Hancock Soil & Water Conservation District-Garner, Iowa

07/15/2026

Hancock Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Poster Winners
All poster participants are winners in Hancock County SWCD annual poster contest. Hancock County SWCD poster winners were awarded a cash award in the 2026 Hancock Soil & Water Conservation District (Hancock SWCD) poster contest with this year’s theme of “Soil Where it all Begins”. First place winners received $15 in each age category and these posters were sent on to regional competition. Second place winners received $10, and 3rd place received $5. All 94 students who participated in the poster contest and teachers involved with the poster making received a $5 Avery Theatre gift card donated by the Hancock SWCD.
In the process of making the posters, we know these students learned about soil and water conservation through their teachers or on their own at home. Two teachers were recognized for their encouragement and help with making the posters by receiving a cash award from the SWCD. The teachers recognized are Hillary Dodge, 7th grade teacher and Natalee Schilling, 8th grade teacher at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Community School District (GHV). Their hard work and dedication are much appreciated.
Division 4 category (7th, 8th and 9th grades) winners are Emersyn Mills-1st place (8th grade), Brooklyn Jenniges-2nd place (8th grade), and Palmer Young-3rd place (7th grade).

Division 3 category (4th, 5th, and 6th grades) winner was Jace Meyering-1st place (6th grade). All 4 students are from GHV.

Commissioners of the Hancock SWCD include: Jon Hollatz, Andrea Nedved, William Stromer, Josh Crawford and Chase Ulven.

06/17/2026

The Hancock Soil and Water Conservation District gives scholarships each year to seniors who are pursuing study in any field of agriculture or natural resources. This year we presented two scholarships to Garner-Hayfield-Ventura seniors, one scholarship to a Clear Lake High School senior, and one scholarship to a West Hancock senior. The awards were presented to:

Reed Rauk career plans are to attend Iowa State University and major in Agricultural Engineering. Reed’s parents are Kevin and Karla Rauk.

Parker Stearns career plans are to attend college and pursue a career as a Conservation Officer with the DNR. Parker’s parents are Ray and Amber Stearns.

Samuel Dodge career plans are to attend Upper Iowa University and major in Agricultural Business. Samuel’s parents are Hillary and Timothy Dodge.

Tara Marchand career plans are to attend Iowa State University and major in Animal Science. Tara’s parents are Eric and Christine Marchand.

12/03/2025