CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The 2025 Tama County Fair Queen, Rhianna Murty, will be the hostess for the upcoming crowning of the Tama County Fair Queen for 2026 on Tuesday July 14, 2026 in the show ring on the Tama County Fair Grounds in Gladbrook at approximately 8 p.m.

This year, 3 contestants, Violet Jackson, Belle Werner, and Kenzie Bartel applied and will be judged at the Peace Church in Gladbrook on July 12, hosted by GMG FFA chapter. The contestants will be judged â…” on Leadership, Citizenship and Contributions to the Community, â…” on Personality and Awareness, and â…” on Poise and Beauty.

Kenzie Bartel, 17, is the daughter of Mindy McCubbin and Matt Bartel of rural Marshalltown and will be a senior at GMG High School this fall. During high school, Kenzie has been actively involved in FFA, 4-H, Student Council, National Honor Society, volleyball, cheerleading, dance team, golf, band, choir, and school theatre productions.

Kenzie has held many leadership roles throughout her high school career. She served as treasurer of her 4-H club for 5 years, FFA reporter for one year, and Student Council Treasurer for one year. She will also serve as upcoming FFA Vice President and Student Council Vice President during her senior year. In addition, Kenzie helps co-run her school’s FFA food pantry and was selected as a Junior Auxiliary Girls State delegate.

Community service has always been important to Kenzie. She has volunteered over 170 hours through babysitting, house cleaning, fire department breakfasts, library work, yard work, Vacation Bible School, AAU volleyball tournaments, concession stands, and animal and barn chores. She enjoys staying involved in her community and helping wherever she is needed. In her free time, Kenzi enjoys spending time with family and friends, participating in school activities and athletics, and volunteering in her community. After high school, she plans to

Kenzie Bartel.

attend Hawkeye Community College to study Physical Therapy Assisting. She hopes to build a

career helping patients recover, improve mobility, and make a positive impact on others’ lives.

Violet Jackson, 17, is the daughter of Matt and Ann Jackson of rural Garwin and will be a senior at GMG High School. Violet has been active in high school participating in volleyball and golf, and serving as manager for the boys basketball team. Violet also plays the clarinet in band and pep band. Violet is president of the GMG FFA Chapter and is the president of the Garwin Roughriders 4-H Club. Outside of school, Violet works at Hometown Family Market in Gladbrook and enjoys volunteering in the concession stand during Garwin Music in the Park.

After Violet finishes high school, she plans to pursue a career in nursing, focusing on geriatric

care.

Violet Jackson.

Belle Werner, 18, is the daughter of Eric and Michelle Werner of Toledo and attends Benton

Community High School. While in high school, Belle’s activities include Football Cheer, Track and Field, FFA, 4-H, Show Choir, and Concert Choir. Belle served as the Vice President and is the current President of her FFA chapter, as well as the South West Sub District Vice President. Additionally, Belle is serving as the 2026 Tama County Beef Queen.

In her community, Belle was Vice President and President during her seven year membership of the Toledo Techs 4-H Club. She is also part of the qualifying Shuttle Hurdle Relay Team for Iowa State Track and Field.

In her spare time, Belee works at the NRCS as a summer intern and Murph’s Creamery and Grill in Toledo as well as runs three seasonal businesses throughout the school year. Belle’s future plans area to attend Iowa State University where she plans to major in Ag Business and Finance.

Belle Werner.