Oconto County will again have a full-time 4-H educator in its University of Wisconsin extension office, after the county board had its annual meeting April 15.
The county has shared a 4-H coordinator with Marinette County since 2019, requiring the person to cover an area from Niagara south to Little Suamico, County Administrator Richard Heath told supervisors.
After the recent retirement of community development educator Dale Mohr, the county is able to review its priorities, Heath said.
“With Mr. Mohr leaving, that frees up money for this position without any disruption in the budget,” Heath said. “I think it’s a worthwhile investment.”
Supervisor Tracy Ondik called the move an excellent idea.
“My experience is that the last four years at the Oconto County Youth Fair has seen huge participation from the various 4-H organizations,” Ondik said, adding that he would like to see the person work cooperatively with other groups to allow greater participation.
“There’s a large amount of competition for the fair week among other organizations in this county, and youth have to make decisions about what they’re going to participate in,” he said.
Mohr was active in facilitating the county’s teen court, and the new 4-H educator will be asked to take on those duties as well, Heath said.
wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com
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