Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Inductees from
Dallas County, Iowa

 

INDUCTEES
click on photos for larger images
2022 Dallas County Aleta Cochran
Aleta has a passion for 4-H and her willingness to serve people goes above and beyond the expectations of her position. She is well known and trusted in the community due to her years of dedicated service to the youth and volunteers in the county.

Aleta lives and breathes extension. She is always there to support and serve residents, 4-Hers and families. Residents often took to Aleta for her advice, because they know she either has the answer, or will work very hard to find it. She makes sure that everyone is heard and respected. She makes sure that everything is well thought out and taken care of, so that 4-H’ers get the fullest experience of their time spent in Dallas County.

Aleta knows no stranger, and if they are a stranger, they are coming to her because she has been recommended by others in the community who view her so highly. Aleta was previously the County Youth Coordinator in Dallas County, where her efforts to educate youth in multiple learning areas did not go unnoticed. Aleta then transitioned into the Office Manager position, where she continues to assist in programming and support for 4-H programs and workshops, as well as: keeping everyone on their toes and running the agricultural aspect. Aleta lives the mission and vison (sic) of ISU Extension.
2021 Dallas County Dan & Ila Taylor
Dan and Ila Taylor of Bouton, Iowa, have a long line of 4-H and community involvement. Growing up on a family farm, they each became very involved in 4-H in their respective Iowa counties, Dallas and Scott County. They both started in 4-H around 1969, when they first became members. As fate would have it, a 4-H conference in Chicago is what brought the couple together, and this connection started a strong foundation for their contributions to the organization. The two got married and started farming in Dallas County in 1982. When their first son became 4-H age, they got involved with Dallas County 4-H as co-leaders for the Beaver Jr. Farmers 4-H Club. They were leaders to countless members, including all three of their children, Todd, Noah, and Hannah. As leaders, they always encouraged their members to try new projects, give presentations, volunteer in the community, and complete record books.

Dan served as a fair board member and beef superintendent for the Dallas County Fair. He has always been passionate about teaching youth the importance of taking great care of livestock, and how valuable accurate records are for raising livestock in any capacity. Dan has also supported his local coop by serving on the Heartland Coop Board of Directors and at one time was president of the church council.

One of Ila’s first jobs was working at the Scott County Extension office. When she moved to Central Iowa after marrying Dan, she knew it was important to get involved in the community and so she found herself coaching youth sports. Later, she served on the board for the Dallas County Farm Home, was part of Dallas County Master Gardeners, and became busy volunteering at many events in the community. She is currently a member of Friends of the Minburn Library. Ila has also never shied away from helping cook food for community fundraisers or meals.

The couple also know how important it is to take care of the land for current and future generations to come. In 2018, they were the regional winner for Iowa Farm Bureau Regional Conservation Awards. Dan and Ila also worked together with the school board and other parents to establish an agriculture and FFA program in the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Community school district.

Together, Dan and Ila have made a lasting impact on the lives of others and have never hesitated to step up when leadership was needed to serve their community.
2020 Dallas County: Sandy Bland
Sandy Bland was raised on her family’s farm in Wilton, Iowa. Her involvement in 4-H started during her youth as a member of the local girls 4-H Club, the Farmington Fairies, and the county’s boys/agricultural club, the Farmington Flashers. After about five years of showing dairy cows she decided to leave livestock to her brother and sister, and devoted more time to her favorite project areas; sewing, food and nutrition, and fashion review. A few of her favorite 4-H memories were performing a skit for Share-the-Fun at the Iowa State Fair and participating in the 4-H Youth Exchange program where she traveled to stay with a family in Eastern Pennsylvania and her family reciprocated hosting some exchange students at their farm.

As a 4-H parent, Sandy supported her daughter, Kendra, with fair projects and exhibits, teaching her about baking, sewing, crafting, home improvement, and many other project categories. Sandy encouraged Kendra to participate in 4-H at many levels; the local 4-H Club, Dallas County Council, Central Area Council, and State Council. She was always willing to drive Kendra to catch a bus for a 4-H trip (4-H Intermediate Trip to Minneapolis, Citizenship Washington Focus, and National 4-H Congress).

