ALMA, Kansas (STPNS) --   Nearly 150 friends of Wabaunsee County conservation practices gathered last Thursday evening at  Maple Hill Grade School for the district?s annual meeting.  What was believed to be the largest crowd ever, recognized several outstanding conservation achievements.

  Board Chairman Glenn Czirr served as Master of Ceremonies as he introduced current and past board members, sponsors for the annual activity, and honored guests.  Maple Hill Community  Congregational Church Minister Andrew McHenry provided the invocation followed by a catered meal by Puffy?s Steak & Ice House, Maple Hill.



  Water Quality Coordinator Tom Watkins  gave an overview of his department?s activities and achievements.  Watkins also  announced the winners of the annual poster contest.   First place winners included Rachael Holthaus, Mission Valley Grade School; Sammy Moege, Alma Grade School; Breanna Elliott, Mission Valley Grade School; and  Jake Rutledge, Mission Valley Jr. High.  Sammy was named  the grand prize winner overall.

   Minutes of last year?s annual meeting and the treasurer?s report were presented and approved.  Glenn Czirr and Jim Hinck were re-elected to serve another term as supervisors on the county board.

  Wabaunsee High School junior Curtis Nations gave a report on the 2007 Range Youth Camp he attended at Rock Springs.   District Conservationist Tracy Freeman provided an overview of the 2007 Conservation Award winners.  Tracy also shared his annual report.

  Wabaunsee County Key Banker Dick Poovey, Stockgrowers State Bank, presented the Soil Conservation Award to John and Elaine Rucker and Steve and Teresa Holz.  Poovey also presented the Water Quality Award to Duane and Diane Hund, the Windbreak Award to Brad and Stephanie Miller and the Wildlife Habitat Award to Steve and Larry Denton.   Conservation Board Member Jim Hinck presented the Grass-land Award to Steven and Pamela Flach.   Carla Huck represented Feyh Farms Co.,  and presented the Buffer Award to Christoph and Nicole Theuerer.

  The Bloomfield Family entertained the crowd with music and song.  Drawings were held throughout the evening for a variety of  door prizes.