2023 Ross County Fair Book Dedication Lee

Whitten

Harold “Lee” Whitten has been an invaluable asset to the Ross County Agricultural Society since 1998. His honesty and considerate nature, combined with his intense attention to detail, have been qualities that have propelled him to the position of a highly recognized leader by his friends and colleagues. He and his wife Christy have been married for 38 years and are the proud parents of two grown daughters and five grandchildren.

Lee has chaired multiple committees throughout his tenure, some of which include: the Building and Maintenance; New Facilities Construction; Farm Exhibits/ Antique Tractor displays; Security and Parking (which includes overall logistics and directional integration for nearly 1500 campsites plus general traffic flow); Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) liaison for the Ross County Agricultural Society; and 4-H Beef Superintendent. While many of his accomplishments have been well recognized, possibly his highest distinction was taking the lead on the 30,000 square foot construction of the fair’s Cattle barn in early 2000. From setting the initial piece of steel, all the way to being the first person to walk a steer through the door, Lee was the point person behind this project. Today, this structure has created not only a significant sum of revenue for the fair, but also a considerable amount of enjoyment and use for the community.

Aside from the Ross County Ag Society, Lee has been a past Chairman and member of the Ross County Steer and Heifer Classic Committee for nearly 30 years. The show continues to be a multi-state event, profiting many young show men and women.

Lee himself was a 10-year 4-H member, and later an advisor for more than 20 years, in the Work to Win 4-H Club. His innate ability to lead by example has provided the next generation with a beacon of light in which to go by. If one were to follow in his footsteps, it would be impossible for one not to “Make the Best Better”.