Foley Honors City Workers at Annual Appreciation Event

Guy Busby • March 13, 2025

Awards presented for outstanding contributions and service

Foley Parks and Recreation employee Joanna Blue received the city’s annual Extra Mile Award for service.

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley honored its municipal workers for their dedication over the past year in maintaining city operations and enhancing the community.


The city hosted its annual employee appreciation event on Friday, March 7.


Mayor Ralph Hellmich expressed gratitude on behalf of himself and the City Council, acknowledging the hard work and contributions of Foley’s employees.


“Every day I hear people talk about how well run the city of Foley is. They always say, you're doing a great job. It's not me, it's what you guys do, and the pride that you take in your everyday jobs,” Hellmich said. “The fact that you guys take pride in your job keeps the city running well, and it's appreciated.”


Among the recognitions presented were the Extra Mile Award given each year to the city employee selected for contributions and efforts to the public and city.

Employees recognized for 25 years of service included Patsy Benton, Kevin Carnley and Roni Criswell.
The city presented awards for 20 years of service to Philip Brettel, Bobby Erwin, Pam Harris, Ralph Hellmich and Cindy Jackson.
Awards for 15 years of service went to Caleb Bibby, Joey Darby, Zach Farmer and Mark Irwin.
Employees recognized for 10 years of service included Daisha Barnes, Miranda Bell, Randy Cathers, Chad Christian, Micah Cotton, Taylor Davis, David Eckman, Daniel Gardner, Jacob Guthrie, Dianna Irwin, Marc Luhta, Keith Morin, Nancy Nall, Keith Nelson, Brent Vinson and Ken Wright.
The city presented awards for five years of service to Anita Allen, Samantha Blanquiset, Zevin Chavers, Laura Cooper, Raven Davis, Haley Deisner, Michelle Edwards, Ryan Harrison, Dan Hill, Beth Lamey, Paul Leonard, Jared May, Chase Medders, Nick Parden, Chad Raybon, Terri Redditt, Alex Simpson and Larry Joe Zellers.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Ribbon Cutting for Young's Hideaway Glamping - Photo by Marc Anderson
By R. Ken Cooper April 25, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach officials and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of a new glamping site named "Young's Hideaway" in honor of longtime residents Cecil and Jesse Young. The project adds a unique accommodation option to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Opening of New Boat Ramp in Bon Secour
By OBA Staff April 25, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – A new public boat ramp on County Road 6 in Bon Secour was officially opened today during a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship.
Surf Fishing Clinic for Kids
By R. Ken Cooper April 25, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Young anglers will have the chance to cast their lines and learn from local experts at the Gulf State Park Kids Surf Fishing Clinic this summer.
Pensacola Man Arrested After Break-In in Foley
By OBA Staff April 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – At around 2:45 a.m., Foley police responded to a burglary call on State Highway 59. Officers found a man inside the business and apprehended him. The suspect, 52-year-old Patrick Odell Levens from Pensacola, Florida, had used a power tool to cut a hole in the back wall to get inside.
Perdido Beach Resort Backs Orange Beach Schools with Major Gift
By OBA Staff April 24, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools and the Mako Academics, Arts, and Athletics Club have announced a major new sponsor. Perdido Beach Resort pledged to be a Diamond Level Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year.
Cyclists Gear Up for 2025 Good Life Ride at Gulf State Park
By R. Ken Cooper April 24, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The popular Good Life Ride cycling event is set to return to Gulf State Park on May 10, 2025. The annual event, which attracts cycling enthusiasts from across the Southeast, will feature multiple route options designed to showcase the natural beauty of Alabama's coastal region.
Major Drainage Overhaul Taking Place on West Peachtree Avenue
By Guy Busby April 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Travel on West Peachtree Avenue will soon be smoother after the Foley City Council approved road repairs. The council voted to fix the road near Foley Airport last week. Jeff Phillips, the city construction projects manager, explained that collapsed metal storm drainage pipes buried alongside the road had damaged the street.
Orange Beach Schools Names Laatsch as Assistant Athletic Director
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools has appointed Chris Laatsch as their new Assistant Athletic Director. The announcement came Wednesday as school officials welcomed the veteran coach to his expanded role within the athletics program.
Mystery Urn Washes Ashore in Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – An unusual discovery was made on the beaches of Gulf Shores last week. A funeral urn containing human ashes washed ashore after apparently being released into the Gulf of Mexico.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Hosts Summer Zoo Camp for Kids
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is inviting kids to experience a summer of adventure through its 2025 Zoo Camp program. The camp will give young animal lovers a hands-on opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Show More