City/County Boards & Committees
Cheyenne County Airport Commission
Cheyenne County Airport Commission
The Cheyenne County Airport Commission consists of seven members, two appointed by the Bird City City Council, two by the St. Francis City Council, and three by the Cheyenne County Commissioners. Their terms are for one year.Contact: Dave Yost, President
Address: PO Box 827, St. Francis, KS 67756
Phone: 785-332-2251
Fax: 785-332-2310
Email: gfs@cityofstfrancis.net
Meetings: There is an annual meeting in January and special meetings as required. Meetings are open to the public. For information about becoming a board member of the Airport Authority, contact your City Council or the Cheyenne County Commissioners.
Members: Members are Dave Yost President, Ron Loudin, Rick Rogers, Kody Krien, Pat Stuart, Mike Callicrate, Bruce Swihart.
Mission: The Airport Authority's mission is to ensure that the Cheyenne County Airport provides all-weather aviation access for all types of aircraft, from the Flight-For-Life air ambulance to business or pleasure general aviation airplanes.
History: The Cheyenne County Airport Authority was formed around 1979 to manage the construction of the county's first hard-surface runway. A $250,000 bond issue - the first bond ever issued by Cheyenne County - passed 59-41%, and the runway was built.
Amusement Authority
The St. Francis Amusement Authority consists of 10 board members. Their goal is to provide a fun and safe environment for families at the Cheyenne County fair. Volunteers are always welcomed. If you would like to help, please contact one of the board members listed below. Contact: Greg Walz or Bill Ehrman, President
Address: PO Box 814, St. Francis, KS 67756
Phone: 785-332-3486 (Greg Walz)
Email: mert@ruraltel.net
Meetings: Every Thursday at 7:00 p.m.; at the fairgrounds as weather permits.
Members: Members of the Amusement Authority are Bill Ehrman, DeEtta Knorr, Kenny Knorr, Billy Lampe, Geri Lampe, Sam Miller, Royce Gienger, Greg Walz, Susie Walz, Bill Wilger, Randy Wieck, Charlene Wieck and Erica Wieck.
The Amusement Authority is always looking for members. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact one of the above members to find out more details.
Mission: The Amusement Authority's mission is to provide a fun and safe carnival experience at the Cheyenne County Fair.
Current Project(s): Members work throughout the year repairing and upgrading rides and games and preparing the fairgrounds for the Cheyenne County Fair held annually the first weekend in August.
History: Organization of the Cheyenne County Amusement Authority took place in the fall of 1980 with Tom Smull as chairman. A loan was secured to purchase used carnival equipment and in August of 1981 the first home-owned carnival was held. Since then, the prices of the rides have not changed: 25¢ for the games and 25 - 50¢ for rides, depending on the size.
The rides for small children include airplanes, kiddie cars, a merry-go-round, and a train. Rides that older kids and adults will enjoy include two Octopuses (one with water and one without), a Scrambler, Swings, a Ferris Wheel, Tubs, and a Twister.
Development Corporation
The Cheyenne County Development Corporation consists of 8 members on the Board and one part-time coordinator.Contact: CCDC coordinator:
Chuck and Diane Kribs, Co-directors
Address: 107 W Washington, St. Francis, KS 67756
Hours: 9-2 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Meeting: The second Wednesday of the month.
Phone: 785-332-3508 (office) or 888-735-2444
Email: cheycodevelopcorp@sbcglobal.net
Mission: The Cheyenne County Development Corporation shall be dedicated to the citizens of Cheyenne County, Kansas, by serving as a facilitator, an educator, and a connection to resources. With intermediate services, the board hopes to further the restoration of population and the growth and revitalization of the economic climate in Cheyenne County.
Meetings: There is an annual public meeting held in October. Board meetings are held the seconded Wednesday of each month at noon at 107 W. Washington.
Board of Directors: Myra Hyde-President; Roger Neitzel-Vice president; Carol Redding-Secretary/Treasurer; other members: Kary Zweygardt, Kari Gilliand, Karol Lohman.
Current Project(s):
Flea Market/Auction
Wind Energy
History: The Cheyenne County Development Corporation was started in 1979 to promote county growth. It is a 501 (c) (4) organization guided by a board of directors. The Corporation is a source for business ideas and financing sources for new and expanding businesses. Their resources include working with Pioneer Country Development, Small Business Development Center and Western Prairie Resource Conservation and Development.
Fair Board
The St. Francis Fair Board consists of 15 members that are chosen by the Fair Board and approved by the County Commissioners.
Contact: Dick Bursch, President
Address: H.C. 1, Box 60; Bird City, KS 67731
Also contact: PO Box 178
Phone: 785-332-8977
Phone: 785-821-0492
Meetings: The first Thursday of each month
Members: Dick Bursch-president; VP Nick Netzner; Treasurer-Lacy Reed; Secretary-Gary Cooper. Other members: John Finley, Joe Hoffman; Jared Douthit; Tracy Weter; Brian Hobrock; Drew Flemming; Mark Mills; Clay Zimbelman; Megan Douthit-Downey; Karol Lohman.
