Mount Pleasant, Iowa – The 2025 Henry County Fair Swine Show saw fierce competition in the barns this week, as local youth exhibitors brought forward some of the best pigs in the region. With a strong mix of seasoned showmen and impressive young talent, the event featured standout performances in both the breeding and market divisions.
Champion Competitive Gilt
Morgan Meyer Morgan showcased a structurally sound and well-balanced gilt that rose to the top of a tough class, earning the title of Champion Competitive Gilt.
Reserve Champion Competitive Gilt
Blake Meyer Blake earned runner-up honors with a high-quality gilt praised for its muscling and presence in the ring.
Champion Competitive Barrow
Kyndall Syfert Kyndall’s barrow impressed Judge Lain with its expressive muscle and strong design, claiming top honors in the barrow competition.
Reserve Champion Competitive Barrow
Morgan Meyer Morgan continued her strong run by taking Reserve Champion with another solid entry, demonstrating versatility and consistency across divisions.
Champion Market Competitive Swine
Morgan Meyer In a highly anticipated and closely judged division, Morgan took home Champion Market Competitive Swine with a barrow described as “complete, functional, and built for the long haul.”
Reserve Champion Market Competitive Swine
Blake Meyer Blake secured another major placing with the Reserve Champion Market Competitive Swine, rounding out a strong fair for the Meyer family.
Grand Champion Breeding Gilt
Josie Nelson Josie led the Breeding Gilt division with a gilt praised for its overall structure, femininity, and depth of body. Her entry took home the top honor of Grand Champion Breeding Gilt.
Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Gilt
Cooper Dickerson Cooper’s gilt earned Reserve Grand Champion, with strong remarks from Judge Lain on its powerful build and excellent front-end design.
Karen Arlene (Brown) Wells was born May 24, 1950, in Fairfield, Iowa to Paul LaVerne Brown and Ruth Arlene (Bradfield) Brown of Stockport, Iowa. She graduated from Van Buren High School in 1968. After graduation, Karen married the love of her life, Larry Lee Wells, on June 22, 1968, sharing beautiful memories with their growing family in various locations, but established long-term residency in Des Moines, Iowa.
Karen wore many hats – taking employment in banking, insurance, and ultimately landing in healthcare (as Admin Assistant, Activity Director, Marketing/Admissions and Social Worker for a short time). She was entrepreneur of RSVP, a business venture where she worked in her natural habitat, excelling in flower design and cake decorating, planning and overseeing weddings and receptions. She did whatever she could to help make those special moments extra special. Many were happy to assist where help was needed – whatever ‘Karing’ needed. Serving others and fine culinary skills were in her DNA. Those candlelight dinners for the residents at University Park Nursing and Rehab have gone down in history. As her former Administrator stated, whoever was to fill the role of Activity Director, after Karen, had “Big Shoes” to fill. She dispensed such generosity and grace so freely.
Karen’s faith and undying love for the Lord was a guiding force in her life. Her Church family was so special to her. Members of Union Park Grace Fellowship Church (since 1968) and previously Wakonda Christian Church (mid 70s) were as if they were her own. Par for the course, Karen fulfilled her life in Service to the Lord as Church Secretary, Treasurer, Teacher, Christian Education Director, Youth Leader, Christian Women’s Fellowship Chairperson, and most significantly Elder – serving in whatever capacity as she was able to share God’s word, during her tenure at UPGF church. She remained an Elder Emeritus for UPGF church, while she continued as best she could in her service in this life. Through prayer and comfort to others with every ounce of her being, Karen was always ready and eager to lend a listening ear, serve as confidante, and share her empathy and compassion ceaselessly. She never failed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her desire for others to come to Know Christ was well noted several years ago as she documented preparations for her homegoing.
As if that wasn’t enough, Karen continued in her service to others through her years with the ABWA (Des Moines chapter) and volunteering to support Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s awareness as often as she could. She was a true advocate.
“Doll”, “Special K” and the beloved “Karing” were all terms of endearment given by her loving husband, to exemplify her loving kindness, caring nature, and one-of-a-kind spirit. Karen loved the holidays and often was known for overdoing everything – there was always ample food, gifts, and decorations. She was always ready for company. Nothing was overlooked. Cristmases, being her favorite time of the year, were always filled with family, church, and her favorite cookies (oh, those orange slice cookies). She cherished her Nativity collection and the
beautiful message that continues to convey. She loved her family with her WHOLE heart. Sunday meals of taco burgers and ice cream desserts will not be the same.
