RCACF partnered with USD 407 to bring Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like a Pirate, as the key note speaker for teacher in-service. He brought new ideas for engaging students in learning and taught staff innovative teaching methods.

“Staff left feeling like they had a brand new tool box to start out the year. I attended several inservice sessions to visit with teachers, and I heard several staff talking about the presentation and what they were going to do with what they were taught. This presentation truly started a buzz amongst staff and got them thinking about what they can do differently in their classrooms,” said Katrina Woelk.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for fall grants, and we want to help you launch a great community project. Online applications are due September 30. This year, $50,000 is available for charitable community improvement projects within the Russell County area. This cycle will fund local community projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Programs and projects that address education, health care, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification.
• Projects that improve the health and well-being of children living in the Russell County area.

Funding for the fall grant cycle is provided by the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, Kansas Health Foundation Children’s Fund, and the Kansas Health Foundation Public Health Fund.

Nonprofit organizations including government and public entities, educational institutions, and churches are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on September 30. Complete funding criteria and the grant application are available at www.rcacf.org under Grants.

The Russell Community Impact Award Committee is pleased to announce Kristen Windscheffel as the June 2024 recipient of the Russell Community Impact Award, recognized posthumously.

This esteemed award celebrates individuals, businesses or organizations in Russell whose selfless efforts have made a tangible, measurable impact on the community.

Kristen Windscheffel’s contributions to Russell and the surrounding communities were immense and enduring. Known for her welcoming nature, she was always the first to embrace newcomers, offer positive remarks and encourage community service and involvement. Her dedication as a wife and mother were paralleled by her commitment to various civic groups, boards and her career in Russell. She was a forward thinker and an innovator, never hesitating to assist someone or a service group in need.

Windscheffel’s legacy as a collaborator, teammate, friend, advocate and counselor is only a fraction of her impact. The Russell community is far greater for her presence and involvement. Kristen’s husband Jake and daughter Journey accepted the award on her behalf.

In Kristen’s honor, Jake and Journey selected the Russell County Area Community Foundation to receive a $250 donation. Mayor Jim Cross and KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio Marketing Representative Erik Stone presented Jake with a $250 check at the July 16 Russell City Council meeting.

Nominations for the July 2024 Russell Community Impact Award are now open. The community is encouraged to nominate deserving individuals, businesses or organizations demonstrating dedication and commitment to making a tangible impact on Russell. By participating in this initiative, you continue to honor and recognize those contributing to the community’s growth and well-being.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.russellcity.org or in person at the City Building or KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio. For more information about the Russell Community Impact Award, please get in touch with Jon Quinday at 785-483-6311.

(Information courtesy City of Russell.)

The Russell Community Impact Award Committee is pleased to announce Brett Mai as the distinguished recipient of the May 2024 Russell Community Impact Award.

This award recognizes individuals, businesses or organizations whose exceptional contributions have significantly enriched the fabric of the Russell community.

Brett Mai’s dedication and commitment to the betterment of Russell exemplify the essence of community spirit. Nominated by a member of the community who appreciates his tireless efforts, his involvement in multiple community organizations allows him to work toward the betterment of the community.

In the nomination, his dedication to Russell is signified through his numerous volunteer efforts and dedication to the youth of the Russell community. As a leader of the local Boy Scouts Cub Scouts and coach to many youth programs, he instills a passion for commitment to Russell and its betterment within the youth of the community.

Mai was elected to serve on the USD 407 School Board and is currently serving as the Board Vice President. He continues his support of local students and teachers outside of the Board through his involvement in and support of Russell Community for Classrooms.

As the winner of the Russell Community Impact Award, Mai receives a $250 donation to the non-profit of his choice. He has chosen the Russell County Area Community Foundation’s David Goddard Fund for the Russell Boy Scouts. Mayor Jim Cross and KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio Marketing Representative Erik Stone presented Mai with a $250 check for the RCACF at the July 16 Russell City Council meeting.

If you know of someone like Mai who is making a positive impact on Russell, you can nominate them for the Russell Community Impact Award. By participating in this initiative, you play a vital role in recognizing and honoring those who contribute to the community’s growth and well-being.

Nominations for the Russell Community Impact Award can be submitted online at www.russellcity.org or downloaded from www.russellcity.org or www.krsl.com. Additionally, nomination forms are available for pickup at the City Building at 133 West 8th Street or KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio at 1984 North Main Street.

Let’s come together to celebrate individuals like Brett Mai, who embody the spirit of Russell and make the community a better place for all. For more information about the Russell Community Impact Award, please get in touch with Jon Quinday at 785-483-6311.

(Information courtesy City of Russell.)

It’s time for the Russell County Free Fair and also a wonderful time to support the George and Cooper Gier 4-H Memorial Fund at the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF). Marcia Steckel is raffling freshly baked cookies to support the cause.

The fund was established in memory of George and Cooper to help local youth participate in 4-H camps, 4-H state-wide classes and special events. Since inception, the fund has helped many youth grow as 4-Hers.

