$11 Million for Food Stamp Education Axed; Worth County Extension to Get Own Youth Program Associate

Jennifer Osborn of University Extension told the Worth County Commission as well as Monday’s Extension meeting that $11 million worth of Food Stamp Education funding (SNAP) for the state was eliminated in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” recently signed by President Donald Trump. That means that plenty of specialist positions will be eliminated. University Extension will be able to keep the curriculum that they developed over the years; they will have to find another way to deliver it.

In better news for the area, Worth County will have its own Youth Program Associate. Funding for that position will come from the state, the Extension Council, and the Worth County Progress Organization. There are two applicants for the position, and the next step will be interviews.

The hope is that a Youth Program Associate will be able to revitalize 4-H around the county; in past years, there have been 40-50 kids involved in the county. But travel sports, school athletics becoming a year-round program just to stay competitive, and pressure on kids to work has hurt 4-H participation. The goal now for the state is for every county to have its own YPA.

The new Strategic Plan for Worth County has been put together; the next goal will be to identify and work with existing resources.

At Monday evening’s Extension meeting, Kyle Dignan reported that the Livestock Show that was held with Gentry County this year was a success. There were more participants involved, and chickens and rabbits were shown for the first time. The tentative plan is to have it at the same time next year.

Gwen Funk reported on All-America Selections, which researches and tests the best garden items that people can grow. They are one of the oldest such organizations, having started in 1932. They have 200 places around the US, including nine in Missouri, including at the Hundley-Whaley Farm in Albany.

There are many vegetables that have stood the test of time, such as the Imperator Carrot, which was given an award by the organization in 1933. But they are constantly looking to develop new food plants and flowers which will thrive today.

Many of the new items they selected include varieties such as the Black Forest Ridge Dahlia, which can handle both drought and flooding. Hundley-Whaley has experienced both this year. Despite that, nearly all of theirs germinated.

Among other vegetables and flowers Ms. Funk highlighted that got awards were the Konstance Kohlrabi, a purple kohlrabi, the Purple Magic Broccoli, which is purple as its name implies, the Captain Magnifica Dianthus Carnation, the Dekka Maxx Pink Petunia, the Bauer Lettuce, which can grow in almost any setting, the Yellow Red Heart Snapdragon, and the 1984 Tomato Celebrity, which has stood the test of time for 40 years.

A new regional mental health task force was formed a few years ago by Judge Robert Rice, and there is a lot of interest in improving peoples’ mental health in the area. Research has shown a lot of mental health benefits from gardening, including stress and anxiety reduction, mood enhancement, mindfulness, focus, improved attention span, especially for people with ADHD, memory retention, self-esteem, connection, belonging, exercise benefits, improved Vitamin D exposure from being in the sunlight, and improved sleep cycles.

 

 

Extension Names Sherri James to Leaders Honor Roll

Each year, the Worth County Extension staff is given the opportunity to name outstanding community leaders to the University of Missouri Extension Leader’s Honor Roll. This award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond their call of duty on behalf of Extension.

During the Worth County/Mound City basketball game, the Worth County Extension Council recognized Sherri James.

Sherri grew up and graduated from Worth County R-III school in 1994.  She went to UMKC Pharmacy School and worked in KC until she returned home in 2008.  Worth County had been without a pharmacy for 20 years, so she opened her pharmacy in 2009.  Her dad was one of her biggest supporters and cosigned for her first loan.  She has been an active part of Worth County ever since.  Here are just a few of the things Sherri is currently involved in:

She is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Learning Academy Board.  She is the Secretary for the NW MO Cooperative Mental Health Board of Trustees.  She is the Vice President of Connect Worth County a drug use coalition in Worth County.  She is a member of the Gentry/Worth County Mental Health Task Force, the 100 Good Women of Worth County, the Worth County Readers Book Club, and The Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation Group. Sherri is a graduate of Leadership Northwest.  She does all of this while running her business in Grant City.

 

Katelyn Halsey, Seth Noble, Lori Wimer Honored

On Tuesday, January 31st, Katelyn Halsey, Seth Noble, and Lori Wimer were honored before the basketball games between Worth County and King City.

