The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Offer Great Steaks-Comedy at Banquet
by Michael Rodeffer
You can bet your steak will be good and a large crowd will be in attendance at the annual Tri-County Cattlemen Association's banquet and Saturday was no exception.
The Western Illinois University Union Grand Ballroom was full of happy attendees enjoying the delicious spread put on by expert cattle growers of Warren, Henderson, and McDonough counties.
Juicy mouth-watering rib-eye steaks were grilled to perfection by the cattlemen, and baked potatoes, green beans, corn, salad and frosted cake was catered by the WIU catering crew, all at its finest.
ENTERTAINMENT
Special TV comedian, Kevin Brennan, known for his "no holds barred style" embarrassed a few, brought laughter to others, and drew a few stern faces which only urged Brennan on in his standup comedy routine. He's been heard on the Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, "Last Call with Carson Daly" and HBO half-hour comedy special. He has been a writer for both Comedy Central and Saturday Night Live.
AWARDS
Tyler Schleich, Tri-County Cattlemen Director, awarded several scholarships: The John Brokaw Memorial Scholarship for $750 West to Devon Boyer from West Prairie.
The John Adair Memorial Scholarship of $750 went to Halie Runner from West Prairie.
The Tri-County Cattlemen Association award two other $750 scholarships to: Landon Bowman of West Central and J.C. Campbell from United.
President Alison McGrew awarded the Beef Backer Award to Jan Runner. Mr. runner is a farmer and cattleman in McDonough County.
AUCTIONS
Silent and Live Auctions were held to raise money for the Scholarship Fund which benefits students entering an Ag profession at college. A long list of supporters in the program had donated items bringing in $720 with the live auction of items and services bringing in $4,165.
The Tri-County Cattlemen Association keeps a busy agenda. There were thirty-two events the cattlemen were involved in during 2016 (grilling and events). Their expert grilling services cooked up a total of 4,220 steaks and 1,840 burgers.
2016-17 officers are: President Alison McGrew (McDonough Co.) and Vice President Thad Tharp (Warren Co.).
Directors from Henderson County are: Dalton Brokaw, Jordan Brokaw, Dan Coleman, Justin Edwards, Nathan Harden, Brice Jack, Tom Keane, Anthony Leary, and Mitch Lefler.
Directors from Warren County are: Thad Tharp, Brad Spence, Tyler Schleich, Dudley Ricketts, Darryl Ricketts, Mark Gillen, Jonathan Arnold.
Directors from McDonough County are: John Emerick, Jon Haney, and Alison McGrew.