Goodhue County Senior Citizens of Year Revealed

The outstanding female and male Senior Citizens of the Year were announced at the Goodhue County Fair in Zumbrota Friday evening.

Both recipients were surprised to receive the honor.  Brenda Hovel, 71, was nominated for her volunteer work with the Goodhue Fire Department, Goodhue County Fair and Zumbrota-Mazeppa schools to mention just a few.

A nominating e-mail described Hovel as, "the most caring, selfless, ambitious worker."

Hovel told KDHL after receiving her plaque, "I had no clue.  These folks are so good at keeping secrets.  When she was reading off the description of the selection I could think of so many people that deserved it, and then when she talked about Zumbrota-Mazeppa School I thought, no, no, no.  It's quite the honor."

Marty Kebren is very active with the Goodhue Lions Club, his church, volunteers at the fair for the Pork Producers, and hosts a hog roast during the Lions "Range Ride" which will take place September 7, 2025.

He was told to deliver some brats from the Goodhue Lions Brat food trailer to the Beer Garden where the honors were announced.

I asked Kebren to share his thoughts about receiving the award, he replied, "I'm honored, but you don't volunteer for recognition. "  He speculated his years with the Lions is around 35.  All Goodhue Lions members are required to work at the Chicken Barbeque event in mid-August (August 14 this year)

"You do not plan a vacation during chicken barbeque time.  Everyone has their job.  I'm with the potato cooking.  Some make the cole slaw, there's a sweet corn crew and of course cooking the chicken."

When I mentioned the new Goodhue Lions Poultry Barn which was constructed earlier this year, like a proud papa he smiled and said, "We're a good active club.  We don't have to beg for volunteers."

The chicken event is their biggest fundraiser but Kebren stated, "Our trail ride is getting to be a big deal.  This will be the fourth year I think we've done it and the first year we expected maybe 25 machines and had many more.  Last year we had 250 machines and fed 500 people."

The hog roast is held on Marty's farm.  The ATV, UTV's enjoys miles of trails from Goodhue to his farm, indulge in the meal and hit the trail again.