By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Tuesday marked back-to-back weeks that the Barton County Commission recognized and celebrated the life of an individual that made an impact on the county. Last week, the Commission honored former treasurer Jan Karlin whom passed away at the age of 77. This week, the board honored James Nolte, a former commissioner.
Current Commissioner Donna Zimmerman read the proclamation, stating how heavily involved Nolte was in the community.
"Commissioner Nolte, an Army veteran, was in the oil industry and was committed to civic causes including the Masonic Lodge, the Elks Lodge, the American Legion and the Boy Scouts," said Zimmerman. "During his time in office, Commissioner Nolte was involved in several loans through the Community Development Block Grant program, the establishment of the 911 system, the statewide move to establish regional juvenile correctional facilities and the purchase of the administrator's building for the Sheriff's Office."
Nolte served as a Barton County commissioner from 1989 to 1997. He passed away April 20 at the age of 97. Nolte worked as an engineer with Dresser Industries in Great Bend until his retirement and then became a county commissioner.
The Commission approved the proclamation establishing April 22, 2025 as “Commissioner James H. Nolte Day.”