A lifelong Knox resident who has made a career of community service is the recipient of the 2016 Starke County Chamber of Commerce Henry F. Schricker Award. The honor is named after the former governor and is given annually to someone who embodies his credo of “service before self.”
Nancy J. Dembowski worked at WKVI for 25 years, served on the Starke County Council and was mayor of Knox for 11 years. During that time the community center, named in her honor, was built, and the historic Gateway Depot at the north edge of the city was restored. The city also received two prestigious Achievement Awards from the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns during her tenure.
In 2002 Dembowski was elected to the Indiana Senate to fill an unexpired term. She narrowly lost a reelection bid in 2005 but returned to the statehouse a year later after winning election to the Indiana House of Representatives.
Dembowski describes her foray into public life as “accidental leadership” and says it began over a lack of money for Christmas decorations in downtown Knox several years ago. That’s when the Candy Cane Committee was formed.
“We decided maybe we could step up and see what we could do. In the end, we got donations of materials, and a crew to help us make over 100 candy canes. It was pretty cold in some of those garages, but we did it, and many of the candy canes I think are still in use today.”
Dembowski says she was told that in politics people get the kind of government they deserve. She adds the same is true of the community.
“Don’t complain and say it will never change. Find others who feel as you do, and work together to change it. Work together to make it better, to make it the way you want it to be. Don’t leave it to others. It’s your community. Stand up and work for change. You’d be amazed at what you can do.”
Dembowski retired from the legislature in 2012. She’s since formed the nonprofit group Moving Starke County Forward to address negative local health statistics.
“We’ve made some real progress, even without a funding source, and we mainly rely on some small grants from local organizations. We would certainly welcome anyone who wants to work to change these statistics. We really can make a difference, and it truly will change lives in Starke County. Starke County is our home. If we won’t work to make it better, who will?”
Dembowski’s longtime friend and former WKVI colleague, Ted Hayes, had quite a bit to say about her career as well. We’ll share the entire presentation Sunday at noon on Kankakee Valley Viewpoints, as well as the recognition of Fingerhut Bakery as Business of the Year. We will have a complete story on their award and community contributions tomorrow.
