When I tell people I moved to Barnard, Kansas, many of them respond “Where? Why?” or give me a look of disbelief. People don’t understand why I would leave all the conveniences of the city behind. I tell them why I chose to move here and they begin to understand. Actually, the trend of younger people moving into the more rural areas is on the rise. It is a phenomenon that over the last decade, I’ve been calling Green Acres Syndrome. Many are moving to the rural areas for peace, safety, and a wholesome environment to raise their families. Others are ready to move back to their hometowns. Courtland, which is two counties away in Republic County, has seen this trend.
Courtland, with a population of 285, in a county with a population of 4980, has begun seeing an influx of people moving into the community. It has a benefit of being close to larger towns such as Concordia and Belleville where people can find jobs. However, Courtland has seen a growth in employment opportunities. A strong farm economy and technological connectivity has facilitated this growth. With the technology in place, many people telecommute to work and work from home. That allowed one business man to move to Courtland and still maintain his share of the business with his partners in Westcliffe, Colorado. A business woman runs an internet advertising agency. The key to this was that Courtland has that technology in place that facilitated these moves.
Barnard could maneuver itself into a similar position. The small town of 70 is within commuting distance of Salina, Concordia, and Beloit. Barnard also has the ability to pursue technology. Sam Switzer, the son of Barnard resident, Marilyn Switzer, is part owner in a wireless network company, CyWi, out of Salina. They have developed a wireless system of internet access that covers a portion of downtown Salina and have plans of covering a wider range. A system such as that could readily connect Barnard to the wired world. Barnard already has grounded services.
An issue that Barnard shares with Courtland is the lack of housing. Courtland says that people want to move there but there are not any places for them to live. Some commercial and residential building is starting to take place though financing has been difficult. The city of Courtland has reasonably priced lots for sale as does Barnard. Courtland says it could do like Marquette and Minneapolis and give lots away but they make a policy of not owning lots. The younger demographic has absorbed available housing. Barnard has lots but has not visibly marketed them. Repairable housing has fallen to beautification instead of marketing. However, with the right exposure and marketing, pre-fabricated housing could be a viable option for new residents.
Commericial opportunity is also an issue for Barnard. However, a community to the northeast, Glasco, has provided an example of how to overcome some of the disadvantages in that sector. Glasco has used a grant made possible by the local windfarms to build a gas station, which Barnard also lacks. The gas station is a card purchasing center and will not have an attendant. Bennington Oil will be the fuel provider. Currently, Glasco residents must travel to Minneapolis, Delphos, Beloit, or Concordia for fuel. Their shopping dollars tend to go with it. With the installation of a card gas station, this can fuel the growth of Glasco’s own commercial district. Barnard could have a similar opportunity if it can obtain the use of some funds given to Lincoln County by the windfarms.
Marci Penner, of the Kansas Sampler, has a new venture called PowerUps (ruralbychoice.com). The goal of this organization is to educate the younger generations about the advantages of living in rural communities and how communities can make themselves more attractive to people looking to relocate into a rural setting. PowerUps focuses on people up to 39 and PowerOns focuses on those 40+. PowerUps has had an impact in Courtland.
Could Barnard be a place in which people want to relocate? It most definitely has the potential. All Barnard needs to have is the vision, the dreamers, and the motivation it takes to survive in a changing society and launch itself into the future.
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