Goodhue County Awards Announced at Fair

A  longtime former area University of Minnesota Extension Educator and his wife were named Goodhue County Senior Citizens of the Year at the Goodhue County Fair Friday night.

The Beer Garden on the Fairgrounds in Zumbrota was filled with onlookers as Chuck and Carol Schwartau received their plaques from Fair Board President Bob Gonsior.

Carol is a retired elementary and early childhood teacher.  Chuck was an Extension Educator in multiple counties over the years.

The nomination of the couple stated, "They have demonstrated and instituted a sense and value of service through their 53 years of marriate and their decades living in Goodhue County."

"They have placed an importance on serving God, their family, their community, and through their careers."

"They have already passed this down to the next generation of their family."

"Both have been involved in their church through choir, church council, worship leader, lay ministry, eucharistic ministry, music/sound volunteer, and volunteering to serve on many committees (ushers, bible study, Sunday School, etc...)"

"Chuck has been on the Fair Board for a number of years and Carol has been a Fair Board volunteer.  They have both been adult 4-H leaders, Goodhue Lions Club members, Kiwanis Club, Chuck is Featherstone Township Clerk, has been involved in county and state 4-H judging, supporters of Goodhue Public Schools academics, arats and extracurricular activities.  Also providing rides for others in need."

Carl Bang received a plaque honoring his 50 years of service to the Goodhue County Fair Board.

Bang told the audience his work with the Goodhue County Fair actually began in 4-H in 1960.

Darla Vieths, Fair Board Secretary announced the honors during the program.