Republic County Economic Development hosts an countywide Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC). The competition is for 6-12th grade students from both Pike Valley and Republic County schools. The winner of the competition will automatically qualify for the State YEC event hosted by Kansas State University.
*Automatic qualifier for the State YEC competition at KSU*
Brady Childs– Republic County Home School Student
The top winner for the night was from Republic County, Eagle Eye Ag Drone Services, a chemical applicator drone service. Brady Childs was the $600 winner. This project received the automatic bid to the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge in Manhattan.
Farmer Snapp – Snapp Auto Detailing
Second place finisher from Republic County is Snapp Auto Detailing, a car detailing service. Farmer is a $425 winner.
Elly Williams – Prom Posy
Third place finisher from Republic County is Prom Posy, a prom floral provider. Elly is a $200 winner.
Emberlyn Simon – The STAY Organization received a marketing award for her suicide prevention business.
Alyssa Russell – Pike Valley 6th grade student
*Automatic qualifier for the State YEC competition at KSU*
Brady Childs– Republic County Home School Student
The top winner for the night was from Republic County, Eggs Xpress, an egg delivery service. Brady Childs was the $750 winner. This project received the automatic bid to the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge in Manhattan.
Elly Williams– Republic County HS
The second-place winner, from Republic County High School, was Elly Williams with her plant boutique, Poppy & Prickle. Her business received the second-highest combined scores from the written summary, verbal presentation, and tradeshow judges scores. This business was award a $500 prize. Republic County Business Teacher, Nicol Parde, guided the business.
Reed Newman – Pike Valley JH
Third place in this year’s competition went to YEC business, Bait Boss Republic. Reed Newman won $250 for his business concept. He is a 6th grader at Pike Valley Jr./Sr. High School.
Caleb Woodard – Pike Valley JH
Forth place in this year’s competition went to YEC business, Caleb’s Customs. Caleb Woodard won $100 for his business concept. He is a 6th grader at Pike Valley Jr./Sr. High School.
Elise Lieb, Lanee Bray, and Lucy Calkins – Pike Valley JH
Fifth place in this year’s competition went to YEC business, Cowboy Cookies. The team won $100 for their business concept. They are 7th graders at Pike Valley Jr./Sr. High School.
*Automatic qualifier for the State YEC competition at KSU*
Lily Havel, Macy Homeier, and Trey Melton– Republic County HS
The top winner for the night was from Republic County High School, Coal Creek Outfitters, a guided hunting service. Lily Havel, Macy Homeier, and Trey Melton were the $750 winning team members with advisor Jed Strnad. This team receives the automatic bid to the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge in Manhattan and can apply before March 20th. Coal Creek Outfitters additionally was chosen as the top marketing award by the tradeshow judges and will receive a $100 award from NexGen Round-Up for Youth.
Olivia Strnad and Sarah Miller – Republic County HS
The second-place winners, also from Republic County High School, consisted of Olivia Strnad and Sarah Miller. Their business, RC Drone Photography, received the second-highest combined scores from the written summary, verbal presentation, and tradeshow judges scores. This team was award a $500 prize. Republic County Ag Teacher, Jed Strnad, sponsored this team.
Owen Russell – Pike Valley JH
Third place in this year’s competition went to second-year YEC business, The Chopping Block. Owen Russell won $250 for his wood working business concept. He is an 8th grader at Pike Valley Jr./Sr. High School.
Owen Russell – Pike Valley JH
Further a baseball training business from Pike Valley 7th grader, Peter Newman. Newman won a $50 Young Promise award from Network Kansas.
Bentley Melby– Pike Valley 6th Grade
Bentley Melby, presented a seasoning business called Bentley’s Best and won a $50 Young Promise award given by A Little Hometown Shirt in Courtland.
Elise Lieb, Lucy Calkins, and Lanee Bray – Pike Valley 6th Grade
The Cowgirl Cookies team consisting of Elise Lieb, Lucy Calkins, and Lanee Bray also won a $50 Young Promise award, this one from JenRus Freelance from Courtland.
*Automatic qualifier for the State YEC competition at KSU*
Carolina Barraza – Pike Valley HS
Erica Sublett – Pike Valley HS
Owen Russell– Pike Valley Junior High
*Automatic qualifier for the State YEC competition at KSU*
Carolina Barraza – Pike Valley High School
Carolina Barraza won First Place ($750) and Best Marketing ($150) from Nex-Gen Roundup for Youth with her clay ear ring business Wonderfully Made.
Halle Hartner and Julia Blazek– Republic County High School
Second Place ($500) and Peoples Choice ($125).
Erica Sublett– Pike Valley High School
Third Place ($250).
*Automatic qualifier for the State YEC competition at KSU*
Cassie Strickler– Pike Valley HS
Body scrubs, washes, and more.
Halle Hartner – Republic County High School
Tate Lapo
Tobi Wilber- Republic County High School
Katrina Ball
Emma Morris
Annalese Goertzen – Republic County High School
Alexis Hansen, Heather Hansen, Claire Jensik- Republic County High School
*Automatic qualifier for the State YEC competition at KSU*
Halle Hartner and Hunter Harnter – Republic County HS
Catering business serving Republic County.
Cassie Strickler – Pike Valley High School
Maker of lip balm’s and body scrubs.
Jenna Kunc – Republic County High School
Dylan White
Destiny Hammer– Pike Valley High School
Kiahlyn Kussman
*Automatic qualifier for the State YEC competition at KSU*
Samuel Johnson, Shea Mikesell, Mekenzie Ehlers – Pike Valley HS
Republican Valley Agritourism specializes in tourism packages that allow people to experience firsthand and become well versed in aspects of rural life.
*Automatic qualifier for the State YEC competition at FHSU*
In-home pet sitting service that provides unique care at various levels to meet customer demand.
*Our only junior high team, not bad for 7th graders.*
WiseHart produces healthy meals that people may take home and require little preparation.
Golf retailer fulfilling golfing needs through sales of various golf products, club fitting, and golf lessons. Located at the former Farm & Home building on the square in Belleville.
Residential rental listing website for the county, providing listings for landowners and ad services for vendors.
Rustic Rose provides men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing; along with tack and ranching supplies (ropes, hats, saddles). Located at the former Barnyard Gifts on HWY 81 Belleville.
Sheets Closet provides clothing to females by the means of social media. They upload pictures of each item of clothing with the description, price, and any other information needed to Instagram.
301 Main Street, Courtland, KS 66939
1819 L Street, PO Box 178, Belleville, KS 66935
785-374-3047