Morris honored with Lewes’ Elaine Bisbee Award
The City of Lewes recently named Kenny Morris the recipient of the 2016 Elaine Bisbee Award. The award is handed out each March to a city employee who displays dedication, dependability, reliability and excellent work habits, and who is team-oriented and committed to providing quality service.
Morris has worked in the streets department for three years. He is a heavy-equipment operator and also picks up trash and takes care of the beach and bathrooms.
“I’m really surprised,” said Morris, who was joined by his girlfriend Amanda Bunting, her son Hayden Wells, father Kenny Morris Sr. and grandmother Grace Jackson. “I didn’t have any idea. We were all debating in the shop about who we were going to nominate and then we forgot about it and never thought about it again after that.”
“Not everyone forgot,” City Manager Paul Eckrich chimed in.
The award's namesake, Elaine Bisbee, worked with city of Lewes for 35 years, working her way from secretary to city manager, a position she held for 22 years before retiring in March 2006.
Fellow city employees nominate candidates, which are reviewed by Eckrich. The final decision on a recipient is determined by mayor and city council.
Past award winners include Fred Slater (2015), Ricky Melendez (2014, 2011), Carol Richardson (2013), Alice Erickson (2012), Ellen Lorraine McCabe (2010), Lenora Dillinger (2009), Gilbert Holt Jr. (2008), James "Bear" McLean (2007) and Jennifer Murphy (2006).
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
