PINE RIVER — Roger Hoplin, of Pine River, didn't have any clues that he was going to be named the 2025 Distinguished Service Award winner Oct. 13 at Bites Pub and Grub, a restaurant he formerly owned.

"I was just happy my mom (Cleone Hoplin) and (wife) Wendy and daughter Sherri (Lillich) happened to all be there," Hoplin said. "Nobody had a clue what was going on."

Past winner Pat Johnson slowly read a biography of Hoplin from general to specific to keep the secret as long as possible. Eventually, Hoplin and his family began to catch on.

"It's kind of amazing," Hoplin said. "If you look at that list and it puts you in a category with some pretty neat people."

Hoplin has been a part of the community for many years. He was born and raised in Pine River, but traveled the country for work

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