9/09/2025

GOGEBIC COUNTY - At its last meeting the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners discussed retaining Ashley Dennis as full-time 4-H coordinator for the MSU Extension Office. District 1 Director Paul Putnam advocated for Dennis after learning the commission’s plans to return her to part-time, citing the increased number of volunteers and projects, as well as the impact of travel time on her hours. However, Commissioner Daniel Wood questioned the need for a full-time position, noting the program’s limited reach beyond Ironwood. Chairman Daniel Siirila and Commissioner James Lorenson requested more information on 4-H outreach. Lorenson also criticized the Extension office’s appointment-only policy and compared Gogebic County’s limited 4-H offerings, mainly livestock-focused, to Iron County’s broader programs. Commissioner Peter Matonich agreed that current activity reports don’t justify full-time status.