Healds inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame

Jefferson County residents Richard and Kortney Heald were inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame at the 2022 Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug 21.

We thank them for their long-term service and dedication to the 4-H program. Their contribution to the 4-H program has made a positive impact on the Jefferson County Fair where they have helped develop and implement various activities. Most importantly their combined years of 4-H volunteer work has played a vital role in the lives of 4-H members as they have helped teach responsibility, respect, leadership skills and built confidence in the youth of Jefferson County. Congratulations and thank you for your years of dedication and service to the 4-H program.

Richard and Kortney live in the Packwood area and have been married for 43 years. They have three children, Cynthia Post, Jeremy Heald and Bethany Fishel and six grandchildren. They understood the importance that 4-H brought to their kids’ lives and encouraged them to participate and get involved. They would often tell them “You never know until you try” which resulted in their children exhibiting animals and static projects. This love of 4-H has also trickled down to their grandchildren.

Their support and dedication extended beyond their own family. Richard started his volunteer work at a young age where he helped build grandstand bleachers at the fairgrounds. Later he went on to join the Fairboard himself and has served in multiple roles over the last 25 years.

Most 4-H youth that exhibited livestock would tell you that you could find Richard in the show arena, pitchfork in hand assisting in the ring. He was able to ease the tension of a first year 4-H members parent as their kid walked into the ring for the first time with a 1400 lb steer. We always knew that with Richard in the ring he would take care of the kids and be there to help them. In addition to overseeing the show arena, he was also in charge of camping and storage. Richard was known as a silent helper and spent countless hours over the years at the fairgrounds working on construction projects and getting things fixed up.

Kortney co-led the Future Forgers 4-H club for 5 years. Her club participated in multiple community service projects such as Angels of the Tree, Operation Christmas Child, creating decorations for nursing homes and helping with the Backpack Project. Kortney got joy out of watching her club members show and interact with the judges and others. Kortney also volunteered her time and oversaw the Fair Queen contest for 20 years. On show day Kortney could be found in the announcers stand keeping track of show records. Through her 4-H volunteer activities she was able to make a difference, encourage and motivate youth, teach life skills and be a positive example.

Together they formed the Herdsmanship Award Program, started Young at Heart at the livestock shows, headed up the Dutch Oven Gathering and a cornhole tournament. They enjoy watching the fair grow and giving all an opportunity to participate.

Memories their family has made over the years has been a highlight for this 4-H couple. The positive impact 4-H has had on others is evident around the Fair. They have played a vital role in the lives of 4-H members as they have helped teach responsibility, respect, leadership skills and built confidence in the youth of our county.