Lost Show Animals: Steer, Calf & Goats Missing

A suspected lightning strike destroyed a barn in Tiffin, Ohio, on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of several 4-H animals, including a steer, a feeder calf, and two baby goats, belonging to Old Fort High School senior Alysa Jameson. The fire, which engulfed the over 100-year-old barn, has deeply impacted Jameson, who describes the barn as a central part of her life and a source of comfort and tradition.

Jameson, who is preparing for her senior year, had been raising the animals to show at the Seneca County Fair and the Attica Independent Fair this summer. She shared that she had just finished caring for her calf and goats earlier that morning before returning to bed, wishing she hadn’t gone back to sleep. “It feels like a dream. I wish I could just wake up and my barn’s there and I can walk out to the calves,” she told WTOL 11.

The barn held not only the family’s livestock but also years of accumulated 4-H equipment. Jane Jameson, Alysa’s mother, recounted being alerted to the fire by an EMT on her way home from the hospital, who frantically informed her that the barn was completely engulfed in flames. “There was no chance,” she said, describing the rapid spread of the fire.

“I’ve basically been born and raised at the fair,” said Alysa. “My birthday is during the fair. When I don’t have friends or I don’t have anyone to fall back on, I always have my livestock.”

Alysa Jameson, via WTOL 11

The loss is particularly poignant for Jameson, who finds purpose and connection through her animals and participation in the 4-H program. She emphasized the importance of her livestock, stating that her feeder calf had been bottle-fed since just four days old and her dairy steer was the last calf she had after experiencing previous losses.

Old Fort Fire Chief believes the cause of the fire was a lightning strike. While the Jameson family has suffered a significant loss, they have been overwhelmed by the support from their neighbors and the 4-H community, with plans to rebuild and continue their family tradition.

The incident highlights the deep connection between young people and their animals within the 4-H program, and the devastating impact that unexpected events can have on those involved. The loss extends beyond the monetary value of the animals and equipment, representing a loss of companionship, purpose, and a cherished family heritage.

The Seneca County Fair is scheduled to take place later this summer, and the Attica Independent Fair follows shortly after. It remains to be seen how the Jameson family will participate, but the outpouring of support suggests a strong desire within the community to help them rebuild and continue their involvement in the 4-H program.