Two men received plaques Tuesday at the Warsaw Board of Aviation Commissioners.
District 22 state Rep. Craig Snow received the Indiana Aviation State Representative Of The Year award from Bart Giesler, executive director of Aviation Indiana. Aviation Indiana is the trade association representing airports and aviation in the state.
Board President Jay Rigdon received his plaque from Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose in recognition and appreciation for his service to the city. Tuesday was Rigdon’s last board meeting as he has retired from serving on it after 35 years, 1989 to 2024. Steve Smilay will join the board in Rigdon’s place beginning in January.
In presenting the award to Snow, Giesler explained that at their annual conference in October they had their annual awards.
“Several years back, I came up here for when Warsaw won the Airport of the Year Award. Also, some of the other awards we do are Representative of the Year. At the conference, we announced that Rep. Craig Snow was our 2024 winner,” Giesler said.
In Snow’s first four years as a state representative, Giesler said he worked with Snow on budget issues for airports and local government issues. A few years ago, Giesler said Snow called him to talk about airports.
“I just appreciate how he was willing to talk and discuss,” Giesler said. “I’m originally from Jasper, so I understand the importance from the small community and the importance of the airport, serving the businesses in the community. So those are the reasons that Rep. Craig Snow was awarded, for all of our legislative efforts.”
He then presented the plaque to Snow. Upon receiving the award, Snow said, “It’s an honor to represent Warsaw, Kosciusko County, down at the Statehouse, and just know I’m still learning. I’m still trying to figure out how all this stuff works, but it is easy when you represent a community as great as we have here, so I’m very fortunate and honored to do that. So, thank you, and I’ll keep at it.”
Rigdon said it was really great to have Snow down working at the Statehouse for the community, as it was when Dave Wolkins was a state representative. Wolkins, now a county councilman, was in attendance at Tuesday’s board meeting.

    The city presented Warsaw Board of Aviation Commissioners President Jay Rigdon with a plaque Tuesday for his years of service. Tuesday’s board meeting was Rigdon’s last as he retired from serving on it after 35 years, from 1989 to 2024. Pictured (L to R) are, front row: board members Gene Zale and Dan Robinson; back row: Airport Manager Nick King, Rigdon and Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose. Board member John Yingling was not present at Tuesday’s meeting. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union
  

“Thank you both for your efforts,” Rigdon said. “I can assure you that it’s a lot of hard work and it’s rarely any fun to be down there, so thank you for your work with that.”
On behalf of the city, Grose then presented Rigdon with his service award, pointing out that he graduated from college in 1989 when Rigdon began serving on the board.
“That’s an incredible accomplishment and I want to thank you for your service,” Grose told him.
After a group picture with the board, Rigdon pointed out all the past mayors (Jeff Plank and Ernie Wiggins) and “wonderful” board members that he had the opportunity to serve with, including George White, Paul Grossnickle and Bob Sanders.
“It has been quite a blessing to get to know those people during this - as you pointed out to me - many, many, many year-period that I served on the board,” Rigdon said. “And, obviously, Dan (Robinson) and Gene (Zale) have been very supportive as well. John (Yingling) is not able to be here tonight, but I’ve had a great pleasure getting to work with everybody who I’ve been on this board with. And thank you for this board, I appreciate it.”
Airport Manager Nick King extended his “heartfelt thanks” to Rigdon for his “incredible 35 years of dedicated service to the Warsaw Board of Aviation Commissioners. Your contributions to our community and the Warsaw Airport are immeasurable. The depth of knowledge, passion and commitment you have brought to this board has left an indelible mark that we are all better for because of it.”
He personally thanked Rigdon for his guidance and mentorship that he provided to him during his tenure at the airport.
“Your wisdom and patience, encouragement, has made the world of difference to those early days in my role. You have the rare ability to lead with both expertise and compassion, and I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you. Your legacy of service will undoubtedly continue to shape the airport in our aviation community for years to come. I deeply appreciate all that you have done, both in your official capacity and as mentor and friend. Please know that your impact is felt by so many, and your dedication will always be remembered with gratitude. Thank you very much,” King stated.