TRUE DAKOTAN PHOTO/CRAIG WENZEL

 THESE PEOPLE HAD PLENTY TO CELEBRATE at the 2010 Wessington Springs Area Development Corporation/Chamber of Commerce awards banquet on Saturday, March 6. Weskota Manor Avera volunteer Loretta Couch (left) was presented the “Volunteer of the Year” award by the WSADC board of directors. Shown at center is Karen Fastnacht, a former school teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education, who is now a resident at the Manor. Loretta works closely with Karen, who enjoys grading elementary school papers and staying in touch with her education background. She also volunteers her time with other residents.Loretta is also a part-time employee in the activities department at the Manor. Also shown are activities employee Carol Steichen (back) and activities director Penny Wenzel (right). “I didn’t know if Karen would be able to keep her secret or not,” said her husband, Mike Fastnacht, after the banquet. “She was pretty excited for Loretta.” She did keep the award a secret and with the help of her husband, Rick, son and daughter Rich and Amanda, Loretta was pleasantly surprised.