Leitner speaks on airport at Rotary

Lyman Keim introduced Matt Leitner, manager of the Jamestown Regional Airport, at the recent Rotary meeting. Since Leitner came 2 1/2 years ago, he has seen a new airport terminal completed, a new airline provider as well as some land use development start to take place. Leitner is also a licensed pilot. He said he feels the Jamestown airport provides many reasons to fly Jamestown. Currently Great Lakes Aviation is providing air service to Jamestown.

Leitner said he is also seeing more usage of the airline. Although the growth is not what airport officials hoped for, people are realizing Jamestown is a good value, he said. Great Lakes is able to receive Essential Air Service funding to help with the expenses of providing service for Jamestown. Those current dollars amount to $1.9 million and in turn have an economic impact on the community of $13.1 million, Leitner said. He said the Essential Air Service funding is from a tax on fuel used by the airlines, so those dollars are not coming from federal tax dollars. The president of Great Lakes was in Jamestown on Wednesday to visit with some of the major employers in our community. Leitner answered a number of questions.

Quincy Backen presided at the meeting, Gail Martin gave the table prayer, Larry Hoffman and Gina Dahl led the group in music and Doug Frolich collected “Happy Dollars.” Rick Pfeiffer introduced a new employee and radio announcer for KSJB, Chris Kodiak. Student guests from Jamestown High School were Alexis Lind, Kyra DeWald and Shelby Rudland. District Gov.-elect Dave Smette gave a report of his governor-elect’s meeting in San Diego, Calif. There were 430 governor-elects from all over the world. Backen also reminded members of the Rotary movie fundraiser.

Steve Listopad is in charge of today’s program, Blaine Bergstedt the invocation, Larry Hoffman will be song leader and Gail Martin will be sergeant at arms. Feb. 12 will be the Rotary Valentine Day, so bring members are asked to bring spouses and/or special guests. Special music will be provided by JHS Music Department.

Tags: community, clubs