Ashland Co. recognizes top 4-H’ers

ASHLAND, Ohio – Friends, members and volunteers with the Ashland County 4-H program celebrated a successful harvest of activities and projects during their annual recognition banquet.
In appreciation of his work with the county’s Quality Assurance Program for hundreds of junior fair exhibitors, Roger Amos was selected as a recipient of a Meritorious Service award.
Amos, who retired after 18 years as the county’s agricultural extension agent, has also worked closely with the 4-H dairy and 4-H sheep and swine committees.
The 4-H committee also presented Amos with a gift in appreciation for his work as the county’s agricultural and natural resources agent for 18 years.
They also gave a gift to Judy McFarlin in appreciation for her work as an office assistant for 25 years.
Support. Meritorious Support awards were presented to three individuals for their support of the county’s 4-H program.
Morris Sign Studio was recognized for its support of the junior fair livestock auction and sign projects around the fairgrounds.
Tisha Bookman of the Haysville Corn Crib was recognized for her support of the junior fair livestock auction and other junior fair activities.
Melody Simmons of Emerald Awards and Engraving was recognized for her support of the junior fair program by supplying trophies and awards for various events during the year.
Greg Cook was named as the 2004 Outstanding Adviser for his work with the Feathered Friends 4-H Club.
He is also a member of the 4-H advisory committee, serves on the 4-H rabbit and poultry committee and is a certified shooting sports instructor and oversees the county’s sport fishing program.
‘I Dare You.’ Stephanie Litten and Eric Nickles were recognized as the recipients of the 2004 “I Dare You” Leadership awards for their involvement in the county’s 4-H and junior fair program.
Litten, 16, of Ashland, is the president of her club, Ruggles Rangers 4-H Club, and her projects include hogs, steers, breeding beef and natural resources. She has helped with the frozen food sale and is a youth representative on the market steer committee.
She has been cloverbud counselor and was a member of the Farm Business Management Team that placed 10th in the nation.
Nickles, 17, of Loudonville, is a member of the Loudonville Boys and Girls 4-H Club. His projects include hogs, fishing, steers, and shooting sports.
He has served as a camp counselor, cloverbud counselor and attended state 4-H leadership camp.
Medal awards. County medal award recipients include Heather Heffelfinger, Nicole Zody, Aaron Fitch, Charity Massie, Charles Bahntge , Raelyn Fliger, Drew Kline, Sarah Kline, Vanessa Wallace, Kaylee Schuster, Karla Neer, Rusty Cook, and Melanie Fitch.
Other county medal award recipients were Emily Massie, Jarrod Pollard, Josh Early, Eric Kline, Rosemary Markel, Jessica Hoover, Brianna Nell, Mindy Hoffman, Patricia Morrison, Rebecca Spellman, Sheldon Markel, Tiffany Hoover, Misty Bahntge, Sarah Bahntge, Elaine Nowakowski, Alyssa Long, Seth Marshall, Joey Grundy, Rachel Kline, Bryan Carr and Brock Kline.
Honor clubs. Honor clubs of the year include Wide Horizon, Green Clover Kids, Bunnies N Stuff, and All Around 4-H.