County Board hears about schools, 4-H

At its Oct. 8 meeting, the Aitkin County Board heard presentations about Aitkin Public Schools and the University of Minnesota Extension Service 4-H program.

Aitkin School Superintendent Dan Stifter outlined the process school officials and community members have been wading through the last several years since 220 acres of land were purchased for possible development.

Lori Hall and Julianna Langlois gave a presentation on the University of Minnesota Extension Service 4-H program.

Hall, regional extension educator, said 4-H focuses on positive youth development, matching 4-Hers with supportive and caring adults. “We reached over 41,000 youth between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024,” she said.

There were 181 youth in the Aitkin County 4-H. Langlois, Aitkin County 4-H Extension educator, said there were 73 new members in the last year. “We’ve been seeing it steadily increase,” she said.

The state’s 4-H program offers youth participation in livestock, general encampment, shooting, horse, dog and project bowl.

Hall noted that 4-H is seeking long term outcomes. “We want them to be tomorrow’s leaders,” she said.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The board approved the adoption of guidelines for the Housing Trust Funds. The guidelines include developer incentives and are “not intended to be restrictive,” according to Mark Jeffers, county economic development coordinator.

OTHER BUSINESS

The board approved a revised contract with the city of Aitkin regarding the shared Aitkin Municipal Airport.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

• Aitkin County Board, 9 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, board room, with public hearing on cannabis ordinance.

• Committee of the Whole, for strategic planning, 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, board room.