McKenzie passes out accolades at last meeting of the year

McKenzie Mayo Jill Holland and council members chose to honor different individuals and sports teams at the last meeting of the year on Thursday night.

A resolution was passed that honored late council member Debbie Riley for her distinguished service as a councilperson from July 2019 - Oct. 2020.

She died suddenly in Oct. “

She was described as an exemplary citizen and board member who worked assiduously to improve the quality of life for her fellow citizens.

Three recent employees who have retired recently were honored for their years of service with plaques.

Brenda Berryman and Sandy Bradberry worked in the General Government office for 23 years each while Johnny Harris did household pickup for 41 years.

The mayor said you hate to see someone leave when they are doing an outstanding job.

Brian Winston, who has served as Ward III council member for two years, was honored for his service with a plaque. He is moving from his ward.

“He has done a wonderful job,” said the mayor, who said she had other job ideas for him.

Several people were honored with proclamations.

The late James Choate was honored with a proclamation for his volunteerism. Several members of his family along with his wife, Lottie Choate, were present.

“He was very quiet, but in his volunteerism he was a giant,” said the mayor. “He had a servant’s heart.”

He worked tirelessly at the Gordon Browning Museum. He shot the cannon in the park on Memorial Day.

A proclamation honored McKenzie High School Girls Golf team members Maggie Glass, Juleyanne Weatherford and Payton Ognibene. The team had an overall 39-11 record and won the district championship for the fourth year in a row to enter the state tournament. They placed fourth in the state. Maggie earned first team All West Tennessee and placed eighth in the state while Juleyanne placed 32nd in the state and Payton placed 45th in the state.

The boys’ golf team was honored with a proclamation. Johnathan Moore and Logan Green  had a 34-12-1 overall record and was runner-up in the district.  Johnathan and Logan were chosen as individual state qualifiers. Johnathan was chosen for All West Tennessee Second team and placing ninth in the state tournament. Logan placed 33rd in the state tournament.

The Girl’s Soccer team was also honored with a proclamation for their winning season.

In other business, the council opened the bids for four turnout gear for the fire department.

Two bids were submitted that came from NAFCO  and State Industries. They were turned over to fire chief Brian Tucker to check out.