| May 2003 |
www.ext.nodak.edu/county/richland |
CROPPING SYSTEMS
Dale L. Siebert
CROP PRODUCTION
May was a frustrating month from a cropping stand point as rainfall and wind affected planting, spraying
and other cropping activity. This resulted in questions regarding weed control, late planting, switching
varieties, etc. Several attempts were made to plant the Richland County Corn variety trial. We finally
accomplished the planting on May 26 with co-operator Todd Althoff. Conditions prior to that were too
wet for planting. While later than we would like to plant the trial we are hoping for weather conditions
that will favor the growth of the trial so we can still obtain some good results.
Plans were also made for the annual Richland County Crop Tour to be held on the Gary Friskop farm on
July 7. The sugarbeet weed control plots, soybean weed control plots and small grain varieties will be
featured at that time.
LAWN AND GARDEN
May was a busy month regarding lawn and garden questions primarily due to the growing season. Wet,
cool weather made ash anthracnose especially bad this year and numerous questions were received
regarding that problem. Other questions related to lawn establishment and the ever popular weed control
questions. Mosquito control is also a popular subject as people are especially aware of the West Nile
Virus this year.
4-H
During the month of May I assisted the Richland County 4-H clubs with set up and take down of their
county wide rummage sale. New doors were also put in the 4-H building this month and I continued to
work with the city in rewriting our lease with them for the lots the building sits on. I also attended the 4-H
Communication Arts Contest held on May 22 in Wyndmere. It is always fun to see the growth in 4-H
members as they participate in this activity.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT/4-H
Colleen M. Svingen
4-H BUSY SEASON!
Warm weather has arrived and with the summer season our direct contact with our 4-H members and
leaders increases because kids have more time for 4-H activities. The Extension staff faces challenges to
stay ahead of our young people in this busy season!
4-H UPDATE
The state 4-H Office helps us meet those challenges by providing a 4-H update every May in two
locations. Deb Evenson, Administrative Assistant, the person who really does much of the nuts and bolts
of the 4-H organization, and I attended an update in Carrington. We were updated on adolescent
behavior, current trends and statics, as well as new project ideas. We were also given opportunities to
network with other youth workers at that location.
4-H RUMMAGE SALE
The two day County Wide 4-H Rummage Sale was held in May. All clubs and members are asked to
participate and donate items for the sale. It has developed quite a following from community members and
does generate funds for the council to sponsor 4-H events.
COMMUNICATION ARTS
Our local Communication Arts Contest was held in Wyndmere with many members advancing to the
contest in Fargo in June. Many past 4-Hers contribute their success as public speakers to participation in
this event. Our judges are often local speech teachers scouting potential speech team winners!
RICHLAND/WILKIN 4-H ACTIVITY DAY
We met with Wilkin County Extension to begin planning activities for the Richland/Wilkin 4-H Activity
Day in July. There are over 20 activities and instructors needed so early planning is essential to success.
This event is sponsored by United Way grant dollars.
NUTRITION, YOUTH AND FAMILY SCIENCE UPDATE IVN
Every May we have a Nutrition, Youth and Family Science Update using the IVN or video-conferencing.
The campus specialist spotlights new research and new programming ideas. We also meet new staff or
other partnering agencies. I always look forward to this update because it really does stimulate and
challenge our programming direction.
I really have been enjoying the ability to have the video-conferencing right down the hall. It is nice to
have our office close. It saves on travel time and expenses. Also, the commissioners room is comfortable
and quiet.
NEW FACE ON OFFICE
We have also had fun putting a new face on our office! Gender wars sometimes surfaced with laughter.
But we have found truth in the old expression, "a little paint will make it what it ain't"! We do plan to
showcase our newly decorated space soon.
FNP
Pamela Leino-Mills
PLANNING
May was a month of planning. My in-kind grant proposal and plan of work for 2003-2004 is complete.
TEACHING
Teaching activity included seven classes of 7th & 8th graders in which students, through activities and
discussion, learned that differences in body size and growth are normal, and ten classes of mixed grades
where students practiced their skills in choosing snacks that contribute to recommended food group
servings. One of the skills they practiced was label reading.
As part of the noon hour "Feeding Your Mind and Body" series, I presented information on the role of
folic acid in health, especially in the prevention of neural tube defects.
21st CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS
Adrian Biewer
SUMMER PROGRAMMING
Our first summer session of programming is complete with an average attendance of 52 students per
activity. Our Lake Tewaukon trip has proven to be the biggest attraction with 84 students in attendance
1st-8th grade. CCLC and refuge staff planned and provided activities at the lake. Students participated in a
fishing tournament, a casting contest, a migration study, a bird identification exercise, a food gathering
activity, and a habitat improvement presentation. We kickoff our second session in July with a FM
Redhawks baseball camp on July 1 in Wahpeton and July 7 in Hankinson.
FUNDING FOR NEXT YEAR
We have received an official award notification from 21st Century verifying that we are funded for the
2003-2004 school year. Our efforts beyond that point will need to be sustained without 21st Century
Afterschool funds. We are confident that we will be able to complete 2004 summer afterschool sessions,
but the major funding for the activities of the 2004-2005 school years continues to be a challenge.
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDCARE
The CCLC board has approved beginning the process for certifying the afterschool program as school-age
childcare facilities. This will provide a snack program, support for program fees, and improve the quality
of our program. |
