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Highlands Today

Ceremony To Rename County Agri-Civic Center Set Today

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By JIM KONKOLY

Highlands Today

Published: November 13, 2008

SEBRING - The new signs reflecting the renaming of the Highlands County Agri-Civic Center in honor of two of the county's early agricultural leaders will be unveiled in a ceremony at 11 a.m. today.

Back in June, the Highlands County commissioners voted unanimously to rename the center as the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center and the large meeting room as the O.S. "Sam" Polston Auditorium.

"They are the two people who brought agriculture in Highlands County to where it is today," said Tim Hurner, the county's citrus extension agent.

Harris worked for the Highlands County Extension Service from 1948 to 1975, starting as county extension agent and ending his career as county extension director.

Polston served as the district conservationist for the Soil Conservation Service and the Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District from 1950 to 1984.

Before the state water managements districts took over the role, Polston was instrumental in promoting effective water management in Highlands County. He played a leading role in the Istokpoga Marsh, Jackson Creek and other watershed projects that provided better management of land and water resources.

Harris is known particularly for his work in improving the local beef cattle industry through better foraging and breeding. He was instrumental in the development of improved pastures coupled with native ranges, and in the introduction of several new cattle forages in the county, adapting their use to soil and pasture conditions.

Jim Konkoly can be reached at 863-386-5855 or e-mail jkonkoly@highlandstoday.com

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