Moran to Recognize the Community of Tipton

Press Release

Moran to Recognize the Community of Tipton

Congressman Jerry Moran today announced he will recognize the citizens of Tipton with his "Building Better Communities" award for continuing efforts to sustain and revitalize their community. Moran will recognize Tipton residents on Tuesday, May 29.

This small community of 250 people has come together to keep vital services in its town, as well as creating new opportunities for area residents. In the summer of 2003, the parents and students of Tipton were faced with the consolidation of their elementary school with other area schools - leaving the students with up to a 20 mile bus ride and the town with one less way to attract and retain businesses and families.

"Our parents faced the prospect of their children being enrolled in three different schools in three different towns," said Mayor Adrian Arnoldy. "Losing our elementary school was not an option because we knew that as schools leave communities, so go the communities themselves."

In response, Tipton residents came together to create the Tipton Christian School in less than two months. The private K-6 facility was constructed entirely with volunteer labor and funded through private donations. The other local school, the Tipton Catholic Junior-Senior High School, has been in operation since 1919. The community then utilized the closed elementary school building to start Tipton Academy. The Academy focuses on placing troubled boys in a positive environment through community involvement. Youth at the Academy were active in constructing the kitchen and eating area of the newly completed Tipton Community Center. Tipton has also maintained an active business community, including companies like Great Plains Manufacturing, which recently doubled the size of its agricultural equipment manufacturing plant, and Hollerich Construction, which is expanding its Tipton-based operation.

"Tipton residents have shown character and determination and demonstrated the high value they place on family, friends and neighbors," Moran said. "The way Tipton residents came together and formed the elementary school is just one example of how this community stands up against the issues plaguing rural America."

The recognition ceremony for the citizens of Tipton will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29 at the Tipton Community Center, 400 Main Street.

The "Building Better Communities" award was established by Moran to showcase positive community action in Kansas. Beyond providing recognition, this program provides examples of how creative thinking and teamwork make a positive difference in rural America.

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