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Weirton Public Works foreman Bill Tice is retiring after 26 years of working with the City of Weirton Public Works Department's construction crew.

Several city officials and public works employees were present at the Public Works Department on Friday where Tice was presented with gifts from co-workers as well as the from the City of Weirton.

Tice, 68, stated he began his work with the Public Works Department in 1983 under the Community Development Block Grant program and was hired on full time after five years as a foreman. He said he had previous experience working as a contractor and pouring concrete, among many others.

Tice stated he has enjoyed working with the construction crew, including Charlie Ashcraft, Keith Smith, Jerry Dennison and Don Granato III, for many years. He said they are a good crew and can do nearly anything the city needs done. He said they participated in getting the skate park up and ready for use and helped with the drainage system in the Kings Creek Bowl for the paving of Wall Street, as well as "too many others to name."

"I am going to miss working here," he said. "You get used to coming in here every morning with something different to do everyday."

Public Works Director John Brown said he is going to miss Tice. He said he is a great employee and one of his favorite foreman.

"I wish him and his family well and hope to stay in touch," added Brown. "I am always here for him."

When asked about his upcoming retirement, Tice stated "it's just time." He said he is going to relax for a while and see how he fares with it, but said he may get a little stir-crazy.

Mayor Mark Harris presented Tice with the gift of a watch from the city as he thanked him for his hard work and dedication in the two years he's been in office. He said he's a hard worker and dependable.

"His replacement will have a big set of shoes to fill," said Harris, reminding Tice that he will always have a place at Public Works.

Ward 1 Councilman Ron Jones thanked Tice for his work on Wall Street as well.

"In the last 15 years that I have worked with Bill, it has been an enjoyable experience," said Ward 5 Councilman George Kondik. "He has solved many problems in a timely manner with his expertise and knowledge on a daily basis and is a gem of the city of Weirton."

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)