EXTENSION GETS IDEAS ON PROGRAMS IN CAPE COUNTY

Cape Girardeau County needs comprehensive technology education and affordable, accessible public transportation, said a group of a dozen people in assessing future plans for the University of Missouri Extension program.

Tuesday's meeting was the first scheduled by extension in Cape County. Information collected at the meeting and future meetings will be used to determine what educational programs the county extension program will offer through the end of the century.

The collection process included participants brainstorming and then establishing priorities for ideas. Comprehensive technology education and accessible transportation topped the list, followed with suggestions for more higher-paying jobs, a seamless educational system and affordable housing.

Every five years University of Missouri Extension conducts a survey to see what programs people want offered. The meetings determine if educational programs are continued or eliminated or if new programs are added.

A report from the meetings is due in December. The entire Plan of Work for the county extension office won't be complete until June.

"We are looking to the future," said Rick Sparks, business and industry specialist with extension. "We are looking for what we would like Cape Girardeau County to look like in the future."

The extension program was introduced to Missouri in 1912. Cape Girardeau County was the first to participate. It operated as a pilot program for two years before being expanded statewide.

Rick Sparks, business and industry specialist with extension, said, "Cape Girardeau has a long tradition of supporting extension projects."

The extension program is funded with federal and state money. Cape Girardeau County provided money for office space and office staff. Extension specialists are off-campus faculty members of the University of Missouri.

The general areas addressed by extension's education programs are community viability, economic competitiveness, children, youth and family development, environmental education and natural resource management.

The Cape Girardeau County office in Jackson houses five extension specialists, experts in agronomy, livestock, business and industry, human development and youth programs. Additional specialists and programs are available from extension agents headquartered in other counties. A nutrition specialist, for example, is headquartered in Perry County.

Examples of programs offered are the Master Gardener program, 4-H clubs, grain yield trials, cattle genetic selection, workshops, newsletters, telephone advice, and one-on-one guidance.

Individuals wishing to add their ideas and advice may attend one of the remaining planning sessions.

Additional meetings:

-- Nov. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. Oak Ridge School cafeteria.

-- Nov. 6 from 7 to 9 a.m., Cape County Extension Office, 815 S. Hope, Jackson. Breakfast provided.

-- Nov. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m., Missouri Department of Conservation Office, North Cape Girardeau County Park.

-- Nov. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m., Cape County Extension Office Refreshments provided.