Stafford County Economic Development

08/29/2026

Sorry you missed out on the pickling class today. didn’t. See her in action.

A big thanks to Jennifer Gleason and K-State Extension - 21 Central District for putting on a fun class.

City of Stafford, KS City of St. John Kansas Get Hudson Kansas City of Macksville, Kansas

08/28/2026

Reminder from 21 Central District Extension: Tomorrow is our first session of Canning with Confidence, focusing on pickling and fermenting. The class begins at 9 am. at 210 E 3rd, St John. Looking forward to seeing you there! If you can't attend, please let us know. Thank you!

City of Stafford, KS City of St. John Kansas City of Macksville, Kansas Get Hudson Kansas

08/28/2026

💡 BIG IDEAS. BRIGHTER FUTURES!

The Stafford County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) is back! Middle and high school students are invited to turn their ideas into a business pitch and compete for prizes! 🚀

🏆 1st Place: $750 + a trip to the State Competition in Manhattan!
📅 Competition: Wednesday, February 10, 2027
⏰ Sign-up deadline: January 19, 2027
📍 Stafford County Annex

YEC gives young people a chance to think creatively, solve problems, build confidence, and experience what it’s like to be an entrepreneur.

Interested in competing? Contact Ryan at 620-549-3527 or [email protected].

Think it. Pitch it. Change it! 💡💼🚀

City of Stafford, KS City of St. John Kansas Get Hudson Kansas City of Macksville, Kansas USD #351 - Macksville Stafford Schools USD 349, Stafford, Kansas St. John - Hudson Tigers USD 350

08/27/2026

🥒 Pickling & Fermenting
Saturday, August 29
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$15 per person

21 Central District Extension is bringing its Canning with Confidence series to the Stafford County Commercial Kitchen in St. John, where you'll gain hands-on experience, proven food preservation techniques, and take home products you make during class.

City of Stafford, KS City of St. John Kansas Get Hudson Kansas City of Macksville, Kansas

08/27/2026

🍅 **Calling all food entrepreneurs and aspiring food business owners!**

K-State is hosting a **Food Business Workshop in Hays on October 6** designed to help you take your food business to the next level.

Learn about **funding opportunities, finding retail space, food safety, employee training, and other resources** that can help you build a stronger, more sustainable food business.

📅 Tuesday, October 6
⏰ 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 Cottonwood Extension Office, Hays
💲 $20 — Lunch included!

Whether you already have a food business or have an idea you'd like to turn into one, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and find resources to help you grow.

👉 Registration and details: https://events.k-state.edu/event/foodpreneur-workshop

City of Stafford, KS City of St. John Kansas Get Hudson Kansas City of Macksville, Kansas

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

Come celebrate 9 years of Stafford County Core! 🎉

Join us Saturday, August 29 from 5:30–8:00 PM at the IOOF Lodge in St. John for an evening of great food, community, and fun!

🥧 Pie Auction
🎁 Door Prizes & Silent Auction
🍽️ Pulled Pork & Brisket Dinner
❤️ Participant Stories & Recognition
🏊 Pool activities & childcare available

City of Stafford, KS City of St. John Kansas Get Hudson Kansas Macksville, Kansas

08/20/2026

Opportunities in Agriculture for the future. Where can we start investing in Stafford County?

City of Stafford, KS City of St. John Kansas Get Hudson Kansas City of Macksville, Kansas

08/19/2026

From Wichita to Great Bend, Garden City to Oberlin, almost any Baby Boomer who grew up in Kansas worshipped the airwaves that beamed Major Astro.
In the early 1960s when the nation's attention was focused on outer space and astronauts, Tom Leahy Jr. created Major Astro, an astronaut with a deep baritone voice wearing a shimmery silver jumpsuit.
The afternoon show first ran from 1962 to 1973, on KSN, Channel 3. Leahy reprised the character for a short time in 1985 for KSAS.
What did Major Astro say at the end of each broadcast?
"Happy Orbits, boys and girls ... Everything will be A-OK and all systems will be go."

08/18/2026

📚 **Books, Barbecue & Beats is coming to St. John!** 🎶🍖

Join the **Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library** on **Saturday, September 26 from 4–7 PM** for a fun adult community night!

Browse books and bookish finds from **Red Fern Booksellers**, grab some great food from **Floyd’s Smoke Shack**, enjoy music from **DJ Bentley**, and try one of our special **Plot Twists & Mocktails**!

📍 406 N. Monroe, St. John, KS
✨ Good books. Good food. Good vibes. Come hungry and find your next great read!

City of Stafford, KS City of St. John Kansas Get Hudson Kansas Macksville, Kansas