Section Navigation

Open House Set for Saturday, April 21

ISU Extension in Cass County is excited to be celebrating 100 years of Extension work in Cass County during Extension Week, April 16-21. The public is invited to celebrate by joining in on contests throughout the week to win prizes, and at a community open house on Saturday April 21.

“Over 100 years ago, in 1903, Extension work began in Northwest Iowa,” shares Kate Olson, Cass County Extension Program Coordinator. “Professors from the Iowa State College, now ISU, began travelling around rural Iowa to share their research on improvements to agricultural production. By 1912, individual counties were working with the college to appoint Extension Agents to oversee local educational efforts. In 1917 and 1918 these efforts were increased in response to food and labor needs for World War I. As part of this effort, the first Extension Agent was hired in Cass County on February 2, 1918. Throughout the year, we are celebrating this milestone of 100 years of service to the residents of Cass County.”

Extension week is celebrated annually across the state, to spread the word about the programs and resources the ISU Extension brings to counties across Iowa, fulfilling their land-grant mission to connect the research on campus to Iowans who can use that information to make decisions that affect their lives. Throughout the week, Cass County Extension will be holding a trivia contest on their Facebook page, a coloring contest open to anyone in the county, and a “supply drive” for local charities. Boxes will be available all week to collect household supplies and toiletries for local organizations (soaps, shampoo, paper goods, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry soap, etc.). Lists of recommended donation items will be available on the website and Facebook page. Residents can participate at any time during the week online or by stopping in the office.

On Saturday, April 21, Cass County Extension is hosting a Community Open House from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Community Center on the Fairgrounds in Atlantic. Local residents are invited to stop by anytime for a free lunch, anniversary cake, games, prizes and giveaways. Extension staff, specialists and partner organizations will have a variety of stations set up around the Community Center with hands-on activities for kids and families, and information on upcoming programs, events, and resources. ISU mascot Cy will be on hand to meet attendees and pose for photos. Coloring contest sheets will be available at the open house as well, and the supply drive will continue through 2 PM, with those donating receiving a chance at a prize!

For more information, or with questions, call the Cass County Extension office at 712-243-1132 or email [email protected]. You can also visit the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass for information, or follow “Cass County Iowa State University Extension” on Facebook for event and contest details.