Door County honors Historical Society centennial and recognizes administrator; board receives building security update

The Door County Board on Jan. 27 adopted a proclamation honoring the Door County Historical Society's centennial and later recognized County Administrator Ken Babcock for his 10-year county service milestone.

Supervisor Thais introduced the proclamation and the board approved it by voice vote. Amy Frank, executive director of the Door County Historical Society, spoke on behalf of the organization and thanked the county for longstanding partnership and support. "We are especially grateful for the county's partnership over the years," Frank said, and described the society's centennial focus on preservation projects and educational outreach.

Later in the meeting Chair presented a years-of-service recognition to County Administrator Ken Babcock for attaining a 10-year county service anniversary (Aug. 3, 2025). Babcock accepted the gift certificate and noted he had also received an ICMA plaque marking 30 years in local government service, including earlier work with the Oneida Nation.

In a special report the county administrator provided an informational update about building and employee safety. Staff described a work plan with three focal areas: (1) physical changes to facilities and buildings to improve security, (2) procedural updates to emergency action protocols (staff referenced an email from Emergency Government Director Salines), and (3) training and exercises to operationalize updated procedures. The administrator said any significant changes would be routed through the appropriate committees before a county-board decision.

The meeting closed after routine committee reports and announcements; the next county board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 24 at 10 a.m.