By Crystal Thompson
Wednesday, Oct. 11 was the last day of work for Bob Brastrup, who was employed as Hill County Extension Agent for nearly a decade.
The Hill County Commissioners will be working together with Montana State University Bozeman to hire another extension agent by the end of April 2001. The agent's duties will range from providing resources for agricultural and horticultural concerns in the county, to assisting volunteers and community leaders with local 4-H groups.
The Hill County Commissioners will participate in the development of the application and job description for the extension agent position, as well as the interview and decision process. Screening for this position will take place at the Extension Service in Bozeman. Hill County extension agents are contracted through the county, and are considered faculty members of MSU-Bozeman.
The commissioners said that they feel the Hill County Extension Service provides a critical element within the agricultural and agri-business communities. Currently Jennifer Wells is employed as an extension agent for Hill County as well, but with the demands of the position, a replacement for Brastrup is a must. "We need two full time people," Hill County Commissioner Kathy Bessette said.
According to Brastrup, he now plans to return to his farm between Joliet and Columbus and just relax. Brastrup said that of all the extension agencies he's worked for in his thirty-two years as an agent, Hill County has been the most enjoyable and he's sure that his replacement will agree.
The good feelings seem to be mutual, according to County Commissioner Pat Conway. "Hill County has appreciated Bob and his efforts," Conway said.
