On Friday, April 10th, Tri-Valley Developmental Services held their 2026 Award Ceremony celebrating achievements from individuals and community support in Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson Counties. The ceremony began at 1 pm and was held at Central Park Pavilion in Chanute. Awards were presented to the following:
Business of the Year – Arby’s of Chanute, McDonald’s of Fort Scott, Mertz Tax Service, Fort Scott
Achievement Award – Dylan Lawrence, Bryan Packard, Josh Wilson
Ed Bideau Advocacy Award – Daniel Smith
Jenny Masterson Family Award – Tiffany Tiegreen
Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Visionary Award – Mike Hofer
Winfred Jent Board Award – Joel Norris
Lifetime Achievement Award – Mike Reid
Employee of the Year Award – Laurel Hall
CEO Award – Jim Jesseph
During the ceremony, Ginger Jakee, Kelsey Meza, and Wendy Henderson were recognized as graduates in the DSP+ Apprenticeship Program.
Refreshments were served following the ceremony.