NDSU Extension outlines programs and flags annex door/election‑equipment security concerns

Speaker 4, representing NDSU Extension, told county staff that the office is finally fully staffed after a period of vacancies and summarized three program areas: agriculture and natural resources (including pesticide recertification for about 220 Cass County farmers and ranchers), family and community wellness (noting diabetes prevention and aging‑in‑place programs), and 4‑H youth development (more than 400 members and large upcoming outreach to 2,500 fourth‑graders).

Speaker 4 also said the extension office had been selected as one of eight states/units to undergo a civil‑rights audit this year and stressed the office’s emphasis on research‑based programming and return on investment. “We had almost 14,000 people involved” in direct education last year, they said.

Separately, extension staff and commissioners discussed repeated incidents in the county annex where doors have been observed popping open, including a newly‑installed lock on a closet intended for election‑equipment storage. Staff said IT and buildings and grounds had been notified and urged the county to ensure card‑swipe and lock systems are completed before any equipment is stored there. Commissioners emphasized the security sensitivity of election equipment.

No policy decisions were made; IT and facilities staff were asked to follow up and secure the annex spaces before machines are placed in storage.