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Show -N E W S- A8 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2008 Spanish Fork The hero down the street Knuteson serves country in many ways Gary Davis STAFF WRITER Some acts of heroism receive instant, if fleeting, public acclaim. Most, however, take place out of public view and are appreciated only by those close to the situation. Many involve staring down danger on a daily basis and methodically doing a job because it is your duty. Wallace Knuteson is one of those. Wally is a Spanish Fork native who enlisted in the Navy at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City in 1957, at age 19. Soon he was on his way to San Diego for basic training. For the next thirty years the U.S. Navy would be his home. Wallace Knuteson did the job most of us don't want to do and he did it very well. He became a Navy Seal and spent the better part of seven years in Vietnam. In 1967 Wallace received the Bronze Star for his involvement in battling communist forces in the Mekong Delta. That award, from John J Highland, Admiral US Pacific Fleet, reads, in part, "Petty officer Knuteson's exemplary leadership, devotion to duty and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navel Service." Wallace retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer with a list of metals and awards that cover his chest and run down his arm. They include citations from both the Secretary of the Navy and the President of the United States, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious unit Commendation (2), Battle "E" Awards, Good Conduct (6), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Ex- Covering what matters most D.U.P. visits Kiwanis D ,U .P representative, Susan Barber, was a recent speaker at the Kiwanis Club. She updated everyone on the Spanish Fork Pioneer Cemetery. The D.U.P is currently cleaning up the cemetery and raising money for a life size bronze statue to be a permanent fixture at the cemetery. Susan pointed out that Spanish Fork City will be planting grass and trees and will also be installing permanent benches at the cemetery. The current Spanish Fork trails system will also go by the Courtesy photo cemetery, so people can DUP VISIT: Doug Lund presents Susan Barber, of the easily visit the cemetery. DUP, a certificate of appreciation. Susan gave a history of the original pioneer cemetery ducted the meeting. Delo- prayer. Gordon Orr and and told of efforts over the ris Nelson led the music. Doug Lund arranged for years to clean it up. Alton Reed led the pledge the food and the proEugene Colledge con- and Dennis Gull gave the gram. Business of the Month Courtesy photo SPIRIT OF SERVICE: Wally Knuteson is willing to serve, whether in Vietnam as a Navy Seal or raising funds for the American Legion. peditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Republic of Philippines Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Republic of Philippines Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Medal, Vietnam Civic action Medal and Vietnam Campaign Metal. He may have missed some of the world with his Navy travels but Wally saw a lot of the South Pacific. In Japan he found a wife and took her back to San Diego where his Navy career had begun. The marriage produced two sons but his time away from home took a toll on the marriage and they eventually divorced. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1987 Wally returned to Spanish Fork to help his ailing mother. It was here that he met Janette Reese working at a restaurant in town. They married and made Spanish Fork their home. Today, Wally's health is not good. He suffers from colon and rectal cancer but he continues to give of himself where he can. Wally and Janette are involved in the American Legion and Wally recently "sold" over $2300 worth of poppies at the Wal-Mart in Springville in an annual fund raiser. The money will be used to help worthy young women go to "Girls State." Thank you, Wallace Knuteson, for your service to our nation. K•' Namon Bills / Spanish Fork News THE PIZZA PEOPLE: Domino's Pizza was honored as business of the month at the Chamber of Commerce board meeting Thursday, June 12. Owner Bart Smith and Wesley Keetch, area supervisor, were on hand to accept the honor. Smith has been with the Spanish Fork Domino's since March 2000. He expressed appreciation to the community, which he called "very supportive." Among other things, this year Domino's was involved in a fundraiser that helped earn $5,000 for local schools. Shaun Barrowes: From BARROWES • A l rowe's music. He received enough good reviews to make it to the site's top 18, after which listeners were able to vote for their favorite of those 18 artists. Barrowes won the top prize, along with a minimum of $30,000 to use in marketing his next album. Barrowes' next step will be making a short film which will be entered in film festivals and help market his next album. "I'm talking to some writers and directors now," Barrowes said. "It will probably be a narrative film, but possibly also a docudrama of some kind which can incorporate my music and help promote the new album." Barrowes' music has re- ceived acclaim from singer Celine Dion, who talked about Barrowes on the Ellen Degeneres show. "She really likes my music, and especially one of my songs called 'I Love You Today,'" said Barrowes. "At some point, she's said she'd like to do a duet of that song with me." Barrowes is also becoming more widely known throughout the music industry as he gets into other areas of music production. For example, he has written the theme song for a soonto-be-released video game produced by a major company, he can't share details at this point, and is also writing theme music and other songs for a children's TV show. Local fans will be able to see Barrowes in concert sometime this fall, as he is planning a big show at the Rose Wagner Concert Hall in Salt Lake. That show will feature a large band on stage with Barrowes, as well as other opening acts. "We'll probably make a DVD of that concert," said Barrowes. "After that, I will work out more details about upcoming tours." Barrowes has had success touring in the central and western U.S., in cities such as Seattle, Dallas, Phoenix, and San Diego, and hopes to expand to the Eastern U.S. soon. He also anticipates tours in the U.K. and Australia, where he already has many fans thanks to his publicity on slicethepie. Barrowes' music can be found on iTunes, and his new album will be released on Sept. 23, 2008. For local appearances, fans can check his website, www. shaunbarrowes .com. Best of State: From STAHELI • A l dently of one another. They view the nominations and assign three different scores. Categories are excellence, innovation/creativity and contributions to the quality of life in Utah. Staheli's approach to getting her students to read may have been a big factor in her selection for the award. Each section of her application discussed how important getting students to read can be on their future successes. "The more words I can put in front of them, the more likely they will discover something — a book, short story, poem or piece of non-fiction — anything that will hook them, giving them a reason get excited about reading and hopefully leading them to reading on their own. If it takes giving a student something new to try every day, then I'll do it. All it takes is one book — the right one — to make a lifelong fan of reading," Staheli said. Courtesy photo / Marvin Banks STATE HONORS: SF firefighters honored at the state convention include, left to right, Paul Rose, Laurie Purkey, Chief Brent Jarvis, Jay Drage and Bruce Long. SF firefighters stand out at state convention Marvin Banks SFFD Spanish Fork Fire Department wasn't the only Fire Department celebrating its 100th year of service. The Utah Firemen's Association also had it's 100th anniversary last week. The annual convention was held in Park City at the Canyons Resort. Firefighters from Spanish Fork were recognized for their years of service. Kevin Barker, Bruce Long and Laurie Purkie were recognized for 10-year memberships. Gary Smith was recognized for his 20 years, Paul Rose (retired) was recognized for 30 years and Jay Drage (retired) was recognized for 40 years membership in the Utah State Firemen's Association. A highlight to the activities at convention is a parade. It was down the historic Main Street of Park City, members of the department were dressed in various period costumes and rode atop the ladder truck. Spanish Fork took the award of best theme depiction. They received a large engraved stone slab plaque, which was very impressive. It is now on display at the fire station. The theme this year was One Hundred Years of Progress Enhanced by Tradition. RobertHarrison moved up the ladder relinquishing his title of 2nd V.P. and will now take over as the 1st V.P of the organization. His brother, formerly from Spanish Fork, Rowe Harrison was elected as treasurer. Linda Rose was elected as a one year trustee to the Fire Ladies Auxiliary organization as well. There are 104 Fire Departments associated with the Utah State Firemen's Association. Over 5,000 years of service were recognized this year in Park City. One-hundred-twenty of those years were represented by the Spanish Fork Fire Department. Firefighters were also inspired by guest speakers and training classes provided. Good job, firefighters. |