County Holds Retirement Ceremonies for Grauberger and Tyner

Joe Marble, Carol Grauberger, Henry Schnabel

Together, Carol Grauberger and Ken Tyner had almost 80 years of service as employees of Prowers County.  They were recognized for their work ethic and accomplishments during a brief appreciation ceremony held at the County Annex Monday, December 17.

Carol Grauberger began her employment in 1978 with the county in Vital Statistics and as the County Veteran Service Officer.  In recognition of her work, William Conroy, State Director of the Division of Veteran’s Affairs, praised Grauberger’s performance to the Prowers County Commissioners.  He stated that her volume workload in a part time capacity for Prowers County is comparable to full time volumes of larger counties.  He stated, “In the last federal fiscal year, Carol has single handedly recovered over $2.5 M in federal award dollars for Prowers County in the form of veteran’s benefits.   In addition, Carol has taken on the responsibility of coordinating transportation for our neediest veterans that reside in the county, for travel to Denver for medical appointments.   

In 2002 Carol was recognized by the Colorado Veterans Service Officers Association with the Louis Nardini Annual Service Officer of the Year Award.  This peer generated statewide award was in recognition of her performance of duties serving veterans and their families. Since its inception, Carol has been the only recipient to reside on the Eastern Plains of Colorado.”  Grauberger also administered a grant which provided several vehicles and scheduled volunteer drivers to transport veterans in need of medical attention to the Veteran’s Hospital in Denver. 

Henry Schnabel, Ken Tyner, Joe Marble

Ken Tyner’s contribution to the daily maintenance operation of Prowers County and the County Annex was noted for his 34 years of employment as Building Maintenance Supervisor.  Commissioner’s Henry Schnabel and Joe Marble detailed his accomplishments in his position, and read from a poem written by Linda Fairbairn, Director of Prowers County Social Services.  The poem reads in part:  

“What will we do without you?  How will we ever get through?
Who will care if the floor is stained?
Who will keep track of the stuff you’ve maintained?
We will miss you and wish you could stay for a while.
But after all these years you can leave with a smile,
Knowing that no one was ever like you
In all that you did, you always were true.”  

Justin Lee, Director of Prowers County Health and Environment, said he’s reviewing the list of applications to fill the position held by Carol Grauberger and expects to narrow the list over the next few weeks.  He anticipates the county will announce a replacement for her in January.

By Russ Baldwin