Contact:  Ellen Quinn, Public Information Officer, 1-218-726-2621

NEWS RELEASE

Donald Juten to Receive Volunteer Recognition Award

     As part of St. Louis County’s Sesquicentennial year, the County is presenting a Volunteer Recognition Award to Donald Juten, Gnesen Township, Minnesota, on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 9:30 AM at the Duluth Courthouse as part of its regular St. Louis County Board meeting.  Fifth District Commissioner Peg Sweeney will present the St. Louis County Volunteer Recognition Award to Donald Juten.

     Donald Juten was raised in Gnesen Township and has made it his home, where he manages his 102 year old family farm, and works as a realtor.  Don was instrumental in establishing the Gnesen Planning and Zoning Board, and he has served as Gnesen Supervisor for 26 years, often as Chair or Vice Chair.  Juten served as Fire Warden for 21 years,  worked on the Community Center Board and the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, and was chosen as “Conservation Farmer for 1973”.

     Donald Juten is a longtime usher for Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and has served on various church boards.  He is a United States Army Veteran.

     He has been married to his wife Barbara for 48 years and they have 4 children and 14 grandchildren, who all share the farm property.  The entire family of 24 joins together for many gatherings.

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