Sheridan County launches LOVE Kansas campaign to Showcase Rural Opportunities
- Kristina Hemel
- Jun 5
- 2 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kerissa Payne
Economic Development Program Officer Sheridan County
785-657-7679 programs@growsheridancounty.org
By Kerissa Payne, Sheridan County Economic Development Program Officer
Hoxie, Kansas — June 4, 2025 — Sheridan County Economic Development is proud to announce the official launch of LOVE Kansas — a statewide initiative designed to spotlight the opportunities, talent, and stories that make rural Kansas a special place to live, work, and thrive.
The Sheridan County LOVE Kansas kickoff will take place during the Sunshine and Shenanigans 5K hosted by AmberMed-Restore Therapy. Attendees will be invited to enjoy cookies and write welcome letters as part of the LOVE Kansas campaign’s opening celebration.
LOVE Kansas, inspired by an initiative launched by Governor Laura Kelly, is a people-powered, community-driven campaign led locally by Sheridan County Economic Development. Sheridan County was awarded a grant from the state to administer this program and promote our community. The program encourages residents,
alumni, businesses, and students to actively engage in sharing their unique rural experiences while helping to recruit future workers, welcome new families, and highlight career opportunities in the region.
“LOVE Kansas is more than just a campaign—it’s a movement to showcase the power of rural living and to personally connect people to the opportunities available here in Sheridan County,” said Kerissa Payne, Economic Development Program Officer for Sheridan County. “By sharing our stories and reaching out to those considering a move, we are building the future of our communities together.”
The campaign, which runs from May through November 2025, will feature classroom writing projects, family outreach efforts, alumni engagement, and employer participation to inspire people of all ages to discover the value of life in Western Kansas.
Community members who wish to participate by writing letters or contributing to the campaign can contact Payne at 785-657-7679 or programs@growsheridancounty.org. To see how other communities across Kansas are participating or to learn more about LOVE Kansas, visit the official program website www.lovekansas.com
Sheridan County Economic Development efforts are carried out under the umbrella of the Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF). Kerissa Payne serves as the Economic Development Program Officer, working to strengthen local businesses, enhance the economy, improve quality of life, and support community progress for all who live and work in Sheridan County, Kansas. To learn more, visit
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