Economic Development & UW-Extension Committee — Agenda Packet

1 Sawyer County Economic Development & UW-Extension Committee Meeting Monday, May 11, 2026 @ 8:30 AM Sawyer County Board Room AGENDA 1. ZOOM LINK a. To view or participate in the virtual meeting from a computer, iPad, or Android device please go to https://zoom.us/j/97642007840. You can also use the dial in at 1-312-626-6799 with the Webinar ID: 976 4200 7840. Use *9 to Raise/lower hand and *6 to Unmute/mute. If you are on a computer, click the "Raise Hand" button and wait to be recognized. If you are on a telephone, dial *9 and wait to be recognized. If additional assistance is needed please contact the County Clerk's Office at 715- 634-4866 prior to the meeting. This meeting will be recorded and will be available on our website at: https://sawyercountygov.org. 2. CALL TO ORDER 3. ROLL CALL 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 5. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW 6. ELECTION OF CHAIR & VICE CHAIR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & UWEX COMMITTEE 7. MEETING AGENDA 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS At this time, members of the public will be given the opportunity to address the Board. Please adhere to the following when addressing the Board: • Comments will be limited to 3 minutes or less per individual. • Comments should be directed to the Board as a whole and not directed to individual Board members. • The Board cannot respond to your comments during this time. • Please sign in and fill out a public comment sheet if you wish to speak on an item. 9. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING a. Previous Meeting Minutes 10. LIBRARY UPDATES (JAN, APR, JUL, OCT) Page 1 of 32 2 a. Weiss Library Report b. Winter Library Report c. LCO Library Report 11. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EXTENSION REPORT (FEB, MAY, AUG, NOV) a. UW Extension Report b. Sawyer County 4H Report 12. HAYWARD LAKES VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU REPORT a. HLVCB Report 13. NORTHWEST REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT a. NWRPC Report 14. SC/LCO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REPORT a. EDC REPORT 15. TRAIL REPORTS- MOTORIZED AND NON-MOTORIZED a. Motorized b. Non-motorized 16. BOARD APPOINTED COMMITTEE UPDATES 17. CORRESPONDENCE, REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS 18. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 19. NEXT MEETING DATE /TIME: MONDAY, JUNE 8 AT 8:30AM 20. ADJOURNMENT DISCLAIMER: A quorum of the County Board of Supervisors or of any of its committees may be present at this meeting to listen and observe. Neither the Board nor any of the committees have established attendance at this meeting as an official function of the Board or committee(s) or otherwise made a determination that attendance at the meeting is necessary to carry out the Board or committee’s function. The only purpose for other supervisors attending the Page 2 of 32 3 meeting is to listen to the information presented. Neither the Board nor any committee (other than the committee providing this notice and agenda) will take any official action with respect to this noticed meeting. Copy sent via email to: Committee Members, Associated Staff and News Media. Note: Any person wishing to attend whom, because of a disability, requires accommodation should call the Sawyer County Clerk’s Office (715.634.4866) at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting so appropriate arrangements can be made. Mission Statement: The Sawyer County Board of Supervisors will strive to provide excellent services and responsible leadership to protect and enhance Sawyer County citizens, businesses, and resources, while preserving our unique heritage. Page 3 of 32 Minutes of the April 6, 2026 Meeting of the Sawyer County Economic Development and UW-Extension Committee of the Sawyer County Board of Supervisors Board Room; Sawyer County Voting Committee Members Present: Others Present: Chair: John Righeimer Mike Markgren Carol Pfaff Vice Chair: Stacey Hessel Laura Bruce Ann Larson Tom Duffy Mindy Simons Donna Knuckey Steve Kariainen Randy Neumann Call to Order – Mr. Righeimer called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. Certification of Compliance with the open meeting law was met. Roll Call was taken. Quorum was met. Meeting Agenda -- Set Public Comments – Linda Zillmer Minutes from the previous meeting dated: March 9, 2026 Motion to approve made by: Mr. Neumann Second by: Ms. Hessel Motion carried without negative vote. Library— Weiss Library- Ms. Larson reported on their annual report, circulation activity, upcoming maintenance and repair details and meeting room usage. Winter Library- Ms. Knuckey reported on the activities report, upcoming fundraisers and annual report. LCO Library- Ms. Pfaff introduced herself and the LCO library, reporting on the history of the library. Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau Report— Ms. Simons reported on the WICGOT conference (Wisconsin Governors Conference on Tourism) with the focus on AI. NWRPC Report— None SC/LCO Economic Development Corporation Report— Ms. Hessel read a report from Mr. Lamoureaux which included a Thrive Grant update, Forestry Revitalization Bill Update, and WEDA legislation which includes bills 480, 194, 375 and 376. Trail Reports-- Motorized— Mr. Neumann read a report stating the trails were officially closed on March 7, 2026 due to warm weather and lack of snow. There were 4 trail counters working over the winter which averaged between 93 and 147 per day depending on which trail. Sawyer County ranks 5th in individual memberships and 3rd in business memberships according to the state level AWSC reports. Non-Motorized trails—Mr. Duffy reported that May 1 st is the start for the 2027 Birki registrations, Charlie Berens has been hired for this year’s Lumberjack World Championships, Telemark has invested in equipment to store snow to allow early skiing, and that next year the Birkie will sponsor the Senior Nationals. Page 4 of 32 Board Appointed Committee Updates – No reports Correspondence, Reports from Conferences— None Future Agenda Items – None Adjournment – 9:13 am Meeting Date/Time – The next meeting of the Economic Development and UW-Extension Committee will be Monday, May 11, 2026 at 8:30 am in the Board Room. Minutes recorded by Laura Bruce, Elected Official Deputy Clerk Page 5 of 32 QUARTERL Y REPORT Q2 1 2026 (January, February, March) Page 6 of 32 T able of Contents Extension …...................................................................... F oodWIse……………………………..