By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Courson
Barton County Commissioner Jon Prescott summed things up well at Wednesday's commission meeting: the courthouse is a first impression for many of the county. And someone has to keep that big building clean. Custodian Pam Christendon with facilities management was recognized by commissioners with the Employee Recognition Award. Administrative Assistant Diana Watson read the nomination and added her own thoughts.
"Pam is a hard worker with a friendly demeanor," Watson read. "Facilities is such a crucial part of the working system that is Barton County. Pam is a critical part of the system, and she does a fantastic job. Pam's attitude and work ethic benefit every office in the entire courthouse. And although I did not nominate her, I concur. She is all of those things."
Barb Esfeld, former county appraiser and current commissioner, seconded the nomination with firsthand experience of Christendon's work.
"That is an important job and people take it for granted," Esfeld said. "But if somebody walks in the courthouse and it's dirty, I'm sure Diana hears about it. I always knew when she'd come through our office because it was spotless."
Former County Clerk Donna Zimmerman, who will be on the general election ballot in November for a commission spot, also worked with Christendon at the courthouse and shared praise.
"I'd like to echo their thoughts," said Zimmerman. "Pam has helped us tremendously with the elections. She's done everything and anything we ever needed, and she always did it with a smile. We really appreciated knowing she was there and you could just pick up the phone and call her and she would help. I also think about the pandemic and how she kept this courthouse clean, and kept sterilizing, and wiping down everything. That was quite a feat."
Christendon has worked at the courthouse for nearly five years. With her recognition as employee of the quarter she will receive an extra day of paid time off.