Recognizing Dedication: Newberry City Council Celebrates Employee Milestones
NEWBERRY – On a delightful Tuesday evening, the atmosphere at the City Council meeting was filled with appreciation and gratitude as multiple city employees were recognized for their years of dedicated service. It’s always uplifting to witness a community come together to honor those who work tirelessly for the betterment of Newberry.
Celebrating Five Years of Service
First on the agenda was Dustin Guy, who was applauded for his five years of service as the Public Works Service Streets Supervisor. Starting his journey with the city on July 8, 2019, Dustin has been an invaluable part of the public works department, ensuring that the streets and public spaces remain safe and well-maintained.
From the utilities department, a couple of other employees were also celebrated for their five-year milestones. Dillon Amick, who joined the city in June 2019, leads the sewer collections system team. His supervisor commended him, highlighting Dillon’s exceptional work ethic and his commitment to going above and beyond in his role.
Alongside Dillon, Daniel Shaw was recognized for his five years of service, starting his role in August 2019. As the head of both the water and sewer teams, Daniel’s dedication has not gone unnoticed, with his supervisor praising his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Honoring Long-Term Commitment
Moving on to the more seasoned employees, the council also honored Jeff H. Wicker for an astounding 35 years of service. With a career that began on August 8, 1989, Jeff has made a name for himself as a Level 3 Heavy Equipment Operator. His dedication and loyalty over all those years reflect his strong commitment to the city and its development.
The recognition ceremony also included Bridget Carey, who has been making waves as the tourism and events manager for the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department since July 2019. Her efforts have helped bring lively events and tourism opportunities to Newberry, making her a vital team player in the community.
Sharing Exciting Updates from the City
Aside from recognizing dedicated employees, Mayor Foster Senn shared some positive news about the city’s recent activities. He announced that a spotlight was placed on Wayne Redfern as the most recent employee highlight. The city also celebrated the successful National Night Out event and hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Southern Suds downtown.
Additionally, improvements to Memorial Park were reported, along with the much-anticipated upcoming Towns in Tune event. The council also issued several proclamations, including one for Constitution Week from September 17-23, followed by another for Hispanic Heritage Month running from September 15 – October 15.
Grants Aimed at Improvement
In a remarkable initiative, the city has secured two grants aimed at enhancing the community’s quality of life. One grant of $66,000 will lead to the establishment of a city urban forestry master plan, while the second, worth $240,000, will help assess the city’s highways, streets, and pedestrian pathways to improve safety.
City Manager Jason Taylor emphasized the significance of trees and greenery in making the city more attractive and livable, stating, “Trees make cities more attractive to live in, cooler to walk on the sidewalks.”
New Business and Future Plans
Under new business, the council approved a calendar for the fiscal year 2025-26 budget reviews, with discussions set to start in April 2025. Plans for a local match for a Hometown Economic Development Grant were discussed as well, further aiming for revitalization in the Newberry Historic District.
To wrap up the meeting, the city manager was given the go-ahead to enter into a design-build contract for the upcoming Newberry Arts Center, marking a new chapter for artistic endeavors in the city.
Looking Ahead
As creativity flourishes in the community, the council meeting left residents feeling optimistic and excited about the future. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2025, and it promises to bring even more updates and community-driven initiatives.
Citizens of Newberry, it’s a wonderful time to witness the growth and development of our beloved town, all thanks to the passionate staff committed to making a difference!
