The Town ‘N Kountry Kids 4-H Club – Blue Group met on Sunday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Letcher Community Center. The meeting was called to order by president, Ellie Evans. Pledges were led by Teagen Moody and Cole Wilson. Roll call question was “What is a winter project you would like to complete for 4-H?” Twenty-five members and seven clover buds answered the roll call question. Payton Uecker read the secretary’s report, no changes were made. Bryce Larson gave the treasurer’s report. Teagen made a motion to pay all the bills and approve the treasurer’s report, Payton seconded the motion.

Committee Reports: Kelly and Cole Wilson, Alexis Kelly, and Sherry Hanson gave a report on the food pantry boxes. It was a huge success! Caleb Kneen and Shay Bechen gave a report on the Christmas tree they helped decorate at the Sanborn County Courthouse. Delaney Zoss gave an update on what she had sent out for grandparents, and she had Valentine’s Day cards for members to sign. 

Old Business: Some members were reminded they still need to sign up online for the current 4-H year. Recognition thank you cards were written and will be mailed out soon. Several members handed out completion documents. Miley Adams and Riley Kneen gave a report on the Christmas party. Everyone agreed it was a fun experience and was a good time.

New Business: The new calendars were handed out so members could update them. Stacy explained what should be written in the calendars at each meeting.  Stacy also spoke to the club about some of the do’s and don’ts of the record book. She reminded everyone that the accumulative reports need to be brought to the front and updated yearly. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 9 a.m.; members will need to bring an idea of what to make for a poster. Ashlee Hanson made a motion to have the club purchase 14×22 poster board to use at the next meeting, and Brooklyn Larson seconded the motion. Janet is having a sewing day with some members on Jan. 21 at her home. Stacy talked to the club about the incentive program the leaders are doing this year. The deadline for the first round of drawing is April 29. Stacy told the members to be sure to send a picture of a project they have completed this year to one of the leaders to be entered into the drawing. Stacy also talked to the club about a selected outfit and how this could be a very easy project suitable for all members. 

Pie auction money raised during achievement days last year was used to purchase items for the kitchen at the 4-H building. Velma alerted the club that 4-H fruit sales will soon be starting. Orders will be taken in February with a March delivery date. Money from fruit sales this year will be used to add on storage to the 4-H building. 

Talks/Demonstrations were: Brady Larson – “All About Tobacco,” Ashlee Hanson – “Violins,” Toby Kneen – “Hunting Safety,” Bryce Larson – “Be Safe, Stay Safe Online,” and Sidney Richardson – “Making a Centerpiece.”

Recreation: Brady Larson had a game for members to play called crawl ball. Members worked on teamwork and building good character. 

The next meeting was scheduled for Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Letcher Community Center.

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.

BROOKINGS – South Dakota 4-H youth from across the state competed together with 660 youth from the U.S. and Canada during the Western National Roundup, Jan. 9-13, held in Denver, Colo. The Conference is now in its 99th year. Western National Roundup is held annually during the National Western Stock Show.

“South Dakota 4-H members showcased their talents and winning attitudes during this event,” said Amanda Stade, SDSU Extension State 4-H Events Management Coordinator. “Our state’s 4-H members excel on the national stage. These youth are our future. They set the bar high on what we can expect from them.”

The trip was sponsored and funded by the 4-H Livestock Industry Trust Fund. The 4-H members selected, qualified to compete by winning statewide contests in 2018. 

Nathan Linke of Woonsocket competed with South Dakota’s team in the Livestock Quiz Bowl, and they placed fifth.

To learn more about SDSU Extension 4-H and connect with your county SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor, visit extension.sdstate.edu and search “Our Experts” link under the “About” tab.

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.

The Town ‘N Kountry Kids Red Crew 4-H Club met on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at Prairie View Healthcare Community in Woonsocket.  Prior to the meeting, 4-H members led activities with their elderly friends, including Bingo, rocket launcher, relay races and singing.

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Bailey Feistner. The Flag Pledge was led by Shiloh Senska, and the 4-H Pledge was led by Emily Ohlrogge. 

Roll call was led by Bailey with the topic, “Favorite Activity in the Snow” which was answered by 21 members.  

The secretary’s report was read by Acaiya Schultz and approved as presented.

The treasurer’s report was presented by Treasurer Evan Ohlrogge and approved as given.

Jalyn Grassel and Paige Anderson reported on buying socks to give to the nursing home residents.  Alex and Paige Anderson and Bailey shared about buying gifts for the Secret Santa for Seniors program. Avery Miller and Myles and Jason Larson told us about their favorite part of the club swimming party. 

For old business, the club was reminded that Shooting Sports starts on Jan. 6. They will be planning a sledding fun day at Wessington Springs. 

For new business, the club members were asked to come visit the nursing home in Wessington Springs. They talked about doing a line dancing activity there. Talks or demonstrations at the upcoming meetings need to be planned for. Discussion was held over some additional activities to practice for Horticulture and Consumer Decision Making judging.

The next meeting will be scheduled via e-mail and may be later in January.  

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.