The Noble Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) held its 84th Annual Meeting and Banquet on October 22, 2026, at the OSU Extension Operations Building. The evening began with voting for two positions on the Noble SWCD Board of Supervisors. Candidates were Don Archer, Randy DePuy and Darrell Weisend. Don Archer and Randy DePuy were re-elected to serve three-year terms beginning January 1, 2027. Following the election, Board Chairman Richard Gessel opened the program with the Pledge of Allegiance, and Noble SWCD Fiscal Agent Don Archer offered the invocation.
The guests of 70 plus enjoyed a barbeque dinner catered and prepared by Tim and Jody Parsons, owners of Hog Hollow BBQ, from Beverly. During dinner, attendees viewed a presentation highlighting Noble SWCD’s 2026 accomplishments and community programs from the past year. After dinner, Dave Schott, Noble SWCD District Administrator and Wildlife/Forestry Specialist, recognized all the special guests, including elected officials, area agency workers, any election candidates, and guest speaker Kirsten Offenbaker, Horticulturist for ODNR from Buckeye State Tree Nursery. Kirsten discussed the nursery’s seed-to-sapling process, from collecting seeds from Ohio trees to growing them entirely within the state, along with efforts to expand operations.
Following Kirsten’s speech, Kirstin Roman, Noble SWCD Agriculture and Natural Resources Technician, presented the 2026 “Cooperator of the Year Award” to the owners and operators of Pepper Barn Farms, Mark Johnson and family. Farming is a family affair for Mark Johnson, his wife Amber, and his daughters, Marlee and Lanee, who raise a small cow-calf herd at Pepper Barn Farm in Stock Township. Through soil and forage sampling, winter bale grazing, rotational grazing, and participation in Noble SWCD’s Grazing Management Program, the family continues to improve pasture health and herd management. Noble SWCD appreciates the Johnson family’s commitment to making practical improvements, sharing their knowledge, and responsibly caring for the resources available to them.
The 2026 “Friend of Conservation Award” was presented by Dave Schott to Brian and Jeri King, of Noble County. Brian and Jeri King have dedicated more than 25 years to conservation on their Noble Township farm, planting thousands of trees and supporting Noble SWCD and neighboring districts through tree sales and volunteer work. Their farm is a Certified Ohio Tree Farm, and both serve as inspectors for the Ohio Tree Farm Program. As active members of the Guernsey Noble Beekeepers Club, they also share their knowledge at Ag School Days. This summer, the Kings built and donated more than 30 bluebird houses and helped campers assemble them at Noble SWCD’s Environmental Day Camp at Caldwell Lake. Noble SWCD’s staff and supervisors are grateful for their generosity, service, and commitment to protecting natural resources for today and future generation.
The Noble SWCD Supervisors and Staff extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who attended to celebrate another successful year of conservation. Special thanks are also extended to the sponsors of the evening’s door prizes: B&N Coal Inc., Caldwell Lumber Do It Best Hardware, Golden Oak Hardware, Heritage Cooperative, Jones Feed, L & H Tractor Sales, Food Center Emporium, M&M Feed Supply, M&M Beer Barn, Noble County Farm Bureau, Sarahsville Store, NAPA Auto Parts and David FryFogle – State Farm Insurance.