Atchison Historical Society volunteers advance Rock Inn renovation project with bake sale

The Atchison City Commission meeting on November 18, 2024, highlighted several community initiatives and project updates, showcasing local engagement and ongoing development efforts.

One of the key discussions centered around the Atchison Historical Society's recent volunteer event at the Rock Inn Black Business District. Volunteers participated in a bake sale and worked on the demolition of one of the main buildings, making significant progress by stripping the interior down to the studs. This strong community involvement was noted as a positive sign for the project's future.

In addition, the city is awaiting a response from the Department of Commerce regarding a grant extension request for the LFM Park improvement project. The city received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for significant upgrades, but all bids exceeded the grant total. To address this, the city plans to issue separate bids for different project components, aiming to attract local contractors.

The Safe Routes to School project on West Santa Fe is set to begin later than expected, with the contractor postponing work until late winter or early spring due to weather conditions. Residents affected by this sidewalk improvement project will be notified of the delay.

The city is also preparing to distribute a community survey in early 2025, encouraging residents to participate to help identify areas of success and improvement.

Furthermore, the Army Corps of Engineers has provided winter Missouri River level predictions, indicating sufficient levels for the city's primary water intake. Preparations for an auxiliary pump are ongoing in case of emergencies. The Corps is also conducting surveys for the upcoming sewer separation project on Fifteenth and Sixteenth Streets, which may involve survey crews in the area.

Lastly, city crews are set to begin installing Christmas decorations this week, aiming to have them ready before the holiday season begins. This initiative reflects the city's commitment to enhancing community spirit during the festive period.