Muskegon County Board of Commissioners

1
The new
organization of
MSUE provides
expertise beyond
county lines,
bringing programs
to Muskegon
County that would
not have otherwise
happened.
~Kay Cummings,
District Coordinator
Education from beyond county lines……..
Local Government:
» Fifteen Muskegon County officials attended a Robert’s Rules of Order
workshop on November 9 taught by Julie Pioch, Public Policy and
Community Engagement Educator. Seventy three percent of
participants indicated they are more knowledgeable on the topic, and
ninety three percent agreed that they are more confident to participate
in meetings. One hundred percent plan to implement at least one thing
they learned, and nearly half said they would take on a leadership role
because of the workshop. Participants included Commissioners,
Administrator’s office, Corporate Counsel, the Road Commission and
the Clerk’s Office.
» John Amrhein, State and Local Government Educator was very
instrumental in the 2011 budgeting process for Muskegon County
providing education and facilitation to the four functional work groups
(78 individuals) that resulted in a positive experience for all involved in
reaching a balanced budget for Muskegon County.
Oil & Gas Leasing: Curtis Talley, Farm Management Educator, held a
program at the request of the Muskegon Soil Conservation District on Oil
and Gas Leasing on April 28.
Sixty-seven participants attended. Curtis says, “Survey results indicate that
landowners are learning what the lease language means and they are
learning the alternatives that other landowners across the U.S. are using.”
Bio-Energy: MSU Extension grew canola and
oriental mustard at the Muskegon County Airport
as part of a US Department of Energy
grant. These crops were harvested and are now
being used to make biodiesel fuel for on farm
demonstrations. The purpose of the on farm
demonstrations is to show farmers how to make
their own biofuels. More information about the
project can be found at http://bioenergy.msu.edu,
keyword “freeways to fuels”.