The kids at the clinic were excited to put the helpful information they learned to use with their own horse. Front Row (l to r): Lily Smith, Paycee Slusher and Rylee Jenkins (with horse) Row 2: Fischer Tharp, Gretchen Tharp and Carabella Hernandez. Row 3: Rachel Jenkins (EPL), Di Davis (EPL) Dr. Kristin Bohling, Kaycee Davis and Cody Davis. (Photo submitted by Shannon Tharp)
Lucky Clover 4-H -Horse Project Clinic held- Submitted by Di Davis- The Lucky Clover 4-H Horse Club had a surprise visit from “Miss Sidney Iowa Rodeo Queen”, Chelsey Anderson, who graciously spoke about her life as a Rodeo Queen and posed for pictures and signed autographs at their Horse Clinic, which was held on Saturday, November 7 at Danny and Sheila Cooper’s barn in Rock Port.
The Horse Clinic was open to all active 4-H members enrolled in the Horse Riding Project in the states of Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. Veterinarian Dr. Kristin Bohling, DVM of Town and Country Vet Clinic of Auburn, Nebraska spoke and explained in a fun, informative way about nutrition and the digestive system of the horse! The 4-H’ers enjoyed the importance of properly balanced hoof care, trimming, and also a “hands on” demo where each child was instructed by Travis Jenkins how to properly clean out a horse’s hoof by themselves. Equine Project Leader, Rachel Jenkins did a “grooming and show clipping” demonstration to show the 4H’ers how to properly clip their horses before a show. All the kids said they learned a lot from Rachel. They each went through how to handle themselves as well as the horse in a “Showmanship Class at Halter”. Then for fun, each 4-H’er judged their peers in a mock “Showmanship Class”, and also “judged” the horses in a mock judging class!
This was a fun, hands on learning experience with a tremendous amount of information that the 4-H kids will remember for many years! The Horse Club is already making plans to put on a “Riding Safety and Horsemanship Clinic” next spring where they will each be able to bring their own horse to participate on.
Donations and door prizes were donated by Mo Valley Ag, M&L Feed, Kelly and Di Davis, Equine Project Leader of Rock Port, Travis and Rachel Jenkins (EPL) of Fairfax, Dr. Kristin Bohling, DVM of Auburn, Neb., Orscheln’s Farm and Home and Arbor Valley Animal Clinic, both in Nebraska City, Neb., and Chelsey Anderson of Bartlett, Iowa. Projector was loaned to us by Mark and Marcy McMahon for the power point/videos. Horses were provided by Travis and Rachel Jenkins and Kaycee Davis.
Science Night Held in Fairfax- September 12, 2016 youth from all over Atchison County came to Fairfax to participate in Science Night hosted by the University of Missouri Atchison County Youth Program. Twenty-two youth were able to use vinegar in different ways. Their first experiment was taking baking soda, vinegar, and pop rocks and seeking what happened. Their second experiment was taking three cups of solutions to see which one cleaned Sam’s dirty pennies. Their third experiment was making a plastic bag explode. Their last experiment was using milk and vinegar to make plastic. The youth all had fun and wanted to do more in the future. The youth program will be offering workshops each month on different topics in either Rock Port, Tarkio, or Fairfax to make it accessible to everyone. If you want to learn more contact Sam O’Riley at 660-744-6231 or check out our Extension page at http://extension.missouri.edu/atchison.
Maggie Osburn, left, and Stevie Gaines, right, enjoyed a snack of watermelon August 3 at the Velma Houts Building in Rock Port. The 4-H clubs celebrated National Watermelon Day with snacks, crafts, and games. (Photo by Atchison County Mail)
4-H celebrates Watermelon Day- August 3 was National Watermelon Day, and 4-H celebrated by inviting five- to seven-year-olds to come and make crafts, play games, learn the history of watermelons, and eat lots of watermelon.
The kids made a watermelon out of popsicle sticks, a watermelon with a paper plate and tissue paper, and a goo window cling out of hair gel, food coloring and a plastic bag.
There were 10 youth who attended the evening’s events. Four traveled from Nodaway County, and six from Atchison with all three towns represented. Three of the youth were not in 4-H and hope to enroll for the upcoming year.
If you have a youth that is age five to seven years who would like to participate in a wide range of projects contact Sam O’Riley at 660-744-6231 for more information.
