Don't forget...
The monthly Barnard Music Jam is Saturday, September 1st at 1:30 at the Barnard Community Building. The bi-weekly card playing party is also Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Music Jams are held on the first Saturday of the month and the card parties are the first and third Saturdays of the month.
A good time is had by all and all are invited.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Kenny Wallace
Kenny Wallace has recently become seriously ill but is recovering at home. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Well Wishes
Mary Jo Abell had a medical concern recently, but is now home. Melvin Hart is reported to have pneumonia. Please keep both of them in your thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Barnard, Kansas: Hope Endures
Barnard has potential...lots of potential. Over the years I have been involved in the Barnard community, I have seen the potential grow. Outside of the politics, Barnard is a tranquil and friendly community that has a rich and enduring history. That history has the potential to propel Barnard into its future.
Many rural communities are facing population decline and possible death. The "Dead Towns" column in the Hutchinson paper chronicles those towns that are almost nothing but a memory. Amy Bickel brings those towns to life...for an instant...in her articles and blog. Barnard could turn into one of those stories if its potential is not tapped. Many rural communities are also finding varying levels of rebirth by hard work, discovering a niche that can be filled, and utilizing resources offered by county, state, and federal programs.
Something that can be said about the people who settled Barnard and the people who continue to call it home is that they were and still are resilient. People worked hard to build a town that they dreamed to build. They utilized resources available such as hauling buildings into this town from both of the Milo town sites. Determination built Barnard, Kansas. The three Barnard newspapers chronicled the building of Barnard as well as advocating ideals to keep it growing.
In 1910, Barnard had a population of over 400 people. Since then, the population has been in decline. The 2000 census marked the Barnard population as 70. A recent informal count has indicated that nearly 10% has been lost since that figure with a potential additional loss of two more households. The need for growth touted by the Barnard Bee in 1902 is still a relevant issue 110 years later...though there doesn't seem to be any documentation from that time calling the issue controversial.
There are still buildings in downtown Barnard that can play a role in some sort of economic revival in Barnard. The Salt Creek Cafe may at last be a long-term anchor for some redevelopment in Barnard's former business district.
There is currently a housing shortage is north central Kansas which Barnard could benefit from with proper marketing strategies. Many of the fixer-uppers are now gone with more to follow, but the empty lots left behind that are now owned by the city still hold promise for new residents IF those lots are marketed and various programs tapped into.
Spurring growth in Barnard can be done, although it will not be easy. If you don't believe it can be done, then it can't. However, I believe it can be done with the same determination and community spirit that the original Barnard settlers demonstrated. If we work together as a team and a community, we can do it. Using Barnard's heritage as a resource to preserve the old memories as well as using that heritage and those memories to help us build a new future can ensure Barnard's survival.
Some sort of growth is made blatantly necessary by current situations. The City of Barnard is in the process of selling $108,000 worth of general obligation bonds and may have to sell more. This is a hefty burden for a city with less than 70 people. A former county commissioner and former Barnard mayor informed me that the debt value of the bonds may double at the 30 year mark. that means the total repayment could potentially be in the neighborhood of $216,000. Growth and population stabilization is necessary to ensure Barnard's survival as an incorporated city. Research indicates that a leading cause of municipal unincorporation is the failure to repay debt. I believe Barnard can grow and must grow. We can do it if we work together.
Earlier in this writing, I used a word that has amused, disappointed, and to a certain extent...disillusioned me. That word is "controversial." A Barnard business recently told me that they wouldn't display any Banter marketing materials because it was too "controversial." The "controversial" notice that the city recently took out in the Lincoln Sentinel seems to support that. However, let's think about it. Is it really controversial to want to preserve local heritage, open a library and a community gym, investigate opening a gas station, and market our town to potential residents? Personally, I think controversy exists when a government entity engages in dishonest and unethical practices, fails to listen to its constituents, and harasses those who disagree with its actions. Government, in theory, is supposed to act in the best interest of and at the will of those who are governed. When it fails to do so, that is what is controversial.
