It's a rare thing when someone receives a standing ovation at a legislative update.
But that was the case this morning as Jean Northenor stood in front of a room full of politicians, civic and business leaders at the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber Of Commerce Mid-Session Legislative Update.
And the reason for the standing ovation may be even more rare.
State Sen. Ryan Mishler, on behalf of Governor Mitch Daniels, awarded Northenor the Sagamore of the Wabash award.
"Governor Daniels does not give out Sagamores easily," said Chamber President Mark Dobson. "It might be more likely for him to increase taxes."
"Mark was right. The governor doesn't give these out," said Northenor, as she was being congratulated. "This is just a wonderful honor."
"I've known Mitch since he was just a young fellow out of college," said Northenor. "And I've watched him as he's grown to the where he is today. There are no words to describe this."
Northenor was recently recognized at the annual chamber dinner in January with the Government Excellence award.
She was originally slated to receive the Sagamore at that event, but was unable to attend because she was home recovering from knee surgery.
This morning, she served as moderator for the event at the Kosciusko Community Hospital Health and Wellness Center.
Mishler, who has known Northenor since he was a kid, said when he thinks of politics in Kosciusko County, he thinks of Northenor.
"The governor called me when I was down and asked if I'd be making it down to Indianapolis this session," said Northenor. "I told him I wouldn't so he said, 'Good, now I can do what I want to do.'"
Northenor worked for Lake City Bank in the marketing department and served as executive vice president. She was the Kosciusko County Republican Committee's first woman chairman.
She also served as Kosciusko County auditor.
In 2005, she was named to the state's lottery commission by Daniels.
She previously served on the board for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
In 1984, she was awarded the Woman of the Year.
The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Governor Ralph Gates, who served from 1945 to 1949. The award is the highest honor the governor of Indiana can bestow. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.
