Published January 14, 2021

The Community Housing Association of Dodge City (CHAD) presented seven scholarships to Dodge City Community College (DC3) students on Thursday, Jan. 14.

Presented to students in the Building Construction Technology class, these scholarships were awarded at 1601 Mulberry Circle, which is the location of this year’s CHAD building site. 

DC3 students receiving CHAD scholarships include: Angel Miguel Guzman Rodriguez, Diego Lozano, Domanic Andres Enriquez, Joel Negrete-Chavez, Maximo Avalos, Roberto Millan-Lopez, and Ty Robert Bacon.

Through this hands-on partnership, DC3 students build houses from the ground up, learning all facets of building construction.

“The program gives the students a chance to complete an entire structure, from framing all the way to a finished building,” said Patrick Shiew, DC3 Construction Technology Instructor.

Students are exposed to framing, siding, roofing, insulating, painting, drywall installation and finishing, door and cabinet installation, and also interior trim work, Shiew said.

In addition, students also get to work with and learn from local businesses who provide the necessary licensed contractors for the HVAC, electrical and plumbing aspects, said Mollea Wainscott, Assistant Director of Economic Development for the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation.

“We are lucky to have such great contractors in Dodge City who are willing to teach the students their trades while providing their services,” Wainscott said. “It’s beneficial to the students to learn the licensed trades along with the general construction.”

This is the fourth year that CHAD has presented scholarships and the fifth year that CHAD and DC3 have partnered to build new housing for the community, she said.

Wainscott said the partnership allows CHAD to accomplish three things: to build additional moderate-income housing units, to train future workforce and to clean up blighted neighborhoods.

This year’s build is a single-family home, and it will contain three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a one-car garage. The project, which began in October 2020, is expected to be completed in May 2021.

By Lance Ziesch
DC3 Media Specialist

DODGE CITY, Kansas — The City of Dodge City CREW Recycling Center is set to officially operate out of its new location at 124 N 14^th Avenue beginning January 4, 2021. This move will also see the closure of the 24-hour drop off bins at the old Civic Center location.

“The new building has more space to sort recyclable materials and store properly and will allow us to store loads of recycling longer to maximize our use of the market,” said Public Works Director Corey Keller. “This move to a larger location has been a long-time coming and will continue to help us grow our recycling efforts.”

The new location located at the corner of 14th and Park Street will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm. There will also be bins available for 24-hour drop-off.

“An important part of making the new location a success is the cooperation of those bringing items to the center by presorting materials, cleaning them of food waste, and not combining trash with the materials,” Keller said. “Please take the time to get to know what items can be taken to the recycle center. For instance, not all plastics are recyclable; CREW currently only takes #1 PET and #2 HDPE plastics, #3 thru #7 plastics are not accepted. When #3 thru #7 plastics are brought to the recycling center, it takes the staff a lot of time to sort and throw the items away.”

For more information on the materials accepted at the CREW Recycling Center, contact Public Works at 620-225-8170, or visit the City’s website at www.dodgecity.org

DODGE CITY, Kan., January 1, 2021 – Dodge City Raceway Park (DCRP) has unveiled a new logo. The updated logo will boost momentum in 2021 as the track is under new management with Craig Dollansky Racing. “We are excited to unveil the logo for Dodge City Raceway Park, this mark represents the history of the city, in conjunction with a top- notch racing facility. Our team will work hard to market and elevate the profile of the track, this new logo design will work nicely with our future plans for DCRP.” said Craig Dollansky, Operator/Promoter DCRP.

The new logo design was created by branding firm, A|D Creative Group, the same firm that created the City and Dodge City Convention and Visitors logos. The goal of adopting the new logo was to create a brand representation that aligns DCRP’s audiences and target markets while embracing the local history. 

According to City Manager Nick Hernandez, “As the facility enters its 21^st year of operation, the new brand will build greater long-term identification and align with the excitement of promoting the facilityunder the leadership of Craig Dollansky Racing. The new brand will be reflected on signage as well as promotional items and will be gradually incorporated over time.” 

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Dodge City Raceway Park is a “Why Not Dodge” Sales Tax Project. The purpose of the “Why Not Dodge” sales tax initiative is to increase access to quality of life amenities for area residents as well as enhance the tourism-based economy in Dodge City and Ford County. In 1997, “Why Not Dodge” funds were approved for several public projects, including the construction of the DCRP. 

In 2000, the City and the County opened the state-of-the-art 3/8-mile racetrack. The track is in its 21^styear of operation. DCRP provides weekly race events during the race season, along with special events throughout the year. Learn more at www.dodgecityraceway.com 

On, January 14^th, 2020, the Community Housing Association of Dodge City (CHAD) will present seven scholarships to students in the Building Construction Technology class. Spring 2021 is the fourth year CHAD presented students with scholarships. Students receiving scholarships are Angel Miguel Guzman Rodriguez, Diego Lorenzo, Domanic Andres Enriquez, Joel Negrete-Chavez, Maximo Avalos, Roberto Millan-Lopez, and Ty Robert Bacon.

