Area 4-H leaders receive honors at banquet

One of most important federal acts that dates back to Abraham Lincoln’s time continues to pay dividends in Dickinson County.

On Nov. 20, during the 82nd annual Dickinson County 4-H Achievement Banquet, Jill Martinson, 4-H Youth Development agent, said the Morrill Act of 1862 called for each state in the union to designate a land grant university that was to be directed to provide practical and vocational information to residents.

Lincoln was president from 1861-65. Kansas State University was formed as a land grant university in 1863 and the goal was to improve the quality of life developing a campus in Manhattan, undertaking research and building an outreach program, which is where extension comes into the conversation.

Martinson said her mother was a 38-year extension agent.

She spoke about how her mother was so organized. Her mother spoke an important message.

“What extension does is we take the knowledge and research of the university to the people,” Martinson said. “With a goal of sharing the information with the people of Kansas.”

As the 20th century neared, one of the core land grant messages was not only to teach young people but also to let them try new ideas, Martinson said. For very practical reasons the 4-H program was developed and continues to be one of extension’s great success stories.

Today, 4-Hers learn about life skills, leadership and citizenship and all of that carries not only into their youth development but lessons that will be important the rest of their life, she said.

Before closing her remarks she asked the audience to give a round of applause as a reminder of the vision of the Morrill Act and what it means to Dickinson Countians today.

At K-State, the university is planning activities to commemorate the sesquicentennial in 2013, Martinson said.

Activities included recognition of boards and dignitaries. Among those recognized was the extension staff, which included Martinson, family and consumer science agent Chelsie Myer and office professionals Becky Fry and Carol Craver.

The achievement banquet sponsors were the Dickinson County 4-H Foundation and K-State Research and Extension-Dickinson County.

Special Awards

Friend of 4-H Business – First National Bank of Hope.

Friend of 4-H Individual – Jill Martinson.

Extension Appreciation Award – Susan Mueller.

State and National Awards

Camp Counselors – Augustus Anders, Detroit Ramblers; Jaryth Barten, Jordyn Barten, Jolly Jayhawkers; Jacob Boeschling, Dwight Davidson, Mount Ayr Go-Getters; Briana Elliott, Faith Everhart, Adrian Fink, Detroit Ramblers; Hannah Hagedorn, Jessica Hagedorn, Talmage Progressives; Phillip Haslouer, Mount Ayr Go-Getters; Tyler Hummel, Jolly Jayhawkers; Jonas Isensee, Drew Miller, Detroit Ramblers; Megan Nelson, Chapman Shamrocks; Morgan Rutter, Newbern Wideawakes; Kaleb Sandow, Mount Ayr Go-Getters.

Outstanding Reporter Notebook

Dickinson County Nominee for Kansas 4-H Reporter Book Recognition – Marcus Cox, Jolly Jayhawkers.

Outstanding 4-H’ers – Jordyn Barten, Jolly Jayhawkers; Sarah Johnson, Detroit Ramblers.

4-H Family of the Year – Dale and Sonya Anders family.

Special Recognition

4-H Key Award – Augustus Anders, Sarah Johnson, Drew Miller, Solomon Wranglers; Kyle Anderson, Holland Sunflowers; Jordyn Barten, Jill Hummel, Jolly Jayhawkers; Mackenzie Riffel, Navarre Boosters; Bailey Swenson, Solomon Wranglers. (Certificates and pins sponsored by Farm Credit Association of Kansas.)

2011-12 Ambassadors – Jaryth Barten, Jordyn Barten, Marcus Cox, Jolly Jayhawkers; Brendon Dalton, Willowdale; Tanner Hettenbach, Jolly Jayhawkers; Christina Hoffman, Navarre Boosters; Chance Hultgren, Fragrant Hilltoppers; Maleah Meyer, Mackenzie Riffel, Madisyn Riffel, Navarre Boosters; Bailey Swenson, Rachel Werling, Solomon Wranglers; Kristy Wilson, Holland Sunflowers.

