University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Merrick County delivers research-based education and information to citizens throughout the county. These educational programs, delivered via a variety of methods, are offered through a federal, state and county partnership arrangement. Our objective is to provide programs and other educational resources locally.
Our staff of extension educator and extension specialists, technicians, and support personnel specializes is providing programs throughout the county, and together with staff from all of Nebraska's 93 counties, we contribute to more than 1.5 million educational contacts each year with Nebraska citizens. Our 4-H Youth Development Program, for example, reaches more than 400 youth in Merrick County alone. Statewide, 4-H touches the lives of more than 90,000 youth each year.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension is built to provide practical education that focuses on issues which influence daily life that helps to keep Nebraska competitive in a global society. Extension Specialists and Extension Educators are committed to a theme of excellence with educational programs customized to meet the needs of Nebraskans.
Merrick County Extension Office
1784 Fairgrounds Road
Central City, NE 68826-0027
Phone: (308) 946-3843
E-mail: merrick-county@unl.edu
Map to our office
MEET THE MERRICK COUNTY STAFF
Steve Melvin
Ag Educator
Phone: (308) 946-3843
Email: steve.melvin@unl.edu
Cindie Hostler
Office Manager
Phone: (308) 946-3843
Email: cindie.hostler@unl.edu
Kara Wells
Extension Assistant - 4-H & Youth Development
Phone: (308) 946-3843
Email: kwells5@unl.edu
Sherry Siwinski
Office Assistant
Phone: (308) 946-3843
Merrick County Agricultural Society
The Merrick County Agricultural Society meets once a month and consists of fifteen members from across the county. The Extension Educator sits in on meetings as an advisor and liason between 4-H and the ag society. They provide the activities and entertainment at the fair, and oversee the upkeep and rental of the fairgrounds.
Russ Kucera, President
Isaac Jefferson, Vice President
Troy Wells, Secretary
Brad Wells, Treasurer
Dale Nielson Jr.
Aaron Huston
Eric Frauen
Josh Trumblee
Jake Etherton
Kelly Brandes
Matt Myers
Jess Brandes
Ryan Grigsby
Tim Williams
Mikaela Wilshusen
Merrick County Extension Board
The Merrick County Cooperative Extension Board, the governing body of the County Cooperative Extension, is made up of eight (8) members plus the chair of the 4-H Leaders Council. Term of office is for three years beginning with the January meeting for the appointed members. The chair of the 4-H Council serves as an Extension Board member as long as he/she is chair of the 4-H Council. The budgeting authority is the Board of Supervisors, with Extension Board members appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
Lori Cave, President
Kerry Stuhmer, Vice President
Nicole Greving, Secretary/Treasurer
Cheyenne Rowe
Karen Benner
Nathan Carlson
Anna Detlefsen, 4-H Council President
Carolyn Kucera, Merrick County Supervisor
Merrick County 4-H Council
The 4-H section of the Merrick County Cooperative Extension program is planned by the assistance given to the Extension Educators by the 4-H Leaders Council. All 4-H Leaders and Jr. Leaders are members of the Council and Executive committee officers are elected as the governing body.
Anna Detlefsen, President
Heath Reimers, Vice President
Shanien Schmierer, Secretary
Justin Ferris, Treasurer
Dana Samuelson, West Representative
Matt Mottl, East Representative
Mike Siwinski, Central Representative
Jess Brandes, At-Large Representative
Makenna Mottl, JL West Representative
Londyn Fisher, JL East Representative
Emma Brandes, JL Central Representative
Lane Mottl, JL At-Large Representative