By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
For the past two weeks, the Barton County Commission has referred to Chris Schartz as interim director of the county's Road and Bridge Department. Tuesday morning, Schartz was officially promoted to director of county works. County Administrator Matt Patzner made the announcement.
"He's a Claflin native," Patzner said. "He's been employed with Road and Bridge since 2019. We conducted interviews the week before last. We had a few very good interviews but Chris really stood out. We were very impressed with his ideas and the direction he wants to take the Road and Bridge and Noxious Weed Department."
Commission Chair Barb Esfeld reiterated that Schartz was not selected merely because he was already a member of the department but because of his interview and reputation within the department. Schartz was pleased to accept the new role.
"Thank you for this opportunity," he said. "I will do the best I possibly can do and get the department to run as efficiently as I can, and keep our roads as nice as they can be."
Schartz replaces Darren Williams, who has transitioned into a new role as facilities director. Williams has worked for the county for more than two decades and served as Road and Bridge Director since 2017.