Photo by Samantha Davis. Lake Benton’s Jim Roggenbuck was named Lincoln County’s 2025 Outstanding Senior Citizen Thursday evening.

TYLER — Continuing its annual tradition, the Lincoln County Fair presented Lake Benton’s Jim Roggenbuck with the 2025 Outstanding Senior Citizen award Thursday evening.

As fairgoers gathered near the outdoor free stage while children played in the distance around the numerous inflatable attractions and games, president of the Lincoln County Fair Association Board of Directors Jerry Delaney presented Roggenbuck with the award.

“It’s an honor to be selected,” Roggenbuck said. “I know in Lincoln County, there’s got to be many people that are very worthy of this honor, because it takes a lot of people to make the various organizations run.”

Roggenbuck, owner and operator of Roggenbuck Tree Service in Lake Benton, has a deep-rooted history with the area that accounts for numerous roles and responsibilities he’s handled over the years.

“He graduated from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota in 1960 and taught and coached in South Dakota for seven years,” Delaney said. “During the summer, he needed work and started his tree business. In 1967, Jim and his family moved to Verdi, where he was the principal, counselor, coach and teacher part-time.”

Now, Roggenbuck has worked in the tree service business for over six decades.

Education has also been a large part of Roggenbuck’s history, working in the industry for 40 years before retiring in 2000. He was a principal and coach in Lake Benton.

As he made his way to the front of the stage sporting a wide smile, Roggenbuck expressed gratitude to his loved ones who travelled to support him, mentioning he had family who came from Foley, Lakeville, Osakis and even Colorado.

“I want to thank everyone (for) coming,” Roggenbuck said. “Especially family that came quite a distance.”

Still, Roggenbuck remains heavily involved within his community.

“Jim has a hobby farm in Lake Benton and is still actively working in his tree service business,” Delaney said. “Jim (also) is active in the American Legion Henry Sollie Post 10 and has served as Post Commander. He currently serves as their chaplain.”

In his role with the American Legion, Roggenbuck is active with the Color Guard, performs with the Honor Guard for veteran funerals and also helps across various other events.

“I thank the committee (for) all this work that they go through,” Roggenbuck said. “It’s a lot of work, I know that.”

In addition to his current involvements, Roggenbuck also is active in the Lake Benton Lions Club serving as the breakfast chair, and helps with the senior scholarship committee. He’s also previously served as the president of the Lions Club.

“Jim is an active member of the St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lake Benton, volunteering his time and talents, and helping to maintain the Catholic Cemetery in Lake Benton,” Delaney added.

Delaney handed Roggenbuck a plaque, who happily accepted the award and was greeted by family following the speech.

After the award, 4-H carried on the evening with a fashion revue and parade of champions, with several members showcasing their purchases and hand-sewn garments.

The Lincoln County Fair will continue to offer a range of activities through the weekend, including 4-H demonstrations, a kid’s tractor pull, bean bag tournament, live music and the annual demolition derby at 3 p.m. on Sunday.