The Kewanee Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual Outstanding Citizen Award. Community members are encouraged to nominate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and made a lasting impact in Kewanee. Nominees must have a record of significant and well-known contributions to the local area. Nomination forms can be collected and returned to the Chamber office on East Second Street. All submissions must be received before March 6, 2026. For more information or to access forms, visit https://kewanee-il.com/, the Facebook page, or call 309-852-2175. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond for the community.
Recent honorees include Bill Breedlove, Dave Clarke, Bud Johnson, Dianne Packee, Etta LaFlora, Everett Whitcher, and Marshall Jones, reflecting a longstanding tradition of recognizing those who make a difference.
Recent List of Winners:
2025 Bill Breedlove
2024 Dave Clarke
2023 Bud Johnson
2022 Dianne Packee
2021 Essential Workers
2020 Etta LaFlora
2019 Everett Whitcher
2018 Jerry Salisbury
2017 Marshall Jones
2016 Dr. Dennis Gerleman
2015 Larry Lock
2014 Ted Canellos
2013 Father Jerry Rafalko
2012 Margaret Gustafson
2011 John “Pickles” Sovanski
2010 Doug Hilgendorf
2009 Robert Neirynck
2008 Louis Little
2007 Betty Novak
2006 Mark Petersen
2005 Virginia Nelson
2004 Brock Tumbleson
