Posted on August 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM by Anna Egan
Amy Bedwell Tlach was a Warren County 4-H member from 1984 to 1993 in the North River Limelighters, where she worked on livestock and exhibit building projects. Active in Senior 4-H and County Council, Amy held leadership roles and built lifelong friendships—including with her husband, Barry.
In 1994, Amy became a summer aide at the Extension Office and later joined the inaugural AmeriCorps program, working with youth through school presentations and summer activities until 1996. After college and marriage, Amy and Barry served as County Council/Senior 4-H Advisors from 1998 to 2003. Her passion for hands-on learning led her to become a county fair judge in visual arts, personal development, and agriculture.
Amy’s belief in Iowa State University Extension’s impact inspired her to run for the Warren County Extension Council in 2004. Her education background and community ties made her an invaluable member. She led efforts to pass a funding referendum, which succeeded in 2014 after two ballot attempts. Amy served as council treasurer and president, concluding her term in 2020.
In 2017, Amy founded a 4-H club focused on livestock and agriculture, while encouraging exhibit building projects. By 2024, the club had grown to nearly 35 members.
Amy and Barry’s daughters, Jenna and Abby, had successful 4-H careers in livestock and exhibits as members of the Warren County Wranglers. Amy believes 4-H teaches essential life skills—communication, leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management, including the art of finishing projects just in time for judging.
