One of the last official acts Monday of outgoing Mayor Ed DeGaris was to recognize the contributions one Poplar Bluff family has made for the growth of the city.
Kelly and Judy Boyers, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were given keys to the city and a plaque thanking the family for their support of the Shelby Road phase 2 extension.
The 2.5-mile project will extend the road from Kanell Boulevard to Highway 53, bisecting farmland that has been held by the family for decades.
"This is an amazing family," DeGaris said before the council held a reorganizational meeting. "When we went to the ground breaking and I saw the cleared land that separates his farm that's been in the family for close to three generations, I couldn't imagine the sacrifice his family is doing for the city of Poplar Bluff."
Kelly Boyers told him, "It's just the right thing to do for our town," DeGaris said.
The Boyers' love for this community will be on permanent display when the Shelby Road extension is complete, DeGaris said.
A ground breaking ceremony was held in September at a site where the Boyers family held their son Derek's first birthday, wedding celebrations, and events for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Contractors have been given 18 months to complete the approximately $10.4 million road.
Kelly Boyers, 79 at the time of the ground breaking, said he had lived on sections of the land that will make up the road since he was 14.
His family has raised livestock and planted row crops, with his son and daughter building their own homes nearby.
The recognition Monday was very special, said Judy Boyers.
"We really appreciate it," she said. "It's still kind of tough for us. We know it's best for everyone. It's best for the community. I think it's going to be used a lot."
Both parties were somewhat satisfied with the deal, said Kelly Boyers, who thanked city manager Mark Massingham for everything he has done during the process.
"Mark and the council and everyone involved, they have all been fair and very respectful to our family," Kelly Boyers said.