Nebraska Extension highlights youth programs ahead of National 4‑H Week

Angela Epps of Nebraska Extension delivered the quarterly report to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners, outlining outreach and youth programming across the county ahead of National 4‑H Week. Epps said 4‑H work this summer included county fairs and a cookie-jar contest, a food‑waste‑loss grant to teach children where food comes from and how to reduce waste, and Health Rocks programming in middle schools aimed at reducing drug, alcohol and tobacco use.

"Probably the biggest 1 is, of course, county fairs, were happened in the summer," Epps told the board as she summarized her office's activities. She asked commissioners and residents to support National 4‑H Week (Oct. 4) by wearing green and noted Extension's role in the South Sioux City Mayor's Youth Commission and in school-based enrichment. Epps added that "there's over 1,200 kids involved" in 4‑H-related programs across the area and encouraged local officials to help publicize events and partnerships.