………...…………………..…………… Community Development………………..….…….…..………….. Wisconsin 4-H / Positive Y outh Development…………. Agriculture……………………………………………………………………….. Other Ways Extension Serves Sawyer County…………. 3 4 6 8 13 17 University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension Sawyer County 10610 Main Street | Hayward, WI 54843 715-634-4839 | sawyer.extension.wisc.edu | extension.wisc.edu The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. You may request an interpreter, alternative-language or accessible materials, or other accommodations by contacting us at 715-634-4839. Please submit requests as early as possible, at least 25 days before the event. These services are provided at no cost. Interested in an enewsletter from UW Extension? Sign up at: https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1868324/1811313.522092401/ Page 7 of 32 Page 8 of 32 Growing T ogether T eamwork Award Kimberly Clark  Nutrition Program Educator kimberly.clark@wisc.edu 715-638-3350 Planning for 2026 Funding through UW–Madison has been secured to continue supporting Kimberly in her current role through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extending support through September 30, 2026. Planning is currently underway to identify programming priorities and outline her transition and wind‑down responsibilities during this period. Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available. You can find answers to common questions on our state FoodWIse webpage Sawyer County and Area 2 Virtual FoodWIse StrongBodies Transition to a Statewide Virtual Program Over the past several years, FoodWIse has collaborated with colleagues across the region to deliver virtual StrongBodies strength‑training sessions to more than 80 adult participants throughout Northwest Wisconsin. StrongBodies is an evidence‑based physical activity program designed to support middle‑aged and older adults in improving strength, balance, and flexibility. Participants also receive nutrition and health education, with the overarching goal of promoting long‑term health, reducing the risk of injury, and fostering social connection. Due to reductions in SNAP‑Ed funding, the FoodWIse program is in the process of winding down its programming efforts. As a result, the Northwest Wisconsin Virtual StrongBodies classes concluded in November. While many core recommendations remain consistent, this edition introduces a major visual change: the familiar MyPlate icon has been replaced with a new inverted triangle design. This update has generated media attention and questions from community members. Our State Nutrition Education Program Specialist, Morgan Peaden, is reviewing the new guidelines and materials. Updated resources will be shared with each county as they become available. In the meantime, the full guidelines can be accessed at https:/ /realfood.gov/ 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Released The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released on January 7 , 2026.The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are evidence-based, federal recommendations issued every five years by the USDA and HHS to promote health, prevent chronic disease, and guide nutritional needs across the lifespan. Page 9 of 32 Growing T ogether T eamwork Award Update: Kimberly’s employment with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Division of Extension, within the FoodWIse Operational Area, has been extended through September 30, 2026. Programming will continue in selected classrooms, along with the exploration of a Youth Advocates for Community Health (YACH) initiative with Donna Knuckey, 4-H Positive Youth Development Educator. This project engages local youth using a youth participatory action research (YPAR) framework, providing young people with a platform to voice their perspectives and contribute to positive, healthy changes through policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies. Collaboration will also continue with the Lac Courte Oreilles Elder Center to deliver Bingocize, a ten‑week evidence-based workshop combining bingo, physical activity, and nutrition education. Additionally, StrongBodies programming will move forward, offering structured, strength‑training exercise sessions paired with healthy eating guidance and educational support to promote long-term healthy living. Sawyer County Virtual FoodWIse StrongBodies Transitions to a Statewide Virtual Program * New 12 week Session April 7th-June 25th Over the past several years, FoodWIse has collaborated with colleagues across the region to deliver virtual StrongBodies strength‑training sessions to more than 80 adult participants throughout Northwest Wisconsin. StrongBodies is an evidence‑based physical activity program designed to support middle‑aged and older adults in improving strength, balance, and flexibility. Participants also receive nutrition and health education, with the overarching goal of promoting long‑term health, reducing the risk of injury, and fostering social connection. Due to reductions in SNAP‑Ed funding, the FoodWIse program is in the process of winding down its programming efforts. As a result, the Northwest Wisconsin Virtual StrongBodies classes concluded in November. Page 10 of 32 Ariga Grigoryan Community Development Educator ariga.grigoryan@wisc.edu 715-638-3295 For more information on Community Development Programs with Extension: https://extension.wisc.edu/com munity-development/ The Town of Draper’s community survey is a vital instrument for informed decision-making and long-term planning. By gathering residents’ priorities, concerns, and satisfaction levels, it provides a reliable, data-driven foundation for aligning town policies and investments with community needs. These surveys are typically used to guide comprehensive planning, establish budget priorities, improve public services, and