April, 2022
Highway 24 Garage Sale gearing up for 2022 event
Last year's Highway 24 Garage Sale was a big success once again, and the 2022 version promises to be another big event. Dates for this year's event are June 3-5. To see the latest updates on the event, go to the Hwy 24 Garage Sale Facebook page.
Last call for "Art in the Heart" suggestions
The Alliance is still considering putting together an "Art in the Heart" brochure that would include artwork that can be observed throughout the Valley and beyond. We have a number of the communities already included, but not all. If you have a local art attraction, please send the information to Roger Hrabe at roger@rookscounty.net.
January, 2022
Early Bird Listing for the 2023 Kansas Travel Guide now open!
The 2022 Kansas Travel Guide is just now on the shelves around the state, but it is already time to start thinking about 2023 listings. The Early Bird deadline is February 28, 2022. You can get more information by going to the Travelks.com website and clicking on the "Marketing & PR" dropdown menu.
Also, remember that the individual community Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) is responsible for Event updates, and other Listings on the Travelks.com website. Contact the Tourism Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce if you need more information.
Highway 24 Garage Sale gearing up for 2022 event
Last year's Highway 24 Garage Sale was a big success once again, and the 2022 version promises to be another big event. Dates for this year's event are June 3-5. To see the latest updates on the event, go to the Hwy 24 Garage Sale Facebook page.
Last call for "Art in the Heart" suggestions
The Alliance is still considering putting together an "Art in the Heart" brochure that would include artwork that can be observed throughout the Valley and beyond. We have a number of the communities already included, but not all. If you have a local art attraction, please send the information to Roger Hrabe at roger@rookscounty.net.
January, 2022
Early Bird Listing for the 2023 Kansas Travel Guide now open!
The 2022 Kansas Travel Guide is just now on the shelves around the state, but it is already time to start thinking about 2023 listings. The Early Bird deadline is February 28, 2022. You can get more information by going to the Travelks.com website and clicking on the "Marketing & PR" dropdown menu.
Also, remember that the individual community Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) is responsible for Event updates, and other Listings on the Travelks.com website. Contact the Tourism Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce if you need more information.
February, 2021
Hope abounds for 2021 Highway 24 Garage Sale to be held
No one will argue that 2020 was a difficult year for events. Most events of any size were either cancelled or moved to being virtual if possible. Well, let's all hope that 2021 will allow the events to move forward once again. The annual Highway 24 Garage Sale is one of those events. Right now, the dates of June 4-6 are scheduled as the 2021 version of this highly anticipated event. Mark your calendars and spread the word. The best place for information will be on the Highway 24 Garage Sale Facebook Page.
Brochure ready for updates/reprint
It has been nearly 10 years since the Alliance put together the first full color brochure that covered the history, heritage, and attractions of the Solomon Valley. Now, having nearly exhausted the supply, it is time to update and reprint the brochure. Take a look at the current brochure and consider what updates need to be made for your communities. Also, please consider contributing to the cost of the reprint if possible.
Northwest Kansas Today offers insight into our towns
The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has always played a big part in the promotion of NW Kansas. Their latest endeavor to "get the word out" is their magazine entitled, Northwest Kansas Today. The Summer 2020 issue featured several of our members, with stories about Small Town Groceries and Community Foundations. You can read current and past issues of the magazine online. Click here to access the Summer 2020 issue. Access to other issues can also be found at this link by clicking on the menu to the left.
Hope abounds for 2021 Highway 24 Garage Sale to be held
No one will argue that 2020 was a difficult year for events. Most events of any size were either cancelled or moved to being virtual if possible. Well, let's all hope that 2021 will allow the events to move forward once again. The annual Highway 24 Garage Sale is one of those events. Right now, the dates of June 4-6 are scheduled as the 2021 version of this highly anticipated event. Mark your calendars and spread the word. The best place for information will be on the Highway 24 Garage Sale Facebook Page.
Brochure ready for updates/reprint
It has been nearly 10 years since the Alliance put together the first full color brochure that covered the history, heritage, and attractions of the Solomon Valley. Now, having nearly exhausted the supply, it is time to update and reprint the brochure. Take a look at the current brochure and consider what updates need to be made for your communities. Also, please consider contributing to the cost of the reprint if possible.
