Randles named Rathdrum Citizen of Year

You might say that Kevin Randles adds a lot of color to Rathdrum.

The owner of the Dashco gas station, convenience store and laundromat was named Citizen of the Year during the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce's 23rd annual Awards Dinner at the Coeur d'Alene Shrine Club on Saturday night.

Randles displays 450 flags during national holidays and flowers along the Highway 53 city gateway during the summer.

"He donated a large number of flowers to the city which were planted throughout town and our parks, including those in front of the chamber office," said Joan Genter, the chamber of commerce's board president. "He is very generous to our local food bank each year and donates to causes that benefit local cancer victims, fire victims and wherever there is a need."

Randles started the Wife Carry Competition during Rathdrum Days and he puts up the prize money "with nothing expected in return other than to watch the community have a fun time," Genter said.

Randles has owned Dashco for the past 19 years. His community involvement has included the Rathdrum Lions Club, Rathdrum Food Bank and the Economic Development Group.

Randles won a Patriotism Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2011. Dashco was named the Business of the Year by the chamber of commerce in 2010.

Other award winners included:

• Brett Boyer, city administrator, Professional of the Year, for his leadership in economic development.

Boyer has worked with the cities of Post Falls and Hayden on a bid to win as much as $3 million for economic development and to incubate technology and industry around autonomous and remotely-piloted vehicles.

"Research and development of land, sea and air vehicles in our communities and the surrounding area will spark an economic renaissance touching many industries," Genter said.

Of 400 submissions, "Future Frontiers" was one of 50 entries to advance to the quarterfinals of the national contest and win $50,000 to submit a revitalization plan. Semifinalists will be announced in January.

• Super 1 Foods, Business of the Year.

The grocery store donates to several community events and fundraisers such as Relay for Life, Scholarship of Hope, Rathdrum Adventure Race and Rathdrum Days.

• Joe Hume, Community Volunteer of the Year.

Hume has been the master of ceremonies for chamber of commerce and city events and presents the Rathdrum Weekly News.