For generations, Axtell, Kansas, has been defined by its strong sense of community - and since 1905, one constant has always been its local grocery store. That changed in early 2022, when the previous owners closed the store, leaving residents to face drives of up to 20 miles one way for groceries.

Rather than accept that loss, the community came together.

“When the store closed, we knew we couldn’t let Axtell lose something so important,” said Donna Rottinghaus, one of the community leaders involved in rebuilding the store. “A grocery store isn’t just about food — it’s about keeping a town alive.”

A Community Steps Up

Local residents quickly pulled together to determine if there was enough interest to reopen the store. Letters were sent throughout the community, and the response was overwhelming. People weren’t just interested — they were willing to invest, volunteer, and support a community‑owned grocery store.

Because the original building required significant work, the decision was made to tear it down and start fresh. With volunteers donating countless hours of labor and expertise, a new grocery store was built from the ground up.

“This truly was a community effort,” Donna shared. “From investors to volunteers, people stepped up in every way they could.”

Economic Development That Stays Local

The store is a meaningful driver of local economic development. Residents who once shopped elsewhere now shop locally, keeping dollars in the community. Local organizations hosting fundraisers also depend on having supplies close by.

The store employs 14 full‑ and part‑time workers, including local high school students, with additional help from 12 volunteers who regularly unload trucks and stock shelves.

A Partnership That Made It Possible

Bringing the store to life required strong local partnerships. Support from Blue Valley Technologies (BVT) helped the community take critical steps toward opening and long‑term success.

Through the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) program, BVT assisted the project with access to zero‑interest loan funding, which was used to purchase inventory and equipment prior to opening.

“Working with a local partner like BVT made the process much easier,” Donna noted. “They understand small towns and have our best interests at heart.”

Beyond financing, BVT also supports access to modern technology and reliable broadband — essential tools for operating a successful business today.

Broadband as Essential Infrastructure

Reliable broadband supports nearly every aspect of the store’s operations, including point‑of‑sale systems, inventory management, accounting, vendor ordering, digital advertising, social media communication, online shopping, and security systems.

“Our manager uses the internet daily to advertise products and communicate with customers,” Donna said. “We place orders multiple times a week, and all of that depends on having a reliable connection.”

Broadband has also made online ordering possible, allowing customers to order ahead and pick up when convenient — an important service for busy families, students, schools, and organizations.

“Everyone is involved in so many activities,” Donna added. “Being able to order ahead and pick something up quickly really matters and has helped us stay competitive.”

Strengthening Axtell’s Future

With a wide range of inventory and strong local support, the grocery store helps Axtell remain largely self‑sufficient.

“The store represents the longevity of our community,” Donna reflected. “Without a grocery store, a small town can lose its energy. This shows that people want to live here, invest here, and raise families here.”

Axtell’s story highlights the importance of recognizing that small communities operate differently than large cities — and that broadband and local partnerships are critical to rural economic development.

“We feel blessed that BVT was willing and able to partner with us and help provide us the services we need to remain a successful and thriving community,” Donna said.