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Wednesday, 02 April 2008 |
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Page 1 of 2 By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
 UNSUNG HERO – Ruby Bouma was named the annual Unsung Hero at the 43rd annual Chamber of Commerce dinner and awards banquet on Wednesday at Norley Hall. She received the prestigious award from PVS Principal Greg Jensen, who, with Adele Stenson, nominated Bouma. I-O Photo by Buck Traxler
A packed house “Ahhhed” and “Ohhhed” at the creativity of those who decorated tables for the diners’ pleasure.
In what is one of the better-kept secrets about town, the Unsung Hero for 2008 was to be announced. We’ll have more on this and keynote speaker Taylor Brown later.
First, outgoing CofC president and MC for the evening, Gerald Miller welcomed everyone.
The local Boy Scout troop presented the colors and led the banquet-goers in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Pastor Pete Wetendorf of the Conrad Mission Church giving an invocation.
The multi-talented Eric “Fingers” Ray Gustafson played a number of easy listening dinner tunes and introduced the crowd to a new partner, Rastis.
As if he wasn’t talented enough already, Fingers has added the art form of being a ventriloquist to his vast musical repertoire, as Rastis spit out jokes like there was no tomorrow.
In reports and presentations, Miller recapped the Chamber year, which saw executive secretary Shari Richter move on and Barbie Killion come on board, the highly successful sponsored events and the finding of a new office.
Mayor John Shevlin in his city report, said work is being done on the Industrial Park, the city has moved up to automated garbage pick up, they have received a grant for $250,000 for the wastewater program and Front St. will be finished this summer, Range Days will be in Conrad for the second year and a group is forming to build an indoor shooting range.
Sandy Broesder and Cyndi Johnson, county commissioners, touched on local, state and national committees they serve on, the newly started transit bus service to Great Falls and Kalispell and the MATL line. Johnson also noted that for being president of MACo, she has two local scholarships to award. Contact her for more information.
Cheryl Curry from the Port Authority noted it has been three years since the resolution passed to form the PA.
They have assisted two new businesses, bought the former Conrad Motel and have the site cleared and cleaned up, got a CDBG for ITB which will add 15 jobs and is working a growth policy with the city and county.
For some comic relief, Rep. Llew Jones took the stage, donning a pair of rose-colored glasses “for a rosy outlook.”
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