Prairie Heritage Auction & Real Estate Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence!
Open House this Sat., Jan. 31, from noon to 4:00 p.m.; Two-Day Auction—Saturday, Jan. 31, beginning at 9:00 a.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 1, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
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THE 2026 AUCTION CREW for Prairie Heritage Auction & Real Estate of Plainville—an all-female team—includes, front row (left to right): Lora Weigel, Susan Stahl, Lincoln Stahl, and Sheila Hachmeister. Back row (from left): Tammy Werner, Rory Harding, Paula Glick, Gwendolyn Hitchcock, Steph Nuss, and Jamie Martin. Not pictured: Kelly Lowry.
Few businesses can boast half a century of service, but in 2026, Prairie Heritage Auction & Real Estate proudly celebrates 50 years as one of Plainville’s most trusted family enterprises.
Founded in 1976 by Chick Selbe—who attended not one, but two out-of-state auction schools and became a licensed real estate broker— the company’s name honors Chick and Margaret’s families, both of whom settled in Rooks County at the turn of the century.
Reaching this remarkable milestone is a testament to their unwavering dedication. From day one, the Selbe family built their business on a foundation of trust, always striving to provide service that was truly second to none.
The business began in the Township Hall, later moving to the VFW before constructing a dedicated facility on Highway 183. After sell- ing that site, they built Heritage Hall north of town, established a real estate office in downtown Plainville, and eventually purchased and transformed the former bowling alley into another auction venue. At times, auctions were held simultaneously at multiple locations— an impressive feat made possible by the dedication of family members and relatives, who have been the backbone of the company since its inception.
Today, the Selbe family’s legacy lives on. After Chick’s passing in 2012, Susan Stahl (Greg)—now a Real Estate Agent and Auctioneer—leads the business alongside her sisters, Sheila Hachmeister (Ken) and Lora Weigel (Randy), with help from their children whenever possible. The company’s strength lies in its loyal local team: Paula Glick, Kelly Lowry, Tammy Werner, Steph Nuss, Gwendolyn Hitchcock, Jason Stahl, Jamie Martin, and their families. Remarkably, the sisters were present at the very first auction, held for Schult Homes in 1976. Since then, Prairie Heritage has successfully conducted hundreds—if not thousands—of auctions and real estate transactions.
As a locally owned business, Prairie Heritage takes immense pride in its longstanding role within the Plainville community, facilitating both real estate sales and personal property auctions. Over the past 50 years, the firm has built enduring relationships throughout the area. Their steadfast dedication has been the cornerstone of Prairie Heritage’s success for five decades. Their guiding mantra remains: “Plainville Owned—Plainville Proud.”
Prairie Heritage will commemorate this milestone at its upcoming auction this weekend.
(See this week’s ad to the right on this page for details.)
