The Jefferson Davis County Soil and Water Conservation District hosted its 53rd Annual Membership Banquet on Nov. 19, 2024, at the Bethany Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Prentiss.

The JDSWCD presented the 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award to Herman L. Dungan Jr.

Dungan has devoted over 50 years of his life to the Soil and Water Conservation District in Jefferson Davis County.

He began serving as a Deputy Commissioner in 1973.  After 14 years as deputy, he became commissioner and has served in that capacity since 1987.  He is instrumental in serving various other leadership jobs with the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission and the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts.

LaRue Sutton received the 2024 Outstanding Grazing Land Conservationist Award. Sutton operates a black/white faced Hereford breed in the Lucas Community.  His operation consists of adding Cross Fence and Water in each field in an effort to keep good quality forage for his livestock. The management of his loblolly pine/hardwood plantation consists of installing firebreaks and doing prescribed burning as needed to control unwanted vegetation. He was unable to attend the banquet.

Entertainment was provided by Kim Cole and the meal was catered by Vickie Hathorn and The Family Catering.