Farmer City 4-H’er beautifies Westboro- Josie King, from the Farmer City 4-H Club is pictured out enjoying the weather while beautifying Westboro. Josie and her grandma Ponya planted flowers on Main Street for all to see and enjoy!
4-H CARNiVAL- The Atchison County Carnival was another big hit! There were so many people there! This year the King and Queen both were from Lucky Clover, Paycee Slusher and Trulin Pankau. Congrats Atchison County Royalty! The King and Queen received candy/certificate bouquets with donations from: McDonald’s, Groovy’s, Do It Best, Woodshed, Torrey Pines, Perfect 10, Roger’s Pharmacy, State Farm, Ray’s Dairy Diner, E&M Emporium, Stoner Drug, Trails End, Pizza Hut, Flower Mill, Hy-Vee, Farmer Publishing LLC, and Casey’s of Tarkio.
Lucky Clover 4-H Club- Submitted by Shannon Tharp- The Lucky Clover 4-H Club meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM at the Velma Houts building unless they have a special event. Current officers are: avis Secretary, Gretchen Tharp, Treasurer, Fisher Tharp, Reporter, Lily Smith, Song and Game Leader, Caleb Palmer, 4-H Council representatives, Rylee Jenkins and Austin Moore. Lucky Clover Members: Allyson Demott, Erika Elam, Deneb Hernandez, Karabella Hernandez, Magdalena Hernandez, Novara Hernandez, Corwyn Herron, Jaymes Herron, RayLynn Jenkins, Stevie Gaines, Caleb Lucas, Ethan Lucas, Ryan Lucas, Cody Davis, Kaycee Davis, Trulin Pankau, Emma Pankau, Lilly Pankau, Rebekah Lucas, Paycee Slusher and Dylan Kemberling.
During the monthly business meeting the club members votes and makes decisions regarding upcoming events. Members can give speeches or demonstrations during the meeting. Last years meetings were busy with business, demonstrations, learning experiences, leadership, and fun. Club members helped at the Atchison County fair board stand and had a bake sale at Old Fashioned Saturday night. During, October the club held their annual cook-out to kick off the 4-H year. At the Christmas party club members watched a movie, had snacks and played a game. Some members also made ornaments for the 4-H office tree. Members complete volunteer community activities including helping at the Athison County fair board fish fry and making crafts with residents at Pleasant View nursing home. Lucky Clover club organized and ran the 4-H carnival this year. The annual fund raiser for the Atchison County 4-H council. Paycee Slusher and Trulin Pankau were the candidates for Atchison County king and queen from the Lucky Clover club. They were both crowned during the carnival!
Lucky Clover members are enrolled and actively involved in a variety of projects including sewing, quilting, cooking, welding, woodworking, arts and crafts, photography, shooting sports, horse, swine, cat, dog, goats, beef and many more. 4-H members showed their finished projects at the Atchison County Achievement day held the first Monday of the fair. Cody Davis, the Atchison County 4-H king, kept busy helping with duties at the fair. Members participated in the livestock show with a variety of animals including goats, chickens, swine, beef, and rabbits. The club members road on a float and tossed out 4-H items and candy to those who were watching the fair parade. Several members rode their horses in the parade this year.
Lucky Clover Club is looking forward to another great year of business meetings, events, and community service. The next meeting will be the annual cook-out on Saturday, October 24th at 5:00 PM at the Tharp family farm. If you would like to find out more about the Lucky Clover club you can contact Shannon Tharp at shannon@fischertharp.com or 660-253-0079.
Lucky Clovers joined forces to tackle the jungle outside of the Velma Houts building on May 18th. They pulled lots of weeds, planted new flowers, and put down new mulch. This area is seen by many when they pull into Rock Port as well as lots of people who come to the Atchison County Fair. The University of Missouri Extension office of Atchison County thanks you for all your hard work! It looks great out there!
4-H Year Kick Off- Lucky Clover 4-H Club held their annual cook-out to kick off the 4-H year. Lucky Clover families enjoyed hot dogs, s’mores, homemade rabbit stew, and many other great foods brought by the families. Members enjoyed activities including a hay fort, hay obstacle course and haunted hay ride. Lucky Clover 4-H Club meets the third Wednesday of the month. If you want more information about Lucky Clover 4-H Club contact Shannon Tharp at 660-253-0079 or shannon@fischertharp.com. For information about the 4-H programs in Atchison County contact Samantha 0’Riley at the Extension office.
