White Pigeon announces citizens of the year

White Pigeon officials have announced the village’s citizens of the year are the Rev. Wilbur Brandli and wife, Gloria.
The couple arrived in White Pigeon in November 1968, coming from Paterson, N.J.
In their early days in White Pigeon, the couple took on the challenge of a small church ministry along with their son, Tim, and their daughter, Gail.
The couple’s first goal was to serve the congregation at First Presbyterian Church. Their second goal was to serve the community.
The couple quickly established Thanksgiving baskets, instead of just Christmas giving. A mitten tree was started, as well as the one-on-one reading program at the Central Elementary School and a fund, which, with the help of three area dentists, paid for fillings and preventive care for students whose families could not afford the care.
They will be at the head of the White Pigeon Days parade July 10.