Monday, March 26, 2012

Post Card From the Past...Stone Arch Bridge on the East Edge of Town

This bridge has been gone for quite some time.  It actually collapsed as Bob Wallace was driving across it in April of 1929.

Also, if you know anything about the person who wrote or the person who received this postcard, I am interested in knowing.  Email at barnardbanter@aol.com.


Barnard Lions Club Fish Fry on Saturday March 31, 2012

The Barnard Lions Club will be hosting a fish fry on Saturday March 31st at 5:30 p.m.  It will be at the Barnard Community Center. 

Good Fish, Good Fun, Good Friends and For A Good Cause.

Barnard Weather Forecast March 26, 2012



Forecast from Weather.com.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Just a Note...Baccus Car Auction April 14th

I know this isn't about Barnard but for all of you that are looking for a parts car or a cheap ride...

The Baccus car auction in Ada is on April 14th.

Tampa, Kansas...Tampa PRIDE...Barnard, Kansas...Barnard, Incorporated?

Rural towns that once accepted their decline and eminent death are now fighting to stay alive.  Tampa, Kansas, a rural city of 112 in Marion County, is coming out of that experience with promise.  It is about 30 minutes from a town of 1,000 and an hour from a city more than 10,000.  Does that sound familiar?  Doesn’t it sound like Barnard?

In Tampa, there is a group of citizens that refuse to let their town shrivel up and die.  The town had something to work with; they had an oil company, bank, day care, grain cooperative, and a cafĂ©.  In 2003, a group of citizens started the Tampa Community Association which later became Tampa PRIDE. 

The organization decided that tearing down old buildings and planting grass wasn’t an option to be considered.  The organization began plans to purchase the old and dilapidated buildings and repair them.  One of the old buildings to be salvaged is the old post office which had a roof ready to collapse.  The plans for that building include a convenience store, barber/beauty shop, conference hall, and retail space.  Other buildings on the list include the old bank building and the former American Legion hall.  These plans are the fruits of the labors of Carole Spohn and David Mueller.

Mr. Mueller says that there is great potential for the downtown.  For the last 30 years there has not been any downtown space available because of the run-down condition of the buildings, but with the renovation/restoration efforts, there will be space.  Tampa PRIDE has no interest in running businesses but providing the space for businesses to use.

Funding for these projects comes from grants.  Monsanto has given a grant of $2,500 and a Small Communities Improvement Program grant has been received. 

Activities that have happened and are scheduled include Christmas home tours, softball tournaments, pancake feeds, community movies.  The city is also planning its 125th Anniversary Celebration in August.

Isn’t this town’s history and past situation eerily familiar?



This is where Barnard, Incorporated comes into play.  Barnard, Incorporated, though still in its formative stages, will be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Barnard’s historic structures and economy.  Though Barnard, Incorporated has been in the works for quite some time, the birth of this organization has been sped up by the threatened demolition of the historic WPA build Art Deco water tower.



Though Barnard is off the beaten path, tourism can still play a part in Barnard’s economic future.  People already come from all over the United States to see that water tower.  A month ago, two travelers came into Trapper’s in Simpson looking for directions to get to the Barnard water tower.

Another factor that could translate into tourist dollars for Barnard is what I call “Green Acres Syndrome.”  Many people from large cities across the globe flock into the rural Midwest to get a taste of the country life.  Susan Barnes, the owner-operator of the Grand Central Hotel in Cottonwood Falls, has had enormous success catering to this crowd.  The area around Barnard has attracted a seasonal crowd during hunting season but a year-round hospitality industry could be sustained with the proper facilities in place.

Barnard, Incorporated has already done some preliminary works on some projects.  The Executive Director of the United Way in Salina has been met with about funding.  The United Way is currently waiting for Barnard, Incorporated to achieve its non-profit status before making any decisions on any assistance.



