The Audubon Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Community Banquet on Monday and announced their community awards for 2016. With over 100 people in attendance, the chamber recognized the citizen of the year, junior citizen of the year and top community service organization. Kate Hargens was acknowledged as the citizen of the year based on her work with the Children’s Nest Childcare Center, Audubon Methodist Church Education Committee and the Ovals, a young women’s group at the Audubon Methodist Church. Rebecca Nelson, a senior at Audubon High, was chosen as junior citizen of the year. On top of being student body president and National Honor Society vice-president, Nelson worked to help pack lunches for needy children for New Opportunities, preserve the historic Ross Elevator, and was a volunteer speaker for the Vietnam War Memorial during the 2013 tour, all while holding a job. She plans to attend The University of Northern Iowa and study speech and language after her graduation this spring. The Audubon County Fair Board was given the 2016 Community Award for their work in planning the Audubon County Fair and maintaining the fairgrounds. Following the presentations, a community auction was held to raise funds for the Audubon Chamber of Commerce.
