The Indiana Publisher

Page 5 February 2021 Deanna Watson Lafayette Journal & Courier LAFAYETTE — Dave Bangert, a journalist at the Lafayette Journal & Courier for more than 30 years, has received the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the high- est honor given to a Hoosier. Bangert received the honor from Gov. Eric Holcomb, who was represented — on a cold, gusty night Feb. 4 atop the for- mer Journal & Courier building in downtown Lafayette — by various political leaders, includ- ing Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski, state Sen. Ron Alting, West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis, Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tracy Brown and state Rep. Sheila Klinker. "Since 1989, Dave has pro- vided quality news coverage to our community," Sen. Alting said in a statement. "His ability to identify the ever-changing threads of human interest and make them into an exceptional piece of journalism is truly remarkable and deserving of this award. I will certainly miss reading Dave's work in my morning paper, but I wish him all the best in retirement and thank him for his commitment to our community and journal- ism." Several Journal & Courier former and current staffers joined in a socially distanced celebration, which came as a surprise to Bangert, at the Lafayette Brewing Co. Bangert announced late in 2020 that he would be retir- ing from the Journal & Courier on Dec. 1, leaving an indel- ible mark on journalism and Indiana. His prolific career included regular columns that showcased the concerns and celebrations of Greater Lafayette, Indiana and Purdue University, Lafayette and West Lafayette. The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created more than 80 years ago, during the term of Indiana Gov. Ralph Gates. Gov. Gates, according to the state website, learned the governor of Kentucky would be bestowing Kentucky Colonel certificates for Gates and Sen. Robert A. Taft, of Ohio. Gov. Gates would not be outdone, and a similar award would be presented in return. Every governor since Gates, who served 1945-49, has pre- sented the award, considered the highest honor a governor of Indiana bestows. "Sagamore," Sen. Alting said in his statement, refers to the highest political leader among northeast Native Americans whom others would look to for wisdom and advice. "Wabash" refers to Indiana's state river "It is a personal tribute usu- ally given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the gover- nor," according to the Indiana government's online archive. "Among these who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambas- sadors, artists, musicians, politi- cians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage.". Dave Bangert, center left, is presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash award by, from left, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski, state Sen. Ron Alting, West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis, Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tracy Brown and state Rep. Sheila Klinker, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 in Lafayette. The Sagamore of the Wabash award is Indiana's highest honor. Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski, left, speaks after Dave Bangert, right, was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash award, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 in Lafayette. The Sagamore of the Wabash award is Indiana's highest honor. Photos by Nikos Frazier I Journal & Courier. Colleagues, political leaders on hand as veteran journalist Dave Bangert wins Sagamore of the Wabash Award Any staff updates at your paper? Launching an innovative project? Let us know. Email your news to news@hspa.com. Bangert

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