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].

The Russell Community Impact Award Committee is pleased to announce Andrew Ochampaugh as the distinguished recipient of the March 2024 Russell Community Impact Award.

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

Andrew Ochampaugh’s unwavering dedication and commitment to the betterment of Russell exemplifies the essence of community spirit. Nominated by a member of the community who appreciates his tireless efforts, Ochampaugh has consistently demonstrated a remarkable passion for making Russell a better place to live, work and play.

In the nomination, Ochampaugh is described as a hardworking, resolute family man who embodies the true spirit of a gentleman. His active involvement in various community initiatives reflects his genuine desire to contribute positively to the community. His willingness to listen, teach and lead by example has earned him the admiration and respect of those around him.

Over the past two years, Ochampaugh has taken on the challenge of forming the Russell County Leadership Board, dedicating countless hours to the development of leadership programs. Through his efforts, 15 Russell County leaders have been equipped with valuable skills and knowledge, empowering them to make a difference in their communities. His leadership has sparked a ripple effect of positivity throughout Russell, inspiring others to become more actively engaged in community initiatives.

Beyond his involvement with the Russell County Leadership Board, Ochampaugh remains actively engaged in various community groups, selflessly contributing his time and energy to each endeavor. Despite his significant contributions, he prefers to remain behind the scenes, allowing others to take the spotlight.

As the winner of the Russell Community Impact Award, Ochampaugh received a $250 donation to the non-profit of his choice. He has chosen the Russell County Area Community Foundation. Mayor Jim Cross and KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio Marketing Representative Erik Stone presented Ochampaugh with a $250 check for the Russell County Area Community Foundation at the April 16 Russell City Council meeting.

If you know of someone like Ochampaugh 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 Andrew Ochampaugh, who embody the spirit of Russell and make our 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.)

The City of Russell, in partnership with KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio and the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency, launched an exciting monthly celebration dedicated to recognizing and honoring the unsung heroes in our community who are shaping Russell into a better place to live, work and play.

The Russell Community Impact Awards aim to ignite a sense of community pride and civic engagement by spotlighting those individuals, businesses and organizations that exemplify the very essence of our town’s values and potential.

Janae Talbott was recognized Tuesday as the first-ever Russell Community Impact Award recipient.

Talbott has dedicated over three years to Russell Regional Hospital, fulfilling the Director of Public Relations role. Additionally, she currently holds positions on several notable committees, including the Russell PEO, USD 407 Early Childhood Education Committee, Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Business Loan Committee, Aligned Board serving as President of the Rural Sector, Kansas Association of Healthcare Communicators as Vice President, Kansas Hospital Association Communications Board, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Board and the Lucas Chamber of Commerce Board.

With gratitude for the opportunity to live and work in a rural environment, Talbott is deeply committed to participating in activities that enhance the community’s well-being and foster collective growth toward realizing individual and collective potential.

As the Community Impact Award recipient for January 2024, Talbott was able to choose a nonprofit to receive a $250 donation. She has selected the Matt Driscoll Fund to receive the donation. Spearheaded by the Driscoll family, this fund plays a vital role in the community. On February 13 annually, the fund offers qualifying participants the opportunity to undergo a CAC scan, aimed at early detection of heart disease and preventing further heart health issues. The Driscoll family expressed immense gratitude for Talbott’s contribution, which will undoubtedly continue to support their impactful initiatives, benefiting the community’s wellbeing.

Now, we need the community’s help. They received several outstanding nominations in January. Let’s continue inspiring community involvement and pride by nominating a deserving individual, business or organization who has demonstrated their dedication and commitment to making a tangible and measurable impact on our community. The Russell Community Impact Award highlights the remarkable attributes that define true community impact, setting a standard for excellence that will inspire future generations. Do you know an individual, business or organization that embodies these attributes?

