Torchbearers: Monday, Sept. 19

The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay will pass through Putnam County from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22.

Featured in this edition of the Banner Graphic are three of 21 torchbearers for Putnam County.

Darrell Wiatt

Darrell served as an educator for 39 years, 12 years as principal of Russellville Elementary School. One of his major contributions to the community is being founder and President of the Russellville Community Center since it opened in 1999, consistently overcoming challenges to keep it open and active.

Darrell served on the Putnam County Fair Board for 14 years, the Putnam County American Red Cross Committee, the Putnam County Community Foundation Board, and the North Putnam School Board. He is active in the Russellville Community Church.

Riding a fire truck, Darrell Wiatt will take the torch from County Road 500 North and County Road 250 East to Bainbridge Elementary School, where he taught fourth grade for many years.

Dan Noel

Dan is the current superintendent of the North Putnam Community School Corporation. He puts in long hours and attends as many activities as he possibly can. One of his strengths is that he really gets to know the students.

Dan serves on the Old National Trail Board of Directors. He was inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame in Illinois and was nominated for outstanding principal in 2000 in the State of Florida. Dan has served as a school administrator for 35 years.

Leaving Bainbridge Elementary with the torch, Dan Noel will continue on the fire truck to downtown Bainbridge then to East Point Park on the town’s east side.

Malcolm Romine

Malcolm’s passion is to help preserve the history and culture of Putnam County. Since retiring from Eli Lilly and Co., he has written seven books about family and local history.

He is an honorary board member of the Putnam County Community Foundation and continues to actively volunteer with the Community Foundation, the Putnam County Museum, and The Nature Conservancy. Malcolm is a Korean War Veteran and a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash award.

Malcolm Romine will receive the torch at East Point Park and continue on the fire truck to Baker’s Camp Covered Bridge to complete the Putnam County portion of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay.