Possibilities for vacated school being explored
GRIDLEY — A group of citizens are working to breathe new life into the town’s former middle school, vacated in 2021, according to the Coffey County Republican.
The Gridley Community Association is spearheading the effort to renovate the massive building, constructed in 1922, with an addition built in 1955.
The Class of 2003 was the last to graduate from the high school, The Republican reported. The school was then used to house Southern Coffey County Middle School up through 2021.
Middle school and high school students now attend schools in Le Roy.
Scott Gales, a Topeka architect, has been working with the Gridley Community Association to conceptualize how the building could be used.
The most popular ideas include an event center, a recreation center, and remodeling the building into apartments.
The demand for housing will likely increase with the anticipated CHIPS economic development project in the nearby Beto Junction area, The Republican reported.
Remodeling the old school into apartments and developing an adjoining 6-acre tract to accommodate 12 new homes was suggested.
Developer eyes New Strawn
NEW STRAWN — Michael Abendroth of Abendroth Builders told New Strawn City Council members he would like to build duplex housing in New Strawn, the Coffey County Republican reported.
Abendroth said he would build the apartments in the Arrow Park Addition, starting with two or three duplexes.
Council members said they would consider his request to rezone the property from agricultural to residential, the Republican reported.
Enrollment drop alerts Newton school official
NEWTON — In the last eight years, enrollment at Newton’s school district has dropped by 13%, the Harvey County Now reported.
