The Town ‘N Kountry Kids Blue Group met via Zoom on Dec. 8. The meeting was called to order by Brady Larson. Pledges were done via Zoom. Roll call was completed by Hudson Fouberg, with 30 members responding to the roll call “Name an act of kindness.” The secretary’s report was sent out electronically and approved by members present. Payton Uecker gave the treasurer’s report. Teagan Moody made a motion, and Hudson Fouberg seconded the motion to approve the treasurer’s report. 

During the meeting, several trivia and jeopardy style questions related to Christmas were asked and youth responded with their answers. Gift cards will be awarded to those who won. 

Stacy Zoss reminded everyone to get their 4-H enrollment done online. The office sent out an e-mail with the new online site. If there are questions, call the office. Enrollment needs to be done by the end of December. Steve Zoss reviewed project medal requirements and where to find the information online.  

Old Business:

• Park updates/basketball hoops at Rossy Park – Committee of Teagan Moody, Payton Uecker, and Stacy Zoss will evaluate the park and basketball hoops and make a decision on what needs to be purchased. Bechen family is working on a replacement latch for the gate. 

• Grandparents cards – Youth were reminded to send their monthly cards or letters to their assigned grandparent.  Janet sent the list out prior to the meeting, several names were added.  

• Christmas Tree for Community Center – It was decided to wait on the purchase at this time, as the activities at the Community Center are on hold due to COVID-19.

New Business:

• Christmas activity – Jen (Saturday, Dec. 19) – As a Christmas Activity for the club and community members, the Fouberg family organized a Hay ride in Letcher on Dec. 19 from 3-5:30 p.m. A committee of Bechen, Moody and Fouberg families will finalize the details and send information out.  During this time the club will also sponsor a food drive for the Sanborn County Food Pantry-donations of Kleenex, hair products, dish soap, hand soap, laundry soap, coffee, paper towels, four pack toilet paper, or money are suggestions. Social distancing guidance will be followed including masks. Posters will be made to hang around town.  We will not advertise on social media to try to keep attendance smaller with COVID-19 concerns.

• Christmas Service Project Ideas: Club members discussed several service project ideas and decided on Paying for Coffee at Buckshots and the Country Pumper (Teagan, Payton, Stacy) and providing some sort of snack/treats for law enforcement and county courthouse employees (Alexis, Morgan and Janet).

Dates to remember

• Dec 11. is the deadline for signing up for Crafting Corner at the 4-H Office (see e-mail from office).

• Dec. 31 is the deadline for 4-H enrollment.

• Dec. 31, Reimbursement will be submitted for camps (see e-mail from office).

• Jan. 9 is the Davison County Calf Show.

Meeting adjourned.

…See a photo in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!

The Town ‘N Kountry Kids Red Crew 4-H Club met on Dec. 5 at the Woonsocket Community Center.

Prior to the meeting, club members participated in several activities. Christmas Caring Project gifts and cards were prepared. 4-H members recorded videos for the Christmas Caring project. Christmas cards with greetings to our elderly friends were written. Recreation Officer Trevor Johnson led a game of “Santa, Reindeer, Elf,” a Christmas version of Rock, Paper Scissors. Snacks were served by Leader Paula Linke.

The meeting was called to order by Co-President Megan Linke. The Flag Pledge was led by Corbyn Broer, and the 4-H Pledge was led by Paige Anderson. 

Roll call was led by Co-Vice President Emily Ohlrogge with the topic, “My Middle Name” which was answered by 26 members.  

The secretary’s report was read by Hope Baysinger and approved as read. The treasurer’s report was given by Co-Treasurer Mary Catherine Hansen and approved as read.

A health and safety report was given by Health and Safety Officers George Broer on the importance of exercise and by Ty Burkel on how to brush your teeth.

Danielle Brooks and Shiloh Senska reported on American Education Week.  

Club members were reminded to get 4-H Online enrollment completed and to think about their goals for this next year. 

Emily Ohlrogge gave a committee report for the Christmas Caring project. Committee members were Emily Ohlrogge, Dilyn Brooks, Trevor Johnson, Mary Catherine Hansen and Samuel Hansen, Lane Burkel and Kolby Lindsey. The committee decided to purchase items to create a gift bag of presents for each resident. Emily Ohlrogge and Dilyn Brooks went shopping for the gifts. Mary Catherine Hansen designed Christmas cards for the club to write a personal note. Together, they put the gifts together and wrote the Christmas cards. The committee also decided to create a video to show the residents on their TV’s. Club members created individual videos talking about what they do for Christmas and will combine them into one large video. Trevor Johnson selected Christmas carols to sing. The Christmas bags will be given out to the residents at their Christmas party.

The group talked about project day ideas for over Christmas break. One idea is to make t-shirts or kitchen towels with vinyl graphics like they did with the potholders. Another is a dried flower project. A date will be worked on over Christmas break.

Fun Day suggestions were discussed, including Air Madness, sledding, and ice bumper cars. The club will look at dates over Christmas break and into January.

The next 4-H meeting may be scheduled over Christmas break. 

Following the meeting, Paige Anderson presented an illustrated talk on how she created a visual arts drawing project with crayons and water. Alex Anderson gave an illustrated talk on making a cat toy on a wood stand. Then, the group walked over to the island to sing some Christmas carols for a video they are making for the residents at Prairie View Healthcare for Christmas.

…See photos in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!

Greetings from the 4-H Extension office!

Youth and adults along with their favorite dog joined the dog obedience training series recently offered by Christy Zoss and Sanborn County 4-H. Participants met each week to work on basic obedience such as heel, sit and stay. Dogs ranged in age from 10 weeks old on up to senior dogs. 

The bond between human and dog is always one that amazes me! I got a new puppy last fall and knew that dog obedience was going to be a must. Luckily, my daughter Kaycee volunteered to show “Hazel” this past summer in 4-H. Throughout their experiences, we have learned quite a bit about training dogs. A head strong dog and kid make quite the pair! Last winter I read a book called “How to raise the perfect dog” by Cesar Millan. I had seen the show on TV, and I was intrigued. It is a good read and I recommend it for anyone who is thinking about getting a dog or is recently starting out with one. Consistent messaging from the handler is invaluable. This is especially seen when you have a family dog. All members of the family should be able to have their dog perform the basic commands. 

Our own local dog whisperer, Christy Zoss, shared her insights, tips and tricks throughout the five-week series. Christy owns her own pet grooming business near Forestburg. Participants from Jerauld and Sanborn counties saw marked improvement in their dog’s behavior. Again, that consistent messaging rings true! 

The 4-H dog project encompasses different components beyond obedience such as agility where a dog moves through an obstacle course. Rally which combines fast paced agility with obedience. And lastly, showmanship where you and your dog work as a team, showing that you are composed, and in control always. If you are interested in learning more, contact the Extension office.

We look forward to 2021 and having another dog training series with Christy. Thank you to all who attended and keep up the practice with your hound. Thank you to Christy Zoss for sharing her time with us!

…See photos in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!