Efforts are continuing to create a display of historic artifacts for the rotunda of the Barton County Courthouse, including the original courthouse doors and a Colt revolver used by the county’s first sheriff.

The County Commission on Tuesday approved a letter of support for Sheriff Brian Bellendir’s attempt to purchase the Civil War-era revolver owned by Sheriff George N. Moses. 

Although Bellendir plans to raise private donations to purchase the gun, which is now owned by Moses’ great-granddaughter, a letter of support may be helpful. Administrative Assistant Diana Watson presented the request, noting Bellendir was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting.

When county employees moved out of the courthouse for renovations, Commissioner Donna Zimmerman had the idea to bring the original courthouse doors back to create a display in the lobby, Watson noted. “This (gun) would just be an incredible centerpiece to add to that.”

There are other county artifacts that could go on display, Watson added, such as a surveying tool from the county engineer’s office and official weights from the county clerk’s office. Years ago, the county clerk would load the weights into the back of a horse-drawn wagon and travel to local markets to ensure scales were accurate.

Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson recalled that Sheriff Bellendir mentioned other items when he first approached the board in February.

“I think the sheriff has quite the museum over there in the sheriff’s office that he wants to share with the public,” Hutchinson said. “Bringing it to the rotunda would allow more people to be able to see all that.”

“I’m excited about this project,” Zimmerman said. “I think it would be an amazing opportunity to showcase what we’re about.”

The Barton County Historical Society has also expressed interest in rotating items from its museum into the future display.

Supporting a grant for Hoisington

The commissioners also approved a letter of support as the City of Hoisington seeks grant funding for infrastructure enhancements on Fifteenth Street, between Clay and Susank Road. The project is expected to improve safety, increase the area’s appeal to potential homebuyers and promote community development, County Administrator Matt Patzner said.

The county provided some financial support for this project last October. Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger commented that letters of support can strengthen grant applications.

Voting districts unchanged

Commissioners also passed a resolution to keep the five voting districts unchanged, as recommended by County Clerk Bev Schmeidler. At least once every three years, the commission must review district boundaries to ensure they remain as compact and equal in population as possible.

“There are no new census numbers, so I suggest the districts remain the same,” Schmeidler said.

Zimmerman noted it is best not to change district boundaries in an election year. Commissioner Barb Esfeld said she had been asked why citizens do not vote on district maps for this or other governing bodies. Schmeidler said the rules are set by state statute.

Local recycling grant

Solid Waste Director Jennifer Hamby reported that applications are now being accepted for recycling grants. In this year’s budget, the commission allocated $15,000 for the program, with the understanding that funds would be distributed through a local application process. Eligible applicants include any county department, agency, organization, recycling center, city, school district or community college. To qualify, applications must demonstrate a positive economic and environmental impact, align with the Barton County Solid Waste Management Plan, and increase recycling within the county.

The commission directed Hamby to coordinate the application process.

Other business

The Barton County commissioners and County Administrator Matt Patzner wore Hawaiian shirts to Tuesday’s meeting. Commission Chairman Duane Reif commented, “It’s the first week in Spring and it’s the first meeting in Spring, so we thought we’d celebrate.”

In other business, the commissioners:

• Learned more about a state grant that will pay for digital maps of K-12 schools in Barton County; 

• Ratified a $17,160 payment to CIS Security for CrowdStrike Endpoint Protection software for 260 county computers; and

• Approved a $15,272 payment to replace a failed water source heat pump in the courthouse.