During the recent Watford City annual chamber and economic development gathering, Stenehjem, who serves as president of First International Bank & Trust of Watford City, was presented with the North Dakota Community Leadership Award.
This award recognizes individuals whose service and leadership help make their communities a better place to live, work and do business.
Watford City Chamber of Commerce board member Gene Veeder made the presentation.
Stenehjem was touted for having taken a family-owned bank and built it into one of the state's largest and most diversified operations. This includes facilities across the state and in Arizona, however, during all the expansion, the corporate headquarters have remained in Watford City.
PERSONAL COMMITMENT
While Stenehjem has been committed to business success in Watford City and throughout the state, he has also been key having committed business and personal resources to the planning and building of the McKenzie County Fairground multi-purpose building, the Wild West Water Park, the McKenzie County Hospital and the Watford City Golf Clubhouse.
The Chamber banquet was held in the newly completed clubhouse, which adds yet another dimension to Watford City.
WORKS FOR CITIZENS
Stenehjem and his family continue to work hard and they are dedicated to re-vitalizing and re-investing in Watford City for the benefit of the citizens.
Currently he is spearheading an aggressive Renaissance Zone project to renovate two blocks of downtown Watford City.
We have learned that by next week you will be able to see a two-story building coming to life as the red iron is up and the basement has been poured.
Along with all of his involvement, Stenehjem is a member of the Watford City Economic Development Corporation and the Watford City Community Benefit Association.
HISTORY OF AWARD
Since the beginning of the Community Leadership Award, dating back to the late 1980s, a total of 278 individuals have been singled out.
Joyce Byerly is the previous recipient from Watford City to be so honored.
The Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce is the principal advocate for business in the state.
TIP OF HAT
We send out a Scope Salute to Stenehjem on receiving this prestigious recognition.
It takes local businessmen like him, along with his family, to lead the charge and take care of business on the home front.
By investing in Watford City this is something that goes a long way in promoting the good way of life in western North Dakota.
VISITORS CENTER OPEN
The next time you venture through Watford City you can stop in and check out the newly completed visitors center.
A combined effort has made this project a reality, with a grand opening planned for April.
With the ongoing Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Celebration they will now be ready to handle the expected rush.
Williston leaders need to step forward and follow the path and make a visitors center happen here.
Instead of talking about it, the time is now to act.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL WEEK
"Faith in Every Student."
That will be the theme that will be stressed Jan. 23-28 during Catholic Schools Week.
By doing so the schools are declaring they have faith in every student.
St. Joseph's Elementary will be taking part in this special week with a number of events planned.
It all begins Sunday with an open house and registration after the 8 a.m. Mass.
Following the Mass a no-host potluck brunch is being planned.
Monday offers a number of fun activities with a radio remote along with Deacon James and Henrietta Nistler on hand at 8:30 a.m. in O'Neill Hall to do a presentation on the Kenya Connection.
This will serve to kick off the Lenten Project.
Muffins for Moms and Grandmothers is set for Tuesday, while Doughnuts for Dads and Grandfathers will take place on Thursday.
If you need further details on the week-long activities you can call 572-6384 for information.
ART CLASSES OFFERED
If you're interested in art classes to begin the new year, you're in luck.
Plans call for programs to be offered at "The James," which is located at the James Memorial Center.
Jean Tande will teach watercolor with after school lessons for two age groups, along with an adult evening session.
Meanwhile, George Meisel will be offering a class in beginning sketches for adults.
This class is being planned for Tuesday evenings.
For more information on the classes or for registration you can call Mary Olson at 774-3601 or Merrill Tikalsky at 572-2991.
It should be noted that teachers are needed so the center can offer a variety of art classes throughout the year.
If you have a talent to share you can contact the same individuals.
FUNDS FOR LEON
Leading up to the Leon-A-Thon, a fund-raising effort to secure additional funds to provide scholarship funds in memory of former Superintendent of Schools Leon Olson, a number of things are happening.
The Leon-A-Thon will take place Jan. 26 over KEYZ-660, with the event to be held at the Squire Inn on the campus of Williston State College.
We told you earlier about a number of business ventures who are jumping on board.
Steve Slocum offers an update on the latest to join the effort.
We understand apples will be featured all day at Economart as you will receive one at the checkout lanes.
FABULOUS MENU
Slocum notes the menu has been upgraded and Carla Anderson and her crew at Sodexho Campus Services at Williston State College will lay out a major spread.
The breakfast, to be offered for only 66 cents, will include a "fabulous steak" and red potato skillet, along with some eggs tossed in.
Slocum added some onions and peppers will also spice things up, along with a fruit salad and Danish.
How can you beat a deal like that?FORMER WHS COACHES
We have learned former Williston coaches Jim McPherson and Dean Hermes will be among a number of former coaches and friends who will provide testimonials throughout the day.
The hook is still out to land some even bigger names to add to this list.
It sounds like everything is coming together and this should prove to be a memorable event.
We'll bring you updates as they develop.
Stay tuned.
scope@willistonherald.com|572-2165
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