WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A woman from Ellis says she tried to revitalize her small town but was “punished” by property taxes, telling lawmakers Monday that her tax bill has jumped by thousands in just three years.

Ellen Riedel bought the bowling alley in Ellis three years ago, describing it as the town’s “biggest eyesore.” The building had been vacant for 20 years, and the roof had started to cave in; it had no electrical wiring or plumbing and needed major repairs.

Riedel and her husband bought the building and renovated it, turning the bowling alley into an event venue. They wanted to help revitalize the rural Kansas town, but she says instead of receiving recognition for their efforts, they were hit with massive tax increases.

During the select committee on taxation, Reidel said her pr

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