COLUMBUS, Neb. -- The Columbus Rotary Club recognized a local citizen early Thursday morning.

Arthur Spenner was honored as the 2022 recipient of the "Service Above Self" award at the Rotary Club's 7 a.m. meeting.

The award is given out every year to a non-Rotarian who has gone above and beyond in service to the community. Spenner was nominated by Melanie McKinney of Platte Valley Literacy Association, and Robert and Judy Trautwein of Columbus Area Recreational Trails.

Following a 14-year career in the Navy where he was a flight engineer, Spenner joined Thomas Bernstein Sr. at Torin Products as a co-owner.

The Beemer native is also active in the St. Bonaventure Parish in Columbus, having served as a Deacon since 1979. He officiates weddings, funerals, wakes and baptisms.

Spenner has served on the CART board, helping form the organization with Curt Alms. Spenner has aided CART by applying for trail grants for the past 22 years.

He has served as a tutor, classroom assistant, volunteer and board member for PVLA. He has been named the organizations Volunteer of the Year, having provided assistance with multiple events for PVLA. He has tutored four citizenship students, with all four passing their naturalization tests.