United Way of Gratiot County hosted its annual banquet to celebrate local community service efforts. Marc Szymczak received the Carolyn M. Thompson Award for his work with United Way and the Optimist Club of Gratiot County. Helping Hands awards were given to Jean Omans-Neal, Garth Anderson, and Ruth Cool for their work with partner agencies. Consumer's Energy, Wolverine Pipeline Co., and Biggby 364 of Alma were named Businesses of the Year, while the Alma College men's basketball team, Service to Community group, and the St. Louis cheerleading team received Youth Organization of the Year awards.