A local entrepreneurial couple were honored by county officials Monday for making an early pay off on a county loan.
Michael and Marilyn Chansler had borrowed $12,000 from the county’s Economic Development Loan Fund for Mikes’ Meat Market, 919 Main in Great Bend, County Administrator Richard Boeckman reported.
“On Jan. 26, 2009, the Barton County Commission approved a $12,000 loan ... for inventory, equipment and working capital. 
At that time, it was projected that the loan would be of primary benefit to low and moderate income persons and that two full-time jobs will be retained/created as a result of this loan,” according to information from the county.
Boeckman reported that when an EDRLF loan is made, it’s hoped that it will turn out well, but it is, nevertheless, a pleasant surprise when it is paid off early.
The EDRLF program has provided money for a variety of projects over the years, with money that was captured from state funded loans years ago. At that time, the county or city the participated in the project would get to keep the proceeds when they were paid back so they could be loaned out again. Both Barton County and Great Bend have been able to fund a variety of programs with the EDRLF funds.
Boeckman noted that both entities invested large EDRLF loans to bring the Red Bard operation here.
Though the loan recognized Monday was smaller, it still was important, Chansler told the commissioners. “Thanks for the loan. It helped,” he commented.
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Mike’s was a good loan and he did a great job paying it off,” Boeckman commented.
In an unrelated issue, Monday, the commissioners approved an expenditure of $4,500 through M&F Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, Great Bend, for work on the jail heating system in order to make sure there is no carbon monoxide poisoning in the facility.
Sheriff Greg Armstrong reported that two heat exchangers — one in the kitchen and one in the D-pod, which houses the maximum security prisoners — failed and had to be replaced.
He noted the equipment is no longer under warranty and that the population had to be moved around so no one was exposed to the CO risk, and that meant that the unit’s capacity was cut by 32 positions until repairs were made.
The replacement units are on order, he explained.