Veterinarian Dr. John Conley Inducted Into County Hall Of Fame

(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Historical Museum inducted its latest Plymouth County Hall of Fame recipient during a ceremony held in the old Central gymnasium on Sunday afternoon. Long-time local veterinarian Dr. John Conley of Merrill was presented the honor. Dr. Conley has been a veterinarian for the past 62 years, with the last 55 years practicing in Le Mars. Representatives from the Plymouth County Fair, American Legion post of Merrill, the Merrill-Hinton Lions Club, the Plymouth County Historical Museum,
along with friends all nominated the veterinarian and spoke at the induction
ceremony.

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Bob Kenaley – Plymouth County Fair

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Bruce Norgaard – Oleson-Halweg American Legion Post 125 of Merrill

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Margaret Marienau and Bev Fagan – Merrill-Hinton Lions Club

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Dean and Bonita Davison – Friends and Members of the Horse Circle

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Dale Donlin – Plymouth County Historical Museum

Dr. Conley says he relates to the work of British veterinarian and
author, Dr. James Herriott who is credited with writing several books about his
practice.

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Conley, says he doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon, saying he enjoys his chosen
occupation. He says he first got interested in animals at the age of 12. Growing
up on a Kingsley farm, Conley says his brother was always interested in tractors
and everything mechanical, but Conley says he preferred to be around the animals.
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Conley now limits his practice to smaller animals, but he says he has a fond spot
in his heart for the large draft horses. Conley refers to draft horses as gentle
giants.

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The veterinarian says he can always tell by the expression of an animal when that
animal is feeling ill, and when that animal is feeling good. One of his more
unusual cases was when he had to treat a camel with a urinary blockage.

At one point during his acceptance speech, Dr. Conley began to get emotional as he thanked his many friends for nominating him to the Plymouth County Hall of Fame.