By Kerri Rempp
The City of Chadron recognized several employees and a volunteer citizen during its final
meeting of 2024 Monday.
Randy Bauer, retired State Farm agent, was honored for his service on the city’s Civil Service Commission, which helps oversee the hiring of police officers. Bauer served on the commission for 41 years, having first been appointed to the board in December 1983.
Mayor George Klein presented Bauer with a plaque and was joined by Police Chief Rick Hickstein and Lt. Gabriel Walz in thanking him for his service. Fellow board member Brenda Morford was also present to support Bauer, who said it was an honor and a privilege to serve.
“It gave me a better appreciation for what our police force does,” he said. “We’re very fortunate to have the force we do and the criminal justice program at the college as it gives us a lot of good applicants.”
School Resource Officer Derek Bauer was selected as the city’s Employee of the Year by his co-workers. Bauer’s nomination noted that he has “built an impressive rapport with the kids” as school resource officer.
“He also has been with the City of Chadron for over 20 years, serving all of its citizens. He successfully coordinates the shop with a Cop program each year, which provides gifts and needed items to kids throughout the area,” the nomination continued. “Every day he comes to work with a smile on his face and a positive attitude. The smile and positivity are contagious and it is a pleasure to work alongside such a fellow employee.”
Other nominees for Employee of the Year were Dustin Glass, Joseph High Hawk, Janet Johnson, Katie Parks and Lori Storbeck.
The council also took time to recognize employees with employment anniversaries. Two Communications employees were honored: Stacia Dreier for five years and Gale Kittell for 10 years. Torey Zuver of the water/wastewater department was recognized for 15 years with the city and Police Chief Hickstein for 25 years. Finally, Scott Schremmer of the parks department was honored for 30 years of service to the city.