enhance transparency and trust between local government and residents. Ultimately, they ensure that future initiatives reflect the values and expectations of those who live, work, and recreate in Draper. This survey was designed, administered, and analyzed by the UW–Madison Division of Extension and the Local Government Center. The results reflect unbiased input from participating residents. These findings are preliminary and do not constitute the full dataset; they are provided as an initial summary to support early discussions and planning efforts. The survey shows that residents deeply value Draper’s peaceful, rural character. People repeatedly described safety and low crime as essential, and they emphasized that peace are a defining part of living here. Emergency services—being able to count on help when it’s needed—also matter a great deal. Many respondents said Draper’s natural environment (forests, lakes, wildlife) and access to outdoor recreation are central to why they live or spend time here. Health care access is another need people flagged, especially for older residents and families. By comparison, proximity to work and child care were mentioned far less often, which fits a place where many property owners are retired or come for recreation. T own of Draper Community Input Survey Summary 2025 Coordinated logistics, marketing materials, and website updates for the Grant Writing Basics Virtual Workshops. This free two‑hour course helps participants from across the state and beyond develop foundational grant‑seeking skills, offering step‑by‑step guidance and practical tools for creating compelling, fundable proposals. Spring workshops will be offered April 27 and 28, with additional fall dates planned. The impact of these workshops is to build statewide capacity for securing external funding, enabling more organizations and community groups to successfully pursue grants that strengthen local initiatives and drive community development. As the Extension Educator serving Sawyer County and the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe, Ariga facilitated the development of the Sawyer County Lakes Forum Strategic Plan 2026–2028, guiding member associations and partners through a structured planning process grounded in community input, organizational assessment, and collaborative visioning. Her role included synthesizing perspectives from members, conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis, and helping the Forum clarify its mission, organizational structure, and priority issues. This work strengthened shared understanding among lake association members, tribal partners, county and town representatives, and other resource‑management organizations, ensuring that the plan reflects both local knowledge and evidence‑based Extension practices. The strategic plan outlines actionable goals in organizational development, education, communication, and environmental stewardship—each designed to improve leadership capacity, increase public engagement, and advance coordinated protection of county water resources. Ariga supported the Forum in identifying clear timelines, measurable milestones, and long‑term outcomes, enabling the group to strengthen governance, expand training opportunities, enhance outreach, and address environmental concerns such as invasive species and wake impacts. This plan now serves as a roadmap for community‑driven lake stewardship, positioning the Forum for greater visibility, stronger partnerships, and sustained impact across Sawyer County’s waterways. Page 11 of 32 Generally, the strategic planning process equips local organizations in Sawyer County and the LCO community with a unified roadmap that strengthens leadership capacity, improves communication, and aligns collective efforts of local organizations and supporting community well‑being. It also enhances collaboration among organizations, tribal departments, and county partners, enabling them to work more efficiently, share expertise, and pursue funding and initiatives with stronger coordination and clearer priorities. We look forward to sharing updates and information on Sawyer County Lakes Forum 2026-2028 Strategic Planning Sawyer County Wellness Day January, 19th 2026 The UW-Extension team was excited to be apart of the wellness day event in F ebruary. We offered training in Nutrition, Movement and Farmers Markets. Kimberly & Lori kicked off the session with helpful breathing and movement techniques to help you deal with stress in the office. In the second session Kimberly had a nutrition lesson on how to get more fiber in your diet and how to properly read a nutrition label and finished with Nutrition Bingo! There was a tasting of chickpea salad and other helpful tips on how to get more fiber in your diet. Donna led a spin the wheel section and it was fun to see what kind of swag the participants won. Arigia finished up the sessions with access to Farmers Markets and local foods. They discussed what they pruchase at the markets, as well as a exercise in building a healthy plate wth local foods. The staff left with a handout on the locations and dates of the Hayward and Northwest Wisconsin Farmers & Community Markets. It was a fun day to share our skills with the Sawyer County staff! Page 12 of 32 Donna Knuckey 4-H & Positive Y outh Development Donna.knuckey@wisc.edu 715-638-3294 Sawyer County 4-H 4 H - Sp ar ks - Th ro ug h pa rti cip ati on in a 4- H pr og ra m, yo ut h we re abl e to ex plo re an ar ea of int er est . 