Craig Nussbaum is retiring as the City of Garretson’s Maintenance officer after having been on the job since 1993. His retirement party was held at the Amercian Legion on Thursday, Dec. 30.
It’s telling, now that he’s retired, that the city has hired two full time maintenance officers to fill his very large shoes.
“Lots of road work, lots of snow removal, lots of work on the city’s gas lines over the years,” he said. “It’s been good work and I’ve been happy to do it. I care about the community, and I want people to live good lives in happiness and safety; with roads clear, plumbing that works and reliable services.”
At his retirement party Craig was reminiscing with citizens young and old. Ice storms, the blizzard of ‘97, wind storms, everybody had a story about how Nussbaum was always on the spot, always there when you needed him.
“I lost count of the number of loads of snow I’ve hauled, but that year (the blizzard of ‘97) was pretty memorable,” he said. “A lot of nights sleeping on the floor of city hall because I couldn’t get home. I live on a gravel road, so there were a lot of nights I was dropped off and picked up by my neighbors so I could get to and from work. The people around here are the best, and I’ve been very blessed to work for them.”
“Craig is a skilled and determined fellow and the city was lucky to have him,” said former Mayor and City Councilman Dwayne Jacobson.
“The people who know Craig know all the things he’s done for the city and it’s an amazing amount,” said Owen Weise. “Very knowledgeable, and very skilled.”
Nussbaum will continue to do part time work for the city on an as needed basis, especially considering his vast knowledge and hands on experience with city infrastructure.
