Longevity is important, and there is a lot of it among Barton County employees. Several were honored by the County Commission for a total of 365 years of service during the commission meeting Monday morning.

“This is something we take great pride in,” commission Chairman Jennifer Schartz said. There were 25 county staff members receiving awards, most of whom were present Monday.

Personnel were recognized for continuous service for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 45 years. Commissioners took turns shaking hands with the honorees after they received their certificates from Employee Relations Committee President Wendy Birzer.  

Those recognized included: Five years of service, Gary Bruner, Dalton Cass, Darin DeWitt, Jennifer Hamby, Ryan Hammeke, Tyler Lehmkuhl, Cyril Pafford, Karen Smith and Cody Vinsonhaler; 10 years, Kim Clark and Doug Parks; 15 years James Allen, Alan Baxter, Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Robert Conrad, George Coulson, Camila Komarek and Rhonda Shelton; 20 years, Char Engleman and Mick Lang; 25 years, Bev Frizell and Janel Rose; and 30 years, Amy Miller and Diana Watson. Gary Demel was recognized for 45 years of continuous service. 

In other business Monday morning, the Barton County Commission:

• Approved a bid from Parr Construction for $20,980 for painting and carpeting in the County Attorney’s Office. The office accepted bids for painting and carpeting the third floor office suite. Expected services include moving furniture, removing carpeting, installing carpet and painting the suite within a three day period. Diversion funds will be used to finance the project.