City of Mankato

Esbon acquired a fire truck through the Kansas Forest Department for use by the Esbon Fire Department. Thanks to a grant from the community foundation, Fire District #3 was able to equip the old fire truck with a new tank, cradle, TFI remote monitors, pump, and wireless communication headsets to complete it for full use as a fire truck.

"Hundreds of people annually drive by and can't help but have a more positive attitude about the state of our small town," said grantee Jessica Barnes about the Burr Oak mural. The mural welcomes people driving on Hwy 128.

Artist Callum McNichols painted the main body of the mural and invited the rest of the community to paint the accompanying barn quilts.

The City of Jewell installed new welcome signs in their downtown after participating in a "First Impressions," program with Miltonvale.

"The signs will help create a more vibrant, and welcoming downtown area," said grantee Shelby Bohnert.