Vigo recognizes Burger's community efforts

David Kronke, The Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, Ind.
·2 min read

Dec. 4—"This is one of the fun things we get to do," Vigo County Commissioner Mark Clinkenbeard said at Tuesday morning's commissioners' meeting before surprising Rick Burger, the manager of Duke Energy's Terre Haute hub headquarters, with the Vigo County Commissioners Community Service Award.

Clinkenbeard said he's constantly running into Burger at public events, and listed all of the boards he has been a member of, including the United Way of the Wabash Valley, the Terre Haute Humane Society, Terre Haute Regional Airport, the Vigo County Historical Society and TREES Inc.

Burger also has served on the Vigo County council and is a current member of the Vigo County School Corp. board.

While receiving the recognition, Burger took the opportunity to plug next year's Terre Haute Air Show, June 1-2, which will be headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Tickets are on sale online, he added.

Burger said his response to the award was "Totally surprised — I thought I was coming in here and thought there was a group of businesses being recognized. My wife did a pretty good of covering — 'Just show up, you need to be there and working with Commissioner Clinkenbeard.'

"It means a lot," Burger added. "I do this because I believe this is the thing to do."

Burger explained how he's able to find the time to give so much back to the community.

"I've got a good group of men and women at Duke Energy and they keep the lights on while I try to be the face of Duke Energy," he said. "So my goal is — I serve on those boards and my goal is 75% of all those board meetings. Somehow, I dance with it and make it work."

Burger added, "It takes a village of people. It's nice to be recognized, but this is a community award. I love this community, like a lot of people do, and there's a lot of great people here. I work for a great company that allows me to give my time and energy."

ARPA money approved for Happiness Bag

In other business, Clinkenbeard and fellow commissioners Mike Morris and Chris Switzer approved a $750,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant to Happiness Bag so that the organization that aids those with disabilities from childhood to adulthood can help fund its building expansion.

Commissioners also voted to vacate an alleyway on Pottsville Road in Tecumseh just west of the Wabash River so landowners can have greater control of their property.

David Kronke can be reached at 812-231-4232 or at david.kronke@tribstar.com.