by Elizabeth Davis
The Bates County Soil and Water Conservation District held their annual Cooperator Appreciation Open House on March 13, 2025, at the USDA Building, 625 W. Nursery, Butler, MO, with 50 people who had signed in by the noon hour and many more who dropped in throughout the day. Refreshments were served from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and lunch was offered between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
The highlight of the day for many attendees was the Annual Fourth Grade poster Contest. This year’s theme was “Home is Where the Habitat is.” Posters are judged at 50% on theme, 30% for visual appeal, 10% for originality and 10% for universal appeal. The top contest winners from each class receive a ribbon and cash prize.
In all, 169 fourth graders from eight area schools participated in the event. From each class, a first place winner was picked and from those fourteen, the field was narrowed to the four winners who were introduced at the Thursday Open House.
This year’s Bates County winners were as follows:
4th Place – Elijah Arnold – Rich Hill School, son of Joshua & Danielle Arnold
3rd Place – Hadley Brooks – Butler School, daughter of Rachell Brooks
2nd Place – Melanie Varns – Hudson School, daughter of Stacie Varns
1st Place – Nora Reynolds – Hume School, daughter of Autumn & Adam Reynolds
Each county winner received a plaque in addition to the ribbon and cash prize for placing first in their school. The first place county poster will advance to the State level competition. State Poster Contest winners will be announced at the Annual Training Conference held in November, at Margaritaville Resort. We would like to thank the schools, teachers and parents for allowing their students to be a part of this activity. We are especially thankful to all the students who submitted a poster. You are the future of our Conservation Nation. Each and every one of the posters showed a genuine interest in preserving our Natural Resources through good conservation practices.
Everyone in attendance seemed to have a good time and their presence was much appreciated in helping to make a fun day for all.
Board Members in attendance were: Michael Rapp, Chairman; David Yarick, Vice-Chairman; Tyler Reinke, Treasurer and David Thurman, Member.
Personnel in attendance were: Katrina O’Farrell and Cheyenne Reinke all NRCS staff; Arlie Jessup and Elizabeth Davis, all SWCD staff.
We would like to thank everyone that attended our Open House and hope it was as enjoyable for the attendees as it was for our Staff.
