Purdue Extension outlines regional model, introduces new regional operations leader Becky Marble

Purdue Extension staff briefed commissioners on the county’s extension services and introduced the new regional operations leader, Becky Marble. An extension presenter said that in the past year she and a colleague secured $65,000 in external grant funding and that the new regional model will give Rush County access to about 20 specialists across the region rather than only the two local educators.

"Over the last year, Sarah and I have gotten $65,000 in external funding," the presenter said, describing grants and volunteer-hour value that supplement county investment. Becky Marble, who was introduced and then spoke directly to the board, said she has more than 15 years with extension and will help the county with community development, grant writing and program support. "My name is Becky Marble, and, I live right next door in Fayette County," she said, offering to meet individually with commissioners about programs and potential projects such as an arts center and landscape planning for the annex grounds.