Halpop recognized for community service

PLAINS – John Halpop, former MSU extension agent for Sanders County, received an honor during Saturday night’s rodeo. Halpop was recognized for the countless hours he has poured into the community.

Towards the end of the third and final night of the rodeo, shortly before 10 p.m., Halpop of Thompson Falls was presented with the 2014 Community Service Award.

The award ceremony immediately followed the night’s barrel racing competition and once a pick-up truck had come through and dispatched of the barrels, the rodeo announcer turned spectator’s attention towards Halpop and his commitment to the local community.

Halpop made his way from the stands into the inside of the arena to a loud round of applause from those in attendance.

The honoree spent 25 years working as an extension agent for the Montana State University Extension program.

Additionally, Halpop was heavily involved with the local 4-H programs throughout his years on the job.

Halpop was moved by the award and was excited to be a part of the rodeo festivities.

“It is humbling and it means a lot to me,” Halpop said.

The retired MSU Agent had a lot of experience with the Sanders County Fair through his years working with 4-H.

Though Halpop added it was a little different with all the attention on him.

“The fair was always a big event for the 4-H kids,” Halpop said.

According to Fair Commission Chairman Chris McGuigan someone in the community must nominate a candidate if they are to be eligible to receive the community service award.

McGuigan said a number of factors went towards the decision to give the award to Halpop, noting the fair board looks for someone who is deeply committed to the local community.

In Halpop’s case his long commitment to the community through the MSU Extension program and his work with many 4-H kids were reasons why he was presented with the award, said McGuigan.

Halpop was selected to receive this year’s community service award at the Sanders County Fair Board’s March meeting.

This year’s award winner retired from the MSU Extension at the end of April, ending nearly three decades of service to the program.

He first came to Sanders County in March of 1989, moving to the area from his hometown in Wisconsin.

In addition to working with the youth of Sanders County through the 4-H program, Halpop interacted with many members of the community working in various portions of the county.

The county showed its appreciation for this long-term commitment and Halpop left the grounds as he entered them, to a roaring round of applause.

Along with the award, Halpop was the grand marshal for the fair’s parade, riding in a shiny car during the proceedings. He was also given a variety of trophies and a quilt during the Sunday morning market sale, acknowledging the hard work and the long hours he put into the 4-H program.