Stan Fillingsness – 2005 Citizen of the Year
(From a front page article by T. R. Mader, printed in the Beresford Republic, Thursday, February 16, 2006)

“He served in U. S. Navy, was Beresford’s Fire Chief, served as Commander of American Legion, recognized as South Dakota Fireman of the Year, served as State Director of American Legion Baseball and was instrumental in getting the 10 mile Run Rule adopted, Coached and managed Beresford Baseball Teams for many years, was Taxi Driver for the employees at Bethesda in bad weather, served as Boy Scout leader and was instrumental in the formation Newton Hills Boy Scout Camp, served as State Vice Fire Marshall, Served on the City Planning Commission and City Council, served as President of his churches building project and active on various church committees over the years, helped get first ambulance to the town of Beresford and started the EMT program in Beresford which he later labored hare to get expanded statewide, received grant from SD Arts Council to teach the art of carving.”

It was also mentioned that he was known to assist the homeless and was instrumental in getting the state Good Samaritan Law passed, but nothing was said about his contributions to South Dakota Woodcarvers, Inc. It was Stan who was responsible for the initial location and arrangements for our current meeting place at STI. He has been a loyal and inspirational member of our club for over 20 years.

Thank you and Congratulations Stan!