By Tim Leeds
Saying her nomination rose clearly above all others, Havre Area Chamber of Commerce president Craig Erickson announced that former Mayor Phyllis Leonard had won the North Star Award.
The Chamber has given the award each year since 1994 to recognize exemplary service to people and businesses in the Havre area.
Erickson presented the award Friday at the Chamber's 93rd annual meeting Monday.
"It's been an honor to be the mayor of Havre and to receive this award," said Leonard as she accepted the award. She was mayor of Havre for two four-year terms. She did not seek re-election last year.
The Chamber received 14 letters nominating Leonard. The list reads like a Who's Who of public servants, including U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, former Havre Police Chief Mike Shortell, Havre Police Chief Kevin Olson, Havre City Council member Helen Hill, Havre City Clerk Lowell Swenson, Montana State University-Northern Chancellor Alex Capdeville, MSU-N Provost Roger Barber, Montana Department of Transportation Great Falls District administrator Mick Johnson, the Hill County commissioners, and the Montana League of Cities and Towns.
