Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future | Video

Rene Thibault | 1/9/2013

One of Ward County`s most experienced and well-known NDSU Extension Agents will be leaving her position this month. Whether it was dealing with taxes, nutrition, or consumer issues, over the past 12 years, Lori Scharmer has been there to help Ward County families deal with the problems that come up.

“I started work here 12 years ago and I first started in what we call the Family Nutrition Program, which is a federally-funded program. And after being in that for 18 months, I moved into the Family and Consumer Science Agent position which I am in now,” she said.

For more than a decade, Scharmer has worked at the Ward County Extension Service, providing information and educating families. That has been the most fulfilling aspect for her. “The most rewarding part of the job is to hear that you`ve helped somebody and provided information and resources for them that are helpful. And it`s the comments we receive back saying, ‘Oh you told me or you taught me about this and it has been so helpful.’ That makes the job all worthwhile”.

That educational quality is just one of many her co-workers see and experience on a daily basis. “She`s just always been very supportive, and she`s easy to talk to. She`s just good to work with. She`s very professional. It`s just been a good experience, I wish her well, kind of would like her to stay though,” added Gail Slinde, another extension agent who’s worked with Scharmer for more than a decade.

Scharmer is sad she won’t be working with her fellow Ward County Agents, but luckily for her, her new office won`t be far from her old one. She has accepted a specialty position at the North Central Research Station, where she will continue to work with families across the entire state.

The Ward County Extension Service has created a transition plan for when Scharmer leaves. Her last day will be January 31.

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