Ruralite - December 2003
A newsletter for customers of Klickitat PUD

Loveland selected as 4-H Leader of the Year

Kathy Loveland, executive assistant to the KPUD manager, was recently honored as the 2003 Klickitat County 4-H Leader of the Year. Kathy has been a 4-H leader for seven years, starting with the "Uncoordinated Unicorns" and then forming the "Over the Mane Gang" just two years ago, with husband Joe and Jamie Slater. In addition to her 4-H leadership, Kathy was the WSU Extension office secretary from 1995 to 2002.

"Kathy's strong work ethic, "can do" attitude and willingness to help make her a valuable addition to any 4-H, Junior Rodeo, High School Rodeo or other youth event," said Susan Kerr, Klickitat County Extension agent. "Her good sense of humor and pleasant personality help her get along with all kinds of people too."

Each year's nominations come from other leaders, and only leaders can vote for Leader of the Year, making this an award bestowed by peers. Kathy received a full scholarship to attend the Washington state 4-H Leaders' Forum in Yakima in October, where her award was presented during a luncheon.

First annual Power of Youth award given

In recognition of her community service and leadership performance for 2002-2003, Candi Kuhnhausen of Glenwood has received the first 4-H award sponsored by Klickitat PUD.

To receive "The Power of Youth Award" a 4-H participant had to be involved in community service projects and/or leadership roles during the 4-H year, had to complete all of their projects, and submit a completed 4-H Record Book to the 4-H Office, and then had to give an interview. The criteria for the award was developed by the 4-H Leaders Council, and the interview committee was comprised of independent judges.

Candi is the Associated Student Body (ASB) president for Glenwood High School, and a member of Honor Society. She is a 4-H team leader, assists with style review, and enters lambs, sewing and photography entries in the Klickitat County Fair. She also plays basketball for GHS. After graduation, Candi plans to attend community college, and then a university, and major in physical therapy.

Local Walkley scholarship entry chosen

Each year, the Washington PUD Association awards a scholarship to a high school senior whose parent is a PUD employee in the state. The Walkley scholarship will be awarded at the association's annual banquet in December.

Klickitat PUD has three employees with Goldendale High School seniors this year. The three seniors are Mitzi McMurrin (daughter of Tim McMurrin), Kristin Manka (daughter of Wendy Manka), and Keelie Olsen (daughter of Miquette Ihrig). On September 23, the KPUD Board of Commissioners held a drawing and selected Mitzi McMurrin as the local nominee for the scholarship.

Mitzi is active in practically every sport available, including volleyball, cross-country, basketball, track and two softball teams. She also enjoys horses and snowboarding. After graduation, Mitzi plans to attend Columbia Basin Community College in the Tri-Cities and play college softball for the Hawks, as well as studying to become a veterinary technician.

Kristin Manka is looking at Clark College in Vancouver after graduation, but is unsure what field of studies she will be entering. She has been active with FBLA, snowboarding club, softball, basketball and has been a 4-H member since second grade. She currently works at Clarks Floral and enjoys flower arranging.

Keelie Olson also plans to attend Clark College in Vancouver, and study culinary arts, claiming that she loves to cook.