By Jennifer Zartman Romano for Talk of the Town, a partner with Buscovoice.com in the Whitley News Network

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. – (Nov. 19, 2009) — On Thursday evening, Nov. 19, more than 100 Whitley County 4-H Inc. stockholders came out to vote five area residents onto the board of directors.

Following a meal of beef and noodles and remarks from board president Bill Leeuw and other directors, stockholders were acquainted with the eight nominees for spots on the 4-H Inc. board of directors.

“We did have a tie initially,” said board member Cathy Heritier. “We had to hold revote, so that was interesting.”

In the end, Bob McKown and Kent Reese retained their seats on the board. They were joined by three necomers – Tara Van Houten, Jeff Geiger and Kyle Francis.

Three members left the board, choosing to not run for re-election – Cindy Zollinger, Kent Kneller and Adam Haegert.

Cindy Zollinger left the board after serving for 12 years and was presented with a plaque for her service to Whitley County 4-H. Zollinger had previously directed the Mr. & Miss Whitley County pageant and fair concessions. Heritier said they are now looking for volunteers to oversee those areas of the fair. “We have some people in mind,” she said.

Kneller served two 3-year terms on the Whitley County 4-H Inc. board and was also presented with a plaque. Kneller was instrumental in overseeing drainage issues on the fairgrounds campus.

Haegert completed one term on the board.

Heritier said officers will be elected at the next meeting of the 4-H Inc. board of directors.

Current board members now include Rex Eiler, Cathy Heritier, Mike “Bruce” Johnson, Jon Kissinger, Bill Leeuw, Aaron McDevitt, Chad Nix, Dave Rupley, Brian Thornton, Bob McKown, Kent Reese, Tara Van Houten, Kyle Francis and Jeff Geiger.