The Barton County Commission continues to work as a four person board in the absence of 2nd District Commissioner Homer Kruckenberg. Kruckenberg continues to recover from a broken shoulder suffered during a fall in his home in early April. Kruckenberg was absent again Tuesday and has not been able to attend a meeting since April 9.

Kruckenberg is currently living and receiving rehabilitation therapy at Cherry Village in Great Bend, and according to Commissioner Don Davis, is trying to recover from a very serious injury.

Don Davis Audio

Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, also known as HIPAA, Commissioners could not elaborate on Kruckenberg’s health status when asked about it at the end of Tuesday’s meeting.

Commission Chair Jennifer Schartz did say that Kruckenberg continues to be paid during his absence and would continue to be unless he decided to step down from the board.

Jennifer Schartz Audio

Barton County Commissioners currently earn $21,070.40 per year for the elected position.