The Little River Lions Club formed in 1938. Just like the national organization, aiding the visually impaired was the club’s focus. Local efforts started humbly with broom sales at Don Miller’s business, and for years he served as chairman of the event. Gone are the broom sales, but today the club collects gently used eyewear to help those in need. As the community changed, so did the Lions club.
The club expanded its fundraising efforts and partnered with community events such as the old round-up celebration, a fall timber festival and truck and tractor pulls. Sponsorships included various baseball teams and Boy Scout troops. Recent undertakings include ticket collection at home football games, selecting and honoring the Citizen of the Year and installing the playground equipment in city park.
Members of the Lions club firmly believe in giving back to the community. Meetings are held the first and third Thursday mornings of the month at Oliver’s at 6:30 a.m. To join the Lions club or for more information, please contact Nathan Olander at 620.897.6637 or Karen McLean at 620.897.6546.
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2025 Citizens of the Year: Dorothy Stagner
(Pastor Ted Weis, Dorothy Stagner and Bill Oswalt)
Dorothy Stagner was honored as the 2025 Lions Club Citizen of Year during the Little River Chamber of Commerce banquet that took place on Friday evening, June 6, at the Fellowship Hall of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Dorothy was recognized for over 60 years of service on Little River’s Main Street. Her service has taken place in a variety of ways:
· Waitress at Zetta’s Café, starting in 1957
· Owner and operator of Dorothy’s Café, 1962-1979
· City Clerk at City Hall, 1979-1985
· Librarian at the Little River Library, 1997-2001
· Office Manager for the Upper Little Arkansas River Watershed District #95, 1998-present.
· American Legion Auxiliary, member from 1972-present; President, 2006-2025, less 2 years
In presenting the award, Lions Club member Ted Weis stated, “Part of what makes Little River special is its activity on Main Street. There we visit with friends and are greeted by familiar, smiling faces of people whose businesses provide the essential services we need. Dorothy, lovingly known as, ‘The pain on Main,’ has made a life-long contribution to our Main Street, enhancing our quality of life. For this reason, the Lions Club is pleased to recognize her.”
Congratulations Dorothy!
Past Citizen of the Year Winners
1972: Gene Deeds
1973: Donald E. Miller
1974: Edward Hodgson
1975: Mildred Strohm
1976: Paul C. Perry
1977: Arthur Johnson, Jr.
1978: Merlin L. Peterson
1979: Don Young
1980: Marjorie Stowe
1981: Fred Barta
1982: Dan L. Brayton
1983: Jack Wempe
1985: Francis & Helen Reed
1986: Bernard Smith
1987: Howard Hodgson
1988: Mildred Hicks
1990: Kenneth Nelson
1991: Bill Oswalt
1992: John Wempe
1993: Phyllis Whiteman
1994: Bill Best
1995: Vernon Kruse
1996: Grant Davis
1997: Robyn Galyon & Shane Cordell
1999: Bruce & Jackie Ramage
2000: Art Hodgson
2001: Frank Carlton
2002: Steve Kruse
2003: Vernon Janssen
2004: Howard Hodgson (Lifetime Achievement)
2005: John Fuller
2010: Russell Stephenson
2011: Tom Heindorn
2012: David & Debra Nelson
2013: Jean Oswalt
2014: Beth Myers
2015: Jon Paden
2016: Carolyn Wright
2019: Randall Olander
2020: John Tietjens
2021: Ed Case
2022: Jessica Godfrey
2023: The Ladies of the Young Historical Library
2024: Ted Weis