(l-r) Keith Hunke, deputy city administrator of Bismarck and immediate past president, N.D. League of Cities, Dave Vinchattle, Tesoro Mandan Refinery, and Governor John Hoeven. Submitted photo

Dave Vinchattle and the Tesoro Mandan Refinery were named one of six North Dakota League of Cities “Hometown Heroes” at a ceremony held during the NDLC annual conference Sept. 23 to 25 in Bismarck.

Vinchattle has rendered exemplary service to make his community a better place to live. He has volunteered his time for Tiger Cubs, Webelos, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts.

Through Vinchattle’s leadership, the Tesoro Mandan Refinery works in partnership with the local parks and recreation district and area Boy Scouts in tree plantings in the community as part of Arbor Day. More than 7,000 trees have been planted since the partnership began 20 years ago.

The refinery has also contributed financial support to many projects including parks, the Bismarck Gymnastics Academy, the Bismarck Community Bowl, the Bismarck Art and Galleries Association and the BSC Aquatic and Wellness Center. With Vinchattle, the Tesoro Mandan Refinery and its employees have emphasized volunteerism, and they have always been a strong supporter of the Prairie Rose State Games.

The Hometown Hero Award program was started eight years ago and annually honors community volunteers for their efforts to make their cities better places to live.