By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Over the last two years, the Barton County Commission has allocated hundreds of thousands of dollars to businesses to beautify area downtowns through the Facade Improvement Program. Wednesday morning, the commission joined forces with the city of Great Bend and the K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners to upgrade landscaping to the west side of the Barton County Courthouse. Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson led the charge to allocate a $5,000 match with the city of Great Bend to get the project started.
"I think one of the commissioners - I don't remember which one of us - said it would be kind of silly of us to do all the Facade Improvement Program we've implemented in the city of Great Bend but also in the other cities, and not take care of our own courthouse square," Hutchinson said. "I'm more than 100 percent in favor of moving forward with this."
The commission held a joint meeting with the Great Bend City Council last Thursday. Councilmember Jolene Biggs attended Wednesday's commission meeting to explain that water work and landscaping near the Jack Kilby statue could begin while the courthouse HVAC renovation is being completed. Biggs and Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger agreed maintenance would be key to the longevity of the beautification project. The Master Gardners will help with upkeep, and Jan Keeley with the group also explained an educational aspect of the project.
"We will also have identification of every plant of different kind that you can scan, find out the name of it, and how to care for it," she said.
Kyle's Lawn & Tree Care LLC will provide the plants and installation. The upgrade will include trees, bushes, and flowers anchored by the Jack Kilby statue.