About Us

Jan joined the Bowers Board in 2017. She is committed to helping keep Council Grove vibrant and alive. She became involved in the Bowers Community Center because she believes the building, which is on the National Historic Registry and anchors the west end of downtown, must be restored. Dilapidation and ruin is not an option.

Kelley Judd's 50-year career spans finance, technology, sales and marketing. He is the founder of QMI, a leading-edge, cloud-based Admin/HR business tool designed for improved communication, productivity, and reduced turnover. Kelley is deeply invested in the community and historical preservation, volunteering and serving on multiple committees, and is Treasurer of the Morris County Historical Society. He is also working on registering his family home on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring his commitment to preserving history.

Leanne was born and raised Council Grove. At twelve years of age her father's job moved the family to Salina, KS. Council Grove has remained the centerpiece for family gatherings and maintaining close relationships with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for her entire life. She lived in Salina for thirty-five years and raised three children there. She spent two years in Arizona and then relocated to southwest Missouri where she spent the next several years. The love of family and longing to go "home" called her and her husband back to Council Grove when Leanne's husband retired from his second career as a Presbyterian Pastor. Her husband Rich came out of retirement in 2018 to pastor the Community Christian Church in Council Grove for the last seven years. Leanne's education and life experiences included being a pastor's wife, a bookstore chain district manager, then owner and manager of her own bookstore in Salina. After retiring from the retail world, she became a pet salon owner and founder of an animal rescue. As board president, her duties included establishment of a non-profit LLC, hands-on animal rescue and animal care, and management of a large network of animal foster homes. She worked with local retailers that hosted rescue adoption events, worked closely with city and county governments, organized fundraising events and campaigns that culminated in the building of a halfmillion dollar, state-of-the art animal rescue shelter that continues to serve a two county area in southwest Missouri. She set up software programs for record keeping that also linked it to social media outreaches for promotion of adoptable pets and to solicit donations. She wrote a popular weekly column for the newspaper for the purpose of educating the public and recounting amazing and dramatic animal rescue tales. Consistent with my love for Council Grove, I deeply desire to continue to see it thrive and wherever possible, to build on its historical foundations. The restoration and repurposing of a unique, historic building like the beautiful Bowers Center would contribute to that goal. My vision for this restored building would be for it to become a cultural center for arts and entertainment in our community, something we desperately need to keep the heart of Council Grove beating. I have a personal passion for this project because Dr. Bowers was a dear family friend. He was also a beloved, respected, devoted member of our community his entire life and I would be so pleased to see his name honored in such a way.

Bowers Board member for 7 years. Would like to see the building restored to a usable venue. The building served as the home of First Baptist Church from 1910 to 1990 of which I am a member of.

Martin Cooney was born and raised in Preston, Lancashire, in the north west of England. Upon leaving school he served a five-year apprenticeship as a hot metal typesetter, after which he set off for Israel on a bicycle and lived on a Kibbutz. During the next few years he picked tobacco in Canada and gill netted salmon as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, drove coast to coast and eventually met Kris in Portland, Oregon. Martin went on to be a corporate and celebrity chauffeur, then as a private tour guide, during which time they refurbished a seven bedroom house. Martin's world was to change forever when he embarked upon a two-year banker masonry course at the City of Bath College in England in January of 2,000, where he found his true vocation. Upon graduation he worked as a banker mason stone carver in the local industry, after which he, Kris and their son Joseph moved to Woody Creek, Colorado, just outside of Aspen, where Martin worked as an independent architectural stone carver, and developed his skills as a stone sculptor. Kris and Martin left the Roaring Fork Valley in January of 2023 and set up residence in Alta Vista where Martin carves stone in The Walled Garden, and where Kris runs their showroom gallery, and Martin tends the plants. Upon arrival in Council Grove they immediately noticed and were drawn to the Bowers building and are now thrilled to play a part in protecting and reviving the grand old dame of Main Street to her former glory.

Keith Wyatt of Council Grove has the expertise to install valued stained glass pieces in the town's store front windows. He is excited about the Street Gallery concept and is instrumental in the gallery's launch. Wyatt is a reliable handyman who is experienced in carpentry, tile, flooring and plumbing.

George Asebedo is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in project coordination, customer service, and community engagement. His analytical mindset and hands-on approach to problem-solving enable him to thrive in roles where he can make a meaningful impact. George is also committed to preserving irreplaceable architectural landmarks, such as the historic Bowers Center building in Council Grove, Kansas. For him, saving such buildings is not just about history; it’s about protecting a style of architecture that has become increasingly rare in today’s world. As society moves toward utilitarian structures, George believes it is crucial to safeguard these soulful buildings, rich with detail and heritage. Preserving them means retaining artistry and identity for Council Grove, providing a tangible connection to the past that can inspire future generations in ways modern structures simply cannot.

Kris Cooney, born Kristie Knight in San Bernardino, California, was the ninth of nine children. While attending high school she relocated to Beaverton, Oregon, on the outskirts of Portland. Shortly upon her arrival her brother gave her a horse in return for babysitting duties. Kris loved riding Samantha around the lush farmland and trails near the town of Aloha. Her first full time job was with K-Mart, before moving on to Farmers Insurance as a filing clerk, and later as an accident claims transcriber. For several years she worked as a waitress until she took a position with the Heathman Hotel as the Heathman B.Molach restaurant assistant manager. Kris spent two spells in England with husband Martin where they spent four years running their own American-style coffee house in north London's Angel, Islington district. Then during their second spell as Itchy Feet travel store manager in the City of Bath, where Martin was attaining his stone carving qualifications at the City of Bath College. Upon her return to the United States for the second time she became adept at office administration, working for a telephone retail business and a property management company. She also managed the Woody Creek community center for several years. And like Martin, she was captivated upon first sight of the Bowers building and is delighted to be a part of its impending revival.

- Board member since 2018 - Born and raised in Council Grove - Came naturally to helping the community, as her parents did through volunteering - Very interested in preserving history - Fun Fact! Sharmon is a first generation American

Historic Preservation has always been high on Sharon Haun's list since moving to Council Grove. She started as a historic tour guide, and continued in preservation and interior design projects including the Cottage House Hotel, Z-Bar Ranch/Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, several businesses, and numerous private homes. Presently Sharon is on the Morris County Historical Board, in addition to the Bowers Center Board. She believes preserving buildings and their stories help conserve our beautiful community for future generations.