Extension staff report growth in Stevens County 4‑H program, highlight volunteer drive

Tricia Sheehan, regional director with Stevens County Extension, and local Extension staff presented a program update on June 25 that emphasized youth outreach, volunteer recruitment and retention, and new program offerings.

Sheehan opened by noting Extension’s resources for extreme weather response and mental‑health training called COMET (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory). She then introduced county staff and an intern who are supporting local 4‑H programming.

Extension staff described multiple program metrics: the county now has 87 screened volunteers who have completed background checks and orientations; Extension staff reported a total of 296 members engaged in 4‑H activities in the county, up from prior years. Staff highlighted new after‑school clubs in Morris and Hancock, partnership work with Morris Community Education for promotion, and a shooting‑sports project that requires certified coaches. An intern from Big Stone County will lead a 4‑H adventure program and help extend programming capacity over roughly 14 weeks.

Speakers described outreach to Latino families—staff said the elementary school population is about 25 percent Latino and emphasized that 4‑H enrollment should better reflect school demographics. Staff set goals to retain 90 percent of Cloverbuds (K–2) and to grow volunteer training and empowerment so volunteers feel prepared to lead additional opportunities.

Commissioners thanked Extension for the presentation and staff invited feedback and continued collaboration.

Extension did not request immediate funding in the meeting record; staff framed the update as program reporting and community outreach.