Large crowd helps to honor new Citizen, Organization and Business of the Year

Over 300 persons crowded into the West Hills College Golden Eagle Arena Friday night at the 56th Annual Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet. The spotlight was of course reserved for the top presentation of the night, the awarding of the prestigious Citizen of the Year honor to West Hills College Lemoore President Don Warkintin, who for 41 years, has been an instrumental part of Lemoore's educational process.

"Even though I'm a member of the board of directors of the Chamber, Ive been on the board for two terms, I had no idea this was coming down," said Warkentin who graciously accepted the honor. "They kept it from me. Betty and I and the kids were in Hawaii, I'm out on the golf course I was told they were back writing up bios and sending emails back and forth. I had no clue whatsoever."

Lemoore's much honored Volunteer Fire Department, earned the Organization of the Year Award, the second time in the history of the award it has so been honored. Fire Chief John Gibson accepted the award on behalf of the many red-coated volunteers in attendance Friday night. The department also showed off its fire engines in the parking lot of the Golden Eagle Arena.

Mike and Carol Evans earned one of three standing ovations on the night as they accepted the award for Business of the Year. The two longtime business owners operate Stoney's Sand and Gravel, a fixture in the community for 29 years. In addition to employing 25 persons, Stoney's has contributed heavily to the community, sponsoring local sports teams, chamber events, golf tournaments and more.  Mike and Carol have also organized fund raisers to benefit Children's Hospital and helped the Church of the Savior Soup Kitchen.

Often referred to as the unsung heroes of Lemoore, the Volunteer Fire Department's 35 members have earned the department one of the highest ISO ratings in Kings County. They are also a fixture on the local scene, appearing in holiday events, parades and annually find and place the downtown Christmas tree.

In addition to the large contingent of volunteer firemen, Warkentin had an impressive group in his corner including his wife, daughter Brooke and son Steven as well as many more family members and friends.

Warkentin arrive in Lemoore in 1973 as a biology teacher at Lemoore High School. He was also a football coach and later served in administration. He moved to West Hills College in Lemoore and helped to turn the local center into a full-fledged college campus which now serves over 4,000 students.

The Vietnam veteran earned two Purple Hearts during his service. He is a Chico State graduate and served for over 12 years on the Lemoore Elementary School Board. He is a member of the Kings County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and much more. He belongs to local service clubs like the Odd Fellows and Kiwanis.

"It is very, very humbling for your community to honor you," said Warkentin. "It makes you want to be a better husband, a better father, a better person and a better colleague and of course a better Christian."