By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
As Glennda French takes over as Barton County Register of Deeds on Friday, that means Pam Wornkey's tenure in the position is coming to a close. Wornkey was recognized for her many years of service during Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting. She called it a privilege to serve the county.
"The county has always been my home," she said. "I never really wanted to go or do anything but serve the citizens and work for the county. I just had the opportunity to do that in several different positions. It's been great spending my adult work life with the county."
Wornkey was hired as a dispatcher for the Barton County Sheriff's Office in September 1980. She was promoted to administrative assistant to the sheriff in 1989, and also spent time working in the detention center and for Central Kansas Community Corrections. She was hired in the deeds office in February of 2008 and began her first elected term as register of deeds in 2013. Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson provided a final send-off.
"It is said the best indicator of the future is a study of the past," he said. "If it holds true for you, you will continue to be a remarkable presence in this community for years to come. It is apparent from your employment history with the county that you are centered on the greater good."
Darren Williams with Road and Bridge thanked Wornkey for being instrumental in the county's software upgrade for grave markings. French, a current deputy clerk in the office, was appointed to fill Wornkey's spot at a Republican Convention earlier this month.