Barry McManaman was introduced to the Barton County Commission Monday morning as the new Barton County engineer. It was also his first day on the job.

McManaman, who had served as the Great Bend area engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation, had worked for 29 years in Great Bend. He had been with KDOT for 31 years.

He is replacing Clark Rusco who is retiring at the end of this year. McManaman is working with Rusco now on the transition.

He said it will take some adjustment going from the state to the county, but he will be ready. “I am looking forward to this opportunity.”

Rusco said McManaman already has several strong contacts at the state level that will come in handy as he works for Barton County.