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Shelby County Commission recognizes 4-H, county extension

by

Erica Techo

The Shelby County Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program now has a full-time staff member dedicated to solely serving Shelby County. Charity Battles has worked with the Bibb County and Shelby County 4-H programs, dividing her time between the two areas.

Battles’ full-time position was first discussed at the Commission’s July 13 meeting, when the Commission moved to celebrate the program’s achievement by bringing an Alabama 4-H Foundation Extension agent on full time.

The Shelby County Commission recognized guests from the Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program at its Aug. 10 meeting.

At the Commission’s July 13 meeting, a proclamation declaring 2015 the year of the 4-H Centennial Youth Initiative was accepted. Commissioner Corley Ellis read from the proclamation, noting the 4-H program’s excellence in past years. The Shelby County Extension’s 4-H program involves 1,200 youths and was recognized as one of the Alabama 4-H Centennial Youth Initiative counties.

“Today is really a time for celebration,” said Shelby County Extension Coordinator Ricky Colquitt.

The county’s 4-H program was recognized after demonstrating its functionality and fulfillment of statewide requirements. Having a full-time employee working with 4-H will help benefit the county by making sure its needs are met and expressed.

County Manager Alex Dudchock also said a full-time employee allows for the 4-H program’s growth, which can bring more people in to use the 4-H facilities for retreats or training. This circles back to improve the economy, Dudchock said.

“[Shelby County 4-H] has a very active local council and adult council, making sure that the extension program is what Shelby County wants, not what somebody else in Washington or Auburn wants,” said Alabama Extension Director Gary Lemme. “Thank you for partnering together with the extension to make sure the future of Alabama is solid.”

In other news, the Commission:

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