Smith-Lever Act created Cooperative Extension Service one century ago

The Wells County Purdue Extension Service is looking to celebrate the Smith-Lever Act throughout this year.

The act created the Cooperative Extension Service, "a unique educational partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the nation's land-grant universities that extends research-based knowledge through a state-by-state network of extension educators," the Wells County service's annual report reads.

"For 100 years, the Smith-Lever Act has stimulated innovative research and vital educational programs for youth and adults through progressive information delivery systems that improved lives and shaped a nation," the report continues.

In addition to the 4-H program, feeding hungry kids, teaching nutrition classes, and providing safe cribs for infants, the Wells County Purdue Extension Service also:

• Organizes the Bluffton Farmer's Market

• Promotes conservation of natural resources and job readiness for youth

• Participates in various community engagement opportunities, from Citizens Against Drug Abuse to the Wells County Leadership Academy and Wells County Teen Court.

For more information on the national celebration, click here.

Learn more on the Wells County Purdue Extension Service's annual report in the Thursday, Feb. 13, News-Banner.