2010 Plymouth County - Wayne & Julie Beitelspacher

Wayne was a Plymouth County 4-H member for nine years in the Grant Little Giants Club.  It was here that Wayne learned how to set goals and developed a strong work ethic.  After he and Julie were married and had children of their own, this 4-H tradition would continue.  Both of their children, Kari and Luke were actively involved in the same club as their father.  They have both livestock and static exhibits that earned them many grand champions.  Kari was also a member of the Fair Royalty Court.  As their children became active in 4-H, Wayne and Julie became leaders of the Grant Little Giants from 1994-2001.  They instilled the same values and work ethics Wayne learned as a 4-H’er in many youth that still look to the Beitelspacher’s for advice today!  They encouraged their club to take a leadership role in the community which led the members helping with the newspaper recycling project.  Each month this club picks up and delivers truck loads of recycled newspapers from two area towns to the collection site.  Hundreds of thousands of tons of newspapers have been recycled and kept out of landfills due to this effort that continues yet today. 

Following their role as leaders Wayne became a member of the Plymouth County Fairboard where he loves helping 4-H’ers with their livestock projects.  Julie served on the Extension Council receiving the State Extension Council Service Award.  She also has been active on the 4-H & Youth Committee, and Awards Committee,.  She also continues to serve on the Fair Queen Committee and works daily at the fair interviewing 4-H winners on local radio station KLEM to promote 4-H.  A highlight for Julie working so closely with the Queen Contest was having the 2009 Plymouth County Fair Queen selected as the Iowa State Fair Queen.

Wayne and Julie feel that whatever small part they can do to support and promote young people to be a part of 4-H is the proudest thing they can do for their community’s future.  They try to live by example in their home, community, and workplace to be role models for other 4-H families living in the area.  They are so proud to be part of the Plymouth County Fairboard and that the 25 plus members who still feel that the goal of their large county fair is “It’s All About the Kids!”