It was standing room only Monday at Benton City Hall, as friends, family, coworkers and residents turned out in force to show their support for retiring Benton City Clerk Michele Edwards and Benton Police Chief Tracy Watwood.
The two wrapped up their last day in the city’s employ, becoming members of the “14th of the month club” Monday, concluding 28 years of service for Edwards and 19 for Watwood. Friends recalled stories of working with the two and knowing each, and joined in for a celebration with cake and punch in the City Council chambers.
Edwards will be succeeded in the clerk’s position by City Treasurer Bethany Cooper, who will serve in a consolidated job function, with an assistant to help with various duties. Watwood passes the torch on to Jeromy Hicks, also a 19-year veteran of BPD. Hicks is presently serving as interim chief, and Mayor Rita Dotson said she intends to recommend him for the permanent chief’s position at the Aug. 22 city council meeting.
