Libby named distinguished citizen

DIXFIELD- The board of selectmen have named Ike Libby of Hometown Energy the Distinguished Citizen for 2012. Selectmen gathered Monday night for their regular meeting and, saving it until one of the last items, unanimously voted, there wasn't “anyone more deserving” of the title.

“Ike has brought much positive attention to our small town,” stated Selectman Macky Gill. “He really has helped out a lot of under-privileged people,” noted Chairman Steve Donahue.

This past winter, Libby, the owner of Hometown Energy, helped Dixfield make national headlines when he began a snowball effect of paying it forward to those less fortunate, after he had to turn away an elderly couple for heating oil due to their past due balance.

The small oil company began seeing donations from all over the world, amounts ranging anywhere from pocket change from people off the street, all the way up to single checks for $10,000. As a result, a fund was started with over $250,000 for Hometown Energy to ensure heat for those homes legitimately struggling to stay warm.

Libby will be honored during the annual town meeting in June and given a plaque in representation of the award.