Thomes to be inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame

It?s been a few years since Denny Thomes has taken in an Iowa State Fair, but this year, he has reason not to let the event pass him by.

?You bet? he?ll be there for induction into the 2011 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. During a ceremony Sunday, he?ll be recognized for his outstanding service and dedication to 4-H.

?We?re just kind of a 4-H family,? the Lockridge farmer said, explaining his six children have all been involved in the organization, and three have gone on to become 4-H leaders themselves.

?I love to work with kids,? said Thomes, who served as a 4-H leader in the early 80s. The true demonstration of his dedication, however, is the nearly 30 years Thomes has served on the Jefferson County Fair Board.

Thomes enjoys seeing the children of past participants now getting involved with 4-H and the fair.

?It?s a good organization for young people. You don?t have to be a farmer to enjoy it,? Thomes said.

As a longtime member of the fair board, Thomes has witnessed first-hand how the annual event has evolved with time. He now devotes more time to organizing little shows at the fair.

Six years ago when the fair held its first goat show, only five goats were entered. This year the entrants reached 40.

Thomes also has noticed a shift from large animals, such as cattle, to smaller animals like rabbits and poultry.

Thomes said the letter notifying him of his selection came as a surprise.

?I never really thought much about it,? he said. ?It?s quite an honor.?

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees served as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, extension council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or Iowa State University extension staff members. The inductees demonstrate dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa?s 4-H?ers through the years.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H.

Past inductees from Jefferson County include Lona Harbison in 2010, Korwin Hinshaw in 2009, Doug Johnson posthumously in 2008, Leland Stanley in 2007, Marvin Larson in 2006, Wayne Mitchell in 2005, Shirley Stanley in 2004, Mary Smith in 2003 and Juanita Bray in 2002.

Kisling to join 4-H Hall of Fame

KEOSAUQUA ? Steve Kisling of Keosauqua will be inducted into the 2011 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony Sunday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

Kisling is a strong supporter of youth and 4-H in Van Buren County. He was a 4-H member for nine years and a 4-H club leader and assistant leader for four years.

He also is a supporter of the Van Buren County Fair. He was a fair board member for 21 years serving the offices of president, vice president, beef superintendent and livestock sale superintendent. He is the current livestock sale superintendent.