4 H - Be lo ng in g - Th ro ug h pa rti cip ati on in a 4- H pr og ra m, yo ut h fel t we lco me , saf e an d su pp ort ed. Summer Camps https://youth.extension.wisc.edu /articles/youth-in-governance/ Y outh Partners in Civic Leadership 4-H Enrollment At a Glance ❖ 40.7% increase in enrollment from previous year. ❖ 162.5% increase in first year members compared to the previous year. ❖ 48.8% increase in first generation enrolled members compared to the previous year. Wisconsin 4-H, founded in 1914, helps more than 26,000 young people across 71 counties prepare for adulthood through hands-on learning and youth–adult partnerships. Now, thanks to an AmeriCorps grant from Serve Wisconsin, members will be serving alongside 4-H to strengthen communities, expand programs, and launch new opportunities for youth statewide. Together, Wisconsin 4-H and AmeriCorps provide a supportive space where you can learn, grow, and make an impact, while gaining valuable skills for your future. Sawyer County was one of the fortunate counties to obtain an AmeriCorps member, thanks to the grant and the Sawyer County 4-H Leaders Board. Elania Brier Americorp s member for Sawyer County 4-H Elania.brier@wisc.edu Hello everyone, my name is Elaina Brier, and I am the new AmeriCorps member for Sawyer County 4-H! For those who don’t know me, I grew up in Radisson and am currently getting my bachelor’s degree in Equine Management from UW River Falls. I was a 4-H youth for 5 years, serving as a local and state officer in various clubs. I was highly involved in the animal projects as well as in the exhibition barn, so please feel free to reach out with any questions. I look forward to meeting many new faces and bringing new people to our amazing 4-H family! Meet Elaina Brier, Sawyer County 4-H AmeriCorps member! Page 13 of 32 Beyond Ready is a national 4-H initiative to equip 10 million youth by 2030 with the skills to thrive in an unpredictable economy. Since 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven't been invented yet, we aren't just teaching kids how to raise livestock or build robots; we are teaching them the resilience, digital literacy, and confidence to navigate any career path they choose. Wisconsin 4-H’s "Beyond Ready" initiative equips youth with skills in leadership, resilience, and STEM to prepare them for life, career, and college, rather than just the future. Centered on hands-on learning, it focuses on community service, STEAM projects, and fostering "sparks" in youth, with thousands of Wisconsin members participating statewide. Key Aspects of Wisconsin 4-H "Beyond Ready" include: ● Skill Development: Youth gain essential life skills, including empathy, emotion management, teamwork, and communication. ● Community Focus: In 2024, Wisconsin 4-H youth engaged in over 3,542 community service events, totaling 33,900 hours of service. ● "Beyond Ready" Programming: This includes opportunities like the Wisconsin 4-H State Art Show, state arts teams, and specialized training during winter and summer academies. ● National Impact: The campaign highlights that 4-H'ers are twice as likely to be leaders and more likely to live with purpose. Sawyer County 4-H Through local 4-H programming, 4-H members in the 2025-2026 year have participated in local, regional, state and national experiences including but not limited to Space Camp, 4-H National Congress, Summer Academy, Arts Ambassadors, Cloverbud Day Camps, Summer Camp, State Horse Expo competition, project days, and numerous community service projects. Sawyer County is fortunate that local programming that is low risk is open to all youth in Sawyer County for a nominal fee. Page 14 of 32 Objectives: ● Provide Age‑Appropriate Monthly Themes by introducing meaningful themes tailored to Cloverbuds (grades K–2) and offer a variety of activities that help youth explore their sparks—the interests and curiosities that motivate them to learn and grow. ● Embed Wisconsin 4-H Movement values highlighting them in each issue and ensuring that every activity and message reflects the core principles of positive youth development. ● Support Learning and Youth Development by offering age‑appropriate activities, project ideas, and educational content designed specifically for Cloverbuds (youth in grades K–2); encouraging exploration, creativity, and hands‑on learning that aligns with 4‑H’s positive youth development goals. ● Offer Interactive Learning Opportunities by featuring a balanced mix of hands‑on activities, simple experiments, creative projects, and movement‑based experiences. ● Deliver Hands‑On, Research‑Based Learning by including activities grounded in evidence‑based educational practices; and encouraging experiential learning through projects that are tactile, creative, and accessible for young children. ● Foster Communication and Connection Across Counties by creating ongoing opportunities for Cloverbuds to meet, interact, and feel part of a larger regional community; and promoting shared events, challenges, and collaborative activities that build relationships beyond individual clubs, and also ensuring everyone stays connected to upcoming events, opportunities, and program updates. ● Include a Monthly Coloring Page offering an easy, low‑prep activity for families and volunteers. ● Support Families/Volunteers through a parent section by summarizing the month’s theme and learning goals in clear, parent‑friendly language and offering guidance on how families can extend learning at home, encourage sparks, and support positive youth development. Beyond Ready is a national 4-H initiative to equip 10 million youth by 2030 with the skills to thrive in an unpredictable economy. Since 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven't been invented yet, we aren't just teaching kids how to raise livestock or build robots; we are teaching them the resilience, digital literacy, and confidence to navigate any career path they choose. Wisconsin 4-H’s "Beyond Ready" initiative equips youth with skills in leadership, resilience, and STEM to prepare them for life, career, and college, rather than just the future. Centered on hands-on learning, it focuses on community service, STEAM projects, and fostering "sparks" in youth, with thousands of Wisconsin members participating statewide. Key Aspects of Wisconsin 4-H "Beyond Ready": ● Skill Development: Youth gain essential life skills, including empathy, emotion management, teamwork, and communication. ● Community Focus: In 2024, Wisconsin 4-H youth engaged in over 3,542 community service events, totaling 33,900 hours of service. ● "Beyond Ready" Programming: This includes opportunities like the Wisconsin 4-H State Art Show, state arts teams, and specialized training during winter and summer academies. ● National Impact: The campaign highlights that 4-H'ers are twice as likely to be leaders and more likely to live with purpose. Through local 4-H programming, 4-H members in the 2025-2026 year have participated in local, regional, state and national experiences