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Mueller, Knebel receive Abe Awards

Two individuals who have been involved extensively in community activities were honored with Abe Awards at Thursday’s annual banquet of the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce.

Receiving the non-chamber-member award was Joyce Mueller, a longtime volunteer in a variety of Vandalia organizations. Among those groups in which she’s involved are Nice Twice, Vandalia Tourism Commission, National Road Interpretive Center, Our Place, Home and Community Education, United Methodist Women, Fayette County Museum and Evergreen Outreach.

“When in need, there are many residents who have been blessed by the selfless time and compassion so generously given by this individual,” said Greg Starnes as he introduced Mueller.

Receiving the chamber-member award was 2008 chamber president Doug Knebel. Knebel, who is community bank president for Midland States Bank in Vandalia, also is active in many community organizations. Those include Rotary, Vandalia Main Street, SAFE, Fayette County Hospital District Board and the Vandalia Country & Golf Club.

Dana Whiteman, chamber president for 2011, also spoke at the event, outlining her plans and priorities for the year.

A full account of the event will appear in next week’s issue of The Leader-Union.

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