By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Facade program making a difference
Commission OKs three more grant applications
facade grant national billing
National Billing LLC (now known as Astra Business Solutions) of Ellinwood was a recipient of a Barton County Facade Grant during the County Commission meeting Wednesday morning. Also approved were grants for Ehler Chevrolet LLC of Hoisington and INA Alert of Ellinwood.

Mel Waite of Ellinwood was grateful for the Barton County Commission’s Facade Improvement Grant Program, telling the commissioners Wednesday morning that it has made an impact and sparked countywide effort to make communities look better.

“I applaud the commission for taking the initiative to take on this project,” said Waite, who came before the governing body Wednesday with a project of his own. Other improvement in Ellinwood inspired him (or shamed him) to seek the funds for his business.

In all, the commission gave the nod to three facade projects Wednesday. They included:

• Waite, with National Billing LLC (now known as Astra Business Solutions), requested $20,000 to improve the building located at 105 N. Main, Ellinwood. The building houses Astra Business Solutions LLC and the Ellinwood Leader.  The $15,113.01 match by the applicant equates to 43% of the project.

They are looking at a new door and windows, a new awning, signage and better exterior lighting. The building is functional as it is, but “it is time for a refresh,” he said.

He said they will coordinate with neighboring businesses that have received facade grants on the appearance, and be conscious of the town’s historical tradition. They will also consider the upcoming Kansas Department of Transportation-funded Main Street improvements.

• Micah Ehler, with Ehler Chevrolet LLC, requested $20,000 to improve the building located at 271 S. Main, Hoisington. The $24,230 match by the applicant equates to 55% of the project.

“We’ve owned the business for two and half years now,” he said. “We’ve come a long ways.”

They have spent $150,000 on improvements thus far, maintaining the business’ historical landmark status.

“But, that’s not the end of it,” he said. This grant will help them do more.

“I think this is a good program,” Ehler said.

• Nick and Laura Strecker, with  INA Alert Inc., requested $16,155.75 to improve the building located at 108 W. Santa Fe, Ellinwood. The $5,385.25 match by the applicant equates to 25% of the project.

“It is one of the first things you see when you come into Ellinwood,” Laura said of the building on the town’s west side. They will repaint and replace siding.

In 2021, the commission dedicated $630,000 to the Facade Improvement Project. In 2023, it directed $250,00 in funding be reserved for the program in round two, County Administrator Matt Patzner said. Thus far in 2023, the commission has awarded $71,213.66 in funding to priority projects (those held over from the first round) and $231,374.36 in current funding.    

“On March 29, the commission awarded $53,238.50 in priority funding and another $57,091.61 in round-wo funding,” Patzner said. “On April 5, the commission awarded $17,955.16 in priority funding and $124,609.03 in round-two funding, and then last week, the commission awarded 49,006 7372 in round-two funds.”