Katelyn Halsey and Seth Noble were honored for being the Missouri Farm Family for Worth County, as selected by the Worth County Extension and the Worth County Farm Bureau. They were also recognized August 15th during the State Fair. 

The Halsey/Noble family assists in operating their family’s 160-acre Missouri Century Farm which is utilized as row crop ground, along with this they aid in running a small cow/calf operation. Katelyn Halsey served as Worth County R-III Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor for the 2021-2022 school year. Through teaching Katelyn has been able to pass on her experiences and passion for agriculture while providing Worth County youth the foundation for learning the importance of farming within the community.

The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies: the Missouri Farm Bureau; the Missouri Department of Agriculture; the Missouri State Fair Commissioners; the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; and MU Extension.

The event showcases the impact that Missouri farm families have on the economy and heritage of the state, said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities and are active participants in local outreach and extension. As the premier showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families.”

Lori Wimer was named by the Worth County Extension to the University of Missouri Extension Leader’s Honor Roll. This award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond their call of duty on behalf of Extension. 

Lori has stepped in to help the Worth County 4-H program when it was most needed.  Lori has been the club leader for the Allendale 4-H Club since 2009.  Her three children, Jacob, Jeremy, and Justina were all members of the club and were members until they graduated.  Lori has served on the Worth County 4-H Council and helped with achievement day and the livestock shows.  Lori is very humble and credits the successes of the club and Worth County 4-H to supportive parents and kids.  She has stepped up in a big way in the last year.  In the absence of a county based YPA in 2022, Lori was instrumental in making sure achievement day was pulled off this summer.  Her work and dedication to 4-H and MU Extension has not gone unnoticed.  

Kevin Fisher Named Worth County Economic Developer

The Worth County Extension Council has hired Kevin Fisher to fill the role of office manager and economic development planner.  He will staff the MU Extension Office during open hours, Mondays and Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., responding to customer inquiries.  

As part of a newly formed partnership between the Worth County Extension Council and Worth County Progress Organization, Kevin will also work to help promote Worth County and its communities.  In this role, he will assist communities, businesses and entrepreneurs with idea generation and access to funding, as well as coordinate programs and events meant to bring people to Worth County.   

Kevin is married to Carla (Jacobs) Fisher.  He has two daughters Cassondra (Brady) From of Liberty and Stacy (Blaine) Davis of Bolivar.  He has one granddaughter Madilynn who just turned two years old July 3rd.  They live 2 miles north of Carmack on 169 Highway.  Kevin is a retired schoolteacher and principal from the Stanberry School District, and enjoys traveling with his wife of 35 years, hunting, fishing and spending time in the country.  Kevin was born and raised in Worth County, and is the youngest son of Ernest and Opal Fisher.  He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.  

Please stop in and see Kevin at the Extension Center located in the basement of the Worth County Courthouse (entrance on west side of building) or give him a call at 660-546-3363.

If you have questions for Extension faculty and staff outside our regular office hours or need immediate assistance, please contact Jackie Spainhower, County Engagement Specialist for Worth County, at spainhowerj@missouri.edu or call the Harrison County Extension Center at 660-425-6434.  

Worth County Progress Organization, Extension Partner for New Position

The Worth County Progress Organization and the University of Missouri Extension Council of Worth County finalized an agreement last week to join efforts in providing economic and community development services to Worth County. Through this agreement, the MU Extension Council of Worth County will employ a part-time office manager responsible for maintaining regular open hours for the Extension, while performing community and economic development responsibilities on behalf of the Worth County Progress Organization.

This position will be hired jointly by members of both organizations with assistance from MU Extension faculty. Jackie Spainhower, County Engagement Specialist in Worth County and Community Economic Development Specialist for MU Extension, will provide direct supervision for this position, with input from both the Progress Organization and Worth County Extension Council. Additionally, she will provide mentorship and guidance to the person hired for this position. 

“Through this partnership, an opportunity will be created to provide tailored community and economic development programming in Worth County while maintaining open office hours for Extension,” said Jackie Spainhower.  Amber Monticue, treasurer for Worth County Progress stated, “I look forward to seeing the new opportunities this collaboration can bring to Worth County, for the betterment of our community.”

