By Taylor J. Hale 

Staff Writer

STEVENS POINT – Area leaders recognized parting Community Development Director Michael Ostrowski, as he gave his parting remarks to the Stevens Point City Council on Aug. 19.

Ostrowski has accepted a position in San Marco, TX, but will work remotely for several weeks while the city continues its search for a replacement.

Mayor Mike Wiza presented Ostrowski with a plaque for his commitment to the city.

“Very few people have the ability to touch a community and make a difference and an impact on a community as much as someone at a director level,” Wiza said about Ostrowski. “You can’t drive around any of the roads, almost 300 lane-miles of road that we have, without seeing something that this director has assisted us in creating.”

Ostrowski noted that he had “mixed feelings” over leaving his hometown position, adding that he expects to see substantial growth in the area over the coming years.

“Over the next several years, this city will see a significant amount of development that will transform several areas, notably, the downtown, Division Street and so many more,” Ostrowski said. “I look forward to coming back to see this transformation transpire.”

Portage County Business Council member Todd Kukkahn also recognized Ostrowski for his time on the board of directors.

Kukkahn presented Ostrowski a symbolic “building block” of the community.

Ostrowski has served the city since 2010, starting as a mayoral assistant under Gary Wescott.

Contact Taylor J. Hale at [email protected] with Portage County news and information.