Moran to Recognize the Community of Barnes Friday

Presents Residents with "Building Better Communities" Award

BARNES - Congressman Jerry Moran today announced he will recognize the citizens of Barnes for ongoing efforts to sustain and revitalize their community with his "Building Better Communities" award. Despite its small size - 144 people - Barnes is bustling with activity.

The Barnes Community Development Corporation was formed more than 20 years ago to help sponsor important community services and events. In addition, the Corporation operates and supports local entities like the Hometown Cafe, which has been open for more than 10 years, and the Barnes Gym, which hosts Bingo every week and is utilized for wedding receptions, programs, plays and other community events. The city council has rehabilitated eight homes and demolished five old structures in the last few years and community members, the local Lions Club and a local Master Gardener all pitched in to rehabilitate the Barnes I.O.O.F. Park. The community is protected by a strong 20-man volunteer fire department and adult mentors provide area youth opportunities to gather and grow through community service projects at The Refuge, a faith-based youth center.

"We are very fortunate and blessed to have a community that pulls together to support our businesses and projects that need volunteer or financial assistance," Deb Kruse, local bank manager, said.

The city maintains an extensive website that includes a list of 26 businesses and organizations, which includes three antique shops, three churches, two bed and breakfasts, two automobile repair shops, two building contractors and a plumber. Another local, family-owned business in Barnes is Our Daily Bread Family Bake Shoppe and Bistro. It started out of a two car garage in 2002 and has since moved into a historic century old downtown building where homemade meals are served to visitors from near and far.

"The individuals that have started businesses in Barnes have invested their money and talents to keep our community alive," city treasurer Gloria Moore said. "We could live anywhere in the world but choose to live in a small community, because we're sold on rural Kansas."

"The residents of Barnes have continuously worked together to ensure the community will survive and prosper into the future," Moran said. "Their willingness to seek out opportunities to improve their quality of life is a shining example for rural communities in Kansas and across the nation."

The recognition ceremony for the citizens of Barnes will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14, at Our Daily Bread Bake Shoppe and Bistro, 23 North Center, in Barnes. 

The "Building Better Communities" award was established by Moran to showcase positive community action in Kansas. Beyond providing recognition, this program provides examples of how creative thinking and teamwork make a positive difference in rural America.

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