Cole County Extension Center, What Happened In the Office

Jane Kempker, Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper

 

 

In 2008 this Administrative Assistant celebrated 10 years of working for Extension; there have been so many changes and tremendous growth in those years.

 

In the beginning, guide sheets were stored in four metal filing cabinets.  Now the most up to date information is on-line, so the old fashion filing cabinets are used for storage and other information, which helps save trees.  But we still provide printed copies for anyone that requests one.

 

Recycling efforts started in 1998 and during 2008 we joined the state’s paper recycling effort.  Cardboard and plastics are also recycled in Columbia. 

 

In the past, when clients brought in insects, strange weeds or diseased plants, the office had to quickly mail the item to the lab in Columbia for identification.  Now, with the technology available digital photos are taken or the item is scanned and emailed to regional or state specialist or sent to the lab in Columbia.

 

In 1998, only a few non-credit classes were offered to the public.  For instance only 6 business programs were offered during the year, all being the How to Start a Business program.  During 2008, 38 programs in 12 different business subjects were offered in the Extension Center, with others being hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. 

 

4-H continues to be busy after celebrating more than 100 years of service.  Now they are reaching out to Algoa Prison and what a splendid place to reach out to the kids and their families.

 

Ten years ago, only one Master Gardener Program (MG) was taught per year, if it was taught at all.  In 2003, the program was expanded to two level 1 classes each year.  2006 saw the return of the advance class also known as level 2 classes after being absent for more than 10 years. 

 

Since 1993 when the level 1 classes were first taught in Cole County, 451 individuals attended the level 1 MG class.  Out of that number, 153 are still active as of December 2008.  Since 1995, 51 Cole County MGs have completed the advance course; 44 are still active.

2008 Operating Budget
Appropriations/Revenue
County Appropriations	89,036
United Way	8,000
Council Contributions	5,300
Program Income	8,700
Total Appropriations/Revenue	111,036
Expenditures
Salaries/Wages/Benefits	61,246
Area Staff Travel	9,767
Advertising	0
Misc. Expenditure	4,900
Telephone Service	3,048
Telephone Tolls	2,211
Supplies/Service	11,000
Contract Service/Janitorial	7,460
Council Operations	1,500
Equipment Repair and Maintenance	400
Equipment Lease/Purchases	3,800
Utilities	3,800
Insurance	1,904
Total Budgeted Expenditures	111,036

MGs that should receive the most praise should be the 5 active MGs for turning in their volunteer hours for 10 years or more.  What an honor it has been to work with all of the MGs on both aspects as an Extension Employee and as a MG.

 

Much more has happened, so many more events and programs, but it is hard to think back over the past 10 years on a Friday afternoon.

 

For more information on the programs or services offered at the Cole County Extension Center, visit the office at 2436 Tanner Bridge Rd, call at 573/634-2824, online at http://extension.missouri.edu/cole/ or email coleco@missouri.edu