Goodland, Kansas

Goodland, Kansas
City and County seat
Downtown Goodland (2012)
Nickname:  The Golden Buckle on the Wheat Belt
Location within Sherman County and Kansas
KDOT map of Sherman County (legend)
Coordinates: 39°20′56″N101°42′51″W / 39.34889°N 101.71417°W / 39.34889; -101.71417 [1]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Sherman
Founded	1887
Incorporated	1887
Named for	Goodland, Indiana
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
•  City commission	List Aaron Thompson JJ Howard Jason Showalter Brook Redlin Ann Myers [2]
•  City Manager	Kent Brown [3]
Area [4]
• Total	4.51 sq mi (11.67 km2)
• Land	4.50 sq mi (11.66 km2)
• Water	0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation [1]	3,691 ft (1,125 m)
Population  (2020) [5]
• Total	4,465
• Density	990/sq mi (380/km2)
Time zone	UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-6 (MDT)
ZIP code	67735
Area code	785
FIPS code	20-26875
GNIS ID	485583 [1]
Website	goodlandks.gov

Goodland is a city in and the county seat of Sherman County, Kansas, United States. ^[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 4,465. ^[5] It was named after Goodland, Indiana. ^[6] Goodland is home to Northwest Kansas Technical College.

History

One of the earliest pieces of recorded history relating to Goodland concerns the Kidder Massacre. On July 2, 1867, a detachment of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (United States) was massacred; second lieutenant Lyman S. Kidder in command of the party, a sergeant, a corporal, eight privates and an Indian guide lost their lives. They were carrying dispatches for Lieutenant Colonel George Custer. Later, Custer found evidence of a running battle along Beaver Creek, which led to a ravine where the remains were found. They had been killed by Cheyenne and/or Sioux Indians. ^[7]

In 1886, there were four communities vying to become county seat for Sherman County: Itasca, Voltaire, Sherman Center and Eustis. A man named Clark showed up in the county in 1887 proposing to create a new town to settle the dispute. The new town was to be named Goodland. A vote for the county seat was held among the county population and Goodland won with 872 of the 1495 votes cast while with Eustis received 611 and Voltaire received 12. Citizens of Eustis declared that the votes were unfair but the state department said that nothing could be done as all the voting was complete. The Supreme Court of Kansas considered various proceedings but did not change the outcome of the vote. Eustis refused to yield the county records it held until January 13, 1888, when an armed group from Goodland seized the records and sent them to the new county seat. ^[8]

Goodland sprang up around the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad that had been built through it. ^[9] The town was named after Goodland, Indiana. ^[10]

Geography

Goodland lies on the south side of the Middle Fork of Sappa Creek, part of the Republican River watershed, in the High Plains region of the Great Plains. Located at the intersection of Interstate 70 and K-27 in northwestern Kansas, Goodland is roughly 17 miles (27 km) east of the Colorado state line, 176 miles east-southeast of Denver, 265 miles (426 km) northwest of Wichita, and 383 miles (616 km) west of Kansas City. ^[11]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.37 square miles (11.32 km²), of which 4.36 square miles (11.29 km²) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) is water. ^[12]

Climate

Goodland's climate is officially classed as humid continental (Koppen Dfa); although it only just misses a semi-arid (BSk) classification and is also close to a wet-summer continental climate (Dwa). Winters are generally cold and dry, summers hot and moderately wet. The average temperature for the year is 51 °F or 10.6 °C with temperatures exceeding 90 °F or 32.2 °C an average of fifty afternoons a year and dropping below 32 °F or 0 °C an average of 159 mornings a year. Due to its higher elevation, Goodland experiences stronger wind and higher snowfall totals than other locations in Kansas. Wind speed averages 13 mph (21 km/h). ^[13] On average, Goodland receives 19.75 inches or 502 millimetres of precipitation annually, and snowfall averages 41.9 inches or 1.06 metres per year. ^[14] On average, January is the coolest month, and July is both the warmest month and the wettest month. The hottest temperature recorded in Goodland was 111 °F or 43.9 °C in 1940; the coldest temperature recorded was −27 °F or −32.8 °C in 1989. ^[15]

