Three people, an organization and a business received awards at Saturday night's DeKalb Chamber of Commerce banquet for commitment and service to the town.
Mary Nell Windle was recognized for her lifelong contributions to better DeKalb and its residents by receiving the Noble Heart Award.
Windle was presented the Noble Heart Award by prior recipient James Louis Tidwell, who was joined by other past Noble Heart recipients A.J. Cooper, Fred Gilliam and Mary Clinton.
Photo Gallery
Fort Chaffee in history
Fort Chaffee has had its moments in history. From last week's fire that consumed 150 buildings to Elvis Presley's famous haircut in 1958 to a holding facility for refugees in the 1970s and '80s to a halfway house for Hurricane Katrina victims, Fort Chaffee has been well used.
The Person of the Year Award was given to Ted Prather.
West Bowie County 4H club was given the Organization of the Year award. Belinda Lum accepted the plaque along with several members of the club, who also served as the banquet's servers for the dinner and did an outstanding job. DeKalb National Honor Society members also helped serve the attendees.
David Meadows, owner of Bowie County Equipment, accepted the award for Business of the Year.
Kim Barnes capped off her first year as president of the Chamber by arranging the successful, well-attended banquet with the help of the board members.
Outgoing chamber board members were recognized, and they included Juanita Moore, Jamie Shipley, Annette Holder and Charlotte Powell.
Incoming board members were introduced, and they included Lacey Mullins, Jason McDaniel, Juanita Moore and Monica Minter.
The banquet was attended by Miss DeKalb Carrie Daniel and her court, which includes Teen Miss Kynli Holder, Junior Miss Gracie Crain, Young Miss Emily Barrett, Little Miss Bailey Forte and Toddler Miss Londyn Little.
Dignitaries in attendance were recognized and applauded.
In the assemblage were Bowie County Judge James Carlow, Bowie County Court at Law Judge Jeff Addison, 202nd District Court Judge John Tidwell and DeKalb Municipal Judge Joni Haldeman.
Other officials attending included Bowie County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Strain, DeKalb Mayor Dennis Wandrey, Texarkana College President James Henry Russell and Vice President of Instruction Dr. Donna McDaniel and DeKalb school board members Blake Hodges and Kelly Hopkins.
DeKalb city council members Kolby Holder, Mike Farris, David Meadows, Willie Betts and Obie Adams were also in attendance.
Maggie's Kitchen prepared a delicious meal and made 210 servings at the banquet. Stephanie and Allan Bunch are the proprietors of the local catering business.