Dean Uecker recently expressed his thanks to those who re-elected.

This marks his 20th year on the Ripon City Council and he could not be prouder.

“This Council has worked together and kept the city in great shape,” he said at the Dec. 13 monthly session.

One of the big accomplishments of that is the Stockton Avenue Rehabilitation Project, which was completed this summer.

Those traveling along this stretch from Second Street and Doak Boulevard are now able to comfortably drive along the concrete pavers or walk along the new six-food wide sidewalk that now matches the streetlights – all this matches the aesthetics of downtown.

D.A. Wood Construction was hired for the project in February 2021.

Funding was made possible by various sources including the Measure K Cooperative Agreement with the San Joaquin Council of Governments – the city, in addition, was able to receive a reimbursement for part of that through the Ripon Safe Routes to School Improvement Project’s Smart Growth Incentive Program, a funding category of the Local Transportation Improvement Plan.

Another project that was finally completed in 2022 was the Ripon High Stadium Revitalization.

The guiding force behind that was the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation, a grass-roots effort that began in 2007, led by Vince and Stephanie Hobbs and handful of others.

On Dec. 12, RCAF held a Grand Completion Ceremony, recognizing the 900-plus for their commitment, dedication, and partnerships to “reach the finish this complex project,” according to the Hobbs,

RCAF was joined by the City of Ripon, Ripon Chamber of Commerce, Ripon Unified School District, and individuals and businesses such as Keith Haines, Brocchini Farms, and De Graff Development, to name a few, to celebrate the accomplishments of the past 15 years of converting Stouffer Field from a dilapidated stadium with a dusty track to a state-of-the-arts facility.

The past year also saw an end of an era in Ripon as Bud Schemper of Schemper’s Ace Hardware retired in April after 48 years of working in the family business. The Swanson family of Strand Ace Hardware took over the day-to-day operations.

In addition, Burger King and Popeye’s Chicken opened in recent months in the Ripon Crossing shopping center with nearby Happy Daze RV dealership and the Jack Tone Road / Canal Street gas station, convenience market, and car wash nearing completion.