The Shelby County Cattlemen had a successful night on Saturday during their annual banquet. This year the banquet was held inside the new St. Mary’s Hall in Panama in front of a packed crowd. Before handing out their annual awards, the cattlemen gave out 18 $1,000 scholarships to area youth.

Kevin Goshorn, member of the cattlemen’s association, told the crowd over the last two years, the association has given out $84,000 between their scholarships and heifer programs. Steve Leinen then handed out the awards starting with the friends of the industry. Normally, this award would be handed out to a certain individual but this year the Shelby County Cattlemen recognized several local banks in the area.

The banks were Shelby County State, Farmer’s Trust and Savings, United Bank of Iowa, Farm Service Credit of America, Midstates, Defiance State, Landmands, Community Bank, Town and Country Credit Union, Templeton Bank and Bank of the West. The award for beef backer of the year was Mike Thraen and then the biggest award was presented to Bob Schechinger of rural Panama. Schechinger was surprised with the cattlemen of the year award. He said “I really didn’t catch on what they were saying, something about Korea and seven kids and Jeff was right there so I figured I better get out there. I didn’t think it would be anything. I was surprised put it that way.”

Bob and wife Norene have been farming northwest of Panama for 40 years and have raised cattle as well. Schechinger is a veteran who fought in Korea has since helped with area youth and participates at the Shelby County Fair each year. Together they have seven kids, five of whom were in attendance to congratulate Schechinger on the award. He thanked his wife for always being there and said he would not be the man he is today without her.

And, here in Atlantic approximately 250-people attended the annual Cass County Cattleman’s Banquet, Saturday night. One of the highlights of the even held at the Cass County Community Center was the presentation of awards. Jim Pellett, of Atlantic, received the “Hall of Fame” award. Randy Euken, of Lewis was named “Producer of the Year,” and Cullen and Associates, of Atlantic received the “Business of the Year Award.” It was also announced that the Cass County Cattleman’s group grilled over 5,500 units of meat during this past year at various events throughout the area.

(Joel McCall/KNOD)