(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet Saturday evening at the Le Mars Convention Center, and the person honored as the “Citizen of the Year” is a person who’s voice is probably familiar to nearly everyone within the Le Mars community. KLEM sports director Denny Callahan was presented the award by outgoing Chamber president Peggy Sitzmann. The Chamber president said of Callahan, “This year’s recipient of Citizen of the Year is one of those rare people. Often times he is the first to inform us of what happened overnight and what is ahead for the upcoming day. From the weather, to events, to the noon lunch, he keeps us in the loop. Whether or not you have ever met, you feel a personal connection. So much so, that we were told listeners will call in to question his whereabouts when they don’t hear that familiar voice”. Sitzmann continued by saying, “For over 42 years he has been, for many of us, our real time storyteller. Whether it be a game, a pep rally, parade, or countless other events; he puts us in the bleachers when we are not able to attend. His play by play is so vivid we can say “we saw it on the radio”. We just wish he would tell us the score more often”.
Denny Callahan – “Citizen Of The Year”
Callahan received a standing ovation by the banquet attendees. Callahan, who has been broadcasting the local play-by-play action of the Le Mars Community and Gehlen Catholic high school sports action for over 42 years, told the audience when he and his wife Jeri first arrived in Le Mars, they thought he would be around for only three years before moving on to the next career location. Callahan jokingly told the crowd, “I don’t know when those three years will be up”. The long-time sports announcer informed the crowd that in about a week and a half he will turn the age of 65, but retirement is not on his radar as of yet, which generated additional applause from the banquet crowd. Callahan says he has enjoyed his years broadcasting what has become three generations of athletes. The honoree says he is still waiting on the opportunity when he can broadcast a Le Mars or Gehlen Catholic high school team winning a state championship, saying last year’s Le Mars Community High School boys basketball team was ever so close, as he held up his thumb and index finger indicating a small gap of space. The KLEM sports director was surprised by the honor and was humbled in receiving the recognition. He mentioned to Allie Freking, the Main Street Volunteer recipient, that he may need her speech writer. Callahan told the chamber banquet crowd that he really loves this community, and he is proud to watch the development of our youth. The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce provided an emotional and touching video of one of Callahan’s daughters who now lives in Maryland and unable to attend the event. Callahan’s daughter said to her father via means of video, how proud she is of him, and she believes he is deserving the “Citizen of the Year” award. Callahan was joined by his wife and a granddaughter along with many of his fellow co-workers from KLEM radio.
Timmy’s Catering with owners Timmy and Bonnie Rassmussen were the recipients of the Le Mars “Business of the Year”. The husband and wife business has been providing catered meals to special events, banquets, weddings, graduations, and meetings for more than 32 years. Tim Rassmussen says they have never needed to advertise their business, as they have been able to depend on referrals. He says another secret to their business success is they have relied on only two vendors for all their food needs, saying they have high standards for food quality. During their announcement of the award, the Rassmussens acknowledged and thanked their many employees, for which they say it is the employees who have made their business a success. Bonnie Rassmussen says they were surprised and honored to be thought of as the Le Marsbusiness of the year. She says having been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce means so much and it shows that people do care about the work you do.
Timmy’s Catering – “Business Of The Year”
Other honors were presented to Allie Freking as the Main Street Volunteer of theYear, and Jeff Stanley for being named as the United Way Paul Olsen Volunteer of theYear. Todd Anderson of the Le Mars Beauty College and Terry Claussen of Claussen’s Menswear were recognized as “Bosses of the Quarter”. Gene Friederich of Subway and Kent Pauling of Northern Iowa Power Cooperative were unable to attend the banquet festivities.
Allie Freking – “Main Street Volunteer Of The Year”
Jeff Stanley – “United Way Paul Olson Volunteer Of The Year”
The “Employees of the Month” from 2015 were recognized and presented a plaque. They included Mary Klein of Gehlen Catholic School, Bob Gengler with Total Sales andService, Wesley Walding with Emily’s Home Furnishings, Sharon Yockey with American Bank, Bill Rosacker with the Le Mars Ambulance Service, Richard Wilkins with Rust’s Western Shed, Shannon Chaffin with The Education Station, Steve Groetken with Nor-Am Cold Storage, Jennifer Ladenthin with Kimmes Le Mars Country Store, Britt Jervik with Verizon/Wireless World, and Karla Less of Northwest Bank. Absent from the ceremonies were: Katie Casey with Cork-It!, Rod Eisma with ICON Ag and Turf, and April LLeusink with the Le Mars Physical Therapy.
Bosses of The Quarter Todd Anderson and Terry Claussen
Employees Of The Month
