By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Every little service counts in small communities. The city of Claflin has voted to keep one of those services going. At the Aug. 8 city council meeting, the body decided not to sell the 55+ car that provides rides to residents age 55 and older.
"I think it's really helpful," said Claflin Superintendent Richard Hayes. "I think it gives people a chance to go do the things they need to do but maybe aren't able to do by themselves."
Hayes said several residents used the service prior to COVID-19, but the car had not been used since the pandemic began. Instead of selling the car, the council agreed it would like to continue offering the service for $0.50 a mile. Council members Robert Gunder and Dorian Hickel agreed to be volunteer drivers.
The city also received a grant in the amount of $15,720.75 for the purchase of a new recycle trailer. The city will need to pay 25 percent of the costs. Mayor Michael Urban and council members Gunder and Casey Hubbard plan to attend a work session with Barton County Commissioners to see if money is available to help with the city's portion of the cost.