Karen was a resident of Trinity Center at Luther Park (since 2014) where she passed peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, while under the care of UnityPoint Hospice. She and the staff became friends very quickly. Her advocacy for Parkinson’s, even in her final days, helped to form an amazing team of caretakers. Karen was 75 years old.
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin – the names and titles are endless – but there’s none other like Karen. Left to cherish her loving memory are her son, Nathan (Kim) Wells; daughters, Tina (Lonnie) Payton and Cynthia (Jason) Villalobos; grandchildren, Jay (Paige), Morgan (Jon), Elizabeth (Collin), Kelsee (Zach) and Preston (Kasie); seven great-grandchildren (Hayden, Alina, Daphnie, Branson, Graeson, Laura Belle; Evelyn); siblings, Karyl (Don) Adam, Keith Brown, Kristine (Lary) Cass, Kermit (Anna) Brown, Kent (Sue) Brown, and Kevin (Margie) Brown; and many other loving family members and friends that will cherish her infinitely.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Larry Wells; her parents, Ruth Brown and Paul LaVerne Brown, and brother, Kenneth LaVerne Brown.
Visitation for Karen will be Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, with a prayer service with the family at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Stockport Christian Church, 217 S Main Street, Stockport, IA 52651. The family will welcome guests at 10:00am. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with local arrangements.
Karen will be laid to rest next to her husband, Larry, at Spencer Cemetery following the funeral. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Hall in Stockport.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Union Park Grace Fellowship Church in Des Moines or the Parkinson’s Association, Iowa Chapter, at https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/iowa/ways-give-ia/donate/
The 2025 Henry County Fair Sheep Show brought fierce competition and top-notch livestock to the ring, but one name rose to the top across nearly every category: Tate Beard. With a sweep of major honors in both breeding and market divisions, Beard solidified a standout fair season marked by precision, preparation, and consistency.
In the Commercial Breeding Ewe division, Tate Beard took both Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion honors, setting the tone for a dominant showing.
The Champion Yearling Ewe award went to Emerson Syfert, with Chase Conrad earning Reserve Champion Yearling Ewe.
In the Market Lamb competitions:
Champion Speckled Face Market Lamb was awarded to Zenlynn Lee, who also claimed Reserve Champion Speckled Face Market Lamb in a tight class.
Champion Natural Market Lamb went to Tate Beard, while Kenlee Buffington took Reserve Champion Natural Market Lamb.
Weight class champions included:
Lightweight Champion – Coen Buffington
Lightweight Reserve Champion – Zenlynn Lee
Medium weight Champion – Tate Beard
Medium weight Reserve Champion – Kenlee Buffington
Heavyweight Champion – Tate Beard
Heavyweight Reserve Champion – Tate Beard
Beard’s winning streak continued with both the Grand Champion Market Lamb and the Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb, plus an incredible sweep of third and fourth place market lamb rankings.
In special recognition categories:
County Born Champion – Kenlee Buffington
Home born Champion – Kenlee Buffington
The showmanship divisions honored skilled handlers across age groups:
The 2025 Henry County Fair showcased an outstanding lineup of youth exhibitors during this year’s goat show, with local 4-H and FFA members competing across dairy, breeding, meat, and showmanship divisions. Judges recognized excellence in animal care, presentation, and project knowledge throughout the event.
Breeding Division Standouts
In the dairy division, Lael Coffin earned the title of Champion Dairy Goat, while James Coffin secured Reserve Champion
The Yearling Doe Champion title went to Beatrice Anderson, with Aubrey Lloyd named as Reserve Champion Yearling Doe.
The junior doe classes saw Colin Anderson take Champion Junior Doe, while Beatrice Anderson continued her strong showing with Reserve Champion Junior Doe.
Following the breeding classes, Grand Champion Breeding Doe was awarded to Colin Anderson,
Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Doe: Beatrice Anderson
nderson also rounded out the top rankings with Third Place Overall, followed by Aubrey Lloyd in Fourth Place Overall.
