Barnesville People Are Doing What Now?
Barnesville was abuzz this past week following a report reposed on several local Facebook Pages that claims Barnesville is being hollowed out following the oil/gas fracking boom.
Titled “Five Ohio Towns People are Fleeing as Soon as Possible,” the local subtitle is “Barnesville: When the Fracking Boom Fizzles Out.” Other communities profiled are Middletown (Steel), East Liverpool (Ceramics), Youngstown (Steel, etc.) and Fairborn (Wright Patterson AF Base).
The source of the post, The Ponca Post, a blog that perhaps, perhaps not, is headquartered in Ponca, Oklahoma. Under Local News, the site does not focus on Oklahoma, but local news nationwide.
Interestingly, the post also includes similar posts for other states, five towns in decline. Those who frequent news feeds often see similar-style notifications for the favorite cities/states for retirement, for vacations, etc.
The Barnesville section includes two quotes that simply do not make sense.
“In this blog, we’ll delve into five Ohio towns experiencing significant population decline and explore the reasons behind this mass migration. We’ll hear from residents, business owners, and local officials to understand the complex challenges these communities face.”
The post states: While the fracking industry may have waned, Barnesville is exploring ways to capitalize on its natural beauty. Efforts are underway to develop hiking and biking trails, attracting eco-tourists and promoting a more sustainable future.
Barnesville, a small town that boomed during the fracking (hydraulic fracturing) revolution, now faces a different kind of exodus. With the decline of fracking activity, jobs have disappeared, and environmental concerns regarding water contamination are on the rise.
The money was good while it lasted, but now everyone’s worried about the long-term effects on our health and environment. I don’t know what the future holds for Barnesville.
David Johnson, resident of Barnesville
We can’t rely on fracking forever. We need to find ways to leverage our natural resources responsibly. Tourism could be a new chapter for Barnesville.
Jane Smith, owner of a local outdoor gear shop
In subsequent discussions online, individuals do know of a local David Johnson but the second quote by a local business owner , Jane Smith is totally suspect.
A check of the website provides ample opportunities to click on sponsored content/advertising.
While it is generally known new well activity in the area has slowed in recent years, Barnesville is no more unique than other towns of similar size in eastern Ohio.