Top Livestock Buyers

Harris Crop Insurance LLC, Smart Insurance, Crop Service, Pinnacle Bank, Reynolds Cattle Co., North Central Kansas Cooperative Association.

Grand and reserve grand champion livestock buyers – grand champion steer, Smart Insurance/Buckeye Insurance Group; reserve grand champion steer, Pinnacle Bank; grand champion meat goat, West’s Plaza Country Mart; reserve grand champion meat goat, Green Team of Clay Center; grand champion market barrow, Harris Crop Insurance LLC; reserve grand champion market barrow, North Central Kansas Cooperative Association; grand champion market lamb, Smart Insurance; reserve grand champion market lamb, Avis Viola.

2012 Leader Recognition

(Awards sponsored by Abilene Rotary Club and Junior Leaders Gary DePew and Jill Martinson)

First year project leader – Jennifer Dobbs, Abilene Challengers; Rick Hall, Patricia Hall, James Hedstrom, Chapman Shamrocks; Samantha Reiff (junior leader), Bev Riffel, Dustin Wilson (junior leader), Kevin Wilson (junior leader), Holland Sunflowers; Lori Meyer, Navarre Boosters; Brad Anderson, Newbern Wideawakes; Maggie Aylward (junior leader), Chris Bielefeld, Solomon Wranglers; Alex Bathurst (junior leader), Rhonda Bathurst, Macey Dinkel (junior leader), Jeff Sleichter, Riley Sleichter (junior leader), Fiona Tokach (junior leader), Rogan Tokach (junior leader), Willowdale.

First year volunteer leader – Rick Hall, Sarah Mills, Chapman Shamrocks; AJ Jones, Fragrant Hilltoppers; Denise Wilson, Holland Sunflowers; Brad Anderson, Newbern Wideawakes; Linda Aylward, Tisha Bielefeld, Marcia Ryan, Solomon Wranglers.

Five-year project leader – Adrian Fink (junior leader), Geneva Fink (junior leader), Fragrant Hilltoppers; Wyatt Hoffman (junior leader), Eric Wilson (junior leader), Holland Sunflowers; Jaycelyn Barten, Jolly Jayhawkers; Emilee Morgan, Mt. Ayr Go-Getters; DeDe Lorson, Mackenzie Riffel (junior leader), Navarre Boosters; Bailey Swenson (junior leader), Heather Thompson (junior leader), Solomon Wranglers; Ron Shouse, Willowdale.

Five-year volunteer leader – Katie Wieters, Chapman Shamrocks; Kelli Cox and Roger Hummel, Jolly Jayhawkers; Debbie Luthi, Solomon Wranglers.

10-year project leader – Laird Riffel, Navarre Boosters; Jill Swenson, Solomon Wranglers.

Project Leader Awards

Best overall project experience – Marcus Cox, Jolly Jayhawkers, bucket calf.

Best project meeting experience – Joetta Nagely, Holland Sunflowers, banner committee.

Most project meetings – Laura Hoffman, Holland Sunflowers, leadership.

County Leader Awards

10-year county leader – Dale Davidson, shooting sports; Laura Hoffman, horticulture judging.

20-year county leader – Marion Kamm, rabbit.

25-year county leader – Dwight Kamm, rabbit.

40-year county leader – Linda Bankes, horse.

2012 Organizational Leaders

First year – Jennifer Dobbs, Abilene Challengers; Emilee Morgan, Mt. Ayr Go-Getters; Kam Sandow, Mt. Ayr Go-Getters; Debbie Luthi, Solomon Wranglers.

Five year – Jill Swenson, Solomon Wranglers.

10 year – Becky Dibben, Jolly Jayhawkers.

Club Awards

Outstanding Club Projects – Chapman Shamrocks, Maintaining Our Beautiful Community; Detroit Ramblers, Partnership with Enterprise Nursing Home; Holland Sunflowers, Brown’s Home Buddy Club Project; Mount Ayr Go-Getters, Kansas State Highway Patrol-Adopt a Highway; Navarre Boosters, Citizenship through Community Service.

