South Central's Extension offices affected - agents retire, some positions won't be filled

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

September 4, 2003 -- Texas Cooperative Extension offices and personnel in South Central Texas were affected by the $2.1 million budget reduction, but according to the new Region 11 program director of family and consumer sciences, most of the vacant positions just won't be filled, unless they are vital to the area.

Some of the positions will be filled from within the existing system, said Fela Leal, but there may be a need to advertise other positions in the future.

According to information from Extension Director Dr. Chester Fehlis Jr., there should be around 66 people, statewide, retiring within the next couple of months.

Those known to be retiring from their positions in the South Central Texas region, and their lengths of service, include: Marvin Lesikar, Jackson County - 35 years and 7 months; Michael McCown, Chambers County - 9 years and 8 months; Arnold Brown, Harris County - 31 years and 6 months; Benard Mitchell, Colorado County - 30 years; and Janice Gaskamp, Austin County - 29 years and 8 months.

As of Sept. 1, the South Central Texas region is divided into four districts, according to Texas Cooperative Extension reports. District 9 in Angleton will be led by Richard E. Tillman; District 10 in Uvalde, Cheryl Mapston; District 11 in Corpus Christi, Darrell Dromgoole; and District 12 in Weslaco, Bertha A. Garza. These four individuals will operate under the title of District Extension Administrator of their areas.

Although some positions will remain unfilled, Fehlis reiterated the Extension programs will continue to focus on educational programs for rural Texans involved in agriculture.