Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

FAREWELL RECEPTION

Engstrom, Gillway, Miller Get A Special Moment In The Courthouse

A reception for Kimball County employees Larry Engstrom, Linda Williams and Harry Gillway was held at the KCTS building on Friday.

On Dec. 31, Linda Williams will be done working in the Kimball County Jail, and she said she is "looking forward to it, but a little nervous."

After 37 years she said her retirement plans include "doing things she has never had time to do." Her retirement will start with cleaning closets and drawers, walking and riding her stationary bike more, and more importantly visiting her grandkids and great grandkids.

After she adjusts to retirement she even thinks she might get a part-time job.

"When I started at dispatch (37 years ago) there were no computers, now we have 7 computers and two 911 CAD systems. It is amazing how far we have come."

Williams started as a dispatcher/jailer then worked the front desk and did paperwork. Now, she does "paperwork, paperwork, paperwork." The paperwork includes bonds, summons, subpoenas, reports to Jail Standards, bookings in and out of the jail, medical records, making sure all the rights are provided to the inmates, claims and "making sure everything runs smoothly."

The reception also honored Engstrom, who has served the county as commissioner for a total of 12 years. Looking back on his years as commissioner, Engstrom said that he thought "a commissioner needed to listen to both sides of an issue" and make the final decision on whatever benefits the people of Kimball County.

Engstrom said he felt the he could always learn something, especially by serving on the various other boards. Maybe, he said, another county has encountered the same problem and our county can learn from them.

Gillway, who served Kimball County as sheriff for 14 years, said he is looking forward to relaxing and spending time between Maine and Florida. He also was honored.