Monday, November 16, 2009

In the Service

Air Force Airman Robert J. Roberts graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Keith Roberts of Ballantine. Roberts is a 2009 graduate of Huntley Project High School, Worden.

Private Ryan Freivalds of Billings recently graduated from United States Marine Corps boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Freivalds completed 13 weeks of basic training as one of 78 recruits in Training Platoon 3215, and earned the USMC Rifle Expert badge. He then reported to Camp Pendleton for one month at military combat training, then military occupation specialty school for fixed-wing aircraft maintenance in Pensacola, Fla.

Air Force Airman Devin D. Butcher graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Butcher is the son of Perry and Jill Butcher of Billings. He is a 2009 graduate of Senior High.

In the Schools

Mike Staus of Billings has earned placement on the Berklee College of Music dean’s list for the summer semester of the 2009 academic year.

Timothy Kienitz and Zachary Brehm of Billings were among four students named as $1,000 Yellowstone Chapter PGA Scholarship award winners for 2009.

Organizations

Alexander Nord, son of Eric and Sue Nord of Billings, was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America. Nord, a member of Troop 7, completed a trail restoration project at the Sundance Lodge Recreation Area near Laurel.

Forensics Results

The Rocky Mountain College debate team won top awards at the Northwest College Debate Tournament in Powell, Wyo., on Nov. 6 and 7. The team of Alison Corbyn and Dan Johnson won the second place award in the varsity division of the debate tournament. Johnson and Corbyn also earned the second and ninth place speaker awards in their debate division. Rocky’s Cherokee Rawls earned a first in the junior varsity division of debate. The Rocky teams of Annie Ayre and Toryn Rogers, and Justin Rife and John Mark Wilkerson placed third when they were each semi-finalist teams in the junior varsity division. RMC sophomore Annie Ayre was also the top speaker in that debate division.

The RMC debate team a third place sweepstakes award in the competition with 13 colleges attending.

The following local students recently placed in the Butte’s Richest Hill on Earth Speech Debate:

Novice Policy Debate

Fifth: Elijah Louis and Cathryn Cole, West High; eighth: Lizzy Toen and Vickie Contreraz, West High.

Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate

Seventh: Carl Bottrell, Senior High.

Public Forum

Seventh: Trent Dugger and Anna Peterson, West High.

Extemporaneous Speaking

Fourth: Chris Selph, Skyview.

Impromptu

Sixth: Chris Selph, Skyview.

Duo Interpretation

Second: Alexander Bush and Colin McRae, West High; third: Skyler Pestle and Dallas Martin, West High.

Humorous Interpretation

Fifth: Falon Wofford, Skyview; eighth: Sydney Waymeyer, Skyview.

Serious Interpretation

Second: Alicia Connolly, West High; eighth: Sharda Olson-Meyer, Senior High.

Memorized Public Address

Sixth: Erin Kusek, West High.

Original Oratory

Third: Spencer Sheehan, Senior High; eighth: Anna Kietzman, West High.

Expository Speaking:

Eighth: Harrison Cooper, Senior High.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Jill Young recently joined Stockman Bank as real estate loan officer for the Billings King Ave office. She will develop and service real estate loans and assist clients with their lending needs. Young brings more than seven years of residential real estate lending to the position, which includes conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans for new-home purchases and refinancing. She is located at 2700 King Avenue West and can be reached at 655-2726.

The National Prudential Cares Awards Program recognizes Prudential employees and retirees who excel in volunteer commitment, leadership, and service in their communities. The following associates from Prudential Floberg Realtors received National Prudential Cares Awards for the nonprofit organizations they serve: Daryl Beam for Montana Conservation Voters and Karen Frank for the Ronald McDonald House. Partnership Prudential honors these people through the Prudential Care Award Program. Beam can be reached at 238-7117 and Frank can be reached at 238-7127. 

Molly Reas of Billings, owner of the local Stroller Strides program, recently attended the annual Stroller Strides National Conference held in San Diego. She can be contacted at mollyreas@strollerstrides.net.

Shelley Van Atta, Vanessa Scoles and Jodi Cockburn are co-chairwomen of the Billings Senior High School’s Bronc Extravaganza, the Bronc Booster Club’s largest annual public fundraising event, slated for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday in Billings Senior High School’s large gym.

