New Businesses Providing Boost to Rooks County
by Roger Hrabe  (updated 9/2/2010)

New businesses continue to spring up around Rooks County.  The growth reflects a renewed effort on the part of the cities of the county and the Rooks County Economic Development Office to encourage local entrepreneurs to start businesses and create jobs.  Creating jobs one or two at a time can have a tremendous long-term impact on area downtowns and the economy as a whole.

Opening September 7, 2010 in Plainville is Tyler's Automotive.  Tyler Ganoung, a Plainville graduate, has been working in the automotive repair business for a number of years and has now set out on his own.  For now, Tyler is operating the business at home on 19 Road south and east of Plainville.  Future plans call for a location in Plainville.  Tyler's Automotive is open M-F 8-5 and Saturday by appointment.  He can be reached at 785-656-2225.

Sometimes when one door closes, another door opens.  Such is the case with Stockton latest entrepreneurial venture--Lil' Tigers Preschool.   With the budget cuts forced upon the local school district, Stacey Keas found herself as a victim of the downsizing.  But still with a passion for teaching, Keas decided to open a preschool in Stockton and continue working with area youth. 

With the help of husband Doug, and the labor of young men from Teen Challenge in Alton, the building located at 511 Main was renovated from office space to rooms that are kid and learning friendly.  Bright colors on the walls, newly-covered floors, and plenty of bulletin board material make the rooms inviting.  Parents have access to the rear of the building for loading and unloading, so they do not have to find parking on Main Street. Lil' Tigers Preschool can be reached by calling 785-623-1918.

A new self-storage business in Plainville replaced several dilapidated buildings along Highway 183 in August, 2010.  Plainville Self Storage is owned and operated by Thea and Steve Baldwin, and is located just to the south of the intersection of U.S. 183 and Mill Street.  The storage units range in size from a small room, to big enough to hold an RV.  For more information on renting a unit, call 785-737-3351.

Another new storage facility to open is Discount Storage Units in Damar.  The units vary in size from 10 x 10, to 10 x 20.  Interested renters can call 785-737-8016 for more information.

You have come to love them while located in the back of Main St. Gallery in Stockton, and now you can enjoy them in a new, expanded location.  Cuppas, known for their great cup of coffee, now has it's own storefront at 413 Main.  And, they are selling sandwiches, soup, salads, and a daily special during the lunch hour.   So now it is Cuppas, Etc.

Owner Darla McReynolds has renovated the former Rooks County Bakery building into a quaint little shop that has a variety of food and other items.  Stop by and see everything she has to offer in the shop, and have a great cup of coffee.   Cuppas can be reached at 785-415-2025.

Shirley May's Deli & Catering set up shop in a former convenience store location in Stockton at 303 Main in May, 2010.  Shirley May's not only offers catering services, but also has a complete deli, with customers able to order fresh deli meat and made-to-order sandwiches.  Shirley May's is part of Webster's Supermarket, a long-time fixture in downtown Stockton.   Contact Shirley May's at 785-425-6751.

Stitch and Chatter opened its doors at the end of April, 2010 at 513 Main in Stockton. Idona and Dennis Duncan created the business for quilters and sewing ladies/gentlemen in and around the area..   The two saw the need for this type of store in town and have created a cozy atmosphere where people can come to shop for material and supplies, or to have their sewing machines repaired.

Stitch and Chatter was conceived so people can find the items they need for sewing and quilting since some store franchises are phasing out their material sections.  Business hours at this time are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.  They will also be open some evenings.  Just give them a call at 785-425-2015.  Check out their hours or look online for their e-mails at doandunk@hotmail.com  or www.stitchandchatter.com. 

Carousel Bakery and Cafe opened its doors to the public in May, 2010 at 1003 S. Cedar in Stockton.  The business is owned by Laurie Calvin and Dominic Antonini.  Specialties at the new establishment include pastries, special occasion cakes, and will soon offer lunch.  Laurie was employed as a pastry chef in Wichita before moving to Stockton.  Dominic also lived in Wichita for several years, but grew up in Tucson, Arizona.  They can be reached at 785-415-2222.

In Damar, a liquid print paint operation called Xtreme Hydrographix is slated to open in the near future as well.   More information will appear on this website in the near future. 