Past fundraisers to support this permanent endowment have included t-shirt sales for the annual Gier Memorial Ranch Rodeo, but this year includes a little something special – cowboy themed cookies. A raffle winner will be drawn at the ranch rodeo on Friday, July 25.

If you’d like to enter the cookie raffle, please donate $10 to the George and Cooper 4-H Memorial Fund. Venmo @a-sweet-tooth-ks noting Gier Cookie Raffle or deliver a donation to Marcia at 28 Copeland Street, Russell.

Alternatively, donations to support the fund can made to RCACF-Gier Fund, PO Box 172, 507 N. Main Street, Russell, KS 67665. Credit card donations may be made to the fund at www.rcacf.org.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the Russell County area by encouraging philanthropy and providing a vehicle for donors to support their charitable interests. The George and Cooper Gier 4-H Memorial Fund is continuing the legacy of this father and son to do good in Russell County.

If you would like to create a fund to support your favorite charitable cause, please contact Angie Muller, RCACF Director, at 785-445-3611 or visit www.rcacf.org.

Russell County Area Community Foundation Announces Establishment of the John and Heather Fletcher Foundation Fund

The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF), an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, is pleased to announce the establishment of the John and Heather Fletcher Foundation Fund.

The fund was created to further the philanthropic legacy of Heather and her husband John, who unexpectedly passed away in June. John served as Russell County Administrator since 2013 and Russell County Sheriff from 1999 to 2015. In 1984, he was hired by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office as an EMT and Jailer and worked for the City of Russell Fire Department. He was a graduate of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, Virginia. John received two Bronze Wreath of Meritorious Service Awards while employed by the Russell Police Department.

“The community foundation’s mission is to help donors like Heather and John leave charitable legacies in Russell County and beyond. We do that through the creation of permanent endowments that allow donors to give grants to the causes that matter most to them, such as first-responders and historical preservation. We are honored to help Heather and her family further John’s legacy of public service and his love of community and country,” said Angie Muller, RCACF Director.

When you leave a gift to the community foundation, your life’s work and what you care about most live on forever, creating your legacy. The Russell County Area Community Foundation was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the Russell County area by encouraging philanthropy and providing a vehicle for donors to support their charitable interests.

We help donors create funds of all sizes directed at your favorite charitable purposes. Gifts to the foundation are tax-deductible. If you would like to contribute to the John and Heather Fletcher Foundation Fund or create a fund of your own, please contact Angie Muller, RCACF Director, at 785-445-3611 or visit www.rcacf.org.

Russell, KS, July 8, 2024 – The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF), an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, is pleased to announce the establishment of the Bronco Vocational Training Fund. This generous gift, provided by Nancy G. Holland, long time donor of the foundation, is sure to enhance vocational education at Russell Jr/Sr High School, USD 407.

The Bronco Vocational Training Fund is designed to support the advancement of vocational education by providing financial assistance for the purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies essential for student education within the Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway programs. Additionally, the fund will also support the professional development of vocational education teachers, ensuring they have access to the latest training and resources necessary to deliver high-quality education.

“This fund is possible thanks to the generous founding gift of Nancy G. Holland, who has made it her charitable legacy to invest in the education of Russell County students. Her gift, and the gift of others who wish to contribute to the fund, will provide annual income to USD 407 to help students graduate career ready. The endowment is a legacy that will affect generations to come. We are excited to work with donors like Nancy and others in the community who wish to ensure that what matters most to Russell County continues,” said Angela Muller, RCACF Executive Director.

Under the advisory of Russell Jr/Sr High School, USD 407, the guidelines for grant funding from the Bronco Vocational Training Fund include:

1. Equipment Funding: Grants may be used to purchase modern equipment that supports vocational training programs, ensuring students have access to state-of-the-art tools and technology.
2. Materials and Supplies: Financial support for essential materials and supplies will enhance the hands-on learning experience, preparing students for real-world vocational careers.
3. Teacher Development: Investment in professional development for vocational teachers will include workshops, certifications, and other educational opportunities to keep educators at the forefront of vocational training.

“The establishment of the ‘Bronco Vocational Training Fund’ is a tremendous step forward in the viability and expansion of the CTE (vocational) programs at Russell Jr/Sr High School. This permanent fund will allow us to have the supplies we need to maintain programs, put equipment on a rotational replacement plan, and map out a path to expand or create new programs.  I’m so grateful for the foresight of our donor who made this possible,” said Kevin Flegler, USD 407 teacher.

The Bronco Vocational Training Fund is an excellent example of how forward-thinking philanthropy can play a vital role in community advancement and educational excellence. Anyone can give to the new fund and gifts are tax-deductible. If you would like to donate contact RCACF at 785-445-3611 or make an easy credit card donation at www.rcacf.org.

About Russell County Area Community Foundation
The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the Russell County area by encouraging philanthropy and providing a vehicle for donors to support their charitable interests.

RCACF announces scholarship recipients 

This year the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) is pleased to announce 110 scholarships totaling $553,200 awarded through the Foundation to area students.

