Ormsby, Nayrocker, Wolkins Honored At Republican Hall of Fame Dinner
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews
NORTH WEBSTER — Kristi Ormsby, Warsaw, and Craig Nayrocker, Warsaw, were honored with the Kosciusko County Republican Woman and Man of the Year awards Thursday evening during the annual Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Dinner.
However, Ormsby and Nayrocker, were not the only two honored during the annual event. State Rep. Dave Wolkins was also honored.
Mike Ragan, county chairman, stated the Woman of the Year, Ormsby, “is very, very special to the party.” He noted she has been a wonderful help at parades, at events and in writing checks. Quietly, Ormsby stated, “I have been really lucky to get to know a lot of people here, and so generous in welcoming me. There’s so much to learn. Thank you.”
Nayrocker was noted as someone who is one of the hardest workers Ragan knows. He has gone door to door, made hundreds of phone calls for candidates around the state and is “constantly asking what he can do to help.”
The recognition of Wolkins was a surprise for the retiring state representative. His 32 years in office will end at midnight Nov. 3. “I am pleased to be a part of this recognition here this evening of Rep. Dave Wolkins and his 32 years of service in the Indiana State House of Representative,” said former State Senator Kent Adams, who now serves as Winona Lake Clerk-Treasurer, and who presented Wolkins with a plaque honoring his service.
“Dave and I both went into the state legislature in 1988 … When Dave and I went into the state house, he went under the dome and stared in awe. That was the first time he’d ever been in there.” Adams remembered during their years of serving together seeing Wolkins in his office at night contacting constituents. “He never forgot those folks. I think that had a lot to do with the 32-plus years as a representative.” The sacrifice given by his family for his time in office was also recognized.
Wolkins noted he has a lot of memories and so many friends who have helped him. “I’ve had tremendous joy representing the people of Kosciusko County. I’ve made so many friends and was able to accomplish quite a few things … but it is absolutely amazing that I’ve had the opportunities that I’ve had. People I’ve got to meet, people I know … Thank you very much.”
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski was the keynote speaker, who brought with her the “key” to the White House. “The reason I want to be here tonight, is the reason why I win that seat … It is because of Kosciusko County Republican voters. All the votes I lose up there I get here,” said Walorski. She added Kosciusko County “is the only place in the district where there are candidates without opponents.”
During her keynote address she shared a gift presented to her from Pres. Donald Trump six to eight weeks ago. It was a hand-carved wooden box containing a large gold key. He stated it was a key to the White House. “This is for all of you,” Walorski stated as she showed the gift. “I represent all of you … You sent me there to do the things that I do, to fight for the values that we believe in and the things that are important to use in this manufacturing district. Thank you for sending me there. I don’t get there without Kosciusko County.”
Additionally Walorski noted the only way to bring the economy back and restore the nation is to restore “our way of life” and to defeat coronavirus. She said Indiana ““was one of the first states that broke out … making all the manufacturing positions essential … I think it’s just a great decision and we got it out there and look at what’s happening in our district. Manufacturers are manufacturing.”
Noting that she has been accused of being anti-science, she stated “at the end of the day I hear what science is saying. But the voice I listen to is yours. I work for you. I believe who we all are – good stewards of the economy and the land … it’s a great honor. I don’t take it for granted.”
The evening also included time for various candidates at the county level and district level to introduce themselves, with those facing opponents to tell more about themselves.