Showmanship Honors
Goat showmanship tested exhibitors on their handling skills, knowledge of animal care, and poise in the ring.
Junior Showmanship went to Aubrey Lloyd.
Intermediate Showmanship was awarded to Abigail Lloyd.
Senior Showmanship was claimed by Beatrice Anderson, who excelled across multiple divisions throughout the show.
Meat Goat Champions
The meat goat competition was divided by weight class:
Champion Lightweight Meat Goat: Tye Allison-Alter
Reserve Champion Lightweight: Ava Kempker
Champion Medium weight: Colin Anderson
Reserve Medium weight: Abigail Lloyd
Champion Heavyweight: Beatrice Anderson
Reserve Heavyweight: Aubrey Lloyd
In the special recognition category, Abigail Lloyd also took home the title of Champion County Born Meat Goat, representing local breeding success.
The Henry County goat show served as a display of hard work, dedication, and animal stewardship. Congratulations to all the youth participants who made this year’s event one to remember.
The rabbit barn was full of excitement at the 2025 Henry County Fair as local youth exhibitors presented their carefully raised animals in front of a knowledgeable judge and an eager crowd. This year’s competition featured strong entries across all categories, from fancy breeds to commercial classes.
MOUNT PLEASANT — The poultry barn was full of energy and enthusiasm as youth exhibitors gathered for the 2025 Henry County Fair Poultry Show, judged by Bart Price. Competitors showcased a variety of birds, from broilers to roosters, with awards handed out across both project-based and showmanship categories.
Top honors in the breeding bird division went to Quintry Lee, who was awarded Best Breeding Birds, with James Coffin taking Reserve Best Breeding Birds.
Quintry Lee also had an impressive showing in the meat production category, winning Best Meat Production as well as Best of Class Special Broiler Project.
Courtney Smith earned Reserve Champion honors in the Special Broiler Project, while Olivia Francie stood out with her entry in egg production, taking home the award for Best Egg Production.
Other notable awards included:
Best Rooster – Emery Job
Best Home Hatch – Kinnley Nichting
Educational Project Award Winner – Avery Wagner
In showmanship, where exhibitors are judged on their knowledge and handling skills, three champions were named:
Junior Showmanship Champion – Ava Kempker
Intermediate Showmanship Champion – Emmett Garza
Senior Showmanship Champion – Natalie Francy
The show reflected months of hard work, care, and dedication by 4-H and FFA youth across the county, offering a strong display of agricultural excellence and passion for poultry projects.
Despite steady rain falling over the Henry County Fairgrounds, the competition was fierce and spirits remained high in the show ring during the 2025 Market Beef Show. Local youth presented top-quality cattle with pride and precision as Judge Keaton Lain sorted through class after class of impressive animals. After a full day of judging, champions were named across each division, culminating in the announcement of the overall Grand and Reserve Champion Market Beef.
Grand Champion Market Beef
Libby Myers
Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef
Katie Miller
Grand Champion Breeding Heifer
Morgan Meyer
Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Heifer
Katie miller
Champion Crossbred Heifer
Morgan Meyer
Division Champions:
Champion Market Heifer
Aubrey Lloyd Reserve Champion Market Heifer
Justin Knipfer
Champion Lightweight Market Steer
Grant Anderson
Reserve: Olivia Francy
Champion Mediumweight Market Steer
Libby Myers
Reserve: Kylie Lloyd
Champion Heavyweight Market Steer
Katie Miller Reserve: Elyssa Graber
Final Thoughts
Judge Keaton Lain praised the depth and quality of the cattle shown, stating, “This show had tremendous consistency from top to bottom. These youth have done their homework — the structure, performance, and presentation today were second to none.”
Congratulations to all exhibitors on a strong showing at the 2025 Henry County Fair Market Beef Show!
Karen Arlene (Brown) Wells was born May 24, 1950, in Fairfield, Iowa to Paul LaVerne Brown and Ruth Arlene (Bradfield) Brown of Stockport, Iowa. She graduated from Van Buren High School in 1968. After graduation, Karen married the love of her life, Larry Lee Wells, on June 22, 1968, sharing beautiful memories with their growing family in various locations, but established long-term residency in Des Moines, Iowa.