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Spikers named Rathdrum Citizens of the Year

Brian Walker Bwalker@Cdapress.Com | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 2 months AGO
by Brian Walker Bwalker@Cdapress.Com
| November 3, 2014 5:54 AM

RATHDRUM — Dave and Jill Spiker make quite the team when it comes to making Rathdrum a better place to live.

The couple were named Rathdrum’s Citizens of the Year on Saturday night during the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd annual awards dinner and auction at Golden Spike Estates.

The Spikers are a couple “who love to support good causes,” according to chamber of commerce’s announcement.

The couple, who have lived in Rathdrum since 2009, has raised funds for Relay for Life, Project Linus, Lions Club, Tesh, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, the veterans memorial at Pinegrove Cemetery, the chamber of commerce and December D’Lights.

The Spikers have also been instrumental in organizing fireworks shows on July 3 and New Year’s Eve in Rathdrum.

Dave is a partner in Golden Spike Estates, while Jill is a real estate agent.

John Klingaman, who retired as the head teacher and on-site administrator of Mountain View Alternative High School in May, was named the Professional of the Year.

“Kling,” as students called him, led the school since it started 19 years ago. He worked for the Lakeland Joint School District for 29 years.

“It's a safe place for (students),” Klingaman earlier told The Press, referring to the school. “It's a place where they can be loved and not judged. At the same time, they know that they are held accountable.”

Mountain View has a graduation rate of 95 percent.

“Throughout the years he has taught and given many kids more than an education,” the chamber of commerce announcement stated. “He has instilled many important virtues into the lives of his students such as self-respect, self-worth and confidence.”

Gayle Belt, who volunteers for the Rathdrum Days Parade, Relay for Life and the Rathdrum Adventure Race, was named the Volunteer of the Year. She has lived in Rathdrum for three and a half years.

“This recipient is energetic and willing to step up to the plate to ensure all events go perfectly for our community,” the announcement stated.

Bay Shore Systems, a foundation drilling equipment manufacturer, was named the Business of the Year. The company was founded in 1978 and has been based in Rathdrum since 1996.

Bay Shore assisted with the city entrance signs, donated to the Kootenai Technical Education Campus and raised $15,000 for the Lions Club’s nutritional backpack program with its golf tournament.

The Lions Club received the Special Recognition Award for the backpack program, delivering firewood to those in need, organizing a health clinic, helping place wreaths on veterans graves during the holidays, assisting Santa during December D’Lights and other efforts.

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