Farewell to Councilman Edwin Wicker: Newberry Community Celebrates His Legacy and Transition to Retirement

Farewell to Councilman Edwin Wicker: A New Chapter for Newberry

NEWBERRY – Big news is buzzing around our lovely town! Councilman Edwin Wicker, who has dedicated over 13 years to serving the City of Newberry and District 2, announced his retirement last week. This heartfelt revelation came during a City Council meeting that left many in the community feeling a mix of gratitude and melancholy.

As Wicker shared the news with his fellow council members, he expressed how much thought he put into this decision: “After a lot of soul searching and thought, I have decided to retire from City Council,” he said. After working tirelessly for an impressive 55 years, Wicker shared that the recent sale of the company he worked for signaled to him that it was the right time to retire, both from his full-time job and his part-time role on City Council.

Sending Off to Beech Mountain

Wicker and his wife, Tina, are planning to embark on a new adventure in Beech Mountain, North Carolina. “I’ve lived in Newberry my whole life and it’s going to be a change with mixed emotions,” Wicker reflected. It’s clear that leaving a place he has called home for so long is not coming easy for him, and many in the community can relate to that feeling of bittersweetness.

A Legacy of Achievements

During his time on the City Council, Wicker has been proud of many achievements. Among the accomplishments he holds dear are the wonderful improvements to our parks, which include the opening of the Newberry Recreation Complex and the Oakland Tennis Center. These enhancements have positively impacted our community, providing places for families and friends to come together and enjoy the great outdoors.

Mayor Foster Senn shared his thoughts on Wicker’s departure, noting the significant mark he has left on Newberry. “Edwin has been an outstanding city councilman,” Senn stated, acknowledging Wicker’s dedication to fostering effective local government and his continuous push to make Newberry a better place to live. “He’s been a key part of many successes Newberry has had. He’s been a pleasure to work with and a good friend to everyone on council. We thank Edwin for his service.” It’s heartwarming to see how much love and respect he has garnered over the years.

Join the Community Celebration

As Wicker transitions into retirement, the community will have a chance to celebrate his contributions. A special reception honoring him will take place before the council’s next meeting on Tuesday, October 8, at 6:15 p.m. in the lobby of City Hall. Everyone is invited to come and share their thanks and well wishes—what a wonderful opportunity to show just how much Wicker means to us!

What’s Next for District 2?

Looking ahead, City Manager Jason Taylor announced that he has had discussions with the Newberry County Election Commission. A special election for Wicker’s seat in District 2 is set to be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. This means that the community will soon have the opportunity to select a new representative who will continue to work on making Newberry an even better place.

As Edwin Wicker prepares for this next chapter in his life, we as a community can take pride in celebrating his many years of service and the positive changes he has brought to our beloved city. It’s more than just a farewell; it’s a heartfelt tribute to someone who has truly made a difference.