Sandy was a loyal volunteer to Dallas County in many ways. She was a longtime leader and assistant leader of the Boone Progressors 4-H Club and the Dallas County Council. Both clubs did many community service projects that Sandy helped to coordinate - they planted flowers at the Brookview Elementary School and the Waukee Public Library, visited local care centers to play BINGO with residents, collected food for the Waukee Food Pantry, and adopted a section of highway doing cleanup annually. As club leader she planned field trips and learning opportunities for members, scheduled guest speakers, and came up with themes and activities to do at monthly 4-H meetings. Sandy spent many of the Dallas County Fairs volunteering - anything from collecting tickets to working in the 4-H Food Stand. She also helped to coordinate Barnyard Olympics for several years as well as a county fair dance for 4-H youth. Sandy ran Dallas County’s Clothing Event Day from 2003 - 2009. She also served a term on the Dallas County Extension Council from 2012 – 2016.

Sandy passed away in August, 2016, and her family wanted to honor her legacy and love of 4-H. They requested that funeral donations be made out to the Iowa 4-H Foundation and they also purchased a brick in her memory, which was placed outside of the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair Grounds.
2019 Dallas County: Shane and Lori Boston
Shane and Lori (Luellen) Boston have been involved in 4-H since 1978 with their passion for the organization and what it stands for still running deep in their daily lives.

Lori grew up as a Dallas County 4-H member of the Beaver Jr. Farmers club. Her father was her leader. Shane was also a Dallas County 4-H member of the Adel Jr. Farmers club, led by Robert Collins. Later, Shane and Lori served five years as 4-H club leaders of the Adel Jr. Farmers club.

Shane and Lori continue to positively influence youth in Dallas County teaching essential life skills and through continuous activity encouragement. Their son, Brody, and daughter, Brittany, were both involved in 4-H through livestock exhibition and participation in many club and county activities.

Along with their continued involvement in the county’s 4-H clubs, Shane and Lori have been instrumental in the Dallas County 4-H livestock auction. With the help of their mothers, Shane and Lori have generously served the 4-H auction for over 10 years with Shane as auctioneer and Lori as clerk. With the help of the extension office, the Boston’s helped maximize the return 4-H’ers receive for their livestock through their contributions to the auction.

Shane and Lori were involved in the 4-H horse and cattle programs and continue to mentor and share their passion with others. Outside of 4-H, Lori has impacted students for 27 years teaching 8th grade mathematics. Shane worked as a loan officer for the last 20 years but most recently returned to help manage the operation at Hawkeye Breeders, where he had worked for 7 years after graduating from college.

Shane’s fondest memory of 4-H was finding the love of his life, Lori, during a water fight in the wash rack. The couple celebrated 27 years of marriage this spring.
2018 Dallas County: Gary Geneser
Gary was a member of the Grant Stockman 4-H club in Dallas County, Iowa and enjoyed showing cattle at the county fair.

His volunteering for 4-H began in high school, when he helped one of the local veterinarians with blood testing for cattle by labeling test tubes and doing paperwork.

Gary’s children also became Dallas County 4-H members. With the help of their dad they were very involved in the 4-H program. He encouraged his children and other members of their club to show at the Iowa State Fair. As a 4-H father he was again supporting 4-H in many ways especially at the Dallas County Fair. He was even known to rescue run away calves from the Raccoon River, which borders the fairground. He was always in the barns and on the grounds to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Gary is always sharing encouragement and helpful tips to 4-H’ers and their families, or even consoling them as they watch their calves be loaded out after the sale.

Gary continues to be very involved with 4-H and the Dallas County Fair. He helps get sponsorships for the 4-H trophies and additional premiums at the livestock sale, has helped raise funds for a new show ring and participates in selling fair sponsor packets. He helps organize and cook every year with the Dallas County Pork Producers and Cattleman for the 4-H family night supper. He has been a ring man, pusher, gate keeper and calf holder. If one of our youth needs something and Gary is near, he is willing to jump in and help.

