Buchanan County Extension, along with the other 99 Extension districts in Iowa, is quickly adapting to the new administrative structure implemented this year. The new structure was necessary as a response to the state’s budget limitations.
On July 1, Bruce Bearinger, the former Buchanan County Extension Education Director began his duties as the Regional Director for Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties. On the same date I began my work as Regional Director for the new Extension Region 9, consisting of Butler, Bremer, Grundy, Black Hawk, Buchanan, and Tama Counties. It has been a very busy late summer and fall.
I am sincerely enjoying getting to know the elected Extension leaders, the Extension staff, and the citizens in the counties of our region. It is a pleasure to work with the Buchanan County Extension Council, so ably chaired by Dan Cohen. I am pleased, too, that staff members in each of the counties I serve are diligently working to make sure that the services offered by Iowa State University Extension are continuing without interruption. Programming for children, youth, and adults; for rural, suburban, and urban families; for Century Farms and for new Iowans is continuing without missing a beat! The Program Specialists who serve Buchanan County continue to be a resource, responding to the questions and needs of county residents.
The Buchanan County Extension Council took a very significant step forward at its October meeting by hiring Amy Kelly as Outreach Coordinator and Bookkeeper. This new, full-time position expands Amy’s role into the community, where she will link with organizations, civic groups, and individuals to ensure Extension’s many services are being effectively offered to the county. Amy will be a “point person” for Extension in Buchanan County, with her new role officially beginning on November 1.
Since 1903 Iowa State University Extension has been a powerful and effective educational resource for the people of Iowa! One of its keys to success has been its ability to adapt to changing times. Yes, we’re witnessing another time of adaptation and change, but I am confident new ways are being found in each of our state’s counties to energize our service to the people of Iowa. I’ll be looking forward to meeting you! In case you’d like to visit with me, you can reach me by e-mail at alricks@iastate.edu or by phone at (319) 239-5225.
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