4-H Art Kit: Creativity, Healing, and Hope After the Storm

Author: Elizabeth Easley

Major Program: Connected & Resilient Communities

On May 16, 2025, an EF4 tornado devastated Laurel County, including a direct hit to the southern side of London. More than 800 homes were damaged, 280 destroyed, and 17 lives lost. This disaster left countless families and children facing significant emotional distress, displacement, and uncertainty about their futures.In a crisis like this, emotional healing is just as important as food and shelter. A 2024 study from the National Institutes of Health reviewed 85 research studies and found that

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WAVE AG Day 2025: Celebrating Agriculture in the River Counties

Author: Chuck Flowers

Major Program: Connected & Resilient Communities

Describe the Issue or Situation. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman Counties, with a remarkable $1 billion regional impact and over $359 million in agricultural products sold across 960 farms. WAVE AG Day 2025 once again highlighted the importance of this sector, celebrating its contributions and honoring those who drive it forward. Now in its eighth year, the event was held on July 31st at Columbus Belmont State Park, running from 7:3

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From Outhouse to Indoor Plumbing: A Leslie County Success Story

Author: Michelle Brock

Major Program: Connected & Resilient Communities

For two long years, a Leslie County family lived without a working sewer system. When their old septic system failed, they had no choice but to return to using an old-fashioned outhouse because the cost of replacing the system was far out of their reach.. Winters were bitter, summers were sweltering, and the constant worry about sanitation weighed heavily on the family.Help finally came when the Leslie County Extension Office's Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent learned of their situati

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