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MU Extension presents annual report to Cole County Commission, highlights early childhood and health programs
Summary
A University of Missouri Extension representative summarized the office''s annual report for Cole County, described program areas tied to four grand challenges and previewed upcoming 4‑H and childcare training events; commissioners flagged early childhood indicators as a local concern.
Elizabeth, a representative of the University of Missouri Extension office, delivered the extension office's annual report to the Cole County Commission on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, outlining the office's programming, data‑driven priorities and upcoming events.
The report organizes work around four "grand challenges": economic opportunity, educational access and excellence, healthy futures and agricultural growth and stewardship. Elizabeth told commissioners the report includes county data used to decide program priorities; she cited higher-than‑state‑average fall‑injury rates among older adults in Cole County as a reason the office runs fall‑prevention programs such as Matter of Balance and tai chi classes. She identified Kathy Deacon as the office's nutrition and health specialist who leads those efforts.
Elizabeth summarized program areas including 4‑H, agricultural extension services (livestock, agronomy, horticulture, ag business specialists), business and community education, continuing education for professionals, and health and human sciences programming. She said the extension aims to expand childcare support and cited working with Kurt Hafely of the United Way on related partnerships.
The extension representative said the office has several events later in March, including a statewide 4‑H day at the Capitol that will bring students from counties across Missouri and two consecutive childcare trainings (including a babysitting course and a childcare professional development day offering clock hours and CPR certification). She also invited the public to attend extension council meetings, noting they are open to the public and that the council holds regular meetings.
Commissioner remarks: A commissioner said the early childhood numbers for the county were "bad," and Elizabeth acknowledged that early childhood care is a struggle across counties she covers and described efforts to scale up childcare services by working with local child care administrators.
Why it matters: The extension office provides education and direct services that county residents use for agriculture, youth development and adult health. The office's data‑driven programming and partnerships with organizations such as the United Way shape local services for older adults, families and childcare providers.
What was not decided: The commission did not vote on funding changes or new county policy tied to the extension report; the presentation was informational and included an invitation to commissioners and the public to attend extension council meetings.
