University of Missouri Extension presents 2024 Franklin County annual report; county appropriation cited

Kendra Graham, an extension engagement specialist with the University of Missouri Extension serving Franklin County, presented the extension council’s 2024 annual report to the Franklin County Commission and described program growth and recent staffing additions.

Graham said, “My name is Kendra Graham, and I am an extension engagement specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, serving Franklin County.” She told commissioners the report highlights educational programs the extension offered in the county during 2024 and introduced two council officers who spoke about specific programs.

Bob Bucks, vice chair of the Franklin County Extension Council, emphasized the county’s 4‑H program. He characterized 4‑H as a leading youth program in the state and said it continues to grow. Bucks described a recent multi‑week, hands‑on STEM activity in which 4‑H members visited Williams Brothers Meat Company to learn the curing process for bacon and complete a multi‑step project.

An extension council officer identified as Kathy described the program range for all ages, from youth through seniors, and listed examples including Tai Chi classes for older adults, Master Gardener training and school nutrition education. She noted that many programs are free or low cost and called the extension “a little gem in Franklin County.”

Graham also told the commission the extension now has a full county office staff and that two specialists — an agronomy specialist and a human development specialist — began work in January. “We now have a full office of staff in our county. We had just hired an agronomy specialist and a human development specialist, and so both of those ladies started in January,” Graham said.

The presiding commissioner referenced the county appropriations line in the extension packet, saying the county appropriation for the extension is $150,000 and praising the University of Missouri system’s local footprint. No formal vote or change to funding was recorded during the presentation; the item was presented as an informational report and discussion for the commission.

The extension presenters encouraged public awareness of the programs and the commission thanked them for the report.

Looking ahead, the extension materials distributed to the commission list program contacts and services ranging from youth education and 4‑H to nutrition instruction and business support; the presenters emphasized the county office’s recent staff expansions and the continuation of free or low‑cost programming.