On the last day of his 22-year career with the city of Osage Beach, family and friends gathered to wish farewell to Val Valent.
Valent started his career with the city finishing up the building inspections for the recently completed High Pointe Shopping Center. Valent said it was one of the most influential developments in Osage Beach because it was the first large development to come to the city.
As High Pointe is roped off to prepare for demolition, Valent said it was time for him to retire.
“I don’t want to be carried out, I want to be able to walk out those doors,” Valent said. On the last drive home, Valent could only imagine what he would be feeling. “It’s always been mixed motions,” he said. “The first day I wake up and I have nothing to do, that will be interesting.”