Wolverine 4-H Club- Submitted by Goldie Barnes– The Wolverine 4-H Club of Fairfax has finished another busy year and is ready to start a new one. We are growing in numbers, as this year our club had 13 4-H members and seven Clover Kid members. Club members are: Goldie Barnes, Mason Brandt, Tony Osburn, Cameron Oswald, Grace Oswald, Josh Smith, Jasey Smith, Oliver Smith, Charlie Smith, Brian Ohlensehlen, Morgan O’Riley, Cowen O’Riley, and Jazmine Talbot. Clover Kids this past year were: Anna Ohlensehlen, Emma Ohlensehlen, Maggie Osburn, Jaxson Smith, Carter Oswald, Mack Smith, and Henry Smith. Sarah Osburn is our club leader, with help now and then from Holly Barnes. Parents of all the members pitch in with program help, snacks and activities.
The 4-H slogan, “learning by doing” was truly lived out this year, as our members participated in and mastered a variety of projects – everything from robotics, cake decorating, and clowning to sewing, oil painting, crochet, livestock projects and more!
Often our monthly programs revolve around a demonstration of one of these projects. Some of the programs our club enjoyed this year were visiting Seth Gaines, Shelbie and Kelcie who gave us a hands-on demonstration of how to care for your 4-H pigs at their Watson farm; Goldie Barnes showing daily care of her Market Beef projects; Cameron Oswald gave a tour of his pumpkin patch and told how he raises money every year for Food Resource Bank; and Maggie Osburn and Grace Oswald gave a demonstration on separating eggs which was also a favorite!
Our club was in charge of the Achievement Day for the Atchison County Fair this year. This is a big undertaking, as we set up display tables in the Velma Houts Fair Building in Rock Port for all of the 4-H projects coming in from all over the county. After tables are set up and organized by project, we also hosted a make-your-own bag “lunch” for county exhibitors coming in who are conference judging or giving a demonstration.
Our community service projects this year were planting and filling the barrels in front of the Fairfax businesses. We fill and decorate them three times a year in order to spruce up Fairfax Main Street just a bit. At our November meeting at Sarah’s house, we filled candy bags to be distributed to kids at Fairfax’s Light Night. We also enjoyed riding on a float during the Fairfax Fair this year.
If you didn’t stop and see the 4-H projects on display last summer – make a note to stop in next year during the Atchison County Fair and see what your Wolverine 4-H kids are up to!
4-H is open to youth ages 8 – 19. If your child is living in the Fairfax school district and is interested in learning more about 4-H, contact any of our members, listed above to find out more!
Members of the Wolverine 4-H Club met Wednesday morning, November 25, 2015, to fill the Main Street barrels with greenery for Christmas and decorate their display in the park for Light Night. Pictured above (left to right) are: front – Ashley Grossman, Cameron Oswald, Carter Oswald, Jasey Smith, Bryon Ohlensehlen, Tate Johnson, Jaxson Smith, and Grace Oswald; back – Josh Smith, and Tracy Oswald.
Learning the art of cake decorating- Submitted by Goldie Barnes, Reporter.- The Cake Decorating project members of the Wolverine 4-H Club met Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the home of Mrs. Sarah Osburn for a day of learning. They were joined by some of the Wolverine Clover Kids who are also interested in learning the art of cake decorating.
First, the group was given hands-on instruction in baking a cake and making frosting from scratch by Mrs. Dana Osburn. Members were given instructions on measuring correctly, sifting, mixing, and baking ingredients in order to ensure a delicious homemade cake.
The group enjoyed sack lunches together on the Osburns’ lawn at noon before finishing their afternoon project session.
For the afternoon session, Mrs. Tiffanie Gaines gave a demonstration on frosting and decorating a cake and cupcakes. Each project member had their own layer cake to practice the techniques they had just learned.
Members of the Wolverine 4-H Club met Wednesday morning, November 25, 2015, to fill the Main Street barrels with greenery for Christmas and decorate their display in the park for Light Night. Pictured above (left to right) are: front – Ashley Grossman, Cameron Oswald, Carter Oswald, Jasey Smith, Bryon Ohlensehlen, Tate Johnson, Jaxson Smith, and Grace Oswald; back – Josh Smith, and Tracy Oswald.
Learning the art of cake decorating- Submitted by Goldie Barnes, Reporter.- The Cake Decorating project members of the Wolverine 4-H Club met Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the home of Mrs. Sarah Osburn for a day of learning. They were joined by some of the Wolverine Clover Kids who are also interested in learning the art of cake decorating.