Announcements advertising this position and how to apply will be in local newspapers and on social media soon. Questions about the position can be directed to Jackie Spainhower, County Engagement Specialist for MU Extension in Worth County at 660-564-3363, email spainhowerj@missouri.edu, or Chevy Davidson, Chairman of the Worth County Progress Organization at 660-254-0558, email chevy7703@gmail.com.  

Melissa Privett is New Worth County Extension Office Manager

 The Worth County Extension Center has hired a new office manager and has adjusted the part-time Extension Center’s open hours. As of August 4, 2020, the Extension Office will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the office closed from 11:30 a.m. to Noon for lunch.  

Melissa Privett joined the Worth County Extension Office as the new part-time office manager on August 4.  She currently resides in Ravenwood.  She and her husband, Jess, have three children: Tierney, 17, Tessa, 14, and Toryn, 11, and are the owners of four dogs, five cats, three horses and a goat.  When she’s not at work or taking care of the kids’ animals, Melissa can probably be found at a Worth County Lil’ Tigers football game, Northeast Nodaway basketball game, track meet, or band and color guard performance.  

Melissa’s duties for the Extension Center will include answering questions from visitors and callers, directing questions to MU Extension faculty and staff, bookkeeping, processing soil samples for labs, testing canner pressure gauges, and assisting with community and educational programs. Please stop in and see her at the Extension Center located in the basement of the Worth County Courthouse (entrance on west side of building) or give her a call at 660-546-3363.

University of Missouri Extension improves people’s lives with educational programs and  access to University resources and experts to enhance economic viability; build strong individuals, families and communities; and create and sustain healthy environments.  In Worth county, Extension programs address such high-priority areas as agriculture, livestock, and horticulture; nutrition and health; business and workforce; and community development.

If you have questions for Extension faculty and staff outside the new office hours, please contact Jackie Spainhower, County Engagement Specialist for Worth County, at spainhowerj@missouri.edu or call the Harrison County Extension Center at 660-425-6434.  

Jackie Spainhower Named New Worth County Extension Director

Jackie Spainhower was named the new Worth County Extension director. She will serve part-time, being in Worth County on Monday. She will serve in Harrison County on Tuesday and Thursday. She replaces Jerry Baker, who retired. She introduced herself to commissioners Monday, her third day on the job.

She said one key priority was to find a sustainable source of funding. The Extension has built up a lot of reserves over the years, but is burning through it.

In other action at the County Commission Meeting Monday, Economic Developer Gene Auten reported that there was good turnout to raise money for a Lifeflight helipad Saturday. The fundraiser was held at the Skating Rink, where it raised around $4,500. Auten reported that a pipe burst flooded his office and resulted in a total loss of some of his records. He reported that a house on Goodsill was next on the list of homes to demolish, while two other owners of abandoned homes in Grant City are demolishing them on their own.

Road & Bridge Supervisor Jim Fletchall reported that the front springs on the rock truck needed replacing. The county put three loads on the YY bypass, and it was holding up. There were complaints about Claypool Road, which was rough and muddy. There were other complaints about Rim Rock Trail, on which vehicles were dragging bottom.

The county received a bill for nearly $60,000 for a prisoner who was lifeflighted. The county received an estimate for the courtroom ceiling for $5,869.

Stephen & Debra Kollitz Recognized at State Fair as Worth County Farm Family

Stephen & Debra Kollitz and family of Grant City were among the families honored during the Missouri Farm Family Day, Aug. 15 at the Missouri State Fair.

The Kollitz family was selected as the Worth County Missouri Farm Family by the Worth County Extension Council and local Farm Bureau. The family includes Lane, Rhett, and Latham.

Each year, the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across the state who are active in their communities, involved in agriculture and participate in local outreach and extension programs such as 4-H or FFA.

The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies, including the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair and Commissioners, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and University of Missouri Extension.

Kollitz Family Named State Fair Farm Family for Worth County

Worth County Extension Minutes from March 28th

Members present:  David Hunt, Brandon Allee, Julie Tracy, Linda Brown, Mary Kay Hunt and David Seat.

Chairman David Hunt called the meeting to order. Motion made by Julie Tracy to approve the agenda.  Seconded by Brandon Allee.  All in favor.

