POST FALLS - Whenever Frank Henderson has seen a need to help his community, state or nation, he has responded in search for a solution.

"I saw it as a challenge to contribute to a solution," said the World War II veteran, politician and former newspaper publisher from Post Falls. "Solutions have always been a part of me."

Henderson, who at 91 is the oldest lawmaker to serve in the Idaho Legislature, will become the 10th Kootenai County resident to be inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame. He will be honored during a private ceremony Saturday.

"He is tireless in his devotion to his community, state and the nation," said Freeman Duncan, who has worked with Henderson on projects since 1977 and is a Hall of Fame board member. "I have never been able to keep up with him. He is amazing."

Local civil rights leader Tony Stewart, a Hall of Fame board member and inductee, said Henderson is a role model.

"Frank's legacy of successful public service is a model for those young leaders who are taking on the roles of public service in our region and the state of Idaho," Stewart said.

But Henderson wants the record to state that it takes people working together to make progress happen.

"No one does anything by themselves," he said. "It takes a community. It takes everyone working together."

Henderson's home office is covered with awards, including for his efforts with the Boy Scouts, economic development, Post Falls Library, senior citizens, the environment and veterans groups.

But he said the honor of being inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame ranks "very high."

"It's always been my ambition to be a model for others," he said of why the award means so much to him. "It gives emphasis to public service."

Since 1985, the Hall of Fame has honored residents, groups and businesses "that help shape the fabric and culture of Idaho."

Henderson's term in the Idaho House expires Nov. 30. He said he plans to take a step back from public service and tune into his ham radio more, but will be available to answer questions on issues if needed.

"I have told some of the people that if they are elected, they're welcome to call," Henderson said. "But I will not step out and be in front. I'll be supportive. There are some very talented and ambitious people and we need to use them."

Henderson has never been one to back down from a challenge.

"When I was in marketing, I was the troubleshooter," he said. "When there was a problem, they said, 'Let's give this to Henderson.' When I played football in high school, I was a 145-pound pipsqueak, but I ended up being the quarterback and a captain."

Henderson is the only surviving charter member of American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls, which is the largest post in the state. He was named a Post Falls Veteran of the Year this year.

As a Boy Scout leader, Henderson earned the Silver Beaver, the highest honor the organization gives to adults.

Henderson bought the former weekly Post Falls Tribune newspaper in 1976. As Post Falls' mayor from 1979 to 1983, he was instrumental in the city, constructing its wastewater treatment system.

Henderson was one of only two mayors from Idaho who President Ronald Reagan invited to the White House to discuss programs for small cities. Later, Reagan invited him to be his guest at the landing of the Discovery space shuttle.

As a Kootenai County commissioner from 1983 to 1990, Henderson spearheaded the effort to fund and build a new county jail. He was chairman of the Panhandle Area Council from 1986 to 1991, a co-founder of Kootenai Perspectives and served as a director for Jobs Plus.

From 1993 to 2004, Henderson served in the International Executive Service Corps, helping teach governance and democracy to former Soviet-bloc countries. He completed 20 assignments in seven countries and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from President George Bush in 2004.

In November 2004, Henderson was elected to the Idaho House. He is chairman of the Business Committee.

Henderson's economic development efforts have led to the recruitment of companies such as Buck Knives, Cabela's and Kimball Office (formerly Harper's and Flexcel), construction of the Interstate 90 interchange near Cabela's, Highway 95 improvements and a program which minimizes startup costs for expanding or relocating businesses.

On the environmental side, he worked on establishing North Idaho's water adjudication program in which water rights are declared and co-sponsored a bill to protect the aquifer as the region's drinking water source.

Serving in the Legislature, Henderson said, has been his most challenging assignment.

"You have to work effectively with 104 other legislators to gain their acceptance and respect," he said.

Reflecting on his service, Henderson said he's proud.

"It makes life really satisfying," he said. "If I want to feel good, all I have to do is look around Kootenai County and see the progress that has been made."