Community suggests new extension programs

Community suggests new extension programs Brian Smith Wed, 04/24/2024 - 7:23 am   Jack County Extension Agent Alinda Cox explains the concept for a forum on programs offered by her office Tuesday, April 16. Photo/Brian Smith Thecommunityshowed up Tuesday, April 16 to give out new ideas for programs to the Jack County Extension Service. During a forum at the Jack County Fair Barn, Cox said about every three to five years the Texas A&M Extension Service asks agents to get with the public on the development of new programs involving agriculture, family and consumer health as well as youth. “It helps us identify issues and needs we should address,” Cox said. Some of the ag issues local farmers thought needed discussing and potential programs on included water table, pesticides and the ever present feral hogs as well as trash on rural roads in the area. Each person was given five stickers per category and asked to vote on the programs they would like to see further developed. In the family and consumer health area, the focus was more on mental health for both adults and children, an increasingly serious problem among society. Other areas thought to need addressing include child safety on the internet and resume building. City of Jacksboro Human Resources Director Leslie Jackson stated that people do not know how to fill out a job application or how much, if any, job history to place on a resume. Items like changing a tire, what to do and what to have in the event of a major emergency such as a several day power outage were also thrown out as ideas. Ideas for youth programs included how to start your own business. Many students have tried to do that at local high schools. Other in-home businesses have started up recently involving baked goods and other food items. Internet safety and human trafficking were also suggested for programs. Cox said anyone with additional ideas can contact her at 940567-2132. While no decisions were made on new programs, those that received the most votes will be considered.