Washington County Fair Poultry Show Champions

Standardized Production Broilers

  • Grand Champion: Isabelle Duvall — Independent Members
  • Reserve Champion: Hailey Plank — Highlanders

Pen of Three Egg Layers

  • Champion: Isabelle Duvall — Independent Members
  • Reserve Champion: Dexter Rich — Green Acres

Single Egg Layer

  • Champion: Annabelle Peiffer — Riverside Enterprisers
  • Reserve Champion: Brooklynn Liska — Limecreek Limelights

Meat Turkey

  • Champion: Caynan Peak — Limecreek Livewires
  • Reserve Champion: Caynan Peak — Limecreek Livewires

Fancy/Exotic Hobby Bantam

  • Champion: Isabelle Duvall — Independent Members
  • Reserve Champion: Isabelle Duvall — Independent Members

Fancy/Exotic Chicken Larger Breed

  • Champion: Daxton Redlinger — Dutch Creek Flyers
  • Reserve Champion: Brynn Conrad — Dutch Creek Flyers

Duck

  • Champion: Isabelle Duvall — Independent Members
  • Reserve Champion: Isabelle Duvall — Independent Members

Goose

  • Champion: Joanna Vakulich — Kalona Klassics
  • Reserve Champion: Isabelle Duvall — Independent Members

Breeding Turkey

  • Champion: Caynan Peak — Limecreek Livewires
  • Reserve Champion: Caynan Peak — Limecreek Livewire

All Other Poultry

  • Champion: Reese Conrad — Dutch Creek Flyers
  • Reserve Champion: Brynn Conrad — Dutch Creek Flyers

Rooster Crowing Contest

  • Champion: Claire O’Connor — Limecreek Limelights
  • Reserve Champion: Brynn Conrad — Dutch Creek Flyers

Washington County Fair Breeding Beef– Grand & Reserve Champions

Cow with Calf (20120)

  • Champion Cow-Calf: Lauren McWhirter (72), Franklin Cubs

  • Reserve Champion Cow-Calf: Caynan Peak (369), Limecreek Livewires

Returning Bucket Bottle Heifer (20121)

  • Champion Returning Bucket Bottle Heifer: Elena Koch (141), Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion Returning Bucket Bottle Heifer: Lucas Bender (18), 76 Progressives

Produce Heifer – Produce of Former Heifer Project (20123)

  • Champion Produce Heifer: Peighton Ford (188), Mid‑Prairie FFA

  • Reserve Champion Produce Heifer: Blake Sheetz (173), Washington Go‑Getters

Purebred Heifer (20124)

  • Champion Simmental: Peighton Ford (188), Mid‑Prairie FFA

  • Champion Maintainer: Kenna Holmes (314), Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental: Eve Stoutner (380), Limecreek Livewires

All Other Breed Heifers (20125)

  • Champion Intermediate Showmanship & Supreme Grand Champion Breeding Heifer: Graci Hershberger (163), Limecreek Livewires

  • Champion Junior Showmanship: Brystol Younge (202), Limecreek Livewires

Commercial Heifer (20125)

  • Champion Commercial Heifer: Brynn Younge (203), Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Kinley Holmes (316), Limecreek Livewires

Washington County Fair  Market Beef – Grand & Reserve Champions

Heavy Feeder Class (20220)

  • Heavy Feeder Champion: LilliAnne Eldridge (137), Riverside Ramblers

  • Heavy Feeder Reserve Champion: Joseph Pacha (7), Washington Hustlers

Returning Bucket Bottle Market Steer (20221)

  • Champion Returning Bucket Bottle Market Steer: Caidan Luers (190), Franklin Cubs

  • Reserve Champion Returning Bucket Bottle Market Steer: Annie Troyer (210), Limecreek Limelights

Returning Bucket Bottle Market Heifer (20222)

  • Champion Returning Bucket Bottle Market Heifer: Clayton Bartholomew (55), Franklin Cubs

Small Breed Steer (20224)

  • Champion Small Breeds Steer: Bretton Flynn (123), Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion Small Breeds Steer: Jaycee Flynn (124), Limecreek Livewires

Produce (produce of former heifer project) (20225)

