Turner says goodbye to its hometown state senator

Havre Daily News/Zach White

Sen. Rowlie Hutton, R-Havre, right, talks with a group of people at a potluck dinner in Turner, Sunday.

Rowlie Hutton returned to his hometown of Turner this weekend for a potluck dinner, organized as a chance for the locals, who knew him before the Senate and before 5th Avenue Christian Church, when he was just a kid, to say good luck and farewell.

Turner's old gymnasium was nearly filled, as close to 120 people, twice the total population of Turner, showed up to share food, well-wishes and memories.

Hutton came home to Turner earlier in the day to preach at his old church and dedicate the twin children of Alan and Shannon VanVoast, who's wedding Hutton had also officiated.

Alan VanVoast returned the favor, beginning the potluck by expressing the room's sentiment and leading everyone in a prayer.

"We're reluctant to share him, but we have to, " VanVoast said. "We'll definitely miss him, but it'll be a good opportunity for him. "

For nearly three hours, family and friends, who in a town like Turner can feel like family, came to share their version's of VanVoast's sentiments.

From the children running around with cake on their faces, many of whom we undoubtedly christened by Hutton, to the older friends of his parents, who remembered Hutton and the other 11 members of his graduating class growing up, the room was filled by an intricate web of relationships to be shaken by Hutton leaving for Nebraska soon.

Many of the diners and commiserates seemed disappointed that Hutton will be leaving Helena unexpectedly to take his new preaching position in Omaha, whenever he ends up doing so, but they appreciate his priorities.

"Rowlie works for God first, then his family and his country last, " VanVoast said. "And that's the way it should be."