Hamilton County 4-H Council Elections
2026 Hamilton County 4-H Council Elections
Townships with open Hamilton County 4-H Council positions for 2026 are Adams, Clay, Washington, Wayne, White River, and At-Large. 4-H families will be able to vote for their township representative as well as an At-Large representative. Each 4-H family may cast one vote for an At-Large 4-H Council member, regardless of what township you live in. 4-H families should only cast one vote for a township representative if your township has an open position for the 2026 4-H Council. Voting will end on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon).
The Hamilton County 4-H Program strives to meet the needs of our youth. Your continued input and positive comments ensure a successful and pertinent 4-H program. Therefore, your help in selecting adult volunteers to serve on the Hamilton County 4-H Council is necessary.
The 4-H Council is made up of at least one representative from each of the nine townships in Hamilton County plus At Large Members, two representatives from the 4-H Adult Volunteer Organization, one representative from the county Extension Homemaker Council, two representatives from the county Junior Leader Organization, one representative from the Extension Board and the president of the preceding year of the 4-H Council. 4-H Council members are eligible to serve two consecutive three year terms, however, they must be re-elected to serve that second term.
4-H Council Responsibilities:
- To evaluate the 4-H Program and make appropriate recommendations.
- To determine policy and operating procedures for the 4-H Program.
- To secure, maintain, and improve adequate facilities for the 4-H Program.
- To plan, prepare for, direct, and supervise the 4-H Fair.
Member Responsibilities
- The 4-H Council meets once a month and during the 4-H Fair, plus occasional called meetings. Members are required to attend at least 50% of the regular meetings.
- A term on the 4- H Council is 3 years. Members may serve 2 consecutive terms.
- Members are expected to serve on one or more committees.
- Members, as township representatives, should bring concerns from their township and/or clubs to the 4-H Council.
- 4-H Council members are expected to volunteer time to assist with the 4-H Fair (i.e. planning, setting up, carrying out, and cleaning up).
- Members are expected to donate food to special activities sponsored by the 4-H Council and assist with these activities (i.e. pre-fair work days).
Candidates and Ballots
Candidates
- Jared Glunt
Helping support and grow the 4-H youth program here in Hamilton County is something I’m very passionate about. As a previous 10-year member and now as a 4-H parent for five years, I’ve been involved in both static and livestock projects. I have seen firsthand the positive impact this organization has on kids and families. I’ve have thoroughly enjoyed serving our community and township over the last three years and would be honored to continue representing our local 4-H members, bringing my experience and dedication to the council.
Candidates
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Harsha Venkatesha
I would like to volunteer for the 4-H committee because I believe in children’s practical education and community service. I have an engineering background in computer science and have led many large projects in my work life. Utilizing my technical skills along with my analytical and leadership skills, I could help specific 4-H community groups and help them achieve their goals.
- Melissa Stalbaum
Melissa Stalbaum is a current 4-H volunteer helping with Jr. Leaders and the Westfield Shamrock Shakers. Melissa has a passion for 4-H having been a 10 year Hamilton County 4-H member herself. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Animal Agribusiness, Melissa worked as the 4-H secretary in Marshall County and now as a Financial Advisor with Equitable. Melissa continues to stay involved by not only volunteering but also having her three kids participating in the Hamilton County 4-H program. Melissa is happy to serve as a 4-H council member bringing her prior experience and leadership skills to the table
- Chandra Manges
My 4-H experience began as a mini 4-H’er by making a Horse and Pony poster! Through the years, I enjoyed a variety of projects and learned many skills that I still use today. My children have been a part of the Fishers Showstoppers club for the last 11 years. Drew completed his tenth year in 2024 and Kendall is currently in her ninth year. She is more excited than ever for projects, experiences, friends, and the fair! She currently has a leadership role in Junior Leaders as a Mini 4-H officer and is also on the Queen’s Court. It has been a great privilege and pleasure to be the project leader for Child Development. Offering workshops, answering questions, watching the children become excited to start a project, and then celebrating with them at completion is an honor. I also had the privilege to step into a Council role last year and serve on several committees.