I believe Barnard can survive if we work together as a community. Our efforts will succeed with good, honest, and hard work. Barnard isn't territory that belongs to one person or a group of people. It belongs to all of us who call it home. God bless Barnard and may it never be just a memory.
Many rural communities are facing population decline and possible death. The "Dead Towns" column in the Hutchinson paper chronicles those towns that are almost nothing but a memory. Amy Bickel brings those towns to life...for an instant...in her articles and blog. Barnard could turn into one of those stories if its potential is not tapped. Many rural communities are also finding varying levels of rebirth by hard work, discovering a niche that can be filled, and utilizing resources offered by county, state, and federal programs.
Something that can be said about the people who settled Barnard and the people who continue to call it home is that they were and still are resilient. People worked hard to build a town that they dreamed to build. They utilized resources available such as hauling buildings into this town from both of the Milo town sites. Determination built Barnard, Kansas. The three Barnard newspapers chronicled the building of Barnard as well as advocating ideals to keep it growing.
In 1910, Barnard had a population of over 400 people. Since then, the population has been in decline. The 2000 census marked the Barnard population as 70. A recent informal count has indicated that nearly 10% has been lost since that figure with a potential additional loss of two more households. The need for growth touted by the Barnard Bee in 1902 is still a relevant issue 110 years later...though there doesn't seem to be any documentation from that time calling the issue controversial.
There are still buildings in downtown Barnard that can play a role in some sort of economic revival in Barnard. The Salt Creek Cafe may at last be a long-term anchor for some redevelopment in Barnard's former business district.
There is currently a housing shortage is north central Kansas which Barnard could benefit from with proper marketing strategies. Many of the fixer-uppers are now gone with more to follow, but the empty lots left behind that are now owned by the city still hold promise for new residents IF those lots are marketed and various programs tapped into.
Spurring growth in Barnard can be done, although it will not be easy. If you don't believe it can be done, then it can't. However, I believe it can be done with the same determination and community spirit that the original Barnard settlers demonstrated. If we work together as a team and a community, we can do it. Using Barnard's heritage as a resource to preserve the old memories as well as using that heritage and those memories to help us build a new future can ensure Barnard's survival.
Some sort of growth is made blatantly necessary by current situations. The City of Barnard is in the process of selling $108,000 worth of general obligation bonds and may have to sell more. This is a hefty burden for a city with less than 70 people. A former county commissioner and former Barnard mayor informed me that the debt value of the bonds may double at the 30 year mark. that means the total repayment could potentially be in the neighborhood of $216,000. Growth and population stabilization is necessary to ensure Barnard's survival as an incorporated city. Research indicates that a leading cause of municipal unincorporation is the failure to repay debt. I believe Barnard can grow and must grow. We can do it if we work together.
Earlier in this writing, I used a word that has amused, disappointed, and to a certain extent...disillusioned me. That word is "controversial." A Barnard business recently told me that they wouldn't display any Banter marketing materials because it was too "controversial." The "controversial" notice that the city recently took out in the Lincoln Sentinel seems to support that. However, let's think about it. Is it really controversial to want to preserve local heritage, open a library and a community gym, investigate opening a gas station, and market our town to potential residents? Personally, I think controversy exists when a government entity engages in dishonest and unethical practices, fails to listen to its constituents, and harasses those who disagree with its actions. Government, in theory, is supposed to act in the best interest of and at the will of those who are governed. When it fails to do so, that is what is controversial.
I believe Barnard can survive if we work together as a community. Our efforts will succeed with good, honest, and hard work. Barnard isn't territory that belongs to one person or a group of people. It belongs to all of us who call it home. God bless Barnard and may it never be just a memory.
Release of Funds Notice Published August 2, 2012
There are actually two comment periods. The city is taking comment until August 31st, which is supposed to be taken into account. Then objections must be mailed to the Department of Commerce at the listed address. If you are uncertain what the regulation regarding objections is, the Department of Commerce or HUD will provide that text or I have it on file here at the Barnard Banter. Email the Banter and I will forward a copy to you.
