Gov. Mike Braun orders flags at half-staff in remembrance of former Indiana lawmaker

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 3:28 PM

By Staff report

Governor Mike Braun has declared a period of mourning in parts of northwest Indiana to honor the life and service of Nancy Dembowski, a former Indiana lawmaker who died Monday, Sept. 15, at the age of 91.

Dembowski had a long career in public service, serving as Mayor of Knox for 10 years before becoming a state senator for the 5th District from 2002-2004 and a state representative for the 17th District from 2006-2012.

As part of this observance, the Governor has directed that flags be flown at half-staff in Starke County, where Dembowski resided, and in the 5th Senate District, which includes Porter, Jasper, Pulaski and White counties, effective immediately through sunset on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Governor Braun encourages residents, businesses and organizations in Starke County and across the 5th Senate District to join in lowering their flags in Dembowski's honor.