Evans closes out 40-year career with strike of gavel
Post-Tribune
December 20, 2016 - 4:21PM
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-porter-commissioners-meet-st-1222-20161220-story.html
Post-Tribune
December 20, 2016 - 4:21PM
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-porter-commissioners-meet-st-1222-20161220-story.html
Board of Commissioners President John Evans said at the end of Tuesday's meeting that commissioners meetings throughout the year are recessed and it's only the last one of the year that's adjourned.
"Today," he said, gavel in hand, which he gave a loud thud, "we stand adjourned."
Dozens of department heads, fellow elected officials and supporters applauded and gave him a standing ovation.
After 40 years serving the county, including time in the coroner's office, as that office's chief deputy, and then as coroner, before Evans, R-North, was elected to four consecutive terms as a commissioner, Evans' career in public service came to an end with his last commissioners meeting.
He chose not to seek re-election; Jim Biggs, a Republican who represents District 1 on the County Council, won election to Evans' spot.
Well-wishers streamed through the meeting, thanking Evans after he conducted routine business for contracts, resolutions and other matters.
"I want to take a moment to thank you," said facilities director Matt Stechly, who was hired shortly after the start of the year, adding he'd appeared before the commissioners and the County Council numerous times. "Your leadership has been outstanding. You've allowed us to do a lot. It's been a tough year but you have a lot to be proud of."
State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, presented Evans with a Distinguished Hoosier Award from Gov. Mike Pence. The plaque notes the honor is bestowed on individuals who "distinguish themselves through significant contributions to their communities," among other characteristics.
"It's a privilege to be before you today with mixed emotions. It's a lot of years you've been here and served our community well," Soliday said, joking that the only thing he would hold against Evans is that he and the late Ralph Ayres convinced him to run for office. "We're very, very proud of the work you've done here."
Evans, who owns and managed Edmonds and Evans Funeral Homes in Portage and Chesterton, announced in February he would not seek another term. At the time, he said he wanted to devote more time to his wife, Laurie Wehner-Evans, and noted the county's sound financial footing after significant budget challenges.
"I didn't think this day would ever get here," he said, thanking the people of Porter County and adding he saw people in the crowd he saw his first day with the county.
He said he's been overwhelmed the past couple of days by messages from supporters.
"You just show up and do what's right and people appreciate it," he said.
"Today," he said, gavel in hand, which he gave a loud thud, "we stand adjourned."
Dozens of department heads, fellow elected officials and supporters applauded and gave him a standing ovation.
After 40 years serving the county, including time in the coroner's office, as that office's chief deputy, and then as coroner, before Evans, R-North, was elected to four consecutive terms as a commissioner, Evans' career in public service came to an end with his last commissioners meeting.
He chose not to seek re-election; Jim Biggs, a Republican who represents District 1 on the County Council, won election to Evans' spot.
Well-wishers streamed through the meeting, thanking Evans after he conducted routine business for contracts, resolutions and other matters.
"I want to take a moment to thank you," said facilities director Matt Stechly, who was hired shortly after the start of the year, adding he'd appeared before the commissioners and the County Council numerous times. "Your leadership has been outstanding. You've allowed us to do a lot. It's been a tough year but you have a lot to be proud of."
State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, presented Evans with a Distinguished Hoosier Award from Gov. Mike Pence. The plaque notes the honor is bestowed on individuals who "distinguish themselves through significant contributions to their communities," among other characteristics.
"It's a privilege to be before you today with mixed emotions. It's a lot of years you've been here and served our community well," Soliday said, joking that the only thing he would hold against Evans is that he and the late Ralph Ayres convinced him to run for office. "We're very, very proud of the work you've done here."
Evans, who owns and managed Edmonds and Evans Funeral Homes in Portage and Chesterton, announced in February he would not seek another term. At the time, he said he wanted to devote more time to his wife, Laurie Wehner-Evans, and noted the county's sound financial footing after significant budget challenges.
"I didn't think this day would ever get here," he said, thanking the people of Porter County and adding he saw people in the crowd he saw his first day with the county.
He said he's been overwhelmed the past couple of days by messages from supporters.
"You just show up and do what's right and people appreciate it," he said.
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