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UW Extension reports programming and staff changes; two FoodWIse staff face layoffs
Summary
The area UW Extension director updated the committee on programming across Adams County, noted two FoodWIse staff members face layoffs in October and November, and summarized outreach on childcare, opioid settlement planning and 4‑H activities.
The area UW Extension director told the committee the local extension office is operating largely within its 2025 budget and outlined program activity heading into 2026, including 4‑H recruitment and planning, health and well‑being initiatives and regional programming carried out by specialists serving multiple counties.
The director said the local 4‑H educator is beginning preparations for the 2026 program year and that shared programming occurs when educators cover multiple counties. The report noted two FoodWIse staff members — Angela DeSmith and Sharon Volkening Wolf — will face layoffs: one at the end of October and one at the end of November, and that those programs will continue through those dates while the funding source ends.
The health and well‑being educator is working on childcare, prevention of prescription‑drug misuse and planning for distribution of opioid settlement dollars; staff are also looking at housing support options for residents exiting substance‑use treatment. Community health worker Yesenia Meza is continuing outreach to populations facing food insecurity and is partnering with local clinics and extension staff to distribute information and support.
Regional livestock educator Adam Hartfield continues programming across the three counties served, including beef workshops that drew 4‑H families and local producers. The director also noted programming provided by extension specialists based in other counties — for example, Anna James’ natural‑resources work in the region — is an additional benefit for Adams County residents.
Committee members had no additional questions and thanked the director for the written and verbal report; no formal committee action was required on the extension budget update at Tuesday’s meeting.