Some projects under consideration are a library with meeting rooms and homework assistance, a gym, artists’ lofts, a jamboree, a museum, and if necessary, a village post office.  Barnard, Incorporated is also currently working on a summer movie that will be free to the public.  Barnard, Incorporated has also been working to attract a bed and breakfast operator.  That endeavor has shown some promise.



Barnard has a rich history.  The area around Barnard has at least one farm that is still in the family that originally homesteaded it.  The Wallace family has roots in the area before Barnard’s existence as well as do the Loys.  Tapping into that history and Barnard’s potential can help this community grow and sustain itself for the future.  Having services and business outlets that will encourage people to come and to stay in this community will strengthen its presence in Lincoln County and keep it from becoming another Milo, Saltville, Denmark, Vesper, or Abram.


Information about Tampa, Kansas was obtained from Amy Bickel’s article “Tampa PRIDE Rebuilds” in the Hutchinson News.

Salt Creek Cafe


Kathy Brockway, owner-operator of the Salt Creek Cafe is very excited about how well the cafe has done.  The Salt Creek Cafe continues to do better than she expected.  Kathy is grateful that the community has supported the cafe since it opened a little over a month ago.



There is something new coming to the cafe.  Kathy is introducing a salad bar.  Right now, the salad bar is undergoing repairs and getting a new compressor.  Without any unforeseen problems, the salad bar should make its debut in about three weeks.  It is planned to be a daily feature.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Barnard Card Party March 17, 2012

The Barnard Card Party is scheduled on March 17, 2012.  The card games begin at 7 p.m. and go until whenever.  The card parties are held on the first and third Saturdays at the Barnard Community Center.

A Research Project...

In addition to the water tower preservation project, I am conducting some research into the beginnings of Barnard.  I am trying to locate the location of the first building in Barnard.  It was built by G.W. Snapp for Ross Wilcox, the manager of the lumberyard.  In 1908, the residence was occupied by George Hiserote and family.

If you have any information about this structure, please let me know at barnardbanter@aol.com.

Barnard City Council Agenda and Financial Reports March 5, 2012




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Barnard City Council Minutes from February 6, 2012





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March Weather Forecast for March 2012 (updated 03/16/2012)

From Weather.com.
Click on image to enlarge

Monday, March 12, 2012

Lions Club Meeting Tonight Features a Farm Bureau Documentary, "Rural Kansas: Hope Endures."

Tonight at 7:30 p.m. the Barnard Lion's Club meeting will feature "Rural Kansas:  Hope Endures."  The following is an introduction to the film.

"Rural Kansas is changing. Across the state, a steady stream of decline has left small towns drained and diminished.

Despite these trends, small, rural communities have the ability to find innovative and meaningful ways to heal themselves. A new Kansas Farm Bureau television documentary which aired statewide (and nationwide on RFD-TV) in the fall of 2007 tackled that notion head on and made a compelling case that these communities can reinvent themselves.

Rural Kansas: Hope Endures introduces a new way to think about rural development. One based on the fundamental notion that truly meaningful and sustainable change must emanate from within the community."

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbcE915pE_8

Use the above link to go to the film's trailer on YouTube.  If it doesn't work by clicking, copy and paste into your browser address bar.  Barnard is featured in the opening scene.

Barnard Resident, Monty Fuller, Recovering

Barnard resident, Monty Fuller, was taken by ambulance today to the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit.  Though the problem hasn't been determined, Monty is recovering and will undergo more tests on Tuesday.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Ardyth Elaine Austin, a Member of the Good and Wallace Families, Passes Away

Ardyth Elaine "Ardie" Austin, 73, died Friday, March 9, 2012.  She was born Nov. 27, 1938, in Barnard.  Survivors: husband of 52 years, Leonard; son, Anthony Austin and fiance Erryn; four brothers, Arnold Good, David Good, Harold Good and John Good; sister, Marilyn Serrien; and one grand-daughter, Michaela.  Preceded by: parents, Emerson and Muriel (Wallace) Good; and a sister, Nancy MacFee.  Visitation: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday, March 12, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with family present from 6-7 p.m. Celebration of Life: 10:30 a.m. Tueday at Paradise United Methodist Church.  Memorials: the church or St. John's Nursing Center, Victoria, in care of the mortuary.

