Pershing County Extension Coordinator Kristin Burr, County Coordinator delivered an update
during the recent county commission meeting, highlighting both exciting youth programs and some
challenging news on staffing and funding.
According to Burr, the county was on the verge of hiring a SNAP-Ed staffer when news came down
that statewide funding for the program had been cut. That means Pershing County will no longer
have a SNAP-Ed position, a blow to health-focused educational outreach, especially in rural areas.
The Extension team is still evaluating what, if any, modified programming might continue in the
absence of direct funding.
Burr shared how much she enjoyed attending her first Frontier Days, connecting with community
members and spreading the word about Extension programming. The team also promoted an
upcoming High Tunnel Workshop to be held in Fallon, with a virtual option available. The
workshop will cover what high tunnels are, how they benefit producers, and how to access USDA
funding to install them.
Extension is currently in the early stages of a community needs assessment to find out what
programming Pershing County residents want. Frey said she’s hoping to distribute a link when ready
and asked if the county could help promote it via its website or meeting chats. Commissioners
agreed that would be possible.
Program Highlights
∙Master Gardener registration is open, and while there are no Pershing County participants
yet, Frey plans to take the course herself to better promote it.
∙The Lego Spin Club, which uses Legos to teach STEM concepts, is “incredibly popular”
and may be expanded due to high demand. The program uses legos to teach engineering
and stem concepts.
∙The Gardening Club in Imlay continues to thrive, thanks to a dedicated volunteer.
∙Local 4-H youth have been actively participating in livestock shows and jackpots, with great
success.
Pershing County 4-H youth have been busy with a variety of hands-on projects this summer. On
July 8, members pitched in for a clean-up day at the local animal shelter, showing their dedication
to community service. Meanwhile, the Woodworking Club has taken on a creative project, building
bat boxes that are proudly branded with the 4-H and UNR logos using custom-made stamps.
Participants are also hard at work preparing their exhibits for the Town & Country Fair and getting
ready to represent Pershing County at the upcoming State Expo.
This summer’s 4-H camp was a resounding success, with 11 local youth attending alongside three
adult counselors, three youth counselors, and County Coordinator Kristin Burr, who stepped in as a
last-minute counselor herself. Campers enjoyed a mix of water demonstrations, fire safety
education, and all the classic outdoor fun 4-H camps are known for. Burr praised the experience,
especially the role Pershing County played in providing all the fruits and vegetables for snack time.
“I’ve never seen kids run so fast to fruits and vegetables,” she said. “The oranges were gone in
seconds!”
She also gave a heartfelt thank you to one of the youth counselors in her cabin, calling her an
incredible help throughout the week.
Burr closed her report with gratitude for the community at more youth programming and outreach
coming in the fall.
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