K‑State Extension reports rising program participation and requests county support to reduce reserve drawdown

Chuck Laughlin, representing K‑State Research & Extension, presented the Extension's budget and program performance, reporting growth in 4‑H participation and other outreach work across McPherson County. He highlighted a grant‑writing class that participants said helped them secure nearly $979,000 in grants to local projects (the presentation referenced a $500,000 award for a restoration project in Linsborough tied to that program) and said the Extension intends to reduce reserve reliance by roughly $8,000 in the upcoming budget cycle.

Commissioners asked for balance sheets and year‑to‑date figures; staff noted K‑State typically increases appropriations in June or July and said an additional appropriation number would be available before final signature of budgets. Laughlin described program expansions—classroom outreach, new 'golden years' programming, and youth development—and said the Extension is seeking continued county support to sustain operations.