Scott County Success Stories

Scott County has been focused on community progress from its founding by a woman in 1886. Some of the most interesting innovations had their beginning in Scott County, from championing pump irrigation in the late 1880s to the recent story of US Premium Beef and development of the “grid” as the standard by which all cattle are traded today. Scott County farmers, ranchers, and commercial cattlemen are exceptionally good at what they do. These men and women are the reason why Scott County can boast being #1 in Kansas for production agriculture revenue!   

Over the years, community members have worked hard to accomplish great things for Scott County. Most recently in April, Scott County received a BASE grant for $750,000 to go toward developing the necessary infrastructure for the new Scott City Industrial Park North – Lawrence Addition. See below for more Scott County success stories!

The Spencer Flight & Education Center

The initiative to construct the Spencer Flight & Education Center came after the tragic death of Dylan, Amy, Chase, and Ansley Spencer of Scott County. The family of four died in a plane crash near Topeka in 2011 while on their way to visit family for the Easter weekend. 

Their loved ones, friends, community members, and local pilots gave purpose to their grief by creating the Spencer Flight & Education Center to provide more flight training and other aviation educational opportunities that commemorate Dylan’s passion for flying and Amy’s heart for teaching young children. Community Service Tax Credits and other community funds helped make the project a success.

Affordable Senior Housing

In 2019, Scott County Development brought a seven-year effort to fruition by building Scott County’s first senior income-based housing since 1981! They constructed 20 duplex units with garages, safe rooms, and seven appliances (including washers and dryers) in approximately 1,150 square feet. The sense of neighborhood does not go unnoticed by the tenants. The number on the waitlist to move into Eastridge Villas almost always exceeds 30. Plans to build 16 more units with a community building are in the application process with Kansas Housing.

Neighborhood Revitalization Plan

The taxing entities of Scott County recently approved one of the most aggressive NRP’s in the state Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP). The revised NRP is available to residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial projects. This NRP is designed to spur rehab/restoration as much as new construction. The community leaders fully supported the extension of a 10-year plan. Residential projects receive a 95 percent rebatement in years 1-5 and a 75 percent rebatement of real estate taxes for the improved portion of the property. Commercial, agricultural, and industrial projects receive at 75 percent rebatement on the improved portion of the property over the full ten years! 

New Business

Mom and Pop's Burger Stop opened in 2022 shortly after the community lost its iconic Dairy Queen to retirement and Sonic restaurants. Owners Danny and Michelle Morris are doing an outstanding job reviving the tasty menu and service enjoyed at the bowling alley years prior. Nu Life Market produces non-GMO, gluten-free, peanut-free, and soy-free brans, flour, grains, and popped sorghum as an ingredient supplier for the likes of General Mills and Kellogg’s.The Scott County community appreciates what our current businesses bring to the area, and also welcomes new businesses and talent.

LIfestyle in a Vibrant Town

People move to Scott County because of its low cost of living, growing economy, and strong emphasis on family values and sense of community. Individuals young and old along with families enjoy the amenities that people imagine are available only in small towns where children ride their bikes to and from school; where people are seen walking, running, and biking throughout the streets; and where the whole town turns out to support the SCHS Beavers and Lady Beavers with the well-understood air of expectation for success. Finding a good job is easy in Scott County because of its growth and incredible quality of life it offers. Newcomers are directed to the SCDC office for assistance in locating a home and employment opportunities.

Because of support from organizations like the SCDC and WKREDA, people view Scott County as an ideal place to live and work. WKREDA helps the SCDC in their mission to enrich the lives of residents and promote business growth through advanced lifestyle opportunities and financial programs. Overall, the missions of the two organizations align.