The Dodge City Community College Building Construction Technology Program and CHAD partner to build new moderate-income housing units every year. This year, we are building a single-family house at 1601 Mulberry Circle. The house will contain 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a one car garage. The students began construction in October and will finish in May 2021.  The students build the house from the ground up, learning all aspects of construction. We partner with local businesses where we need licensed contractors for the HVAC, electrical and plumbing. “We are lucky to have such great contractors in Dodge City who are willing to teach the students their trade while providing their service” said Mollea Wainscott, Housing Coordinator for the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation. “It’s beneficial to the students to learn the licensed trades along with the general construction.” 

This partnership allows the Community Housing Association of Dodge City to accomplish three things; building additional housing units, training our future workforce and cleaning up blighted neighborhoods. This is the fifth year that CHAD and the college have partnered together to build new housing, previous new builds include a duplex on Westlawn, Brier and Avenue E and new houses on Mulberry Circle and Elm Street.  More information regarding the program and pictures of the construction can be found on the DC3 Construction Technology Facebook page or at www.dodgedev.org/housing. 

For many, owning a home is part of the “American Dream”. Annalez McCall and her two sons were able to achieve this goal last month. Annalez purchased a new 3 bedroom house from the Community Housing Association of Dodge City (CHAD) in August 2020.

This new build was a product of the Abandoned Housing Program operated by CHAD. CHAD partners with the Dodge City Community College (DCCC) Building Construction Technology Program to build a new home every year. Funding for the new build was provided by a Moderate Income Housing Grant from Kansas Housing.

“I never dreamed we would be able to find a beautiful new three-bedroom home in our price range” said Annalez McCall. “The boys are both excited about getting a dog as well as having their very own rooms, especially my oldest son who was diagnosed with Autism when he was two”.

Homeownership conveys multiple benefits including the ability to accumulate wealth and access credit by building home equity, long-term savings over the cost of renting, pride of ownership, improved stability and increased community involvement. The Abandoned Housing Program was created to address the housing shortage by creating new home ownership units in the moderate-income price range. “Partnering with DC3 and Kansas Housing to create additional housing has proved to be very effective” said Mollea Wainscott, Assistant Director of Economic Development. “The students show great pride in their work and the buyers receive a high-quality new home for an affordable price.”

The Abandoned Housing Program acquires vacant homes throughout the community, rehabilitates the homes, and places them back into service as quality housing. The program also partners with the DCCC Building Construction Technology Program to build new construction as infill on vacant lots. The building of new homes aligns with the college curriculum. Every new build is located on a vacant lot in an existing blighted neighborhood. Each new build is creating affordable housing, teaching our future workforce and cleaning up blighted neighborhoods.

For more information contact Mollea Wainscott with the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, at 620-371-3869 or molleaw@dodgedev.org.

In collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation invites Ford County business to apply for the Rural Small Business Pandemic Relief Opportunity.

Applications will be accepted between Tuesday, September 29, 2020 and 11:59pm CST Monday, October 5, 2020. Businesses must apply online at www.pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/grant-opportunity. Awards are available for up to $5,000. The Patterson Family Foundation will evaluate all applications and make funding determinations.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide temporary relief to small, rural businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in a timely manner. The Patterson Family Foundation is a private family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson through collaborations in health care, education, and rural communities.

“The Patterson Family Foundation has been a great supporter of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation” said Joann Knight, Executive Director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation. “We are grateful they are providing this opportunity to our local businesses.”

For more information contact Joann Knight with the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, at 620-227-9501 or jknight@dodgedev.org.

The Rural Education and Workforce Alliance (REWA) is excited to announce the Grand Opening on August 5^th from 4-6pm of the University/Training Center.

The Grand Opening will include guest speakers, Dodge City Mayor Joyce Warshaw, Ford County Commissioner Chairman Chris Boys, Assistant City Manager Melissa McCoy, Executive Director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation Joann Knight, Senator Bud Estes, Executive Director of University of Kansas’ Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) Dr. Darin Beck, Associate Professor/Assistant Chair Department of Nursing at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Dr. Tanya Smith, Chair of Department of Social Work at (FHSU) Dr. Timothy Davis, and Executive Director of the Scott County Development Committee Katie Eisenhour.  The presentations will be followed by a ribbon cutting by the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce.

