NIAGARA, Wis. — A couple years ago, Niagara Mayor George Bousley made a comment to his son Jim Bousley that since 1973 Gov. Scott Walker was the only governor that had never visited Niagara.

Jim Bousley decided then to take on the task of getting the governor to Niagara. Friday afternoon friends, family and community members surprised George Bousley at Niagara City Hall with a reception to honor his 40 years of service to the city.

Gov. Walker, State Rep. Jeff Mursau, R- Crivitz, and State Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, attended the reception and presented a plaque to Bousley.

“Regardless of what generation, what age, what time it was, the people of the county come to you for leadership,” said Walker. “You see that reflected in the people here today. I wanted to be here today to honor you and to honor the legacy you have already left and will continue to leave going forward, to thank you for your leadership,” he said.

Bousley also served 12 years on the Marinette County Board of Supervisors, including eight years as chairman, stepping down in 2012.