News : Benton County Fair Queen Candidates for 2023

Izzie Birker

Harlyn Heishusen

Kait Ballard

Benton County Fair Queen Candidates Announced for 2023

Izzie Birker

My name is Izzie Birker, I am the daughter of Scott and Jenni Birker. I have 2 siblings. Cole is 13 and Katie is 10. We live outside of Vinton on our farm where we raise beef cattle and corn and soybeans. I will be a junior at Vinton Shellsburg in the fall. After high school, I plan to attend college and am considering majoring in Animal Science and Ag Business.

I have been part of the North Eden Willing Workers 4H club for 7 years. I have held the offices of Historian, reporter and currently am serving as club president. I show breeding and market beef and several static projects at the county fair each year. This year I also joined the Benton County Youth Council, outside of 4H I am a member of Blessed Hope Church and volunteer my time with various activities in the community.

In High School, I was involved in many clubs and activities. I run varsity cross country and track and participate in archery and trap shooting. I have received academic awards in all 4 sports and made the honor roll each semester with a 3.6 or higher GPA. I am also very involved in FFA. I participate in numerous CDEs at the district and state level, participate in service projects and chapter activities, and attend state and national conventions. I have served as a committee chair this year and for the 2023-2024 school year, I am serving on the officer team as the co-reporter.

I appreciate the opportunity to run for Benton County Fair Queen and look forward to working with the other candidates to promote our county and fair.

Harlyn Heishusen

My name is Harlyn Heishusen, The 18-year-old daughter of Willis and Cindy Heitshusen. I live outside of Urbana on my family's horse and cattle ranch. I am graduating from Center Point-Urbana High School. Starting in May 2023 I plan to Attend Kirkwood Community College, the transfer to UNI to review my bachelor's degree in elementary education and minor in communications.

I have been involved in various activities throughout my high school life such as school volleyball, club volleyball, sand volleyball, track, Stem Club, 4H, County Council, volunteering in the community, and the silver cord program. During my school years, I have received academic excellence awards along with WAMAC Athlete Academic honors.

In 2021 I was crowned Benton County, Iowa Miss United States Agriculture, along with the title, Overall Eastern Iowa Miss United States Agriculture, and went on to compete at the State Pageant. I used my platform "Feeding the World" to travel around, visiting farmers, learning their stories, and spreading the word about the importance of Agriculture.

Kait Ballard

My name is Kait Ballard, my parents are Martin and Missy Ballad. I have three brothers, Kohle, Drew, and Byrce. My family and I live on an acreage South of Watkins where we raise rabbits, poultry and cattle as well as have two pet dogs.

I am a senior at Benton Community High School and will be attending Northwest Missouri State University this fall majoring in Agriculture Education.

Throughout high school, I have been involved in 4H where I have served multiple offices, including President this year. This past fall, I was selected to join the Benton County 4H Youth Council. I have also been very active within my FFA Chapter where I served as the 2022-2023 President.

I am also a member of the Benton Community National Honor Society and have been a varsity wrestling cheerleader for the past four years. I was the seventh-grade teacher for the Queen of Saints Faith Formation program this past year as well.

I am so excited about the 2023 Benton County Fair this year and would be honored to serve as the 2023 Benton County Fair Queen.

Hope to see you at the fair!