Reception Held For New Full House Manager
Article by Bill Hagman
Beloit Call August 1, 2012
A reception furnished with punch and cookies took place Saturday afternoon for Cindy Haylett, the new manager of A Full House in downtown Beloit.
Haylett became the manager about three months ago, and the reception was held to signify the career shift, as well as help introduce her to the public in her new position.
She previously worked at A Full House as a deliverer, and had been at that position for about a year before she was hired on as the store's manager.
With her new position comes the responsibilities of managing the inventory of the various furniture and electronics, and meeting the customers' satisfaction by making sure customers in Beloit and the surrounding area get what they need.
"And to make sure it's at a good price," said Haylett. "We deliver in a sixty mile radius."
Along with the typical cash sales of any furniture store, A Full House offers a rent-to-own option, which provides customers with what is sometimes a more convenient method of purchasing their furnishings and electronics.
Haylett said A Full House offers its customers almost anything in way of furniture or electronics, and is able to order in almost any type of those items. Emphasizing "almost", she explained that there are some items out there that are extremely difficult for any store to make available to its patrons.
A Full House also can purchase new parts for appliances, and has a wide selection of TV stands and stereos.
"I like everything about the job. It's all challenging, but that's what I like about it," Haylett said.
She said it's hard to make everybody happy, but being able to find specific items for customers makes them happy, which in turn makes it a very satisfactory job for her.
Originally from Guymon in the panhandle area of northwest Oklahoma, Haylett moved to Barnard when she met her significant other, Nick. Outside of work, taking care of her four children keeps Haylett very busy. She has a daughter, Carly, son, Deaven, and two step-sons, Keegan and Wyatt.
Article and Photo from the Beloit Call, August 1, 2012
Beloit Call August 1, 2012
Haylett became the manager about three months ago, and the reception was held to signify the career shift, as well as help introduce her to the public in her new position.
She previously worked at A Full House as a deliverer, and had been at that position for about a year before she was hired on as the store's manager.
With her new position comes the responsibilities of managing the inventory of the various furniture and electronics, and meeting the customers' satisfaction by making sure customers in Beloit and the surrounding area get what they need.
"And to make sure it's at a good price," said Haylett. "We deliver in a sixty mile radius."
Along with the typical cash sales of any furniture store, A Full House offers a rent-to-own option, which provides customers with what is sometimes a more convenient method of purchasing their furnishings and electronics.
Haylett said A Full House offers its customers almost anything in way of furniture or electronics, and is able to order in almost any type of those items. Emphasizing "almost", she explained that there are some items out there that are extremely difficult for any store to make available to its patrons.
A Full House also can purchase new parts for appliances, and has a wide selection of TV stands and stereos.
"I like everything about the job. It's all challenging, but that's what I like about it," Haylett said.
She said it's hard to make everybody happy, but being able to find specific items for customers makes them happy, which in turn makes it a very satisfactory job for her.
Originally from Guymon in the panhandle area of northwest Oklahoma, Haylett moved to Barnard when she met her significant other, Nick. Outside of work, taking care of her four children keeps Haylett very busy. She has a daughter, Carly, son, Deaven, and two step-sons, Keegan and Wyatt.
Article and Photo from the Beloit Call, August 1, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Pictures from the July 21st Barnard Card Party
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| Pictured (Counter-clockwise): Wayne Wallace, Melvin Hart, Marilyn Switzer, Kay Jackson, and Bonnie Jones. |
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| Kay, was this a good hand? Could the rest of you beat it? |
Old Business Ads from 1902 Barnard Bee
Two names that still remain a part of the Barnard community (Griffeth and Blanding).
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| The bank's building still stands in Barnard and is on the way to new life. |
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| In an earlier article on the Banter, collector's plates from the Johnson Brothers are pictured. |
The Third Sister
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| A painting of the historic Longford tower. |
I talked with a former city council member who was on the Longford city council at the time. The story was sad but yet different from our own. Longford applied for funds to revamp its water system. There was enough money left over from the construction so the remainder was used to demolish the old tower. Some had fears of structural weaknesses and others wanted to save it.
