By Taylor J. Hale 

Staff Writer

 STEVENS POINT – Local leaders gathered to celebrate the dedication of city employees Aug. 28-30, when the first employee appreciation cookout series kicked off.

City leaders grilled brats and burgers for the  multiple crews and departments, all in thanks for their dedicated work.

“It’s a thank you,” said Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza. “We’ve got about 250 employees. We’ve had probably 175 come over the last three days so far.”

The event was held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at different locations each day, offering city crews multiple chances to stop by.

Wiza and other city leaders noted that police officers, firefighters and all other civil servants deserve thanks for their outstanding work in the community.  “The city employees that we have are top-notch, second to none,” Wiza said. “The good things that they do often go a little unrecognized. But there are a lot of people that appreciate what these guys and girls do regularly, and this is just an opportunity to thank them for that.”

Several businesses joined to aid the city in their efforts to show gratitude to the crews that help the town function, including Triggs, SentryWorld, the Bottle Stop, and Wood Street Rental.

The city also sponsored each employee with one hour during shifts to enjoy the cookouts at their leisure. Wiza and other local leaders hope to make it a yearly event.

Wednesday’s cookout was held at the Street Department facility, Thursday’s was held at the Water and Utility facility, and Friday’s at the Parks and Recreation Department.

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