We invite you to catch up on the impactful work our Extension Iron County educators and staff provide to the community in the form of this monthly newsletter! Below are highlights from each of our program areas.

Last week, Braeden Klemme, Kasey Klemme, and Viola Ofstad of the Iron County Youth Leadership Council traveled to the Concourse Hotel in Madison for the Wisconsin Counties Association Conference.

Participating as part of the Baldwin Grant Wisconsin Youth Corps, our local youth joined peers from across the state to showcase their recent initiatives.

The conference served as a platform for the council’s research interns to share their evaluations of local community needs, while video interns presented short films capturing the unique perspectives of youth in their home counties. In addition to these presentations, Iron County and Burnett County students engaged in direct advocacy during legislative visits with Senator Quinn and Representative Green.

A major highlight of the trip was an exclusive meeting with Governor Tony Evers. The Governor took a moment to recognize the team's hard work in the community before posing for a photo op. 

Iron County 4-H is currently looking to fill a handful of remaining positions for our 2026 summer programming team. We have exciting opportunities available for both youth and adults who are passionate about leadership, community building, and outdoor education. Whether you are looking to gain professional experience or simply want to give back to the local 4-H community, we would love to have you on board to help make this summer unforgettable.

Positions available:

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to 4-H Youth Development Educator Neil Klemme at 715-561-2695. 

The Iron County 4-H Green Team kicked off their Monday night meeting with more than just a business agenda. Youth leaders Wysteria and Azaylia Jewell took center stage to lead their peers through a hands-on Rice Krispy treat demonstration.

This activity wasn't just about the snacks—it’s part of a larger initiative to sharpen the club’s public speaking and presentation skills. By practicing these demonstrations now, the Green Team hopes to officially bring youth-led educational showcases to the fair schedule later this year!

What do great adventurers do? They explore! The Adventurers of the North 4-H Club took on Big Powderhorn Mountain during their February meeting and had an absolute blast. According to the club leaders, the conditions were flawless, and the staff couldn't have been more welcoming. We’re already looking forward to seeing where their next journey takes them! 

Penokee Range Livestock Club members Taylor, Sam, and Piper Hitter lead a high-energy livestock quiz bowl during the club’s monthly meeting on February 15. Members went head-to-head in a battle of wits, buzzing in for the chance to win candy and show off their agricultural knowledge. These monthly presentations are a key part of the club’s mission to build confidence and sharp communication skills as members gear up for upcoming events and the 2026 Iron County Fair.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding performances of two of our dedicated race team members, Liam Schoeller and Marlo Brand, who both secured podium finishes earlier this month. 

Liam Schoeller delivered a powerhouse performance at the Michigan Tech Nordic Invitational, proving that a combination of strength and strategy is the key to success. Competing across two demanding days and two different disciplines, Liam's hard work throughout the season was on full display.

On Saturday January 31, during the 6K Classic race, Liam’s endurance landed him an impressive 8th Place Overall (grades 9–12) and a 3rd Place podium finish in the competitive U16 division. He followed that up on Sunday February 1 with a masterclass in tactics during the 6K Skate. Executing his race plan to perfection, Liam climbed even higher, finishing 6th Overall and taking home 1st Place in the U16 division!

Beyond the medals, Liam carried a piece of his community with him to the finish line. "Super proud to wear the 4-H patch on my shoulder as I cross the line!" he shared. We salute your grit and your pride in your roots, Liam. Keep chasing those goals!

The celebration continues with SET Race Team member Marlo Brand, who took on the challenging terrain of the Mt. Ashwabay Summit on Saturday, January 31.

Competing in the 3.5K Middle School race, Marlo showed incredible determination in a very competitive field. With a time of 16:49, she skied her way straight to the podium, securing a 3rd place finish.

Marlo’s consistency and drive are paying off, and we are so proud to have her representing the SISU Endurance Team.

Congratulations, Marlo! We can't wait to see what you accomplish next on the trails.

Our SET Sunday Session members had a blast soaking up the rays and hitting the trails this past weekend. 4-H Youth Development Educator Neil Klemme joined in on the fun, skiing with the groups and taking photos along the way. 

Thank you to our wonderful coaches and parent skiers. Your support is what makes this program such a success for our youth!

No SET Sunday Session on Feb. 22. We are taking a break this Sunday while many of our coaches participate in the American Birkebeiner. We’ll see you back on the trails on March 1! In the meantime, we encourage you to head out for a family ski if you can.

SISU Endurance Team - XC Ski Club Sunday Sessions
Sundays, through March 8 - 2:00 pm
Location: ABR Ski Trails

Iron County Green Team Meeting
Monday,  March 9 - 5:30 pm
Location: Iron County Courthouse

Penokee Range Livestock Club Meeting
Sunday, March 15 - 9:00 am
Location: Hurley School 

Iron County Leaders Meeting
Wednesday, March 18 - 5:30 pm
Location: Iron County Courthouse

Adventurers of the North 4-H Club Meeting
Sunday, March 22 - 10:00 am
Location: Saxon Community Center

Penokee Range Livestock Club Meat Bingo Fundraiser
Saturday, March 21 - 5:00 pm
Location: Sharon's Coffee Company

February is, to those in the Northwoods, a time of hope. It is February, after all, that determines the remainder of winter—will we be blessed with cerulean skies and radiant sunshine, or will Mother Superior see fit to hammer us with heavy snowfall and intermittent icy rains? Dare I say the sun seems eager to stay? In addition to the whims of our fickle climate, February’s odd shortness is like a deep inhalation after the suffocating whirlwind we call January. It’s the perfect time to look ahead and to remember what, and who, we love.