Gary currently farms and runs Geneser Repair in Granger, Iowa.
2017 Dallas County: Randy Gibson
Doctor Randy Gibson, Minburn, Iowa has been a long time 4-H supporter. Randy was a Dallas County 4-H member in his youth. His daughter was also a 4-H member in Dallas County.

Randy is an ISU graduate in the veterinary program. He has been the designated county fair vet for 36 years. He has been instrumental in keeping the 4-H animals healthy. Randy is present at the livestock check-in of the fair and made many trips to the fair grounds to check on and treat animals.

One year during the fair we had an outbreak in the swine entries and we had to quarantine them for 30 days. During this time Randy donated his time to keeping an eye on them for more health issues. After that he donated vaccine to help prevent the problem from happening again. He also helped teach the FSQA class which teaches youth about animal care and ethics.

Randy says he enjoys working with the youth and encouraging them to become involved in 4-H and raising livestock.
2016 Dallas County - Carolyn Wilson
Carolyn Wilson started as a 4-H member of the Doon Darling 4-H Club in Lyon County. She was part of an all-girls club. The girls clubs worked primarily in three areas, food and nutrition, home furnishings and clothing. The club leader would assign presentation topics for a certain month to be given. So if you were lucky you had most of the year to prepare.

Carolyn and husband, Dennis, coached and encouraged their five children; Nathaniel, Sheresa, Amber, Brandon and Daniel through the Dallas County 4-H program. They encouraged them to participate in club activities as well as county and state activities.

Carolyn became a 4-H leader shortly after the oldest child joined 4-H, and remained a leader for the Best of Union 4-H Club for 20 years, continuing after her own children graduated. Carolyn’s club did many community service projects. They planted flowers in city parks, visited the care centers and the county home to play games with residents, adopted a section of highway doing cleanup annually. One of the unique activities her club did was provide meals for the farmers one day during fall harvest. They grilled hamburgers and served them at noon as the farmers delivered grain to the elevator. Carolyn and her husband also served on the County Extension Youth Committee from 1997 to 2003.

In 2002 Carolyn was hired as Dallas County Youth Coordinator and she worked for the office until 2007. During that time she was able to facilitate the forming of many new clubs including the first shooting sports club in the county. As a volunteer Carolyn has also led several county wide workshops. Two of the most recent include a sewing workshop and this spring she taught 4-H and Clover Kids members and their parents how to plant and force spring bulbs.

Carolyn spent many county fairs assisting her husband with the running of the 4-H food stand. This is not a simple food stand since it provides 3 meals a day as well as drinks and snacks to fairgoers. Under their supervision the building grew in size and the menu increased. In recent years she has taken the lead in the food stand. This includes ordering all the food and supplies. She works from 6:30 am to 9 pm each day coordinating the 4-H food stand operation and working with youth and adult volunteers.
2015 Dallas County- Linda Nelson
Linda Nelson started as a 4H member in Montgomery County as a Frankfort Clovia Clan. She said at that time there were separate girls and boys clubs but if a girl wanted to show livestock she joined in both a girls and boys club. The girls clubs would work primarily in three areas, Food and Nutrition, Home Furnishings and Clothing. This strong background is what led to her career in Home Economics and later with Iowa State University Extension.

Some of her fondest memories of 4-H are skating parties, camping as a 4-H club and attending 4-H camp.

Linda said 4-H is important because it offers a safe place to try new things. The opportunity to try new things lets youth focus on areas of their interest. 4-H members can have experiences beyond the family and club through state activities as well as having opportunities to participate in national events.