including but not limited to Space Camp, 4-H National Congress, Summer Academy, Arts Ambassadors, Cloverbud Day Camps, Summer Camp, State Horse Expo competition, project days, and numerous community service projects. Sawyer County is fortunate that local programming that is low risk is open to all youth in Sawyer County for a nominal fee. Wisconsin Association of Extension 4-H Y outh Development Professionals Periodical Publication Award for Area 2 4-H Educators Cloverbud Connection This award honors and recognizes excellence in creating and sharing the Cloverbud Connection with local youth. Because the project earned state-level recognition, it is now eligible for submission for a National Award. The Cloverbud Connection is a monthly newsletter for Area 2 4-H, (Barron, Burnett, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn Counties). The newsletter is published 10 times per year and provides K-2 grade youth an opportunity to explore their sparks, try new things, and learn through age appropriate content. The newsletter explores a variety of topics including: Environmental Education, Foods & Nutrition, Animal Science, and Culture. Topics included Birds, Trees, Painting, Foods, Dinosaurs, Animals, Fishing, and Gardening. To help Cloverbuds learn about the six 4-H Movement Values of being yourself, belonging together, building connections, discovering skills, exploring new opportunities and giving back to your community, each newsletter focused on one value. The Cloverbud Connection newsletter is designed to support Cloverbud youth (grades K-2) by offering engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences rooted in the values of the Wisconsin 4‑H Movement. Sawyer County 4-H Impact Results: The Cloverbud Connect is provided for all K-2 grade youth in the five county area. Impact was assessed in a variety of ways including formal evaluations (surveys), face-to-face conversations, emails from participating families, participant numbers and educator observations. Through a formal mid-year evaluation (N=20) it a 4.25/5 was scored in relation to Cloverbuds feeling happy to get the newsletter each month. All individuals surveyed expressed that their child learned something new from each newsletter. Some specific comments included: ● “Has felt included in 4-H. There is so much for the older kids and this is the first regular activity just for him.” ● “LOVE the newsletters! They're better than any "Highlights magazines.” A final year evaluation (N=25) demonstrated that 75% of families appreciated the monthly newsletters. 88% of youth indicated that they felt more included in the 4-H program specifically because of the newsletters. Some comments included: ● “She was very excited to do the activities and build the green folder and add to it each month.” ● “Good ideas and projects to try at home. We honestly struggled to find time to do them” ● “My cloverbud was excited to get the package every month. Read it and see what new projects there were. Some were geared for younger kids and some for older kids which was great. Would be nice if a couple times a year the cloverbud kids could meet (the whole county) and work on a project or 2, have JLO kids help with this?” Congratulations to our 4-H Educators for securing this State award! Page 15 of 32 ● Hands-on Learning: Students monitor living eggs in an incubator and observe the hatching process firsthand. ● Curriculum Alignment: Activities are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and state educational requirements. ● Skills Developed: Students practice scientific inquiry, data collection in logbooks, collaboration, and responsibility by caring for living things. ● Resource Support: Sawyer County 4-H provides the necessary supplies, including incubators, fertilized eggs, and feed, and assists the classroom teacher with lessons. What Students Learn ● Life Cycles: The 21-day incubation period and the biological needs of a developing embryo. ● Agriculture & Food Systems: The role of the poultry industry and animal agriculture in food production. ● STEM Integration: Modern updates even connect the program to Agricultural AI technology, teaching kids how advanced machines help grow the crops used for chicken feed. Program Highlights Sawyer County 4-H ChickQuest occurs in both 1st Grade classrooms at LCO Schools and in 4th Grade in Winter! Page 16 of 32 Sawyer County 4-H Enrollment Statistics (2025) 40.7% increase 4-H enrollment in Sawyer County Compared to the previous year 16.5% increase in first year member compared to the previous year. 48.8% increase in first generation enrolled members compared to the previous year Sawyer County 4-H Winter Family Fun 4-H Cloverbuds have indicated that they do not feel like they have enough activities just for Cloverbuds and that they don't always belong at activities with older members. Winter Family Fun was created to emphasize family participation, outdoor exploration, and age-appropriate learning. In partnership with Hunt Hill, a program was developed to celebrate the science of the winter season by learning about how different fabrics work better or worse in cold weather and to exploring nature through a snowshoe hike in nature. Youth also had the opportunity to play games and sing camp songs with older youth. Youth felt a sense of belonging with their peers and learned about science and nature. They will use these skills to be safe in the winter and to have new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Upcoming April - Chick Quest Project June 7th - Bluebird Restoration Project July 7-9 - Summer Camp “ Blast from the Past “ July 28th & 30th - Day Camps “Pirate Themed” Down on the Farm-Rusk and Sawyer County 4-H Summer Camp Summer Camp at Trails End Camp saw a significant increase in attendance this year, marking the largest participation since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 34 campers and 11 camp counselors, along with 4-H educators and numerous certified adult volunteers from Rusk and Sawyer Counties, attended the event. The 2025 camp theme was "Down on the Farm." Activities were designed to be hands-on, covering subjects such as farm economics, crop science, and outdoor education, including canoeing and bird watching. Crucially, the 4-H framework uses these projects in science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement to cultivate vital life skills. With the support of adult volunteers and camp counselors, participants grew in confidence, independence, resilience, and compassion by engaging in a "learn by doing" philosophy. The camp is open to all youth in both Rusk and Sawyer Counties Sawyer County 4-H Enrollment Statistics 40.7% increase 4-H enrollment in Sawyer County Compared to the previous year 16.5% increase in first year member compared to the previous year. 48.8% increase in first generation enrolled members compared to the previous year Page 17 of 32 Welcome Tawonga! Tawonga was born and raised in Malawi, where her early experiences in agriculture inspired a strong commitment to food security and sustainable farming systems. