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WASHINGTON — An annual celebration of city workers took place this past Tuesday on the second floor of the Washington Public Library where the City of Washington held an employee appreciation luncheon where over 40 staff and council members attended.

“We never get together as a group, but then even as those groups, it's a little bit tougher. So, this is always a fun time of year, and also we get to recognize our employee achievements over the past year,” City Administrator Joe Gaa said while at the luncheon, which serves as the one time each year where city employees have the opportunity for fellowship and recognition.

After food was served and finished by the party, Gaa and Mayor Millie Youngquist recognized 11 employees for achieving a five-year employment milestone. Of the 11 employees who were honored, they totaled 155 years of service.

The years of service honorees who attended the employee appreciation luncheon: Front Row: Kyle Wellington and LeAnn Kunz; Back Row (L-R): Kirk Albert, Jason Whisler, Nick Pacha, Rhonda Hill, Shamus Altenhofen, Ben Altenhofen, Brian VanWilligen.

“There's not much fat here in the city of Washington,” Gaa said. “We have a small staff, and everybody works hard, and everybody's got a role, and that role is important, really critical to remember that. We're doing some really good, basic services. I'm proud of all of you for that.”

The employees who hit the five year year milestone were Eric Kephart (Police) and Kirk Albert (Facility Maintenance). Recognized for ten years were Parker Turner (Fire), Nick Pacha (Parks), and Ben Altenhofen (Police).

The 15 year mark was hit by Shamus Altenhofen (Police) and Kyle Wellington (Water). Rhonda Hill (Police), Jason Whisler (Wastewater), and Brian VanWilligen (Police) all were honored for 20 years.

LeAnn Kunz (Library) was the last one to be recognized as she totaled the most years at 25. Awards were also presented to Linda Krotz, recognized for her role in payroll software upgrades, and Sgt. Brian VanWilligen, recognized for his dedicated efforts in mentoring new officers.