The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Oct. 6–12, 2025, as National 4‑H Week and heard a program update from Heather Tower, Lincoln County 4‑H coordinator.

Tower told the board that Lincoln County’s 4‑H program focuses on projects such as dog clubs, shooting sports and growing STEM/STEAM programming, and that the county’s after‑school program in Newport meets at the Newport Presbyterian Church next to Sam Case Elementary. She asked for volunteers to lead projects ranging from sewing and cooking to archery and fishing and described the volunteer onboarding process, which includes background checks through Oregon State University (OSU) and approximately three hours of training split between the state team and Lincoln County orientation.

Tower highlighted that many clubs are volunteer driven, noting one volunteer has led a dog club for 43 years and that the dog club has run in the county for 50 years. She said the program requires a minimum of six club meetings between October and September for club continuity and that the 4‑H after‑school program hosts STEAM projects such as wax relief science, ice dye and hands‑on engineering activities.

Tower invited the public to a 4‑H open house on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1–4 p.m. at the Bridal Barn (fairgrounds) and explained people can find county 4‑H information on the OSU Extension website. Commissioner Claire Hall thanked Tower and noted the county’s long partnership with 4‑H, including a county contract to manage the county fair. The board moved, seconded and approved the proclamation during the meeting.

Tower also asked commissioners to help publicize volunteer needs and contact information for those interested in starting or leading clubs; she said she and her colleague Shelly Spangler are the only full‑time 4‑H staff in the county and rely on community partnerships to expand reach into schools and after‑school programs.