County officials have approved funding for the local Extension programs for another year.
Meeting this week, the Barton County Commission approved the funding request from KSU Barton County Extension Council, which continues funding at the same level as this year.
The council approved funding $204,250 and Commissioner Kenny Schremmer said he saw for himself this past week just how important that program is.
Schremmer volunteers to help run the annual County Fair auction and he said he was impressed at the number of new people who have gotten involved and who attended the event this year.
He said it was a bigger audience in the stands and they seemed anxious to support the fair. “Everybody was in such a spirited mood,” Schremmer commented.
The event brings all sorts of people together, he added. “This is a whole county project. It’s so gratifying to see that.”
Telling the Extension officials at Monday’s commission meeting, “You guys do a fantastic job. Keep it up,” Schremmer also suggested: “This is one area in Barton County that we really need to support.”
While Extension covers much more than just the youth programs, 4-H continues to be a big part of the effort.
Barton County has nine 4-H clubs, including Barton County Horse Club; Busy Buzzers; Ellinwood Energizers; Eureka Homesteaders; Great Bend City Slickers; Hoisington Jets; T.L.C. Twisters; The Sharpshooters; and South Bend Jolly Workers.