Several Guthrie County residents have much to be proud of after achieving great marks at the Iowa State Fair.  Specifically, the county artists showed their expertise.

The highest finish among them went to Mike Morrell of Guthrie Center.  He torched the competition with a first place finish in the Professional Blaze category.  Morrell also placed second in the Professional Stain category.

Janet Luing of Panora won the most awards as of Thursday evening with seven placements.  Most notably, she collected the third prize in the Non-Jewelry category and third in Jewelry-Non Beadwork.

Two Menlo men also took home honors.  John Wallace placed third in Group Carvings.  Kevin Thomas took the more unique route, taking third in most unique beard design and second in most historic beard design.