[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 176 (Tuesday, October 31, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING VERNON L. WISE, JR. FOR HIS RECEPTION OF THE 
 PENNSYLVANIA NEWS MEDIA ASSOCIATION'S 2017 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 31, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today I am very pleased to 
recognize my constituent, Vernon L. Wise, Jr. of Butler County, for his 
reception of the Pennsylvania News Media Association's 2017 Lifetime 
Achievement Award.
   Vernon is the former publisher and chairman of the board of the 
Butler Eagle. The paper's current publisher and general manager, Ron 
Vodenichar, nominated Vernon for this prestigious award, emphasizing 
the technological innovations he made as well as his commitment to the 
newspaper and printing company's family ownership.
   The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes ``outstanding service and 
accomplishment spanning a career in journalism.'' It could not have 
gone to a more fitting recipient. Vernon is a member of the third 
generation (out of five generations in his family) to be involved in 
publishing the Butler Eagle. He began his career as a carrier, and 
continued working at the newspaper during high school and college. 
After attending Princeton University and serving in the United States 
Army during the Korean War, he returned to the paper, becoming 
president and general manager in 1968 after the death of his father, 
Vernon L. Wise, Sr.
   In the course of his long career at the Butler Eagle, Vernon 
published the newspaper, chaired the board, and founded Butler Color 
Press, which prints advertising circulars. In addition to his extensive 
involvement in newspaper publishing, Vernon has held leadership 
positions in the Butler County Chapter of the Salvation Army and the 
Community Development Corporation of Butler County.
   Vernon exemplifies the best qualities of a devoted newsman and an 
engaged citizen. He is a credit to Pennsylvania's third congressional 
district. I am very happy for him and Sarah, his wife of 64 years. I 
congratulate them and thank them for their contributions to the Butler 
region.

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