Angela Berthoud of Hub International Insurance recently completed five comprehensive tests to earn the certified insurance service representative designation. Berthoud works in commercial insurance. 

The following local American Society of Women Accountants members attended the ASWA National Convention in Las Vegas: Renee Richards, Doris Gillespie, Sue Anderson, Linda Harris, Cathy Allen, Laurie Brogan, Susan Knox, Rhona Glassing, Jeanette Longman and Gale Kreitzberg.

Wendy Hergenraeder has been hired as the HSUS Montana State Director and will be now be responsible for animal protection issues and campaigns across Montana. Previous Northern Rockies Program Specialist Sylvia Lee is now a national field services program specialist and will be assisting western state offices with program issues. Previous Western Region Director Dave Pauli is now the senior director for Wildlife Response for the HSUS Animal Care Centers and will be working on national and international wildlife responses and field projects. All three can still be reached in Billings at 255-7161.

Dustin Spaulding, business banker at the King Avenue location of Western Security Bank, has been selected as one of 42 participants in Leadership Billings 2010, which kicked off in October and will conclude in May 2010. The program builds relationships and creates stronger business leaders in the Billings community. Spaulding can be reached at 238-8156.

Lanissa Fortner of Re/Max of Billings has received the No. 5 Individual Sales award for the Pacific Northwest Region in August. She can be reached at 670-9799.

Carey Chapman of Re/Max of Billings has received the No. 2 Top Individual Sales award for the Pacific Northwest Region in August. She can be reached at 661-5300.

Marsha Schell of Re/Max of Billings has received the No. 4 Top Individual Sales award for the Pacific Northwest Region in September. She can be reached at 698-5904.

Betty Berglandof the Bergland Team of Re/Max of Billings has received the No. 2 Top Team Sales award for the Pacific Northwest Region in August and September. She can be reached at 855-8110.

Lillie Zable, a sales associate for Jensen Jewelers in Rimrock Mall, has completed a course of study through the Diamond Council of America in Nashville, Tenn., obtaining the degree of certified diamontologist.

Roger Daniel of Farmers Insurance and Financial Solutions was recognized by New West for being the top Medicare Advantage producer in Montana. He can be reached at 252-3411.

Mandy Doran has relocated to Inspire Hair Salon, 1212 Grand Ave. Trained and certified in California, Doran has nine years pg experience with Lanza, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Joico and Redken hair color systems. She recently trained with Aveda Raw Talent Academy. She offers a variety of service, and can be reached at 633-0267 or 245-4646.

Sanderson Stewart has received the First Annual Best Civil Engineering Logo Award from Civil Engineering Central. This national award honors the company’s new name and branding effort. Sanderson Stewart has offices in Billings, Bozeman, Plains and Sidney, and Sheridan, Wyo. For more information, go to www.sandersonstewart.com.

Matt Robertson has joined the Billings office of NAI Business Properties. Robertson has been in the real estate market for the past six years. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration (option in finance), and was one of five top business students chosen to participate in a three-month global leadership conference held at Lehigh University. Prior to his work in real estate Matt was an investment portfolio analyst for American Express.

The following are Friends of Parmly Billings Library board members for 2009-10: Mona Harris, president; Bill Rightmire, vice president; Joanne Timm, treasurer; Susan Mattson, secretary; Carolyn Holmlund, Janet Weisz, Nancy Traeger,  Lennis Rightmire, Sheri Deaver, Nicki Broch, Liz Almann, Joyce Hoffmann and Pat Payne, directors. The annual award for Volunteer of the Year was presented to Annette Bayley.

The following area clerks and deputy clerks of district courts throughout Montana attended a certification school in Billings conducted by the Montana Association of Clerks of District Court and the Montana State University Local Government Center: Karen Yarlott-Molina, clerk, Leslie Bear Claw, deputy clerk, Big Horn County; Rochelle Loyning, clerk, Susan Metcalf, deputy clerk, Carbon County; Mary Lu Berry, clerk, Golden Valley County; Connie Mattfield, clerk, Barb Halverson, deputy clerk, Barbie Pelan, deputy clerk, Musselshell County; Elizabeth Ball-Mavity, clerk, Rosebud County; Dianne Rummel, clerk, Sanders County; Sandra Fox, clerk, Stillwater County; Deanna Novotny, clerk, Sweetgrass County; Ruth Baker, clerk, Rosemary Olson, deputy clerk, Treasure County; Janet Hill, clerk, Wheatland County; Carol Muessig, clerk, Michelle Massine, deputy clerk, Yellowstone County.