  • Champion Produce Market Steer: Nicholas West (278), Crooked Creek

Market Heifer (20226)

  • Champion Carcass Heifer: Jace Chalupa (280), 76 Progressives

  • Champion Market Heifer / Champion Senior Beef Showmanship: Brock Thomann (329), Highlanders

  • Reserve Champion Market Heifer: Cole Troyer (338), Limecreek Livewires

Purebred Steer (20226)

  • Champion Angus Steer: Parker Long (70), 76 Progressives

  • Champion Chianina Steer: Kohen Gerot (293), Riverside Ramblers

  • Champion Maine‑Anjou Steer: Ryker Gerot (294), Riverside Ramblers

  • Champion Shorthorn Plus Steer: Brock Thomann (329), Highlanders

  • Champion Simmental Steer: Auben Sweeting (334), Riverside Ramblers

  • Reserve Champion Senior Beef Showmanship: Kenadie Long (69), 76 Progressives

  • Reserve Champion Chianina Steer: Hunter Seibel (265), Riverside Ramblers

  • Reserve Champion Maine‑Anjou Steer: Kellyn Gerot (267), Riverside Ramblers

  • Reserve Champion Carcass Steer / Rate of Gain: Izzi Chalupa (279), 76 Progressives

  • Reserve Champion Angus Steer: Tate Sheetz (306), Washington Go‑Getters

  • Reserve Champion Simmental Steer: Brock Thomann (329), Highlanders

All Other Breed Steers (20227)

  • Champion All Other Breeds Steer: Lane Norman (51), Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Steer: Lilly Boller (288), Mid‑Prairie FFA

Single Source Steer (20229)

  • Champion Single Source Steer & Reserve Champion Junior Beef Showmanship: John Koch (142), Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion Single Source Steer: Lindsey Schneider (235), Green Acres

Crossbred Steer (20230)

  • Champion Carcass Steer & Champion Rate of Gain: Izzi Chalupa (279), 76 Progressives

  • Champion Division II Crossbred Steer: Greenley Gerot (266), Riverside Ramblers

  • Champion Division I Crossbred Steer: Ryker Gerot (294), Riverside Ramblers

  • Champion Division III Crossbred Steer & Grand Champion Market Beef: Ryker Gerot (294), Riverside Ramblers

  • Reserve Champion Division II Crossbred Steer & Champion Junior Beef Showmanship: Layne Schott (274), Riverside Ramblers

  • Reserve Champion Division I Crossbred Steer & Reserve Champion Intermediate Beef Showmanship: Kestyn Holmes (315), Limecreek Livewires

Gloria A. Townsend

Gloria A. Townsend, 82, of Farmington, Iowa, passed away at 11:04 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

She was born on December 22, 1942, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of David and Mamie (Johnson) Young. She married Harry Townsend, they later divorced.

She is survived by her two sons: Rick (Tami) Townsend of Farmington, Iowa and Randy (Debbie) Townsend of Fort Madison, Iowa; grandson: Matthew Townsend; granddaughter: Brittany (Nick) Bronson; and great grandchildren: Addison, Camille and Jonah.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

Per her wishes, no services will be held.

A memorial has been established in her memory and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz Funeral Home, P.O. Box 56, Donnellson, Iowa 52625

Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Josie Nelson Claims Grand Champion Title at Henry County Breeding Gilt Show

The gilt show at the 2025 Henry County Fair wrapped up with an impressive lineup of livestock and an equally skilled group of young exhibitors. After careful consideration by the judge, Josie Nelson earned the prestigious Grand Champion title with her commercial gilt, impressing with her structure, hip design, and overall balance.

 

Cooper Dickerson took home the Reserve Champion honor, also showing a commercial gilt that stood out for its heavy bone structure and powerful hind leg. The judge praised both top placements, noting their standout qualities in a highly competitive field.

Rounding out the Top 5 Overall Females:

  • 3rd Place – Alexis Francy

  • 4th Place – Josie Nelson (with a second entry)

  • 5th Place – Cole Meyer

The judge commended the exhibitors for their hard work and preparation, emphasizing that it was a “very, very good gilt show” with exceptional animals across the board.

