By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Barton County is extending the Façade Improvement Grant program deadline to June 30. The program provides financial assistance to businesses and property owners for exterior improvements to create a visual impact and increase economic prosperity, accessibility and quality of life.
Barton County Administrator Matt Patzner said the deadline extension applies to the bigger towns in the county, except Claflin.
"The reason Clafin is not included in the extension is because we have an adequate amount of applicants for the City of Claflin," said Patzner. "The other communities are the ones we really need to see some more."
Patzner said five applications have been received from Claflin businesses. One application has been received from Great Bend and Hoisington, while no Ellinwood businesses have applied for the financial assistance.
For 2025, Barton County has pledged $120,000 for the façade projects. Claflin, Hoisington and Ellinwood are all participating in matching requests. Barton County is allowing six projects for Great Bend. The other three cities are allotted two projects.