Box Butte County Extension Board
Meeting Minutes
March 10,2026
Roll Call: Tory McVicker, Steve Benzel, Denise Koozer, Callan Ackerman, & Marie Rine
John Thomas, Extension Ag Educator & Melissa Mracek, Extension 4-H Educator
Brett Ditsch, County Commissioner
Call to Order:
Callan Ackerman, board President, called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. The Robotics 4-H Club will compete in the 2026 First LEGO League Championship March 20-21, 2026, in Lincoln. To prepare for the event, club members presented their work to the extension board members. This year’s theme is Unearthed, which focuses on archeology.
Agenda Approval:
Marie moved to accept the agenda, and Steve seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with ayes from Tory, Steve, Denise, Callan and Maire.
Denise then moved to accept the consent agenda, and Marie seconded. The motion passed unanimously with ayes from Tory, Steve, Denise, Callan, and Marie.
John’s Report- John discussed the On Farm Research reports, which were finalized, compiled into a book, and distributed to the thirty-two attendees at the On Farm Research meeting held on February 26th at the Knight Museum. He is excited to receive a grant for additional On-Farm Research plots, including one dedicated to Black-Eye Pea variety trial.
Three private pesticide applicator trainings have been successfully completed with excellent attendance, and additional sessions are scheduled. John assisted Todd Whitney with the Land Application training for feedlot personnel, recently held in Bridgeport. Feedlot owners and managers were able to obtain the required certification through the training.
He has also kept busy answering questions about drought stress in lawns, trees, winter wheat crops, and local greenhouse pest issues. He also assisted a Gordon-area grower with insurance paperwork relating to his upcoming Popcorn crop he is planning to grow.
Melissa’s Report- Melissa has been wrapping up school enrichment programming, including Next Chapter in Chadron, Leadership Summit and Purple Ribbon Kids in Alliance, and Real Colors in Alliance. As spring arrives, she is preparing the Embryology program for grade school students watch the complete egg cycle first hand, from eggs to hatched chicks.
Melissa also introduced a new Digital Literacy program to first graders in Alliance. Students learned how coding follows a step-by-step process and applied this knowledge by coding a plant-growing simulation. Additionally, she conducted a Tinkercard Workshop for Alliance Middle School students, where they learned to create 3D designs for 3D printing.
Communications: None
Unfinished business:
Intern Positions We have started advertising for summer internship positions; we are hoping to hire two high school or college students to work 30 hours a week this summer.
New Business:
NACEB Dues the office received the annual notice from the Nebraska Association of County Extension Board members. A claim will be submitted this month to pay the $100 dues.
County Vehicle Return The office plans to return the Durango, a county-owned vehicle, as it is no longer needed. During the time the office used it, a new windshield and new tires were installed. The commissioners will determine it’s future use and pick up the vehicle.
The next regular board meeting will be held on April 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the
Extension Office.
Adjournment:
With no other business, President Callan Ackerman declared to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tory McVicker,
Board Secretary