Northwest Kansas Today offers insight into our towns
The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has always played a big part in the promotion of NW Kansas. Their latest endeavor to "get the word out" is their magazine entitled, Northwest Kansas Today. The Summer 2020 issue featured several of our members, with stories about Small Town Groceries and Community Foundations. You can read current and past issues of the magazine online. Click here to access the Summer 2020 issue. Access to other issues can also be found at this link by clicking on the menu to the left.
2020
- Because of COVID-19 - there is no news for 2020. Please stay safe.
December, 2019
"Art in the Heart"
Do you have one or two unique art attractions in your Alliance community? The Alliance would like to create a road trip brochure, "Art in the Heart", that would feature the creative, unique, and unusual art along U.S. Highway 24 and Kansas Highway 18. Murals, stained glass, sculptures, and architecture are all examples of art that could be included. Send all your examples, including pictures, to roger@rookscounty.net.
Kiosks Continue To Evolve
One of the more ambitious projects undertaken by the Highway 24 Alliance was the production and installation of the community kiosks in each of the 24 communities of the Alliance. After the initial installation nearly 18 years ago, all of the inserts have been updated with a new durable material, and the 8 Rural Cultural Elements information has been checked for accuracy. Most recently, a few of the kiosks have been moved to make them more accessible to the public. Kiosks in Glen Elder, Hoxie, and Bogue have been relocated in close proximity to their original location. Coordinates of the new locations will be updated soon.
No "Call for Voices" in 2020
The Alliance Board has decided to not continue the Call for Voices competition. Interest had waned over the years, and it was decided to move on to other activities to better involve the public in the activities throughout the Solomon Valley. Thank you to all who have submitted their writing through the years.
Kansas High School Database, 1858-2019
June, 2019
"New" E-mail Newsletter Plan
Over the next few months we will be looking to implement a new way of communicating with our membership. This newsletter will replace the Anthology that was published quarterly through the hard work of Joan Nothern and Leo Oliva. While this short newsletter can't replace all that was done through the Anthology, we do hope to continue to keep in touch with our membership as we transition to new leadership and an expanded mission. The new email newsletter for SV24HA will aim to keep members up-to-date with all that is going on in the Valley. The plan is to deliver the newsletter electronically at least every quarter, and also as events and happenings dictate. Members can submit information for possible publication, just as they have in the past. We have a lot of emails, but we still need you to send your email address to roger@rookscounty.net to make sure you are on the list to receive the newsletter.
Upon the Departure of our First President, Joan Nothern ... Tributes
Saying farewell to Joan Nothern is not easy. We understand why she is leaving and wish her the very best on her new journey.
We have known Joan for over 20 years in so many different circumstances. As a writer in a local self-help writers group, as a member of Marci’s Kansas Sampler Foundation, and most recently as the mover and shaker of the SV24 Heritage Alliance. Joan has poured her heart and soul into the Solomon Valley with all its twists and turns. She had a beautiful vision of what should be done and how to get it done. I don’t think there was a grant she wrote that the group did not receive. There was the signage, music of the valley, and so much more.
I believe the legacy of the Alliance will be the Solomon Valley Anthology and its fourteen years of the “Call for Voices.” The best meeting of every year was in January when we got to hear and meet the winners of the contest. Joan always arranged for a special speaker or two to end the day with a flourish.
The Anthology is a treasure! Not only does it showcase past and present authors but possibly those that will continue to write about the Solomon Valley. In addition the Anthology, Joan’s accomplishments as one of the founders of the group and as its faithful president are part of our heritage.
There are so many great memories of our time spent together over the years up and down the Solomon Valley. Joan, we will all miss you!
–Barbara Wilson and Laura McClure, Carnegie Research Library, Osborne Kansas
Joan has brought our Solomon Valley Hwy 24 alive during the last 20 years. So many of us have learned not only about each other but even more about our own communities. Those 8 rural elements have encouraged us to see more than the obvious. Your visits to the Ball of Twine were always appreciated. You attended so many activities in each of our communities. Our past has made us–now we must go forward without Joan as our leader. We will attempt to keep you proud of our Alliance. Enjoy time with your family. I’m happy to have become your friend, you will be missed.
