We are very proud to announce the first recipients of the “Brown County Sheriff’s Office Memorial Scholarship” which is dedicated to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Rachelle Houk, senior at Hiawatha high school was awarded the $1,000 scholarship Thursday evening May 18th, at the Hiawatha high school gymnasium.

Additionally, a $500 “Brown County Sheriffs Office Memorial Scholarship” was awarded to Raven Zimmers, Hiawatha high school senior. This scholarship was made possible by the family of Eldamae Widman, former Brown County clerk and grandmother of fallen Deputy, Todd Widman. Ms. Widman passed away in December of 2016 and memorials were given to the family and we were asked to use them in our scholarship program.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant and Public Safety Resource Deputy J. D. Clary presented the scholarships along with a certificate and a Sheriff’s challenge coin to each of the students. The coin was designed to honor Deputy Todd Michael Widman, who lost his life serving the citizens of Brown County on March 1, 2000.

All of us at the Brown County Sheriffs office wish Rachelle, Raven and all the Hiawatha High School graduating seniors the very best in their future endeavors.


Raven Zimmers and Rachelle Houk

Phone: 785-742-7125