While COVID-19 produced a lot of negative impacts, local officials also say the adversity it brought about highlighted a lot of what makes Great Bend and other rural communities great places to live. “People were craving connection and they weren’t getting that in (cities),” said Great Bend Economic Development Inc. President Sara Hayden. “(In the cities) you don’t have time to really meet your neighbor or get to know your city government personally, and I think that’s where we really excel. You can go downtown on a Friday night, and you’re going to find 10 people that you know, and catch up with them.” It is that personal touch that Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francs also highlights when speaking about the city and its residents.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
