Sumner Newscow report — Plans are being finalized for the 81st Bankers Award Dinner and Annual Meeting of the Sumner County Conservation District. The event will be held on Feb. 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Raymond Frye Complex, 320 N. Jefferson in Wellington.

A part of those plans includes finalizing the components of a raffle drawing for various great prizes. Those entering must be 18 years of age or older and must be present at the dinner and meeting to win. Prizes include a cooler, Kansas-themed products, local business swag, and more. One ticket per adult to enter the drawing will be available at the sign-in and reception table.

The highlight of the evening will be honoring two deserving farms receiving conservation awards from the Sumner County Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Sumner County Key Banker, Phillip White will present the two Bankers Awards for Soil Conservation to Steve McCorgary and Peter Collinson, as well as Hemberger Farms LLC and the Stocking Family. NRCS District Conservationist Nathan Butler will provide a short presentation featuring both operations.

Once again, the Sumner County Bankers Association will provide the meal. This years meal will be catered by the Fence Post out of Harper Kansas. The Wellington FFA Chapter and Advisor, Linda Chase, will be assisting with the buffet-style meal.

The theme for the event is “May the Forest be With You, Always.” Students from throughout Sumner County have put their talents to the task of creating beautiful posters depicting the theme.

The Poster Contest winners will also be presented with their awards. A handful of teachers from several county schools entered more than 70 entries for the contests. These teachers are eligible for the Teacher Appreciation Award. The gift of $100 in classroom supplies will be presented to the lucky teacher.

Following the meal and awards the Annual Business Meeting of the Sumner County Conservation District will be conducted. Business to be conducted includes the annual report of the district’s 2023 activities, the financial report and the election of two Board Supervisors. Mark Busch and Michael Neises are included on the ballot for re-election. Nominees from the floor will also be accepted as well as write-in votes. Voting guidelines and ballots will be available at the meeting.

To close the evening a drawing for the raffle prizes will be held. Those attendees age 18 and over will receive a ticket for a chance to win.

Reservations can be made by calling 620-326-2269 or email sccdbu@gmail.com. Please leave your name and the number of guests who will be attending. Seating is limited, so be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible.