The regular business meeting of the Morris County 4-H Council was held on February 16th, at 6:30pm at the Council Grove Fairgrounds. The meeting was called to order by President Haylee Nielsen followed by the council reciting the Pledge of Allegiance the 4-H pledge.
Roll call was, “Fair theme ideas?” A quorum was present.
The minutes were approved as read. There were no communications.
The Treasurer’s Report was read and approved.
Acting Reporter, Josh Lautt said she had submitted the report to both papers.
Fair Board Representative, Warren Longren told the Council that the Fair Board was making decisions on getting new flooring for the fair building, getting a new seal for the fridge in the snack shack. He also gave the details about the Fairboard Garage sale being held in April.
For committee reports, Daylen Nielsen gave the report for the club days committee. He said Flint Hills was responsible for setup at 3:30pm on Friday. He said we also need to have water, coffee, cookies and fruit for refreshments. He reminded club leaders to get photos of their clubs. Lastly, he said the county FCS judging would be held at club days instead of the fair.
For agent reports, FCS agent, Deb Andres, provided multiple updates. She reported that the Cloverbuds meeting that was supposed to be held on January 25th was canceled. She said the agents are still currently reviewing the 4-H Council Handbook and By-laws to determine what changes and updates need made. Deb said Project Day will be February 22nd from 1pm to 4pm and that we still need presenters. She gave details of the areas and classrooms that will be used for the District Club Days held at the high school on February 28th. She also gave more information about the FCS judging event held at club days and why the change from it being held at the fair. Deb then gave the 4-H Foundation update, giving council members information to share with clubs about available scholarships and upcoming horse events. Lastly she stated the Fairbook would be ready to print by May 1st.
Program Assistant, Tara Thompsen then gave her report to council. She said the deadline for newsletter announcements would be February 24th. She then gave a list of other upcoming deadlines and dates, including project day, county project meetings, beef weigh-in, small animal weigh in. She said she is trying to boost the Facebook page and promote upcoming activities and dates there. She reminded clubs that they can submit info to her to promote club activities as well.
A representative from each club then gave a report on current activities for their respective clubs.
Under old business, the council reviewed the 2025-2026 4-H Council Budget breakdown. Next, the Council also discussed the fair theme ideas that the representatives would share with Fairboard at the next meeting.
For new business, Elijah Schrader moved to add $300 to the Fair thank-you budget. It was seconded and passed. Josh Lautt moved to have a 4-H soup fundraiser next 4-H year, and it was seconded and passed. Next, the budget committee said they will present a plan to 4-H Foundation for monetary assistance. Then Daylen Nielsen moved to disburse the reimbursement for Shandi Andres for the trip to Washington, DC. It was seconded and passed. Lastly, Daylen Nielsen moved to approve the budget as revised, it was seconded and passed.
For announcements, Agent Deb Andres reviewed the recommended meeting dates for 4-H Council committees and what their responsibilities for fair are. Deb also said, moving forward, the Extension Office will follow the State of Kansas holiday schedule. President, Haylee Nielsen, announced that the next meeting would be April 14th at 6:30pm at the Fairgrounds Meeting was adjourned.