system, allowing the shop to recycle oil and significantly reduce heating costs
  • Plans to add a retail parts store, providing even more convenience to local customers

The Willinger’s also have long-term plans for expansion once the business is firmly established, a promising sign for the local economy.

The opening of this diesel mechanic shop fills a major gap in services for Stafford County. It keeps money in our local economy, supports local employment, and provides farmers, truckers, and residents with essential services right at home. It’s a great example of what happens when local initiative meets community need, and one more step forward in strengthening Stafford County’s business landscape.

For more information about the shop visit our website at wtaauto.com. 

/by

EcoDevo Having to Slow Down New Housing Development Program

EcoDevo is having to slow down its plan for a New Housing Development Program that would have built 10 more houses. Its fall 2022 application for a Moderate Income Housing Grant was not awarded funding. The Kansas Housing Resource Corporation received around $19 million in Moderate Income Housing grant requests in its fall grant cycle and was only able to award about $5 million in funding.  

Focus on Stafford County – February 2023

This is the audio from our monthly radio show: Focus on Stafford County. This show aired live at 11:30 AM CT on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Kathleen and Carolyn give updates on housing, childcare, and the Stafford County Port Authority.

D&P Baling & Stacking Wins Stafford County YEC

Seven teams competed at Stafford County YEC (Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge) on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 10 AM at the Stafford County Annex. The event was organized by Stafford County Economic Development and made possible by support from Network Kansas, South Central Community Foundation, and Kansas Freemasons. 

Progress Continues on Childcare Project in St. John

,
The Stafford County Child Care Committee continues to make progress on the modular classroom building project in St. John. The Committee has been reviewing provider applications as necessary modifications to the building are underway. 

HOI to Take Over Property Management

,
Stafford County Economic Development has engaged Housing Opportunities Inc (HOI) a nonprofit in Great Bend to take over property management of their rental properties effective March 1. Stafford EcoDevo’s rental portfolio has grown from three units to eleven in just over a year with two more houses still under construction. 

Focus on Stafford County – January 2023

This is the audio from our monthly radio show: Focus on Stafford County. This show aired live at 11:30 AM CT on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Kathleen talks about her plans to step down as executive director later this year and that the organization is currently hiring for her replacement. She also gave updates on other activities including housing, childcare, etc.

Executive Director Announce Decision to Step Down

Kathleen Norman has announced her decision to step down as the Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development. Norman has applied to the Peace Corps and anticipates her placement starting this fall. She will find out later this spring when and where she is being sent.

Stafford County Economic Development Awarded SEED Grant

Stafford County Economic Development has been awarded a $49,125 SEED grant from the Kansas Dept. of Commerce to help fund 3 projects in the categories of libraries and food retail.

Focus on Stafford County – October 2022

This is the audio from our monthly radio show: Focus on Stafford County. This show aired live at 11:30 AM CT on Thursday, October 27, 2022. Kathleen talks about Stafford County YEC (Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge) coming up in February. She also gave updates on other activities including housing, childcare, etc.