Katrina, the county 4‑H agent, reported to the Wichita County Commissioners Court that 4‑H enrollment and volunteer participation remain strong and outlined a calendar of educational activities and grants that support youth development.

Why it matters: County 4‑H programs provide youth with career readiness, STEM exposure, public speaking and agricultural education; volunteers are a key part of delivery and help sustain programming across the county.

Highlights and programs: The agent reported 228 enrolled youth, 44 registered volunteers, nine chartered clubs, and programming that included Keys to the Courthouse visits, classroom hatching (chicks), a financial literacy program reaching more than 200 students, and a robotics grant that supplied new kits for a club. Katrina said she secured an $800 grant to buy temporary animal pens for ag‑day school visits and a $2,000 grant (through a local sponsor) for robotics sets used in contests.

New preparedness curriculum: The agent said the office will run a 10‑week emergency‑preparedness program based on nationally recognized curriculum with FEMA components; participants will be certified, make household plans and be tasked to help several families develop their own plans. The county agent said emergency management staff and other local first responders will participate and that the program is intended to expand community resilience.

Volunteer and community notes: Commissioners praised the reported 44 volunteers and noted the program’s role in building leadership skills. The agent also said she received state approval for a staff promotion and will attend an agent conference and other upcoming community events.

Ending: Commissioners expressed support and appreciation for the extension office’s work; staff will continue to coordinate school and community partnerships and report back on program progress. No formal county action was required at the meeting.