Caucus selects Parish to finish Winamac councilman’s term

Alvin Parish has been chosen to fill the Winamac Town Council at-large seat after a recent caucus. 
Parish was one of two candidates for the council seat and was selected after a caucus was held on July 25 when the four Monroe Township precinct committee members selected him. 
The at-large seat became available with the passing of council president Ken McFarland on June 25. McFarland was elected to the town board in 2015 and had about a 2.5-year-term left. McFarland was 79. 
“I’ve known Kenny for years and I just thought it would be a tribute to him to finish out his term,” Parish said. “I thought it would be a neat way to honor him.” 
Parish is not new to serving the community as a councilman. He served for 12 years, between 1980 and 1992. He was the president of the town board when the town hired McFarland as the town manager. 
During his past terms, he enjoyed being involved but after 12 years he felt that it was time to “move on and let somebody else have a shot at it.” 
Parish said he is not one for change but with the new park board and pool project, he thinks things will be interesting. 
Parish has lived in Winamac since 1962 and his wife, Rana, is a Winamac native.