Longtime Hays businessman Verlin Pfannenstiel is the 2012 Hays All American Citizen.

The announcement was made Saturday night during the Wild West Festival by committee member Mary Karst.

Nominations are made by local residents and the winner must demonstrate “out of the ordinary service to the community,” says Karst.

Pfannenstiel has served as a board member of USD 489 and the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.  He also spearheaded Hays’ annual Festival of Faith nearly 20 years ago.

Pfannenstiel owns Heartland Building Center of Hays, Russell and Stockton, and just celebrated 50 years in business.