Lewis County honors staff milestones and flood responders at Jan. 27 meeting

The Lewis County Board of Commissioners opened its Jan. 27 business meeting by recognizing dozens of county employees and community partners for years of service and for their roles in responding to December flood events. "We're here to recognize our peers and our coworkers at this employee spotlight event," said Ryan, who led the recognition segment on behalf of the commissioners and county leadership.

Awardees included employees marking service milestones from five to 25 years, with Captain Christopher Tawes of corrections recognized for 25 years of service. County staff named Jordan Pantaleaf (community development), Marnie Larson (clerk's office), Andrew Shed (public works), and others as milestone honorees. Individual spotlight awards were given to staff such as Nikki Seifert (district court probation clerk), Riley Blair (deputy coroner), and Jared Larson (facilities office manager); team awards recognized groups such as Public Works traffic control and paint-striping crews and the solid waste team.

The county also acknowledged employees and volunteers who supported the December flood response. "This response required coordination, long hours, and real time problem solving across multiple offices and departments," Ryan said, thanking public works, emergency management staff and volunteer partners. Jeff Soderquist, public works director, was singled out for leading operations, and county staff noted partners such as Onalaska Fire Department and the Washington State Emergency Management Division for their assistance.

The recognition period lasted into the regular agenda; commissioners then proceeded with business items.

The board then moved on to agenda business including votes and appointments later in the meeting.