STATEHOUSE (Oct. 26, 2021) – Northwest Indiana lawmakers recently presented a Sagamore of the Wabash award to former Lake Court House Foundation President Marty Wheeler.
"Marty is a tremendous person who has put the Crown Point community ahead of herself for decades," said State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). "Marty's dedication to her job and selflessness she showed throughout her time at the courthouse is inspiring. I'm grateful to know her personally and honored to present her this award."
For over 35 years, Wheeler was an active volunteer with the Lake Court House Foundation, serving 12 years as its president. State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) said she spent her time working to preserve and maintain the Old Lake Court House on the Square in Crown Point for the benefit of the community, and ensuring it remains a loved and living symbol in Lake County.
"Every town needs someone like Marty who sets a tremendous example with their actions and truly cares about the place they live," Slager said. "In her decades of service, Marty left the town she loves in a better place, and the impact she has made on the community is invaluable."
According to State Sen. Rick Niemeyer (R-Lowell), before Wheeler was involved with the Lake Court House Foundation, she was an elected official as the Center Township assessor for 12 years. Now in retirement, she continues serving her community by running a soup kitchen on the side, preparing meals to help those in need.
"Marty is the epitome of what it means to serve in one's community," Niemeyer said. "I am honored to know someone so dedicated and hardworking in her community, including work such as preserving buildings of great historical importance like the Crown Point courthouse. Marty's decades of service with the Lake Court House Foundation will always be appreciated by the community and its leaders."
Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by former Gov. Ralph Gates. It is the highest honor the governor can bestow and is presented to distinguished Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state of Indiana.
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes portions of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. Rick Niemeyer (R-Lowell) represents Senate District 6,
which includes Benton and Newtown counties, and portions of Lake County.
Click here for a high-resolution photo of Niemeyer.
