The Spruce Pine Town Council devoted the much of its meeting last week to honoring outgoing Mayor Phillip Hise and outgoing Council Member Jackie Rensink, as well as recognizing a number of past leaders who attended in the audience.
State Sen. Ralph Hise, a former Spruce Pine mayor and Phillip Hise’s nephew, spoke about the outgoing mayor’s service to the town.
“Every pipe that ever burst in this town, I think you know about it,” Ralph Hise said.
The state senator spoke about how difficult the past year has been for Spruce Pine.
“It’s my prayer … that that season of destruction is behind this town,” he said.
A number of town employees also spoke.
“Phillip, thank you so much for your knowledge of the history of Spruce Pine, and for making sure I don’t reinvent old mistakes,” Downtown Director Spencer Bost said.
Parks and Recreation Director Michael Wood said that Rensink has been very helpful to his department.
“Jackie, there was a time when our department was having some rough situations, and you came and talked to me,” he said. “You backed us — that meant a lot.”
Former Mayor Darla Harding noted that she has served in office with a number of those present.
“I served with Phillip, I’ve served with Jackie — they were and are dedicated to this town,” Harding said.
Rensink responded to many of the well-wishers individually.
“You know when the speaker brings notes that you’re in trouble,” she joked at the beginning of her remarks.
Rensink said that a lot has happened in her decade in office.
“That 10-year run has covered COVID through Helene through an intense period of heckling on social media,” she said.
David Niven, co-owner of DT’s Blue Ridge Java, spoke about town support for the disaster recovery effort off-the-cuff.
“Nobody told me I was going to get to speak tonight,” Niven said.
“I signed you up,” former Town Manager Richard Canipe whispered behind him with a laugh.
“We’re blessed to have this council,” Niven went on. “Phillip, I know you’ll stick around — I hope to see you every morning.”
Niven also showed off a plaque that will be displayed in his restaurant, dedicating a table to Phillip Hise.
Hise described his time in office as a “privilege,” and expressed hope that the frustrations of recovering from storm damage a year ago are beginning a decline.
“Right now, I think we’re at a peak — we’re getting better and better every day,” he said.
The council approved resolutions honoring both Rensink and Mayor Hise.