TRIBUNE

Several organizations and individuals received the first-ever Community Pride Awards from the Asotin County Library Wednesday night in Clarkston.

The awards recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations that contribute to the positive spirit and pride of the community, said Don Brigham, a library trustee and chairman of the event. Nominations were sought in areas such as music, art, historic preservation, volunteerism, education, beautification and service. The awards ceremony was the capstone of the Asotin County Library's centennial year, he said.

Award winners were Alive after Five, a volunteer organization that promotes a popular street fair in downtown Clarkston; the Clarkston Entry Sculpture and Columbia Bank, where the leaping steelhead artwork is featured; Community Bank, for preserving and caring for a noble gingko tree; Asotin Mayor Vikki Bonfield for her volunteerism; Dan Cease of the Clarkston Community Garden; Wes Clizer, a volunteer through the Rotary Club Veterans and Holy Family Parish; and Fred Dole, a former director of Clarkston's band and the Lewiston Civic Theatre.

Other community pride winners were Bill Legg and the Pride of Clarkston Marching Band; Gary Hughes, a supporter of several civic and nonprofit organizations; Jerry Lindstrom, a volunteer through Rotary and other community projects; Don Nuxoll of the Asotin County Planning Commission; Linda Peterson, a community volunteer; and Sherry Seeh, a volunteer through Service League and the Tri-State Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Foundation.

Brigham said the library board plans to sponsor the awards every other year. Nominations may be submitted to him at donbrigham@clearwire.net.