Sagamore of The Wabash Goes to Skip Kuker

Skip Kuker took the lead at the Hancock County Economic Development Council in 2012.

A longtime local economic development official has been awarded one of the state’s highest honors. During a ceremony Thursday in Greenfield, Hancock County Economic Development Council Executive Director Skip Kuker received a Sagamore of the Wabash award presented on behalf of Governor Eric Holcomb’s office by State Representative Bob Cherry (R-53) and State Senator Mike Crider (R-28).

Kuker previously served as president of the Logansport-Cass County Economic Development Foundation. Well-known as a community advocate, Kuker has been recognized multiple times throughout the years for his dedication and service. In January, the Hancock County Community Foundation unveiled the Nolan "Skip" Kuker Award for Community Enrichment, a scholarship fund for local high school students who demonstrate leadership qualities.

During Thursday’s award ceremony, Cherry discussed the "terrific job" Kuker has done in Hancock County and described his reputation for bipartisanship by telling a story of Kuker appearing in a newspaper in Cass County one year attending both Jefferson-Jackson Day (for Democrats) and Lincoln Day (for Republicans) dinners.

Kuker holds degrees from Vincennes University, Indiana State University, Indiana University Kokomo. In 2013, he was diagnosed with late stage throat cancer, but has continued to work throughout his battle with the illness.

View video of the presentation provided by Greenfield-based NineStar Connect: