The former M&M Market is now open under new management and a new name.  The store is now owned and operated by Moore Venture Foods.  Moore's is a family-owned grocery chain.  They run stores in Medford and Okeene, Oklahoma and Sublette and Caldwell, Kansas. 

Bobby Moore, owner of Moore Venture Foods, says the transition has been seamless.  The store also has a new full-time manager, Kade Hanes.  As well as extended hours.

The city of Belle Plaine has recently been named the sixth Best Place to Raise Kids in the United States and the Best Place in Kansas for 2012. 

The announcement was made in the Bloomberg Businessweek on November 21, 2011.  Award determination was based on the evaluation of 4,169 communities with populations of 1,000 to 50,000.  Factors that were used to determine rank were quality of education and schools, local economic situation, median family income, crime statistics, and community amenities.  Quality of education and schools were credited with the most weight. 

Belle Plaine's population is 1,556 and has a median family income of $74,463.  As for the Belle Plaine school system, they are above state averages in both reading and math.

A new sandwich shoppe is now open in Casey's General Store in Belle Plaine.  Bread is mixed and baked fresh each morning.  Hand crafted sandwiches are available with a variety of meat, cheese, vegetable, and dressing options. 

They will be having a grand opening in a few weeks that will feature free coffee and discounted food items, including pizza slices, drinks, donuts, sandwiches, and fresh cookies. 

123 Supply

Belle Plaine resident Frank Ritter, Jr. was issued a business license for a repair shop for tools, antiques, and motorcycles.  123 Supply was approved for a business license by the Belle Plaine City council at the May 5th meeting.

Ritter is attending school for motorcycle repair and hopes to expand the motorcycle portion of the business when finished. 123 Supply is located at 239 W. 5th in Belle Plaine.  They can be reached at 620-488-5273.

B P Antiques

Noel and Jim Ann McConaghy have opend BP Antiques in Belle Plaine.  They are located at 220 W. 5th.  They are open Wednesdays 10am - 4pm.