OSU Extension may be returning to Carroll County as early as this spring

CARROLLTON, Ohio — The OSU Extension office and 4-H program is on its way back to Carroll County if one thing can be accomplished: raise $17,000.

Jack Kerrigan, OSU Extension regional director for northeast Ohio, and Linda Yeager, district administrator for the Carroll Soil and Water Conservation District, made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 22.

Collaboration

A collaboration between the county Soil and Water Conservation District and Ohio State University Extension is making the program possible.

“Without the help of the soil and water district, this would not be possible,” said Kerrigan.

The SWCD office is providing office space, telephones, fax machines, other office necessities and Internet access free of charge.

An anonymous donor is supplying the funding for a cell phone, travel expenses and a part-time support person for the extension office.

Need $17,000. But local supporters still need to raise $17,000 to fund the county’s portion of the cost-share for the educator. A total of $25,000 is needed, however $8,000 has already been raised through donations.

Kerrigan said Carroll County needs money to make this happen and is hoping donors will step forward.

Donations

Anyone may make a tax-deductible donation to the OSU Foundation and drop it off or mail it to Carroll SWCD, 613 N. High St., Carrollton, OH 44615.

“We want to thank the county commissioners, particularly Tom Wheaton, the support committees and others for fighting the good fight on behalf of Extension,” said Keith Smith, director, OSU Extension and associate vice president, The Ohio State University, in a written statement. “Their support and hard work will allow us to continue to offer 4-H and all Extension programming in Carroll County.”

County office

Carroll County Extension’s office will house a 4-H youth development educator, who will be primarily responsible for strengthening the county’s 4-H program.

In addition, Carroll County residents will benefit from extension expertise from throughout the Crossroads Extension Education and Research Area, drawing educators from 11 other counties, who will provide services in three additional areas: agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and community development.

Extension expects to have Carroll County’s educator in place as soon as possible. The position is expected to be posted internally and then externally before it is filled.

The continuing of the 4-H program and extension educator will ensure young people participating in this year’s county fair will also be able to compete at the state fair level.