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| The pile of sand at the dead end is all that remains of the tower. |
The council member, Bill Faidley, agreed that it was a unique structure, but without anyone willing to take the tower off the small town's hands, the city council really had no choice. Our situation, however, is quite different.
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| The new tower. |
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| Pump house One near the new tower. |
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| Pump house Two a little further away. |
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Barnard Bee FIRST ISSUE March 8, 1902
IT'S YOUR MOVE
Well, hello, anyway! Here we are---the BARNARD BEE, Vol, No. 1.
How do you like it? It's not much for size, but we will try to make it as interesting for our readers as we can, especially for those who monkey with the business end of the critter.
Some weeks ago we met Mr. Ed Marshal, one of Barnard's merchants, on the train, and he couldn't talk about anything else but Barnard. Among other things he said the town needed a paper. As we had a plant that wasn't working, we made a note of Barnard's long felt want, and Tuesday of this week we determined to take a look at the situation. We cam, we saw and were conquered. The little city looked good to us. And we believe that when our readers cast their optics over the several columns of ads in this issue, they will conclude that the Barnard merchants are real live men---the genuine article. There are over five pages of ads, and for the benefit of our brothers of the craft we will say that a flat rate of 25 cents an inch was charged, and cheerfully paid by the merchants for every inch of advertising in this first issue. The rate hereafter, will be 12 1/2 c for insertion and 10 c for repeals. Locals 5 and 4 c per line. But home merchants will be given preferences. No money will buy space for outside advertisers whose lines are represented by home people. Just as long as the business men of Barnard support the paper there will be no space for outside competition at any price.
The Bee is the first paper Barnard has had for ten or twelve years. The first venture of the kind was started by a man named Figgy sometime in the late '80s. He called it the News. He continued to the work three or four years and was succeeded by Ike Ballard who left the town without a paper after two years work. Barnard was not half as good a business pint then as now. Half the building were for rent and work was hard to get and illy paid for. Today there is not a vacant store building nor residence in Barnard, and when you see man loafing, it's because he can't help it--he's built that way. But you will not see many of that class in Barnard. there is work for anyone who wants it and at good wages.
Now Barnard has wanted a paper for some time. you have finally got one and what the printer wants to know is how many of you are going to subscribe for it. Don't be bashful, walk right up to the captain's office and plunk down your dollar for a year's subscription. As we said before--IT'S YOUR MOVE!
WANTED---A PLAN TO START BUILDING
It occurs to the writer that a building and loan association would do a thriving business in this little town. while there is some building going on, yet there is positive need of more buildings both for residence and business purposes. there is not a vacant building of any description on the town site. A the present moment there is need of almost fifteen buildings. Now, why wouldn't it be a good plan for our business men to get together and organize a building and loan association? Such institutions make it possible for people to build who could not otherwise do so. It is on the books for Barnard to be a mighty good town in the near future--fact is it's a mighty good town right now. But there's a whole lot of ground laying around here that would make good building lots and there are renters and buyers waiting for them.
For topographical reasons, Barnard it bound to be a good business point. We have an immense territory to draw from and we ought to see to it that no advantage is overlooked.
Had we shelter for the people we believe Barnard could increase its population 100 souls in the next three months.
Think about it.
Barnard Census Numbers
Census numbers for Barnard...
1910 425 people
1920 unavailable
1930 416 people
1940 306 people
1950 242 people
1960 unavailable
1970 unavailable
1980 unavailable
1990 129 people
2000 123 people
2010 70 people
Figures courtesy of the Lincoln County Historical Society and the U.S. Census Bureau
1910 425 people
1920 unavailable
1930 416 people
1940 306 people
1950 242 people
1960 unavailable
1970 unavailable
1980 unavailable
1990 129 people
2000 123 people
2010 70 people
Figures courtesy of the Lincoln County Historical Society and the U.S. Census Bureau
Water Tower Project Figures
To repair the historic Barnard water tower as a landmark...$65,000 + $2,500 per year maintenance.
To tear it down...estimated minimum $69,000...it could be even more once they get into it.
