MAYOR DWAINE BIGGERSTAFF A drop-in breakfast will be held in honor of Lincolnton Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff on Saturday, November 28, from 9 until 11 a.m. at the Lincolnton Clubhouse.

A life-long resident of Lincolnton, Biggerstaff served on the city council for 15 years before he was elected mayor in 1997. He will retire on December 31 after 13 years at the helm of the city.

During his tenure as mayor, Biggerstaff served as chairman of the CSRA RDC's (Rural Development Center) Central Savannah River Commission; president of the GMA's (Georgia Municipal Association) Seventh District; a member of the GMA Executive Board; chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Health for 13 years; and chairman of the Lincoln County Republican Party. He was also appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to serve on the Georgia State Water Policy Commission.

While in public office, Mayor Biggerstaff oversaw many improvements to the area. Among these were:

.. The city secured two TE (Transportation Enhancement) Grants from the Georgia DOT to revitalize the downtown area with new sidewalks, street lamps, and landscaping.

.. Brick welcome signs were placed at the city limits on all major thoroughfares.

.. The Lincolnton Clubhouse was remodeled and expanded, and the parking lot was paved to provide a more adequate meeting facility for citizens.

.. The James Allen Reed Water Treatment Plant and the wastewater treatment plant were remodeled and expanded.

.. The entire water system was upgraded and expanded. The renovations included the construction of a new water tank.

.. The city secured three Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), totaling over $2 million. Two of these were used for upgrades to the sewer system.

.. The street and sanitation facility as well as the recycling program were expanded. In keeping with this emphasis, the city acquired two cardboard packers.

.. New vehicles were purchased for all departments: water, wastewater, and sanitation. Also, a new fire truck and various items of equipment were obtained for the city's volunteer fire department.

.. The police department was ex- panded from a staff of two officers working full time and one, part time, to five full-time policemen.

.. All city departments were updated with new computer systems.

.. City Hall was extensively renovated and enhanced.

Commenting on his retirement, Mayor Biggerstaff said, "It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Lincolnton. I have been very fortunate to work with knowledgeable, professional, and conscientious city employees and councilmen.

"I will greatly miss my service in the capacity of mayor, and I wish the new mayor and council the very, very best."

The public is cordially invited to attend the retirement breakfast, which is being hosted by Mayor Biggerstaff's family.