Congratulations to all participants on a successful and memorable event.

Creative Builds Shine at Henry County Fair Lego Contest

The Henry County Fair showcased some serious imagination and building skills yesterday during the annual Lego Contest. KILJ News Director Hayden Douglas had the honor of serving as a guest judge for the event, which featured a wide array of creative, hand-built Lego displays.

Participants were divided into three age categories: 5–8, 9–12, and 13–17 years old. Unlike traditional Lego competitions that allow pre-made sets, this contest challenged contestants to create original designs using their own ideas—no box sets allowed.

Builders brought their A-game, with entries ranging from imaginative homes and custom battle scenes to creative vehicles and even scenes from popular films. Each display told a story through the iconic plastic bricks, showing off not only creativity but also technical skill.

In the 9–12-year-old category, Ben Hoyer received recognition for his impressive Lego village, a detailed and lively display filled with character and charm. Also earning top honors was Andrew Shepherd, who recreated a dramatic moment from the movie Twister—a gas station torn apart by a tornado, capturing the chaos of the scene with remarkable detail.

The Lego Contest continues to be a highlight of the fair, drawing young builders from across the county and offering a platform for them to share their creative passions.

2025 Henry County Fair Goat Show Results

The 2025 Henry County Fair Goat Show proved to be a showcase of excellence, featuring outstanding entries across market and breeding divisions. With a deep field of competitive youth exhibitors, the judges had their work cut out for them as they evaluated animals on structure, muscle, finish, and rate of gain (R.O.G.).

Market Goat Division

Lightweight Class
In the Light Weight Meat Goat class, Tyi-Alicyn Alter led the way to earn Champion Lightweight honors with a well-balanced, stylish goat. Reserve Champion Lightweight went to Ava Kempker, whose goat impressed with finish and performance.

Medium Weight Class
Colin Anderson claimed the Champion Medium Weight Meat Goat title with a goat praised for structural correctness, smooth lines, and strong performance. Abigail loyd followed with a Reserve Champion finish, showing a goat with good dimension and growth.

Heavy Weight Class
Beatrice Anderson earned the Champion Heavy Weight Meat Goat honor with a standout entry that combined mass and balance. Aubrey Loyd took Reserve Champion Heavy Weight with a powerful goat that showed well in the ring.

Top Overall Market Goat Results

  • Grand Champion Meat Goat: Colin Anderson
  • Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat: Abigail Loyd

Champion County Born Meat Goat was awarded to Abigail Loyd, highlighting local breeding excellence.

Breeding Doe Division

Colin Anderson extended his success into the breeding classes as well, taking home the title of Grand Champion Breeding Doe with an animal praised for completeness, femininity, and overall design. Beatrice Anderson was named Reserve Champion Breeding Doe, following closely with a high-quality, well-balanced doe.

Top Breeding Doe Placings:

  • Grand Champion Breeding Doe: Colin Anderson
  • Reserve Champion Breeding Doe: Beatrice Anderson

With wins across both divisions, Colin Anderson’s efforts stood out in a highly competitive field. Judges praised the overall quality of the show, noting the attention to structure, growth, and handling ability. Congratulations to all exhibitors for an excellent showing at the 2025 Henry County Fair. The fair continues today with the swine show at 9am followed by the rabbit, and poultry shows.

Theresa Rose to Be Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at State Fair

courtesy of ISU Extension of Henry County

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — It was officially announced that Theresa Rose will be inducted into the prestigious Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during this year’s Iowa State Fair. The honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to the 4-H program, and Theresa’s name is now proudly among those who have made a lasting difference in the lives of Iowa youth.

Theresa has been a cornerstone of the 4-H and Extension community for many years, offering her time, talents, and unwavering dedication to supporting young people and their families. Whether leading workshops, mentoring club members, organizing events, covering the county fair for KILJ, or providing steady encouragement behind the scenes, she has exemplified the spirit of 4-H in every way.

Theresa’s induction will take place during a special ceremony at the Iowa State Fair, where family, friends, and fellow 4-H supporters will gather to celebrate her achievements. The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame, established to honor outstanding volunteers, leaders, and contributors, serves as a lasting tribute to those who shape the future through youth development.