The Cardinal Drive-In in Plainville has opened once again after a long absence.  Owners Pam & Doug Emerick officially opened the facility on April 21, 2010, and are now offering drive-in, dine-in, or carry out orders.  In addition to daily specials, the Cardinal offers 8 varieties of ice cream.  They are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and are a smoke-free facility.  Orders can be called in at 785-434-2513.

Several new businesses have recently started operations in Stockton.   Envision Engraving & Art is a new business started in April 2010 by local Stockton artist Robert Wise.  Well-known by locals for his artwork, Robert's new business focuses on awards, plaques, gifts, signage, and  memorialization.  Engraving and artwork can be done on marble, wood, granite, plastic, glass, metal, or tile.    Robert can be contacted at 785-425-8816, or by e-mail at artist1@ruraltel.net. 

Mark Kuhlmann, as part of his existing business (Kuhlmann Remodeling & Construction), has built a cabin in south Stockton that is available for lodging.   Kuhlmann Lodging is fully furnished, and includes 2 bedrooms, one large bath, and a full kitchen and appliances.   The cabin is available for rent at $50 per night for 1 or 2 people, and $75 per night for 3 to 4 people.   Children 12 and under stay free.   To reserve the cabin, call 785-425-6491 or 425-8090.

Cune's Corner, located at 101 South Foster in Stockton, had their official opening on March 15, 2010.  Miranda (Byfield) McCune opened the quaint ice cream shop in the east part of Stockton on Highway 24 and offers a variety of ice cream concoctions to tempt everyone's tastebuds.  In addition to ice cream treats, Friday and Saturday offerings include full meal specials.  

Miranda said she opened up the business because she really likes serving the public and has been working in restaurants all of her life.  She is very excited about the venture and is receiving help from her husband, Justin, and son Sam, as well as her father, Kendall and mother Neva. Business hours are 3:00 p.m. to10:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  Orders can be called in at 785-415-2020.

Green Tree Paper Recyclers is a new business run by Christine Johnston.  For your paper recycling, contact her at 785-425-8340.

On Saturday, November 7th, 2009, The Happy Frog Pond in Damar celebrated it Grand Opening.  Kaylon Roberts, who owns the building and funded it's refurbishment, gave a speech and dedicated the establishment "To all of our ancestors, who, like ourselves, experienced long hours of hard work and many hardships. At the end of the week, they took time to gather together, relax, and enjoy themselves.  Here's to us keeping with that tradition."

The Happy Frog Pond is a non-smoking establishment. It is open from 3pm-midnight Mon-Sat and is located on Main Street in Damar. You are invited to come out on Sat, Nov 14th for karaoke, every Tuesday night for Pinochle and every Wednesday night for Poker.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held October 23, 2009 to kick off the Grand Opening for Liberty Buildings LLC of Plainville.  Liberty Buildings is an authorized dealer for Cover-All Building Systems.  Cover-All produces tension membrane covered, steel truss buildings for a wide variety of uses, ranging from agriculture to commercial needs.   The new business is owned by Roger Comeau, with Rod Cellmer as salesman.  The new business is located at the corner of US Hwy 183 and K-18. For information call Rod at 785-477-3472 or e-mail at rodc@ruraltel.net. 

Plainville resident Danielle Waggoner officially began her new business, DMW Photography, in August of 2009.  Since then she has been busy doing wedding photography, senior pictures, and family/child pictures.  For now, her studio is located at 217 1/2 W. Mill St. in Plainville, but will change when a new house is completed.  She can be reached at 785-303-0707, by e-mail at info@dmwphotography.com, or danielle_waggoner@yahoo.com.  She also has a website from which you can view her work at www.dmwphotography.com. 

Your Insurance Corner is now open in Plainville, located at 110B N. Jefferson.   The building was formerly the home of the Barry's Building Center, but has been renovated by Cornerstone Building and Design, and now houses offices for both Cornerstone and Your Insurance Corner.

Pam Lewallen is the agent working in the Plainville office.   Office hours are posted as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   You can reach the office by calling 785-434-2500

Jack Goering, with partner Rick Brown, opened Plainville Auto Repair in July, 2009.   Located in the former JJ's Auto repair shop at 310 N. Jefferson,  Goering and his son Phillip will be working together in the shop.  The elder Goering has 30 years of mechanic experience.   They plan to offer full auto and truck services, from farm trucks to tractors and semis as well.

