Ken Horton, Dairy Queen Receive Accolades

Nearly 300 people turned out for the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner last Thursday at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

Dairy Queen was named Business of the Year at the dinner and Ken Horton was named Citizen of the Year.

Those winners were honored with a plaque and recognition at the banquet which all nominees were invited to.

Jenny Murphy read the nomination speech about Dairy Queen, which mentioned its support of the schools, volunteer activities, the ROMEO club, which is men who gather at the restaurant regularly. Dairy Queen had numerous letters of support for the award.

Also nominated was the dental office of Jamie Mitchell and Tyler Lipham.

Mr. Horton has been a lead volunteer for the Jasper County Community Food Bank for several years. Kim McMichael who also serves on the board told about Mr. Horton’s volunteer activities and how much he does at the Food Bank, and how many volunteer hours he spends.

Other nominees were Kathy Dailey, Shelia Jones and Christy Wyatt.

Members of the jazz band of Monticello Community Band provided entertainment during the social hour at the event.

Those at the dinner had the opportunity to bid on donated prizes, and also received gifts from whoever decorated the table.