By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — While many community leaders receive the state Sagamore of the Wabash award, not everyone receives it directly from the governor.
But that was the case in a surprise gathering Thursday at the Heritage Room when a large gathering of friends, family and longtime colleagues watched as Gov. Eric Holcomb honored Winona Lake Town Manager Craig Allebach with what is considered the biggest state honor for citizens.
The 69-year-old Allebach, who has served as town manager for 24 years, was momentarily overcome with emotion upon receiving the award, and then confided that he’s faced health issues and is contemplating retirement.
“I’m doing well in my treatments — that’s the first anyone’s known about that, but we try to keep that pretty private,” Allebach told the crowd.
Afterward, Allebach confirmed he was diagnosed with cancer and is receiving radiation treatment but suggested his prognosis is good.
In his speech, Holcomb lauded Allebach, who also formerly served as a police chief for Warsaw, for his roles in the community.
Parts of Winona Lake, Holcomb said, look like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie set. At one point, he described the community as a “gem.”
Allebach, he said, has been involved for decades and has been a positive influence.
“I wanted to personally say thank you,” Holcomb said.
Allebach said he was especially touched by Holcomb delivering the award.
Allebach said he’s been reluctant to retire because there is much to do with ongoing projects, and because he loves the town.
He thanked everyone who has been part of his work life in Warsaw and Winona Lake.
Allebach took a light-hearted approach in his short address to those gathered, making light of the fact he was led to the event under the belief that some new source of money for the community was the reason for the meeting.
He said he was a “little surprised what all this was,” and recalled, “Boy, this must be special because the police department was here so they must get getting some money,” Allebach said.
“There’s my family over there — good — I’m gonna get some money,” he said to laughter.
While nothing has been firmly decided about his retirement — Allebach said it could happen later this year — and pledged to help in the transition.
