The Barton County Commission approved special deputy coroners and health department advisory committee members at the Dec. 2 meeting.

Dr. Patrick Stiles is the district coroner for the 20th Judicial District and was approved for another one-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026. He recommended the special deputy coroners as required by Kansas statutes. They also serve one-year teams.

Barton County deputy coroners are Dustin Daniels, Scott Fleming, Meghan Kern, Sheila Phillips, Melissa Prosser, John Stettinger and Laura Webster.

Ellsworth County deputy coroners are Nathaniel Florian and Shawn McGowan.

Russell County deputy coroners are Chris Venters and Ashley Steirlen.

Stafford County deputy coroners are Jill Burbank, Melissa Dove and Doris Tompkins.

Karen Winkelman, public health director, recommended appointments to the health department advisory committee. There were five open positions for terms through Dec. 31, 2027. This committee provides recommendations and assistance to the Barton County Health Department staff. Members receive no compensation and must serve in allied medical health and animal health professional fields.

Those appointed were John Stettinger, Barbara Shirk, Dr. Mike Malone DVM, Dr. Perry Smith and Tracey Post.

No County Commission meeting on Dec. 9

The commissioners will attend the Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) annual conference Dec. 9-11 in Wichita. Therefore, there will not be a commission meeting in Great Bend next week.

At this week’s meeting, County Administration Mike Patzner said an important item that will be discussed at the conference is KAC Legislative Policy Statement. Member counties will be called to review the issues and determine the platform’s final form. It will then be used during the upcoming Legislative Session to promote issues related to county government.