The Downtown Larned Podcast

06/28/2023

Episode 30: Talk'n about Bin Shop'n

This week we sit down with Sarah MacMahon to discuss her downtown boutique, Bin Shop'n boutique & Gifts. After graduating from Larned High School in 2020, Sarah decided to add to her family's business by opening a shop right here in downtown Larned. Best part of the store?... Everything is $3.99!!

Quote of the episode: “It’s the Era of Business and Fellowship” - Sarah

Bin Shop’n boutique & gifts - Larned

https://thedowntownlarnedpodcast.podbean.com/

06/21/2023

Episode 29: Downtown Living with Charles Spina

In 1996, the Spina's purchased a downtown building for their photography studio. Fast forward 27 years, and they now call that building home. This week, we sit down with Charles Spina to find out what it is like to live in downtown Larned. Tune in to hear more about the renovation process, and Charles’ 10 year city council experience.

https://thedowntownlarnedpodcast.podbean.com/

05/31/2023

NEW EPISODE

Episode 26: Million Dollar Questions

On April 25, 2023, downtown Larned was awarded a $750,000 grant on behalf of the Kansas Department of Commerce. With a minimum match of $250,000 from the city, our downtown has the opportunity to realize a million dollar improvement by 2025. Tune in to learn more about the grant award and what it means for the (near) future of downtown.

What would you like to leave behind for future generations? Make your mark by completing the survey in the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/larneddowntown?fbclid=IwAR2FvXc1FHjQ0uoO0mOte8r4szQr8tC4mJ2AASptW0SkjuZMQV61eH4K4q4

https://thedowntownlarnedpodcast.podbean.com/

Just 10 questions to help shape the revitalization of downtown. Your feedback matters.

05/29/2023

How should the $1,000,000 be spent? To have your opinion heard, PLEASE complete the 10 question survey in the link below. What will we choose to leave behind for future generations? Make your mark today!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/larneddowntown?fbclid=IwAR2FvXc1FHjQ0uoO0mOte8r4szQr8tC4mJ2AASptW0SkjuZMQV61eH4K4q4

05/04/2023

Downtown Larned catching headlines tonight on KWCH 12 News. Big improvements in progress. Tune in between 5 and 6 pm to learn more! City of Larned

05/02/2023

E25: 4th Grade Perspectives

This week we had the pleasure of hosting Mrs. Erway’s 4th grade students on the podcast. How does a 4th grader view Downtown? Are they proud of where they are from? Are our students excited to move back to Larned? These kids gladly provide their unfiltered opinions for the community to hear. If we are shooting for a brighter future, it would only make sense to aim from our youth’s point of view. Alysa Erway

https://thedowntownlarnedpodcast.podbean.com/

04/26/2023

"The Back Door" Project with Carlton Bert & Heather Helvie

Since we deprived you of an episode last week, we have decided to release one of our favorite recordings to date. Tune in this week to hear both Carlton Burt and Heather Helvie discuss the biggest project in town - the tri-level restoration of 414 Broadway. It is a project that is bursting with character as several balconies already beginning to take shape. With such a big project coming together, we take time to discuss the original intention behind the space, and what the future could look like at “The Back Door.” We have no doubt that you will be encouraged by Carlton and Heather’s optimism for our up and coming downtown. – Enjoy!

The Downtown Larned Podcast aims to cultivate vision for the future of Downtown Larned, Kansas. Challenged with both deteriorating buildings and population, this community is set for change. However, without intention, downtown will undoubtedly see change ...

04/12/2023

E23: Office Products Incorporated - Decades on Broadway

Every downtown has its staple businesses, and Larned Office Products, Inc. is just that for downtown Larned. No matter the economic outlook, you can always count on Office Products Incorporated (OPI) to service your office supplies needs. This week, we interview Duane Fogo, a 24 yr employee of OPI to get his insight into our downtown and OPI’s history. From underground car dealerships, to multiple loft apartments, OPI’s location is one of the most historically diverse buildings in all of downtown. Tune in to learn more about one of the longest operating businesses on broadway today.

https://thedowntownlarnedpodcast.podbean.com/

Photo Credit: Santa Fe Trail Center Museum

04/05/2023

Meyer Deli: Downtown Success

From 2005 – 2015, Donna May Meyer owned and operated one of Larned’s most successful restaurants, Meyer Deli at 902 Broadway. On this episode, we discuss what it takes to run a successful restaurant in Downtown Larned. Donna shares her experience as a business owner, and offers advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

https://thedowntownlarnedpodcast.podbean.com/

03/29/2023

Episode 21: Megan Barfield CEO of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce

After graduating from Larned High, Megan found her calling as CEO of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. In the last two years, Great Bend has accelerated their efforts towards the improvement of their downtown. With various organizations and governments working together, downtown Great Bend is seeing incredible success. Murals, facade programs, and downtown events have quickly changed their downtown’s culture. Why would an average person from Great Bend take a weekend trip over to Larned? Tune in to find out!

https://thedowntownlarnedpodcast.podbean.com/

Photo(s) Credit: Great Bend Alive

03/22/2023

New Episode!!

E20: The History of 413, 415, 417, 419, 421 and 423 Broadway

This week, we bring back Seth with the Santa Fe Trail Center Museum to uncover the histories of 6 downtown buildings. From bank robberies, to the “first” uber eats concept, these buildings have seen it all. Tune in to learn more about the current city hall location, and its original water wells.

Current day buildings: Thrift Store, City Hall, Police Station, Vacant Antique Store, and Koch's Kustoms .

https://thedowntownlarnedpodcast.podbean.com/

Photo Credit: Santa Fe Trail Center Museum & Research Library