New water tower project total...about $270,000
Bonds the City of Barnard has already sold...$108,000 plus interest (when repaid)...however, there are possible project cost overruns due to sandy soil without bedrock that could result in the city selling more bonds.
To tear it down...estimated minimum $69,000...it could be even more once they get into it.
New water tower project total...about $270,000
Bonds the City of Barnard has already sold...$108,000 plus interest (when repaid)...however, there are possible project cost overruns due to sandy soil without bedrock that could result in the city selling more bonds.
Barnard Alumni Bob Wallace Publishes New Book
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| Author: Robert W. Wallace |
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Barnard Resident's Story...The Obituary of Otto Saunders
A town's story can be told through the obituaries of its residents...
Otto Saunders
Otto Saunders was born July 29, 1899, in Lincoln to Flint and Elizabeth (O'Neill) Saunders and passed away on Feb. 24, 1983, at the Ottawa County Hospital, Minneapolis, at the age of 83 years, six months, and 26 days.
Ott and Eva Loy were united in marriage Sept. 25, 1921 and this union was blessed with five children. They lived most of their life in Barnard and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last September.
Ott and Eva had an ice business for many years, and in the late '40s, he became a city councilman for Barnard, and a year later, became city marshal. Ott was also Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff until his death, and was both fire chief and water and sewer superintendent for Barnard. Ott helped build the water tower, sewer, and dike and retired a year ago after 35 years of service to the city.
Ott and Eva both enjoyed fishing and he loved fishing from the boar especially. He would go out and get crawdads when he could hardly walk, just to have on hand in case someone came along wanteing to go fishing. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and when any of them came into town they would argue over who saw Grandpa's water tower first and still think it is Grandpa's.
Ott is survived by his wife Eva, of the home; five children: Dale of Salina, Pete of Minneapolis, Beth (Mrs. Leroy Holcom) of Gypsum, Jerry of Dodge City, and Peggy (Mrs. Norris Herbel) of Barnard; four brothers, Melvin, Colton, Calif.; Alfred, McPherson; Ludwell, Yucaipa, Calif.; and Donald, San Bernadino, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Ethel Smith, Salina, and Mrs. Helen Crawford, Derby; 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Feb. 26, 1983, at the Hall Memorial Chapel. Burial was in the Milo Cemetery, Barnard.
From:
Lincoln Sentinel-Republican, 17 March 1983
Lincoln County Historical Society Obituary Archive
Otto Saunders
Otto Saunders was born July 29, 1899, in Lincoln to Flint and Elizabeth (O'Neill) Saunders and passed away on Feb. 24, 1983, at the Ottawa County Hospital, Minneapolis, at the age of 83 years, six months, and 26 days.
Ott and Eva Loy were united in marriage Sept. 25, 1921 and this union was blessed with five children. They lived most of their life in Barnard and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last September.
Ott and Eva had an ice business for many years, and in the late '40s, he became a city councilman for Barnard, and a year later, became city marshal. Ott was also Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff until his death, and was both fire chief and water and sewer superintendent for Barnard. Ott helped build the water tower, sewer, and dike and retired a year ago after 35 years of service to the city.
Ott and Eva both enjoyed fishing and he loved fishing from the boar especially. He would go out and get crawdads when he could hardly walk, just to have on hand in case someone came along wanteing to go fishing. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and when any of them came into town they would argue over who saw Grandpa's water tower first and still think it is Grandpa's.
Ott is survived by his wife Eva, of the home; five children: Dale of Salina, Pete of Minneapolis, Beth (Mrs. Leroy Holcom) of Gypsum, Jerry of Dodge City, and Peggy (Mrs. Norris Herbel) of Barnard; four brothers, Melvin, Colton, Calif.; Alfred, McPherson; Ludwell, Yucaipa, Calif.; and Donald, San Bernadino, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Ethel Smith, Salina, and Mrs. Helen Crawford, Derby; 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Feb. 26, 1983, at the Hall Memorial Chapel. Burial was in the Milo Cemetery, Barnard.
From:
Lincoln Sentinel-Republican, 17 March 1983
Lincoln County Historical Society Obituary Archive
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