Monday, March 21st, 2022
Fort chamber holds awards banquet
By Leslie Gartrell
Photo by Leslie Gartrell/The Daily Standard
The late Chuck Hein also was inducted into the Fort Recovery hall of fame. Accepting the award on his behalf is daughter Amanda Hein-Siegrist, from left, wife Angelika SchadeHein and daughter Kimbra Hein.
FORT RECOVERY - The late Chuck Hein and several other community members were honored Sunday evening during the Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce's annual awards banquet.
Hein and Tess Kaup were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their contributions to the community over the years.
Hein's award was accepted by wife Angelika SchadeHein and daughters Amanda Hein-Siegrist and Kimbra Hein. He died Jan. 19, 2022.
Hein was a 1971 Fort Recovery High School graduate. He served as a local insurance agent for the village for over 46 years and had been involved in the Knights of Columbus, Fort Recovery High School Band Boosters and Fort Recovery Cub/Boy Scouts.
Hein was a Eucharistic minster and lector at Mary Help of Christians Church in the village.
"There's no doubt he would be thrilled and honored to be inducted into the Fort Recovery Hall of Fame," Mayor Dave Kaup said in a recorded video during the awards.
Tess Kaup also was recognized for her commitment to the community through her activity in the Fort Recovery Merchants Association, Fort Recovery Chamber, the One of a Kind Auction and providing assistance to many various community events.
Jo Ann Glentzer, who presented the award to Kaup, said Kaup spearheaded the Merchant Christmas House about 25 years ago and has been an outstanding business neighbor over the years.
Janice Fiely was awarded the 2021 citizen of the year award. Fiely was recognized for her active role in the Fort Recovery community. Fiely currently serves as the treasurer for the Fort Recovery Community Foundation and has been a board member since its inception.
Fiely worked at Cooper Farms for 50 years and served as chief financial officer for the business from 1996-2013. She has been past treasurer for many other organizations in the Fort Recovery Community along with being active in her church and is a past Hall of Fame Award recipient.
Photo by Leslie Gartrell/The Daily Standard
Representing Wendel Poultry Service Inc. for 2021 Fort Recovery business of the year, from left owners Pam Hicks, Randy Wendel and Gary Wendel.
Wendel Poultry Service Inc. was recognized with the business of the year award. Gary Wendel, Randy Wendel and Pam Hicks are the current owners.
Wendel Poultry Service Inc. provides 20 jobs for the local community and subcontracts up to 50 jobs daily. The business has provided annual funding and volunteer work for multiple programs within the community, such as the community room at the Fort Recovery High School, Fort Recovery FFA, Fort Recovery Jubilee, the Southwest Mercer Fire District and many others.
Photo by Leslie Gartrell/The Daily Standard
The Fort Recovery Radio Christmas Gala committee, represented by Harold Fiely, from left, Bob Bonvillian, Jack Staugler and Neil Spencer, was awarded the outstanding community service award.
The Fort Recovery Christmas Gala committee received the outstanding community service award for their outstanding involvement in raising funds for the community during the holidays.
The group initially raised about $16,000 in their first year of the fundraiser in 2016, and have since raised $500 million, Dave Kaup said in his video.
"It says a lot about this area where we live," he said. "I can't imagine having this kind of success many other places in the world."
Fort Recovery High School senior Marissa Gaerke, daughter of Tim and Julie Gaerke, was awarded the annual chamber of commerce scholarship. The senior plans to study nursing at an undetermined college.
Also honored were Tyler and Kendra Thobe with the residential property award, Ted and Alison Homan with the most improved dwelling award, and Pat Wendel with the landscaping improvement award.