Linda worked hard to get the referendum passed in Dallas County to expand funding for extension. The referendum was brought to vote 5 times before it was passed. During this time she often thought outside of the box to keep the 4-H program strong and growing. She worked with the County Board of Supervisors to provide money for 4-H programming as well as working with the Dallas County Conservation Board through a special agreement to hire a shared conservation position who would also do 4-H youth programming. Linda, along with a group of volunteers started the “Silent Auction” held during the county fair to raise funds to support the referendum effort. After the referendum was passed they continued the Silent Auction and started the Dallas County 4–H Endowment and set it up with the Iowa 4-H Foundation. They have used the money raised to support 4-H members’ participation in activities beyond the county such as the Citizen Washington Focus trip. They also provide members and clubs with financial support for larger citizenship projects. Under Linda’s direction, the group also helped with improvements to the county fairgrounds..

During her time as County Director, Linda dealt with the flooding of the fairgrounds during the county fair as well as an outbreak of erysipelas. She encouraged clubs and members to take on leadership projects such as organizing a county wide basketball tournament. She helped volunteers develop a checklist for fair preparation and create ID sheets to use for small animals such as pets and poultry.

A previous Dallas County 4-H member said, “Whenever something needed to be done Linda was always there helping to get it done”
2014 Dallas County - Chuck and Lorinda Inman
(no photo)
Chuck & Lorinda Inman have been involved with 4-H since they were club members. They coached and encouraged their three children, Coralie, Bradley and Katharina through the Dallas County 4-H program, participating in club and county activities. Their involvement with 4-H activities has continued to expand.

Lorinda served two terms on the Dallas County Extension Council. Both Lorinda and Chuck were involved in the campaigns to pass the referendum providing needed funding to offer Extension programs in the community and to county 4-H.

Lorinda also served on the county extension youth committee during her term on the extension council. She continued to serve on the youth committee with Chuck serving as a team. They have spent many hours working on 4-H programs through the years. She is also involved with the County 4-H Foundation, established to provide funding for community service projects and 4-H programs not otherwise funded.

Chuck’s involvement in 4-H continued as he went from helping at the club level to being a club leader. Chuck served as club leader for many years and continues today. Chuck supported the members in many ways including help with dog obedience classes. He has encouraged members to get involved with community service projects and he’s taking the entire club to the school plays.

Chuck and Lorinda worked for several years in the county 4-H food booth during the county fair. They worked many hours helping with food quality and safety and coaching 4-H members working in the booth. They have helped 4-Hers learn food preparation, food safety, customer service and working with others in a busy environment. Chuck served as manager in the food booth as well as head chef.

Over the years they have been involved in FSQA training, helping with workshops, awards night, parades and displays, sponsoring trophies, the live stock sale, and many other activities to promote 4-H and help a new generation of 4-H youth.

Chuck and Lorinda are one of those couples that if you need a helping hand they are always there ready to help.
2013 Dallas County - Steve and Sharon Luellen
Steve and Sharon Luellen have been involved with Dallas County 4-H for most of their lives. Both joined 4-H in 1959 and their passion for 4-H continued into adulthood.

Steve assumed leadership of the Beaver Jr. Farmers club during the years their two daughters were in 4-H, and he served on the Dallas County Extension Council and Youth Committee.

Sharon worked the 4-H horse show for several years and still announces the livestock shows at the Dallas County Fair. One year even though she was sick right before the fair she sent a message to the office saying that she would be there or have someone else to fill in. This is truly dedication to the 4H program. She also helps her son-in-law and daughter with the livestock auction at the end of the fair.

The couple has provided livestock and mentoring for their children, neighbor kids, nieces and nephews, and now their grandchildren as they enjoy the 4-H experience. Both of their daughters have been, or are currently leaders of 4-H clubs and Clover Kids groups.

Some of Steve’s fondest 4-H memories include showing Reserve Grand Champion Market Gilt at the Iowa State Fair, being elected County 4-H President, and winning the greased pig contest at the Dallas County Fair.

Both Steve and Sharon are grateful for their 4-H experiences and for the life-long friends they have made along the way.
2012 Dallas County- Derry Pitsenbarger
Derry Pitsenbarger of Dallas County was a member of the Lincoln Workers 4-H Club starting at the age of 10. Exhibiting beef and swine was the main focus of project involvement. He assisted his younger siblings as they exhibited at the Dallas County Fair, Ak-Sar-Ben and the Clay County Fair. 4-H was a family affair at the Pitsenbarger's.

