By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Barton County has the best employees. Commission Chair Barb Esfeld recently expressed that sentiment to officials from other counties. Tuesday morning, she and the other four commissioners officially expressed gratitude by recognizing 20 county employees who surpassed five-year milestones.

"We really do believe that," Esfeld said. "We don't just say that. That's why we do everything we can because we show up once a week and we meet with people, but we don't keep it operating."

In all, the 20 employees celebrating milestones have accumulated 265 years of service to the county. Sarah Younger with the solid waste department has been employed with Barton County for 30 years. Susan Johnson was recognized for 25 years with the IT department. Five employees reached milestones of 20 years.

"I think all the employees are very important to us but these are milestones with special recognition," said Commissioner Duane Reif. "I want to thank all the employees."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710266517943.jpeg" alt="Barton County celebrated five-year milestones for 20 county employees Tuesday morning. Several of the employees were able to attend the county commission meeting to be recognized." />
 <figcaption>Barton County celebrated five-year milestones for 20 county employees Tuesday morning. Several of the employees were able to attend the county commission meeting to be recognized.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBarton County has the best employees. Commission Chair Barb Esfeld recently expressed that sentiment to officials from other counties. Tuesday morning, she and the other four commissioners officially expressed gratitude by recognizing 20 county employees who surpassed five-year milestones."We really do believe that," Esfeld said. "We don't just say that. That's why we do everything we can because we show up once a week and we meet with people, but we don't keep it operating."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710266461323.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In all, the 20 employees celebrating milestones have accumulated 265 years of service to the county. Sarah Younger with the solid waste department has been employed with Barton County for 30 years. Susan Johnson was recognized for 25 years with the IT department. Five employees reached milestones of 20 years."I think all the employees are very important to us but these are milestones with special recognition," said Commissioner Duane Reif. "I want to thank all the employees."

Twenty Barton Co. employees recognized for nearly three centuries of service