Howard tenders resignation from NDSU Extension

Eddy County is again on the lookout for a new NDSU Extension Agent.

Chandy Howard, who took over the position in May 2020, handed county commissioners her letter of resignation at their Feb. 7 regular meeting.

Her last day at the office will be Tuesday, Feb. 28.

"As you know, my husband and I welcomed our first child last year and I have been given the opportunity to stay home with my child and focus on the needs of my family and our family farm," wrote Howard in her letter of resignation.

"I'm looking forward to it," she added at Tuesday's commission meeting. "... I wish I could do both, but I can't do both well, and I'm always going to pick my family."

"And so you should," responded Commissioner Glenda Collier.

Commission Chairperson Dave Gehrtz, added, "Absolutely, you should, and I wish you the best in your endeavors."

Commissioners also, however, expressed their sadness to see Howard go, as they recognized the great work she's done over the years, both as the extension agent and as an administrative assistant for about a year prior.

During her tenure, the 4-H shooting sports program was established and improvements were made to the 4-H facilities at the Eddy County fairgrounds, including upgrades to the livestock barn and construction of a new pavilion.

Perhaps the greatest proof of her contributions, though, is the overall growth of the 4-H program in Eddy County since she first took the reins nearly three years ago.

There were just 17 members of 4-H back then, and now, the program is thriving. There are now 52 4-Hers in the county who enjoy an active schedule and a number of different programs, events and activities.

This weekend, many in the shooting sports program are headed to Lake Metigoshe to do some ice fishing, outdoor survival, and enjoy sledding and tubing in the Turtle Mountains. Sign ups are also underway for an October elk hunting trip to Wyoming.

Howard told commissioners on Tuesday that she's proud of what she's accomplished, and believes she's leaving the office in better shape than when she got there, and the commission enthusiastically agreed.

"It's with great sadness that I'll make a motion to accept [Howard's resignation]," said Collier, whose motion was then seconded by Commissioner Jamie Allmaras and carried unanimously.

"Thank you so much for the opportunity to work in this position for the past few years," Howard wrote in her resignation letter.

"I've greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities I've had to grow Eddy County 4-H, network with producers and [stakeholders] in Eddy County, and work with my fellow colleagues," she added. "I have enjoyed working with the team during this time and will miss our interactions."

"Thank you for your service and the job that you've done, Chandy," said Gehrtz at the meeting. "Well appreciated."