Club Seals (sponsored by state 4-H office)

Purple – Abilene Challengers, Chapman Shamrocks, Detroit Ramblers, Fragrant Hilltoppers, Holland Sunflowers, Jolly Jayhawkers, Mount Ayr Go-Getters, Navarre Boosters, Solomon Wranglers, Willowdale.

Red – Newbern Wideawakes.

2012 Achievement Pins by Club

Member, Bronze, Clover and Emerald sponsored by Dickinson County Rural Life Association. Silver, Silver Guard, Junior Leader, Gold and Gold Guard sponsored by Dickinson County Farm Bureau.

Abilene Challengers

Member – Faith Rice, Kayla Wilkerson, Keira Wilkerson, Malvin Wilkerson.

Bronze – Christian Delgado, Emilee Delgado, Ellen Dobbs, Addison Hasenbank.

Emerald – Madison Anderes, Connor Hasenbank.

Chapman Shamrocks

Member – Chloe Marshall, Sydne Marshall, Dylan Meyer, Garret Meyer, Reagan Scaletty, Colt Sell, Noah Sell.

Bronze – Michael Hall.

Clover – Kaden Deans, Kevin Mills.

Emerald – Gabe Barten, Kennedy Davis.

Silver – Kalynn Davis.

Detroit Ramblers

Member – Glory Everhart.

Bronze – Grace Everhart, Hope Everhart, Josiah Everhart, Jesse Printz, Haily Rock.

Clover – Abigail Printz, Josiah Printz.

Emerald – Langdon Elliott.

Silver – Keenan Crane, Rebecca Printz.

Silver Guard – Faith Everhart, Joy Everhart, Isaac Johnson, Rebekah Johnson.

Junior Leader – Carriruth Gibble, William Whitehair.

Gold – Briana Elliott, Adam Johnson.

Gold Guard – Carlie Phillips.

Fragrant Hilltoppers

Member – Gretchen Hill.

Bronze – Grant Heintz, Rowdy Kuntz.

Clover – Lauren Hill, Wade Hill, Ryder Kuntz.

Emerald – Elise Jones, Erin Jones.

Silver Guard – Justin Hultgren, Raycelon Kuntz.

Junior Leader – Kale Caldwell, Adrian Fink, Geneva Fink.

Gold – Dakota Caldwell.

Gold Guard – Wade Hambright, Chance Hultgren.

Holland Sunflowers

Member – Shannon Anderson, Katelyn Reiff, Connor Rose, Toben Schwarz.

Clover – Evie Schwarz, Hannah Snowball, Rylie Volkman.

Emerald – Lindsey Anderson, Travis Beetch.

Silver – Grace Allen, Josiah Schwarz.

Silver Guard – Milea Anderson, Natalie Harris.

Junior Leader – Samantha Reiff, Dustin Wilson, Kevin Wilson.

Gold – Kyle Anderson.

Gold Guard – Chad Beetch, Kristy Wilson.

Jolly Jayhawkers

Member – Emilee Diekmann, Grace Diekmann.

Bronze – Della Hettenbach, Teagan Seibert.

Emerald – Shelby Hettenbach.

Silver – Jessyka Barten, Kristine Gugler, Kyle Hummel, Skeeter Seibert.

Junior Leader – Jaryth Barten, Tanner Hettenbach, Kyanna Volkman.

Gold Guard – Marcus Cox, Tyler Hummel.

Lyon Prospectors

Member – Tate Becker, Whitney Gutsch, Hannah Riedy, Leah Riedy, Megan Strait.

Clover – Sarah Biehler, Trent Granzow.

Emerald – Brooke Biehler.

Junior Leader – Mardi Traskowsky.

Gold – Maria Traskowsky.

