Who do you feel best represents 2nd Quarter Spirit of the Community Award?

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Accepted Answer

Brian Dunn. We know Brian from fundraising for SIEDA and the community. Brian is a great guy who enjoys /works hard for our community. He is always putting together fundraisers to help our community and other communities in Southeast Iowa, whether it be for school supplies, rounding up winter coats for the cold, or raising money to help with food or utility bills. Brian is a great asset to our community and we appreciate all he and his SIEDA team does. Nominated by Terry and Ginny Burtlow. — 72.7% (24 votes)

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Marty Schmidt. Marty is my boss, pastor, and great friend. I can’t think of anyone else more deserving honestly. In the 11 years he has lived here, he has blessed thousands of people with his passion and compassion for others. He leads a large church to focus on the vision of “Rebuild, Repair, Restore” the city of Ottumwa and he himself leads that charge with his dedication to helping others physically, mentally, and spiritually. Marty is a man who lives out what he says and encourages others with. He loves his wife and 4 kids so incredibly well and leads a large staff with zeal and selflessness. Nominated by Tommy Wilkins. — 9.1% (3 votes)

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Ed Black. My dad owns a used car lot in Ottumwa. He is an honest, giving, and sincere person. He does a lot for people in general, and especially people that don't have much. He recently gave someone a vehicle for Christmas because the one he had wasn't the most reliable. He isn't out there to do stuff for money or to receive something, he does it because he is a good person. He deserves this award because he should be recognized for his hard work and honesty. Mr. Black was nominated separately by his four children and wife. Nominated by Jessi Black, Lisa Black, Christy Taylor, Megan Black, Ryan Simmer, — 6.1% (2 votes)

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Dixie Shipley. She is a longtime resident, volunteering for anything and everything in the community. She delivers groceries to the elderly, running errands, getting their mail and mailing their bills, letters, etc. She goes over and beyond as a good Samaritan and honest Christian. There is always a smile on her face. The town of Delta, Iowa is lucky to have her. Nominated by Sherry. — 3% (1 votes)

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Bob Wilkerson. Spends an enormous amount of time volunteering doing landscaping, projects inside the building, cooking for staff, special occasions and any other task we ask. He always has a smile on his face and supports all staff, patients and families with the up most respect. He has volunteered his time with 25 Men Who Can Cook for the past 2 years supporting the Ottumwa Symphony fundraiser. Bob takes pride in what he does and never leaves anything undone. Please consider Bob Wilkerson for this Honor of giving him the Spirit of the Community Award. Nominated by Terri Bergman. — 3% (1 votes)

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Vaju Moorthy. Vaju is the owner of Divine Star Lunches. I meet her in February and she has changed the lives of many students and families in our community. In February, Vaju found out about the students and families that were struggling to pay off their negative balances at Fairfield Community School District. At that time she decided to have a benefit lunch through her business, Divine Star Lunches. Since February she has had a benefit lunch each month to help pay off these negative balances. At this time through her work, she has raised almost $12,400. She is a selfless person who cares deeply for her community. Her kindness and generosity to others is immeasurable. There are not words to explain the impact that she has had on our district. It is my privilege to know her. Nominated by Stephanie Hawkins. — 3% (1 votes)

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Channelle Tuller. Channelle is my friend. I bought my dog from her and she also works at the vet that I take my dogs to, (Pipestone). She owns the doggy daycare my dogs attend, and we go to church together! Channelle Tuller makes a big impact in our community by helping our animals. She owns her own dog-boarding business and is loved by many pet-lovers here in Ottumwa and the surrounding areas. This is not where her love of animals stops: Channelle is a vet-tech at Pipestone in Ottumwa and works hand-in-hand with many area animal rescues, taking animals into her home where she can care for them. Channelle fosters animals from shelters, rescues, and specifically Heartland Humane society- sometimes animals that are older or that may have special health conditions, animals that are passed up most of the time. She rallies in our community to get these babies adopted. She is currently raising money to help pay for stray cats to be spayed or neutered by selling t-shirts or holding dog-washes in her home boarding business! This should assist our community in reducing the amount of stray cats that may end up in the shelter! Channelle is also going on a mission trip this summer with the Bridge Church. She is selfless, caring, and so giving to our community- especially to those who have no voice- the animals within our community! Nominated by Katy Ponsar. — 3% (1 votes)

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Lyle Sterling. Is a very giving person. He is involved with several organizations in our community. He volunteers time again and again in children activities and for the betterment of our community. He is active in his church, our fine arts, Optimist Club, volunteers by playing the piano at out elementary school concerts,is a retired music teacher in our school district, and presents himself in a very professional way and has endless energy. He demonstrates a positive frame of mine no matter where he his. He is one of Davis County's hidden treasures. Nominated by Nancy Lanman. — 0% (0 votes)

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Therese Cummiskey. Has worked as the County Park Naturalist for 28 years, and just about everyone has benefited from her kind instruction and joy of nature and everything in it. Whether she is leading children on creek hikes which allow them to learn as they get to play in the mud, lead people of all ages on bird watching expeditions or inviting fellow nature experts to educate the community in our great wide world, she isn't just a program director, she spreads environmental awareness through sharing her love of not only nature, but the people in the community. Nominated by Meg Earsley. — 0% (0 votes)

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Steve Giovani. Because, his cafe is a good place to see concerts and drink coffee. Nominated by Logan Thompson. — 0% (0 votes)

