Noting the value longevity of service brings to Barton County, the County Commission Monday morning recognized county employees for five, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 years of continuous service. In all, those honored have racked up 240 years working for the county.
Commissioners greeted the staff members after Ryan Lichter of the Employee Relations Committee presented the award certificates to the recipients present. All were honored with a round of applause.
“This goes a long ways to show the quality of the people we have,” Commissioner Jim Daily said, adding that even five years is no easy feat and it speaks to the quality of the county’s department heads as well. Between the celebrated employees and their co-workers, the commission chamber was packed.
“That is a tremendous amount of dedication,” Daily said. “It is something you don’t see very often.”
“It’s such a nice group we have,” commission Chairman Kenny Schremmer said, adding the county is blessed with so much longevity among its personnel. “They do a lot of good work. We thank you very much.”
Honored were:
• Five years of service, Solid Waste Director Phil Hathcock, Kimmie Christendon (County Clerk’s Office), Tami Johns, (Treasurer’s Office), Alexander Lomas, (Sheriff’s Office), Matt Patzner (Administrator’s Office), Daniel Perez, (Facilities) Taylor Saindon (Road and Bridge) Health Director Shelly Schneider, Jonathan Strandberg (Sheriff’s Office), Rita Sunderland (County Attorney’s Office) and Bryan Volkel (Sheriff’s Office).
• 10 years, Wes Knox (Sheriff’s Office), Commissioner Homer Kruckenberg and Karla Newport (County Attorney’s Office).
• 15 years, Travis Doze (Sheriff’s Office) and Jeanette Sanders (Health Department).
• 20 years, Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee.
• 30 years, Lloyd Lewis and Dave Smith (both Sheriff’s Office).
• 40 years, Undersheriff Bruce Green and Warren Peterson (both Sheriff’s Office).
Barton County Commission meeting at a glance
Here is a quick look at what the Barton County Commission did Monday morning:
• Recognized employees for years of service to the county.
• Presented the Service and Employee Recognition Award to Gina Werth, Barton County payroll clerk/receptionist in the Administration Office.
• Approved adding Scott Flemming of Hoisington as a special deputy coroner at the request of 20th Judicial District Coroner Dr. Stanley Hatesohl. Special deputy coroners are appointed to terms ending on Dec. 31 of each year, County Administrator Phil Hathcock said.
Special deputies do not have the necessary credentials to be a deputy coroner, but generally have a medical background. They are available to assist the district coroner in a disaster situation.
• Heard a departmental update from County Administrator Phil Hathcock. The extensive report included several 2019 year-in-reviews from county department heads.
