Inman named Citizen of the Year at Hot Springs Chamber Awards Night

  • Laura Inman, third from left, pictured with her daughter Tara, husband Tom and granddaughter Annabell, was presented the Hot Springs Citizen of the Year Award this past weekend at the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce’s 86th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star
    Laura Inman, third from left, pictured with her daughter Tara, husband Tom and granddaughter Annabell, was presented the Hot Springs Citizen of the Year Award this past weekend at the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce’s 86th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star
  • The American Legion Family – including Post 71, Auxiliary, Legion Riders and Sons of the American Legion – won the Community Pride Award. Members present at this past weekend’s banquet included, from left: Tom Inman, Jace Thomas, Jim Woehl, Nate Gwin, Sid Hussey, Al Tallman, Karen Phelan, Mike Johnson, Jeannie Harper, Moe Lamphere, Travis Riedel (back row), Cindy Reed, Vince Logue, Joel Bugner and John Phelan. Photos by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star
    The American Legion Family – including Post 71, Auxiliary, Legion Riders and Sons of the American Legion – won the Community Pride Award. Members present at this past weekend’s banquet included, from left: Tom Inman, Jace Thomas, Jim Woehl, Nate Gwin, Sid Hussey, Al Tallman, Karen Phelan, Mike Johnson, Jeannie Harper, Moe Lamphere, Travis Riedel (back row), Cindy Reed, Vince Logue, Joel Bugner and John Phelan. Photos by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star
  • Carrie Isaac, right, co-owner of Harvey’s Homestead Supply with husband Jeremy, accepts the Retail Business of the Year Award from Resa Rutz, Chamber Board President Elect.
    Carrie Isaac, right, co-owner of Harvey’s Homestead Supply with husband Jeremy, accepts the Retail Business of the Year Award from Resa Rutz, Chamber Board President Elect.
  • Vision Source was the recipient of the Service Business of the Year Award and owner Dr. Dallas Wilkinson was also recognized for celebrating his 25th Anniversary of operating the eye clinic in Hot Springs. Pictured from left is Marcia Kenobbie, Paula Morrow, Dr. Dallas Wilkinson, Alea Juhl, Maddi Mundorf
    Vision Source was the recipient of the Service Business of the Year Award and owner Dr. Dallas Wilkinson was also recognized for celebrating his 25th Anniversary of operating the eye clinic in Hot Springs. Pictured from left is Marcia Kenobbie, Paula Morrow, Dr. Dallas Wilkinson, Alea Juhl, Maddi Mundorf
  • Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, owned by Kara Hagen, was voted as the Employer of the Year. Staff members pictured from left include Rajni, Julie Christensen, Manager Bohden Balgheim, Christine Fraser and Celeste Weinreis.
    Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, owned by Kara Hagen, was voted as the Employer of the Year. Staff members pictured from left include Rajni, Julie Christensen, Manager Bohden Balgheim, Christine Fraser and Celeste Weinreis.
  • Emma Niles won the Joyce Farrell Youth Volunteer Award but was unable to attend due to competing at a swimming competition, so her award was accepted by her father Rick.
    Emma Niles won the Joyce Farrell Youth Volunteer Award but was unable to attend due to competing at a swimming competition, so her award was accepted by her father Rick.
  • Two Cows Creamery & Bistro won the Chamber of Commerce’s Hospitality Award, which was accepted by co-owner Melissa Holt, left, and presented by Chamber President Elect Resa Rutz, right.
    Two Cows Creamery & Bistro won the Chamber of Commerce’s Hospitality Award, which was accepted by co-owner Melissa Holt, left, and presented by Chamber President Elect Resa Rutz, right.
  • Chamber Executive Director Amber Sierra, center, presented her Director’s Award to Lily and Lyla Perez-Nitsche for their volunteer efforts in support of the Chamber of Commerce over the past year.
    Chamber Executive Director Amber Sierra, center, presented her Director’s Award to Lily and Lyla Perez-Nitsche for their volunteer efforts in support of the Chamber of Commerce over the past year.
  • Wanda Morgan received a plaque from the Fall River County Herald-Star to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her business Wanda’s Finds.
    Wanda Morgan received a plaque from the Fall River County Herald-Star to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her business Wanda’s Finds.

