Nine individuals named for Class of 2025 of Huntington County Honors

Two legendary businessmen, a Marine who was on board the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and a trailblazing woman who set the course for healthcare in the community are among the nine individuals to be recognized in the 2025 Class of Huntington County Honors.

Created in 2014, Huntington County Honors brings to light the achievements, work, and service of those with ties to the community who have made a lasting impact on Huntington County. Honorees are recognized in one of five categories — athletics and recreation, business and professional, community and public service, humanities and cultural, and historical. The inaugural class of Huntington County Honors was inducted in 2016.

“From the beginning, the goal of Huntington County Honors has been to tell the stories of people whose work and influence have not only made an impact locally but also beyond the county,” said board member Paul Siegfried. “What they’ve accomplished truly merits recognition.”

This year’s class will be honored in a ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 8, in the rotunda of the Huntington County Courthouse. The event is free and open to the public.

Honorees include Louis Zahm, who took over the family business as a teenager and ran the iconic Erie Department Store for 45 years; and Robert “Bob” Wilson, beloved owner of Bob’s Finer Foods grocery on Huntington’s south side and a patron of the arts.

Russell McCurdy survived the horrific bombing and explosion of the U.S.S. Arizona and spent the rest of his life telling his story to honor those who lost their lives that day on December 7, 1941, and in subsequent service to their country.

At the turn of the 20th century, there were few women doctors, but Helen McIlvaine broke the norms. She became Huntington’s first full-time physician, rising to hospital director and creating the city’s first modern hospital.

Another doctor, Stanton “Po” Cope, became an expert in public health, focusing on mosquito-borne illnesses. Known as “Captain Stan, the Mosquito Man,” he is respected internationally for his work.

Steve Overmyer decided he wanted to be a broadcaster while part of Huntington North’s WVSH radio and TV program. Originally eyeing a career in radio, he found his calling in television, rising through the ranks to work for CNN and currently for CBS New York, where he has provided award-winning coverage of major sporting events.

Charles “Chuck” Wohlford taught for 42 years, mostly at Huntington North, where he was best known as the longtime statistician for the Viking basketball team. His meticulous record-keeping led him to write the history of the program. He also served the community by helping to develop the Historic Forks of the Wabash.

Rose Wall has spent more than 40 years giving her time and energy to support community organizations and events. Her volunteer efforts and leadership have proved a model for civic involvement.

Gilbert “Gib” Young has also been involved locally throughout his life, particularly with organizations focused on community history. He is best known, however, as a historical interpreter of his look-alike, Theodore Roosevelt. Immersing himself in the life of the former president, Young’s presentations have taken him across the country.

A display featuring the 2025 Class of Huntington County Honors will be on view in the Huntington City–Township Public Library beginning in January. The Huntington County Historical Museum houses a permanent exhibit featuring all previous honorees, and the library maintains an archive of all those who have been honored.

Information on Huntington County Honors and all honorees is available at www.huntingtoncountyhonors.org.