LaCrosse's Keeney recognized after 40 years

LACROSSE - Public Works Supervisor Don Keeney has been on the job for 40 years.

On Thursday, March 14, the Town Council recognized him for his years of service and commitment to LaCrosse.

"It's something you have to like to do, or you wouldn't stick with it," Keeney said, of being supervisor. "You have to love the work."

Town Clerk and Treasurer Angela Broeckel said Keeney started working March 12, 1984.

Keeney said he wouldn't have stayed so long if it weren't for the fact that LaCrosse is his hometown. He grew up and graduated here. Then he applied for the job at a council meeting.

Over the years, Keeney has worked on big projects including realignment of a sewage lagoon in the 1990s and a water main project a few years ago.

"You have to have wide shoulders," Keeney said of the job, adding that most of the time people come with complaints.

Keeney has worked with a lot of people over his 40 years.

"Angela went through quite a bit of research to find all the coworkers, and council members I worked under," he said, adding that he thinks the first five council members on the list are now deceased. "That's what happens when you stick around for 40 years," he said.

Though Keeney has seen many people come and go, he still loves his work; he's still going strong on new projects, like sidewalk upgrades.

"It's just another day on the job," Keeney said.