Meet the last 4 DWTPC Stars dancers

Thursday, April 8, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- Twelve Putnam County celebrities will be taking to the dance floor Friday as part of the second annual Dancing with the Putnam County Stars, a fundraiser for the Putnam County Youth Development Commission.

The event will resemble ABC's popular television show "Dancing with the Stars." Putnam County stars have been working for weeks with professional dance partners.

Here is a closer look at four of the competitors.

Zerkel

Alan Zerkel

Zerkel is the principal at North Putnam High School and has been married to his wife Mary Kathryn for 39 years. He has two daughters, Abby and Amanda, and five grandchildren, Justin, Jack, Avery, Anna and Bayleigh.

In his spare time, Zerkel enjoys boating, spending time with his grandchildren and attending as many NPHS extracurricular activities as possible to support the students.

His activities include church activities, Putnam County Tobacco and Prevention and Cessation and the Putnam County Dropout Prevention Coalition.

Zerkel said he agreed to participate in DWTPC Stars because "it is hard to say 'no' to Linda Merkel, Janna Brothers said it would be fun, and PC Youth Development Commission is a fantastic organization with a great cause."

He said it will be a humbling experience to share his zero dancing abilities with friends and the community, but more importantly it's an opportunity to participate in a wonderful activity that benefits the youth of Putnam County.

Sutherlin

Thomas A. Sutherlin

Sutherlin is the chief of Greencastle Police Department. He and his wife, Tina, will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in June. They have four daughters, Erin, 16; Emily, 14; Katie, 10; and Kristen, 9.

His hobbies include sports, hunting and fishing. He is the president of Putnam County PIE Coalition; vice president of the Putnam County FOP, Putnam County 4-H shooting sports shotgun instructor, Putnam County Girls Softball coach, deacon and Sunday school teacher at Harmony Baptist Church, hunter education instructor, Celebrate 4 Committee, National Night Out co-coordinator and board member of the A-Way Home Shelter.

Even though he has zero dancing experience, Sutherlin said he agreed to participate to help raise money for the PCYDC that will benefit the youth in Putnam County.

He said he hopes to make new friends, have fun learning a new activity and help raise money for a worthwhile cause in the county by participating in Dancing with the Stars.

Marsteller

Renee Marsteller

Marsteller is the chief juvenile probation officer with the Putnam County Juvenile Probation Department. She is single with two children, Zachary, 22, and Madison, 16, and two dogs, Riley and Rex.

Her hobbies include scrapbooking, watching TV, shopping and spending time with family and friends.

"I love going to sporting events and activities of my daughter and nephews," she added.

She is a member of the Putnam County Youth Development, Putnam County Teen Court, Putnam County Community Corrections, Putnam County Child Protection Team, Putnam County Safe School Committee, Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana, Putnam County 4-H Council in Washington Township, co-chairman of the Putnam County Queen Contest for 22 years, National Night Out Committee and vice president of Putnam County PIE Coalition.

"I really do not have any dancing experience," she said. "I enjoy dancing, but don't have much rhythm."

She said she took dance lessons as a child, but her mom said she wasn't very good. She was also a cheerleader in junior high and high school.

With her limited dance background, Marsteller said she is participating in DWTPC Stars because Merkel told her to.

"It is a great event and raises money for the youth of Putnam County," Marsteller said.

She hopes to just have fun, learn something and raise lots of money through the event.

Tucker

Brad Tucker

Tucker is a State Farm Insurance and Financial Services agent. His wife is Stacy, and they have a son, Brady.

His hobbies include spending time with his family, bicycling and golfing. He is a member of the Ellettsville Christian Church and sponsor of multiple school activities.

Tucker said his only dancing experience was at his wedding.

He agreed to participate in DWTPC Stars to help with the Putnam County Youth Development Community raise money to help with Putnam County youth.

He hopes to meet new friends and gain a greater appreciation and understanding of dance, but most important he hopes to help the community.

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  • Way to go, Mr. Zerkel!!! We will be rooting for you!!!

    -- Posted by John3:16 on Thu, Apr 8, 2010, at 8:40 AM
  • GO Mr. Zerkel!! You are a great principal and hope you do well with DWTPC!

    -- Posted by gc2008 on Thu, Apr 8, 2010, at 12:14 PM
  • Way to go Mr.Zerkel. I will be rooting for you as well! Good luck and keep up the good work!

    -- Posted by RDALERESIDENT on Thu, Apr 8, 2010, at 12:56 PM
  • go Renee!!! We're pullin for ya here at chicago's.....

    -- Posted by aemommy on Thu, Apr 8, 2010, at 9:21 PM
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