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences from EARTH University in Costa Rica in 2021, followed by her role in Climate-Smart Agriculture program with CAMFED Malawi. She later worked as a research scholar at a Nematology lab at the University of Florida. She also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Food Security and Nutrition from the University of Edinburgh, and she recently earned a Master of Science degree in Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University, where her research focused on sunflower production systems, including full-season and double-crop management, nutrient management, and agronomic adaptability in Ohio. Tawonga will work closely with specialty and emerging crop producers, and agribusiness professionals. She is excited about building trusted relationships with farmers and ensuring that research-based knowledge is accessible, inclusive, and locally relevant. Although she will travel between Barron, Burnett, Rusk and Sawyer counties, her office is located at the Washburn County Extension office in Shell Lake. T awonga Zakeyu Diversified Vegetables and Emerging Crops Educator Zakeyu@wisc.edu 13 During the first quarter, Tawonga focused on onboarding, regional familiarization, and building a foundation for future Extension Programming. She was introduced to Extension staff and board members in the counties she serves. She attended committee meetings, allowing her to gain insight into community priorities, community dynamics and existing Extension programming. Tawonga began engaging with producers through phone conversations. Farmers have reached out directly with questions and she has been able to provide guidance and resources in response, helping address immediate needs. In addition, Tawonga had the opportunity to attend various professional development opportunities including Growing Wisconsin conference in the Dells, Organic Vegetable Production Conference in Madison and Marbleseed Organic Conference in La Crosse. Attending the Agriculture Institute Annual meeting allowed her to be introduced to a network of other UW Extension staff and expand her network across the State. Page 18 of 32 Other Office Information Administrative Assistant F eel free to contact me via email or in office on Mondays and Thursdays. Quarter four has been busy with: ● Organizing reports (such as this one) ● Answering and directing questions that come through the office ● Organizing spaces for efficiencies ● Recording transactions and reconciling accounts ● Ordering supplies needed by the educators ● Learning more about procedures in Sawyer County ● Updated the Sawyer County Extension Website Lori Baltrusis Area Extension Director Lori.baltrusis@wisc.edu 715-295-4112 During the first quarter, we welcomed our new Ag Educator, Tawonga. I’ve also been involved in selecting candidates for the Spooner Ag Research Station new Superintendent. Phil Holeman has announced his July retirement and the new Superintendent will begin at the end of May. We continue to work toward our department goals - listed at the end of this report. The AI Forum in Lac du Flambeau provided some additional opportunities for us to serve Sawyer County. And the Local Government Center will be in Hayward in May to provide training for board members, especially any new members! Lori Adrihan Administrative Assistant Lori.Adrihan@wisc.edu Page 19 of 32 Farmers and Community Markets Page 20 of 32 Department Goals connected to the Sawyer County Strategic Plan By May, 2027, organize and deliver two grant writing professional development workshops for Sawyer County employees, each with at least 15 participants, to improve their skills in securing external funding for county initiatives. By September 30, 2029, assist Sawyer County employees with at least three grant proposals and two project development plans by providing guidance, co-authoring support, and expertise to improve funding success. By December 31st of each fiscal year, additional grants/funds will be secured to offset programming costs of the Sawyer County Positive Youth Development Programs. Page 21 of 32 Health and Well-Being Horticulture Resources Other Ways Extension Serves Sawyer County Community Development 17 Ask Your Gardening Question: Online Form ● Available 24/7 ● Questions are routed to county-based horticulture educators or the statewide plant health advising team, depending on the county of origin. ● Share the link with your clients or use the form on behalf of a client and we’ll get back to you or directly to them (just let us know in the form who we should reply to). ● Request Ask Your Gardening Question rack and business cards to have at your office front desk or events. Horticulture Help Desk Hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 1:00-3:00 PM Giving you and your clients real-time access to a horticulture professional. Join us yourself or share the booking page with those who walk or call into your County Extension Office. ● For more in-depth questions that go beyond quick answers, we suggest that you or your client book a one-on-one session with the Horticulture Help Desk. ● Appointments are available in 15 or 30 minute time slots from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Mondays and Thursdays (and Fridays 10 to Noon if needed.) ● During the booking process, you may choose to meet via zoom or request a phone call follow up. ● Book your appointment at