Award winners named

Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2023 award winners.

Megan Wendel was named Citizen of the Year for her active lifestyle in the community, serving as the chair of the Fort Recovery Jubilee Committee, president of the Sawyer Overman Foundation and president of the Mary Help of Christians Ladies Sodality. She also helps with youth sports programs and volunteers at Fort Recovery Local schools, according to a press release from the chamber of commerce.

JoAnne Glentzer and Chuck Meinerding received Hall of Fame awards for 2023. 

Glentzer has become the “go-to person” for Fort Recovery Merchants Association’s Christmas Open House and Halloween parade, according to the release. She is also treasurer of Fort Recovery Friends of the Opera House and Fort Recovery Merchants Association and co-treasurer of Fort Recovery Community Foundation, and she hosts various meetings at her business, The Tin Cupboard.

Meinerding, a former Fort Recovery business owner for more than 40 years, has “volunteered countless hours of his time and knowledge to the community,” the release says. He helped with the Fort Recovery Monument and Veterans Memorial project, repaired vandalize cemeteries in Ohio and Indiana — that includes Pioneer Cemetery — and was a part of Fort Recovery Library Board, St. Marys Cemetery Board and Fort Recovery American Legion.

Business of the Year for 2023 goes to JR Manufacturing for its continued community engagement despite the fire in April that destroyed its Fort Recovery plant. The company regularly donates and sponsors activities and community functions, according to the release, and it encourages its employees to participate as well.

Mayor Dave Kaup also announced Monday the Outstanding Community Service Award will be given to Fort Recovery Athletic Booster Club.

The honor is for its completion of the LeFevre Family and Softball Complex, which was used throughout the sports season.

Beautification award recipients include:

•Jack and Edna Heitkamp — Most Improved Dwelling

•Chris and Heidi Duhamel — Most Improved Property

•Mike and Jill Walter — Most Improved Landscaping

Allison Knapke will receive the chamber’s annual scholarship.

An awards banquet honoring winners will be hosted at 6 p.m. March 10 at the auditeria in Fort Recovery Elementary/Middle School. Tickets are available at Fort Recovery Insurance Agency, Mercer Savings Bank, Park National Bank, First Financial Bank or Fort Recovery Village Hall, or by calling (419) 375-4041.