‘Jack of all trades’

By Nikki McKim

This year’s Distinguished Service Award winner, Shawn Fouraker is truly a “Jack of all trades, master of plenty.” 

Shawn has been a dedicated and important part of the Falls City Jaycees for the last 12 years. He was president for two years working tirelessly for the new Jaycee’s Arena that opened south of Falls City in 2011.

The future of the Falls City Area Jaycees Demolition Derby and Tractor Pull was questionable only four short years ago when the traditional site for the events became unavailable.  Cory Snethen and his children stepped up to donate 8 1/2 acres of ground.  But preparing that land for the events carried a price tag of approximately $77,500. Jaycee members assisted as much as they could with the work thus saving money in the long run.

Fouraker stepped up putting in countless hours into assisting the project that took him away from both his business and family. It took 24 days but due to the dedication of Shawn getting things lined up and boosting both community and Jaycee support, the project was finished and went on as scheduled on August 5, 2011.

In last Year’s Distinguished Service Award winner Jennifer Willman’s introduction she said “I have been so impressed with this person and look up to him because when the going gets tough he takes care of business.” And Business is something Shawn also excels at. He’s been running his own successful local business W&D’s Auto Care in Falls City for the past 11 years. He is also co-owner of F&F Fireworks and a crop insurance salesman with some big plans up his sleeve for the future. 

As devoted Fouraker is to the Jaycees he also spends plenty of time giving back to the community. He is active in the Falls City Rural Fire Department, Elks Club,  and in 2013 formed a committee to bring back the Whitetails Unlimited Banquet to Falls City. Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national non-profit conservation organization that has remained true to its mission and has made great strides in the field of conservation. They have gained the reputation of being the nation’s premier organization dedicating our resources to the betterment of the white-tailed deer and its environment.

Above all Fouraker is a devoted husband and father spending much of his summer coaching his children’s softball and baseball teams. Chances are if you’re from the Falls City Area you know Shawn and you like him. He is just an all around nice guy who is doing the best he can for the community, something we should all aspire to do.