It may be easy to forget in Iron County (which is racially and ethnically around 94% white) that February is also National Black History Month, as designated by Congress in 1986 by Public Law 99-244. Black (or African American) History Month is a reminder and opportunity to “gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the many contributions of Black Americans to our country and the world.” Although I love potato chips (credited to George “Crum” Speck in 1853), elevator doors that close automatically (patented by Alexander Miles in 1887), and wouldn’t have had much to do as a CBRN Marine without a gas mask (partially credited to Garret Morgan, who patented a “smoke hood” in 1914), what I REALLY love are libraries. Since February also happens to be “Library Lovers’ Month”, it seemed fitting to highlight a national treasure who checks all the boxes: former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.

Only the fourteenth human to serve in the role, Carla Hayden also happens to be the first woman and first African American to be appointed as our nation’s head librarian. Born in Tallahassee in 1952 and raised in New York City until she became a Chicago gal at age 10, Hayden officially earned the title of librarian when she graduated from the University of Chicago’s Graduate Library School in 1977. A decade later, she earned her PhD in Library Science from the University of Chicago. By this point, she had 15 years of library service under her belt between the Chicago Public Library and the Museum of Science and Industry.

After earning her PhD, Hayden took an assistant professorship at the University of Pittsburgh, teaching graduate courses on children’s literature and library resources. She soon returned to Chicago to serve as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Librarian of the Chicago Public Library system from ‘91 to ‘93. Then, from 1993 to 2016, she served the City of Baltimore as the leader of the Enoch Pratt Free Library system. During her tenure, the system opened its first new branch in almost 30 years, greatly expanded digital service offerings, and created an after-school center for teens. Additionally, she served as President of the American Library Association in 2003 and 2004. In 2016, President Barrack Obama nominated Hayden to the position of Librarian of Congress, and her appointment was approved by a vote of 74-18. She was sworn in by Wisconsin’s own Paul Ryan. She served the nation with distinction, advocating for better digital access to the Library of Congress, declaring "This treasure chest is being opened and available to everyone.” In May of 2025, her term was abruptly and unprofessionally cut short by the current administration, which later cited Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and questionable children’s books in the catalog (a strange claim, considering the Library of Congress does not circulate materials like a public library does). Despite the unceremonious end to her service, Hayden’s work at the LOC lives on through the hundreds of thousands of digitized records and historical document collections made accessible under her watch.

What I especially love about Carla Hayden’s work is her dedication to free and easily accessible information, her recognition that libraries must embrace the digital age, and her efforts to protect patron privacy in the face of draconian Patriot Act laws. Through her public service, starting with story time for Chicago kids with autism spectrum disorder all the way up to her revolutionary modernization of Library of Congress access, Carla Hayden serves as a model for leadership, community development, and civic engagement.

And since it’s “Library Lovers’ Month”, I want to give a special shout out to Iron County’s amazing libraries and library staff. Sunny Ofstad and Pam Langa at the Hurley Public Library work tirelessly to ensure folks in the northern half of the County have access to computers, print services, high quality programming, and a wealth of circulating materials through the Northern Waters Library System. The Mercer Public Library, staffed by Julia Pusateri, Blaze Burton, and Jackie Wiedower, is a community gem currently under renovation, ensuring patrons in the southern half of Iron County have a top-notch community hub for years to come.  If you get a chance this month, stop in, drop a line, place a hold, or volunteer at one of our wonderful libraries to show some love. Our libraries and library staff are true assets to Iron County.

Joseph Miller
Extension Iron County Community Development Educator

Iron County Economic Development Special Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 4 - 6:00 pm
Location: Iron County Courthouse Board Room

Visit the Iron County website to view meeting agendas. 

UW-Madison Division of Extension provides valuable programs and resources to all Wisconsin residents, not just those in Iron County! Explore statewide opportunities that can support your family, business, farm, or community, no matter where you are in the Badger State. This month, we are highlighting:

Planning AHEAD is an end-of-life planning curriculum for all ages developed by UW–Madison Division of Extension faculty and staff. This 7-session research-based program will help participants understand how to prepare for the end of life for themselves or a loved one, and why it’s important to have a plan in place.

This program and workbook were designed for residents in Wisconsin and is specific to Wisconsin law. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, please refer to your state’s laws around Advanced Medical and Legal Directives, and Estate Planning.

Topics covered:

Who should attend? 

Anyone who is interested in planning for the end of life to make things easier for family members, have lost a loved one, are in the process of losing a loved one and are dealing with the transition.

Visit the Planning AHEAD webpage for more information! 

Mark your calendars for our upcoming distributions:

To learn more about the Iron County Mobile Food Pantry program or other food security resources available to our community members, visit our website! 

Follow Extension Iron County on social media or by visiting our website linked below!

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.