Induction is part of '25 Beef Banquet

   A Hall of Fame induction, scholarships, the annual auction, a special recognition, and a ribeye steak meal were all part of the Jones County Beef Banquet Saturday, March 15 at the Berndes Center in Monticello.

   Inducted into the Jones County Cattlemen Hall of Fame was Don Hardersen of Anamosa.

   Raising cattle has been an important part of Hardersen’s life and farming operation for about 65 years.

   He became interested in the Jones County Cattlemen because of his parents’ involvement. Hardersen eventually became a board member and served for about 10 years. A highlight was when the Cattlemen grilled 3,000 ribeye steaks in two hours for the American Soybean Associationin downtown Des Moines.

     Al Lubben Memorial Scholarships were presented to deserving students, as follows: Wesley Meyer of Anamosa, $1,000; Logan Crock of Mechanicsville, $750; Dani Gravel of Anamosa, $500; and Bryce Lynch of Cascade, $500.

   Special recognition was given to Doug Kurt, who has served on the executive board of the JCC for the past 12 years, six as treasurer and the most recent six as president.

     The Jones County Cattlemen also held their annual live auction, featuring 25 auction items, with Ivan Kurt serving as auctioneer. Cindy Dirks, Jones County ISU Extension Council president, provided the invocation. A silent auction and door prize drawings were conducted as well.

     Andy Petersen served as Master of ceremonies.