~by Dustin Teays for The Scranton Journal
The Greene County Gobblers National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) enjoyed a good turnout for their annual banquet Saturday, Feb. 1.
There were plenty of people packed inside Clover Hall on the Greene County Fairgrounds to enjoy good times, good company, and, most of all, good food. Not only were people there to enjoy good company, but they also were raising money that goes toward the continued support of wildlife habitat projects in Iowa.
There were many items up for auction including drawings from local artists, care packages from local businesses, including Wild Rose Casino and Resorts, Fudge’s Flowers and other businesses, along with various other items in a silent auction. From just the live auction items alone, the banquet raised more than $7,000. That doesn’t include any money raised from the silent auction items, of which there were plenty.
This year’s committee members are Fred Long, Susan Cort, Kevin Devilbiss, Jeff Gorsuch, Dean Dozier and Luke Nims.
“I just want to thank all of the local businesses and those surrounding towns for their generous donations. This banquet would be impossible without their support. Also, thanks to all those who attended and make the night a success,” Long said.
Lidderdale Country Store catered the meal, Kevin Lentz led the live auction, and Central Iowa Impact handled the firearms paperwork. Sponsors were thanked including Fred Long, Home State Bank, Darrin and Krystal Ross, Dr. Steven and Julie Karber, Central Iowa Memorials, Countywide Electric, Edward Jones-Dean Dozier, Luke Nims and Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District.
The National Wild Turkey Federation has contributed $40,000 towards the purchase of public land in Greene County and since 2018, 10,513 acres of habitat for wildlife has been conserved or enhanced in Iowa.
