Devils Lake, ND – Each year Snowmobile North Dakota (SND) asks for nominations from clubs recognizing individuals for their dedication to the local and state snowmobile programs. The 2008-2009 award recipients have been named. All of these individuals are asked to participate in the awards portion of the banquet held at the annual convention.
Groomer Operator of the Year
The Sheyenne Valley Trail Association nominated Terry Anderson of Fort Ransom for Groomer Operator of the year. He is a member of the Ransom County Driftskippers and has been operating groomers for four years. He has committed to grooming by being on call for the association and has helped out several clubs within the association when they were unable to find local groomers. He’s taking his efforts one step further and also held positions within the club and the association to make sure things run smoothly. Terry has been involved in snowmobiling around 25 years and helped with grubbing and establishing trails around Fort Ransom. He’s an instrumental part in the success of the Sheyenne Valley Trail Association and the state snowmobile program.
Snowmobile Dealer of the Year
Joe’s Sport Center of Devils Lake is a dealer well known to the snowmobiling community. Lack of applications for Dealer of the Year allowed the SND Board of Directors the opportunity to select a potential dealer to be awarded for the 2008-2009 season. Within minutes Joe’s Sport Center was approved because most everyone has had the opportunity to learn about or work with the dealership over the years. The friendly atmosphere treads way for great friendships and partnerships with Joe’s Sport Center. The employees always seem to go the extra mile for the snowmobile industry and North Dakota is fortunate to businesses support. They are just one of the many reasons snowmobiling is exciting in this great state and all of us involved with the snowmobile program look forward to continue working with the great business and its employees. This is the second time Joe’s Sport Center has been awarded dealer of the year. The first time was for the 2004-2005 season.
Snowmobile Family of the Year
Todd, Deb, Hayden, and Ryan Reynolds of Horace are members of the Rural Cass Snowmobile Club and part of the East Central Valley Trail Association. The Reynolds have dedicated their winters to snowmobiling. Both Hayden and Ryan are races with the KC Pro West Kids snowmobiling circuit requiring the family to spend weekends racing. They became involved because it’s a family activity that teaches children safe driving practices and encourages friendships among families, and aids in building a child’s good character. Their activities away from the track include helping with SnowJam, and other club and association events. Todd takes his safety to the trail helping install signs and maintain the trail system. They are always excited to take someone new riding in hopes of finding a new snowmobiling friend.
Snowmobiler of the Year
The name Char Gust is well known within the snowmobiling community. She has been a member of the Rural Cass Snowmobile Club since 1993 and has dove right in trying to learn every aspect of the local, state, and international snowmobile programs. She has served several positions within the local snowmobile club and also served on the Board of Directors for Snowmobile North Dakota. Char is a mainstay in the club and fundraising activities for the local club and association by spearheading the marketing and organization for SnowJam, working all events, chairing scavenger hunts and fun runs, organizing Texas Hold’ Em tournaments, participating in state activities and soliciting donations to help fund the local club. She currently serves as the club’s communications coordinator by submitting club news to local media and maintaining the clubs website. One of her favorite snowmobile moments was participating in the Polaris WOW relay across Minnesota, raising money for cancer research.
Congratulations to all of these individuals. The time and efforts provided on your part have helped created North Dakota’s snowmobile program and exceptional snowmobile trails.
