William (Bill) Hunter and Jake Van Duyn could be seen at many of the community events in Ripon.

Both had spent years helping out at these functions, in part, as members of the Senior Commission.

Hunter and Van Duyn recently stepped down from the commission. But their years of service and dedication hardly went unnoticed.

Last Tuesday, the two were recognized as each received a proclamation from the City of Ripon.

“It’s great that we have individuals like Bill (Hunter) and Jake (Van Duyn) who are always willing to serve the city,” Mayor Chuck Winn said at the Ripon City Council meeting.

Besides their work with the Senior Commission, Hunter and Van Duyn belong to the American Legion Post 190 along with Vice Mayor Elden ‘Red’ Nutt and Councilman Dean Uecker.

“I know both men and they always participate in community events,” Nutt said.

Uecker indicated that Hunter and Van Duyn are part of a community bond. “We’re lucky to live here because there’s a bond of the young, seniors and churches throughout the community,” he said.