It’s official! The Cottonwood Extension District has been approved and will begin operating as a district July 1. It’s been a whirlwind week getting paperwork together to move forward in making a smooth transition and taking care of business as an Extension District.

Some of you long time Extension supporters may be asking if you will still have access to “my” Extension Agents? Yes, current staff will continue to office in their local counties, and will provide educational programming in both counties. You will also have access to four agents plus support staff in the Ellis County office for more specialized service. 

We have an eight- member District Board comprised of four members from each county. Our first official meeting will be held soon and many of the decisions that have been made by the transitional board will be ratified. This first District Board is appointed but in the future District residents may run in elections held in November of odd numbered years.

 Of course one of the first orders of business for the Cottonwood Extension District board will be to formulate a budget for 2018. Our board members are taxpayers too, and good stewards of taxpayer money. The trend of Extension districts in Kansas has been to maintain relatively stable tax levels. When our district budget for 2018 is set we will hold a public hearing in mid-August to receive any comments from you. 

It’s Fair time in both Barton and Ellis County. While our attention turns to this wonderful learning experience for 4-H families and others in the community, you can be sure that the Cottonwood Extension District Board and staff will be working toward providing high quality educational opportunities to all residents now and in the future.

Donna Krug is the district director with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. One may reach her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.