Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education And Community Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Beltrami Extension reports staffing additions, 4‑H activity and upcoming fairgrounds work
Summary
Beltrami County Extension staff introduced a new real-estate department employee and a new 4‑H educator, outlined SNAP‑Ed staffing, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist activity, and noted a fairgrounds road pavement project affecting access before the county fair.
County Extension staff updated the Beltrami County Board on staff changes, programming and facilities ahead of the summer season.
Tony Hansen, regional director for the Beltrami County Extension Office, introduced staffing changes and program highlights: two SNAP‑Ed health-and-wellness coordinators are now serving the county; Ashley Rohrer joined as the county 4‑H extension educator in March; and part‑time support staff Kim assists at the office.
Rohrer introduced herself to commissioners and described county 4‑H activity including clubs’ community projects and upcoming fair events: "I've only been here since March, but getting my bearings, and I'm super excited to be involved and grow this program," she said.
Hansen said the Beltrami County Master Gardeners remain active and that the office supports outreach such as a spring garden party and a May 17 plant sale at the fairgrounds. He also noted a Fairgrounds Road Northwest pavement project already underway that will shift access during the summer but is expected to be completed before the county fair.
Hansen described the Master Naturalist program, run by University of Minnesota Extension, which certifies volunteers after a 40‑hour course and asks for 40 hours of annual volunteer service; he said Beltrami County had 20 active Master Naturalists in 2024, seven of whom reported 1,694 volunteer hours valued at about $61,000.
Staff flagged a shared security system at the extension center that may need longer‑term updates, and, per the packet, SNAP‑Ed coordinators Eve and Nate will provide a fuller report this fall. Commissioners thanked staff and had no further substantive actions recorded.
