(2-13-25) This past week the Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce announced its 2024 Award winners.

An awards banquet celebrating winners and nominees is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. March 9 in Fort Recovery Elementary and Middle School auditeria. Tickets are available by calling (419) 375-4041 or by visiting Fort Recovery Insurance Agency or Park National Bank.

2024 Citizen of the Year

Maria Bruns, a leading member of Fort Recovery Merchants Association, was named as the 2024 Citizen of the Year. Bruns’ community involvement includes organizing the annual tree lighting event at Krenning Park that kicked off Christmas Open House in Fort Recovery the last four years. Bruns, co-owner of Cedar & Mane Beauty Collective, decorated Fort Recovery Historical Society’s window display and other storefront displays. She co-chaired Fort Recovery Merchant’s Association’s stand at tractor pulls and Win on the Wabash Super Raffle.

2024 Hall of Fame.

Helen LeFevre’s accomplishments includes participating in various organizations, including Fort Recovery Friends of the Opera House, 225 Committee, Fort Recovery Historical Society, PSI Iota Xi Sorority and St. Paul Catholic Church. She has also written two books on Fort Recovery’s history as well as a book on St. Paul Catholic Church’s history.

Bob Metzger volunteered for several Fort Recovery organizations, including Fort Recovery Jubilee, Fort Recovery Ambassadors and Fort Recovery Knights of Columbus. A former business owner in the village, he organized Antique Tractor Pulls and Garden Tractor Pulls.

Friend of the Chamber

Rob Weaver earned the Friend of the Chamber award. Weaver owns WPGW Radio in Portland, Weaver has broadcast Fort Recovery village, school, sports and business news for decades and promoted the Fort Recovery community.

Business of the Year

Salty Haven received the Business of the Year award for shining as “an example of small business that cares for their customers and community,” Owner, Nikki Kremer, offers halotherapy and foot detox services. The business also donates to other causes in the village.

Outstanding Community Service

The Taste of Fort Recovery Committee was announced as the Outstanding Community Service award recipient for 2024. The committee steers the event in the village that kicks off Fort Recovery Jubilee annually in downtown Fort Recovery.

Beautification award recipients include:

  • •Frank and Caley Thien – Most Improved Dwelling
  • •Brian and Hunter Hemmelgarn – Most Improved Property
  • •Fort Recovery Church of the Nazarene – Most Improved Landscaping

Chamber’s Annual Scholarship

Fort Recovery High School seniors Evan Evers and Drew Backs will be receiving the chamber’s annual scholarship.