Barton County Commission Summary
Week of May 13, 2026
Longtime public health director retires after 29 years
Sheriff recounts challenging pandemic testing sites
Board of health restructures leadership appointments
Ensley appointed interim local health officer and public health director
Dr. Jonathan Pike confirmed as medical consultant
Commission interviews county counselor candidate
Longtime public health director retires after 29 years
BARTON COUNTY, Kan. - The Barton County Commission presented a letter of appreciation to Public Health Director Karen Winkelman on Tuesday, May 12, ahead of her May 15 retirement. Winkelman, who was hired in 1997, was praised for helping guide the county through the COVID-19 pandemic and managing issues ranging from infectious disease response to broader public health needs. Colleagues offered emotional tributes to the departing director, citing her calm demeanor and nearly three decades of service.
Sheriff recounts challenging pandemic testing sites
BARTON COUNTY, Kan. - During a retirement presentation for the county's public health director, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir shared anecdotes illustrating the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic on local operations. The remarks described Barton County Health Department drive-thru clinics that drew as many as 1,100 vehicles, along with severe weather and difficult working conditions faced by staff. Law enforcement officials praised health department employees for managing the high-stress response.
Board of health restructures leadership appointments
BARTON COUNTY, Kan. - Anticipating future changes in how local health services are organized, the Barton County Board of Health voted to split its leadership appointments into three separate resolutions. Previously, the roles of local health officer, public health director and medical consultant had been handled together. The board formally separated those appointments on Tuesday, May 12. County Administrator Matt Patzner said the changes were being made with future service-organization changes in mind, suggesting Barton County is considering a revised framework for Health Department operations.
Ensley appointed interim local health officer and public health director
BARTON COUNTY, Kan. - Following the retirement of Karen Winkelman, the Barton County Board of Health unanimously appointed Lindsey Ensley, RN, as both interim local health officer and interim public health director in two separate votes. It was noted Ensley had played an important role alongside Winkelman during the COVID-19 response, and confidence was expressed in her ability to lead during the transition. The separate actions reflected the county's decision to divide major public health titles, even as Ensley is expected to temporarily hold both roles while longer-term staffing plans are considered.
Dr. Jonathan Pike confirmed as medical consultant
BARTON COUNTY, Kan. - Finalizing the Barton County Health Department leadership restructuring, the Barton County Board of Health unanimously confirmed the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Pike as paid medical consultant to the local health officer. The appointment satisfies the board's need for licensed medical advisory support.
Commission interviews county counselor candidate
BARTON COUNTY, Kan. - The Barton County Commission continued its search for legal representation by interviewing attorney Todd Powell of Jeter Law Firm in Hays for the county counselor position on Tuesday, May 12.
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