Almost three centuries of service to the citizens of Barton County were honored by the Barton County Commission Tuesday morning.
Commissioners recognized county staffers for a total of 285 years of service.
According to information from the county, “Barton County employees are recognized for continuous service for five, 10, 15 and 20 years.”
But on Tuesday, the honors went to even higher levels of service, too.
At the top of the list was Road and Bridge staff member Gary Demel, who was honored for 40 years of service. Demel joined the department in 1971.
With 25 years of service was Diana Watson, of the Administrator’s Office. She joined the county staff in 1986.
And Janel Rose and Bev Frizell were each honored for 20 years. They both joined the Health Department in 1991.
In addition, Anita Gordee, Char Engleman, and Mic Lang were honored for 15 years service.
With 10 years, were: Camila Komarek, Brian Bellendir, Jame Allen, Rhonda Shelton, Clark Rusco, Rod Noah, Mark Witt, Alan Baxter, Bob Conrad, and George Coulson.
And five-year employees recognized were: Elaina Clark, Maria Hernandez, Richard Allen, Aaron Conaway, Doug Parks, Kim Clark, Steve Barger.
Commissioner Jennifer Schartz commented the number of county workers who were honored is a tribute to the county and the commitment the workers have to their careers, despite who might be sitting on the commission.
“Well done, good and faithful servants,” Commission Chairman Homer Kruckenberg opined.
Also recognized at Tuesday’s meeting was Darren Williams, of the Engineer’s Office, who received the Employee Recognition Award for the quarter.
Williams was nominated by County Engineer Clark Rusco and Wendy Prosser, of the Employee Relations Committee, said the engineering technician was nominated “for his dedication, work ethics, job skills and knowledge.
When the county’s engineers are able to perform the necessary engineering work on federal and state programs, the county is reimbursed and doesn’t have to hire outside engineers, and that brings money in on those projects.
“Williams’s work has accounted for a significant portion of the total Kansas Department of Transportation reimbursements — nearly $595,000 — to Barton County from August of 2003 through 2011.”