ISU Extension and Outreach Finds A New Space for A Legacy to Grow

Ever since last year, Poweshiek County’s ISU Extension and Outreach program has grown to be astounding. In particular, the program relocated their offices to 1017 Ogan Avenue in Grinnell, noting a business and agricultural connection to the former tenant as a key contributor to the move. 

ISU’s extension programming serves all ages, offering ways to get involved through 4-H, volunteering, and educational events focused on agriculture, natural resources, health, and community development. 

This work couldn’t be done without the dedicated local team and a nine-member elected council, including Regional Director Tanya Michener, Office Manager and Program Assistant Emelie Ahrendsen, County Youth Coordinator Valorie Larsson, and Adult Program Coordinator and Program Coordinator Alathia Andera. Together, they bring Iowa State University’s land-grant mission to life in Poweshiek County. Their goal is simple but powerful: to make research-based knowledge practical, accessible, and tailored to the needs of the community.

“Having council members is really important,” says Andera. “They’re passionate about their community, and their passion turns into ideas. Our extension office then steps in to help support and further those ideas.”

Community connections are especially clear in conversations about 4-H. Many council members and local leaders have deep roots in the program, and even those who did not participate easily recognize its impact. Council member Rusty Clayton noted that 4-H helps youth develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that carry into adulthood. Fellow council member Bailey Asberry adds, “4-H lets kids be kids,” giving them the chance to explore through hands-on learning.

And that legacy is still growing. The move to the new location has opened doors – literally and figuratively. With more space and access to the outdoors, the team is imagining what’s possible. From gardening opportunities and educational workshops, their physical will allow them to build new programming and enhance existing ones. A recent pond management class yielded nearly 30 adult participants! 

“We’re now able to have larger programs – even if the adults were packed in more sardine-like conditions than the kids,” laughs Andera.

Several Chamber Ambassadors also shared their own 4-H experiences and the lasting impact it has had on their lives. As Lori Vos, owner of Loralei’s Giftshoppe & Village Decorating Studio, put it: “So many times I’m asked, ‘Where’d you learn that?’ and the answer is 4-H.”

Stay up to date with upcoming events through the Extension calendar and view their full lineup of classes this spring and summer! Whether you are interested in joining youth programming (such as 4-H or Clover Kids), volunteering, or exploring research-based resources, there is something open for you! Check out their website to get started: www.extension.iastate.edu/poweshiek/. 

Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:

• Monique Shore — PFLAG Grinnell/Poweshiek 
• Becky Broadston — Country Inn & Suites
• Monica St. Angelo — Grinnell Area Arts Council
• Fran Conn
• Donna Fischer — UnityPoint Grinnell Foundation 
• Jordan Scheibel — Grinnell Farm to Table
• Rusty Clayton — ISU Extension Council Member
• Corey Latcham — ISU Extension Council Member
• Tanya Michener — ISU Extension & Outreach 
• Laurie Iverson — ISU Extension Council Member
• Trent Arment — MCG 
• Emelie Ahrendsen — ISU Extension & Outreach
• Alathia Andera — ISU Extension & Outreach
• Blake Pearson — Converge Chiropractic
• Valorie Larsson — ISU Extension & Outreach
• Desiree Strayer — German, Plumbing & Heating
• Lori Vos — Loralei’s Giftshoppe and Village Decorating Studio 
• Bri Gaunt — Community 1st Credit Union
• Jennifer McAlexander — JM Consulting and Hawkeye Lock & Security 
• Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber
• Ashley Sorensen — Volunteer Iowa
• Bailey Asberry — ISU Extension Council Member