Grand Junction Mayor Curtis Lane was honored Monday night as the longest-serving mayor in Hardeman County. City Hall was packed with residents and friends for the city’s Nov. 2 board meeting, where county and state leaders thanked Lane for more than a quarter-century of public service.
The recognition came one day before voters went to the polls. Lane chose not to seek another term, and Grand Junction residents are electing a new mayor in today’s Nov. 3 election, according to Hatchie Press.
Proclamation honors Grand Junction Mayor Curtis Lane
Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse presented Lane with a proclamation naming him the county’s longest-serving mayor and honoring his contributions to Grand Junction and Hardeman County. Pulse issued the proclamation on behalf of himself and the Hardeman County Board of Commissioners.
The proclamation honors Lane for a “Life of Service.” It commends him for serving with integrity and dedication and says his leadership will remain part of the city’s history.
State Rep. Johnny Shaw, who is also retiring this year after 26 years in the Tennessee House, was among those on hand to congratulate Lane.
26 years of city service by the numbers
According to the proclamation, Lane’s time in Grand Junction city government includes:
Two years as an alderman
Four years as vice mayor
20 years as mayor, over five elected terms
240 regular board meetings presided over, not counting special-called meetings
That adds up to 26 years of service to the small town in western Hardeman County.
A new mayor for Grand Junction
With Lane stepping aside, Grand Junction will have a new mayor after today’s municipal election. Polls in Tennessee close at 7 p.m. Central time. Hardeman County election results will be posted by the county election commission after the polls close, and Tippah News will share local results as they become available.
Grand Junction sits along State Route 57 in the western part of Hardeman County. The town is widely known as home to the National Bird Dog Museum and is next to Ames Plantation, which hosts the National Bird Dog Field Trial Championship each February.
A season of goodbyes for longtime Hardeman leaders
Lane’s farewell comes during a year of change for Hardeman County’s political leadership. Shaw’s retirement has opened the District 80 seat in the Tennessee House, which is also on today’s ballot.
Photos from Monday’s celebration were provided to Hatchie Press by the City of Grand Junction and Donna Lane.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
