Puckett, Thystrup named Republican Woman and Man of the Year
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews
NORTH WEBSTER — Michelle Puckett, Mentone, county treasurer, and Dan Thystrup, North Webster, town council president, were recipients of the 2024 Kosciusko County Republican Woman and Man of the Year Awards.
The awards were presented during the Kosciusko County Republican Party Hall of Fame Dinner Tuesday evening, Oct. 29, at The Owl’s Nest, North Webster.
County Chairman Mike Ragan announced the recipients. In both instances he indicated he would not have to say much before people knew their names.
In announcing the Woman of the Year, Ragan stated Puckett is a good friend to the party and has served the county for many years in different areas. He noted she has helped in town caucuses, some that were not fun to do, “She’s always been happy to do whatever we’ve asked her to help us do … been a partner in Republican events and things for many years.”
Puckett credited her mentors for what she has done. “I have so many mentors, I can’t even tell you how many,” she stated. She noted Brad Jackson, who has always been a friend, members of the council and commissioners, elected officials, constituents. “I never thought this would be me,” Puckett stated, “Thank you so much.”
About Thystrup, Ragan noted, he has admired him “ever since I met him. He was in this country because he fled socialism. He loves this county and he talks about it all the time. He’s very active in Kosciusko County politics.”
Thystrup stated, “I thank God very often that he put me here in Kosciusko County. What if he had sent me to Detroit?” he joked. “Thank you all. It is awesome.”
Puckett and Thystrup were not the only county Republicans recognized that evening with awards.
Sue Ann Mitchell, county councilwoman, was presented the 2024 Jackie Walorski Inspiration Award by the county women’s club.
Brad Jackson, county commissioner, was added to the U.S. Congressional Record for his 28 years of service as a county commissioner.
Ashley McGinnis, president of the Kosciusko County Women’s Club, presented the Jackie Walorski Inspiration Award to Mitchell. She noted Mitchell has been a member of the club for many years serving in the past as president, secretary and treasurer. She recognized Mitchell for her “outstanding dedication to the women’s club, consistently going above and beyond. She’s always giving her time and experiences,. She’s a devoted elected official and she’s truly an inspiration to all of us just like Jackie,” said McGinnis.
The award, according to McGinnis, is to continue honoring Walorski and the inspiration she has been to members of the club both personally and politically.
As a member of Congress, 2nd District U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym can enter something into the Congressional Record, which according to Yakym, is where historians research a point in time. Yakym stated in honor of Jackson’s long service to Kosciusko County, “I’ve entered something into the Congressional Record on your behalf.”
Yakym then read what he was presenting into the record.
The entry recognized and congratulated Jackson who was noted as a good friend, business leader and builder, devoted public servant, and Kosciusko County Commissioner “as he prepares to retire as county commissioner at the end of this year after 28 years in elected office.”
The document also noted “Brads long standing commitment to meeting the needs of Kosciusko County Hoosiers has been deep and unwaivered. Brad is the kind of person you want in your corner, serving in government and making decisions that affect people’s lives. Brad believes in and adheres to conservative principals and values, has helped keep Kosciusko County growing and on the move … fiscal discipline, low taxes, preventing unnecessary regulations on businesses and job creators and support for law enforcement in keeping crime low have all been hallmarks … most of all his love for community, his family and God has kept Brad grounded in the things that matter … a leader who admired and respected by so many.”
The evening additionally included remarks by Yakym and Micah Beckwith, lieutenant governor candidate. The keynote speech was given by Indiana Republican Party Chairman Randy Head.