    HOT SPRINGS – A sold out crowd of nearly 240 people attended the 86th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce this past weekend on Saturday, March 14.

    As in previous years, the event also served as the Taste of Hot Springs, in which local dining establishments offered a wide range of main dishes, sides and desserts. Participants included Whiskey River (Green Curry with Rice, Pork Pot Stickers with Sweet Chili Dip); Triple 7 Skillet (Pulled Pork Sandwich, Coleslaw, Pasta Salad); American Legion (Smoked Brisket Sandwich, Coleslaw, Cowboy Beans, Sheet Cake); Sonny’s Super Foods (Homemade Bratwurst, Fruit & Veggie Trays); Two Cows Creamery & Bistro (Handcrafted Ice Cream); Daus Hot Spot/Heaven Scent Bakery (Snitzel Sandwich, Potato Salad, Kuchen); Springs Lodge & Cafe (Cheese Sticks, Jalapeno Poppers, Tortilla Chips & Homemade Salsa); Winner’s Circle (Tomato Basil Soup, Garden Salad).

    Awards were presented by Executive Director Amber Sierra and were highlighted by the naming of Laura Inman as this year’s Hot Springs Citizen of Year.

    Inman was the Activity Coordinator at the State Veterans Home for the past 15 years, where she helped to create an award winning activities program. According to her bio that was read at the banquet, she is known for her deep compassion for everyone around her and her devotion to making every veteran feel connected, valued, and included. She always tried to get everyone engaged in the activities, and would try her best to come up with new and exciting things for them to do, often drawing city and county wide volunteers eager to help out. Beyond her work at the State Home, she was also involved in many other organizations, including the American Legion and Sunday Drivers, and has worked with countless churches, civic and veteran’s organizations.

    This year, there were a record number of other Citizen of the Year CHAMBER AWARDS, page B1 nominees, which also included Scott Dahly, Wesley Foss, Kara Hagan, Deb & Steve Lias, Frank Mason, Jim Stevens (posthumously) and Jace Thomas.

    There were two nominees for the Joyce Farrell Youth Volunteer of the Year in Sierra O’Hearn and Emma Niles, with the latter ultimately named the winner. Niles could not attend the due competing at a regional swimming meet but her award was accepted on her behalf by her dad Rick.

    According to her bio, Niles has many volunteer roles as a helping hand and provides support and encouragement to those she serves. She has been recognized for her leadership and mentoring in many of her involvements. She graduated from Army Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC in 2025 where at the conclusion of training she was selected as Soldier Leader of the Cycle out of 1,055 soldiers, and was one of only two females to receive this honor. Her career goal is law enforcement and serving others to make their world a better place.

    Other awards presented during the night, along with their nomination info, included: Community Pride Award (American Legion Family): Their primary objective is to support local Veterans’ needs. Their support of veterans is second to none, but they are also committed to supporting their community through numerous events, activities and volunteer efforts.

    Retail Business of the Year (Harvey’s Homestead Supply): A classy and muchneeded addition to Hot Springs. They have items no one else does. They also offer many classes to educate customers.

    Service Business of the Year (Vision Source): Dr. Dallas Wilkinson and his staff are helpful, friendly and informative. They use advanced technology/ equipment and educate their patients to ensure healthy vision.

    Hospitality Business of the Year (Two Cows Creamery & Bistro): Cater to both locals and tourists, are involved in the community and encourage staff to volunteer.

    Employer of the Year (Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa): They attract tourists/visitors into Hot Springs and the amount of money their customers bring in also benefits other businesses and the community as a whole. Positive work environment.

    Director’s Award (Lily and Lyla Perez-Nitsche): Youth sister duo who serve as Chamber of Commerce volunteers.

    In addition to the awards, Brett Nachtigall, who is the Publisher of the Fall River County Herald-Star and is also serving as the 2026 Chamber Board President, recognized many longstanding Hot Springs area businesses through an effort entitled Enduring Enterprises. As part of that presentation, he awarded 25th Anniversary plaques to Dr. Dallas Wilkinson and his business Vision Source, as well as Wanda Morgan for her business Wanda’s Finds, which were both established in 2001.

    Nachtigall himself is also celebrating 25 years this year as the publisher of the Hot Springs newspaper, previously known as the Hot Springs Star.