The Billings Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau announces the 2009 Roche Jaune Awards for Business Excellence recipients. The third annual Roche Jaune Awards will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Alberta Bair Theater in downtown Billings. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 245-4111, e-mailing info@billingschamber.com or going to www.billingschamber.com.

The 2009 Roche Jaune Awards for Business Excellence Recipients:

Lifetime Achievement: Don & Marilyn Floberg, Prudential Floberg Realtors.

Civic Leadership Excellence: Billings Police Department.

Business Person of the Year: Mike Schaer, Computers Unlimited.

Education Excellence: Don Gleason, West High School.

Health Care Excellence: St. Vincent Healthcare’s Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center.

Agriculture Excellence: Butch Bratsky, Stockman Bank.

Salesperson Excellence: Lee Humphrey, Edward Jones.

Customer Service Excellence: Front-desk staff, Boothill Inn & Suites.

Tourism Excellence: Western Romance Co.

Employer of the Year: Whitewood Transport.

Supervisor/Manager of the Year: Mark Dawson, Century 21 Hometown Brokers.

Volunteer of the Year (Adult): Dr. Steven Butler & Lucinda Butler, The Rimrock Opera Company.

Volunteer of the Year (Youth): Damon Wanchena, The Billings Clinic.

Monday, November 9, 2009

In the Schools

The Billings Architectural Association, in conjunction with the National American Institute of Architects, announced the award of two scholarships to local students attending Montana State University in Bozeman. Recipients of the $1,000 scholarships are Lindsay Robb, a fourth-year architectural student and graduate of West High School, and Paige Franklin, also a fourth-year student and graduate of Billings Senior High School.

Seth Nemitz has won the national James F. Lincoln arc-welding competition. A graduate of Senior High, he is a student at the University of Montana College of Technology in Missoula. He is the son of Monita and Warren Nemitz of Billings.

The Department of Labor and Industry's Jobs for Montana's Graduates program honored local students and teachers at the 16th annual Jobs for Montana's Graduates Leadership Conference in Helena. Jana Tihista from Nashua High will travel to Washington, D.C., on an all-expenses-paid trip to present her winning essay in the AgCareers contest at the Jobs for America's Graduates National Student Leadership Conference. Five other students from across the state will also go on the trip. They are Brooke Marshall, Bridger High; Alacia Cole, Glasgow High; Kayla Reichelt, Havre High; Brielle Harding, Helena PAL; and Mackenzie Lapke, Scobey High.

Organizations

Venturing Scout Leader Kellie Gardner has been selected by the International Division, Boy Scouts of America, to participate in the Scouting Association of Japan - Boy Scouts of America International Friendship Program in Japan, from Feb. 3 to 14, 2010. The official delegation will consist of 32 youth, including three Montana Scouts and seven adult leaders, including Kellie and another Montana Boy Scout leader. Gardner is the vice president for membership and relationships for the Montana Council and an associate adviser for Venture Crew 123, Billings. She has received the Venturing Leadership award and the Silver Beaver award. She has served as a crew guide for the Venturing Powder Horn leadership course and as a wood badge course director.

Easter Seals Inc. recently honored a handful of state government members with its 2009 Outstanding Advocate Award during the organization's annual convention held in Washington, D.C., Montana state senator Kim Gillan of Billings was honored for her leadership in making Montana one of the few states to pass an autism health insurance mandate (SB 234), also known as Brandon's bill.

In the Service

Air Force Airman Robert J. Roberts graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Keith Roberts of Ballantine. Roberts is a 2009 graduate of Huntley Project High School, Worden.