The newly remodeled University/Training Center will be used for higher education courses and workforce trainings. In August REWA will be launching out of the University/Training Center the Fort Hays State University’s (FHSU) Master of Social Work and the FHSU RN to BSN program.  “We are excited to be working with the Universities to provide a hybrid delivery of classes to meet the workforce needs” says REWA Coordinator Kyla Keller.  “We look forward to partnering with more Universities to fill the workforce gaps in Southwest Kansas”.  The programs are designed for students with their associate degrees already offered through area community colleges and the working adult that desires to further their professional education.

We are also excited to announce the expansion of KLETC into Southwest Kansas.  KLETC is permanently moving into the University/Training Center to provide law enforcement training for the Western Kansas region.   This project is made possible by sponsors/grants from the City of Dodge City, Ford County, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas, Scroggins Foundation, Kansas Health Foundation and Patterson Family Foundation.

The Community Housing Association of Dodge City (CHAD) will be hosting a series of home maintenance classes for the public. The “How To Series: Home Maintenance Edition” classes will focus on teaching the basic skills you need to maintain your home and the knowledge to know when it’s time to call a professional. The classes will be free to the public, offered in the evening at the newly remodeled University/Training Center in Hennessey Hall located at 240 San Jose Drive in Dodge City.The first class, Homebuyer Education Class, will be held on Thursday, July 23rd from 6:00pm -8:00pm in English and Spanish. Local experts will share their knowledge on the homebuying process, educating individuals who are looking to purchase a home. Local home mortgage lenders, realtors, home insurance representatives, title company staff and home inspectors will all provide information about their trade.On Tuesday, August 18th at 6:00 pm, Pat Shiew, Instructor for the Dodge City Community College Building Construction Technology Program will teach participants how to use basic tools and fasteners needed to maintain your home. He will focus on how to hang decor on your walls and how to change a lockset. Future classes will include everyday electricity, energy efficiency and drywall repair. Registration and more information can be found at www.DCCHAD.org. Local business sponsors include Western State Bank, Fidelity State Bank, RE/MAX Villa, Black Hills Energy and Victory Electric. For more information contact Mollea Wainscott with the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, at 620-371-3869 or housing@dodgedev.org.

The Dodge City Farmer’s Market will begin its season on Saturday, June 6^th at its new location, along front-street between 1^st & 2^nd Avenue. They will be open every Saturday from 7 am – 12 pm. The new location allows the farmers to expand into Eisenhower Park to accommodate new vendors. The Dodge City Farmer’s Market offers produce and products that are made, baked, and grown locally.

In order to promote public safety, all booths will be set up 10 feet apart and have hand disinfectants available.  Vendors will wear personal protective equipment and the public is encouraged to wear face masks.  Please remember to wash all produce before consumption.

Follow the Dodge City Farmer’s Market on Facebook at @DCfarmersmarket to stay current.  If you are interested in becoming a vendor for the farmer’s market, please contact Maxine Xiloj at 620-430-7122 or message them on their Facebook page.

Camp Destination Innovation partnered with Network Kansas for the first-ever Kansas Youth Virtual Entrepreneurship Challenge, an event designed to engage currently quarantined youth and spark innovation and creativity for a chance to win cash prizes and the youth of Kansas showed up.

Over 140 young people across the state of Kansas submitted video pitches and 75 went on to compete for cash prizes. Dodge City/Ford County Youth Entrepreneurship Competition winner, Laurent Seachris, competed by entering a virtual video pitch with her business Lauren’s Treat. Lauren received 2nd place in the Middle School division, winning $250.00.

The Community Housing Association of Dodge City (CHAD) is excited to continue the Paint Dodge program for 2020. Paint Dodge provides paint and supplies to qualifying homeowners who live in Ford County. Since its creation in 2017, Paint Dodge has successfully painted eighteen homes and has two more in the pipeline to be completed this spring. Paint Dodge is currently accepting applications.

Paint Dodge provides paint and supplies to qualifying homeowners to enable them to repaint the exterior of their homes. If the homeowner is elderly or disabled, CHAD will help find volunteers to provide the labor. Painting is one home improvement strategy that is cost effective, produces immediate results and keeps your home protected from inclement weather. Exterior painting can enhance the value and prolong the lifespan of homes while alleviating deteriorating housing conditions within the county.

Residents must meet the following requirements to qualify for Paint Dodge:

• Applicants must own the land and residence and have permanent residence.

• Applicants may not own more than one property.

• Applicants income must be at or below 200% of poverty relative to federal low-income guidelines. A two persons household income must be $34,480 or less.

• Applicants must be current on property taxes.

 Homeowners interested in receiving assistance ­­­can apply through the Community Housing Association of Dodge City. Applications are available online at www.dodgecityhousing.com, in person at 101 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd, 2nd floor or can be requested by emailing housing@dodgedev.org.

Paint Dodge is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas and partners with Sherwin Williams.