Copeland honored at Lincoln Day Dinner
Wanda Burnett, Editor

Ripley County Republican Chairman Kenneth Copeland was honored with the Distinguished Hoosier Award at the Lincoln Day Dinner held at the Knights of Columbus at Batesville Saturday evening, April 8.

“It really got me,” Copeland said with tears in his eyes. He said he believes it’s the first time in his life he has been completely speechless.

The honor was read by State Representative Cleo Duncan, who was accompanied in the presentation by State Senator Johnny Nugent, and local politician Donald Dunbar, who serves on the Ripley County Council. The award was framed with old wood from the Busching covered bridge. The award noted that Copeland had made significant contributions to his community. It read in part, “qualities and characteristics of such individuals reflect the best of the great state of Indiana...actions of these individuals endear them in the hearts and minds of all Hoosiers.”

It went on to say, “Indiana treasures individuals who give their time and talents out of an abiding sense of responsibility, commitment and concern for others...Kenneth Copeland has earned the respect and admiration of Hoosiers across the state..” It was signed by Governor Mitch Daniels and dated April 8, 2006.

Rep. Duncan spoke briefly at the event saying this is an exciting time to be in government. She referred to the Major Moves bill and said it will impact Ripley County with over $1 million for local roads, bridges and streets. She said she was honored to be the co-author of the bill that holds such huge potential for the state.

Congressman Mike Sodrel was the keynote speaker for the evening. He addressed several issues - one being the border security that is on the front burner. He said we have a hemorrhage at the border that needs immediate attention. He further noted that “we’re a nation of immigrants, but we can’t have unlimited illegal immigration. We have to secure the border...we can’t assume everyone is looking for a better life for themselves.”

Sodrel continued by saying there were 273,000 new jobs in February of this year and the unemployment rate is at 4.8 percent. He said there is a problem with the IRS and noted there are over a trillion dollars in untaxed income, the IRS is paying $150 billion a year to collect income taxes, and that $10 trillion dollars in US capital is offshore.

Noting that this election will be a tough race for him, Sodrel said, “Every vote counts...one snowflake at a time, let’s have a snowstorm in May and a blizzard in November.” He asked those in attendance to join his campaign efforts to help him retain his seat.

Dr. Suellen Reed, superintendent of public instruction said, “Education is more important today than it ever has been.” She spoke briefly outlining the importance of education.
Senator Johnny Nugent, who has represented this area for the past 28 years in the Senate, said he has served under six governors in his time in office. He said Governor Daniels is more aggressive and innovative than all the others combined. While Nugent said he doesn’t agree with all of the governor’s ideas, he says he supports him when he believes he’s right based on facts.

Copeland noted that all the offices in the county but three are filled with Republicans at this present time. He said while he’s not boasting, he’s proud of that and hopes it will continue, urging people to vote in the Primary on May 2.

Each of the offices represented at the dinner was recognized and the evening concluded with the Republican Women’s Club passing out a number of door prizes.