GALLIPOLIS — Jim Rose once worked for the Gallia Soil and Water Conservation District, but on Thursday, it was the SWCD’s turn to honor Rose and his efforts on behalf of agriculture and land conservation.

Rose, accompanied by his wife Tandie and stepson, Brandon Montgomery, was recognized as the Outstanding Cooperator of 2008 by the SWCD at its 64th annual meeting and banquet.

“His work ethic, his excellent management skills both and off the farm as well as his honest, to-the-point personality, make Jim Rose an excellent choice,” SWCD Office Manager Jennifer Harrison said in remarks read aloud by Rose’s friend, Kent Shawver.

Rose, a Gallia Academy High School graduate, returned to the family farm in the early 1980s after attending Ohio State University at Wooster. He became a cooperator on June 27, 1988, and has since implemented such conservation practices as pipeline, spring development, watering facilities, fencing, access roads and prescribed grazing.

He and his family farm about 400 acres in Walnut and Perry townships. Rose previously worked for the SWCD but is now a civil engineering technician for the Natural Resource Conservation Service, dividing his time between Gallia, Meigs and Lawrence counties. He is also a bookkeeper for several individuals and businesses in Gallia County.

The 2008 Beginning Farmer Award was presented to Clif and Toni Sue Ford, who both retired from the Ohio National Guard in 2004, started cutting hay on property they purchased on Lewis Road a decade earlier and now have a cow-calf operation featuring 23 head of Black Angus. They now care for another 90 acres of land.

The Fords — Clif originally from Newark and Toni Sue from Columbus — have participated in the Forestry EQIP program with crop tree release and invasive species, and regular EQIP with a contact for fencing and a watering system.

Along with their farming activities, Clif works part-time for Creative Designs Cabinet Shop, and Toni Sue is employed by Paul Davies Jewelers in addition to her own direct sale business. She is also a licensed practical nurse. Their daughter, Morgan, teaches English at Amanda-Clearcreek High School.

Honored as the Outstanding Farm Woman was Terri Hamilton Bowie of Hamilton Orchard Farm of Gallipolis.

She is the third generation working on this farm, owned and operated for many years by her parents, Dan and Gail Hamilton, and grandparents, Charles and Fay Hamilton.

Active in raising cattle, Bowie is a GAHS graduate.

Involved in three EQIP contracts with the SWCD, Bowie has participated in several conservation practices, including a spring development, livestock watering tanks, water hydrants, pipeline, prescribed grazing and fencing.

Her 16-year-old daughter Brooke, who attends GAHS, is the fourth generation family member to carry on the tradition. She is a member of the Gallipolis FFA, and raises steers and heifers for the Gallia County Junior Fair.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Kevin Kelly, managing editor of the Gallipolis Daily Tribune/Ohio Valley Publishing Co., for promoting SWCD activities through the years in the Tribune. He began covering the annual SWCD meetings in the 1980s, when they were held at Green Elementary School.

Kelly, an Ohio University graduate who’s been associated with Tribune on and off since 1979, was named OVP’s managing editor in September 2004. He and his wife, Beth, reside in Vinton.

Winner of the SWCD’s 2008 scholarship is Samantha Lee Northup, daughter of Jack and Cheryl Northup of Gallipolis. She is attending Morehead State (Ky.) University, working on a four-year veterinary tech and animal science degree.

A GAHS graduate, Samantha was involved in FFA and active in 4-H and the Youth Fair Board. Following graduation from Morehead, she plans to continue her education at Ohio State University, looking to obtain a master’s degree in animal genetics.

Honored at the meeting were high school soil judging winners. They include, in the individual ag category, Ben Schrock of River Valley, first place; Leah Stumbo of South Gallia, second place; and Zane Carroll of River Valley, third place.

In the individual urban category, Morgan Daniels and Kayla Harrison, both of Gallia Academy, tied for first place, while fellow Gallipolis FFA members Tyler Davis and Amanda Withee tied for second place.

The ag team from River Valley — Ben Schrock, Zane Carroll, Alisha Green and Chris Diamond — scored 1050 points. The urban team from Gallia Academy netted 1591 points. The team includes Morgan Daniels, Kayla Harrison, Tyler Davis and Andrea Withee.

The winner of the big tree contest was Winona Eskins, nominated by Jackie Graham. An American Persimmon of 26 feet in height, circumference of 3.2 feet and crown spread of 15 feet is located on Eskins’ property on White Cemetery Road in Harrison Township. The award is co-sponsored by the SWCD and O.O. McIntyre Park District.

Winners of the photo contest were Michelle Black in first place and Melissa Call in second. Third place was won by Carrie Wiseman. Honorable mention went to Call and Black.

In the kindergarten coloring contest, co-sponsored by the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College, first place was won by Ryelee Sipple of Hannan Trace Elementary School. Second place was won by Seth Jones from Vinton Elementary School.

In the board of supervisors’ election held prior to the meeting, incumbents Lawrence Burdell and David Carter were reelected to three-year terms. Mark Neal finished third in the race.

Burdell and Carter will continue to serve with fellow supervisors Merrill Baker, Joe Dailey and Bob Woodward, and with Associate Supervisor Noel Massie.

The meeting, held at Buckeye Hills Career Center for many years, was shifted to the Family Life Center of the First Church of the Nazarene in Gallipolis this year due to renovation of BHCC’s main building, which includes its dining facility.