City Commissioner JJ Howard Talks Cleanup, Infrastructure, and Community Spirit on the Good Neighbor Hour

Goodland City Commissioner JJ Howard joined Rollie Halligan on a recent edition of the Good Neighbor Hour to discuss everything from street repairs and housing cleanup to emergency response and the spirit of the Goodland community.

Beautifying Goodland

Howard kicked off the conversation with a strong message about ongoing efforts to improve the appearance of town.

“I tell you what, I am impressed with the cleanup in different parts of town,” he said. “We’re trying to make it more appealing for people to come through and be a community they want to move to.”

Howard emphasized that while Goodland has a strong school system, attracting new residents requires more. “They still need other stuff—jobs, quality of life, and neighborhoods they feel proud to live in,” he said.

The city has been actively working to support residents in improving their properties. “There are some smaller match programs still available for folks to get financial help,” Howard noted.

Major Road Improvements on the Way

One of the biggest projects on the horizon is the long-awaited overhaul of 8th Street, stretching from Cattle Trail to Cherry Street.

“We’re working on the design now—how wide the street will be, where sidewalks go, and how to remove that crown in the road,” Howard explained, noting that cyclists have found the slope especially challenging. “You don’t notice it as much in a vehicle, but it’s there.”

The project will include new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and a full street replacement. “It’s expensive, but it’s been needing done for a few years,” he said. If all goes well, work could begin as early as next year.

Addressing Dilapidated Properties

Howard also touched on ongoing efforts to remove unsafe or abandoned buildings in town.

“There are two or three properties on the list right now,” he said. “We’ve already had public hearings, and we’re putting them out for bids to be demolished.”

While only a few bids typically come in—since tearing down and hauling off debris takes both equipment and time—the city continues to push forward in cleaning up blighted lots.

Teamwork on the City Commission

Rollie asked about the other members serving alongside Howard. The current commission includes Acting Mayor Jason Schollwalter, Commissioner Brooke Ritalin, Commissioner Anne Myers, and newcomer Sarah Archer, who recently filled Aaron Thompson’s seat.

“It’s a nice, laid-back group,” said Howard. “We don’t always have the same views, but that’s what the commission is for. We work through it and make collective decisions.”

Howard, who serves as Vice Mayor, also reminded listeners that commission meetings are open to the public and can be watched online, though he joked, “I don’t know where, because I don’t have to watch them!”

Emergency Response to the Dust Storm

Howard took time to recognize the community’s strong response to the recent dust storm and massive vehicle pileup along the interstate.

“That was a bad ordeal,” he said. “But it was really nice to see a community come together and help people they didn’t even know.”

Howard praised the efforts of the police, city crews, EMS, sheriff’s department, highway patrol, and wrecker services who all pitched in. The Methodist Church opened its doors to stranded travelers, offering shelter from the brutal wind and weather.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved—whether they were working it or directly affected,” he added.

Energy Efficiency at Max Jones Field House

Another project set to begin within the next month is a long-awaited upgrade to the Max Jones Field House. Howard, who also owns Goodland Glass, will be replacing all the exterior doors and windows on the building—many of which are still original.

“They’ll be updated, energy-efficient, and match the new look of the facility,” he said. “With the cold wind and snow coming in from the north, it’s definitely time.”

The improvements will help make the facility more comfortable while lowering heating and cooling costs. The upgrades will be made on the north, south, and east sides; the west side was updated during previous renovations.

Goodland is Home

As the show wrapped up, Howard reflected on his deep ties to the community. Having lived in Goodland since 1992, he considers it home.

“When I got hurt back in 2017, I didn’t have to worry about a thing,” he said, recalling a serious accident where he fell from a second-story window. “Neighbors just showed up. They mowed my yard. They took care of things. That’s the kind of people we have here.”

Whether it's cleaning up neighborhoods, responding to emergencies, or investing in local infrastructure, Howard says Goodland’s strength lies in its people.

“A really nice community,” he said with a smile. “Full of really nice people.”