Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District held its 47th annual meeting Tuesday in the Shrine Building at the fairgrounds.
Following a brief business meeting, the evening allows the district to honor the conservation efforts of local citizens.
Purdue Cooperative Extension Educator Kelly Easterday was a speaker and Darci Zolman, the district's program administrator, reviewed 2004 projects.
John "The Singing Sheriff" Gunter of Anderson provided entertainment.
The Wawasee High School state award-winning soil judging team of Simon Baumgartner, Eric Kaiser, Chad Yotter, Katie Pollock and their coach, Randy Warren, were recognized. The WHS team received the Soil Judging Team Award for 20 years out of the last 30.
For their conservation efforts, Dennis Walther and John L. Parker were honored as River-Friendly Farmers. The men use practices that protect and enhance Indiana's rivers, lakes and streams.
The Distinguished Service award is presented periodically to people who give their time and talents to the community as well as to the district.
This year Carl and Barbara Diehl were the first distinguished service winners. The Diehls have been involved in the district's forestry committee, assisted with field days and tree sales program. They also are involved in the forestry committee of Arrow Head Country RC&D and the Indiana Forest and Woodland Owners Association.
Outgoing SWCD board member Tom Price was the second recipient of the distinguished service award. He has implemented several conservation practices on his farm and has served as a district supervisor for many years. His leadership as the water quality chairman has led to many improvements in the quality of the county's water resources.
Price also received the district's Master Conservationist Award, for having historically used conservation practices throughout his farming operation and for promoting these practices.
Price farms in Harrison and Van Buren townships and uses no-till and reduced tillage, WASCOBs, waterways and filter strip methods of conservation. He was a SWCD supervisor from 1990 to 1995 and again from 1999 through 2004.
The Conservation Teacher of the Year was former Claypool Elementary School teacher Paul Sibray. He was known to connect stewardship themes to many of his lessons. In his classroom, waste was not acceptable, recycling was a must, and respect for natural resources was paramount. Sibray volunteers his time teaching wetlands education for the district.
Neal Carlson of Warsaw received the Environmental Enhancement Award recognizing individuals who do an exceptional job of protecting the natural resources of the county. Through the Center Lake Associaton, Carlson has increased his efforts to protect and enhance the quality of Center Lake.
John Parker received the Conservation Farmer of the Year award. He farms 800 acres in Seward, Clay and Lake townships. He began no-tilling corn about 15 years ago and continues with a no-till planting system for corn, soybeans and wheat.
This year's Forestry Award was presented to State Sen. Gary Dillon. Dillon and his wife, Ann, live on a 100-acre tree farm in Washington Township. Practices on their tree farms include: timber stand improvement, wetland restorations, ponds and recreation trail development. He owns woodland and has planted trees on 500 acres in Kosciusko, Whitley and Miami counties.
In addition to recognizing volunteers for their conservation efforts, the annual SWCD banquet is an opportunity for board elections. With Tom Price vacating his supervisor's seat, an election was held between Roger Miller of North Webster and Steve Metzger of Claypool. Members chose Miller as the new supervisor.
Garry Tom was reappointed to the board.
The board of supervisors includes Jon Roberts, chairman; Jamie Scott, secretary/treasurer; Sherm Bryant, Tom and Miller.
For more information about the district, call 574-267-7445, Ext. 3.
On the Net: www.kosciuskoswcd.com
