Ron McIntire, the Super 1 Foods supermarket owner and mayor of Hayden, is to be recognized as Kootenai County's distinguished citizen of the year Thursday.

The award will be presented at the county's first distinguished citizen dinner, said Tim McCandless, scout executive and CEO of the Inland Northwest Council, Boy Scouts of America. The dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn.

McIntire becomes the first person to receive the honor, which recognizes professional endeavors and contributions to the community.

McIntire is a longtime supporter of Boy Scouts in North Idaho, and serves on the boards of the Inland Northwest Council and Kootenai Health Foundation.

"Ron McIntire is a model leader in business, county, and civic affairs," McCandless said. "His leadership and support of the Boy Scout program in the Inland Northwest is unparalleled."

McIntire on Tuesday said it's great just being considered for the award. Winning was a real surprise.

"I know a lot of people who do just as much or more than I do," he said. "I think it's really neat."

He said he hopes to have his whole family at the award dinner. McIntire and his wife have seven grown children, three sons and four daughters.

McCandless said Boy Scouts teaches leadership, citizenship, life skills and community service.

"We recognize youth who learn these skills and practice these in their lives," he said. "We also recognize volunteers who model these skills and traits."

In communities nationwide, Boy Scout groups conduct annual distinguished citizen events to honor individuals in communities who serve as role models in civic leadership, community service, business, and provide support and leadership in Scouting.

Scouting currently serves 1,900 youth members in Kootenai County and the Silver Valley.