Goering can do repairs from transmission and engine replacements, to tire sales and alignments, with fully updated diagnostic equipment.  Goering has the capability of performing a flash of a vehicle's computer system for major vehicle brands.  Currently Goering has clients from as far away as Wichita.  The business will be operated under the name Plainville Auto Repair. They can be reached at 785-434-4728.

New to Stockton in 2008 is Denae Denio with Spangenberg Phillips Tice Architecture.   Denae is located at 104 N. Walnut and specializes in interior architecture, but contact her for all your architecture needs.   SPT has someone on staff who can handle your needs.  To contact Denae, call 785-425-6272.

A new business in Plainville will help meet the needs of construction companies and others that have temporary job sites.  ASC Portables is owned by Lance and Angie Armbrister of Plainville, and provides portable restrooms for temporary job locations.  Lance can be reached by cell phone at 785-623-3443, or at 785-434-4765.

Starting a new construction business in March 2009 is Greg Balthazor doing business as G and K Remodeling.  G & K will do painting, drywall, windows, doors, and general remodeling.  They can be reached at 785-425-6340.

Another new construction business was started in Plainville by Roger Morris.  Morris, a former school principal, is now back in Plainville and has started a Home Improvement/Handy Man Services business.  Kitchen and bath remodeling, new cabinets, countertops, decks, interior and exterior painting, windows, floor installation, and siding are just a few of the areas that can be completed.   Call 785-737-6010.

The latest business addition to the city of Palco is Get Hooked Kansas. Jessica Schwab has opened this home-based business that will distribute a unique brand of fishing equipment at trade shows, local and area events, online, and through distributors throughout Kansas.   This fishing equipment is unique in that the design makes it very portable and especially useful for hikers, campers, and travelers.  To get a look at the equipment yourself, visit Jessica's website at www.gethookedkansas.com. She can also be reached at 785-737-4146.  

Three new construction businesses in Stockton began operations in the summer of 2008.  Mtb Construction is owned by Duane Pulec.  They do concrete removal & replacement, concrete flatwork, pole buildings, and misc. carpentry.   They can be reached at 785-425-8585. Johnston Construction is owned by Tim Johnston.  Also opening is Mudd Construction Co.  Mike Faris is the owner of this new business after years of working for Roy Construction in Stockton.  The services Mudd Construction will provide include concrete construction (flatwork, foundations, basements, storm shelters, and repairs; metal buildings, new construction and repairs, carpentry, and snow removal.  Mike can be reached at 785-425-7136.

Tim Johnston is owner of Johnston Construction in Stockton.  He went into business in June, 2008 and has been busy ever since. Tim has 15 years of roofing experience.

The services Johnston Construction offers are putting on metal roofs, putting up metal buildings, re-siding barns, installing seemless gutters, windows, and decks. They will also do almost any kind of exterior work.  They are also direct suppliers for garage doors and sheet metal, they they can install for the people or order for those do-it-yourselfers, who just need the materials. Contact Johnston Construction at 785-425-8119.

The exercise equipment purchased two years ago by the Stockton Recreation Commission for the town's wellness center, has found a home in the former Rooks County Health Center Clinic on Main Street.  The Stockton Recreation Commission has now opened the Stockton Recreation Fitness Center to the public.

The center includes a set of free weights, twelve isolation machine weights used for upper and lower body workouts, three exercise balls, inclining treadmills, elliptical bicycles, three stationary bikes, a Stairmaster, etc.

The Recreation Commission has established membership prices for a variety of needs.  Single memberships are $15/month; Member & Spouse, $25/month; Member & Family, $35/month.  An Annual Single Membership is $150; Member & Spouse, $250; and Member & Family, $350.  A Guest Daily Rate is $5, and Guest Weekly Membership is $10.

A keyless entry swipe card system is in place that allows people to use the facility at their convenience and it will be activated when memberships are paid.

After years of working in the city of Denver, Colorado, Doug Earl and his wife, Nancy, have moved back closer to his home and opened their own business, DNA Transmissions, located in Stockton. Doug, who was originally from Woodston and attended Stockton High School in the late 1970's, decided to go out on his own after building transmissions and working on cars for other companies over the past 30 years.

The two set up shop on August 12, 2008 in the Ballard Auto & Sand Toys building at 524 Main Street in Stockton.  Doug can work on any make, any model or any year of car, both foreign and domestic, with all work guaranteed.  Services offered include automatic, standards, transfer cases, brakes and suspension, electrical, diagnostics, engine repair and rebuild, differentials and much more.