Private Ryan Freivalds of Billings recently graduated from United States Marine Corps boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Freivalds completed 13 weeks of basic training as one of 78 recruits in Training Platoon 3215, and earned the USMC Rifle Expert badge. He then reported to Camp Pendleton for one month at military combat training, then military occupation specialty school for fixed-wing aircraft maintenance in Pensacola, Fla.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Kari (Buck) Kraft, certified massage therapist, has joined Salon Avalon at the corner of 32nd and King. She can be reached at 656-4200.

Eric George has joined Stockman Asset Management Inc. as the director of marketing and investor relations. His responsibilities include developing and servicing new customer relationships for SAM, creating and implementing the SAM marketing plans, and assisting all 22 branches with training and materials support focused on enhancing the public awareness of Stockman's asset management, insurance and banking strengths.

George is based in both Livingston and the Billings King Avenue office. He can be reached at 655-3960 or egeorge@stockmanbank.com.

Patrick Parker, formerly of Land Design Inc., has recently started Design Studio West, a design firm offering landscape architecture, land planning, graphic design, marketing and Web site development services. Parker is a licensed landscape architect with a background in graphic arts. Visit www.designstudiowest.net or call 655-9575 for more information.

Motor Carriers of Montana has received the coveted Cum Laude award from the American Trucking Associations' Safety Management Council. This award is in recognition of MCM's Safety Management, Maintenance, and Technology Council's accomplishments and dedication to safety.

Jill Young recently joined Stockman Bank as real estate loan officer for the Billings King Ave office. She will develop and service real estate loans and assist clients with their lending needs. Young brings more than seven years of residential real estate lending to the position, which includes conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans for new-home purchases and refinancing. She is located at 2700 King Avenue West and can be reached at 655-2726.

Warren Transport, Inc. announces Eric Van Hemelryck as director of Quarry Services and business manager for Enviroworks, Warren Transport's new construction division based in Billings. Van Hemelryck came from Knife River, where he was an estimator/ project manager. Josh Wynia was also hired into a new position as logistic coordinator to maximize back-hauls and overall equipment utilization. He was previously with Meadow Lark Agency. In addition, Beau Thompson, operations director, was named to the Motor Carrier's of Montana board of directors. Jason Vollmer, sales/business development director, was named to the Public Relations and Marketing Committee for the Rocky Mountain Coal Institute. They both recently attended the association's yearly conventions.

GAPWest-Billings and Cat Country 102.9 announce that Mark Wilson and Paul Mushaben, "The Breakfast Flakes," have signed a new five-year contract. For more than 21 years the duo has entertained thousands of listeners and has served the community through such charitable events as Flakesgiving, feeding over 1,500 families in Billings each November.

"The Breakfast Flakes" can be heard every morning from 5 to 10 a.m. on KCTR-FM, 102.9.

Tracy Miranda and Emilio Campos of T & E Realty Inc. were awarded the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation by the CCIM Institute, one of the leading commercial real estate associations in the world. They were among the 109 commercial real estate professionals who earned the designation by passing the CCIM Comprehensive Examination, the final component in the designation process.

The Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale recently welcomed the following new directors to its board: Hughes Agnew, Tina Nelson, Mary Beth Petrisko, Heather Rosenfeld and Shelley Van Atta.

They join Denise Scherer, president; Jase Norsworthy Jr., vice president; Lynn Marquardt, secretary; David Hummel, treasurer; Judy Peterson, past president; and the following directors: Mary Lynne Arthun, Susan Barrow, Brian Bell, Andrew Billstein, Nancy Boyer, Nancy Dimich Louvet, Fay Ellis, Lorraine Gallinger, Thomas Gormley, Barbara Griffin, Hub Hart, Amy Letson, Sheri Smith McCurdy, Jay Montague, Gary Oakland, Frank Richter and Jane Van Dyk.

John Ingraham of Morrison-Maierle recently passed the Principals and Practice of Land Surveying exam and is now a licensed professional land surveyor in Montana. He joined MMI in 1994 as an instrument person and has 15 years of experience in all types of land surveying, including GPS, subdivision, boundary, control, route, topographic, and construction surveys. Ingraham received his associate's degree in surveying from the Denver Institute of Technology.

