HOISINGTON — History was made Saturday evening at the annual Hoisington Chamber Banquet at the Knights of Columbus.
Paul J. Axman, business owner, lifetime resident of Barton County and resident of the Hoisington community for more than four decades, was honored as the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year for 2022. Axman passed away last June, marking the first time that a posthumous nominee has received the award.
The Citizen of the Year Award traditionally caps off the evening in the Chamber’s annual event, which has showcased the business community and citizens’ efforts for the past 66 years.
Presenting the Citizen of the Year award Saturday was Chamber board treasurer Eric Schoendaler.
“It is my great pleasure to announce the 2022 Citizen of the Year as the late Paul Axman,” Schoendaler said.
“Paul was a citizen of Hoisington for over 41 years,” he said. “For 38 years, Paul built, owned and operated his construction business, giving his time to whatever needed to be done. He kept most of his efforts behind the scenes; he always put others ahead of himself, even in his final days on earth.
“We lost Paul this past June and the impact of his loss was felt immediately. He was a fixture in the Hoisington Labor Day Parade, participating in every parade for 40-plus years, whether it was for his business, the Knights of Columbus, or for St. John Catholic Church.”
Axman’s love for the historic Hoisington church and its members led him to construct a detailed replica as a parade float, a labor that took 18 months to build. In 2020 when the pandemic shut down nearly every church in the area and with Easter quickly approaching, Paul had the idea that if citizens couldn’t attend church, he would bring the church to them. He organized a tour around town that brought Easter joy to many and, for a few hours, the people could forget about the pandemic and experience the joy that Easter brings.
Accepting the award were Paul’s wife Brenda, his son Doug and Doug’s wife Jenn.
“Nine deserving candidates were up for the award this year and we appreciate being able to make this happen for Dad,” Doug said. “He would never let us do this if he was here; he didn’t want the spotlight. He wanted to do it and have everything be done.
“There will be another place that his legacy can keep going,” Doug said. “He built his business and we are planning to keep that in the community and keep the dream alive. We thank you all for your votes.”
Traditionally, the Citizen of the Year is a featured entrant in the next year’s Labor Day Parade. Plans are to include Paul’s family aboard his 1931 Model A truck that he restored with his nephew Chad Axman, with the church replica in tow.
Speakers and awardees
After the welcome by Chamber Executive Director Karen Baldyga, Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell gave a brief recap of the city’s accomplishments in 2022 and a look ahead to economic and infrastructure development in the coming year.
Community Health — Accepting the community health award on behalf of Dr. Tyler Schremmer’s Eye Care Services was his mother-in law, Bernice Aylward. Presenting the award was Amber Crawford.
Education award — The annual education award was presented to Joseph Cotten Sr. who retired at the end of the 2021-22 school year after 25 years of teaching, but continues to coach
Community service — The annual community service award was presented to staff and volunteers of the Friendship House in Hoisington, which serves meals to seniors and transportation to community members through operation of the Hoisington Trolley.
Youth award — The annual youth award was presented to the First United Methodist Church Youth group for their service to the community.
Community business — The annual community business award was presented to Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington.
