It was a morning of mixed emotions for the Barton County commissioners Tuesday.
There was comfort in the swearing in of new Fourth District Commissioner Ken Lebbin. But, that was tinged in sorrow still lingering following the death of former Commissioner Don Cates who had served that district for four years.
 The ceremony took place in Courtroom A of the Barton County Courthouse with 20th Judicial District Chief Judge Mike Keeley presiding. 
“It’s unfortunate that we have to swear anyone one in” because of the circumstances, but Keeley said the job is in good hands. “Now you can get to work.”
“I appreciate the support of everyone,” Lebbin said after taking the oath of office. “I am looking forward to working with all the members of the Barton County family.”
He also said he was excited to represent the Fourth District “for the betterment of Barton County.”
 Lifetime Ellinwood resident Lebbin, who was elected at a convention of the Barton County Republican Central Committee May 12, replaces Claflin native Cates who died in a agricultural spray plane crash April 22. Lebbin’s selection wasn’t final until Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed off on the appointment, which he has.
The Fourth District encompasses the Precinct 1 of the Fourth Ward in Great Bend, Ellinwood (Lakin Township), Claflin (Independent Township), and the South Bend, Comanche, Logan and townships.
This commission seat will come up for election this November. If a primary would be necessary, that would take place in August.
The 67-year-old Lebbin was serving on the Ellinwood City Council, but has resigned to take this post. Since 1978, Ken has served 21 years on the council.
Ellinwood Mayor Frank Koelsch will appoint a successor for Lebbin on the council..
Lebbin was born and raised in Ellinwood and has lived there most of his life there. He served as an air traffic controller and tower chief in Vietnam, attended Kansas Wesleyan University and Emporia State University. He also lived in Omaha for three years.
The new commissioner owned his own business for 13 years, a Phillips 66 service station. He also built the first rental storage facility in Ellinwood.
In 1990, Lebbin went to work for the Bushton gas plant. He retired from that job two years ago.
In other business Tuesday morning, the Barton Count Commission:
•  Heard an update from the county’s auditor, Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball, on the 2013 audit.
• Approved the demolition of the old house at the Barton County Sheriff’s Office range to make room for a new building.  The Commission also approved the building of a new classroom building at the site. Sheriff Brian Bellendir said he will use non-budgetary accounts, generally funds generated from asset forfeiture, VIN inspections, concealed-carry classes, etc., for the work. 
The demolition will be done by county employees and no tax money will be used on the project. The new structure will also be used for processing vehicles involved in crimes and for storage of other BCSO equipment.
• Approved the resignation of Kristin Clark from the Barton County Community Development Advisory Board. The BCCDAB advises the Commission on economic and community development matters, monitors the progress of the Barton County Strategic Plan and makes suggestions to the commissioners concerning the advancement and realization of the plan goals. Clark has moved from Barton County, County Administrator Richard Boeckman said. 
• Heard a report from Barton County Health Department Health Educator Janel Rose on Be Well Barton County. BWBC, through the Golden Belt Community Foundation, has been awarded a grant through the Kansas Health Foundation’s Healthy Communities Initiative worth up to $75,000 over three years.
Be Well Barton County is using the funds to educate the community about Complete Streets policies and Safe Routes to Schools, nationally recognized programs that encourage local governments to consider pedestrian traffic when planning street and sidewalk improvements. 
The leadership team, which falls under the Central Kansas Partnership, recently held public meetings.
Rose was joined by Health Director Lily Akings.