go.wisc.edu/HortHelpDesk Free Online Programs - Spread the Word ● Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE monthly webinar - Click to learn more about upcoming sessions, and to register. New evening sessions this year. ● Apple Insect Webinar Online Series: May 1, May 15, June 12, Noon-1:00 PM. ● Rhubarb Not Just Your Grandma's Favorite Plant online, May 14, 6:00 PM. Visit Wisconsin Horticulture Website: Trusted resources at your fingertips - use yourself and share with clients. ● Want to know “What’s Happening in Horticulture?” Sign up for the Wisconsin Extension Horticulture email newsletter. ● Wisconsin Yard & Garden - Timely articles published weekly. ● Follow us on Facebook to share educational gardening content with your followers Page 22 of 32 Other Ways Extension Serves Sawyer County Natural Resources Health and Well-Being Community DevelopmentNatural Resources 18 Wisconsin has approximately 1.2 million lake and impoundment acres, approximately 88,000 river and stream miles, and 1.2 quadrillion gallons of groundwater. Society has made tremendous progress reducing surface and groundwater pollution since the passage of the Clean Water Act. However, we are keeping an eye on the health of our waters. In recent decades, nonpoint source pollution from agricultural, urban, forested and other land uses remains the single largest cause of ongoing water quality problems. These problems manifest most commonly in Wisconsin as surface water algal blooms and sedimentation and in groundwater as elevated nitrates and other contaminants. According to Wisconsin’s 2022 Water Quality Report to Congress, there are currently 1,542 pollutant listings covering 1,300 bodies of water. Most pollutant listings, nearly 50%, are for phosphorus. From 2020-22 of 126 new pollutant listings, 62 were listed as phosphorus. The Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference is an annual opportunity for lake enthusiasts, local government officials, and others interested in protecting our water resources to participate in educational presentations and network with conference attendees. Sessions at the Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference include algal blooms, aquatic invasive species, native plants, shoreline restoration, lake ecology, and more. The Washburn County Natural Resources Educator, Sarah Brown, serves on the planning committee and on the speaker and promotion subcommittees. attendees learn about shoreline management practices, aquatic invasive species, ecology, capacity considerations for lake associations, tools to approach resident and tourist conflict, and other topics relevant to the water resources of northwest Wisconsin. The goal of this effort is to enable behavior change and connect professionals to each other and new resources, leading to improved water quality in northwest Wisconsin. . Page 23 of 32 Health and Well-Being Agriculture Other Ways Extension Serves Sawyer County Community Development 19 A Cranberry School annual summit conference was hosted for cranberry marsh owners, managers, and staff to improve farm applications of research-backed information. New results were shared on fruit rot prevention, insect pest protection, fiscally sound fruitworm control practices, nutrient application timing plans, moisture management action plans, AI use in farm management, and more. Presentations were given by faculty as well as panelists of growers. A curated visit of UW and USDA labs and administrators was prepared for a delegation of cranberry growers, to facilitate and establish relationships for research and outreach collaboration opportunities. Cranberry Nutrient Management Plan Training trains cranberry growers to sustainably develop Nutrient Management Plans for their operations. In addition to standard annual updates, improvements to the plan training were made to demonstrate the use of modern recordkeeping software to streamline planning, recordkeeping, and reduce paperwork burden. Traditional processes of spreadsheets or paper files will still be supported for those who do not desire the use of modern technology. Websites with current information for cranberry growers to access critical research-backed information: https:/ /cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/article-topic/cranberries/ https:/ /fruit.wisc.edu/cranberries/cranberryresources/ Page 24 of 32 UW Madison Extension Sawyer County 4-H Program Year 2024-25 Page 25 of 32 Sawyer County 4-H Trends 2020-21 to 2024-25 Page | 1 Youth Population Trends The following graphs present K-12 school enrollment data for Sawyer County, alongside comparative 4-H county data. The school enrollment data is derived from WI DPI annual statistics. The 4-H membership figures are derived from the annual year-end exports and may differ from those in 4-H Online due to members changing counties. Data specific to 4-H is marked by the 4-H clover emblem. K5 = Kindergarten PHS = Post High School 43 39 68 54 76 - 25 50 75 100 4-H Enrollment 2020-21 to 2024-25 7 19 6 5 10 5 2 7 3 3 2 4 1 2 Number of 4-H Youth Members by Grade 2024-25 2,274 2,116 2,163 2,128 2,211 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 Private and Public School Enrollment 2020-21 to 2024-25 729 807 835 934 870 878 909 861 882 898 863 954 966 Number of Youth In Schools by Grade 2024-25 Page 26 of 32 Sawyer County 4-H Trends 2020-21 to 2024-25 Page | 2 Data on nonbinary students had only begun to be gathered in the 2022-23 academic year. As a result, the percentage representing the nonbinary student population for all years prior has been set to 0.00%. 4-H has collected gender identity data, including nonbinary identity, for all years analyzed. English learner status: Formerly called English Language Learner (ELL) status and Limited English Proficient (LEP) status. Any student whose first language, or whose parents' or guardians' first language, is not English and whose level of English proficiency requires specially designed instruction, either in English or in the first language or both, in order for the student to fully benefit from classroom instruction and to be successful in attaining the state's high academic standards expected of all students at their grade level. An "economically disadvantaged" student is a student who is a member of a household that meets the income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price meals (less than or equal to 185% of Federal Poverty Guidelines) under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). 