Every year, the need for scholarships is greater than the available resources. As tuition continues to rise, support of scholarships becomes even more important. RCACF is pleased to manage 12 scholarship funds. These scholarships were established by donors who believe in the youth of our area and want to support their pursuit of higher education.

The Sean Paul Banks Memorial Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School who are involved in sports their senior year and maintain high academic standards. The recipients of $600 scholarships are Elizabeth Morgenstern and Marissa Myers.

The Adolph Boehler Student Aid Fund is for students graduating from Russell High School. Brooke Birney and Seth Schneider received $1,500 scholarships.

The Doran and Bina Dole Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School. Roman Hernandez received a renewable $2,500 scholarship. Anna Thielen received a $2,500 scholarship.

The Kenneth V. Dumler Memorial Aid Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School. Rylan Baalman received a $1,400 scholarship.

The Elaine Hilger Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School with an interest in music or a career in the medical field. Harlee Donovan and Roman Hernandez received $250 scholarships. Marissa Myers and Anna Thielen received $750 scholarships.

The Joshua Scholarship is for students up to age 30 who are graduates from a high school in Russell County. This scholarship is a permanent endowment of several million dollars created by Dr. Starr F. Schlobohm, who desired to share his success in the oil and gas business with the Russell County area. Annual gifts from his education trust will help the scholarship fund grow to significant levels. A percentage of the fund is allocated annually to scholarships. Harlee Donovan, Kierra Eck, Gracie Karst, Marissa Myers, Brooks Nichols, Kayla Noller, Rylan Reeves, Aiden Rohr, Jacob Sohm, and Joshua Sohm received $10,000 scholarships. Students receiving $8,500 scholarships are Cole Birky, Matthew Buhrle, Alexia Charbonneau, Maci Clark, Bailey Dollison, Braydon Gibson, Roman Hernandez, Kirsten Kyger, Aubrey Larson, Kelly Lopez, Lauren Myers, Abigail Myers, Renee Nichol, Emerson Nichols, Thomas Pummell, James Pummell, La Aries Winzerling, and Mackenzie Zimmerman. Recipients of $5,000 scholarships are Halle Anderson, Laurel Beckman, Regan Betts, Brooke Birney, Taelyr Blehm, Jordayn Buhrle, Aji Coker, Abigail Cross, Jackson Cross, Chesney Cunningham, Camille Dortland, Tiffany Dortland, Graham Dreiling, Hannah Dupogny, Aiden Ehrlich, Caleigh Evans, Cameron Farmer, Elijah Fontanez, Lauren Franks, Brittan Fritschen, Avalon Garland, Lily Garland, Gracie Gray, Jordynn Guenot, Jennifer Klaus, Charles Krug, Tyler Lampert, Kyle Lampert, Grace Lumpkins, Gillian Lynch, Carolyne Martin, Zachary Martinez, Wyatt Middleton, Rylee Miller, Emma Morgenstern, Elizabeth Morgenstern, Jacob Ney, Peyton Pfannenstiel, Kalli Pfeifer, Christopher Pummell, David Pummell, Breanna Reynolds, Andrew Roth, Seth Schneider, Janae Schulte, Connor Schwien, Kamryn Steinle, Aniya Stierlen, Anna Thielen, and Addison Unrein. Students receiving $2,500 scholarships are Rylan Baalman, Cheyenne Blundon, Anthony Bonaccorso, Hannah Gideon, Viola Neal, Megan Peeler, Jaelynne Seirer, Herbert Shumaker and Alayna Van Der Wege.

The Murphy Memorial Scholarship is for high school seniors living in areas served by the following school districts: USD 299, 392, 399, 407 and 432. Kolton Palmer received a $900 scholarship.

The David Ochs Memorial Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School. Laurel Beckman and Zachary Martinez received $2,350 scholarships.

The Pohlman Family Scholarship is for students graduating from USD 407 or USD 399. Recipients of $750 scholarships are Peyton Pfannenstiel and Connor Schwien.

The Paul E. Ruggels Memorial Scholarship is for college students who have graduated from Russell High School or Natoma High School, with preference to students pursuing a degree in a health care related field. Cole Birky and Jacob Sohm received $1,150 scholarships.

The Gerald W. Stoppel Academic Scholarship Fund is for students graduating from Russell High School or a former graduate of Russell High School. Recipients of $1,200 scholarships are Jordayn Buhrle, Emerson Nichols, Thomas Pummell and Addison Unrein.

The Ervin and Denzell Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School who intend to earn a degree in education or agriculture Kierra Eck received a $900 scholarship.

For more information, please call Angela Muller, Executive Director, at 785-445-3611 or visit www.rcacf.org.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) awarded $43,000 in grants to organizations that benefit the Russell County area, including support for education, the arts, literacy, and public safety. Funding comes from the Kansas Health Foundation Children’s Fund, Kansas Health Foundation Public Health Fund, Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Russell Schools Appleseed Fund, Helen Hampl Student Aid Fund, and Russell County Disaster Relief Fund.

Applications for the next grant season open August 1 and close September 30. For more information, contact Angie Muller, RCACF Executive Director, at 785-445-3611 or [email protected].