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Ron Hunnerdosse. I was his counselor while he was in high school. Ron was a wonderful young man back then–a good school and community citizen, always willing to help anyone in need. He still has those great qualities today, and does many things for many people in our community just because it is the right thing to do. Most recently Ron started the Trojan Plaza at the high school to promote school spirit in the name of two real Trojan Boosters who passed away. He began the drive for this Plaza behind the high school by the football field, and with the help of many others, and spearheaded by Ron, they have a beautiful Trojan Plaza that people walk through as they come to home events in athletics as well as graduation ceremonies, and a host of other activities throughout the year. With his great enthusiasm and his wonderful sense of humor, Ron is truly a one of a kind guy for our school and our community. Ron Hunnerdosse is a natural for this award and I enthusiastically recommend him for this Spirit of the Community Award. Thank you. Nominated by Ralph Messerli. — 0% (0 votes)

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Ed Miller. Tireless efforts as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, at the troop district and Council levels have been an inspiration to countless Scouters parents and boys. His leadership and dedication to living by the principals taught in scouting are a much needed example of selfless service to those around you. Nominated by Tom Coulter. — 0% (0 votes)

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Lindsey Stice. Has spent many years being involved in our community. She has been the Committee Chair for Cub Scouts over the past few years and has orchestrated many community service projects and activities.. Lindsey is a prominent member of the Fairfield Little League committee, helping coordinate everything to ensure every child gets to participate and things run smoothly. Lindsey always puts others before herself and never asks for anything in return. Nominated by Meloney Stein. — 0% (0 votes)

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Joel Pederson. Mr. Pedersen is the Superintendent of the Cardinal Community School District in Wapello County for several years now. When I first moved to Eldon Iowa, I thought to myself, how will I ever send my kids to such a poor economical district, and had considered Davis County instead. The time Mr. Pederson has been at the district, so many changes have taken place to include: A New Activity Center, Sports league at the elementary level (he coaches), A coalition with the YMCA of Ottumwa to provide child care for struggling working families, Remodeling of the High School (to include an awesome state of the art learning area), Introduced Orange Frog to students, staff, as well as other surrounding companies, and so much more. The Community can defiantly see and feel the positive impact, and against all odds, and a lot of push back Mr. Pederson has stuck with helping my Community be all we can be, and I am so very thankful. Nominated by Candice Fligg. — 0% (0 votes)

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Steve Huedepohl. This man is a Go Getter. He works looong hours, and is very Passionate about his work. He is always Very Kind when I hear him talking on the phone to clients. I know because he is my husband. He helps them out to the best that he can. He goes out of his way when meeting with his Clients. Steve also works well with other members in the Company. He has been with Community 1st Credit Union 10 years in Augest. He is very Dedicated. Nominated by Mary Huedepohl. — 0% (0 votes)

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Del Bittner. Never thinks about Himself, He is raising 3 Grandkids, He is a 2X Widower. Nominated by Jeremy Empie. — 0% (0 votes)

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Kaye Blanchard. Was a daycare provider in her home in Oskaloosa for well over 40 years. She has helped many families raise their children, even multiple children as their families grew. She provided a safe, fun, loving atmosphere. Her children still stop by to see her as adults. Kaye retired a couple of years ago, but still takes care of her youngest daycare child when she doesn't have school. Many lives and families have great respect and love for Kaye and KKs daycare. As a friend she is honest, loving, caring, and always there to listen, and She deserves this recognition. Nominated by Nancy DeVore. — 0% (0 votes)

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Whitney Burton. Cares for and loves all of her daycare children as if they were her own. One day my 5 year old was taken home from school on the bus to an empty house instead of being taken to Whitneys. She sprung into action & raced to my home to get him before I could even get there. I NEVER have to worry about my kids in her care. My kids LOVE going there after school! Nominated by Stacey Vannoni. — 0% (0 votes)

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Linda Fears. She attends my church. Linda Fears is totally blind and has been doing a jail ministry every Tuesday night for 16 1/2 years here in Ottumwa. She started a Seeds and Needs Ministry that helps the woman with clothing and household items to get back on their feet. Several people from different churches support by donating on a regular basis. She tells girls look at what I do as a blind person there is no excuse you can't turn yourself around. Going into a jail with a woman who are strangers and considered criminals isn't something many sighted people would do. Nominated by Lisa Swafford. — 0% (0 votes)

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Betty Byers- Bryant. Betty's first husband passed and left her with 6 kids (he was a singer, sang in the Grand Ole Opry), She continued to raise them and work, she married Denny Dixon and started that business out of her basement, we see how big that is now. She has had numerous businesses and gave numerous jobs to people. She has many apartments and houses that she keeps for low rent housing since most landlords won't do it anymore. She has been in Ottumwa almost all her life, ran businesses here and never been recognized. She has a heart of gold and deserves to be recognized by Ottumwa. Betty's husband Art maintain's all of the houses and apt.'s even while keeping a full time job. Nominated by Laura Callender. — 0% (0 votes)

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Mark Clark. Mark is the Pastor of Living Hope Bible Church. I first met him when I enrolled my girls in their pre-school program. Thereafter I would often run into him and his dear wife Leanne Clark (who is employed by Cambridge) around town activities and High School football games. Mark Clark has a spirit like no other person I have ever met. He is loyal, faithful, humorous, and extremely humble. He has dedicated his entire life to serving God with no expectations of gratitude or glory ; only the geniune love of mankind. Eldon would be considered a poverished community, and not one just anyone would choose to live or worship, and Mark and his family did just that. He and his wife serve on organizations with the school along with their busy lives of taking great care of their congregation. He is one of the few men to grant his success and happiness to his spouse. Mark Clark is my Community Hero, and I am positive others would agree. Nominated by Candice Dione Fligg. — 0% (0 votes)

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Charles Barnes. He has always gone above and beyond taking care of everyone else and deserves something for himself. Nominated by Jenny Sisler. — 0% (0 votes)

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Rene Thomas. My teacher and a helper. This person deserves the spirt of community award because of her dedication to the community and to the school and her dedication to helping. Nominated by Kaylee Miller. — 0% (0 votes)