n 1971, the average price of a home was $25,200, an average car cost $3,500 and gas was 40 cents per gallon. Also in 1971 50 years ago, Gary Demel started working for the Barton County Road and Bridge Department. That landmark was recognized by the County Commission Tuesday morning. “I was 2 years old,” said County Works Director Darren Williams, who is now Demel’s supervisor. “That kind of puts it into perspective.” “I’m still here because it’s fun to come to work,” Demel said. But, “I’m looking forward to a good retirement.”
Source: Great Bend Tribune

The face of manufacturing may change, but it is not going away. That is the message Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President Megan Barfield had for the Barton County Commission Tuesday morning. It was also the point of joint Barton County/City of Great Bend proclamation approved by commissioners making Friday as Manufacturing Day. Each year, Manufacturing Day is held on the first Friday in October in order to provide students, parents and the public with information on modern manufacturing. Events continue throughout the month, showing the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers and community leaders, Barfield said.
Source: Great Bend Tribune