Several recognitions and a retirement highlighted the Greenville City Council's regularly scheduled Monday meeting.

The council recognized Linda L. VandenBosch, who will retire as City Clerk-Treasurer on Dec. 26. VandenBosch began her career with the city on April 28, 1977, was appointed City Clerk - Treasurer on Sept. 21, 1981, and has served in that capacity for the last 25 years.

&#8220Wherever I go - to meetings outside of Greenville - people always ask about Linda,” said Mayor Dexter McLendon. &#8220She's a person that's not just thought of well here, but thought of well throughout the state.”

McLendon presented VandenBosch with a bouquet of roses and joked she had &#8220helped raise” him, referring to his start in city government in 1988.

&#8220I thought I knew everything, but Linda told me right quick that I didn't,” said McLendon.

&#8220I have a wonderful husband and we're going to spend time together,” said VandenBosch of her plans for retirement.

Assistant Clerk Sue R. Arnold will assume the duties of City Clerk-Treasurer effective Dec. 27. VandenBosch administered the Oath of Office to Arnold on Monday night.

&#8220She deserves it,” said VandenBosch. &#8220Sue is going to do a great job.”

In other business:

For the sixth year in a row, CorStone Industries and President Sam Roberts recognized a Firefighter of the Year and Policeman of the Year. Officers Byron Russell and Lionel Davidson shared the Policeman of the Year award. The duo was recognized for their part in the shooting that took place at the Comfort Inn in January. Davidson was wounded in the gunfire exchange, while Russell shot the assailant later identified as Wayne Vasquez, a transient from Louisiana.

Sgt. Dale Lawrence was named Firefighter of the Year.

&#8220I really don't feel like I do more than any of these other guys,” said Lawrence, who was in fire gear for the ceremony, having just come from a house fire.

McLendon lauded each of the three men, and singled out Lawrence, who was 12 years old when McLendon coached him in Dixie Youth.

&#8220Even that young, you knew you had a winner in Dale,” said McLendon.

CorStone President Sam Roberts also presented the GPD and Greenville Fire Department with checks for $2,000 each.

Police Chief Lonzo Ingram recognized Butler County Sheriff Diane Harris with a plaque of appreciation. Harris, who retires in January, started her career in law enforcement with the Greenville Police Department.

McLendon said one of the first things he did when he joined the city council was ride with Harris on patrol. And, he said, the night was definitely a memorable one.

&#8220There had been a series of burglaries and Diane stopped to ask this guy, who was walking down the street, something,” McLendon recalled. &#8220Well, he smarted off at her and the next thing I know he was in the back of the car.”

Butler County Superintendent Mike Looney gave a short presentation on the condition of school facilities in the county. He invited each council member to attend a community-wide facilities summit, which will be held following the annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration on Monday, Jan. 15.

The council approved the following expenditures: $1,208 to OPM Merchandisers for 278 basketball shirts for the Greenville Parks and Recreation's winter basketball league.

Ingram announced the police department would be offering escort service during the holidays to any businesses or merchants needing to make bank deposits.

The city's holiday schedule is as follows: All city administrative offices will be closed on Dec. 25 and garbage pickup for Monday will be on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Garbage pickup for Monday, Jan. 1 will be on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

A meeting of the Greenville Planning Commission will be held on Jan. 2 at 5 p.m.

The next city council meeting will be Monday, Jan. 8 at 5:30 p.m.