The Kansas Preservation Alliance’s annual list of the state’s Most Endangered Buildings includes six specific locations and a statewide category called “Tiny Jails.” Several of these lockups can be found in the Golden Belt. Most were built in the 1880s through 1920s and were used merely as “holding tanks” in later years of operation, according to the KPA website. By the 1960s, more were retired and then forgotten about. The “bear cage” jail cell that is alleged to have belonged to the City of Claflin is now located at the Barton County Historical Society Village and Museum. It provides a fun photo op for kids who visit the museum.
Source: Great Bend Tribune

The question Gary Demel has heard most for the past month is, “What are you going to do when you retire?” Demel’s last day as Superintendent of the Barton County Road and Bridge Department was Dec. 1. He’d worked for the county for 51 years, with some time off to serve in the U.S. Army. “I’ve been busier than ever since I retired,” he said. His wife Renee’s father passed away and they’ve been taking care of selling his property in Trousdale, and Gary also takes Renee’s grandchildren to and from school. Then there’s the Demels’ rural property in the Walnut Creek area. They live in Great Bend but have two houses that he’s fixed up. “That’s our retirement home out there,” he said. “I built a garage out there where I can do a lot of work.
Source: Great Bend Tribune