The Audubon Chamber of Commerce held its annual Community Banquet and awards program Saturday evening at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center. During the event, President Trish Nielsen gave a review of the past year’s activities and accomplishments, including the hosting and continued support f various events. Nielsen then turned the gavel over to 2014 President elect Dave Witt.  New CHamber Board of Director members this year include Vicky Robinson, Ashley VanAernam, Ann Wood-Randeris and Shane Lange.

The Audubon Chamber then presented its Citizen of the Year award to Roger Malmberg. Malmberg is a native of southwest Iowa who enlisted in the National Guard after high school and served two periods of enlistment. He graduated from college and moved to Audubon in 1964 while continuing to study for his Master’s Degree. He and his wife raised four girls in Audubon. During his years in the community, Malmberg has been active in the Knights of Columbus and teaches Christian education classes. He’s also served on the Conservation Board.

Junior Citizen of the Year awards went to Madelyn Christensen and Megan Deist, both of whom have been actively involved in high school sports, youth groups and community and other school-related activities.

And, the Community Service Award was presented to the Audubon County Memorial Hospital for their dedicated commitment and outstanding care provided to the community, and in recognition of the The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellance Award, along with 100 Great Community  Hospitals list and Top 20 Critical Access Hospital accolades.

Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report the arrest early Sunday morning of 40-year old Dereck Wayne Freshour, of Villisca. Freshour was taken into custody at around 4:38-a.m. on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault. He was brought to the Montgomery County Jail and held without bond.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The federal health care law is now in effect, but many Iowa residents are still trying to figure out their new insurance plans or are continuing to seek health coverage. Jan. 1 marked the first day for many provisions of the new law, including insurance coverage for those who signed up for private plans on the federal enrollment website. Iowa’s modified Medicaid expansion — which uses federal dollars to offer coverage to some low-income Iowans — also started that day.

Experts at insurance companies, health clinics and enrollment centers say they’ve been busy fielding questions from people who either have coverage or need it. And some Iowa residents who thought they might be getting Medicaid coverage remain in limbo due to processing delays by the federal government.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — You know it’s going to be cold when an ice skating rink shuts down due to expected subzero temperatures. That’s what happened in downtown Des Moines, where officials have opted to close the outdoor Brenton Skating Plaza today and Monday because of the frigid weather.

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) — Fire officials say an eastern Iowa house fire was started by a tenant who used a propane torch to thaw frozen water pipes. KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids reports that the fire began just before 10:30 p.m. Thursday in Independence. Independence Fire Chief Doug Cook says Tristin Beltz was using a torch in a part of a former duplex that was being renovated. Beltz and his family escaped the home safely.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Three teenage boys have been charged in an assault of a 16-year-old boy in Des Moines, which spread quickly online after witnesses bragged about the beating on Facebook. Des Moines police said yesterday that two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old were charged with willful injury. Family members of 16-year-old Nathan Rogers say the attack was so severe that the East High School student was hospitalized.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police say an Iowa man was arrested after he pulled a knife on his brother during a fight over peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The Register reports that Jerome Davis was arrested on Friday after the confrontation with his brother in their Des Moines home. Both men are in their 50s.