Locals recognized at MSU Extension conference

Lake County and Flathead Reservation 4-Hers and educators and extension agents were recently among those recognized at the annual MSU Extension conference in Bozeman.

Flathead Reservation Extension agent Patrick Mangan, along with Shelley Mills of Valley County, received the Team Award for co-chairing the National Association of County Agricultural Agents meeting with more than 1,200 participants. 

In addition, the 4-H School Coalition for Youth Mental Health, which includes counselors from Ronan, St. Ignatius and Arlee schools, and community health educators from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, received the Arrowhead Award, which recognizes partners outside of MSU Extension who contribute to strengthening MSU Extension programs and communities. The award was among four given by Montana's Joint Council of Extension Professionals.

Brenda Richey, Flathead Reservation MSU Extension agent, received the Outreach and Engagement Award from the Montana chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, a national professional development organization comprised of Extension professionals. Also, Ronan School District counselors Sabra Brooks, Tammy Young and Jennifer Cheff received the Friends of Extension award for their involvement with the 4-H Mentoring Program. 

Richey, along with Havila Burton and Tammy Sandberg, were recognized for their work addressing food insecurity on the Flathead Indian Reservation. They received the Family Health and Wellness Award from the Montana Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.