• Dedication and Service: Demonstrated dedication and service in improving the lives of others within our community, showcasing leadership qualities as a role model for others.
• Innovation and Sustainability: Innovative problem-solving and sustainable solutions that advocate for the greater community, inspiring engagement and support.
• Collaboration and Contribution: Commitment to collaborative efforts for nurturing the community’s greater good, making notable contributions to its development and growth.
• Inclusivity: Ensuring inclusivity by actively supporting the entire community and fostering an environment where all can thrive.
• Unwavering Commitment: Displaying unwavering commitment by investing significant time and resources toward the community’s continuous development.
• Selflessness: Acting selflessly, giving back to the community without expecting anything, guided purely by altruistic motives.

By nominating a deserving recipient, you become an integral part of this exciting initiative, demonstrating your commitment to making Russell a stronger, more vibrant community.

Nominations for the Russell Community Impact Awards can be submitted online at www.russellcity.org or you can download the nomination form at www.russellcity.org or www.krsl.com or pick one up in person at the City Building at 133 West 8th Street or KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio at 1984 North Main Street. Together, let’s shine a spotlight on those who embody the spirit of Russell and show our appreciation for their tireless efforts.

For more information about the Russell Community Impact Awards, contact Jon Quinday at 785-483-6311.

(Information courtesy City of Russell.)

The Russell County Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for spring grants. Online applications are due Saturday, March 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.
• Programs and projects that aid students enrolled in preschool and grade school in Russell County who need assistance in order to obtain their education.
• Programs and projects which directly benefit the students of the Russell schools and which would not be considered a normal or necessary budget item for basic education.
• Programs that benefit public health and safety.

Funding for the spring grant cycle is provided by the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, the Kansas Health Foundation, the Helen A. Hampl Student Aid Fund, the Russell Schools Apple Seed Fund, and the Russell Area 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 March 30. Complete funding criteria and the grant application are available at www.rcacf.org under Grants.

Russell County area high school seniors and students up to age 30 interested in higher education are encouraged to apply for scholarships at the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) by Feb 15, 2024. More than $500,000 in scholarships are available to students interested in attending technical and trade schools, junior colleges, four-year universities and graduate school.

Scholarships will be awarded from the Sean Paul Banks Memorial Scholarship, the Adolph Boehler Student Aid Fund, the Doran and Bina Dole Scholarship, the Kenneth V. Dumler Memorial Aid Scholarship, the Elaine Hilger Scholarship, the Joshua Scholarship, the Murphy Memorial Scholarship, the David Ochs Memorial Scholarship, the Pohlman Family Scholarship, the Paul E. Ruggels Memorial Scholarship, the Gerald W. Stoppel Academic Scholarship, and the Ervin and Denzell Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship. Take the eligibility quiz at www.rcacf.org to see what scholarships you qualify for then apply online by Feb 15.

For more information, contact Carol Sloper, Scholarship Coordinator, at 785-734-2406 or Angela Muller, RCACF Executive Director, at 785-445-3611 or [email protected].

Thanks to a generous gift from the Matt Driscoll Fund at the Russell County Area Community Foundation, you can get a free heart health screening from Russell Regional Hospital.

$76,187 Raised to Support the Russell Co Area

In November, the Russell County Area Community Foundation had the bold goal to raise $70,000 to support the Fund for a Better Russell County Area. The foundation is pleased to announce it raised $76,187 thanks to the generosity of donors and local businesses. With a match from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and Patterson Family Foundation, this will result in $246,187 for RCACF to be invested permanently in endowments that support local grant-making for schools, the arts, parks, economic development, public health, the administration of the foundation, and more.

“We live in a very generous area where so many friends and neighbors wish to support each other. Gifts to the Fund for a Better Russell County Area will help with local grant-making so our rural way of life continues and thrives for generations to come,” said Angie Muller, RCACF Executive Director. “We are very grateful to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and Patterson Family Foundation for this match month opportunity and for investing in Northwest Kansas communities,” said Muller. RCACF is celebrating 22 years of service to the Russell County area. Since inception, it has awarded millions of dollars in grants and scholarships. If you would like to become a donor or establish a fund at the foundation, please contact Angie Muller, RCACF Executive Director, at 785-445-3611 or [email protected]. RCACF is an affiliate of Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation and gifts to the foundation are tax deductible.