LAHARPE — Judy Heinrich’s answer was simple, and cut to the heart of a long-winded discussion Tuesday.
As residents rattled through a list of dreams for LaHarpe’s future, Heinrich opined that the community needs a restaurant.
Heinrich’s suggestion immediately sparked a flurry of questions.
What kind of restaurant would she like? Would she prefer a fast-food, convenience store, in-and-out eatery? A sit down, family-style cafe?
“One that’s open,” Heinrich replied.
Heinrich was one of about 30 who attended Tuesday’s community conversation hosted by Thrive Allen County, where participants had plenty of thoughts about what they appreciated and liked about LaHarpe, followed by an even lengthier discussion about wants and needs.
TUESDAY’S 90-minute talk started with the good stuff, highlighted by Thrive Allen County CEO Lisse Regehr’s note that TLC Garden Center has been awarded a $46,000 state tourism grant to fund a miniature golf course, and what promises to be the world’s largest watering can attraction.
TLC owners Levi and Savannah Flory — who were unable to attend Tuesday’s discussion — have pursued both attractions for the past eight years, Regehr noted.
“This has been a huge dream of theirs,” Regehr said. “And they dreamed that thing into reality. They worked their butts off, and now LaHarpe is gonna have this great, awesome tourism destination.
“Just remember, even a small town can make big things happen,” Regehr concluded.
OTHER positives were discussed as well.
Participants noted LaHarpe has taken advantage of other grant opportunities to help address infrastructure improvements through the years, as well as an attractive City Hall and added park amenities.
Likewise, Allen County’s third largest community may have only a handful of local businesses, but it draws more visitors on a daily basis than many realize, with dozens of students coming through town to attend the Regional Rural Technical Center; others passing by on their way to the county landfill, the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility, or even to the Veterans of Foreign Wars post for Friday evening bingo.
April Kroenke, a long-time Allen Countian who recently moved to LaHarpe with her husband, Scott, also appreciated the town’s effort to clean up dilapidated properties.
“You can see how much has changed, just in the landscape, and how things are improving,” Kroenke said. “You can see the pride in the community.”
Scott Kroenke, meanwhile, noted that LaHarpe is a safe community.