Their business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.   Telephone numbers are 785-425-6777, and 877-425-0777.

Starting a new construction business in Damar in May, 2008 is Dustin Christensen.  Dustin will do garages, additions, remodels, roofs, framing, and siding.  He can be reached at 785-230-8400.

Also starting a new construction businesses in Plainville are local residents Justin Balthazor and Blake Waggoner,   Precision Construction & Roofing, and Shawn Smith, Shorty Construction.  Precision Construction can be reached by calling 785-577-6097 or 785-259-3875.   Shorty Construction can be reached by callling 785-434-4947 pr 785-259-4287.

April's Imagination is a new small business in Stockton that makes customized and personalized gifts (photo mat, books, stationary).  April Chesney is the owner of the new business that began operations in May, 2008.  The website for April's Imagination is www.aprilsimagination.com.  She can also be contacted at 785-259-8792 or e-mailed at april@aprilsimagination.com. 

In April, 2008, Hrabe Flooring began as a new business in Plainville.  Matt Hrabe began the business after working in the flooring business in Sabetha, Kansas for nearly a year.  Matt can handle all of your carpet, hardwood, laminate, and tile needs.  He can be contacted at 785-650-9535.

Clipper Energy, LLC purchased the former Prairie Ag & Auto building located on Highway 18 (NW 3rd) in Plainville in November of 2007.  Clipper Energy is involved in oil exploration and production, and has expanded their operations to the Rooks County area.

Classical music being played softly in the background invites customers and friends into the old world feel of new business, Main Street Gallery located at 412 Main Street in Stockton.  Owner Linda Roy Cross is excited about this venture and it shows in her tastefully decorated showroom filled with one-of-a-kind pieces of art. The business formally opened October 1, 2007.

Linda and her husband, Randy, live in Tucson, Arizona and commute back and forth to Linda's hometown of Stockton. For the remainder of the year, Linda will be in Stockton to greet and visit with customers in the Gallery.

The gallery has an array of art work ranging from American Indian items, brass, bronze, pottery, blown glass, jewelry, beaded serving pieces made by Cross, imports, textiles, china and crystal.  Linda states that she has something for everyone's tastes and pocketbooks with pieces coming from Italy, France, and Stockton. Linda said that Stockton has nice little niches all around town and hopes that her gallery just adds to the historic and interesting atmosphere.  

The Stockton Area Arts Council will be helping Linda when she commutes back to Tucson.  Members will keep the store open during regular business hours.  Right now the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week.

The building which housed Welch's flower shop for 43 years is going back to work and won't be standing empty now.  PDR's Revisited Shoppe officially opened on Friday, May 11, 2007.  The shoppe features second-hand quality items for sale.  In May, 2008, the shoppe was purchased and reopened as T.J's Treasure Chest, with Tammy Foster as the new owner.

After operating out of temporary offices for several months, the Farmers National Bank formally opened their new facility at 306 S. Cedar in Stockton on May 7, 2007.  The new facility is one of several branch banks for Farmers National.  They also operate banks in Phillipsburg, Agra, Logan, and Kensington.  Drive up hours are now available also from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The bank can be accessed online at www.farmersnationalbankonline.com, or calling 785-425-7007.

The Dugout Sports Bar & Grill opened the weekend of February 27, 2010 in Plainville at the former location of Aces & Eights Bar & Grill at 105 E. Mill Street. The restaurant features daily specials, as well as the normal lunch and dinner meals.   Hours are Tuesday - Thursday for 11:00 a.m. to close, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2 a.m.,  and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m..  Phone is 785-688-4160.

Equity Builders in Stockton does general contractor work and remodeling.  They can be reached by calling 719-248-4905.

Blaine's Electric, LLC opened for business in 2007 in Plainville.  Blaine Brown is owner of the new business and is a master electrician specializing in residential and commercial service.  Call Blaine at 785-656-0611.

Lindee Lou's Gifts & Floral is a new business opening February, 2007 in Stockton focusing on planning weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, bridal showers, baby showers, proms and any other type of special occasion.  Located at 322 Main, owner Linda McLaughlin has a large supply of rental items, flowers,  and other items needed for your special occasion. Contact Linda at 785-425-8521 or e-mail to linmac@ruraltel.net. 

Your Insurance Corner of Stockton celebrated the opening of a new branch office in Palco on Friday, September 15, 2006 with a ribbon cutting and open house.  Located in a newly-refurbished building on Main Street, the business will serve the insurance needs of the Palco area.

