Several things of note happened at the January meeting for the Quitman City Council, but the real highlight of the evening was the celebration for Larry Tucker. Tucker is a beloved (and well-known) local and a retired jack-of-all-trades for the Wood County Monitor.

Mayor Randy Dunn asked Tucker to come to the front of the room, which was packed with friends, relatives and those who have done business with Tucker for years.

Among smiles, tearful silence and the recording of many phone cameras, Dunn presented Tucker with a certificate of appreciation for all that he’s done for the community in his “lifetime of service.”

“You know, Larry’s been one of those guys – and his family, his dad before him – that has done a great deal of work in our community and served in a lot of capacities,” said Dunn. “He’s been a good friend and a big supporter of Quitman…. We appreciate you, Larry, and we want to wish you well.”

Tucker accepted the certificate and took the opportunity to make a short speech of thanks.

“I want to thank all of y’all. You’re all an inspiration. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he said. “Anybody who knows my story, we’re not going to go over it, but if it hadn’t been for Quitman, I probably wouldn’t be alive.”

The next day, the city posted on its Facebook page, “Thank you for what you have done for Quitman Larry! You truly are a servant leader for our community, and we are very blessed to call you a friend.”

In regular business, the council appointed Kerry Puckett as a new Quitman Development Corp. director. The QDC had recommended Puckett and the council approved the recommendation.

They also set an election for three council members on May 4, which will be a joint election with the school. The aldermen will serve a two-year term.

The three potions are held by Jack Robinson, Steve Glenn and Todd Wright.

To add to the feel-good emotions of the evening, the mayor’s comments were hometown announcements about people and events that personally affected those on the council.

He thanked the fire chief and the police chief for their hard work in the community, recognized Robert “Robby” Clanton (Quitman’s employee of the month), and reminded everyone that a retired co-worker had had surgery that day.

Mayor Dunn finished the celebration by saying what really wrapped up the “It’s a Wonderful Life” feeling of the evening: “It’s all about small-town America,” he said. “Larry, what you said: (in business), there may be differences of opinion, but you still love each other. That’s the way it ought to be. Thank you all for coming.”