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Epling adds surprising achievement to resume
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Beth Epling expresses surprise after being named Buy-In Showmanship winner by judge Dusty Jett during Tuesday's 74th Effingham County Fair Goat Show. Earlier in the evening, Jett, a South Effingham senior, swept the show's two grand champion titles. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

SPRINGFIELD -- Beth Epling, a winner of Effingham County's highest honor, added a completely unexpected achievement to her resume Tuesday. She was named the showmanship winner in the Buy-In Division of the 74th Effingham County Fair Goat Show.

Judge Dusty Jett, a South Effingham senior whose goats swept the grand champion awards earlier in the evening, picked Epling from a field of more than a dozen candidates whose spots in the show were paid for as part of a fundraiser. The field included Effingham County Superintendent Dr. Randy Shearouse.

Shearouse benefitted from an extremely well-mannered goat but other competitors, including Epling, had to cajole their animal around the ring.

Epling, a longtime Effingham County Fair Committee member and community leader, gave Jett a big hug after he named her the winner. She sported a stunned look as he handed her a large trophy.

In 2011, Epling won the John Adam Treutlen Award at the 25th Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. The Treutlen Award is presented annually to an Effingham County resident who excelled as a community supporter. It is the highest honor the chamber bestows.

Epling served the Effingham Cooperative Extension for more than 25 years, leading hundreds of students in the the 4-H Club. She retired in 1999.

The fair continues daily through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. The Swine Show is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday.