ROCKLAND – Knox County Commissioners met via Zoom March 8, beginning their meeting by honoring Knox County Dispatcher Tracie Webster for her handling of a 911 call January 16, that culminated with the birth of a baby boy. Commissioners awarded Webster with a certificate and Communications Director Robert Coombs read a letter from the state EMS and the award of a stork pin.  

See related story here: Dramatic 911 call to Knox Regional Communications happily culminates with birth of baby boy

A tradition now in it eighth year, the Knox County Commissioners recognize employees for years of service measured in five-year increments. The milestone was hit in 2021 and is now recognized in 2022. Fourteen such employees were recognized on March 8.  

“Knox County Administrator Andrew Hart said the county is fortunate to have such long-tenured employees with Knox County. 

“That’s quite an accomplishment in itself to have that,” he said. “We appreciate the dedication the employees give and the services they provide to us.” 

For those who have worked for the county for five years each received a certificate, pin, and a coffee mug.

Those employees were:

Stephanie Polky, administrative and civil process coordinator
Lauren Ward, civil process deputy
Bethany Vargas, finance specialist
Jeremy Shaw, Airport manager

Warren Heath III, transport supervisor, received recognition for 10 years of service. The commissioners gave him a certificate, pin and a travel mug. 

John Palmer, patrol supervisor, and Donald Murray, detective, were recognized for 15 years of service, each receiving a certificate, pin and a T-shirt.

Roxanne Simmons, receptionist; Victorine Davis, administrative assistant; and Robert Coombs, communications director, were honored for 20 years of service, each with a certificate, pin and a fleece vest embroidered with the Knox County logo.

Julie Allen, deputy register of probate, was recognized for her 30 years of service with a  certificate, pin and a $100 Visa gift card.

And, Kelly Leland, administrative secretary and network systems administrator; Stephanie Laite, victim and witness advocate; and Barbie Sylvester, deputy finance director/treasurer, were honored for 35 years of service, each receiving a certificate, pin and a $150 Visa gift card.

Commissioner Dorothy Meriwether expressed appreciation of those employees. 

“It’s the one time I really, really hate Zoom meetings,” she said. “We should all be able to get together and celebrate the incredible work all of you have done.”  

In other business, commissioners approved the annual contract to supply deputy services to the islands of North Haven and Vinalhaven.  The contract runs from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. 

Commissioners will approve the contracts and they will then be sent to the island’s select boards for approval.  

Commissioner approved continued Zoom meeting for the month of April in a 3-0 vote.

Hart said there would be some renovations needed to the commissioner's meeting room if they decided to hold hybrid meetings, but none would be needed to resume in-person meetings.