The Kosciusko County 4-H livestock auction committee last Friday honored a longtime auctioneer who is stepping down after 42 years of volunteer service with the fair.
During the 4-H Sale of Champions last Friday evening, the 4-H auction committee took a few moments to recognize Dennis Polk for his "talent and passion" for auctioneering at the Kosciusko County 4-H Fair.
Polk first began volunteering with the livestock auction on Aug. 7, 1975, starting as a ring man. Over the years, he has become a key part of the auction's success. Besides serving as an auctioneer, he has guided his children through 10 years of 4-H and now has grandchildren in the youth-oriented program. He also has purchased livestock, held the position of 4-H council president and served on the 4-H beef committee.
In recognition of his over four decades of service, Tony Zimmerman of the fair board presented Polk with a lifetime pass to the fair, and Peg Zimmerman, who serves as superintendent of the 4-H auction committee, awarded him a metal sign that includes two pictures of Polk, one from 1975 and a more contemporary image. After the presentation, the auction crowd saluted Polk with a standing ovation.
Although Polk is retiring from his official duties as fair auctioneer, he plans to continue supporting the auction as a buyer as well as more fully enjoying his role as a grandfather.
He thanked the auction committee and those in attendance for their support over the years, adding that many people have worked countless hours behind the scenes to make the auction a success.