Awards in the ninth-grade division were first place, Nathan McNelly, and second place, Riley Peak, both from the 4-H Home School Club. First place in 10th grade went to Chance Firestone. First place in 11th grade went to Kayla Curbow. First place in 12th grade went to Joe Gaskill. All three are from Polk County High School. The Polk County 4-H Clubs held the County 4-H Public Speaking contest Jan. 21 with 70 4-H members from across the county competing in their grade level at First Baptist Church in Benton. 4-H is proud of the accomplishments of the many 4-H members who learn the valuable life skill of communications through Public Speaking, according to Greg Paxton, Extension agent. Contests such as 4-H Public Speaking help members gain a skill that will remain with them throughout life. This year a record number of 4-H members entered their local club contest. The top speakers were invited to the county contest. All first-place recipients represented Polk County in the Regional 4-H Public Speaking Contest. Judges were Jim Ledford, Wayne Coats, Bill Risko, Gloris Risko, Vivian Talmadge, and Lew Talmadge.