Climate data for Goodland, Kansas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1895–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	79 (26)	87 (31)	90 (32)	96 (36)	104 (40)	110 (43)	111 (44)	108 (42)	105 (41)	96 (36)	87 (31)	83 (28)	111 (44)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	67.0 (19.4)	70.4 (21.3)	80.1 (26.7)	86.6 (30.3)	92.9 (33.8)	99.7 (37.6)	101.6 (38.7)	99.1 (37.3)	95.6 (35.3)	88.6 (31.4)	76.6 (24.8)	66.8 (19.3)	102.8 (39.3)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	43.4 (6.3)	45.8 (7.7)	56.3 (13.5)	64.0 (17.8)	73.6 (23.1)	85.2 (29.6)	90.4 (32.4)	87.5 (30.8)	80.1 (26.7)	66.6 (19.2)	53.7 (12.1)	43.8 (6.6)	65.9 (18.8)
Daily mean °F (°C)	30.2 (−1.0)	32.3 (0.2)	41.4 (5.2)	49.3 (9.6)	59.6 (15.3)	70.7 (21.5)	76.1 (24.5)	73.6 (23.1)	65.3 (18.5)	51.8 (11.0)	39.6 (4.2)	30.8 (−0.7)	51.7 (10.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	16.9 (−8.4)	18.9 (−7.3)	26.5 (−3.1)	34.6 (1.4)	45.5 (7.5)	56.2 (13.4)	61.7 (16.5)	59.8 (15.4)	50.6 (10.3)	37.1 (2.8)	25.5 (−3.6)	17.8 (−7.9)	37.6 (3.1)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	−2.7 (−19.3)	0.3 (−17.6)	8.5 (−13.1)	20.8 (−6.2)	30.9 (−0.6)	44.4 (6.9)	52.8 (11.6)	50.4 (10.2)	36.3 (2.4)	20.2 (−6.6)	8.8 (−12.9)	−0.9 (−18.3)	−8.4 (−22.4)
Record low °F (°C)	−26 (−32)	−24 (−31)	−20 (−29)	0 (−18)	21 (−6)	31 (−1)	40 (4)	38 (3)	19 (−7)	0 (−18)	−12 (−24)	−27 (−33)	−27 (−33)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.32 (8.1)	0.47 (12)	0.88 (22)	1.69 (43)	2.81 (71)	2.96 (75)	3.08 (78)	3.06 (78)	1.40 (36)	1.41 (36)	0.54 (14)	0.47 (12)	19.09 (485)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	4.7 (12)	6.3 (16)	4.8 (12)	3.2 (8.1)	0.3 (0.76)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.2 (0.51)	2.0 (5.1)	3.3 (8.4)	5.2 (13)	30.0 (76)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	4.1	4.9	5.6	8.2	10.4	9.4	9.8	9.2	5.5	5.6	4.1	4.0	80.8
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	3.7	4.0	2.8	2.0	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.9	2.5	3.3	19.4
Source: NOAA [14] [16]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1890	1,027		—
1900	1,059		3.1%
1910	1,993		88.2%
1920	2,664		33.7%
1930	3,626		36.1%
1940	3,306		−8.8%
1950	4,690		41.9%
1960	4,459		−4.9%
1970	5,510		23.6%
1980	5,708		3.6%
1990	4,983		−12.7%
2000	4,948		−0.7%
2010	4,489		−9.3%
2020	4,465		−0.5%
U.S. Decennial Census

Ennis-Handy house at 202 W. 13th St (2012)

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 4,465 people, 1,891 households, and 1,103 families in Goodland. ^{[17] [18]} The population density was 992.2 per square mile (383.1/km²). There were 2,228 housing units at an average density of 495.1 per square mile (191.2/km²). ^{[18] [19]} The racial makeup was 82.82% (3,698) white or European American (78.59% non-Hispanic white), 2.17% (97) black or African-American, 0.34% (15) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.36% (16) Asian, 0.02% (1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 6.54% (292) from other races, and 7.75% (346) from two or more races. ^[20] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 14.94% (667) of the population. ^[21]

Of the 1,891 households, 28.7% had children under the age of 18; 43.6% were married couples living together; 28.6% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 36.5% of households consisted of individuals and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[18] The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 2.6. ^[22] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 12.8% of the population. ^[23]

24.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 11.0% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.0 males. ^[18] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 102.5 males. ^[18]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $56,024 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,811) and the median family income was $64,009 (+/- $5,089). ^[24] Males had a median income of $37,708 (+/- $13,152) versus $23,750 (+/- $10,551) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $29,477 (+/- $3,863). ^[25] Approximately, 4.8% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.4% of those under the age of 18 and 3.3% of those ages 65 or over. ^{[26] [27]}

2010 census

As of the census ^[28] of 2010, there were 4,489 people, 1,985 households, and 1,161 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,029.6 inhabitants per square mile (397.5/km²). There were 2,395 housing units at an average density of 549.3 per square mile (212.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.0% White, 0.7% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.3% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.0% of the population.

