The Audubon Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its annual Chamber Banquet and Awards Saturday, at St. Patrick’s Parish Center, in Audubon. The event featured not only dinner and awards, but an auction and entertainment. The dinner was catered by Jan’s Catering, and featured asiago chicken and pork loin as the main entree’.  During the awards portion of the event, the 2017 Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Tim Wahlert, who was born and raised in Audubon.

After graduating from the Audubon High School in 1975, Wahlert developed his skills in the work force and came to work for Davis & Wahlert, running heavy equipment. During that time, they completed development projects such as the Littlefield Recreation Area, and Lynn Avenue. His other occupations over the years include owner/operator of a semi, while working for Gene Fenton. In 1988, Tim Wahlert purchased at auction, his first D&H dozer, and started his own, small business in Audubon County. He’s a member of many area organizations and has served as President of the southwest Iowa District for the Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA), and President/Vice President for LICA in the State of Iowa. Since he began his own construction firm, Tim Walhert has instructed his daughters and grandchildren in how to run the equipment, and they have become part of his business, as he mentors them in soil conservation.

The 2017 Community Service Award was presented Saturday night in Audubon, to Matt Heller and Sara Slater, with the Thrivent Financial office for their Action Team Program. Officials say the community has benefited greatly from their support and contributions with their program, that began in 2014. Last year, Thrivent members led 107 action teams in Audubon County, which was $26,750 of seed money. The funds were used for things like providing food for fundraisers, educational outdoor equipment, and landscaping for The Children’s Nest and Friendship Home. Supplies were also purchased to make bags for local foster children. Many events and other projects were spurred-on by the seed money. Six of the Thrivent Action Teams last year helped with fundraisers in the county that raised over $55,450.

Officials say looking forward to 2018, there are 944 Action Teams and $248,500 in seed money available to members in Audubon County. Matt and Sara encourage more members to use the benefit throughout the year by promoting a positive change, and leading an Action Team. And, finally, the 2017 Junior Citizen of the Year Award was presented during the Audubon Chamber’s Program on Saturday, to McKenna Nielsen, who has maintained straight A’s in school, has held a place on the Honor Roll, and been very active in sports as well as community activities. She’s also active in 4-H, FFA and National Honor Society. McKenna works on a horse farm when she’s not feeding the homeless, helping to clean up the community by raking leaves, and playing bingo with nursing home residents, among other things.

She will be attending Morningside College this fall. McKenna Nielsen is the daughter of Randy and Melanie Larsen and the late Todd Nielsen. She has a sister, Kerrigan, and a brother, Hayden.