Community members honored at banquet

The Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce 95th Annual Banquet awarded the business of the year, the nonprofit organization of the year and the citizen of the year at Saturday's event.

After a round of casino-like games at the "Casino Royale" themed event, attendees enjoyed a meal followed by raffles and the awards ceremony.

The President's award, given by Chamber President Damien Oliver, was awarded to Meri Ann Rush, the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

"Because of your achievements over these past years as chamber director, you have left a positive and indelible impact on the chamber and the community," Oliver said. "Thanks for everything you do, Meri Ann."

The 2015 Business of the Year award was awarded to the Black Bear Cafe.

"Thank you very much," Rick Tudor, co-owner of the Black Bear Cafe said. "I know my wife appreciates it. We haven't been in this community as long as some of the other folks have but in my mind, and I know in Deb's [co-owner of the Black Bear Cafe] mind as well, this is our hometown. We truly appreciate the honor and recognition."

Other nominees for the Business of the Year were A Cut Above, Bank of Thermopolis, Broadway Bygones, Finishing Touches, Martin's Appliance Repair and Sales, Merlin's Hide Out, New York Life, One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company, RT Communications, Thermopolis EyeCare, Thermopolis Petro & Tire and The Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

The 2015 Nonprofit Organization of the Year award was awarded to the Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation.

"We love this community," Jacky Wright, board member for the HSGLF, said. "If you have a child in a school here or have attended an ArtStoll, you've helped us win this award. We couldn't do it without all of the people here."

Other nominees for the Nonprofit Organization of the Year were Big Horn Basin Children's Center, Big Horn Basin Foundation, Big Horn Basin Riders, Gift of the Waters Pageant, Gottsche Rehab Center, H.O.P.E. Agency, Hot Springs State Park, Hot Springs County 4-H, Hot Springs County Commissioners, Hot Springs County Senior Citizen's Center, Relay for Life-Hot Springs County, Thermopolis Kiwanis and Thermopolis Rotary.

The 2015 Citizen of the Year award was awarded to Phillip Scheel, the chief executive officer of Tumbleweed Propane Inc., who also participates in many activities and fundraisers throughout the community.

"I'm not from this town," Scheel said. "I'm an outsider. I've been here about seven years. People told me that Thermopolis is a hard place to get into. I have not found that at all. My wife and I own a business here and it's going really well. The lights are still on, so we're doing OK. I moved to Thermopolis and bought this business to feed my kids. And I'm not going anywhere. I love this town, and I love all of the opportunities I have had and I want to give back. I like to be involved. I like to give back to the community because this is our community and we're all in it together."

Other nominees for the Citizen of the Year were Barb Heinze, Bev Koerwitz, Brad Basse, Carl Leyba, Ellen Reed, Greg Wilson, Martin Andreen, Jacky Wright, Jeannette Titmus and Stefanie Gilbert.