This is the audio from our monthly radio show: Focus on Stafford County. The show aired in February, 2024. Topics include an upcoming Lunch & Learn book discussion of “Thirteen Ways to Kill your Community;” updates on Stafford County’s commercial kitchen, childcare; Gray Photo Studio grant, art auction and renovation; EPIC grant projects in Stafford County and the Sttafford train depot.
This is the audio from our monthly radio show: Focus on Stafford County. This show aired live Thursday, Jan. 25. Topics included a $50,000 HEAL grant that was awarded to the W.R. Gray Studio in St. John and a $50,000 loan from SJN Bank for the studio’s renovation. Other subjects included the Stafford County Port Authority, updates on the upcoming Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge; the county’s commercial kitchen, childcare, the Community Fair Building and new housing construction.
The Stafford County Childcare Committee just signed a lease with Logen Kernell to be a childcare provider in St. John. Logen currently lives in Great Bend but is originally from Fowler, KS. Her boyfriend Garrett Thomas is a truck driver and is from Larned. Logen likes watching her two favorite animated movies Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc. Her favorite children’s books from her own childhood are Goodnight Moon & Love you forever.
Logen has worked in an in-home daycare as well as her Aunts Community Daycare. She’s even spent some time working in a preschool classroom. She’s having lots of younger cousins she’s watched over the years and now has an 8 week old son!
Logen says, “I was trying to find childcare for my son, but it was very stressful as most of the daycares were full. I want to be able to help a community like St. John as I know firsthand the struggles with childcare.” She’d looked at starting a daycare in Great Bend but ran into several roadblocks. She was then recommended to the Stafford County Childcare Committee. She’s excited to get started and hoping to open August 1st. There will be an open house on July 25th, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Different activities she plans to do with the children would include Circle time, this will include the calendar, days of the week. She plans on also having story time once a day and the kids doing a craft at least once a week to take home to their families.
If you are interested in getting on her waiting list: [email protected] or 620-539-3102
Progress is slowly but surely being made on the Stafford County Child Care Committee’s project in St. John. The recent rain has been needed, but it has delayed progress on the exterior modifications at modular classroom building. The concrete for sidewalks and off-street parking should be completed in the coming weeks. Then, the work can continue on the lawn and fenced play area.
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.
Our VISTA’s service year has come to an end! Over the past year, Falon Runnebaum’s work has focused on housing and childcare which are crucial for developing a strong and robust workforce.
Stafford County Economic Development, Inc.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Our Office
311 N Broadway St, Saint John, KS 67576
620-549-3527
Mailing Address
PO Box 233, Saint John, KS 67576
Our Mission
To promote economic and population growth throughout the County by assisting our local businesses, engaging in community activities, and promoting Stafford County as a great place to live, work, and play.
We are an equal opportunity provider and employer.