Purdue Extension names four new 'Friends'

"Friends of Extension are vital partners with us in providing services to the citizens of Indiana," said David Petritz, director of Purdue Extension. "The commitment of the honorees is what helps keep Extension strong and dynamic."

Friends of Extension honorees include:

• Carl Colbert of Windfall, Ind. He has served on the Tipton County 4-H Council and coordinated the local goat project for many years. His work with the Tipton County Board of Commissioners helped the county secure the 1998 Farm Progress Show's location. Colbert has served several leadership positions around the county, including the Lilly Scholarship Selection Committee, Northern Community Schools School Board and the Tipton County Solid Waste Board. Through his work on the county planning commission, he was a catalyst for updating the 40-year-old comprehensive plan. This process included three years of public meetings and revision. The Community Alliance to Promote Education grant has been a major focus for Colbert since 1999, allowing him to work with the Education Center board to offer personal enrichment and professional development courses, as well as tutoring local children.

• Kiyoko (Kiyo) Ikeda of Knox, Ind. As a member of the Starke County Council, she supported Purdue Extension by educating other council members on its value to the community at a time when budget restrictions almost led to its elimination locally. Ikeda serves as a co-leader of the North Bend Junior Eagles 4-H Club and a volunteer for program promotions and the county fair. She also has been involved with a beautification project, the Garden Symposium and the Knox Community Schools Summer Garden through the Master Gardeners program. Ikeda's service includes serving as secretary for the local Farm Bureau and as a volunteer for other community organizations.

• Nancy Manion of Salem, Ind. She is an Extension board member and helped develop a small-business curriculum that impacted 30 potential new businesses. Manion helped hire a part-time educator to assist the 4-H youth educator to provide additional programs to local schools. She has provided input to programs addressing land-use issues, leadership development and community improvement.

• Wilbur Williamson of Rolling Prairie, Ind. With the help of a few other volunteers, he founded the rabbit food stand at the LaPorte County Fair and has dedicated many years to improving it. Raising more than $10,000 each of the past three years, the stand supports the county's rabbit program by funding facilities improvements, trophies and awards for members and by providing a market for their animals. Williamson assisted in securing a booth at the American Rabbit Breeders Association national convention to promote the stand's accomplishments and share ideas with other rabbit enthusiasts. His other commitments to the LaPorte County 4-H program include membership in the county's 4-H council and the Booster and Alumni Association. He also visits schools and teaches sessions during the annual Ag Day and uses rabbits as a way to reach local youth.

Writer: Becki Francis, (765)496-1050, rfrancis@purdue.edu

Source: David Petritz, (765) 494-8489, dpetritz@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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