New University Extension office opens in New Madrid
Although there has been a University of Missouri Extension office in New Madrid County for several years that office now has a new home. It is now located at 330 US Highway 61, next to the New Madrid Fire Department.
Last Thursday, August 22, an Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held.
In the last three since Marshall Stewart came on board, the University of Missouri Extension service has undergone some internal changes, and this is apart of that change. Plus, there has been some damage to the building as well as some personal changes. Rick Rickman is the County Engagement Specialist in 4-H Youth Development and will be working out of that office.
"Mainly my job is to share with the community and surrounding area what the University Extension has to offer," said Rickman.
He is no stranger to the Bootheel. He had worked with Lincoln University in this area, was a school teacher with the Holcomb School District.
"I have been working with 4-H groups in Dunklin and Pemiscot County, and now hopefully generating more groups in New Madrid County. We have some programs that have after school programs, and in some places, school administrators see the value and incorporate it within their curriculum," said Rickman.
Why 4-H? "4-H has something to offer to most all ages, ranging from 8 years old to 19 years, from the high school senior to the elderly senior," he added. Within the 4-H, you have Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, this would give something for all ages to be apart of, he noted. Nearly 200 different programs are available that 4-H has to offer.
"Not only does this provide us the opportunity to serve to folks, but it is our responsibility. Since the University of Missouri is a land grant university, this is a university for the people of Missouri. We have an office in all 114 counties n the state of Missouri, and the goal is to make sure the public know more about what the Extension and 4-H have to offer," he added.
On the lot next to the building is an area set aside for gardening operations. Currently, peas are growing up there, voluntarily. There had been peas planted there a couple of times, what is coming up now are remnants.
"I think that the plot will eventually be a partnership between the University of Missouri and Southeast Missouri State." Byron McVay, who teaches at SEMO has an office in our building. He is going to be working on growing some vegetables that may be used in canning. That is one of the projects he will be working with.
The office also has a large freezer unit, and will eventually be used with the vegetable processes and projects.
The office hours are 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and the secretary is there until noon. They are in the process of having their phone lines and internet set up, so, for now, it is best to contact Rickman on his cell phone, 573-344-9645.