Our Government at Work by Charlene Watson

Our Government At Work

The names have been with held in the following story because this is just picking fun of Washington bureaucrats in general and not of any administration in particular. I am not picking fun at any particular administration that has been in charge of this country.

For those who have never traveled to the great West, cattle guards are horizontal steel rails placed at fence openings on highways to prevent cattle from crossing. For some reason the bovines will not step on the guards, probably because they fear getting their feet caught between the rails. I need to make that clear in order for everyone to appreciate the following story:

The President received a report that there were over 100,000 cattle guards in Colorado. Because Colorado ranchers protested his proposed changes in grazing policies; he ordered the Secretary of Interior to fire half of the guards immediately.

Before the Secretary could respond, and presumably straighten him out, the Vice President intervened with a request that before any of the guards were fired they be given six months of retraining. OMG! And these are the people that are running our country.

A Note to the Editor from a Barnard Property Owner

Question;  When you see a picture of the water tower, what do you think of? Salina? Beverly? ...no you think of Barnard. There is not much Architecture left in Barnard to hold anyone's interest.  I would hope the Barnard community would rally behind saving one of its treasures instead of having it torn down and then trying to find a picture of it so people could see one of its lost treasures.  The most interesting little towns to visit are the ones that have restored their old buildings and put them to use.

Pam Moeder

Barnard City Council Meeting Monday December 5th at 7 p.m.

Just a reminder that the Barnard city council meets the first Monday of every month.  This next meeting is Monday, December 5th at 7 pm.  It is held at the Barnard City Hall which is the old bank building north of the Lions Club/Community Building.

Some Quick Updates

Well, I'm kind of out of the loop right now as I am finishing up my fall semester courses.  Things seem calm in Barnard for now.  Just a few things to mention...

Mrs. Murray had some difficulty a while back but seems to be doing well. 

Nick Wallace replaced the garage door that his step-daughter Carly drove the van into.  Frankly, I told her that if she were my daughter and she had to ask whether or not she had to stop, she wouldn't have driven until she was 18 and moved out of my house.

The city bought some gravel and filled in some of the holes in the streets.  Hopefully, they will be able to find a more long-term solution that the city can afford.

There has been some progress in regards to saving the water tower.

There will be an article/photo spread about Nancy's and Doug's haunted house soon.  They did a great job and went all out.  Another interesting thing about it is that it was all constructed using recycled/reclaimed/repurposed items.

Charlene Watson has a couple of things that I need to post as well...I enjoy her writings immensely, I hope you do too.

The hunters are definitely out and about.  Leon Hart's hunting lodges are seeing quite a few guests.  Just a note...please remember that the Griffeth properties east of town around Cramb's Corner are NO HUNTING areas.  Deer season starts on November 30th.  The game warden has been out in the area.

If you have any news you want to share, email it to me at tazirk@aol.com and put Barnard Banter in the subject line.  I also will post items, cars, and property for sale.  There is no charge for me to post it.  There is never a charge to read.

Happy Thanksgiving and Best Wishes to All.  Thank you for reading.

Cathy Brockway is Serving Breakfast November 12

Cathy Brockway, who will be re-opening the cafe, will be serving breakfast at the Barnard community building from 5 am to 10 am.

Menu:
Biscuits and gravy
Breakfast casserole
Pancakes
Eggs
Coffee
Juice

$6 adults
$3 children

A Bit of Information About the Barnard Banter

The Barnard Banter is an online blog/newspaper that was intended to take over where the Barnard Bee left off.  The Banter is not a money-making entity but a service for the community and those that want to read about the Barnard community.

In addition to the news items, commentaries, and writing presented...we are willing to post things that our readers would like to post.  If you have something to give away or sell...or you have an event that you want people to know about...send us an email with Barnard Banter in the subject line.  There is no cost...it is free.  You can email me at tazirk@aol.com.

Thank you for reading the Barnard Banter.  The Barnard Banter is now read in 10 countries around the world.

Travis Zirkle
Editor

Barnard Water Tower Receives National Attention

On Saturday, November 5, 2011, a packet of information about the Barnard water tower was presented to the Kansas Preservation Alliance.  The KPA is a non-profit corporation that helps organizations across the state with historical preservation projects.  At this board meeting there were representatives from the Kansas State Historical Society and federal historical agencies.  Those in attendance were excited to have this come their way.  It was said that not only is it a Kansas landmark, but it is also of great significance nationwide.

More to come...