Mark Lowry, owner of the new business, is excited about the new office and becoming a part of the Palco community.

C & J Welding, LLC started operations in Plainville in November, 2006.  Clifford Husmann, a long-time local welder, is the new business owner.  He can be contacted at 785-434-7380, or on his cell at 785-303-0016.

A group of Palco citizens saw a need for Palco residents, and went forward with the idea of bringing a day care to town.  Lil' Roosters Day Care opened for business on September 5, 2006. "We were concerned, and realized young parents needed a place to take their kids," said Chris Desbien, Day Care Board member.  She explained that many parents work out of town, and take their children to Day Care in that town, where they also begin pre-school and then school.  

With day care in Palco, the idea was to keep kids in town for not only day care, but on through pre-school and their school years. The Lil' Roosters Day Care is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and has rates for full-time, part-time, and drop-in children.  It serves breakfast, lunch, and a p.m. snack.

End of the Line had their grand opening in Stockton on May 27, 2006.  Located at 422 Main Street, End of the Line is a hobby store that is also the home to the Stockton Area Train Club.  They have plenty of train, plane, rocket, car and slot car hobby items on hand.  Radio control planes and cars are on order with owner Marian Conyac stating that if the club doesn't have it, they can order it in.  Public hours for the train club are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday thru Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Appointments can be arranged by calling 785-425-6606.

The Bonnie Plant Farm of Union Springs, Ala., purchased the complex formerly occupied by The Tomato Factory in the Plainville Industrial Park and is now in the process of planting for the Spring and Summer of 2006.  Four new greenhouses have been constructed for a total of 17 greenhouses and 70,000 square feet of growing space. The facility will produce starter plants mostly of vegetables and herbs, but a few flowers will be grown. The plants will be trucked to a territory including the area of Kansas west of Topeka, and a portion of Nebraska and the Oklahoma panhandle.

One of several new oilfield businesses that began operations in 2006 is American Eagle Drilling, LLC.  The company yard is located on W Road, one-half mile west of U.S. 183.  The company can be reached by calling 785-434-2079.

Another new oilfield business is Flatland Tank Service in Plainville.  Plainville native John Plante started the business in response to the resurgence in oilfield activity.  Flatland Tank Service can be reached at 785-434-6016.

The Stockton Funeral Chapel, located at 805 N. Cedar in Stockton, opened in September, 2005 in an empty church building.  The building has been renovated to provide a comforting atmosphere for families.  Managers of the business are Mike and Denise Kemp, and assisted by Deb Jones.  Contact information for the firm are on a website at www.stocktonfuneralchapel.com, or phone 785-425-6255.

Ballard Auto's and Sandtoy's opened in September, 2005.  They are now located blocks south of U.S. 24 on Hwy 183 in Stockton.  For sale at the new location are used automobiles, as well as ATV's.  The owner of the new business is Scott Ballard.  To contact Scott, you can call 785-994-6296.

The Office, located at 1209 Main Street in Stockton, officially opened for business as of August 1, 2005.  The new building houses snooker and 8-ball tables, darts, video game arcade, and tables for card games.  There is also plenty of room for dances.  The Office, owned and operated by Rick Lowry, also serves pop, snacks, sandwiches, pizza, beer and wine coolers during their business hours of noon to 12:00 a.m.

Another business that officially started on August 1, 2005 is Cornerstone Building & Design, LLC.  This Plainville-based construction business is owned and operated by Michael Reed.  Reed is also looking for a permanent location in Plainville, and is currently operating from 610 S. Section Line in Plainville.  Reed has already undertaken several projects in the area including renovation work for Rooks County Economic Development, Unrein Healthmart, and the tornado-damaged Nova Theatre in Stockton.  Reed can be reached at 785-434-4892 or 785-650-1586.

New Stockton residents Jeff Dean and Candy Beckman have started a new business call Tall Grass Treasures as of June, 2005.  Tall Grass Treasures helps people sell their items on eBay by removing the hassle because all the work is done by Dean and Beckman.  The couple has 12 years of experience buying and selling on eBay and have completed well over 15,000 transactions.  To contact the business, call 785-425-6579 or visit their website at www.tallgrasstreasures.net.

