[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ERNEST NIEMEYER

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to commend an 
outstanding citizen of Indiana's First Congressional District, Mr. 
Ernest Niemeyer. On Friday, January 24, 1997, a testimonial dinner at 
the Radisson Star Hotel in Merrillville, Indiana, was held to honor 
Ernie for his 28 years of dedicated public service.
  Ernie has devoted most of his life to improving and maintaining an 
outstanding environment for Indiana's First Congressional District. 
Over his distinguished career, Ernie served as a Lake County councilman 
for 4 years, Indiana State senator for 12 years, and Lake County 
commissioner for 12 years.
  Ernie's public service began in 1962, when he was elected as a Lake 
County councilman. In 1968, Ernie was appointed to the Lake County 
Parks Board. Ernie was immediately elected president. Under his 
stewardship, the park board obtained the first two county parks: Lemon 
Lake and Stoney Run. In 1970, Ernie successfully ran for sixth district 
State senator. Ernie served his constituency as the chairman for the 
agricultural subcommittee. In this capacity, he introduced and was 
successful in passing legislation for funding projects, including the 
Williams Levee in the Kankakee River. Ernie was then promoted to senate 
majority whip. In 1984, Ernie was elected as third district Lake County 
commissioner, where he proudly served as a senior member. During this 
tenure, he served twice as commissioner board president.
  Over the years, Ernie has also devoted time to numerous committees 
and boards. He has served as chairman of the Lake County Drainage Board 
and the Kankakee River Basin Commission. He also was an active member 
of the County Planning Commission, the Lake County Solid Waste 
District, and the Indiana State Association of County Commissioners.
  Ernie's unselfish dedication to his civic duty must also be 
commended. Ernie was a member of the Lowell VFW, and Post 101 American 
Legion. He is a past president of the Indiana Auctioneers Association 
and past director of the National Auctioneers Association. Ernie was 
also a president of the Indiana Livestock Auction Markets Association, 
and he still retains membership in the Lowell Chamber of Commerce.
  In addition, Ernie answered his country's call and joined the U.S. 
Army during World War II. He served 2 years in the South Pacific 
Theatre as a combat infantryman with the 158th Regimental Combat Team. 
This regiment was engaged in battles in the jungles of New Guinea 
leading to the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese imperial 
forces. During those campaign battles in the Philippines, Ernie earned 
and was awarded the prestigious Combat Infantryman's Badge, three 
battle stars, and individual campaign ribbons. For bravery and 
dedication beyond the normal call of duty to his comrades in battle, he 
was honored with the Bronze Battle Star Special Award.
  After returning home, Ernie took steps to begin his professional 
career as an auctioneer. In 1951, he graduated from auctioneers school 
and established one of the most successful auctioning businesses in 
northern Indiana. Ernie shares this business with his son, Rick.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending Ernie for his tireless efforts to improve the quality 
of life for Indiana's First Congressional District. Ernie, his wife, 
Norma, and their children, Doyle, Rick, and Pam, can be proud of his 
record of unselfish dedication to the public. His service will forever 
remain a part of northwest Indiana's great history.

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