The Extension Service opened in its new offices in the former Ward County Highway Department building in southeast Minot on Aug. 15.

“Some differences — some good, some things that we let go. But overall, we’re here and we’re making the space our own,” said Extension Agent Emily Burkett, who works in youth development.

Burkett said the public is gradually finding the new location. An open house is being planned but no date has been set yet.

Nine employees work in the county Extension office. The overall space is comparable to the former space in the Ward County Administration Building, but there are some nice touches, said Burkett.

Jill Schramm/MDNA new kitchen is included in the office space for the NDSU Extension Service in Ward County at 900 13th St. SE.

There is a workstation room, storage area and two conference rooms for meetings and classes. A new kitchen also can be used for cooking classes.

The Extension still will have access to the shared meeting rooms in the administration building and at North Central Research Extension Center if needed to host larger functions.

Visitors will find parking much easier, and staff are enjoying the trees and greenery outside their windows, Burkett added. There also is an open area for outdoor programming.

“I’m interested to see what the potential is for other programming,” Burkett said. “I think it lends itself to some opportunities the other place didn’t have.”

For instance, she noted the possibility for forage plantings to aid the range judging program.

“Because that’s the challenging part about range practice is finding a location that hasn’t been tilled or that everybody can get to,” she said.

The Highway Department relocated from the building at 900 13th St. SE in November 2020 to settle in new headquarters in a former energy company complex in east Minot. The original office building now provides storage area for the Sheriff’s Department as well as housing the Extension offices. A former shop building is used for the bookmobile and additional county and Extension storage. 

The office building was constructed in 1968, with an addition built several years ago. Increased security surveillance has been added.

Gold NDSU banners mark the entrance into the property from 13th Street and a sign has been erected near the building.