Drs. Dustin Cheney and Susan Buchanan-Cheney of the Phillipsburg Chiropractic Clinic have now opened a satellite facility in Stockton as of January, 2005.  The Stockton Chiropractic Clinic is located at 504 Main.  The business fills a void in chiropractic care in the community of Stockton.  Customer should make an appointment by calling 785-425-6060.

Mortensen Computer Systems has officially set up a permanent residence at 318 Main in Stockton as of December, 2004.  Shawn Mortensen has operated his company on a part-time basis in Stockton for just over a year, but now that he has a permanent home in the Stockton Business Center operated by Rooks County Economic Development.  The company services computers, sells new computers, and installs software.

Opening the week of September 20, 2004 was Gifts & More located at 122 W. Mill in Plainville.  Owner Carol VanDyke's business offers Candy Bouquets, gift bags, pops and balloons, and many other items that would be great gifts for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.  Included in the list of products are numerous KU and KSU items.

Rural Telephone/Nex-Tech has now opened offices in both Stockton and Plainville.  Rural Telephone has purchased the rights to provide cable television in both communities and will now provide bundled services that include cable, local and long distance telephone service, and high-speed Internet service.  The office in Stockton is located at 523 Main and opened in October, 2004.  The Plainville office is located at 112 S. Main, and opened in December, 2004

Renewed activity on the west edge of Plainville along Highway 18 has let people know the Sale Barn Cafe has re-opened.  On Thursday, May 27, 2004, Pat Hageman, along with members of the Plainville Chamber of Commerce, performed a ribbon-cutting to officially announce the restaurant's opening.  Hageman, the sole owner of the facility, said the restaurant offers another choice for people who enjoy dining out, with a full-service menu. In March of 2009, the cafe was sold and is now owned and operated by Shelly Nordyke, and is known as the Stockyard Cafe.  The restaurant is open 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily.  Their phone number is 785-688-4164.

 In the 600 E. Mill location in Plainville, James Luna operates James' Autoshop.  James can be reached at 785-434-4587.

Simple Business Solutions opened in Plainville in November, 2003 to fill a need in the business accounting area.  Maria Simon and Lana Zajic started the business that will do accounting, billing, and collections for small businesses that don't have the manpower or expertise to do that type of work.  Located at 118 W Mill in Plainville, SBS hopes to grow as business increases.

Also opening in November 2003, is a home-based business in Plainville called VanDyke Rifle Designs.  John VanDyke opened the business in his home to capitalize on the market for custom-built rifles.  A website at www.vandykerifles.com, has enabled John to market his product to people from all over the country.

In 2009, John constructed a new building on 17 Road north of Plainville that will allow for more room for the operation.

Former resident, Randy Prater, has purchased the former Helmrich and Payne building in Plainville and has moved the offices of Polymer Services into the building located north of the city limits on W Road.  The company specializes in injection of polymers into oil wells which helps limit salt water entry into the well.  The company employs five people at the present time.  The business officially opened in November, 2003.

Auto Wash features an automatic wash bay that allows customers to stay in the car and let the machines do the work.  That feature will surely be appreciated during the cold, winter months.  Previously, the closest automatic wash was located 30 minutes away.  There are also bays available for hand washing cars as well as larger trucks.  Local businessman Don Brown contracted with Stockton builder, Roger Roy, to see to the completion of the entire structure.  The business had it official ribbon cutting on October 10, 2003.  In August 2010, the business was sold to Don and Laura Moffett.

Also opening in 2003 in Stockton is the Main Street Trading Post which has combined the Main Street Treasures and Trading Post stores into one large antique and collectible shop.  The new business is located at 505 Main.  Inside you will find unique items, collectibles, antiques, and more.  

A&T Trucking began operations in May of 2003.  Alvin and Tressia Paramore own the new company that will contract haul loads around Kansas and around the country.  The Paramore's used the county Micro-Loan program to purchase the vehicle and provide working capital.

Businesses that opened from 2000 to 2003 included Prairie Ag & Auto, Home Resort Spas and Timeless Oak, Portraits by Michele, Regeenas Flowers and Events in Plainville;  Dollar General, Picture This, and Kuhlmann Remodeling & Construction in Stockton.

Other businesses starting up or changing ownership include Palco Grocery and Deli, and Jane's Manes in Palco; Hide it Here Storage, Precision Body and Paint, Plainville Short Stop, White Eagle Resources, Windshield Repair of Plainville, and Stat Medical Billing in Plainville; Prockish Products and Designs, and Outback Framing in Stockton.

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