A Master Gardener OSU Extension class shares perennial plants as Extension Educator Carri Jagger looks on at right.
Alberta Stojkovic | AIM Media Midwest
Voters will decide on a 0.5-mill, 5-year renewal levy on the Nov. 5 ballot in support of OSU Extension programs in Morrow County.
Morrow County OSU Extension services include programs in 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community Development and SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education for Morrow County citizens.
Three Morrow County residents shared their personal experience with the Sentinel about the value of Ohio State University (OSU) Extension programs in the county.
Joanne Trainer participates in the Extension’s Master Gardner program, and her family has benefited from 4-H and other programs and classes offered by OSU Extension.
“OSU Extension brings an added element of expertise and knowledge to the community,” said Trainer, a registered nurse. “It is wonderful to have these opportunities made available to us. It brings an added opportunity for education and knowledge without us having to leave the county.”
Kanda Benner added, “OSU Extension means so much more than 4-H activities and fair events. Our family benefits from gardening help, tree and plant identification programs, fun classes on various programs, and programs which help us be healthier and gain more knowledge.”
Susie Sexton spoke for the Tomorrow Center about many OSU Extension programs, which benefit school children in Morrow County.
“The OSU Extension has benefited the students at the Tomorrow Center in many ways,” said Sexton. “Carri Jagger regularly visits the science classroom to teach about gardening, growing and other topics. Amanda Staley brings her chicken incubator to teach about poultry. Candace Heer provides programs for SNAP Nutrition education. All three OSU Extension educators serve in supporting Tomorrow Centers Advisory Committee or our Resource Fair.”
When asked if the Ohio State University gives funds to support Extension programs, Jagger said OSU doesn’t support Extension programs. Only county, state and federal funding support the county’s Extension Office programming. OSU Extension has an agreement with Ohio county governments in which a county must first support OSU Extension financially before state government and federal Extension funds support County Extension programs.
The OSU Extension levy originally passed in 2009 when the Morrow County Board of Commissioners proposed the levy to help with the county’s budget shortfall. It was renewed in 2014 and 2019, and the commissioners are again asking for renewal of the 0.5-mill levy in 2024.
Jagger added that without passage of the levy, the OSU Extension programs will go away, and youth will not be able to participate in 4-H programs in Morrow County or in other counties’ 4-H programs.
Alberta Stojkovic is a correspondent for The Morrow County Sentinel. She can be reached at [email protected].
