Converse County 4-H Council Meeting
January 14, 2016
The Converse County 4-H Council met on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 6:30 pm in the 4-H/Extension
Office. Members present were Candace Stoll, Betty James, Jenny Halquist, Jake Halquist, Carol
Blackburn, Stephanie Williams, Mandy Lovitt, Cash Lovitt, Bev Reed, Monte Reed, Gary Stoll, Dairon
Mooren and Tyler Stoll. Stacey Fitzgibbons, 4-H Educator, and Leah Roberts, Treasurer Ex-Officio, were
also present.
The meeting was called to order by President Candace Stoll at 6PM. The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H
pledge were recited by the members.
No Secretary’s report was given; however, the minutes were distributed for review. Dairon made the
motion to approve the minutes as presented with Carol seconding. Motion passed.
The treasurer’s report was given by Leah. The Council checking account had a balance of $23,763.79
and $959.23 in outstanding checks as of December 31, 2015. A motion was made by Betty to approve
report as presented with Tyler seconding. Motion passed.
Unfinished Business:
Membership Online – Candace asked Stacey if she felt the online enrollment process for 4-H was
resulting in youth/volunteers delaying their enrollment, which may explain the lower enrollment numbers.
Stacey shared current and last year’s enrollment statistics. The belief is that the online process is not
impacting enrollment. In year’s past, youth/volunteer enrollment numbers were higher; however, there
was less participation. Bev asked if the cost of enrollment could be an issue and asked for an explanation
of why there are fees as years ago there were no fees. Stacey reported that fees covered a portion of
required volunteer background/motor vehicle checks and member/volunteer insurances.
New Business:
Fair – The fair dates for 2016 are July 15-23, 2016. Candace shared that the change in fair dates was
driven by Wyoming State Fair as a result in losing Tyler Haskin’s position and the possibility that the
prisoners would not be available to assist with setting up our fair. The fair committee reviewed, with input
from members, the impact of changing fair dates and market sale animal minimum weights. As a
reminder, Stacey stated the fair committee made recommendations to the 4-H Office; however, Stacey
was the ultimate decision maker and reminded attendees that minimum weight requirements are in place
to ensure quality of product. Leaders were asked to share minimum weight requirements at their
upcoming club meetings.
•
Minimum market sale animals weight –
o Steers
1050
o Heifers
1000
o Swine
210
o Goats
50
o Sheep
90
Dairon made a motion that the 4-H Office send a message to youth/volunteers asking if there is a concern
with minimum weight requirements. If a youth/volunteer has a concern they can contact a fair committee
member or 4-H Office by 4PM Monday, February 1, 2016. Bev seconded. Motion passed.
Fair committee members are: Heather LeClair, Betty James, Stephanie Williams, Kim Schwartzkopf,
Lorina Zwetzig, Beth Wood, and Luke Bethea
Converse County Expo – Rather than hosting an expo this year, youth will be given the opportunity to
attend Natrona County 4-H’s spring expo, which will be held March 10th. As details are learned regarding
expo, information will be shared with members/volunteers.
State Leadership Conference – Candace reported that she had attended CC 4-H Foundation meeting
and learned a great deal about the foundation’s purpose. Specifically, the foundation earmarks funds
each year to assist financially with CC4-H’s volunteer(s) participation in continuing education. Candace
reported that this year the foundation gave the council $392.45 (Bud Horr Memorial funds) with an
additional $200. These funds will be available to reimburse volunteers who attend training. Candace
reported that the foundation awarded 20 scholarships. The foundation shared that they would also
financially assist members. An example is if a judging team wins and has an opportunity to participate in
a larger event.
Candace encouraged leaders to participate in this year’s Wyoming 4-H State Leaders’ Conference that
will be held in Sheridan, February 19-20, 2016 (Flyer attached). Registration is due February 6, 2016.
Final amount per attendee will be determined at March’s meeting based on number of participants.
Project Meetings – Candace shared that she and Stacey are encouraging volunteers to focus on 4-H’s
philosophy of youth development. Candace expressed to community leaders that if they have folks in
their community who can provide youth with an educational opportunity for learning about a specific
project, then use them. One thing to remember - there is a requirement that an approved screened leader
be present at any meeting. This requirement is in place to protect everyone involved.
Key project leaders are also available to community leaders. A list of key project leaders will be published
in upcoming newsletters. Stacey added that she is responsible to ensure community leaders are
equipped to educate members.
Club Reports LaBonte Sagebrush
Betty reported that the next meeting will be 1PM Sunday, January 31 in the 4-H/Extension Office. Last
year’s goals will be reviewed and a plan for this year will be developed.
Wooly Bully’s
Mandy reported that the next meeting will be 4PM Sunday, January 31 in the 4-H/Extension Office. In
December, club members went bowling, exchanged gifts and sponsored a family.
Junior Leaders
Mandy shared that at January’s meeting, the junior leaders discussed county fair awards and would
appreciate guidance on awards. Bev suggested that an Awards Committee (made up of junior leaders
and volunteers) be formed. The 4-H Office will send a message to volunteers regarding this committee
and share that the first meeting will be held 6PM Monday, February 1 at the junior leaders meeting.
Dry Creek
Bev reported that this club is a small club and members will be going ice skating.
Future Stars
Jenny reported that the next meeting will be 6PM Wednesday, January 20 in the 4-H/Extension Office.
They will be having a party and discussing community service projects.
Wild Bunch
Carol reported that the club met December 13, 2015 and skated at the WSF ice rink. Members had a
Christmas party and exchanged gifts. They also met January 10 and set their goals for 2016. Kids started
working on their personal goals for their record book.
Educator’s Report:
Stacey shared that the county is subscribing to Judging101 (http://www.judging101.com/). This website
provides classes that include official placings, cuts and written reasons. Any Converse County 4-H
member may access the website. Information will be shared on how to access website when the county
has completed subscription process.
The next meeting will be held Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the 4-H/Extension office.
Dairon moved to adjourn the meeting at 8PM. Motion was seconded by Tyler Stoll. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Leah Roberts
Treasurer, Ex Officio
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