04/05/11 No matter how you want to define success, the Bourbon community has clearly reached it. On the first Saturday in April, the Triton Schools FFA (Future Farmers of America) held their annual consignment auction. In previous years, the Triton FFA had joined other chapters around the county. Two years ago, when other groups made a decision to try a toy auction instead, Triton FFA under the direction Mike Emenaker, chose to continue with the consignment plan.

Emenaker said, “This could only happen with the support of the total community and the school.” He said, “It took us an entire week to lay out all the items, but it was really worth it.” Emenaker said he was encouraged to see Triton Schools Superintendent Carl Hilling and Triton Jr.-Sr. High School Assistant Principal Bob Ross at the auction encouraging the FFA members. Terri Barnhart, school board member, is with the Bates Corporation where the auction was held and spent the day to be on hand for any help she could give. He said, “Triton High School Principal Michael Chobanov worked with me all last week to allow students to participate in setting up the event.” Emenaker said, “It’s important for the students to see how much work goes into this.” Emenaker said two members, Tyler Palmer and Chad McIntyre, deserve an extra pat on the back for spending the entire day on the Saturday prior to the auction helping out. He said, “This is a great group of FFA kids who support their school. Many were cheering on the basketball team at the state finals.”

Food service for entire day was provided by volunteers from the Triton Performing Arts Department.

Although final tallies for this year’s event are not yet available, last year the organization was handed a check for over $10,000 from the auctioneers selling the donated or consignment items, according to auctioneer Daryl Ball. Ball said the estimate of the number of people attending reached at least 1000. He said, We had some 700 people register for bid numbers and we believe we reached the 1000 mark since many of those registering represent a whole family.”

Emenaker said, “The Triton FFA Chapter would like to thank all area farmers, dealers, and supporters for their consignments and donations.”

Other area auctioneers in addition to Ball donating their services on April 2 included Ted Annis, Tony Farrer, Dave Goebel, Sam Goebel, Leroy Hanselman, Larry Norman and Larry Wattenbarger. Ball said, “Each auctioneer brings their own following.”

Opening the auction was a 100 percent donation by North Central Agri-Power of a 1967 IH gas tractor and other equipment. The proceeds from that sale were earmarked for the Greg Carswell and Jami McIntyre families who have been experiencing health issues.

Other 100 percent donations featured included seed and chemicals by Steve Young, Tim Gochenhour, Clunette Elevator (Tom Anglin), Jon Rettinger, Randy Woodley, and C.F.S. (Bourbon ,Terry Harmon).

The crowd moved from site to site on the property of Bates Corporation on Elm Road. This marks the second year in a row that Bates has welcomed the auction at their location.

Bidders seemed especially generous as they purchased tractors, a skidsteer, hay, trailers, variety of farm equipment, toys, bicycles, tillers, tools, motorcycle, golf cart, ATV’s, lawn and garden equipment, horse equipment, mowers, 300 trees and scrubs, and many miscellaneous items.

Emenaker summed up the day saying, “We’ve got a great thing going out here.”

Carol Anders Correspondent