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Taking the oath
Krier sworn in for commission vacancy
kirby krier sworn in
Newly appointed Barton County First District Commissioner Kirby Krier takes the oath of office from 20th Judicial District Chief Judge Mike Keeley Wednesday morning in the County Commission’s courthouse chamber. - photo by DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

There will be a new face at the Barton County Commission’s courthouse meeting Monday morning. Kirby Krier will take his seat, replacing the late Kenny Schremmer in representing the First District.

Krier took the oath of office from 20th Judicial District Chief Judge Mike Keeley Wednesday morning in the County Commission’s courthouse chamber. It was one of Keeley’s last official acts as judge before his retirement at the end of the year.

Krier was picked for the opening by District 1 Barton County Republican Committee members who convened Dec. 15 to fill the vacancy. He received word Monday his appointment had also been approved by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. 

A farmer and oilman who lives southwest of Claflin, Krier is filling Schremmer’s unexpired term which ends in 2022. A long-time commissioner, Schremmer died at his home on Thanksgiving Day.

Krier has served twice previously on the commission, from 1999-2005 and again later for two years. District 1 takes in the northern two-thirds of the county and includes Albert, Beaver, Claflin, Galatia, Hoisington, Odin, Olmitz and Susank.