By DALE HOGG
Barton County Media Consultant
Barton County commissioners were out on tour Tuesday afternoon as they launched their much-anticipated new Travel 389 initiative by visiting businesses and other sites in Hoisington.
The program, which aims to engage directly with residents and businesses across the county's 389 miles of roadways started in Hoisington with stops at Superior Essex Communications, Town and Country Supermarket, Brick and Bloom and Cates Auto Parts.
“We’re taking this show on the road. It’s pretty exciting,” said Commission Chairperson Tricia Schlessiger, District 4. “We hope to get some really good ideas.”
During the first stop at Essex, Commissioner Duane Reif, District 1, said they want a variety of input from county residents, “No business is too big or too small.”
Reif, who lives in Hoisington and helped arrange the visits, praised Essex and the community as a whole.
“We have good businesses, good schools, a good grocery store, a good hospital and a good recreation center,” he said. “We have a lot to offer.”
In addition, commissioners met with the City of Hoisington and concluded their day with a view of a county-owned property in South Hoisington at Pacific and Vine.
Schlessiger explained Travel 389 is about “connecting with the people who are the backbone of this county — the farmers, the small business owners, the entrepreneurs, and the manufacturers.” She noted that the commission had planned visits with a wide array of enterprises, including ag-related businesses, family-owned ventures, and those creating a stake for future generations.
She emphasized the program was designed to be a "two-way conversation," allowing the commission to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing residents and businesses outside of their regular meetings.”
The initiative is planned to continue throughout the fall, with the commission scheduled to visit Hoisington and Claflin on Tuesday, Sept. 16, with stops at: Squeegy’s Bar and Grill, the site of a planned USD 112 Central Plains School District daycare facility, Central Plains Co-op, Millers of Claflin, Cheyenne Bottoms Armory/Quilting by Vickie, Bailey’s Food Bin and Front Street Merchants, all in Claflin; and Ehler Cheverolet in Hoisington.
The next stop will be Ellinwood on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Residents interested in being included in the tour can contact the Administration Office at 1400 Main Street, Suite 108, Great Bend, by calling 620-793-1800, or by contacting their commissioner.
About Barton County
Located in Central Kansas, Barton County lives by its motto of investing in growth. Supporting a variety of initiatives, the Barton County Commission invites residents to be part of broader conversations and to work in a joint effort for a robust economy, improved quality of life and collaboration that positions Barton County for the future. Check it out at 1400 Main Street, Suite 108, Great Bend, KS 67530, 620-793-1800, www.bartoncounty.org.