Schnabel Steps Down as Commissioner

Henry Schnabel

Prowers County Commissioner, Henry Schnabel, brought his eight years of municipal service to the county to a close shortly before noon today, January 10^th.

Schnabel and Ron Cook

Just prior to the lunch break which would be followed by official swearing-in ceremonies in the county district courtroom at 1pm, Commission Chairman, Ron Cook, presented Schnabel with a framed photograph of the county courthouse and a mantelpiece clock in honor of his service. The commissioner’s conference room had swelled to capacity with many of Schnabel’s friends and associates over his eight year career.

“I want to personally thank Henry Schnabel for the eight years he has dedicated as Prowers County Commissioner,” Cook said. He added, “It is a very hard struggle to know which way it will go when you make a decision for the county.  There are 12,000 people with 12,000 different attitudes and different directions and that’s what makes the world go wrong…er, around,” he jokingly corrected himself. Cook continued, “Generally, it’s a 50-50 split on making decisions which would be beneficial to all concerned in Prowers County.”

Schnabel offered his thanks to the gathering, “I want to thank all of you who have worked so closely with us all these years. You know, it would be pretty impossible to do this job without a good staff and employees who step up and do their job.  We’re fortunate in Prowers County that we have those employees and the elected officials who do, sometimes,” he joked, which drew some laughter from the audience. Schnabel continued, “I’ve really appreciated the time I’ve worked here. Some people thought I was bailing out a little early.  I did say when I started I would come in for two terms.  I do have some things I want to do before I get too old; if I haven’t gotten there already.  But mostly I want to thank each and every one of you for the contributions you’ve made to the residents of Prowers County.

Schnabel is being replaced by Tom Grasmick to serve District One in the County. Grasmick was given his oath of office in ceremonies held later that afternoon.

By Russ Baldwin