Local Men Honored for Community Service and Leadership

Recipients of the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association's 2013 Certificate of Distinction are, from left, Tom McKinney, Levi Huffman, Dick Reel, Wayne Emigh, Jim Hicks, Becky Skillman, Leon Crowe, Lynn Martin and John Butts. Fayte Brewer received the award posthumously. (Purdue Agricultural Communication photo/Tom Campbell)
Recipients of the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association’s 2013 Certificate of Distinction are, from left, Tom McKinney, Levi Huffman, Dick Reel, Wayne Emigh, Jim Hicks, Becky Skillman, Leon Crowe, Lynn Martin and John Butts. Fayte Brewer received the award posthumously. (Purdue Agricultural Communication photo/Tom Campbell)

A Knox man was recently honored with the 2013 Certificate of Distinction award that was presented during the Purdue University Agricultural Alumni Association’s annual fish fry at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

The award honors those who go above and beyond the call of duty in their work and volunteer work and leadership in organizations associated with agriculture and community service.

Wayne Emigh, of Knox, was one of 10 honored with this award. He was one of the original 4-H Council members in Starke County in 1958. He still volunteers in the organization after 64 years. He holds electric project workshops for 4-H youth. He was instrumental in converting horsepower to electric power after returning to his family farm years ago.

Dick Reel, of LaPorte, was also a recipient of the award. Reel retired in 2003 after a distinguished career as an Extension educator in both 4-H youth and leadership and community development programs. He was also instrumental in raising more than $250,000 for construction of the buildings in Pioneer Village at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds.