HARLAN -- A full house turned out to honor Shelby County's best at the annual Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Award fund-raiser and awards ceremony, with this year's Citizen of the Year award presented to Les Blum.
      Blum was honored along with other businesses or business individuals at the Friday event. Blum was dubbed "one of the good guys of the world. If you need help, Les is there. Between helping others and enjoying his family, he has served as 4-H leader, on the St. Michael's Parish Council and as Corley Community Club President of the Board.
      "Les has also served on the Shelby County Golf Course Board. Les also is a scheduler for Meals on Wheels, and also delivers meals. Habitat for Humanity houses is another one of his projects, and he also makes sure The Knights of Columbus Fish Fries are run smoothly.
      "Life is precious, and you would have to break Les' legs to miss a blood drive. Les is a great neighbor, friend, father, husband and community-minded individual."
      Honored along with Blum were a number of businesses. HyVee Food and HyVee Wine & Spirits were honored as Business of the Year. Edward Jones Brian Sieren was honored as New Business of the Year. Jim Zimmerman was awarded the Business/Employee Excellent Customer Service Award, and Marty Burchett was honored with the Business Mentor award. The Harlan Flower Shop/Amiee 'n Me was honored as the business with the best curb appeal.
      Also honored during the event held at the Harlan Golf and Country Club were those businesses with 25, 50 or 100 years or more of service to the Shelby County community.
      Those with 25 years or more of service include CDS Global, Dick Dotzler State Farm and Fourth Generation.
      Those with 50 years or more of service include Bauer's Shoe Store, Elm Crest Retirement, Farm Service Coop/Computer Division, Harlan Flower Shop, Jacobs Corporation, Logeland Studio, Midstates Bank, Nishnabotna Valley REC, Ouren Real Estate, Ouren Title, Inc., Panama Transfer, Pauley's Funeral Home, Pexton Drug, Rusty's Shoe Repair, Sta-Bilt Construction and Variety Distributors.
      Those with 100 years or more of service include The City of Harlan, Farmers Mutual Cooperative Telephone, Farmers Trust and Savings Bank, Harlan Municipal Utilities, Harlan Newspapers, Shelby County State Bank and Westside Tavern and Lounge.
      See Friday's Harlan News-Advertiser for more award winner photos and descriptions.