Ann Van Vleet Chosen As Citizen Of The Year

Ann Van Vleet, was honored last week as the Priest River Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year award.

She was honored for over 30 years of volunteer services, including the Cheerful Workers 4-H Club, food bank, blood bank and the Priest River Revitalization project involving the Hotel Charbonneau .

The award is based on nominations from community members and was presented at the chamber’s annual Christmas dinner. Van Vleet has previously received the Distinguished Service award for Bonner County from the Idaho State 4-H Leaders Association.

Diane Mercer was also awarded the Priest River Chamber of Commerce President’s Award in recognition of her hard work and dedication to the Priest River Chamber of Commerce.

Five Coeur d’Alene High School Drama students recently won honors in the Regional level of competition held in Moscow. First place winners were Kerrie Benefield in Pantomime, Katie Fitzpatrick in Solo Humorous, Jamie Cahoon in Humorous Original, and Misty Tappen in Costume Design. Jessica Barkl won second place for Solo Audition.

The class had made it to regionals by taking first place at the District 1 drama competition in Kellogg, bringing home a large trophy. Of the 35 students participating in the dozen categories at District 1, 12 went on to compete at regionals.

Silver Valley resident Brenda Stinson was recently awarded the Small Town Hero Award at Templin’s Resort in Post Falls. Stinson, owner of the Silver Needle Inc. in Kellogg, received the award in recognition of her service in economic and community development projects.

Stinson started her business 16 years ago and currently employs 40 people. She has been involved in bringing new businesses to the community and was chairman of the local improvement district design committee.

The award is sponsored by several national corporations, including GTE, U.S. West Direct and local Washington Water Power and Burlington Northern Companies.

, DataTimes MEMO: Contact for Idaho Achievements is Sherry Adkins. Tell us about your achievements and good deeds by writing to: Achievements, The Spokesman-Review, Ste. 200, 608 Northwest Blvd., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. Pictures must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.