First, the group was given hands-on instruction in baking a cake and making frosting from scratch by Mrs. Dana Osburn. Members were given instructions on measuring correctly, sifting, mixing, and baking ingredients in order to ensure a delicious homemade cake.
The group enjoyed sack lunches together on the Osburns’ lawn at noon before finishing their afternoon project session.
For the afternoon session, Mrs. Tiffanie Gaines gave a demonstration on frosting and decorating a cake and cupcakes. Each project member had their own layer cake to practice the techniques they had just learned.
Sarah Osburn, left, and Tiffanie Gaines, right, gave a demonstration on frosting and decorating cakes and cupcakes.
Farmer City 4-H Club- Farmer City 4-H Club meets on the first Monday of the month at the Tarkio Resource Center. The leaders are Steve and Julie Joesting.
The club’s community service projects for this year included donating food to the food pantry, adopting a family at Christmas, making Valentine cookies for the Nutrition Center, participating in the 4-H Carnival, planting flowers on Westboro Main Street, participating in the Tarkio Rodeo Parade, and picking up trash after the rodeo performances.
Farmer City 4-H Officers and Members: Ethan Riley – President, Dawson Joesting – Vice-President, Brooke Lee – Secretary, Aaron Schlueter – Treasurer, Colin Joesting – 4-H Council Rep, Anna Lester – 4-H Council Rep, Lucas Joesting, Keaton Williams, Mathew Lester, Willa Lester, Reagan Lester, Lizzie Schlueter, Zoey Spalding, Dean Spalding, Josie King, Danika Agnew, Jillian Hannah, Teahen Hannah, Gabe Harms, Abbie Harms and Alex Erickson, Clover Kids: Josh Schlueter, Delainee White and Jacob Lester.
In December the Farmer City Club had their annual Christmas party. While they enjoyed the evening’s festivities they wrapped presents for their adopt a family that they shopped for. The youth really enjoyed being able to help others in need.
In February the Farmer City Club learned about showing dogs from the Spalding family. They also decorated 80 sugar cookies for the Nutrition Center and the Tarkio Nursing Home. They will be doing Balloon/dart game; balloon animals; basketball hoop and maybe one more at the carnival. Their royalty contestants are Lizzie Schluter and Gabe Harms.
Farmer City had the dessert table at the Atchison County Fish Fry. The youth from this club as well as some from other clubs did an awesome job of selling desserts, and bussing tables. Heard a lot of people responding to the wonderful polite and helpful 4-H youth that we have in our county!
At the June meeting several members had fun playing a game to end the meeting.
4-H Robotics Club receives $500 donation- During a public speaking training program for the Atchison County 4H Robotics Club, Steve Harrington presented a $500 donation to the club. Steve and his brother Rick are owners of Sodbusters Service Company in Tarkio. They made the donation to help encourage students to explore the opportunities in STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), related occupations. Sodbusters provides plumbing and HVAC services in Atchison County and the surrounding area.
The purpose of the club is to provide opportunities for Atchison County students from 5th grade thru high school the opportunity to experience hands on STEM related activities in a team and competition environment.
This past summer the club was located in temporary quarters in the Tarkio Resource Center. The club wants to thank Betsy Chapin and the Resource Center for allowing them to meet in their excellent facility during the summer. The club moved to a new permanent location at 405 South Water Street in Rock Port, Mo. Meetings are on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays each week until competition begins the end of January.
Mentors are Dale Dickkut 744-4646, Teresa Mertens 744-5833, Kurt Jennings 816-399-9465 and Ken Miller 744-2818.
Front row: Ryder Proctor, Caleb Lucas, Ian Stepp, Deneb Hernandez, Tyler Pebley. Back row: Kalyn Mertens, Dan Ripley, Kwentin Swinehart-Roberts, Zach Clauson, Ethan Lucas, Luke Robison and Steve Harrington. (Submitted picture)
4-H Robotics Club Blue Jay yard signs- The 4-H Robotics Club is selling Rock Port Blue Jay yard signs as a fundraiser The signs were designed by Mr. Ross Hastert, manufacturing is being donated by the Ariens Co. in Auburn. The club will be selling the signs through November. The supply is low due to the overwhelming response.
On Old Fashioned Saturday Night, September 17, the club had a booth with a working robot, the aforementioned signs and a game to raise money for their organization.
