(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) Michigan State University Extension 4-H and Bored Bard Games of Iron Mountain have collaborated to established the Bored Bard Gaming Club. Clockwise, Kingsford Middle School seventh grader Oliver Polkinghorne; eighth grader Henrick Wedge and seventh grader Knox Shilton play the card game Dos, a version of Uno.

IRON MOUNTAIN — A Michigan State University-Extension nutrition instructor hopes to expand Senior Project Fresh in Dickinson and Iron counties to include more suppliers who will honor coupons.

Libby Hansen, a community educator who began working in the two counties in May, provided the Dickinson County Board with an update earlier this week, saying 118 seniors in Dickinson County received $25 coupons this summer to exchange for fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods sold at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

Hansen noted Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority is set up to serve as a program coordinator. While no farms were recruited into Senior Project Fresh for the city’s downtown market in 2024, that will be a priority in the new year, she said.

Residents age 60 or older with a total household income under $27,861 for an individual or $37,814 for a couple are eligible to apply for the program under current guidelines.

Hansen also reported that Cooking Matters classes proved popular at local public housing sites Hulst Manor and Washington Court. The six-week classes had 17 participants at both sites, covering such topics as food selection, preparation and safety, along with budgeting.

The board heard as well from Jessica Ice, 4-H program coordinator in Dickinson County, who gave details on new youth clubs such Bored Bard 4-H Club, which builds critical thinking and leadership skills through non-screen gaming, and Country Kids 4-H Club, which has a curriculum base on youth interests.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals courses will be offered this winter for students ages 8 to 21. The program focuses on food safety, animal well-being and character awareness.

Ice also noted the annual 4-H recognition banquet is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25, honoring members, volunteers and community supporters.

Dickinson County’s general fund budget this year provided $75,000 for MSU-Extension, up from just $25,000 as recently as 2022. In addition to funding a full-time 4-H coordinator with an office at Bay College’s Iron Mountain campus, the allocation expands offerings from regional educators in other areas such as agriculture, health and nutrition, natural resources, community and family.

The county’s 2025 budget will be finalized in the coming weeks. A public hearing is slated for Dec. 23.

In another matter, County Controller Brian Bousley clarified Wednesday that a discussion this week on developing a forest management plan for county properties would exclude the Fumee Lake Natural Area. The county expects to contract with a forester to oversee the plan.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.