Ryan Luttmann shines as PSB's Community Star

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Rotary President Ryan Luttmann is the local recipient of the Panhandle State Bank Community Star award for 2005.

Luttmann was selected from a large group of nominees. His community involvement with the downtown restrooms, the Rotary Clock tower, his leadership in chartering the Ponderay Rotary Club and his commitment to Bonner General Hospital were all noted in the nomination letter.

A large crowd congratulated Luttmann at the award ceremony. Luttmann's award was kept a secret from him until the ceremony.

"I'm surprised and honored and I had no idea," Luttmann said as he reached for a piece of paper in his shirt pocket. The audience laughed. Luttmann said he was honored by the award.

Panhandle State Bank began its Community Star program four years ago as part of its 20th anniversary celebration. The program was created to recognize a member of the community, who was nominated by their peers, for the outstanding work they have done in the community. The program has expanded since then and is now celebrated annually in all of the communities that the bank serves.

In honor of the Community Star each year the bank makes a $1,000 donation to the charity or organization of their choice. Luttmann donated the $1,000 to Rotary. This donation can be made in full to a single recipient or split any number of ways to a variety of groups. The chosen star also receives a certificate for a "five star" dinner at a local restaurant. The person who made the winning nomination also receives a dinner certificate as a special thank you from the bank.

The number of nominations the bank receives continues to go up and the selection process is never easy. This year, the bank received nominations for the following individuals: Charles Haddad, Loreen Anderson, Judy Baird, Jeff Sater, Wendy Sater, Miss Sunshine the Clown, Ryan Luttmann, Bunny Holland, Hazel Hall, Marcella Nelson, Alice Wallace and Tammy Paris.

Luttmann was nominated by David Keyes and by his wife, Nikki Luttmann.