OTTAWA — The paperwork for a proposed merger of the Franklin County and Osage County Extension offices has been submitted to the state for approval. Once Kansas Attorney General Steven Six gives his OK to the merger in about two to three weeks, it should be ready for the July 1 rollout date as the Frontier Extension District, said Franklin County Extension natural resources and agricultural agent Darren Hibdon. The work on the merger, which was announced earlier this year, has been moving forward smoothly, he said. There was only one wrinkle and that was ironed out quickly – what to call the new combined district, he said. The name of Frontier Extension District was picked because it reflects the historical heritage of the two counties and their connection to major historic trails. Several counties across the state have been looking at mergers to cut costs but to expand services by using the combined talents of county Extension staffers.
Tuesday, April 20, 7 a.m.