Purpose: The Fair Board's purpose is to advance the youth of Cheyenne County and help provide a good Fair experience for everyone.
Current Project(s): Cheyenne County Fair
Housing Authority
The St. Francis Housing Authority Board consists of a salaried director and five volunteer board members, appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the St. Francis City Council. Members are appointed for a four-year term. Contact: Ilene O'Leary, Executive Director
Address: PO Box 21; 200 North Ash St., St. Francis, KS 67756
Phone: 785-332-3934
Fax: 785-332-3934
Email: :sfha@ruraltel.net
Meetings:The first Wednesday after the first Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m., at the Cheyenne Manor office. (200 N. Ash St.)
Members: Carol Rogers (Board Chair-person), Nancy Schultz (Vice Chair-person), Rich Grace, John Knodel, Rodney Ritchey and Linda Rogers.
Purpose: The St. Francis Housing Authority's purpose is to provide affordable, low-rent housing.
Events: There is a Resident Pot-Luck Dinner on the last Wednesday of each month, February through October.
Information and History: The St. Francis Housing Authority complex was built in 1975 and is operated on government subsidies, grants, and rent income.
The Housing Authority is designed to provide affordable housing for low-income senior citizens, but if not filled, then it is rented to low-income citizens over 21 years of age. Rent on the apartments is the choice of a flat rent or 30 percent of the resident's income.
Library Board
The St. Francis Public Library was opened in 1987. In addition to the current collection of more than 13,000 books and magazines, patrons of the library can order books from the Northwest Kansas Library. Computers are available for patrons to do research or “surf“ the web.
The Library Board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
Members: Kris Blair-president; other members: Marti Schlittenhardt; Kenneth Roberson; Virginia Cooper; David Morrow; Colleen Gardner; Margaret Bucholtz.
Hours: 10:30 - 5:30 Monday through Friday; 10:30 - 1:00 Saturday
Purpose: The purpose of the St. Francis Public Library is to have a good selection of books for its patrons to choose from, and to have computers available for public use.
Programs: Library Programs include Children's Story Hour (winter), Summer Reading Program and Summer Fun Sessions.
History: In 1892, a group of interested citizens met to form a library association. By 1928 several women's clubs had organized and helped establish a city library in the basement of the courthouse. It was opened in 1932, offering its services to the citizens of Cheyenne County. A city tax was levied in 1937 to assist the library.
In 1987, a new library was opened, thanks to a generous donation of $87,418, a state construction grant ($134,366) and donations from citizens and organizations in the community.
St. Francis Community Foundation and New Generation Board
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Purpose: The purpose of the community foundation is to encourage individuals to make tax deductible charitable donations to be utilized along with possible grants, government programs, government loans and other funds. These combined funds can then be utilized to improve the quality of life in St. Francis and
Contact Tom Keller, President
Address: 209 E. Washington,
Phone: 785 332-3142
Fax: 785 332-2778
Email: sfcf967@gmail.com
Advisory Board: A local advisory board advises the board of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation on service needs of the community. Donors have the option of donating to donor advised funds, designated funds, organization funds, field of interest funds, scholarship funds or unrestricted funds may be used for charitable purposes for the betterment of St. Francis.
The local advisory board includes the following members: Jo Frewen, Bruce Swihart, Erika Zimbelman, Carl Werner, Dara Carmichael, Carla Lampe, Robert Grace, Mike Day and Tom Keller
Recreation Commission
The St. Francis Recreation Commission consists of five board members appointed by the Board of Education.
Address: 100 College Street
Phone: 785-332-2545
Members: Current board members include Anita Marin, Kirby Elliot, Alice Kinen, Kary Zweygardt, Larry Finley.
Swimming Pool Board
The current swimming pool was built in 1957. It is 35 yards long and has two diving boards. During the summer, in addition to regular open swim hours, the pool is used for swim lessons, swim team practice, lap swimming, aquacise, and private lessons. Private parties may be scheduled for Saturday evenings. Contact the pool if interested.
Pool Manager:
Phone: 785-332-3410
Hours: Regular hours: Sunday - Friday 1:30 - 5:30 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. Lap swimming: Monday - Friday at 6:30 - 7:30 a.m.
Admission: $1.50 (Season passes and punch cards are available)
Theatre Board
The St. Francis Theatre Board consists of nine members who volunteer their time for the betterment of the theatre.
Address: 104 E. Washington
Phone: 785-332-2336
Manager: Kim Ritter
3-D movies
Board Meetings: The first Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m.
In 2010, current 35-mm movies were getting harder to rent. In the fall the theater board started pricing digital equipment for the theater. A fund raising drive at the end of 2010 raised over $41,000 in donations for the digital equipment. With the assistance of the St Francis City council, a lease/purchase agreement allowed the board to purchase the digital equipment. The first digital movie was shown the weekend of March 4, 2011.
The patrons of the Cheyenne Theatre thank the generous donors for their support of the theatre.