Several individuals and groups were honored in Ottumwa Wednesday (6/8) for volunteering.  Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg took part in a ceremony at Indian Hills Community College to pay tribute to people who give their time for their community.  The Mahaska County Community Emergency Response Team was among those honored.  Jane Walker, the Emergency Response Board Secretary, talks about receiving a Governor’s Volunteer Award.

“It’s an amazing honor that we are recognized as volunteers. Because a lot of times we work behind the scenes and nobody knows anything about what we do or who we are.”

Bonnie Vos has volunteered at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House for 14 years.  She explains why she volunteers.

“It’s rewarding and I have the free time.  And why not give back to the community?”

Also among those receiving Governor’s Volunteer Awards were Oskaloosa City Council member Janet Hermsen for her work with Oskaloosa Main Street, and Lorraine Blom and Diane Gordy with Mahaska Health Partnership.