Barton County, Kansas is located in the Central Region of the state and is bordered by Pawnee County to the north; Rush County to the east; Stafford County to the south; and Edwards, Pratt, and Ness Counties to the west. According to gradphysics, the county seat of Barton County is Great Bend, which is also its largest city. Great Bend is located in central Barton County at the intersection of U.S. Highways 56 and 281.
Barton County has a total area of 1,090 square miles with 1,087 square miles being land and 3 square miles being water. The county’s terrain consists of mostly flat land with some rolling hills in its northwest corner. The Arkansas River runs along its western border and provides plenty of recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, and more.
The climate in Barton County generally consists of hot summers and cold winters with moderate precipitation throughout the year. Average temperatures range from around 25 degrees Fahrenheit in January to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit in July with an average yearly temperature of around 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Average annual precipitation is about 24 inches with most occurring during late spring and early summer months while snowfall averages around 15 inches per year typically occurring between November and March months.
Agriculture plays a major role in Barton County’s economy as it has long been known for its production of wheat, corn, sorghum (milo), millet, soybeans as well as hay for livestock feed. Livestock production also plays an important role in this region’s economy with cattle making up a large portion followed by hogs, sheep/goats, poultry/eggs as well as dairy products all playing a part too.
In addition to agriculture related industries other economic activities include manufacturing which includes food processing facilities such as flour mills; petroleum refining operations; machine shops; construction companies; automobile dealerships; retail stores including grocery stores; restaurants/bars/cafes/coffee shops; banks/financial institutions/investment firms; insurance companies; real estate offices; healthcare facilities such as hospitals & doctors offices among many other businesses that help make up this vibrant community.
Great Bend serves as both the county seat & largest city within Barton County Kansas offering residents & visitors alike plenty of attractions from shopping centers like Walmart Supercenter & Dillons Marketplace to cultural sites such as Wetlands Education Center & Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area or entertainment venues like Great Bend Municipal Zoo & Brit Spaugh Park just to name a few. Great Bend offers something for everyone regardless if you’re looking for outdoor recreation or just want to explore some local history.
School districts in Barton County, Kansas
Barton County, Kansas is home to a number of excellent school districts that provide quality education to its students. The largest school district in the county is the Great Bend USD 428, which serves an area of over 1,000 square miles and includes the cities of Great Bend, Ellinwood, Claflin, and Hoisington. The district has thirteen schools including seven elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools and an alternative high school. All of the schools in the district are fully accredited by various accrediting agencies and offer a wide range of educational programs for students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
The Ellinwood USD 355 is another excellent school district located within Barton County that serves over 2,000 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This district consists of six schools including four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Each of these schools offers a variety of programs for its students including advanced placement classes as well as various extracurricular activities such as band and athletics.
The Hoisington USD 431 is yet another great school district located in Barton County that serves nearly 1,500 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This district has five schools including three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The curriculum offered at each of these five schools include various core courses such as math and science as well as electives such as foreign language classes and music classes for those who wish to pursue a career in music or performing arts.
The Otis-Bison USD 403 is yet another great school district located within Barton County that serves over 500 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This small but mighty district consists of two campuses which include one elementary/middle/high campus which provides an integrated approach to education with all grades being taught under one roof; and one K-5 campus which focuses on providing a more traditional educational experience for younger children while still providing them with all the necessary tools they need to succeed academically. Both campuses offer a wide range of courses ranging from core subjects like math and science to electives such as art or physical education classes so that every student can find something they are passionate about studying.
Overall, each of the four districts mentioned above provide quality education to their students with rigorous curriculums designed to prepare them for success after graduation no matter what their future aspirations may be. Whether you’re looking for an integrated approach to learning or more traditional educational experiences; Barton County’s four great districts have something for everyone.
Major schools in Barton County, Kansas
Barton County, Kansas is home to some of the best schools in the state. The largest school district in the county is Great Bend USD 428, which serves over 3,600 students and employs over 400 full-time staff members. It is comprised of seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and an alternative high school. The district also offers a variety of educational programs including special education services, college preparatory classes and career and technical education classes.
The other major school district in Barton County is Ellinwood USD 355 which serves 1,500 students with four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. This district offers a variety of academic programs including physical education classes, music courses and foreign language instruction as well as college preparatory classes. Additionally, Ellinwood USD 355 has implemented innovative programs such as its Transition Academy which provides additional support services to students with disabilities transitioning into postsecondary life.
The third major school district in Barton County is Hoisington USD 431 which serves about 1,000 students in three elementary schools and one high school. This district emphasizes college preparation with advanced placement courses offered at all grade levels as well as technology training for both students and faculty members. Additionally, Hoisington USD 431 supports its local community by offering extracurricular activities such as sports teams and clubs for students to participate in outside of the classroom.
Notable people of Barton County, Kansas
According to cheeroutdoor, Barton County, Kansas has a rich history of notable individuals who have made an impact on the local community. One of the most well-known residents is former Kansas Governor John W. Carlin, who was born in Ellinwood in 1934 and attended schools in Barton County. He served two terms as governor from 1979 to 1987 and was known for his commitment to education reform and environmental protection.
Another prominent figure in Barton County is former U.S. Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker, who was born in Topeka but grew up on a farm near Hoisington. She served three terms as U.S. Senator from 1978 to 1997 and was an advocate for health care reform and women’s rights.
In addition, Barton County is home to many successful athletes including NFL running back Darren Sproles who attended Olsburg High School before going on to play professional football for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles; NBA player Bill Bridges who graduated from Great Bend High School; and Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills who was raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Great Bend before going on to become an international track star with his iconic 10k victory at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Finally, Barton County is also home to several prominent authors including Richard Rhodes whose books have won numerous awards including Pulitzer Prizes; poet William Stafford whose works are widely read across the country; and novelist Laura Ingalls Wilder whose autobiographical stories about growing up on the American frontier are beloved by many readers around the world.