City hands out honors

Newberry College seniors were honored by Newberry City Council for their various contributions to the college and community. Honored were Sara Livingston, Desmond Mealing, Emily Perry, Ajahna Grosvenor, Rae Knobloch, Joe Tompkins, Steven Arango, Mitch Riggs, Ashley Ramsey, Zack Blair and Blaire Taylor. Joining them are Councilman Zebbie Goudelock, far left, and Mayor Foster Senn, far right.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_nc-seniors.jpgNewberry College seniors were honored by Newberry City Council for their various contributions to the college and community. Honored were Sara Livingston, Desmond Mealing, Emily Perry, Ajahna Grosvenor, Rae Knobloch, Joe Tompkins, Steven Arango, Mitch Riggs, Ashley Ramsey, Zack Blair and Blaire Taylor. Joining them are Councilman Zebbie Goudelock, far left, and Mayor Foster Senn, far right. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

Susan Lee, left, announced her retirement from the utilities department. She is joined by City Manager Al Harvey.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_cityrec1.jpgSusan Lee, left, announced her retirement from the utilities department. She is joined by City Manager Al Harvey. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

Garry Riddle, left, is retiring after 24 with public works. He is joined by City Manager Al Harvey.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_cityrec2.jpgGarry Riddle, left, is retiring after 24 with public works. He is joined by City Manager Al Harvey. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

Jimmy Bickley, left, reached 20 years with the fire departments. He is joined by City Manager Al Harvey.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_cityrec3.jpgJimmy Bickley, left, reached 20 years with the fire departments. He is joined by City Manager Al Harvey. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

Allison Moore, left, has been with the police department for 10 years. She is joined by City Manager Al Harvey.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_cityrec4.jpgAllison Moore, left, has been with the police department for 10 years. She is joined by City Manager Al Harvey. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

Casey Smith, left, has reached the five-year mark as an electrical lineman with the city’s utility department. He is joined by City Manager Al Harvey.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_cityrec5.jpgCasey Smith, left, has reached the five-year mark as an electrical lineman with the city’s utility department. He is joined by City Manager Al Harvey. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY — A host of individuals were recognized for their various achievements at the meeting of Newberry City Council on Tuesday.

As it does each year, the city highlighted Newberry College seniors who have distinguished themselves in athletics, academics, community service and in many cases, a combination thereof.

“The City of Newberry wishes to thank the students for their efforts and salute several 2016 seniors for their outstanding efforts and leadership in Newberry,” said Mayor Foster Senn.

The seniors honored were Sara Livingston, Desmond Mealing, Emily Perry, Ajahna Grosvenor, Rae Knobloch, Joe Tompkins, Steven Arango, Mitch Riggs, Ashley Ramsey, Zack Blair and Blaire Taylor.

The city also recognized five of its employees for reaching career milestones.

First up was Casey Smith, an electrical lineman with the utility department for five years.

“We hope you’ll be with us for a long, long time. You do a good job,” said City Manager Al Harvey.

Joining the police department in 2006 and having reached the rank of Sergeant is Officer Allison Moore.

“Allison does a super job for the police department and we get a lot of very positive comments concerning her service and her dealings with the general public,” Harvey said.

Jimmy Bickley was recognized for 20 years with the fire department.

Bickley began his career as a firefighter and in 1999 was promoted to fire engineer and currently holds the rank of lieutenant.

“It doesn’t seem like 20 years ago I hired him but time passes fast when you’re having fun I guess,” Harvey said.

Lastly, in what Senn described as a “bittersweet” task, the city commended two retiring employees for their years of service and presented each with a gift.

Garry Riddle of the public works department announced his retirement following 24 years on the job.

“We hate to see Garry go,” Harvey said. “He’s been a friend not only to employees he’s worked with all these years but certainly with the general public.”

Riddle began his tenure with the city in 1992 as the building maintenance supervisor and is retiring as the public works services supervisor.

Second was Susan Lee of the utilities department.

“Susan has been a very valuable employee at the water treatment plant,” Harvey said. “She’s been a calm and stabilizing force for all these years and we’re going to miss her.”

Additionally the city approved a measure declaring April as Fair Housing Month and voted to allow the consumption of alcohol in designated public areas during the annual Taste of Newberry event.