Box Butte County Extension Board
Meeting Minutes
June 9, 2026
Roll Call- Present:
Steve Benzel, Callan Ackerman, Marie Rine, Denise Koozer, John Thomas, Ag Educator, and Brett Ditsch, County Commissioner
Absent:
Tory McVicker, and Melissa Mracek, 4-H Educator
The meeting was called to order at 5:06 p.m. It was moved by Steve and seconded by Marie to approve the agenda; The motion passed unanimously with all ayes from Steve, Denise, Callan and Marie. Steve made a motion to accept the consent agenda and was seconded by Steve. The motion passed unanimously with all ayes from Steve, Denise, Callan and Marie.
John showed a video on water and crops.
In John's monthly report recap, he reported that, in addition to finalizing On-Farm Research crop studies with growers for the current growing season, he has continued discussions with producers regarding winter wheat damage, current crop conditions, and forage options that can be planted on irrigated land this season. He also assisted local urban residents with addressing lawn and tree damage resulting from winter stress and drought conditions.
John participated in the monthly Crop and Water meeting and assisted with the annual PREC Summer Safety Meeting in Scottsbluff, where chemical safety and general farm safety concerns associated with working at the research center were discussed.
In addition, he delivered a presentation for the Alliance Library Garden Group, which is renovating a space into a community vegetable garden. His presentation focused on small-scale composting practices and the use of compost in soil preparation prior to planting a garden.
Although Melissa was unable to attend the meeting, she submitted her monthly report for the board's review. In her report, she highlighted the completion of several school enrichment programs, including an Ag Safety Day in Sheridan County for kindergarten and first-grade students. Sheridan County FFA members assisted with the event, and each student received a life jacket, a small first-aid kit, and a 4-H shirt to take home.
Melissa also participated in the Conservation Festival in Chadron, where she led an owl pellet dissection activity for fifth-grade students from Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan, and Sioux Counties. In addition, the Animals Inside Out program was held for fourth-grade students from Chadron and Gordon-Rushville.
The school year concluded with a STEM Day for Alliance third-grade students. During the event, students designed and tested egg helmets, flew drones, performed simulated laparoscopic surgery, and used a wind tunnel to evaluate blade designs.
Melissa also reported that the Esports group met for four consecutive weeks to develop game strategies and teamwork skills. As part of the program, participants created their own video game using the Creevo app.
In addition to extensive fair preparation activities, summer programming kicked off with the annual Wilderness Wonders Camp, which hosted 42 campers ranging in age from 5 years old through students entering fifth grade. This year's theme was "Treasure Hunt." Camp participants made paracord bracelets with compasses, prepared snacks, played games, practiced archery, designed and tested boats, created light-up star constellations, and used maps to locate hidden treasure. Summer interns and eight camp counselors, all older 4-H members, each led an educational activity during the camp.
Melissa was also invited by the Alliance Public Library to present a robotics program as part of its Summer Reading Program. She concluded the month by assisting with the Alliance Community Hospital Bike Event.
No communications were presented to the board.
Unfinished Business:
The computer purchase claim submitted for payment in May was pulled by the County Clerk for further review by the County Board. Although the expenditure falls within the office's overall approved budget, the amount exceeds the funds allocated within the specific line-item budget. As a result, the County Commissioners must review and approve the claim before payment can be processed.
The cost-share invoice for Box Butte County's portion of the new shared educator position was received. However, the invoice was unclear as to whether it reflected the full amount due for the January–June 2026 period. It is possible that additional funds may be owed for this timeframe, even though any remaining payment would fall within the new budget year.
Summer interns Ayla Foster and Makenna Quick were recognized for their excellent work assisting with summer workshops and fair preparation activities.
In new business, Steve made a motion to hold Extension Board meetings every other month, specifically in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Denise seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, with affirmative votes from Steve, Denise, Callan, and Marie. The new meeting schedule will take effect beginning with the September meeting.
The next meeting will be held on July 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:33 p.m.
Meeting minutes recorded by John Thomas, Extension Educator