ISU Extension and Outreach celebrates 100 Years in Jefferson County

This year, Jefferson County is celebrating 100 years of organized county extension work.

'This long-established partnership with Iowa State University provides local citizens with access to education and university research,” said Steve Burgmeier, extension chair. 'ISU Extension and Outreach provides education and builds partnerships for a strong Iowa and a strong Jefferson County.”

To celebrate the organization's centennial, Jefferson County Extension Office will host a Business After Hours from 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday at the Cambridge Building at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

In addition to photos and historical items from the past 100 years of Extension in Jefferson County, Dr. John Lawrence of Iowa State University will offer comments regarding the Extension organization. Members of local 4-H clubs will also be present exhibiting projects for the fair, as well as staff promoting upcoming Extension programs that will address agriculture, gardening, youth and community concerns.

'A hundred years ago, the people of Jefferson County joined the extension movement and hired their first local extension agent,” Burgmeier said. 'Today, ISU Extension and Outreach serves as a 99 county campus, connecting the needs of Iowans with Iowa State University research and resources.”

The Jefferson County Extension Council represents county residents and acts on behalf of ISU Extension and Outreach locally. The Jefferson County Extension Council includes the chair, Burgmeier, Vice Chair Christine Engwall, Treasurer Susie Drish, Secretary Barbara Kistler and council members Eric Miller, Cory Klehm, Shelly Moothart and John Peck.

'With their understanding of local issues, these elected officials make sure that significant educational programs are available in Jefferson County that help people solve critical issues affecting their lives,” Burgmeier said. 'Education and partnerships are how we solve problems and prepare for the future. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach looks forward to being part of the ongoing life of Jefferson County for years to come.”

Among those programs offered at Jefferson County Extension these include Master Gardeners; ServSafe; Morels, False Morels and Other Wild Mushrooms; Landscape Design Workshops; Fairy Gardens; CRP Management, as well as a successful 4H and Afterschool Programs.

More than 1 million benefit

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach educational programs cover the entire life span, from Iowa's youngest to oldest residents. More than 1 million people directly benefit from ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs each year. Extension education online reaches more than 4 million.

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service - a network of more than 100 land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level. For more information about ISU Extension and Outreach contact the Jefferson County office at 472-4166 or visit www.extension.iastate.edu.