Donnellson, Iowa — The Lee County Fair’s first goat show of 2025 saw strong competition as youth exhibitors from across the county brought their best to the ring in the Breeding Meat Goat and Dairy Goat categories. The show highlighted both skillful animal care and strong community support.

In the Purebred Breeding Goat division, the top honor of Champion Purebred Breeding Goat was awarded to Tanner Snaadt, an exhibitor whose dedication stood out in a competitive class.

The Reserve Champion title, backed by, also went to a strong representative from the Harrison Huskies club, Tessa Cale.

Among individual class standouts:

• Tessa Cale of the Harrison Huskies exhibited animals in both Show Class 2 and 3 of the Purebred Doe competition, helping secure top rankings for her club.
• Tanner Snaadt, Adelyn Kruse, Calli Kruse, James Kramer, Teagan Cale, and Adella Adkins also competed with a range of entries across Show Class 3, representing both the Busy Workers and Harrison Huskies

In the Dairy Goat division, Carrigan Carroll of the Harrison Huskies took home the title of Champion Dairy Goat.

Fair-goers and families filled the stands to cheer on the young handlers, who demonstrated not just showmanship but deep care and attention to their animals. The Lee County Fair continues throughout the week with more livestock shows, live entertainment, and traditional fair fun.

DONNELLSON, Iowa — The Lee County Fairgrounds lit up with applause and celebration Wednesday evening as Audrey Strudivant was crowned the 2025 Lee County Fair Queen, capping off a heartfelt program that celebrated leadership, community service, and personal growth.

Joining her in this year’s royal court were Kaylee Moeller, named the 2025 Junior Fair Queen, and Mattie Wenke, who was crowned Little Miss Lee County Fair.

The evening included a moving farewell from the 2024 titleholders, including Queen Kelly and Junior Fair Queen Tia, both of whom spoke about how their reigns helped them grow in confidence and create memories that will last a lifetime.

All contestants were recognized for their hard work, courage, and leadership throughout the competition. The Queen Committee reminded the audience that each candidate is a role model in her own right and encouraged the community to continue supporting these scholarship opportunities.

As the crowd cheered, the newly crowned royalty took center stage, marking the beginning of their exciting year representing Lee County at community events, parades, and throughout the fair.

Congratulations to Audrey, Kaylee, Mattie, and all the 2025 contestants for proudly representing the spirit of Lee County!

LEE COUNTY FAIR ROYALTY RESULTS ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY HOMETOWN VETERINARY CARE!

DONNELLSON, Iowa – KILJ Radio and Brownfield Ag News proudly partnered once again to celebrate youth leadership in agriculture by awarding the 2025 Brownfield Ag Youth Scholarships to two standout Lee County 4-H seniors: Jalyn Hawk of Donnellson and Lucas Wenke of Fort Madison.

Both students were recognized in a special buckle ceremony held during the Lee County Fair, receiving custom-engraved belt buckles that symbolize their commitment, leadership, and years of hard work in the 4-H program. The award is part of a long-running tradition where Brownfield Ag News, in partnership with local affiliate stations like KILJ, honors exemplary young leaders at county fairs across the Midwest.

Jalyn Hawk, daughter of Joe and Joanie Hawk, has been a dedicated member of the Harrison Huskies 4-H Club for eight years. Known for her work showing competitive swine, Jalyn has also served as President of the Teen County Council. A 2025 graduate of Central Lee High School, she was active in a wide variety of school organizations including FFA, softball, volleyball, show choir, the SOAR leadership team, National Honor Society, LEO Club, and trap shooting. This fall, Jalyn will attend St. Ambrose University with plans to become a physical therapist.

Lucas Wenke, son of Jason and Jenny Wenke, began his 4-H journey as a Lil’ Cowpoke in Denmark before joining the Harrison Huskies as a full 4-H member. Over the years, Lucas has become known for his enthusiasm, community involvement, and mentorship of younger members. From baking snickerdoodles for fundraisers to volunteering at petting zoos and agricultural events, Lucas has been a consistent and caring leader who embodies the spirit of 4-H.

The Brownfield Ag Youth Awards Program provides up to two engraved belt buckles per county for affiliate radio stations to present to youth of their choice. The program not only recognizes individual excellence but also celebrates the enduring importance of agriculture in local communities.

DONNELLSON, Iowa — The 2025 Lee County Fair kicked off with its traditional showcase of skill, care, and connection between young riders and their horses, drawing a crowd for the 4-H and FFA Horse Show.

Topping the halter class this year was Madison Hassman, who earned the title of Grand Champion Halter, while Madison Koller claimed Reserve Grand Champion Halter, both demonstrating outstanding control, presentation, and poise in the show ring.

In showmanship, Baylor Ferreira took top honors in the Senior Division, with Bailey Palmer and Lane Palmer winning Intermediate and Junior Champion Showmanship, respectively. Both divisions were competitive, with participants judged on their ability to present their horse, maintain control, and demonstrate knowledge and confidence under pressure.

The Palmer siblings continued their winning streak in the Horsemanship classes. Bailey Palmer captured the title of Champion Intermediate Horsemanship, while Lane Palmer rode to victory in the Junior Horsemanship division. Horsemanship competition tests riders on their riding ability, seat, and effectiveness of aids, and both champions impressed judges with polished performances.

The Lee County Fair horse show continues to be a celebrated tradition that highlights the dedication and hard work of area youth involved in agriculture and equine activities. Congratulations to all participants and winners for another successful and spirited event.

Horse Show Results:

Grand Champion Halter – Madison Hassman

Reserve Grand Champion Halter – Madison Koller

Champion Senior Showmanship – Baylor Ferreira

Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Bailey Palmer

Champion Junior Showmanship – Lane Palmer

Champion Intermediate Horsemanship – Bailey Palmer

Champion Junior Horsemanship – Lane Palmer

DONNELLSON — First-time fair exhibitor Jessa Hawk is already making a name for herself in the horse arena at the Lee County Fair, competing in an ambitious ten classes during this year’s horse show. With her horse Poncho at her side and a bright smile on her face, Jessa shared her excitement and hard work in an interview Wednesday morning.

Of the ten classes she’s registered for, Jessa had completed three at the time of the interview — Western Pleasure, Western Walk-Trot, and Pony Halter.

When asked how her performances had gone so far, she beamed. “Pretty good,” she said. “Poncho’s done a good job for me.”

This marks Jessa’s first time showing horses at the Lee County Fair, but horses aren’t her only focus this week. Jessa is also showing pigs and rabbits, proving her dedication to a full 4-H experience. Of the two, rabbits seemed to be her favorite. “Yes,” she said with a grin when asked if they were fun. But keeping up with her animals takes effort. “There’s a lot of chores,” she said, especially with pigs — “a lot of dirty work.”

Fortunately, she has help. “Mom and Dad,” she said when asked who supports her with all the responsibilities.

Her mother, Tiffany Hawk, has a long history with horses and proudly supports Jessa’s participation. “We barrel raced all year long,” she said. “I’ve been into horses my whole life. So her whole life, she has also been into horses.”

The fair continues through the weekend, and Jessa’s next big moment is the pig show, scheduled for Friday. With her hard work and Poncho’s steady pace, Jessa Hawk is sure to make more memories — and maybe bring home some ribbons too.