Outside of 4-H, I enjoy gardening, baking, Bible study, spending time with my friends and family and my little corgi. I am also a leader for Moms in Prayer for HSE schools and serve in the organizations, He Knows Your Name, and Women’s Recovery Bible Study.
I truly enjoy and appreciate this excellent 4-H program and would be honored to be a part of the board.
Candidates
- Spencer Carson
Spencer Carson grew up in Hamilton County and was a 10 year 4-H member. He has served one term on the 4-H council. Spencer is married to his wife Emilie and they have one daughter Eleanor. Spencer is self-employed and is the owner of Strawtown Ag Solutions LLC. Strawtown Ag Solutions is a Becks Hybrids dealer that covers central Indiana. Spencer also owns and manages the Hamilton County Livestock Auction and Horse Sale. Spencer also enjoys their side business sheep operation, Carson Club Lambs where they have 60 head of purebred Hampshire and Southdown sheep. Spencer wants to run for 4-H council to give back to an organization that gave so much to him. In my previous term I feel I have tried to challenge the norm or bring a different way of thinking on certain situations. He wants to try and continue bringing new ideas to the table that could only make the program better. Thanks for your consideration of Spencer Carson for Hamilton County 4-H Council.
Candidates
- Lyneen Burrow
I love 4-H. I have lived in Hamilton County my entire life, I own Always In Stitches in Noblesville, I've been married to Bret for 43 years. I'm a past Hamilton County 4-H member and our 2 daughters were 10 year members of Hamilton County 4-H. I have been on 4-H Council, was President in 2020 and 2021. I live in Jackson Township and I am Co-leader of the Food Preservation Project. I'm a member of the Foods Auction Committee, Supreme Showmanship Committee and a member of the N.A.R.C. Extension Homemakers.
- Craig Henry
Growing up in rural Howard County, 4-H provided experiences and learning opportunities that were not available elsewhere (10 year member). It was my priority that my daughters would experience the benefits of 4-H (2-10 year members). I have been a 4-H volunteer for twenty-two years, serving as a 4-H leader (11 years) and as a member of the 4-H Council (8 years, 6 years in leadership). I am familiar with most 4-H projects, the Extension Service structure and the role of the 4-H Council. Finally, I am passionate about the impact of 4-H on the lives and futures of young people. It would be a privilege to contribute to the present, and future, of 4-H as a member of the Hamilton County 4-H Council.
- John Higginbotham
Having both of my daughters being ten year members and myself being a ten year member of Hamilton County 4-H I am committed to the youth of Hamilton County. Being the swine barn superintendent for 5 years I have learned how to deal with the good and tough times of the 4-H families. I offer my service to help make this program strong and true. I am a Supervisor at Hamilton County Highway. I have been with Hamilton County for 36.5 years. My wife Kim and I raise Boer goats known as J&W show goats where my grandson Wyatt is involved with this business.
- Brian Lakin
I am eager to become more actively involved with the 4-H community and contribute to creating positive, memorable experiences for all exhibitors and visitors at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. My background includes nine years of participation in 4-H, where I exhibited beef cattle, sheep, swine, and rabbits. Growing up around livestock instilled in me a deep appreciation for agriculture and community engagement.
Currently, my daughter is showing horses, which has inspired me to take a more active role in supporting the horse and pony barn. I am passionate about working with both animals and people, and I hope to help make this area a vibrant, welcoming space for the community to enjoy and learn about these remarkable animals and their dedicated exhibitors.
- Jaren Roberts
My name is Jared Roberts and I am a former 10 year member of Hamilton County 4-H. My wife and I live in Noblesville and our family still farms in Westfield. We have 4 kids with the 3 currently in 4-H. I have experience in livestock having shown dairy cows and swine. I will bring to the 4-H council that knowledge to try and help continue expanding the Hamilton County 4-H livestock program along with all the other projects that kids can do. I would like to be on the 4-H council as I truly believe 4-H is a wonderful program for kids to meet lifelong friends along with responsibility that they can carry on in life.