Rich Normand has joined Professional Audio & Lighting Inc.'s team of audio/video experts. Normand, who has 30 years experience in home audio and video technologies, can be reached at 533-9451.

The following local residents were appointed by Gov. Brian Schweitzer to various boards and councils:

Respiratory Care Practitioners: Rusty Davies, respiratory care practitioner with the Billings Clinic.

Desirae Lester, formerly with Studio 2 in Missoula, has joined Guccione Salon and Spa, 300 Seventh Ave. N. She specializes in precision hair design and color, pedicures and waxing. She can be reached at 255-0684.

Steve Wahrlich, owner of the Best Western Clock Tower Inn in Billings, recently received the "Lodging Person of the Year" award at the Montana Innkeepers Association annual meeting in Billings. Wahrlich was honored for his extensive record of achievements and successes in providing a leading voice for the lodging industry at local and statewide levels.

Wahrlich serves on the association's board of directors and is a member of its legislative and membership committees. He is also president of the Yellowstone County Lodging Association.

Monday, November 2, 2009

In the Service

Air Force Airman Ryan W. Morton graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Rodger and Bambi Morton of Billings. Morton is a 2009 graduate of Skyview.

SSG Justin M. Rolfsness, 2002 graduate of Senior High, was awarded the Bronze Star by Major General Charles T. Cleveland at an award assembly at Fort Bragg, following his return from a Combined Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan earlier this year. Rolfsness was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service as a member of the task force during Operation Enduring Freedom, with dedication to duty during combat missions contributing to the success of the command's mission. Rolfsness is the son of Dustin Machler of Billings.

In the Schools

The Carroll College Talking Saints opened its season by winning a third-place sweepstakes award at the Casper College tournament in Casper, Wyo., on Oct. 9 and 10. Among the winning teams was Andy Burton of Billings, placing third in junior debate, with his partner Zach Robinson of Bend, Ore.

Willis Woods III "Woody" has completed his FAA commercial rating at Rocky Mountain College. Woods is the son of Karen Woods and is a senior majoring in aeronautical science at Rocky Mountain College. A 2006 graduate of Senior High, Woods plans on completing his multiengine rating this year.

Chris Brink of Roberts, a sophomore athletic training student at the University of Mary, was selected to receive the Student Development Shining Star Award. Brink is a member of the Student Activities Committee and is an alternate resident assistant. He is the son of Robert Brink and Shellie Hinkle of Roberts.

The students of Billings Senior High School recently elected the following students as class officers for the 2009-10 academic year. Student body: Jacob Pancheau, president; Jody Lowenstein, vice president; Kyler Yovetich, secretary; Jordan Brown, treasurer. Class of 2010: Andrew Loken, president; Sarah Mutch, vice president; Thomas Satffileno, secretary; Jeff Aders, treasurer. Class of 2011: JJ Carroll, president; Kassidy Miller, vice president; Brianna Eaton, secretary; Jayden Richter, treasurer. Class of 2012: John Daubert, president; Shelby Dangerfield, vice president; Rachel McKinney, secretary; Kale Lemelin, treasurer. Class of 2013: Kellen Wartnow, president; Nolee Anderson, vice president; Marissa Van Atta, secretary; Taneigha Glasgow, treasurer. Bob Burris is the faculty advisor.

Milestones

Frances Rollwitz turned 103 years on Oct. 20. She was born in the Billings area on October 20, 1906. Frances has a son, Patrick Rollwitz, a granddaughter, Connie Job, a great-granddaughter, Megan Smith, and three great-great-grandchildren, Austin, Rylynn, and Keelan Smith, all of Billings. The five generations often join together for family gatherings. Frances is also a World War I widow, which puts her in an exclusive group. Frances has always enjoyed art and poetry. When she was 90 years old, she wrote a poem entitled "Our Treasure State."

Organizations

Special Olympics Montana recently honored recipients of the statewide Distinguished Service Awards during its annual Fall Leadership Conference. Gail Sheets of Billings earned the Special Olympics Hall of Fame Award, which honors the lifetime achievement of a person who gives the highest service to the mission of Special Olympics. Vanessa Browning of Billings was awarded the 2009 Spirit of Special Olympics Award, which honors individual volunteers for their long-term commitment to Special Olympics Montana.