–Linda Clover
The success of the Highway 24 Alliance is a direct result of the dedication of Joan Nothern. Joan enlisted the help of many good people to develop a plan to preserve what they saw as a unique heritage of the Solomon Valley, a place they call home. It was a vision that could have easily faded throughout the years if not for the persistent push, or should I say gentle tug, from Joan that kept us moving forward, trying new things while committing year-after-year to the reliable standbys.
I observed many times during meetings where Joan patiently listened to members talk about doing something, and she would gently and respectfully nudge us back to our core purpose. I hate to say that I often thought that the Alliance would live and die with Joan, but I am happy to say that I think the Alliance will be just fine, mostly due to Joan’s faithful persistence and dedication. It is a legacy that she will take with her. Thank you Joan for your leadership!
–Roger Hrabe
Joan Nothern has “staying power.” I’ve never seen anyone who continues to persevere through the tough times, apathy on our part, death of a husband, bad weather–snow storm, unhelpful helpers (remember setting up Waterways in Alton?). She has always been persevering and encouraging. Thank you, Joan. Till we meet again.
–Bill & Carolyn Williams
When the “experts” told Joan Nothern it couldn’t be done, she went ahead and founded the SV24HA anyway, then proceeded to lead it successfully for two decades. It was an honor to work with her gentle management skills, never saying “we are going to do it this way,” but asking others “how can we do this?” The projects completed during her tenure show how her faith in communities cooperating for common goals produced lasting results. Thank you, Joan.
–Leo E. Oliva
For the past 10+ years, it was my delight and honor to work closely with Joan in creating and maintaining this website as well as assisting with many other notable projects of which she was the pillar and pulse. Joan's vision of the past and future, and her call to action of and for the Solomon Valley Highway 24 Alliance has been, was unfaltering. Joan is one of those people who made a lasting positive difference along our portion of Hwy 24 and our communities. I am fortunate to be able to call her my friend.
--Greg German
March, 2019
Nicodemus Spring Chautauqua Noon, May 25, 2019
”Steel Wheels, Steel Rails, and Hell on Wheels,” The Railroads Bypass Nicodemus
by Angela Bates
It is often said that railroads would either make or break a town. In western Kansas during the mid1880s several railroad companies were seeking to provide service to newly-populated areas along and north of the South Solomon River. The Missouri Pacific planned to lay track from Salina to Colorado, via the Plainville Branch. It was along this Plainville Branch that Nicodemus would have been targeted to receive the railroad and a depot, but Nicodemus never got a railroad.
The annual Chautauqua was conceived with the idea to bring life to the history of Nicodemus, through various historical periods, events, and people. This year’s theme for our third annual Nicodemus Spring Chautauqua is all about the railroads and why they bypassed Nicodemus. You’ll be entertained during the day with characters from this historically pivotal pass. You’ll hear from characters like the railroad surveyor and engineer, business owners, politicians, attorney, newspaper editor, frustrated homesteaders and cowboys, to J. P. Pomeroy–Kansas railroad tycoon, philanthropist, and Hill City funder.
We often wonder what Nicodemus would have been like if a railroad had laid track through the town. Would it have thrived and even surpassed the county seat of Hill City? We wonder why the decision was to lay tracks south of the Solomon River and establish the town of Bogue four miles to the west? What was the role of Kansas railroad tycoon and philanthropist J. P. Pomeroy and how was his influence used? Why were businesses lured away and the banker not support the decision to secure the railroad at Nicodemus? What was the role of the newspapers, and why was W. R. Hill the owner of both Nicodemus and Hill City papers? These are only a few questions that beg answers as we look at the dynamic of the railroads and their interest in laying track through Nicodemus. We hope to address these and other interesting facts during the May 25 Chautauqua. We hope you will join us. Other related railroad stories and history will be shared, such as the killing at the Bogue Depot and the many Nicodemus men who worked on the railroad as mail sorters, chefs, porters, etc.
An exhibit of oil paintings of railroad depots along the Plainville Branch through Rooks and Graham counties by artist Mike Boss will be on display during the event. Free food and refreshments in the theme of the railroads will be provided by Walmart of Hays.
Period music by the Hays Barber Shop Singers will entertain you, and throughout the performances the New Nicodemus Old Timers will tickle your ears and maybe even motivate you to get up and dance during intermissions.\