At the Roosevelt City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 16, the City was pleased to extend recognition to multiple community members who have gone above and beyond in their service to the community. Mayor JR Bird and the Council presented five Extra Mile Awards to deserving individuals who were nominated by the community and shared a bit about each recipient.
The first award of the evening was presented to Fred Butterfield.
"Fred Butterfield has taken our trash can out for the last few years. He’s even to the point that if the trash is taken while we aren’t home, he’s returned the bin without any need for recognition or anything. I don’t know how many residents are impacted but it seems everyone around is taken care of by Fred," Mayor Bird read from the nomination. "Fred also goes out of his way to make to make the people around him feel noticed and cared for. His birthday Facebook posts make my day, even when it’s not my birthday and I’m just seeing the kind words he shared with someone else. He gives nothing but kindness to others.”
LaRee Hurley was recognized for her work on the 2020 Main Street Halloween Parade.
"In Late September, I met with LaRee, at her request, about the Chamber’s decision to cancel the Halloween parade this year. She shared her desire not to cancel the event and expressed her willingness to lead the planning effort to make it happen. After expressing my support, she made the phone calls and contacts to get the event back on the books and is working hard to ensure that the parade this year was again a success for the community in Roosevelt," wrote the person who nominated her. "A few years ago, a family in need gave my wife permission to purchase clothes for their children. The kids were taken to LaRee’s store (Wee Bit Used). Each kid selected a few outfits. When clothes were taken to the front counter to pay for them, LaRee refused to take payment stating that one of the primary reasons she started her business was to help others in this way. I believe LaRee Hurley goes above and beyond to make a difference in our community.”
Clate and Tosha Miller received an award for extending extra help to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Each summer Clate and Tosha usually grow pumpkins and sell them at their pumpkin patch for their children to earn money for their savings, for college, etc. This year with the COVID-19 pandemic they chose to use the one-acre of land to create a community garden, a garden to help make sure food was available for the local community with the world full of uncertainty as to what would be available to us as the pandemic progressed," Mayor Bird read from the nomination. "Although they asked for assistance from the community to help with planting and weeding, etc. the majority of the work was done by their family including the watering and overall maintenance of the garden. The proceeds of the garden were given to anyone and everyone that could benefit from the produce free of charge whether or not they helped in the garden. I find it amazing and makes me want to serve others in the community. I wish I were more like them. I think they are amazing people.”
East Elementary School Principal Russ Nielsen was also honored with an Extra Mile Award.
"In March of this year, when all the schools had to go to online learning, Mr. Nielsen went way beyond his call of Principal," wrote his nominator. "He was up early every weekday to make sure he was at the Jr High to serve and help with breakfasts and lunches. He was the principal that made sure everyone was organized, each bus had a driver and a helper, made sure each school had lunches for pick up, and would help fill the lunches. Durning COVID if he knew a student couldn't get breakfast/lunch he would deliver it to them personally. He helped his teachers deliver packets and check in with the students. Every teacher here at East Elementary will tell you how much they love working for Mr. Nielsen, and what a great place it is to work. He loves the faculty, students, aides, custodians, lunch ladies, EVERYONE!! He treats each member of his staff with respect. He truly deserves this award. He cares so much for our students and wants them all to succeed. He always puts in 110%!!“
The final award of the evening was presented to Leo Thorsen.
"Leo manages the Thompson House of Hope and is always finding ways for him and the men he works with to donate time to improving the city," Mayor Bird shared from his nomination. "He is a ray of light to many who have fallen on darkened times. He helps without judgment and shows love to all. Our city is greatly served by the enthusiasm for improvement Leo lives and shows to others. He is definitely deserving of recognition for all he does to make our community better.”
Roosevelt City wishes to publicly thank these wonderful individuals for all they have done to bless the lives of others in our City. Congratulations, Extra Mile Award winners!
Pictured: Back Row - Councilmen Don Busenbark, Vince Reiley, Mayor JR Bird, and Cody Aland. Front Row - Russ Nielsen, Leo Thorsen, Clate Miller, Tosha Miller, and Fred Butterfield. Not pictured: Laree Hurley and Councilmen David Baird and Dustin White.