New Businesses Providing Boost to Rooks County
by Roger Hrabe 
(updated 5/8/2008)

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.

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 in Plainville in November of 2007.  Clipper Energy is involved in oil exploration, 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.

Jasmine Asian Cafe opened in Stockton on Thailand's New Year, Friday, April 13, 2007.  Owner Vipawan "Pook" Thangsuwan is familiar to the area since she opened a food booth at the Rooks County Free Fair about ten years ago and began serving her Asian cuisine.

 "Pook" and her husband, Damon Arial, decided to open a restaurant showcasing Thai food because she always worked with food and wanted to see how she does in a place of her own.

Jasmine Asian Cafe is located at 411 Main Street in Stockton.  The menu includes items like sweet and sour chicken, almond chicken, cashew chicken, and spicy chicken.  Other items will be added gradually. The Jasmine Asian Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The restaurant is closed on Monday and Sunday evening.  To contact the cafe for carry-out, call 785-425-6366.

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.

Aces & Eights Bar and Grill opened on January 5, 2007 in Plainville at the former location of TJ's Bar & Grill at 105 E. Mill Street. The restaurant features daily specials, as well as the normal lunch and dinner meals.   The restaurant is managed by Pam Emerick.  Hours are Tuesday - Thursday for 11:00 a.m. to close, Friday and Saturday form 11:00 a.m. to 2 a.m.,  and Sunday open for games.  Phone is 785-434-2513.

 

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

Servo Source, located at 1224 Main in Stockton, opened in early 2007 and manufactures and tests components for CNC Mills, and Servo II Retrofits.  Owner and President Everett Reeve started the company in California, but had contacts back here near Stockton and had spent some time here and liked the community.  He decided that he could conduct his business from here.  Including himself, there are two local employees.

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.

C&A Electric began business on S. Washington in Plainville in 2006 and is owned and operated by Alan Bingham.  For service call 785-434-4768 or 785-259-3109.

 

 

 

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.

After completing extensive renovation, Lisa Lu's Cafe opened in August, 2006 at 1003 S. Cedar in Stockton.  Owners of the new business are Frank and Lisa Brown.  Serving breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner, the Browns hope to fill a void in the Stockton area.  In addition, Tuesday evenings will be breakfast nights, with a full breakfast menu being available.  There are daily specials also.

Hours of operation for Lisa Lu's are 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.  Phone the restaurant by calling 785-425-6399.

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.

 

Med-Spa of Stockton , a therapeutic rejuvenating skin treatment center located at 511 Main Street, held its grand opening on Monday, October 17, 2005.  Dr. Ann Taylor, D.O. and Dana Jewell, PA-C, are the operators of the facility that specializes in treatments such as photo facials for removal of skin irregularities such as changes in pigmentation, age spots, and birthmarks and scars for example.  At the present time, there are no regular hours.  Everything will be by appointment only.  Call 785-425-6366.

Fonz Custom Services of Damar began in November of 2005 as a custom paper and document shredding service.  Linus Pfannenstiel, owner of the new business, has lock boxes that can be delivered to your business and picked up each week.  The paper and documents will be shredded and baled, and then sent to a paper mill or Tamko Products in Phillipsburg.  Call 785-839-4443 for more information.

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 on the corner of Main and Elm streets 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.

Mid-Kan Well Service purchased the business formerly known as KC's Well Service in Plainville and began operations in November, 2006.  Several local investors made the new a business a reality and have employed a number of  local individuals to run the day-to-day operations of the oilfield pulling unit.  The company can be reached at 785-434-2190 or 785-621-2611.  

Ray Shetterly Flooring began operations in the Stockton area in June, 2005 as a private flooring contractor.  Ray and his wife LaDonna are not strangers to the Stockton area, as LaDonna's parents are Stockton residents.

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.


The Western Connection
officially opened in Stockton on December 6, 2004.  John Wallen, owner and operator, used the county Micro Loan program to establish the business which specializes in leathercrafting and gunsmithing.  Wallen expects to add taxidermy to his business later in 2005.  The business is currently located at 705 S. 2nd.

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.

 

Convenience X/Press is now open in Plainville at 711 S. Washington.  Convenience X/Press features a number of hot food items in addition to a full line of convenience items and fuel.  Located at the former site of Roger's Oil and Marshal's Restaurant, the building has undergone extensive renovation and has certainly improved the looks of the corner.  More improvements are planned on the property in the future.  The business officially opened the week of October 4, 2004.

 

 

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. The phone number of the Sale Barn Cafe is 785-434-2220.

Bryce's Body Shop officially opened in May, 2004 at 600 E. Mill St. in Plainville, but has since moved to 1315 S. Washington.  Bryce McDowell recently graduated from NCKVTS and can provide complete auto body repair.  Bryce use the county Micro Loan funds to help get the business started. He can be reached at 785-303-0466.  In the 600 E. Mill location, James Luna operates James' Autoshop.  James can be reached at 785-434-4587.

Two new salons are now open in Plainville and Stockton as of March, 2004.  Two Eleven Salon is located in Plainville at 211 Main St. and is operated by Kimberly Mai.  Kim has taken an upper level of the families garage addition and converted into a salon.  Customers can make appointments by calling Kim at 785-434-2031.  Kim used the county Micro-Loan funds to help her get started.

Nicole Wise is the owner and operator of Total Image & Day Spa in Stockton.  The new business is located at 407 Main and will feature typical salon services in addition to spa services not typically offered in small towns.  To arrange for an appointment, call 785-425-6983.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

 

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 a new business in the building at 118 W. Mill is Law Technical Consulting.  Steve Law opened the business after getting numerous requests for technical help on computer systems in the Plainville area.  Steve has considerable experience in the computer programming area after working for Classic Cable and Plainville Call Center Services.  You can reach LTC by calling 785-434-4949.

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.

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, Stockton's newest business, 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.

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, and Staabco Entertainment in Plainville;  Dollar General, Prairie Classics, Sue Veneers Engraving Studio, 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;  Expressions by Sharris (photography studio), 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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