“Making the best better” for generations of Missouri 4-H’ers,  Anna Rosa Widner and Anne Marie Kempf of Speed was inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame on August 17, 2019, at State Fair Community College in Sedalia.

They were among 43 inductees from 35 counties establishing a legacy totaling 1,021 years of service to 4-H. More than 250 family members and friends attended the 13th annual event.

Anna and Anne were a mother and daughter who shared a love of family, church, and 4-H.  They both served for many years working with the youth in both 4-H and church activities, giving their lives to service for their family and community.

Anna served as Project Leader for Sheep and as a club leader for the Speedy Workers 4-H Club.  She received her Diamond Recognition Pin for 35 years and served a total of 37 years as a 4-H volunteer.  She served as the Sheep Superintendent at the Cooper county Youth Fair for many years.  Anne, Anna’s daughter, was a member of the Speedy Workers club as a youth, and then served as a Project Leader for Gardening and as a county 4-H Council member and officer in her adult years.  She was recognized as Cooper County Club Leader of the Year in 1995.  Both of these women were highly involved in their clubs and the county fair.  They are exemplary examples of the kind of leaders who were dedicated to 4-H in Cooper County and helped build it into the legacy that exists today.  They believed in teaching, a love of youth, and leading by example.  Their contributions to 4-H through their clubs and the fair are immeasurable.

The Missouri 4-H Foundation recognizes individuals who have created a legacy of service to 4-H by honoring them with membership in the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame, said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.

“These volunteers have played a vital role in helping our youth develop essential life skills that will empower them to become strong leaders in the 21st-century workforce and we are proud to honor their service.”  “There are no words to express our gratitude to the 4-H volunteers who have devoted their time and effort to support our Missouri 4-H program,” said Dr. Lupita Fabregas, director of the MU Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. “Our volunteers, like the ones we celebrate in our 4-H Hall of Fame have shown us the true meaning of the words devotion, compassion, and commitment. Thank you to all of our inductees for your support of Missouri youth. You are contributing to building a better future for the next generation of Missourians.” 

Included in the picture are:  Front row - Mark Widner, Lee Kempf, and Sherry Kay Kempf; Back row – State 4-H Council member Sage Eichenburch, Ralph Widner, Dean Widner, James Kempf, and Missouri 4-H Foundation Trustee Joan Hickman

John and Barbara Holtzclaw of Boonville was inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame on August 18, 2018, at State Fair Community College in Sedalia.

They were among 50 inductees from 38 counties establishing a legacy totaling 1,318 years of service to 4-H. More than 250 family members and friends attended the 12th annual event.

John and Barbara are strong advocates of education and support the youth of the county.  They encourage 4-H members through the judging process at the county fair, offer assistance with state fair items, sponsor awards for projects/events and help youth attend 4-H activities.

Included in the picture are:  Missouri 4-H Foundation Trustees Dr. Marla Tobin (left) with Cooper County 4-H volunteers John and Barbara Holtzclaw and State 4-H Council member Rachel Love (right). Photo by Casey Buckman.

Trudy and Earl Twenter of Pilot Grove were  inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame on August 19, 2017, at State Fair Community College in Sedalia.

Trudy and Earl have served the Cooper County 4-H program for more than 30 years.  Trudy was club leader and project leader for foods, breads, clothing and child development.

She also taught First Aid classes.  Earl was a project leader for beef, forestry and gardening, and was a beef superintendent at the Cooper County Fair.  Earl and Trudy have also been very involved with 4-H exchange programs and Citizenship Washington Focus.

Included in the picture are Missouri 4-H Foundation Chair Dr. Marla Tobin (left) with Cooper County 4-H volunteers Trudy and Earl Twenter and State 4-H Council member Ashlyn Peterson (right). Photo by Amanda Stapp.

Cooper County 4-H members and volunteers celebrated their achievements during Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at the Cooper County Youth Fairgrounds hosted by the Cooper County 4-H Teen Council.

Teen Council members present were Caroline Herigon, Justin Luster, Lydia Meller, Carter Taylor, Maddie Brandes, Hayden Brandes, Grace Peterson, Allen Haslag, Christian Siegel, Sage Eichenburch, Mitchell Herigon, Callie Leeling, and Shaye Siegel. 

