EFFINGHAM — Mary Ellen Eversman has been named this year’s Effingham Daily News Citizen of the Year.
Effingham Daily News Editor Jeff Long presented the award to Eversman Saturday night during the 2024 Effingham County Chamber Gala. Gala attendees dressed in colorful suits and dresses from different eras for this year’s prom-themed event, which was held at the Thelma Keller Convention Center.
“The 2024 Effingham Daily New Citizen of the Year was born 85 years ago in Effingham and has been a pillar of the community ever since,” Long said.
Long said Eversman spent 30 years with the Department of Human Services and helped bring the Red Cross’ water safety program to Effingham County. These are just a couple examples of Eversman’s dedication to serving her community.
“She was instrumental when Effingham County adopted a no-kill resolution in 2022, which committed to not euthanizing animals unless they had become extremely sick or injured,” Long said. “She was also involved in the formation of the Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary.”
Upon receiving the award, Eversman thanked members of her family, several of whom were sitting by her side during the gala.
“They are wonderful support,” Eversman said of her relatives. “I am humbled. I am also thrilled. I wouldn’t live in any other place.”
Effingham Teutopolis New Report Publisher Steve Raymond presented the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award to the Teutopolis Fire Protection District and reflected on the deadly anhydrous ammonia accident the department responded to in September of 2023.
“Tonight, we’re going to honor a group of volunteers that displayed courage and dedication when faced with a serious, life-threatening situation for an entire community,” Raymond said. “Thankfully, it was a well-trained fire department from Teutopolis that responded first, responded quickly, and responded in the right way.
“As most Teutopolis residents ran away from the danger, as they were instructed to do, our volunteer fire department ran toward the danger,” Raymond said, quoting one of the residents who nominated the department for the award.
Upon accepting the award on behalf of the department, Teutopolis Fire Chief Tim McMahon thanked community members for their support, particularly in the wake of the anhydrous ammonia accident.
“The guys know how proud I am of them,” McMahon said of the firefighters in his department. “I encourage you to support your local fire departments and firefighters.”
Effingham County Chamber President and CEO Lucinda Hart and Effingham County Chamber Board Chair Dr. Austin Cheney presented Steve Will of Dieterich Bank with the Ambassador of the Year Award.
The Beanstalk Boutique and Pyramid Marble and Granite were both presented with the Excellence in Business Award by Hart, Cheney and HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital President and CEO Chad Markham.
“None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our amazing community, my wonderful employees and my family,” Sara Ruholl, the owner of The Beanstalk Boutique, said upon receiving the award.
Past Chamber Board Chair Travis Bushue presented Jamie Stang Ellis with the Chamber Chair Award.
“My heart rate is really, really high right now,” Ellis said after receiving the award. “It’s just such a great community to be a part of.”
Hart and Cheney presented Effingham County Chamber Membership Director Becky Brown with an award for her “outstanding service and commitment” to the Chamber.