Two Barton County employees were honored by the Barton County Commission Monday morning, one upon her retirement and the other for her ongoing service.

First, Barton County 911 Supervisor Donna Williams will retire Tuesday. 

Williams was hired on Nov. 1, 2004, with dispatching experience in Clay County, Mo., and Russell County, said 911 Director Dena Popp. She was promoted to supervisor in October 2015, when former supervisor Popp was promoted to director. 

“She has been a very flexible and reliable employee,” Popp said. She has tackled any task presented her and has helped train new employees. 

When asked if she wanted to say a few words, Williams said of course. “I’m a dispatcher, that’s what I do,”

Despite the joking, it was an emotional moment for her when she got to the podium.

“I’m crying now for all the people I haven’t been able to help,” she said. But, “I’m also crying for those I have been able to help.”

She said it has been a joy working in the office. “I worked with the best of the best,” she said.

However, “this is something I need to do,” she said of her retirement.

“Certain people have certain abilities God gives them,” Commissioner Don Davis said. He praised Williams for her dedication.

Commission Chairwoman Jennifer Schartz presented Williams with a jacket embroidered with the county 911 logo and the word “retired.” 

Second, Christina Doyle from the Appraiser’s Office received the Employees Recognition Award from the Barton County Employee Relations Committee. The award was presented by ERC Secretary Diana Watson

Usually, the committee recommends outstanding individuals for this honor based on nominations from county employees, Watson said. But, in this case, Doyle was nominated by an unanimous ERC Committee, “for her commitment to Barton County and her efforts in performing duties as an ERC officer in 2017.”

“She is amazing to work with,” said her supervisor County Appraiser Barb Esfeld. She is a team player who always has a smile and “Barton County is blessed to have her.”