Following high school Derry attended Oklahoma A & M where he participated on the livestock judging team, rodeo and was inducted into the Who's Who in Junior Colleges in 1967. During the summers he worked at the Iowa State Fair in the beef department.

Derry's passion for agriculture, rural life and admiration for 4-H and the values and skills the organization taught sparked his interest in being involved at the leadership level. He was a leader of the Lincoln Workers 4-H Club five years and served on the Dallas County Fair Board 36 years including 10 years as president. In addition Derry served on the Association of Iowa Fairs nine years again including a term as president.

Derry and his wife Joyce farm in Dallas County and had three daughters who were all involved in 4-H, exhibiting livestock in numerous shows over the years. Today they support their grandchildren involved with 4-H. They speak of the memories shared together at county and state show experiences. 4-H continues to be an important part of life for the Pitsenbarger family.

Derry has always believed in sharing farming as a way of life, with youth and promoting agriculture to other generations, hoping more and more family farms will spring up throughout the county and state. Though his years in leadership roles are past, he continues to support local 4-H'ers by purchasing their livestock at the fair auctions and making donations to the fairgrounds/fair board as well.

To Derry, 4-H is timeless. Back in 1956 the four "H's" in the 4-H pleadge (sic) represented important considerations in being a good citizen. Despite the many changes in the world since the 1950's those core values of the 4-H organization seem even more important today. Derry Pitsenbarger has been very honored to be involved with something so meaningful for so many years of his life and hopes to continue involvement and support for years to come
2011 Dallas County - Becky Simpson
Becky Simpson was born and raised in a 4-H family in central Illinois, where she participated in both “boys” and “girls” 4-H clubs for 11 years. Her parents were 4-H leaders and were the first husband-wife duo to have their respective clubs named “Club of the Year” at the same time. After college, Becky served as leader of her former “girls” club for two years.

Becky became leader of the Linnfield Pioneers in Dallas County during her older son, Travis’, second year in 4-H and served in that capacity for 11 years. She encouraged her members to keep records and to also be involved in community service and communications. During her tenure, the club was honored with a Governor’s Volunteer Award for 10 years of participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program and took four Share-the-Fun acts to the Iowa State Fair. Several members were chosen to give educational presentations and working exhibits at the State Fair. The club was a perennial beef herdsmanship winner and members excelled in a variety of projects from poultry, rabbits and beef to photography, woodworking, foods and clothing.

The Simpson sons carried on the family tradition, filling various leadership roles in the county and state. In 1997, Travis founded the Dallas County 4-H Basketball Tournament; Kevin took over for him in 1999 and the event continues to this day. Travis was also a member of the State 4-H Council and after college graduation he helped organize and advise the Dallas County 4-H Council.

Although her “official” 4-H career ended in 2000, Becky continues to be involved with 4-H and Extension in Dallas County. She was the only volunteer who worked on all five referendum votes (over an 8-year period) for increased Extension funding and her club members helped with canvassing their community in support of the referendum. Dallas County recognized her efforts during the 100th birthday of ISU Extension.

She continues to assist with the county 4-H foundation’s annual silent auction and proofreads the county fair book every two years. In addition, she has judged bottle calves and herdsmanship at the county fair and she and her husband, Mike, annually sponsor the trophy for reserve supreme champion breeding beef heifer. Becky’s mentoring has also resulted in one of her former members now volunteering as leader of the Linnfield Pioneers.
2010 Dallas County - Robert and Kathy Harkrader
Robert and Kathy Harkrader have been strong 4-H supporters who have been involved with 4-H for over 25 years. They have raised 6 children who all participated in the 4-H program.

Robert and Kathy helped start the first photo club in Dallas County. With their encouragement, 4-H members were able to secure a building, buy equipment, and actively run a dark room.

