The 87th Annual Meeting of the Geary County Conservation District was held at the Senior Center/4-H building in Junction City on the evening of January 22. The audience gathered to hear the report of the District’s activities over the past year and to honor two local families for their outstanding work in preserving and enriching the natural resources of this area of the Flint Hills.
Following the meal sponsored by Central National Bank, Intrust Bank, KS State Bank and Landmark Bank, Chairman, Rod Gfeller opened the business part of the meeting. The annual report and treasurer’s report were presented for the crowd’s approval. The election of supervisors was held with Gary Schellhorn being reelected and Scott Miller newly elected. Scott will take Sarah Ellis-Schmidt’s place on the Board. Sarah had served faithfully for the last 12 years most recently serving as the vice-chairman.
Todd, Janice and Shayla Erichsen were presented with the Banker’s Award for Soil Conservation. The Erichsen’s have utilized cost-share programs to implement both structural practices, such as terraces and waterways, and management practices such as the use of cover crops to conserve and restore the health of the soil on their property. Lindsey Snider, of Central National Bank, gave the award presentation.
Phillip and Kristen Goodyear were the recipients of the Banker’s Award for Water Quality Conservation. Goodyear’s also utilized federal cost-share funds to close an old livestock waste lagoon, protecting the water quality in the Humboldt Creek watershed. Wendy King-Luttman, KS State Bank, was the presenter for their award.