Post-meeting Release, Aug. 22, 2024
Seneca County Commissioners hear updates from Master Gardeners and OSU Extension
By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
The Seneca County Commissioners heard updates from Seneca County Master Gardener volunteers and OSU Extension staff during the commissioners’ Aug. 22 meeting. Their visit highlighted exciting educational and volunteer opportunities in the county.
Seneca County Master Gardener Publicity Chairperson Steve Detillion talked about the need for more volunteers and the training provided for them.
“The Master Gardener program is an educational program designed to meet the horticultural needs of Ohio citizens,” Detillion said.
He said volunteers need no special knowledge or skills. They can come into the program bearing just a passion to learn and share information with others.
Volunteer Coordinator Susan Nighswander explained the process of becoming a Master Gardener volunteer, which includes submitting an application and undergoing a background check. Once those are approved, the volunteer is required to undergo 50 hours of horticulture education, which includes online and hands-on training. Once that training is complete, a volunteer is only required to complete ten hours of training and 20 hours of volunteer service annually.
The benefits of becoming a Master Gardener are many, including extensive educational opportunities available only to volunteers, field trips, new friendships and the chance to impact Seneca County’s residents and landscape.
For more information on the Seneca County Master Gardener program, visit www.seneca.osu.eduor the Seneca County Master Gardener Facebook page. For information on the 2025 intern class, visit www.go.osu.edu/joinscmgv or contact FAES-senecacountymgv@osu.edu or call 419-447-9722.
The commissioners are grateful for the work the Master Gardener volunteers do in the county.
“It’s a pretty neat thing to do, to be a Master Gardener,” Commissioner Anthony Paradiso said.
Pressley Buurma, a Seneca County Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension, attended the commissioners’ meeting to talk about upcoming events. Burrma will host a series of informational talks at the Sept. 14 Tiffin-Seneca Farmers Market. Topics include Chicken Production for Small Farms at 9 a.m., Soil Testing for Gardens at 10 a.m., Medicinal Weeds at 11 a.m. and Rabbit Production for Small Farms at noon.
Buurma will present educational talks at the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio, on Sept. 17-19, and she will host the fall series of “All About Goats!” webinars on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. Over 600 people registered for the spring series.
This weekend, Buurma will attend OSU Extension’s Bat Blitz, where she hopes to gain ideas to incorporate into the 2nd Annual Bat Week Celebration at the last Tiffin-Seneca Farmers Market on Oct. 26.
OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Coordinator, Katie Cole, provided updates on 4-H and the Sandusky County Fair. Over 960 Seneca County youths enrolled in 4-H in 2024, and 145 campers, counselors and staff attended 4-H Camp this summer.
The Seneca County Jr. Fair saw huge success this year, with market sales totaling over $460,000. About 82 general project winners advanced to state. Of them, 19 Seneca County youths were Outstanding of the Day winners, which is awarded to the top 20% in each project. Five Seneca County youths were Clock Trophy recipients.
“Clock Trophies are the best in the state,” Cole said.
In other business, the commissioners approved seven supplemental appropriations and passed eight resolutions, including a resolution approving the allocation of Seneca County’s portion of the OneOhio opioid settlement funds. The resolution approved utilizing two-thirds of the money for PIVOT, a program of the Seneca County Common Pleas Court. One-third of the funds have been earmarked for the Seneca County Joint EMS District.
During the public comment period, Seneca County EMA Administrator John Spahr provided information about upcoming HAZMAT training for firefighters and grant opportunities for the county. Seneca County EMS Director Chris Hafley talked about recent grain tube training for emergency personnel, which equips First Responders with the knowledge and skills to respond to silo emergencies.
Several EMS departments own grain tubes, including Seneca County, Tiffin and Green Springs. As a farmer, Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart understands the importance of having grain tubes available to departments.
“They are a great investment,” he said.