BEATRICE – Stan Wirth thanked Beatrice citizens last night for allowing him to serve as Mayor for the past eight years. In a farewell statement, Wirth called being Mayor a rewarding experience. He said the staff of the city and board of public works has his enduring respect for what they do.


"To be sure, elected officials...even in small communities, only get things done with the help from a lot of staff. They go above and beyond...I see staff attending and working community events, I see public works crews late night into the pre-dawn hours during storms...I've met with department heads on various occasions and witnessed the true dedication they display for what they do in our community."


Wirth said he did nothing alone, but as part of a team. He said he’s been honored to serve with dedicated and energetic elected officials and forward-thinking council members. Wirth noted a statement of President Abraham Lincoln, that “people are only as happy as they make up their minds, to be.”


"It doesn't mean we live in a constant state of euphoria...but rather it tells us that all of us are our own architects of our own happiness and despair. There are no issues important enough to pit neighbors against one another. There are no ideas not worth a civil debate, and there's no challenge that cannot be met with mutual understanding and with consideration."


Wirth said he hopes his involvement as Mayor has made a positive difference. City Council President Mike McLain presented plaques to Wirth and city council members going off the council…., Bob Morgan, Rick Clabaugh and Joe Billesbach. 


McLain, who won reelection….was reelected Monday night as President of the city council.