FORT RECOVERY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NEWS RELEASE:

The Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the nominees and recipients for their
Annual Awards Banquet sponsored by Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home.
The 2024 “Citizen of the Year” has been awarded to Maria Bruns. Maria Bruns has been an
instrumental member of the Fort Recovery Merchants Association. In addition to participation in other
Merchant events, Maria has organized the tree lighting event at Krenning Park the last four years
initiating Christmas Open House in Fort Recovery. Maria also decorated the Historical Society window
displays and other storefront displays. Maria has co-chaired the Fort Recovery Merchant’s Association
stand at the Tractor Pulls and WOW Super Raffle. Maria is co-owner of Cedar & Mane Beauty Collective.
Also receiving public nomination for Citizen of the Year were Todd Homan, Kelly Walter and Amy
Wendel.
The “Hall of Fame” award recipients for 2024 are Helen LeFevre and Bob Metzger.
Helen LeFevre has been involved in numerous organizations including Fort Recovery Friends of the
Opera House, 225 Committee, Fort Recovery Historical Society, PSI Iota Xi Sorority and St. Paul Catholic
Church. Helen has written two books on the history of Fort Recovery and a book on the history of St.
Paul Catholic Church.
Bob Metzger has volunteered for several organizations in Fort Recovery including the Fort Recovery
Jubilee, Fort Recovery Ambassadors and Fort Recovery Knights of Columbus. Bob has organized the
Antique Tractor Pulls and Garden Tractor Pulls in Fort Recovery. Bob is a former business owner in Fort
Recovery.
Also receiving public nomination for Hall of Fame were Harold Fiely, Rob Weaver and Dan Wendel.
The Chamber will also present the Fort Recovery “Business of the Year” Award with the recipient being
Salty Haven. Owner Nikki Kremer provides halotherapy and foot detox services in Fort Recovery. Salty
Haven is an example of small business that cares for their customers and community. Salty Haven also
donates to other causes in Fort Recovery.
Mayor Dave Kaup will also be presenting the “Outstanding Community Service Award” with this year’s
award recipients being the Taste of Fort Recovery Committee. The Taste of Fort Recovery is a town
favorite event that kicks off the Fort Recovery Jubilee on the brick street in downtown Fort Recovery.
The Chamber will present Rob Weaver with the “Friend of the Chamber” award. Rob Weaver has owned
WPGW Radio in Portland, Indiana. For decades, Rob Weaver has broadcasted Fort Recovery village,
school, sports and business on his radio station promoting the Fort Recovery community.
Additional awards to be presented at the banquet are the annual “Beautification” award winners. This
year’s recipients include: Frank & Caley Thien – Most Improved Dwelling, Brian & Hunter Hemmelgarn –
Most Improved Property, and Fort Recovery Church of the Nazarene – Most Improved Landscaping.

The Clarence & Ruth Rabe Memorial Scholarships sponsored by the Fort Recovery Chamber of
Commerce and Fort Recovery Merchants Associations will be awarded to Evan Evers, son of Alan & Kate
Evers and Drew Backs, son of Roy & Jenelle Backs.
These 2024 Award winners will be honored at the Annual Awards Banquet, sponsored by Brockman
Boeckman Funeral Home, to be held Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the Fort Recovery Elementary / Middle
School Auditoria. Tickets for the banquet are available at Fort Recovery Insurance Agency and Park
National Bank or by calling 419-375-4041.