Bruns named citizen of year

Several Fort Recovery locals will be honored for their accomplishments next month.

One Portland resident will also take home an award for his work in the community.

Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce announced its 2024 award winners and nominees Monday.

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.

Todd Homan, Kelly Walter and Amy Wendel were also nominated for the award.

Helen LeFevre and Bob Metzger were named to the 2024 Hall of Fame.

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.

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.

Also nominated for the award were Harold Fiely, Rob Weaver and Dan Wendel.

Weaver earned the Friend of the Chamber award. The owner of WPGW Radio in Portland, Weaver has broadcast Fort Recovery village, school, sports and business news for decades and promoted the Fort Recovery community, the press release says.

Salty Haven received the Business of the Year award for shining as “an example of small business that cares for their customers and community,” according to a press release from Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce. Its owner, Nikki Kremer, offers halotherapy and foot detox services. The business also donates to other causes in the village.

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

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

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.