Jean Northener, left, and Kip Tom, right, were named the 2016 Republican Woman and Man of the year.

WARSAW — It was a special evening Friday, Oct. 21, at the Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Banquet. Not only were two individuals named the 2016 Woman and Man of the Year, but a special recognition was given to former State Senator V. Richard (Dick) Miller, who passed away in May.

Jean Northener, former county chairwoman, and Kip Tom, area businessman, were named as the 2016 Woman and Man of the Year. This is the second time, Northerner has received the recognition.

Mike Ragan, county chairman, noted about Northerner: “She is loved by everyone in the party and respected.” About Tom, Ragan stated he has “supported candidates with his ability, has loaded signs in our headquarters and on top of all that he is able to farm about 28,000 acres.”

Both recipients were humbled by the recognition and gave brief speeches.

A special part of the evening was honoring Miller. Members of his family were present: his sister-in-law June; brother Jim, twin sisters Beverly and Barbara and son Rick and his widow Jane. Tributes to Miller were heard from former State Rep. Rebecca Kubacki, who also read a message from Mitch Daniels, president at Purdue and former governor of Indiana. Paul Lagemann, from U.S. Sen. Dan Coats’ office read a message to the family from the senator.

Sharing experiences with Miller as their mentor and on personal levels, were U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski and State Senator Jim Banks. Even keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Todd Young, briefly shared an experience with Miller. Banks stated Miller’s legacy reaches farther than politics. Banks read the speech U.S. Rep. 4th District Tod Rokita made for the Congressional Record regarding Miller and presented a copy to his widow. Walorski presented an American Flag which had flown over the U.S. Capital.

State Sen. Ryan Mishler, whose father, former Sen. Greg Mishler was a friend of Millers, and who was mentored by the senator through the years, opted not to present a speech, but combined a slide show of photographs. The photographs depicted Miller’s life with family and friends.

Keynote Speech

Young presented the keynote speech Friday evening. “We’re going to have a big night on election night. Republicans are going to win big time,” he stated. He noted the numerous close races, which will be held, including his own. He reflected back to his first campaign in 2010. “I had a real big ego. My parents gave me enough of an ego to believe I can make a difference. Every one in this room should have that much of an ego.”

He spoke of the reasons why he is seeking the U.S. Senate seat, the importance of this particular Senate race — the composition of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Young recognized the legislators, past and present, who were in attendance and the work he/she has done.

The evening also included recognition of contested and uncontested candidates, or their representative, in the November general election. Banks closed the evening with a second keynote speech.