Over 50 members, volunteers, family and friends attended the program. Caroline Herigon, Mistress of Ceremonies and Teen Council President welcomed attendees for the evening. 

Teen Council led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H Pledge.

Shaye Siegel, Teen Council Vice-President, gave the invocation.

4-H clubs were recognized along with their leaders from 4 C’s, Blackwater Willing Workers, Clear Creek, Family Fun, Prairie Home Helping Hands, and Zion.  

Sheila Williams, county wide shooting sports coordinator and Tim Taylor, Archery and Muzzle loading instructor, recognized members that attended the state shoot in August and September. 

Justin Luster, Shelby Manning, and Carter Taylor were recognized as State Shooting Sports Ambassadors.

Project Report Forms were completed by the following members. 

• In the 8 – 10 year old division were Henry Brownfield, Abigail Gann, Clayton Imhoff, Hawkins Kammerich, Khaden Litton, Addison Renfrow, Stella Rhode, Ashlyn Schnuck, Marley Schuster, Bryce Wassmann, Abigail Wax, Magdalena Wax, and Audrey Wolfe.   
• The 11-13 year old division were Alyssa Brownfield, Jackson Day, Jefferson Day, Isaac Day, Bradyn Fahrendorf, Logan Goehman, Reagan Haslag, Mitchell Herigon, Haley Imhoff, Harlei Kammerich, Chase Litton, Lydia Meller, Sydney Parks, Grace Peterson, Christian Siegel, Carter Taylor, Annika Wadeen, Olivia Wadeen,  and Lilly Washburn.   
• The 14 and over age division included Adrianna Day, Grace Goehman, Allen Haslag, Caroline Herigon, Callie Leeling, Justin Luster, and Shaye Siegel.

4-H members were recognized for attending summer camps, state and national events, as well as exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair.  Members include Christian Siegel, Caroline Herigon, Justin Luster, Maddie Brandes, Adrianna Day, Sage Eichenburch, Haylee Rose, Annika Wadeen, Olivia Wadeen, Callie Gann, Rebecca Howery and Shaye Siegel. 

Justin Luster, West Central Region Representative, and Sage Eichenburch, Kids Helping Kids Coordinator from Cooper County, were also recognized for their roles on the State 4-H Council.               

Cooper County 4-H Council has long-established county awards for members, leaders, volunteers and clubs. 

• Outstanding first year member was awarded to Bradyn Fahrendorf, 4 C’s 4-H, and Addison Renfrow, Clear Creek 4-H. 
• Younger members were awarded to Christian Siegel, Prairie Home Helping Hands, Clayton Imhoff, Blackwater Willing Workers, and Haley Imhoff, Blackwater Willing Workers. Outstanding older member went to Caroline Herigon, Prairie Home Helping Hands. 
• Outstanding project leaders recognized were Tim Taylor and Michelle Day for Archery. 
• Outstanding club leader was Cindy Imhoff of Blackwater Willing Workers. 
• Outstanding 4-H Club was awarded to Blackwater Willing Workers 4-H. 

Anna Widner and Anne Kempf were recognized as the Cooper County Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame Recipients. 

Caroline Herigon was chosen for the recipient of the Youth in Ag Award sponsored by KMMO radio and Brownfield Radio Network.

For the 2nd year the 4-H council honored a person, business or organization that has helped the county 4-H program. 

• The Teen Council Friend of 4-H Award was given to BTC Bank for their assistance in providing resources to the 4-H program.
• The 4-H Council Friend of 4-H Award was presented to C & R Market for their continued support of our events throughout the year.

Sage Eichenburch was presented a pin for his State Key Award that is the culmination of a member's involvement in 4-H.  It is one of the highest awards a 4-H member can receive. 

Lydia Meller and Carter Taylor from Zion 4-H were presented with a small gift for their reign as the 2019 4-H King and Queen.

The evening closed with the awarding of door prizes.

Sage Eichenburch (far left) for being selected for the new Kids Helping Kids Coordinator on the 2019 - 2020 State 4-H Council.

Justin Luster (back row on right) was elected as West Central Regional Rep on the 2019 - 2020 State 4-H Council and for advancing on to attend National 4-H Congress in November.

Carter Taylor, Shelby Manning and Justin Luster were selected for 2019 - 2020 State 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors.

Shelby Manning (2nd from left) was selected for 2019 State Air Pistol Team.