Mount Ayr Go-Getters

Member – Bailey Bayes, Russell Randall, Brandee Schohr.

Silver – Joshua Sandow.

Gold – Kaleb Sandow.

Gold Guard – Glenn Morgan.

Navarre Boosters

Member – Mason Meyer.

Bronze – Macy Elliott, Myah Elliott, Tyler Hill, Maura Meyer, Aidan Pruente, Dustin Rock, Jamie Rock, Julie Rock, Ivan Rutz.

Emerald – Cody Meyer, Spencer Riffel.

Silver – Connor Pruente.

Silver Guard – Maleah Meyer.

Junior Leader – Madisyn Riffel.

Gold Guard – Christina Hoffman.

Newbern Wideawakes

Bronze – Braden Anguiano.

Solomon Wranglers

Member – Francis Daily, Katie Daily, Dillon Knepp, Grace Knepp.

Bronze – Lyndsey Buechman.

Clover – Logan Buechman.

Emerald – Seth Bielefeld.

Silver – Travis Luthi.

Silver Guard – Megan Bielefeld, Luke Ryan.

Junior Leader – Rachel Werling.

Gold – Maggie Aylward, Tristen Luthi, Leah Werling.

Willowdale

Member – Alice Bathurst, Grace Lee, Noah Swarts, Tray Taylor, Matthew Walter.

Bronze – Zander Ehrich, Heidi Schlesener, Jackie Sleichter.

Clover – Claire Weishaar.

Emerald – Megan Anguiano, Annie Bathurst.

Silver – Emma Bathurst, Colton Ehrich, McKenna Ehrich, Robin Schlesener, Fiona Tokach.

Silver Guard – Brendon Dalton, Riley Sleichter.

Junior Leader – Mikiah Shouse, Rogan Tokach.

Gold – Sophia Pitney.

Gold Guard – Kinsey Ford, Sage Tokach.

County Outstanding Project Awards

Blue Award Winners

Abilene Challengers – Christian Delgado, rabbit; Emilee Delgado, rabbit; Ellen Dobbs, rabbit.

Detroit Ramblers – Haily Rock, visual arts.

Fragrant Hilltoppers – Kale Caldwell, shooting sports; Grant Heintz, plant science, self-determined space technology; Gretchen Hill, foods and nutrition, visual arts; Wade Hill, foods and nutrition, visual arts, woodworking; Elise Jones, beef; Raycelon Kuntz, clothing and textiles, horse, visual arts; Ryder Kuntz, bucket calf, space technology.

Jolly Jayhawkers – Skeeter Seibert, bucket calf, space technology; Teagan Seibert, dairy, foods and nutrition, space technology.

Newbern Wideawakes – Braden Anguiano, rabbit, space technology.

Navarre Boosters – Macy Elliott, horse, swine; Myah Elliott, bucket calf,dog care and training, swine; Christina Hoffman, leadership.

Mount Ayr Go-Getters – Glenn Morgan, leadership, pets, plant science, woodworking.

Solomon Wranglers – Tristen Luthi, foods and nutrition.

Willowdale – Allison Liby, foods and nutrition, performing arts, photography, visual arts; Fiona Tokach, visual arts; Sage Tokach, meat goat.

County Outstanding Project Awards

Purple Certificates

Abilene Challengers – Keegun Gose, horse; Addison Hasenbank, food and nutrition, plant science; Connor Hasenbank, foods and nutrition, plant science.

Fragrant Hilltoppers – Geneva Fink, family studies; Chance Hultgren, leadership; Justin Hultgren, sheep; Rowdy Kuntz, bucket calf; Ryder Kuntz, horse.

Jolly Jayhawkers – Skeeter Seibert, dairy, foods and nutrition; Teagan Seibert, rabbit.

Holland Sunflowers – Natalie Harris, clothing and textiles, sheep; Hannah Snowball, clothing and textiles, foods and nutrition, plant science; Dustin Wilson, beef, energy management, leadership, space technology.

