Mahoning County commissioners met Thursday morning at the Canfield Fairgrounds and heard staff from the Ohio State University Extension office outline local 4‑H programs, school nutrition education and a youth cooking competition tied to the fair.

Kristen Eisenhower, extension educator for 4‑H youth development and agriculture and natural resources, told the commissioners, "If you're not sure what OSU Extension is, we invite you to look at our impacts or ask us any questions you may have." She described the office's focus on four program areas: youth development, agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and community development.

The nut graf: The presentation put county support for extension services and youth programming in front of elected officials during the county's year‑at‑the‑fair meeting, underscoring the office's role in school outreach and community events where the public can engage directly with county programs.

Extension staff provided specifics attendees could act on. Beth Smith, 4‑H educator for youth development, said, "We have about thousand members in 4 h, about 40 clubs," and invited the public to visit the junior fair area and the exhibit building to view non‑animal projects. Smith and other staff described a youth cooking contest that began with 16 participants and narrowed to four finalists; those finalists will receive a mystery bag of ingredients and compete on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in front of the events center.

Emily (program assistant, Expanded Nutrition Education Program) described SNAP‑Ed activities and said, "SNAP Ed provides education for people who qualify for SNAP benefits. We are actually in the schools too. We have at least 50% of their student population qualify for Uber Eats Press Meals." Program staff also noted donated fresh produce from a local supplier will be available for the contestants.

Commissioners and officials on the dais encouraged fair attendance and thanked extension staff for hosting the meeting. The commissioners also reminded residents of headline nightly acts at the fair and said the board would hold its next meeting Sept. 4 at the commissioner's chamber.

Less critical details: extension staff invited attendees to tour the upgraded office space, and the presentation included an invitation to donuts and coffee in the extension office prior to scheduled fair activities.