There were 1,985 households, of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the city was 40 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.2% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 19% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,948 people, 2,085 households, and 1,259 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,127.1 inhabitants per square mile (435.2/km²). There were 2,410 housing units at an average density of 549.0 per square mile (212.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.35% White, 0.42% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 4.53% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.03% of the population.

There were 2,085 households, out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.6% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 13.9% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.6 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $31,356, and the median income for a family was $38,309. Males had a median income of $28,589 versus $20,798 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,105. About 9.7% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Post Office in Goodland (2012)

Goodland utilizes a council-manager style of government. Five commissioners are elected at large. A mayor is elected from among the commission to serve ceremonial purposes and chair the commission meetings. The commission is responsible for appointing a city manager, who handles the day-to-day operations of the city. ^[2]

Goodland has a full-time police department that provides 24/7 law enforcement coverage within the city limits.

The city also boasts its own power plant, which ensures that citizens can access electricity even if outside power sources become unavailable.

The National Weather Service maintains a full-featured Weather Forecast Office in Goodland with doppler radar and a 19 County Warning Area (CWA) including three counties in eastern Colorado, three counties in southwest Nebraska and 13 counties in northwest Kansas. Aviation forecasts are created for two sites: Goodland, Kansas, and McCook, Nebraska. The office also has a fire weather and hydrologic program. The surface observation program is limited to the supplemental climatological observations. The office supports approximately 75 observers in the cooperative observer program. The office employs 22 people.

Education

Former Goodland Carnegie Library, now Carnegie Arts Center (2012)

Primary and secondary education

The community is served by Goodland USD 352 public school district, which operates three public schools in the city: ^[29]

• West Elementary School (Grades from pre-kindergarten to 2)
• North School (3–6)
• Goodland Junior Senior High School (7–12)

Colleges and universities

• Northwest Kansas Technical College

Media

The Goodland Star-News is the city's sole newspaper, published twice weekly. ^[30] Four radio stations are licensed to and/or broadcast from Goodland. KLOE broadcasts a full service News/Talk format on 730 AM. ^{[31] [32]} KKCI plays a Classic Rock format, broadcasting on 102.5 FM. ^{[33] [34]} KWGB, which is licensed to Colby, Kansas, broadcasts from Goodland on 97.9 FM, playing a Country format. ^{[33] [35]} Licensed to Goodland, KGCR broadcasts on 107.7 FM from near Brewster, Kansas, playing a Christian Contemporary format. ^{[33] [36]}

Goodland is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market. ^[37] CBS affiliate KBSL-DT, a satellite station of KWCH-DT in Wichita, is licensed to Goodland and broadcasts on digital channel 10. ^{[38] [39]}

Due to Goodland and the rest of Sherman County observing Mountain time, prime-time television programming airs from 6 to 9 p.m., instead of 7 to 10 as is normal in the Central time zone.

Culture

Attractions

Oversized reproduction of van Gogh's Sunflowers (2014)

An 80-foot high reproduction of Vincent van Gogh's painting 3 Sunflowers in a Vase was erected in 2001 by artist Cameron Cross. After the installation suffered damage from exposure to the weather, Cross returned in 2012 to repaint the piece using a brighter palette. ^{[40] [41]}

The High Plains Museum includes a replica of the "gyrocopter", a commercially unsuccessful powered helicopter built in Goodland. After the company formed to build the machine disbanded, it was awarded a patent in 1912, believed to be the first United States patent for a rotary-winged aircraft. ^[42]

In popular culture

• In L.E. Howel's novel, Planetfall, Goodland is the hometown of astronaut Karla Dawson and is a featured location in the story. ^[43]
• In T.D. Shields' novels, "Into Shadow" and "Into Light," Goodland is the site of the new national capital after Washington D.C. (among many other cities) is destroyed by war and climate change. ^[44]
• "Goodland" (2014) directed by Josh Doke is set in a fictional rendering of the town and is shot primarily in and around the City of Goodland. ^[45]

Notable people

Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Goodland include:

• Milo Baughman (1923–2003), furniture designer ^[46]
• Brook Berringer (1973–1996), football quarterback for University of Nebraska ^[47]
• John Delehant (1890–1972), U.S. federal judge ^[48]
• Harry Felt (1902–1992), U.S. Navy Admiral ^[49]
• Mike Friede (1957- ), football wide receiver ^[50]
• Dave Jones (1947– ), football wide receiver ^[51]
• Tinker Keck (1976– ), actor and former member of the New York Giants and in college he played for the University of Cincinnati
• Marla Luckert (1955– ), Kansas Supreme Court justice ^[52]
• Charles Sparks (1872–1937), U.S. Representative from Kansas ^[53]
• Deanell Tacha (1946– ), U.S. federal judge ^[54]

