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Local SWCD recognizes county families at annual dinner

Phil Karst (left) and Pat Karst received the Conservation Farmer Award Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Huntington County Soil and Water Conservation District annual meeting.
Phil Karst (left) and Pat Karst received the Conservation Farmer Award Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Huntington County Soil and Water Conservation District annual meeting. Photo by Cindy Klepper.

Two Huntington County families were recognized by the Huntington County Soil and Water Conservation District Thursday, Feb. 18, for their earth-friendly farming efforts.

The father-son team of Phil Karst and Pat Karst received the Conservation Farmer Award during the SWCD's annual meeting, and Greg and Eva Witkamp received the River Friendly Farmer Award.

In addition, the SWCD honored nine Huntington County 4-H members for their achievements in the soil and water conservation project. Honored youth were Alexandria Christman, daughter of Matthew and Christine Christman; Alexandra Forsythe, daughter of John and Cheryl Forsythe; Bailey Irick, daughter of Roger and Jody Irick; Robert Sliger III, son of Robert and Monica Sliger; Kayla Villanueva, daughter of Rick and Kandy Villanueva; Matthew Knight, son of Terry and Sherry Knight; Jacob White, son of John and Carol White; Julie Winters, daughter of Carl and Sheryl Winters; and Bonnie Hardy, daughter of Terry and Lori Hardy.

Cheryl Jarrett, office manager and education coordinator for the SWCD in Huntington County, was recognized as the recipient of the Huntington County "Above and Beyond the Call of Duty" award. The award is presented annually by the Huntington County Commissioners to a county employee who exceeded expectations during the previous year.

Jarrett coordinated a cleanup of the Blue Star Highway on the Huntington-Wabash county line, which had become a popular dump area.

Guests at the dinner meeting, which was held at Crestview Middle School, were entertained by Charlie Adams, a former television sports reporter who now travels the country as a motivational speaker and tour group leader.

The Karsts farm approximately 549 acres and have been using a no-till method since 1982. They also practice some strip till farming and follow practices that help reduce soil erosion and allow nutrient retention in the soil. They have installed borders for wildlife around their fields.

Phil Karst and wife Jackie have three other sons, Mike Karst, Steve Karst and Doug Karst, and seven grandchildren. They attend St. Mary Catholic Church.

Pat Karst and wife Sara are the parents of Katie Karst, Lindsey Karst and Megan Karst and are also members of St. Mary Catholic Church. He has been involved with the Huntington County 4-H Fair Board, Rotary Club and the United Way.

The Witkamps have installed grassed waterways and filter strips on their no-till fields for the past several years.

Last year, they planted more than 134 acres of trees as part of a forestry and wildlife program. They also promote conservation practices that provide a habitat for the Indiana bat and other wildlife.

The River Friendly Farmer award was presented to 37 Indiana farmers who work to protect and enhance Indiana's rivers, lakes and streams.