The Paper of Wabash County - July 28, 2021 Issue

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Kiwanis to launch annual Bucket Brigade this weekend. — Page 2

July 28, 2021

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WABASH, IN PERMIT NO. 233 Vol. 44, No. 20

A Blue Ribbon event Officials please with 2021 Wabash County Fair By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

The animals are gone and the barns are cleaned and empty. The midway is gone. Projects have been sent home with their owners. The 2021 Wabash County 4-H Fair is now a memory. But what memories they are. From the various livestock winners to those who had projects destined for showing at the Indiana State Fair, local 4-Hers had a successful week last week. “I think this week went really well,” said Jessi Huston, Wabash County Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development. “We had perfect weather for all of the shows, minus the horse show. But they made the best of it.” Rain, heavy at times, fell durA crowd watches one of the Grand Championship drive at the ing the show’s halter classes on Wabash County 4-H Swine Show. Photo by Joseph Slacian July 16. When judging ended that day, numerous 4-Hers and adults enjoyed playing in the muddy outdoor show arena. “I think everyone had fun,” Huston continued. “There were smiles on kids’ faces. It was great to be out here and see them show and really show off their hard work. “It’s been great to celebrate our non-livestock kids and their work, as well. The creativity this year was outstanding. We really enjoyed this fair and we’re so glad to be out here.” There were several changes to 4-Hers work their animals around the show ring during the beef this year’s fair, including the show. Photo by Eric Christiansen addition of a meat goat showmanship competition. “People loved it,” Huston said. “There were people who participated in showmanship that otherwise may not have. We got a lot of positive feedback on that.” Another chance was an online premium auction. “I like the online auction because non-livestock kids get the opportunity to be a part of the auction this year,” said Mindy Mayes, Wabash County Extension Educator for Health & Human Services. “For example, if you did cake decorating, you could still be in the auction and people could add on for you. “It just gives an opportunity for more of our kids who wouldn’t participate in the auction to participate in it this year.” She noted the kids worked very hard this year. “I’m just always excited,” she continued. “Our kids worked very hard. I’m always amazed at the projects every year, and we get to do it in person. We get to see them and have in-person judging this year.” Geoff Schortgen, Wabash County Extension Educator for Ag & Natural Resources, also was happy to see the fair resume its traditional ways. “After the adversity of last year, this was a very fun fair,” he said. “I’m just happy to see everybody. All the animals here all week. Thanks to our 4-H Council, our 4-H Educator and Continued on Page

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Susi Stephan and her mother, Janis Leckrone, share a laugh after Mrs. Leckrone received the Wabash County 4-H Hall of Fame plaque. Photos by Joseph Slacian

Longtime 4-H leader inducted into Hall of Fame Janis Leckrone is newest member By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com After spending the better part of the day Friday helping to clean up after the 2021 Wabash County 4-H Fair, Janis Leckrone toyed with going home. She didn’t, and it’s a good thing. Prior to the start of the Parade of Champions that afternoon, Mrs. Leckrone hear her daughter Susi Stephan announce that she was the 2021 Wabash County 4-H Hall of Fame inductee. Her husband, Tom, was seated by her side in the bleachers, and when Mrs. Leckrone approached Stephan to receive her plaque, she was also joined by her other three daughters, Bobbi LeckroneBates, Lori Myers and Beth Stephens. Mrs. Leckrone has been a 32-year 4-H leader with the Laketon Cloverleaves. “I estimated that each year there are about 40 kids in her club,” Stephan said while introducing her mother. Continued on Page 17

Janet Leckrone and her family show off the Wabash County 4-H Hall of Fane plaque.

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