Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson to visit Garden City
Parkinson to focus on energy, education, and economy

Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson will be in Garden City on March 30, 2007 to highlight the progress made in renewable energy, education funding, and economic growth.

Parkinson will tour the Conestoga ethanol plant, which began construction last May. Anticipating 55 million gallons of ethanol annually upon completion, the Conestoga plant is one of two plants developed by Conestoga Energy Partners LLC. The second plant, Arkalon Energy LLC, is projected to produce an additional 110 million gallons of ethanol each year. Recently, Conestoga Energy Partners and Ethanol Energy Inc., announced plans to build a third ethanol plant near Dodge City.  

After the tour, Parkinson will visit the students at Edith Scheuerman Elementary School. Designated a “21st Century School” in 2004 for its partnerships with area businesses, Edith Scheuerman Elementary encourages learning through innovation. Within the school is a bank and post office ‘managed’ by fourth grade students who serve nine weeks terms as tellers or bank president. Each Wednesday, students make deposits into a savings account, learning about math and gaining life skills.

Business and community leaders have been invited to a luncheon with the Lt. Governor at the Garden City Community College. Following the lunch, Parkinson will meet with local Hispanic leaders, students, and community members at the New Student and Community Services Center.

The luncheon and afternoon activities are open to the public; all activities are open to the press. Reservations are requested for the noon luncheon, and can be made through the Finney County Economic Development office at 276-3264.

At a glance:

8:30 AM
Conestoga Ethanol Plant Tour
Northwest Corner of Jennie Barker Rd & USY Hwy 50 intersection

9:45 AM
Edith Scheuerman Elementary School
Library Room, 1901 Wilcox

12:00 PM
Business Luncheon
Garden City Community College
Beth Tedrow Student Center, Endowment Room

1:30 PM
Roundtable Meet with Hispanic leaders, students, and community members
Garden City Community College
New Student and Community Services Center, Room 2024

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