Former Barnard Mayor, Neil Edwin Maholland Passes Away

Neil Edwin Maholland, 83, formerly of Barnard, passed away Friday, March 9, 2012.  He was born July 18, 1928, in Ada to Ralph E. and Sarah (Van Meter) Maholland. 

Neil attended Milo, Ada, and Spring Creek schools and Coffeyville Junior College.  he worked as a construction contractor and then as the county engineer for Lincoln County.  Neil served as mayor of Barnard for years and enjoyed his work to improve the city.  One of his greatest accomplishments was his part in getting the community building built in Barnard.  Neil was a longtime member of Barnard Lions Club.

Neil married Marjorie Cozad on July 18, 1948.  They lived 54 of their 59 years together in Barnard, which they always considered their home.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie, on June 22, 2008; his only sister, Betty Keating; and his great-grandson, Eli Eckman.

Survivors include his three sons, Terry Maholland and wife Della, of Ozark, Mo., Jeffrey Maholland and wife Sandy, of Salina, and Randy Maholland and wife Karen, of Salina; his daughter, Melody Witte, of Topeka; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis, where the family will receive friends from 5-7.  Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Barnard United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kaye Metzler officiating.  Burial will be in Milo Cemetery, Barnard.  Memorials may be made to Barnard Lions Club.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Barnard Levee Scheduled for FEMA Inspection at the Beginning of May

The levee that nearly surrounds Barnard is scheduled to be inspected by FEMA at the beginning of May.  A couple of the things from the last inspection that will be trees encroaching on the foot of the levee and several of the owners getting too close to the levee when farming.

This inspection is very important to Barnard.  If the levee does not pass inspection, there is a possibility that the Barnard levee will be removed from the list of levees that FEMA/Army Corp of Engineers will be responsible for.  If this happens, there may be a profound effect on homeowners' insurance in Barnard.

Letters have been sent to property owners along the levee asking for their cooperation.  The required space between the foot of the levee and the beginning of any agricultural area is 15 feet.  In addition, there are trees in some places that must be removed.  If there are any questions, please contact the city clerk at (785) 792-6270 for more information.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Marilyn Switzer Inducted Into Lions Club on February 13, 2012

Marilyn Switzer was inducted into the Lions Club on February 13, 2012.  She is the significant other of Kenny Wallace and has been active in the Barnard community for several years. 

David Kirkendall, the principal of Lincoln High School, was a guest speaker.




Barnard Lions Club President Jeremy Abell welcomes Marilyn Switzer as a
new member at their February 13 meeting.


LJSHS principal David Kirkendall speaks on the potential of today's
young people with Barnard Lions Club members and their guests.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Video of the Barnard Jam and Card Party of March 3, 2012

The March 3, 2012 Barnard Jam and Card Party was held today at the Barnard Community Center.  Eight musicians from around the area came together and played a variety of music from gospel to country.  The musicians in attendance were Kenny Wallace, Randy Halfhide, Paul Seehafer, Tammy Seehafer, Gene Stithem, Coy Lewis, Luann Howe, and Debra Stovall.  Soup was provided by Marilyn Switzer who organizes the monthly jams.  The proceeds go to the Barnard Lions Club to provide for the needs of the community building.

In a first for the Barnard Banter, here are some videos of performances throughout the afternoon.


Folsom Prison Blues sung by Kenny Wallace.

Amazing Grace/This Little Light of Mine sung by Luann Howe and Debra Stovall.

Seven Spanish Angels sung by Kenny Wallace.

Satin Sheets sung by Tammy Seehafer.

The Tater Song sung by Coy Lewis.

The Barnard Jams are always held on the first Saturday of the month.  The card parties are on the first and third Saturday of the month.  They both are community events and all are welcome.