Milligan was named Citizen of the Year

Twenty-five years ago this week, the community honored those who work to make it a better place.

The Feb. 1, 1999, edition of The Commercial Review featured coverage of the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce awards during which Jay-Randolph Developmental Services assistant director of resource development Doug Milligan was named Citizen of the Year.

Others who were honored during the chamber’s annual meeting were Stan and Gloria Teeter with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Jay Petroleum/Pak-a-Sak as Business of the Year and Ball-Foster Glass Container Corporation as Industry of the Year.

WPGW Radio’s Rob Weaver, who was honored as the citizen of the year at the 1998 annual meeting, introduced Milligan, noting his involvement with Jay County Fair Board and Jay County High School Band Boosters. Milligan was also president of The Portland Foundation and a member of First Presbyterian Church and Portland Lions Club.

“I’m ecstatic, surprised and humbled at the same time,” said Milligan. “It’s a tremendous honor to be among (the previous winners).”

He added that he appreciated the recognition and the help of everyone he’s worked with “for making me look so good.”

The biggest surprise of the evening came with the presentation of the award to the Teeters. They said their daughter, Sarah, invited them to dinner and they realized something was up when they arrived at Portland Elks Lodge.

“We were really shocked,” said Stan Teeter.

“I just want to say thank you,” added Gloria Teeter.

“The time has gone by so fast,” she said later. “It’s our benefit to serve Portland.”

The couple, owners of Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, were honored for their community involvement including with Jay-Randolph Development Services, United Way of Jay County, Jay County Cancer Society, the chamber and other organizations.