UNL Extension presents annual report highlighting entrepreneurship and youth programs

Ben Dutton, lead educator at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, presented the Lincoln‑Logan‑McPherson County Extension Office’s annual report to the board. Dutton summarized staffing (livestock, crops and water, horticulture, youth development, health and community development) and highlighted program work including an entrepreneurship class, youth development/4‑H activities and local outreach.

Dutton noted the Extension’s partnerships with local employers for mock interviews, Connecting the Dots career exposure for students, and a feature story on program beneficiaries. Commissioners praised the outreach and asked for continued coordination; one commissioner asked about salary responsibilities for a youth development assistant (Lauren Bergner), and Dutton said educator salaries are covered by the state while some clerical assistance is a county responsibility.

Dutton said the Extension remains open to suggestions about what educational programming residents want to see and encouraged commissioners and residents to contact the office with ideas.

What’s next: Commissioners asked staff to relay feedback to the Extension and thanked the office for its local programming; Dutton will provide the board copies of the updated drafts referenced in his report and follow up as requested.