Navarre Boosters – Myah Elliott, horse; Mackenzie Riffel, leadership; Madisyn Riffel, leadership.

Solomon Wranglers – Bailey Swenson, leadership.

Willowdale – Heidi Schlesener, foods and nutrition; Fiona Tokach, fiber arts, home environment; Sage Tokach, leadership, photography.

County KAP Champions

Beef – Marcus Cox, Jolly Jayhawkers.

Bucket Calf – Hannah Snowball, Holland Sunflowers; Jessyka Barten (honorable mention), Jolly Jayhawkers.

Citizenship – Tristen Luthi, Solomon Wranglers.

Clothing and Textiles – Fiona Tokach, Willowdale; Augustus Anders (honorable mention), Detroit Ramblers.

Fiber Arts – Sophia Pitney, Willowdale; McKenna Ehrich (honorable mention), Detroit Ramblers.

Foods and Nutrition –Jordyn Barten, Jolly Jayhawkers; Mardi Traskowsky, Lyon Prospectors; Robin Schlesener, Willowdale; McKenna Ehrich, Willowdale.

Health and Wellness – Tristen Luthi, Solomon Wranglers.

Home Environment –Augustus Anders, Detroit Ramblers.

Horse – Sarah Johnson, Detroit Ramblers.

Leadership – Marcus Cox, Jolly Jayhawkers; Jordyn Barten (honorable mention), Jolly Jayhawkers; Sophia Pitney (honorable mention), Willowdale.

Meat Goat – Rogan Tokach, Willowdale; Colton Ehrich (honorable mention), Willowdale.

Performing Arts – Sage Tokach, Willowdale.

Pets – Zander Ehrich, Willowdale.

Photography – Bailey Swenson, Solomon Wranglers.

Plant Science – Alex Bathurst, Willowdale; Drew Miller (honorable mention), Detroit Ramblers.

Poultry – Adrian Fink, Fragrant Hilltoppers.

Self Determined – Annie Bathurst, Willowdale; Emma Bathurst (honorable mention), Willowdale; Connor Hasenbank (honorable mention), Abilene Challengers; Sage Tokach (honorable mention), Willowdale.

Sheep – Chance Hultgren, Fragrant Hilltoppers; Macey Dinkel (honorable mention), Willowdale.

Space Technology – Augustus Anders, Detroit Ramblers.

Swine – Augustus Anders, Detroit Ramblers.

Woodworking – Colton Ehrich, Willowdale.

Financial supporters

Gold – ALCO Stores Inc., Harris Crop Insurance LLC, Kaw Valley Engineering Inc., Larry Riat, Patterson Health Mart Pharmacy, Pinnacle Bank, West’s Plaza Country Mart Inc.

Silver – Ameriprise Financial, Anita K. Miller CFP and Angela M. Holt CFP, Great Plains Manufacturing, Lawrence M. Cooper DDS, Smart Insurance, Solomon State Bank, First National Bank of Hope, Rep. Tom Moxley, UMB of Abilene, Webb Home Center.

Clover – AFK Properties LLC, Bert and Wetta, CTI, Etherington and Co. Realtors, First Bank Kansas, Great Plains Federal Credit Union, John’s Service, Kenneth A. Hansen DDS, M&M Tire and Auto Inc., Rawhide Portable Corral Inc., Robson Oil Co., Warren Wilson Hay Inc., Wyatt Land and Title Service.

Bronze – Abilene Termite and Pest Control, Brian’s Plumbing, Jeffrey L. Luty OD PA, Memorial Health System, Michael Robson DDS, PA, Rittel’s Western Wear, Sunflower Apartments, Vern and Kelly Rock, Zey’s Market.

Meal servers – Abilene Lions Club, Abilene Kiwanis Club, Abilene Optimist Club, Abilene Rotary Club, agri-business committee of the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce.

Table decorations – Progressive Ladies under the direction of Shirley Reynolds and Phyllis Wilson.