Former Gov. Mitch Daniels, left, is shown with the 2025 Republican Hall of Fame Honorees Patty Yarian and Jon Garber, along with Austin Rovenstine, secretary of the county party and emcee for the evening.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER – Patty Yarian and Jon Garber were honored as the Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Woman and Man of the Year Monday evening, Nov. 17. The awards were presented at the 50th Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Dinner.

The recipients were announced by Austin Rovenstine, secretary of the county party. Before revealing their names, he shared a brief history of the Hall of Fame.

He said the event was the brainchild of Jean Northenor, who worked alongside then-chairman Ed Pratt and secretary Pauline Jordan to begin “what is now a firmly established tradition. The purpose of this event was to honor individuals for their dedication, support and work in the party and their contribution to good government.”

Rovenstine noted that throughout the history of the award, it has been given to many prominent people. “We have given it to governors. We’ve given it to congressmen. We’ve given it to state legislators. But I always think the award is best given to those who work behind the scenes without recognition or glory to make this community a better place.”

He said that was certainly the case with this year’s Woman of the Year. Yarian has never held elected office beyond precinct committeeman. “But every role she plays in our community and in our party she performs with her whole heart. She has been a longtime volunteer for, and leader in, the Kosciusko County Republican Women’s Club, and she’s even been recognized by the Indiana Federation of Republican Women for her exemplary service.”

He added that Yarian frequently volunteers at Republican headquarters, noting that during downtown events she can often be found popping popcorn and selling T-shirts. “Most importantly, from my perspective, she is one of our most competent and dedicated poll workers,” Rovenstine said. As a member of the county election board, he said he knows “the role she often serves as inspector is one of the most difficult roles in the polls and one of the most difficult to fill, and she’s always willing to step up whenever and wherever needed.”

Cindy Dobbins, left, a member of Warsaw Common Council, received the Kosciusko County Women’s Club Jackie Walorski Award, from Ashley MGinnis, right, club president.

As Yarian walked to the front of the room, she repeatedly said “wow.” After accepting the award, she said, “I just thank you. I just said I haven’t been in the office much this year because of health reasons, but I do appreciate this and I love my party and I praise God for the Republican Party. Thank you so much.”

Turning to the Man of the Year announcement, Rovenstine said this recipient, Garber, had indeed been an elected official — but that service was merely the capstone of a nearly 50-year career serving the community.

“When he was an elected official, he never let it go to his head. He developed a reputation as a humble public servant who worked well with his colleagues and earned their respect and admiration. He ran for office because he wanted to use his gifts to better serve the community, not because he wanted a title on a résumé. He didn’t need the job. In fact, all things considered, he probably would have rather been on a boat somewhere.”

“The outdoors is important to our Man of the Year,” Rovenstine said. Garber began his public service career with the Warsaw Parks Department, eventually becoming superintendent. He later was elected to the Kosciusko County Council, where he eventually became president.

Former Councilman Garber noted that those who know him know he is a man of few words. “I sit in the background and take things in. I always remember it’s often the people that don’t speak a lot, regardless of what party, that you really gain a lot of knowledge from.”

He recalled that while serving on the park board, there was a gentleman strong in the Democratic Party who rarely spoke. “But when he spoke, we would listen, because behind him were years and years of consideration of other people and their needs — and that’s kind of the way I look at myself. It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and I think that’s true. I just want to thank you all for that.”

The evening also included heartfelt homage to Jean Northenor and a special tribute to Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller. All three were recognized and honored by keynote speaker former Gov. Mitch Daniels and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. The trio was also recognized by Ashley McGinnis, president of the Kosciusko County Women’s Club.

Additionally, McGinnis recognized Cindy Dobbins with the club’s Jackie Walorski Award, which honors individuals, in remembrance of Walorski, for their inspiration to generations of leaders.

Among the 160 guests were Republican leaders from numerous counties and districts in the state, past county chairmen, elected officials at the state and local levels, and a group of students with Turning Point USA.

Rovenstine announced that Mike Ragan, county chairman, was unable to attend the event after recently learning he has leukemia. His doctors advised him to avoid large crowds. Rovenstine said Ragan is in good spirits and “he is not going anywhere.”