The Humboldt County Extension Council has

been elected by the people of the county to guide

local educational programming by partnering with

extension staff. From needs assessment through

program implementation and evaluation of outcomes,

the council represents you and your issues. We are

always serving Iowans and we are here for you.

Now. Always.

Thank you for your support.

Serving the People of Humboldt County

ISU Extension and Outreach Humboldt County began 2020

focused on the following efforts:

• Healthy and Homemade: In February, participants

learned to save time and money preparing delicious,

healthy food.

• ServSafe®: This six-hour food safety certification course

developed by the National Restaurant Association

Education Foundation for food service employees was

conducted in July. It focused on current best practices in

safe food handling.

• Water Rocks!: This program, which instills a greater

appreciation of Iowa’s water resources, was presented

to 39 Gilmore City/Bradgate elementary students in

January and 49 Twin River Valley elementary students

in October.

• Clover Kids: This program for youth in kindergarten

through third grade provided a unique, age-appropriate

educational opportunity.

• Winter Webinar Series: In February, participants learned

Jeff Goodell

Chair

Tyler Lane

Vice Chair

Jill Soenen

Treasurer

Rhonda Vinsand

Secretary

Robert Abens

Member

Jenna Bormann

Member

Krystle Graaf

Member

Scott Lerdal

Member

Kerri Mertz

Member

2020 IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY Iowa State University Extension and Outreach connects the needs of Iowans with Iowa State research and

resources. We listen, learn, and work with the people of Humboldt County for a #STRONGIOWA:

about climate change and native plants,

and learned tips for designing gardens

that encourage children to spend more

time outdoors.

• Continuing instruction courses were held

for commercial pesticide, manure, and

private pesticide applicators.

Adjusting to the Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic changed daily

life, ISU Extension and Outreach prioritized

health and safety as we developed new

ways to bring research-based education to

the people of Humboldt County. We

remained open for business and we

continued to educate, engage, and serve

Iowans.

• On March 18, the office was locked to

the public and staff worked remotely,

focusing on virtual programming and

professional development. Doors re-

opened June 11 “by appointment only.”

• The office provided over 500 “4-H On the

Go” kits to Humboldt schools and

daycares and distributed educational

materials through the local food pantry

and Meals on Wheels.

• Summer day camps were held virtually with 86 participants.

• On Aug. 17, we resumed normal office practices, only to

go back to “by appointment only” on Nov. 12.

• Fall programming was held virtually and in-person,

following “Open for Iowa” guidelines. This included a two-

session workshop, “Writing Your Retirement Paycheck,”

multiple continuing instruction courses for commercial

applicators, and “4-H to Go” kits for Clover Kids.

Providing a County Fair Experience

Although the traditional fair was not possible because of the

pandemic, ISU Extension and Outreach Humboldt County

worked with our partners to provide an alternate experience

to demonstrate and showcase the work of our 4-H youth.

• Livestreaming the livestock shows allowed people to

watch the action, but not attend in person.

Planning for Recovery

Moving forward, ISU Extension and Outreach Humboldt

County has identified its top priority as reviving the Iowa

economy, focusing on small business development, and local

business promotion.

Jerry Chizek

Regional Director

Kim Axne

Office Manager

Lexi Seuntjens

County Program

Coordinator

Kiersten Gatewood

County Youth

Coordinator

Extension Staff This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext. ADV.20.04X September 2020

ISU Extension and Outreach

Humboldt County

727 Sumner Avenue

Humboldt, IA 50548

515-332-2201