'She lives and breathes Nisswa' - Lee Seipp, longtime Nisswa resident, is 2021 Nisswa Citizen of the Year
Community service has always been part of Seipp's life
Lee Seipp was surprised Friday morning, April 30, 2021, at Stonehouse Coffee in Nisswa to learn she is the 2021 Nisswa Citizen of the Year. Echo Journal / Nancy Vogt
Lee Seipp, a Nisswa resident since she was a teen, was shocked to learn Friday, April 30, that she is the 2021 Nisswa Citizen of the Year.
"Lee is just one of those people that live and breathe Nisswa. If there is a way for her to help this little community, she is willing to step up and step in."
— Shawn Hansen
She rounded the corner in the Stonehouse Coffee shop and stopped short upon seeing a small group gathered with cameras and flowers. She was expecting to meet Pam Dorion, Nisswa Chamber president, for coffee and an early morning walk in Nisswa Lake Park.
Tears formed when Dorion broke the news that Seipp is the citizen of the year.
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Shawn Hansen, former chamber president and now executive director of The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes in Nisswa, nominated Seipp for the honor.
“Lee is just one of those people that live and breathe Nisswa. If there is a way for her to help this little community, she is willing to step up and step in,” Hansen said in her nomination letter.
Seipp said it’s strange to be recognized for something you just do - community service.
From left, Shawn Hansen, executive director of The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes in Nisswa; Pam Dorion, Nisswa Chamber president; Lee Seipp, 2021 Citizen of the Year; Mike Foy, Main Street Ale House; and Lauren and Andi Johnson, Seipp's daughter and granddaughter, gathered Friday, April 30, 2021, at Stonehouse Coffee to celebrate Seipp. Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
Read the full story about the 2021 Nisswa Citizen of the Year in the Wednesday, May 5, Echo Journal.
Nancy Vogt may be reached at 218-855-5877 or nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Nancy.
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1/2: From left, Shawn Hansen, executive director of The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes in Nisswa; Pam Dorion, Nisswa Chamber president; Lee Seipp, 2021 Citizen of the Year; Mike Foy, Main Street Ale House; and Lauren and Andi Johnson, Seipp's daughter and granddaughter, gathered Friday, April 30, 2021, at Stonehouse Coffee to celebrate Seipp. Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
2/2: Lee Seipp was surprised Friday morning, April 30, 2021, at Stonehouse Coffee in Nisswa to learn she is the 2021 Nisswa Citizen of the Year. Echo Journal / Nancy Vogt
Nancy Vogt is editor of the Pineandlakes Echo Journal, a weekly newspaper that covers eight communities in the Pequot Lakes-Pine River areas - from Nisswa to Hackensack and Pequot Lakes to Crosslake.
She started as editor of the Lake Country Echo in July 2006, and continued in that role when the Lake Country Echo and the Pine River Journal combined in September 2013 to become the Pineandlakes Echo Journal. She worked for the Brainerd Dispatch from 1992-2006 in various roles.
She covers Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Lake Shore and Crosslake city councils, as well as writes feature stories, news stories and personal columns (Vogt's Notes). She also takes photos at community events.
Contact her at nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com or 218-855-5877 with story ideas or questions. Be sure to leave a voicemail message!
