Ronald, Weaver enter 'Circle"

Jack Ronald wondered if Greg Beumer was going to declare his next run for office. Rob Weaver was hoping to hear about a grant award for John Jay Center for Learning.

Lured to John Jay on the promise that Beumer was going to make an announcement, the pair of local media veterans instead were surprised Wednesday with the state’s newest honor.

Sen. Travis Holcomb and Rep. Beumer presented Ronald and Weaver with The Circle of Corydon, which honors those who have made “a remarkable contribution to the betterment” of Indiana and “demonstrated in life and in service the qualities exemplified by our state’s great citizens.”

“I am convinced personally that one of the hallmarks of a successful community, one that makes any city, any county, stand out, is the strength and involvement of its local media,” said Beumer, in revealing the pair of honorees. “Having a strong local newspaper and a strong radio station make all the difference that you can imagine.”

Ronald, who has served as publisher of The Commercial Review for 32 years, is a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame and was honored in 2014 with the Hoosier State Press Association’s Charlie Biggs Commitment to Community Award.

He has earned the HSPA’s first-place honor for editorial writing 11 times.

He is a current member of the Arts Place board of directors and has previously served on the boards of John Jay, The Portland Foundation and Friends of the Limberlost. Jay County Chamber of Commerce has honored him as its citizen of the year.

“During his many years as publisher and through his writings, he forced this community to discuss the often-difficult issues of the day,” said Beumer. “The commitment to excellence to serving the community is evident in every daily issue of his newspaper.”

Weaver, who has owned and operated WPGW radio for 38 years, has been previously honored as Sportscaster of the Year by the Indiana Association of Sportswriters and Sportscasters. He has also won citizen of the year and lifetime achievement awards from the chamber of commerce, in addition to the Jack Cole Award for Volunteerism.

He has served as executive director of John Jay and as a board member for United Way of Jay County, Arts Place and Jay County Historical Society. He is a 36-year member of the Jay County Fair Board, and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Indiana Association of County Fairs.

“People know when you say, ‘Radio Rob,’” said Beumer. “His reputation in broadcasting goes far beyond the boundaries of Jay County.”

Ronald and Weaver are among the first recipients of the new honor, named for the state’s first capital. Beumer nominated them for the awards, which Gov. Eric Holcomb signed on July 25.

“I’m not very good with words,” Ronald said, drawing a laugh from the family, friends and local officials gathered for the ceremony. “All I can say is thank you.”

“I’m quite honored,” said Weaver. “And it’s really wonderful that the presentation could be made here (John Jay) where Jack and I both have spent a lot of hours … It’s also my honor to be receiving this recognition with Jack. Although he will tell you we don’t always agree, we both have the same cause at heart, and that is to make our community the community it is and to make it better if we can.”