Approximately 250 guests descended on the Celebration Room at Santa’s Lodge Saturday to celebrate Republican solidarity and success.
The special guest list was quite large. Congressman Dr. Larry Bucshon, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, Attorney General Todd Rokita, Secretary of State Diego Morales, State Treasurer Daniel Elliott, State Senator Mark Messmer (who played the National Anthem for the crowd) and State Representative Steve Bartels joined in the festivities.
Republican Party chairs from neighboring counties were also in attendance, including Jan Hicks from Daviess, Posey County 8th district chair Brenda Goff, Vanderburgh Chair Mike Duckworth and Vice Chair and County Treasurer Dottie Thomas, Warrick Chair Mike Griffen, Perry Vice Chair Earla Williams, Crawford County Chair Whitney Timberlake and Vice Chair Heather Setser.
Lt. Governor Crouch presented a special award to long-serving Spencer County Councilman David Gogel.
She said, “When searching for an individual in Spencer County based on the merits of conservative leadership which have elevated them far above normal leadership status one has to look no further than this person.
With a reputation of being fair and hardworking, he is trusted by Republicans and Democrats alike to spend their tax dollars wisely.
“First elected to the County Council in 1996, he has spent 27 years serving Spencer County as an elected official. All this time was spent as a County Council member except for 10 years when he served as a County Commissioner.”
Crouch concluded, “On a side note, he has also spent the last 27 years frying up elephant ears at the Dale Fall Festival for Spencer County Right to Life. He is a true leader.”
Other awards were presented to Sue Kloeck was awarded the Volunteer of the year for her efforts in the 2022 election cycle by Spencer County Republican Chairman John Winkler.
Winkler also presented Jeremy Gorman with a special recognition for his efforts as assistant secretary of the party. Doris Frakes was awarded the precinct committeeman of the year for her efforts in the 2022 election cycle.
Photos by Kathy Tretter
