Pictured from left are Ken Locke, Terry Klondaris, Jim Griest, Steve Ailes and John Hall. (Photo provided)

WARSAW — The Warsaw Rotary Club presented its annual L.N. “Pete” Thorn Award to Steve Ailes, longtime Rotarian and United Methodist pastor who has served in many capacities over the years and given to “others.” Ailes is the 34th recipient of the award.

“The L.N. “Pete” Thorn Award is given by the Rotary Club of Warsaw to the man or woman who best exemplifies the high qualities and principles of Pete Thorn, as to dedication to goals, citizenship, concern for youth, excellence in sportsmanship and “service above self.”

A bust of Lee Norman “Pete” Thorn is housed in the Baker Youth Club, Warsaw. The statue was sculpted by Fred W. Olds, commissioned by the Warsaw Rotary Club, who unveiled the work on June 24, 1980.

Ken Locke noted when presenting the award, “Steve has given us insight into polio suffering from the disease as a boy. His untiring work in encouraging people to give to Polio Plus and eradicate the disease around the world has been amazing. He has also given in many other untold ways to the community.”

According to the World Health Organization, polio cases have only been reported in two nations: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Since 1988 there has been a 99 precent decrease in cases around the world.

Ailes recently retired after 43 years in ministry and has moved with his wife, Michele, to Plainfield.