Robert and Kathy were 4-H club leaders for a club in Dallas Center. The club averaged over 20 members each year. Their club was very active in home improvements, food and nutrition, photo and visual arts.

Robert was the poultry superintendent for Dallas County. He encouraged and taught 4H members by holding many workshops. Robert secured poultry cages for the Dallas County Fair, picked them up before the fair and returned them afterwards.

Kathy was the County communication leader and increased the number of county presentations by holding workshops for the 4-H’ers. She helped organize the Communications Day, spent time helping the 4-H members show what they had learned and also helped with the Share the Fun presentations at the county fair.
2009 Dallas County - Robert and Margaret Ann Ellis
Dallas County would like to honor Margaret Ann And Robert Ellis this year as the Hall of Fame members.

Robert and Margaret Ann were married in 1956 and raised 3 children. Two sons Wayne and Harold and daughter Gayle Ann. In 1963 They moved their young family to a two acre property in Dallas County. Here they opened their home and their hearts to about 30 foster children over 15 years.

Their children starting raising rabbits for fun, but it grew into raising them to show all over Iowa and some surrounding states. They were lifetime members of the Iowa State Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association. Margaret Ann and Robert spent 15 years as rabbit project leaders in Dallas County. They both judged many 4-H rabbit shows over the years, and were instrumental in starting the rabbit show at the Iowa State Fair. Margaret Ann was chosen as a Honorary 4-H member in 2002 for Dallas County. They both joined the Waukee Lions and were active members holding local and district offices.

Although Margaret Ann passed away this spring Robert is here to accept this award.
2008 Dallas County - Barb Field
Barb’s experiences with 4-H began when a friend of her parents suggested that 4-H would be a good organization for her to join. She joined that year and her sister and brothers joined as they became old enough. Barb had many great experiences in her eight years as a 4-H member with the support of great leaders and wonderful parents. She attended camps, had projects in food, home furnishings and clothing. Barb went to Chicago for a home improvement award trip and got to see Hello Dolly with Carol Channing.

Barb’s experiences with 4-H led to a degree in Vocational Home Economics from the University of Northern Iowa.

Barb became active in Dallas County 4-H when the local club in Woodward invited her to be part of the Des Moines Jr. Homemakers 4-H club. Barb was the club leader for many years. She also helped at the State Fair in setting up the clothing exhibit for 3 years, 1year in the home improvements area and 2 years with the fashion revue. Barb helped with the judging of state award record books. She has been a member of the Static Exhibits Committee at the Dallas County Fair for nearly 20 years, serves on the Youth Committee, and was a past member of the Dallas County Extension Council.

Barb said “I have been proud to be a part of this organization and for the opportunities it has given me.” Barb has given much of herself and her time to the betterment of youth in Dallas County through the 4-H program and we would like to thank her for the opportunities she has given our youth.
2007 Dallas County - Shi & Dwight Johnson
Dwight and Shi Johnson started their 20 year 4-H involvement as club leaders soon after their oldest son Brad became a member, continuing as daughters Dinah and Jenny showed beef and horses. When the children were off to college, Dwight became beef superintendent, with Shi doing the paperwork end of the responsibilities. They also served on the county youth committee and Shi served as pet superintendent. They are remembered as being well organized and an encouragement to every member.

· Club leaders
· Beef superintendent
· Youth committee members
· Pet superintendent
· Had a great way of keeping everything in perspective as they modeled citizenship and leadership.
2006 Dallas County - Larry & Karen Taylor
Larry and Karen have a long involvement with the Dallas County 4-H program. In fact, they met as teenagers at the Dallas County Fair. For many years as active club leaders, they encouraged and guided their five children and countless other 4-Hers in setting and reaching high goals. Now, Larry and Karen assist their grandchildren with 4-H projects and activities, and continue to be resources for 4-Hers and Extension staff during the county fair. Karen and Larry were selected Dallas County Honorary 4-H members in 1984, and became 4-H 400 donors in 2005.

