Ernsbarger receives Senior Service Award

Before a crowd of about 60 people, State Representative Barney Fisher presented a special award to one of Nevada's own. Earlier this year, Leonard Ernsbarger was named the recipient of the Lt. Governor's Senior Service Award.

Fisher indicated it's a rather prestigious award, having been given only 10 times.

Ernsbarger was nominated by Fisher for the award.

Lynn A. Wade/Daily Mail Flanked by Nevada/Vernon County Area Chamber of Commerce president Kelli Ast, seated, right, and outgoing president Myles Miller, seated, far right, chamber executive director Kathi Wysong, seated, center, shares a "high five" with Leonard Ernsbarger as he joins State Representative Barney Fisher, R-125th District, to receive a proclamation and pin in honor of Ernsbarger's service to the community, given in the form of the Lt. Governor's Senior Service Award. Among Ernsbarger's many volunteer efforts is his service as a chamber ambassador.

The award recognizes Ernsbarger's continued service to the community in many aspects. A retired youth specialist for the University of Missouri Extension in Vernon County, Ernsbarger continues to support youth and is active in promoting 4-H, the Vernon County Youth Fair and other youth activities, including continued support of McGennis Youth Camp and more. He supports these organizations both through his behind-the-scenes volunteerism and through his weekly newspaper column in the Nevada Daily Mail, "Leonard At Large."

In a similar manner, he's also given much service to efforts benefiting the community as a whole and the senior community, such as work relating to the senior center and its new home in the Neal Center in Nevada, and support in promoting a parks sales tax approved by voters.

On being presented with the award, Ernsbarger said, "I'm speechless," but after a moment did find the words to express his appreciation of the honor.

"This is one of the highest honors I have ever received, and it's with humbleness. I look around at all these people who are doing things for the community, and I know I've just one of many. It's a great honor to have received this in this way, from our state representative."