The Clinton County Republican Party hosted its annual Lincoln Day dinner on Thursday with keynote speaker Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch to celebrate the candidates vying for office in the 2023 Republican Municipal Primary in May.

The dinner was held at Arborwood in Frankfort and kicked off with a meal prepared by Shoup’s Country Foods before delving into the main event. Crouch took to the stage to deliver her keynote speech, commending Clinton County’s Republican Party for its outstanding support and influence in the county. Crouch delivered her keynote speech for the community, speckled with humor, banter and a message of hope for the community and the entire state of Indiana. Crouch concluded her keynote speech by announcing the recipient of the “Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership Award” this year and bestowing the award upon Board of Commissioners President Jordan Brewer.

“I’m truly honored to be here tonight also to recognize a young upcoming, outstanding leader with the ‘Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership Award.’ I want to be able to bestow this award on Jordan Brewer – a young man, 34 years old, and first-term commissioner,” said Crouch. “(He’s) someone a farmer, works hard, gets along with everyone, doesn’t care about the credit and wants to get the job done to help the community and the state of Indiana.”

Brewer accepted the award with humility, commenting that he remained speechless as he stood before the crowd and delivered his acceptance speech. Brewer shifted the attention from his own accomplishments to the accomplishments and dedication to outstanding work of the community in Clinton County that inspired him to run for office.

“I’m a little bit speechless because I was not expecting this. Nobody gave me a heads up. I am very appreciative of this, and I love working here for the county and the citizens of Clinton County,” said Brewer. “Everything that the Lieutenant Governor said encompasses what we’re about here, so I am so grateful to have served and to be honored with this award.”

Brewer expressed after the event that he remained in shock and surprise after receiving the award, thanking the Clinton County community for making it possible. Brewer was re-elected in the last general election for another term and will continue to serve Clinton County at the courthouse.

“I’m surprised. I was in shock. I was not preparing for anything like this this evening, but I am honored to receive this. I’m humbled to serve Clinton County and be recognized for doing that servanthood,” said Brewer. “Ultimately, it’s not about me. It’s about the position and serving the citizens of Clinton County.”

The candidates vying for office in the upcoming primary election were recognized at the event as well. According to Clinton County GOP Chairman Jim Moyer, 2023 marks the first year in his experience as Chairman where the Clinton County Republican Party has a candidate on the ballot for each district in Frankfort with the retirement of Joe Palmer.

Candidates vying for a competitive seat this year include John Kirby and Judy Sheets for Mayor, Brandt Fuller, Megan Sheets and Eric Woods for City Common Council Member At-Large and Joseph Bookwalter and Isac Chavez for City Common Council Member District 5.

The ballot will also include Carol Bartley for City Clerk-Treasurer, Matthew Beardsley for Judge, Clarence Warthan for City Common Council Member District 1, Robert Stevens for City Common Council Member District 2, Michael Brite for City Common Council Member District 3 and Steve Beardsley for City Common Council Member District 4.

Election day is slated for May 2 and voting centers have been announced and are located inside the Frankfort Times.

A Mayoral Candidate Forum will take place on March 21 at the Skanta Theatre in the Frankfort Community Public Library. A Council Candidate Forum will take place on April 13 at Frankfort High School. Both forums will begin at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on the mayoral, Council District 5, Council At-Large and Clerk-Treasurer races visit ftimes.com to read exclusive interviews with candidates regarding their campaigns.