Barton County Commissioners on Tuesday recognized retiring Barton County Sheriff’s Office Lt. David Paden and also paid tribute to a former commissioner, Homer Kruckenberg, who passed away recently.
April 29, 2025, was proclaimed Homer Kruckenberg Day. Commissioners honored his legacy, detailing his contributions as a historian, American Farmer, and educator at Great Bend High School. He served as Commissioner for District Two in Barton County from Jan. 12, 2009, to Jan. 11, 2021.
County Administrator Matt Patzner read the proclamation, mentioning Krukenberg’s 44 years of teaching, six years on the USD 428 Board of Education, and 12 years as a county commissioner. “He was first and foremost a historian,” Patzner said, adding his life impacted multiple generations.
Commissioner Barb Esfeld, who now represents District Two, recalled how Kruckenberg was known to hand out silver dollars and $2 bills to individuals. “I have a silver dollar and a $2 bill on my desk that I’ll have forever,” she said.
Esfeld said she approached Kruckenberg before running for his former seat on the commission and ran with his approval.
David Paden
Sheriff Brian Bellendar presented a plaque and provided details about Lt. David Paden’s retirement.
Paden was hired by the Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 2, 1992, as a detention officer. Paden has also served as a patrol officer, K-9 officer, detective, detective sergeant and ends his career with the Sheriff’s Office as a lieutenant.
“I’m very humbled,” Paden said. “I’m honored to have served Barton County.”
Thanks to his employment with the county and the benefits provided, Paden said he and his spouse were able to raise three boys and now it is possible for him to retire. “I really want to thank you all for everything you’ve done for me.”
“Thank you for your service,” Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said. He praised Paden for his approach to law enforcement, which he described as “common sense and a cool head.”
Commissioner Donna Zimmerman said words that describe Paden include “strength, compassion, leadership.”
Commissioner Esfeld also said compassion was one of Paden’s assets. “I’ve seen you change a lot of people’s lives because of that.”
The commissioners would later attend a reception honoring Lt. Paden at the BCSO Administrative Office.
Other business
In other business Tuesday:
• Esfeld reported on her trip to Manhattan last week for the Kansas County Commissioners Association’s annual meeting.
• County Clerk Bev Schmeidler presented “Batch 7” of requests for added/abated/escaped/or refunded taxes, to correct assessments. She said these included 20 records for oil and personal property and totaled $55,932. This was approved.
• County Engineer Barry McManaman provided details on the Kansas Department of Transportation Federal Funds Exchange. The County’s share of federal funds next year is $177,410 but the exchange through KDOT allows the county to receive 90% of the money as it sees fit for road and bridge projects. “The county has participated in the exchange since 2013,” McManaman said. “I think it’s served the county’s needs very well.”
The commission approved the change. The county will receive $159,669 and will have the freedom to use the money with following federal requirements, which McManaman said can add to the cost.
• Kip Spray with Venture Corporation dropped by and announced his company had started the cold mix for the county’s asphalt. He invited them to tour the mix site in the afternoon.