62.79% 53.85% 57.35% 59.26% 53.95% 37.21% 46.15% 42.65% 40.74% 44.74% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 4-H Gender Breakdown 2020-21 to 2024-25 Female Male Nonbinary 44.94% 52.45% 49.03% 44.08% 49.45% 55.06% 47.55% 50.97% 55.92% 50.55% 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 County Economic Status Breakdown 2020-21 to 2024-25 Not Econ Disadv Econ Disadv 0.00% 0.00% 0.09% 0.05% 0.05% 0.00% 0.02% 0.04% 0.06% 0.08% 0.10% 0.12% County English Learner Percentages 2020-21 to 2024-25 48.82% 47.44% 47.30% 46.65% 47.63% 51.18% 52.56% 52.70% 53.35% 52.37% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 County Gender Breakdown 2020-21 to 2024-25 Female Male NonBinary Page 27 of 32 Sawyer County 4-H Trends 2020-21 to 2024-25 Page | 3 The racial breakdown does not contain Non- Hispanic or White counts. This allows the graph to display the rest of the numbers clearly. Prior to the 2023-24 program year, 4-H Online included individuals who identified with two or more races in the counts for each racial category they selected. Beginning in 2023-24, these individuals are now accurately categorized as belonging to “Two or More” races, distinctly. “Minority” is the combined total percentage of the four individual racial classifications. 16.98% 10.53% 12.86% 14.75% 29.41% 83.02% 89.47% 87.14% 78.69% 70.59% 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 4-H Demographic of Youth Members Minority White Amer Indian Asian Black Pacific Isle Two or More Racial Breakdown of School Age Youth 2020-21 to 2024-25 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 27.25% 23.77% 25.24% 24.01% 25.30% 68.44% 71.53% 69.45% 70.38% 68.91% 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 County Demographic Percentages of Students Minority White 5.79% 5.62% 5.31% 4.71% 4.31% Percentage of Students Identifying as Hispanic 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 8.51% 8.57% 8.06% 12.96% 10.53% Percentage of Youth Members Identifying as Hispanic 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 American Indian / Alaskan Native Asian Black Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Two or More 4-H Enrollment Racial Breakdown 2020-21 to 2024-25 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Page 28 of 32 Sawyer County 4-H Trends 2020-21 to 2024-25 Page | 4 Youth Recruitment and Retention The following graphs show recruitment and retention of 4-H club members in Sawyer County. 4-H club membership recruitment shows the number of new members by grade (K-12). 4-H club membership retention rates show the percentage, by grade, of each 2023-24 class that returned in 2024-25. Recruitment refers to the process of recording a youth as a new member within the year. Retention is defined as the re-enrollment of a member from Kindergarten (K5) through 11th grade in the subsequent year. Should a member re-enroll in a different county, their retention will still be attributed to the original county. 100.0% 100.0% 75.0% 66.7% 15.4% 0.0% 100.0% 66.7% 100.0% 66.7% 60.0% 100.0% Percent of Youth Members Retained By Grade in 2024-25 7 16 5 2 8 2 2 Number of New Youth Members Recruited by Grade in 2024-25 3 12 34 16 42 0 10 20 30 40 50 Number of New Youth Members Recruited 2020-21 to 2024-25 49% 43% 66% 35% 62% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Percent of Youth Members Retained 2020-21 to 2024-25 Page 29 of 32 Sawyer County 4-H Trends 2020-21 to 2024-25 Page | 5 Enrollment by Club Type There are four main club types for enrollments – Community, After-School, Classroom, and Military. There are no 4-H Military Clubs in this county. Youth Community Service Hours Youth are asked at enrollment to self-report the number of hours of community service performed in the previous year. As 2024- 25 data is yet to be reported, we only display service hours until 2023-24. Adult Volunteer Hours Volunteers are asked at enrollment to self-report the number of hours they volunteered for 4-H in the previous year. As 2024-25 data is yet to be reported, we only display volunteer hours until 2023-24. Community After-School Classroom Other 4-H Enrollment by Club Type 2020-21 to 2024-25 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 391 372 716 385 408 0 200 400 600 800 Adult Volunteer Service Hours 2019-20 to 2023-24 422 301 719 284 323 - 200 400 600 800 Youth Service Hours 2019-20 to 2023-24 Page 30 of 32 Sawyer County 4-H Trends 2020-21 to 2024-25 Page | 6 Adult Volunteer Trends Adult recruitment refers to individuals who join as 4-H volunteers in their first year, as indicated by the 'Years in 4-H' or 'Adult Years in Program' fields in the end-of-year export data. Retention, on the other hand, entails volunteers who remain enrolled in consecutive years, with the listed year indicating their re-enrollment. 63.6% 78.6% 91.7% 61.5% 75.0% 0.0% 25.0% 50.0% 75.0% 100.0% Percent of Adult Volunteers Retained 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Percent of Adult Volunteers Identifying as Hispanic 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 14 12 13 12 16 - 10 20 Total Number of Adult Volunteers 0 1 2 4 6 0 2 4 6 8 Adult Volunteers Recruited 2020-21 to 2024-25 American Indian / Alaskan Native Asian Black Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Racial Breakdown of Adult Volunteers 2020-21 to 2024-25 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Page 31 of 32 EDC Report- April New Executive Director Brian Priester: A lof of time & effort centered on name change: Filed Trademark docs for DBA as Sawyer County EDC at Wisconsin DFI (approved) Began changing letterhead/email signature/ etc. with new logo designed by Monica Learning wordpress to make website changes. Several Calls regarding Thrive Grant with Jim Cleveland (WEDC) Sent New W9 Discussed name change impact on grant agreed DBA was way to go for now. In Person Meetings: Mike Markgren Carson Kipfer David Wierzba (Regional Economic Development Director- NW Wisconsin, WEDC) Dave Fleming (WEDC Tribal Liaison) Page 32 of 32