Motion by Julie Tracy to approve the previous minutes as corrected.  Seconded by Mary Kay Hunt.  All in favor.

The financial report and current bills were presented by Julie Tracy. The bills were routine monthly business. Motion by David Seat to receive and file for audit the financial report and to pay the current bills. Seconded by Linda Brown.  All in favor. 

Motion by Julie Tracy to name the Kollitz family as the Worth County State Fair Farm Family for 2016 and to ask the Chris Cadle family to be the alternate family.  Seconded by Mary Kay Hunt.  All yes. 

The 4-H Audit was completed and reported by Linda Brown, Mary Kay Hunt and Sherri Runde.  It was noted that a check may not have been cashed in a timely manner.   Motion by Brandon Allee to receive 4-H Audit Report.  Seconded by David Seat.

Jerry reported on the Safe Burn program that was delivered by Kendall Coleman and Bob Kelly.  He noted it was very well presented with videos and comments from the presenters and that a newspaper editor and some firefighters from Maryville also attended the session. 

Chairman Hunt appointed Sherri Runde, Linda Brown and Mary Kay Hunt to perform the annual extension accounting audit. 

The council discussed the additional duties that office bookkeeper/manager has taken on with the county clerk’s office.  Motion by Julie to approve the office manager/bookkeeper’s duties within the courthouse system.  Seconded by Mary Kay.  All yes.

Jerry gave his MU Extension report. 

Motion to adjourn made by David Seat.  Seconded by Brandon.  All in favor.

Worth County Extension Council Minutes

Members in attendance: David Hunt, Julie Tracy, Jessica Davidson, Chevy Davidson, Mary Kay Hunt, Sherri Runde, David Seat, and CPD Jerry Baker. The meeting was called to order by David Hunt. Jerry asked for an amendment to the agenda to include 4-H/FFA Livestock Show under New Business. Motion made by Chevy to approve the amended agenda. Seconded by Mary Kay. All yes. No visitors present at the meeting.

Motion made by Chevy to approve the previous meeting minutes as sent. Seconded by David. All yes. The budget sheet presented to the county commissioners was reviewed. Julie presented the financial report and current bills. Bills were the normal business ones. The current balance of the expendable gift account is $43,281.09. Motion by Chevy to receive and file the financial report for audit and to pay the current bills. Sherri seconded. All yes.

Jessica reported on a fundraising activity for BAM (Bicycle Across Missouri). As of 4-17-15 there were 915 preregistered. She will need volunteers to help. Sam’s Club has watermelon slicers on the shelf, Jessica will look into purchasing one for use.

Chevy contacted Chris and Ashley Cadle to be the Worth County State Fair Farm Family for 2015. It coincided with Iowa State Fair and they will not be able to attend. He is currently talking to Daniel Gladstone and Jason Rinehart on their interest in attending. Rod and Dawn Brown may also consider this opportunity.

The YPA position will be officially opened for application until May 5th. The deadline can be extended if no applications are received. Those wanting to apply must submit an online application through the University. The position opening will be placed in the local paper. Jerry was missing his papers for Council Trainings, which will be covered at the next meeting.

Miranda and Jerry have both completed their Affirmative Action Training. This mandatory training focus is on what you can/cannot say or do in a program/presentation/print. Jerry reported there are a lot of people retiring from the University. In his staff report, he highlighted that he participated in the Atchison Co. Government Day. At this time, Jerry also discussed an article in the April 27th St Joseph News Press entitled “Next Generation.”

Julie had brought to our attention that other counties were having a program for “Women in Ag.” She had had a few people asking about the program. Jerry will explore this programming opportunity.

Jerry brought to our attention that the Missouri Cattleman’s Association have an 18” x 30” liability sign that would be beneficial to the 4-H/FFA Livestock Show. This would be an additional advisory notice about personal responsibility/liability when around livestock. The signs are offered in two styles, aluminum and polyethylene. They were priced (with shipping) at $45 and $28, respectively. Motion by Chevy to purchase the aluminum sign for $45. Seconded by David Seat. All yes.

Motion by Julie to move the next scheduled meeting, which is Memorial Day, to June 1st at 7:00 pm. Seconded by Chevy. All in favor. Motion passed.