An empty desk at the front of the Barton County Commission’s courthouse chamber spoke volumes Monday morning.

The name plate still read Kenny Schremmer, chairman. It was a tribute to Schremmer, the longtime First District commissioner who died at his home on Thanksgiving Day.

“Let’s pause for a prayerful moment of silence for our friend and colleague Kenny Schremmer,” Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said. The room fell silent before the weekly meeting proceeded as normal.

As part of the agenda, Schartz was named as commission chairperson, to replace Schremmer. Jim Daily was named chairman pro tem, the post formerly held by Schartz. 

“He had quite an influence,” Daily said. “He had a real impact on a lot of people.” 

He served as a leader, not only at the county level, but in the business community as an auctioneer, he said. “We will miss Kenny.”

“There is a big void in this room,” Schartz said. “It will not easily be filled.”

She called him a real character, noting no one worked harder for their constituents than he did. 

A convention of Barton County Republican precinct committee members from the First District is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the courthouse, 1400 Main in Great Bend. They will pick a successor to fill the opening from those putting their hats in the ring.

The name of the person elected will be submitted to Gov. Laura Kelly, who has seven days to finalize the appointment. If no action is taken, the candidate automatically assumes the post.

The new commissioner will fill the two-year balance of Schremmer’s term which ends in 2022.

Schremmer was first elected in 2002.  He was last re-elected in November 2018.