Recognizing the Dedication of Reno County Employees

Reno County employees were honored for their years of service recently during a Service Awards ceremony on December 18, 2025, in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse. Employees recieve awards for every five years of service. This year's longest serving employee is Harold Hester, Jr., Supervisor with Public Works, who has been employed at Reno County for 45 years. 

Harry was first hired as a mechanic and, over the years, advanced through many positions within the Public Works Department. In 1998, he moved into the role of Supervisor of Mowing and Sign Operations. Harry retired in March 2025, and when asked what kept him here for so long, he said he enjoyed every job he held—learning to operate a wide range of heavy equipment and teaching new employees how to run it. He said mentoring others was the most rewarding part of his career.

The Reno County Commission sincerely thanked the employees for their continued dedication and service to the citizens of Reno County. Their commitment, professionalism, and daily efforts make a meaningful difference in our community and ensure that our residents receive the highest level of service that they deserve. We as commissioners recognize the hard work you put into your roles each day and truly appreciate the extra effort you bring to serving the public. Your work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for all that you do!

Randy Partington, County Administrator, said that Reno County employees are dedicated, hard workers that are appreciated throughout the organization and community. For the service award recipients, thank you for all that you do for the organization!

Thank you for your dedication to Reno County!

Photo credit to Jubilee Critchfield

Randy Partington, County Administrator, gives Harold Hester Jr. his 45-year award. Harold Hester Jr. proudly shows off his 45-year award with family.Reno County gave out awards to employees for every five years of service to the county.


County Administrator Randy Partington thanks employees for their years of public service.Reno County Commission Chairman Don Bogner thanks employees for their dedication and service. 


Elise McQuilliam, HR Coordinator, was instrumental in preparing the Employee Service Award ceremony.

 


Cindy Meier, Financial Specialist Support, left, and Shonda Arpin, Administrative/Budget Specialist, helped to serve refreshments.Commissioner Ron Hirst thanks employees for their dedication and service with Commissioner Don Bogner, right.County Administrator Randy Partington, center, is given his five-year award from Commissioner Don Bogner, right, and Ron Hirst, left.Health Department Director Karla Nichols receives her five-year award from County Administrator Randy Partington.IT Director Tim McClatchey receives his five-year award from County Administrator Randy Partington.Treasurer Richele Calvert receives her ten-year award from County Administrator Randy Partington.Daniel Flores receives his ten-year award from Kandace Bonnesen, Director of the Dept. of Aging and Public Transportation.Cindy Rehlander receives her 30-year award from Appraiser Michael Plank.

Demaje’ Markham receives her five-year award from Randy Regehr, Director of Community Corrections.Joe Palacioz receives his five-year award from Randy Regehr, Director of Community Corrections.Linda Womack receives her ten-year award from Randy Regehr, Director of Community Corrections.Sierra Logan receives her five-year award from Thomas Stanton, Reno County District Attorney.Daniel Nowlan receives his five-year award from Thomas Stanton, Reno County District Attorney.Christina Lutz receives her ten-year award from Thomas Stanton, Reno County District Attorney.Troy Kelley receives his five-year award from Kyle Stewart, Facilities Director.

 Arthur Miller receives his ten-year award from Kyle Stewart, Facilities Director.Nikki Phillips receives her 15-year award from Kyle Stewart, Facilities Director.Lori Ford, with the Reno County Sheriff's Office, receives her ten-year award from Helen Foster, HR Director.Dana Fagan, with the Reno County Sheriff's Office, receives her ten-year award from Helen Foster, HR Director.Brenton Cooke receives his 5-year award from Megan Davidson, Director of Solid Waste.Phillip Reynolds receives his 5-year award from Megan Davidson, Director of Solid Waste.Jonathan Robertson receives his 5-year award from Megan Davidson, Director of Solid Waste.Ezra Schroeder receives her 10-year award from Jessica Susee, Youth Services Assistant Director.Kathleen Carter receives her 15-year award from Jessica Susee, Youth Services Assistant Director.