Karen
· Club member for 8 years
· Did a presentation at the State Fair in 1956 which was broadcast on WOI-TV
· Served the Washington Hawkeye Maids as Clothing Project Leader for at least 10 years
· Served on the county Youth Committee
· Served as the county fair Home Ec superintendent many years in charge of the state fair exhibits
· Judged home economics projects at the state fair, other county fairs and local achievement shows
· Organized county’s silent auction fundraiser

Larry
· Club member for many years; showed beef and his horse Beauty
· Leader of the Washington Winners club for 10 years; taking the boys camping was a highlight of the year
· Organized the club’s yearly roadside clean-up activity years before Iowa’s highway adoption program began
· 4-H county fair beef show ring helper for many years
· Donated and moved a farm building to the local fairgrounds for use as a refreshment stand
2005 Dallas County - Lorna Baldner Grow
Lorna Baldner Grow has been a 4-H leader for 39 years. She was a 4-H member herself, and her 4 children were also 4-H’ers. She estimates that she has had over 400 4-H’ers in her clubs over the years, which is her favorite part of volunteering in the 4-H program.

Lorna also volunteers at county communications day where 70 – 80% of her club participates every year. She has also led county workshops on photography, babysitting, and money management, to name a few. She is constantly busy during the county fair since her club has long held the responsibility of taking all the champion pictures. Lorna keeps herself involved in learning and encourages others by attending or leading workshops at the State Leader Retreat and Volunteer Forums.

Lorna takes a group from her club to volunteer at the Iowa State Fair during set up. We congratulate and thank Lorna for her continued and life long involvement in 4-H.
2004 Dallas County - Dennis Emehiser
Dennis Emehiser started as an associate 4-H member at the age of 8 and then joined 4-H in 1956 for nine years with hogs, sheep, cattle and junior feeder pen projects. He was a 4-H club leader from 1969 to 1984 for Linnfield Pioneers and Adel Jr. Farmers. In 1985 he organized a new 4-H club, Adams Arrows, which included his son, daughter and about ten other members. He served as a 4-H Club leader until 1992 for a total of 24 years.

Dennis has been a member of the Dallas County Fairboard since 1984 and is very active in helping in the livestock area. He spends many hours at the fairgrounds all year long to ensure that every 4-H livestock event from weigh-ins to auction goes smoothly, all the equipment is in working order and safe for each 4-H member. In 1999, Dennis and his daughter took over the Dallas County 4-H Support Group where they raise money from county businesses and individuals and then bid on the livestock during the auction to help 4-H members get a little more premium from the livestock that they sell.

Dennis is always at the fairgrounds and really enjoys helping the kids learn and grow in the 4-H program. He’s always been a supporter of the program as well as other events at the Dallas County Fairgrounds for years. Dallas County congratulates Dennis Emehiser on his continued and life long involvement with 4-H.
2003 Dallas County - Nick Button
Nick, a life long resident of Dallas County has taught dog obedience training for 42 years, after learning techniques from Rud Weatherwax, owner and trainer of Lassie of TV and movie fame. Nick has done a great job of working with youth and building a relationship with them. He has trained over 1200 dogs and two generations of 4-H youth. He may not remember your name but he probably knows your dog’s name.

Nick also served numerous terms on the extension council and Dallas County Fair Board. Something Nick wants everyone to remember is: there is no such thing as a bad dog.
2002 Dallas County - Edwin Howard Hill
Edwin Howard Hill was known to local Dallas county folks as “Howard”. In business he went by “E. Howard Hill”. Howard had three daughters who were active 4-H members in Dallas County, but his involvement reached far beyond the county level. Howard was one of the founders of the State 4-H Foundation. He was vice-chair of the foundation at a time when the president of ISU filled the role of chair. Under Howard’s leadership, this committee bought the grounds for the 4-H Education and Natural Resource Center near Madrid. Howard also used his leadership skills as head of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

 

Formatted and added to Dallas County IAGenWeb, July 2023.
Source abstracted from:
https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/what-we-do/recognizing-service/iowa-4-h-hall-of-fame/iowa-4-h-hall-of-fame-inductees

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