Tom Kvamme was the recipient of the prestigious Western Star Award at the annual Williston Chamber of Commerce banquet Monday night at the Historic Old Armory in downtown Williston.

Rex McCaughtry, who presented the award, said the theme for this award is spirit.

"This person takes on projects in this community without any hope of personal gain and he sometimes takes on projects where he really doesn't have input on those projects," McCaughtry said. " But, because it's good for Williston, he takes it on."

Kvamme said what he's done has been fun and that the accomplishment is not just for him, but for the community, as well.

"Anything we've done has been for the good of the community," Kvamme said. "I guess that sums it up. The more people do, the better things are going to get and now is the perfect time to do it. When people work together, things are going to get done." Three other awards were handed out during the event.

The Police Department Employee of the Year award went to Matthew Haugen.

Captain Jim Lokken, who made the presentation, said Haugen received his associates degree in 2005 and briefly worked in Nelson County as a deputy until starting his employment with the Williston Police Department a little over two years. Haugen's father was a Chief of Police in Powers Lake.

"Without him, I wouldn't be here today," Haugen said.

Haugen admitted he has been ribbed a lot about his boyish looks.

"I received so many comments on how young I look and how I should not be a police officer," Haugen said. "I've been here a little over two years and now I laugh right along with them."

Also recognized was the Committee on Employment and Advancement of People with Disabilities (CEAD) Employee of the Year. That honor went to Jim Mann of Service Plus.

"I would encourage the business people sitting here tonight who are looking for a good worker to consider someone with a disability," said Williston Mayor Ward Koeser, who presented the award. "This committee recognizes the business who is very supportive of those with disabilities."

Robert Evans presented the Military Affairs Recognition Award to the Mountrail Williams Electric Cooperative.

"The Williston community is well aware of the military presence here in Williston," Evans said. "North Dakota per capita has the largest veteran population in the United States."

Also recognized were those who participated in the Leadership Williston program this year.

The guest speaker was award-winning author and speaker Phil Callaway of Alberta, Canada, who is known worldwide for his humorous yet perspective look at life. He has authored 20 best-selling books and is described as "Dave Barry with a message."

The theme of this year's event was "Celebrating Energy" and those members who work in the coal, gas, oil, wind and electric industry in the Mondak Region.