Tayleen Van Norden, the owner of Scraps Coffee Shop, shares her business beginnings in this week’s episode. After moving to Larned over 15 years ago, Tayleen saw potential in Larned and formed a business around her passions. This week, we learn more about her evolving business, and uncover pieces of her vision for downtown Larned.

Key points:

• Benchmark ourselves against other successful communities.

Are we making it easy for entrepreneurs to start businesses in downtown Larned? With so many vacant buildings, one would assume that downtown building availability is at an all-time high! Unfortunately, vacant buildings don’t necessarily equate to available buildings. This week, Christina Frick shares the challenges she faced when trying to open her veterinary clinic in Downtown Larned. We also discuss the “PRIDE” organization, and how their non-profit efforts have helped shape Larned.

When measuring a town’s health, paint is the thermometer. Though it may sound ridiculous, fading paint equates to a fading town. This week, artist Melanie Ryan discusses the possibilities of Larned’s walls. After conducting several successful projects in Great Bend, she is looking to artistically give back to her hometown of Larned. Tune in to hear how other communities have successfully reestablished art culture in their downtowns.

This week, we discuss the history of some of the oldest buildings in downtown Larned. Today, these three buildings house the respected “My Favorite Furnishings” furniture store, but what were their original purposes? Migration and depressions have led these buildings to host many businesses throughout the years. Learn more about the Jewish Dry goods store, Harness Shop, Post office, original Dillions location in this episode.

This week, Jim Vratil gives us a contractor's perspective of downtown. With his family being in the construction business for several generations, Jim has had the opportunity to be in or on every downtown building in Larned. Learn about the past renovations that he's completed, and some of the challenges we face for future projects. We have no doubt that Jim's soft heart for Larned will show you why our future is bright. 

In this week’s episode, learn more on the City Council’s decisions with the future of our downtown. In the Febuary 6th2023 meeting, Landon was able to approach the council in support of continued investment to our downtown. This episode will recap the new “Downtown Concept” that would dramatically enhance the appearance of our downtown. In addition, the Council came to a decision in whether or not to support a new development in the vacant lots of Broadway. Exciting progress for our city!

In this episode, Carol Jenkner and Seth McFarland take us back to 1879 during the construction of 414 and 416 Broadway. It seems fitting to start with the histories behind these specific buildings, as one of them is currently taking on a major restoration. In this episode, you will gain appreciation for the history that is being salvaged brick by brick with the south Broadway project.  Tune in to hear more about Larned’s multi-generational bakery, and it’s neighboring hat shop. (Head to our Facebook Page to See Pictures)

Join us this week as we talk with Chris and Jamie Froetschner with Carr Auction and Real Estate. From the history of their multigenerational business to the future of our downtown, this episode is packed with content. Catch up on the local real estate market, and get the back story behind the soon to be “Humble Pie” restaurant in downtown Larned.  

This week, we talk with Larned's chief executive officer. Big titles bring big expectations, responsibilities, and dreams. Tune in this week as City Manager, Brad Eilts , walks us through his expectations, responsibilities, and dreams with downtown Larned.