A celebration was hosted on April 18 by the Highland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Highland County Historical Society to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Highland SWCD and the 60th Anniversary of the World Plowing Match.

Former Division of Soil and Water Conservation Chief Larry Vance was the featured speaker to highlight the 75th anniversary of the district. He spoke about the district being the first one formed in the state on April 18, 1942 and read the testimonials from locals as to why there was a need for the district.

All past Highland Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors were honored for their service during the event. The SWCD received proclamations in recognition of its 75th anniversary from the Highland County Board of Commissioners, Ohio Speaker of the House Clifford A. Rosenberger, Congressman Brad Wenstrup and Ohio Governor John Kasich.

John Wickerham was the featured speaker to highlight the 60th anniversary of the World Plowing Competition. He shared memories of the match held in Adams County in 1957, where Highland County resident Duane Mootz was named the Contour Plowman Champion.

Historical memorabilia was displayed by the Highland SWCD, the Highland and Adams historical societies, Southwestern Ohio Farm Toy Collector Club, the Highland County Antique Machinery Club, Highland County Recycling and Litter Prevention and Highland County Farm Bureau to focus on conservation awareness and the heritage of agriculture.

Submitted by Pam Bushelman, Highland SWCD district operations manager.

A proclamation was presented to the Highland Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors and Staff by the Highland County Board of Commissioners. Pictured are (front row, l-r) Megan Scott, district resource specialist; and Pam Bushelman, district operations manager; (middle row, l-r) commissioner Shane Wilkin; Jeff Boike, supervisor; Chuck Williams, district technician; Kyle Mustard, supervisor, commissioner Jeff Duncan and commissioner Terry Britton; (back row, l-r) Jim Carr, supervisor; Dan Chambers, supervisor; and Larry Shannon, supervisor.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2017/04/web1_SWCD-pic-1.jpgA proclamation was presented to the Highland Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors and Staff by the Highland County Board of Commissioners. Pictured are (front row, l-r) Megan Scott, district resource specialist; and Pam Bushelman, district operations manager; (middle row, l-r) commissioner Shane Wilkin; Jeff Boike, supervisor; Chuck Williams, district technician; Kyle Mustard, supervisor, commissioner Jeff Duncan and commissioner Terry Britton; (back row, l-r) Jim Carr, supervisor; Dan Chambers, supervisor; and Larry Shannon, supervisor.

A proclamation was presented by Ohio Department of Agriculture David Daniels on behalf of Ohio Governor Kasich. Pictured are (front row, l-r) Megan Scott, district resource specialist; and Pam Bushelman, district operations manager; (middle row, l-r) Jeff Boike, supervisor, Chuck Williams, district technician; and Kyle Mustard, supervisor; (back row, l-r) Jim Carr, supervisor; Dan Chambers, supervisor; Larry Shannon, supervisor; and ODA Director Dave Daniels.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2017/04/web1_SWCD-pic-2.jpgA proclamation was presented by Ohio Department of Agriculture David Daniels on behalf of Ohio Governor Kasich. Pictured are (front row, l-r) Megan Scott, district resource specialist; and Pam Bushelman, district operations manager; (middle row, l-r) Jeff Boike, supervisor, Chuck Williams, district technician; and Kyle Mustard, supervisor; (back row, l-r) Jim Carr, supervisor; Dan Chambers, supervisor; Larry Shannon, supervisor; and ODA Director Dave Daniels.