Four women are in the running for the title of 2014 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair this year. Ashley Modaff, Juneau; Laura Schoenike, Oconomowoc; Amber Stangler, Watertown, and Carrie Warmka, Fox Lake, are competing for the title.

The applicants finished their first round of interviews at the annual Dodge County Fair Press Banquet. The women took part in individual and group interviews and presented their commercials for the 127th Dodge County Fair, Aug. 13-17.

Modaff, 20, is the daughter of James and Marcia Modaff, Juneau. She attends Moraine Park Technical College and is pursuing a degree in early childhood. After graduating, she plans to attain a master’s degree in social work. Her passion is working with youth. She enjoys cooking, baking, 4-wheeling, playing softball, photography and spending time with family, especially her nieces and nephews.

“I’ve always enjoyed the hard work, dedication and pride the youth put in their exhibits,” Modaff said. “I would love to be selected as the next ambassador of the Dodge County Fair and represent all the high quality youth.”

Schoenike, 21, is the daughter of Sally Schoenike and the late Jim Schoenike of Oconomowoc. She attends UW-Whitewater working on a degree in education-business and marketing and a minor in dance. She is involved in many collegiate organizations such as WI Business Education Association, Optimist International and UW-Whitewater Dance Department. She enjoys dance, canoeing, volunteering and cake decorating.

“Dodge County Fair is something that is near and dear to my heart,” Schoenike said. “I grew up on these grounds.” Her father Jim served as the president of the Dodge County Fair Board for 10 years and was a member for 31 years. Her mother Sally is retiring this year after serving 32 years as the 4-H agent with the Dodge County UW-Extension.

Schoenike said she realizes the fair helped her to grow into who she is today and recalled getting her first pink ribbon at the fair. “Dad told me he was more proud of me for my pink ribbon experience than anything else, because it meant I learned a lot.”

Amber Stangler, 20, is the daughter of Sheldon and Marie Stangler of Watertown. She attends UW-Whitewater and is pursuing a degree in physical education. After graduation, she plans to focus on photography and party planning. Stangler is active in Catholic Student Coalition, Habitat for Humanity and the UW-Whitewater Marching Band. She enjoys working on her dad’s farm, playing sports, drawing, painting and gardening.

“When I was little, the Fairest of the Fair was a role model to me, and I really want to be a role model for the FFA and 4H kids.”

Warmka, 20, is the daughter of Russ and Laura Warmka of Fox Lake. She attends UW-Madison majoring in dairy science. She is involved in many collegiate organizations such as Association of Women in Agriculture, National Agri-Marketing Association, Badger Dairy Club and Sigma Alpha. She was recently honored as a 2014 Holstein Association USA National Distinguished Junior Member Semifinalist.

Final interviews and the crowning of the 2014 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair will take place on the WTKM Stage at 5pm – Aug. 13.

Story by Terri Pederson of the Daily Citizen