See also

• Kansas portal

• AN/URC-117 Ground Wave Emergency Network

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Goodland, Kansas
2. "City Commission". City of Goodland. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
3. "City Manager". City of Goodland. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
4. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
5. "Profile of Goodland, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 14, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
6. Kansas State Historical Society (1916). Biennial Report of the Board of Directors of the Kansas State Historical Society. Kansas State Printing Plant. pp.  300.
7. Johnson, Randy and Nancy P. Allen. "Find Custer! The Kidder Tragedy" Published by authors ISBN   0-9620742-1-7. December 1990. url: http://www.goodlandnet.com/history/kidder.htm Archived 2006-02-12 at the Wayback Machine
8. Parker, Tony. Sherman County Star. url: http://www.goodlandnet.com/history/countyseatfight.htm Archived 2008-09-19 at the Wayback Machine . Retrieved 29 September 2009.
9. Blackmar, Frank Wilson (1912). Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. Standard Publishing Company. pp.  764.
10. "Profile for Goodland, Kansas". ePodunk. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
11. "City Distance Tool". Geobytes. Archived from the original on October 5, 2010. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
12. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
13. "Historical Weather for Goodland, Kansas, United States of America". Weatherbase. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
14. "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
15. "Average weather for Goodland, KS". The Weather Channel . Retrieved May 22, 2010.
16. "Station: Goodland, KS". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
17. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
18. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
19. Bureau, US Census. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
20. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
21. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
22. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
23. "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
24. "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
25. "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
26. "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
27. "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
28. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 6, 2012.
29. "Goodland USD 352". Goodland USD 352. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
30. "Goodland Star News". Mondo Times. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
31. "AMQ AM Radio Database Query". Federal Communications Commission. Archived from the original on August 25, 2009. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
32. "Station Information Profile". Arbitron . Retrieved September 12, 2009.
33. "FMQ FM Radio Database Query". Federal Communications Commission. Archived from the original on August 25, 2009. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
34. "Radio Stations in Goodland, Kansas". Radio-Locator. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
35. "KWGB-FM 97.9 MHz". Radio-Locator. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
36. "Contact Us". Tri-State Praise KGCR & Classic KGCR. Archived from the original on December 2, 2011. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
37. "TV Market Maps". EchoStar Knowledge Base. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
38. "TVQ TV Database Query". Federal Communications Commission. Archived from the original on May 8, 2009. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
39. "About Us". KWCH-DT. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
40. Stern, Ron (February 12, 2018). "The Best Roadside Attractions in Kansas". The Daily Meal. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
41. "Giant sunflower painting scrapes the sky". visitgoodland.com. Sherman County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
42. "Goodland men built pioneer helicopter". Salina (Kansas) Journal. September 22, 1977. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
43. "Authors Supporting Authors". Megan Cyrulewski.
44. "T.D. Shields Author" . Retrieved June 9, 2018.
45. "Home l The Goodland Movie" . Retrieved June 9, 2018.
46. "Obituary: Milo Ray Baughman". Deseret News . July 30, 2003. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
47. Christopherson, Brian (September 27, 2007). "High school coach remembers Berringer for more than football". Lincoln Journal Star . Retrieved July 2, 2015.
48. "Delehant, John Wayne". Biographical Directory of Federal Judges . Federal Judicial Center . Retrieved July 3, 2015.
49. Moritz, Charles; Wilson Company, H.W. (1959), Current Biography Yearbook 1959, H.W. Wilson Co., ISBN   978-0-8242-0125-8
50. "Mike Friede". Just Sports Stats. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
51. "Dave Jones". Just Sports Stats. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
52. "Honorable Marla J. Luckert". Kansas Judicial Branch. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
53. "Sparks, Charles Isaac (1872–1937)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress . Retrieved July 2, 2015.
54. "Tacha, Deanell Reece". Biographical Directory of Federal Judges . Federal Judicial Center . Retrieved July 3, 2015.

Further reading

See also: List of books about Kansas, including historical information about its counties and cities

See also: List of books about Sherman County, Kansas

External links

• City of Goodland
• Goodland - Directory of Public Officials
• USD 352, local school district
• Giant van Gogh painting Part of the Big Easel Project
• Goodland city map, KDOT