March 8, 2002

Washington State University is a supporting partner of the Plant Management Network, the new online-only source of applied plant science, featuring two new journals, Crop Management and Plant Health Progress. As a benefit of partnership, WSU faculty, staff and students enjoy free unlimited access to this growing network containing peer-reviewed, multi-disciplinary research, extension information, and industry news.

Visit Plant Management Network today!

FIRST RESPONDERS COMBAT BIO-TERRORISM SATELLITE BROADCAST

The National Associate of Counties (NACO) and a host of other collaborators including Cooperative States Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) will be hosting a two-hour satellite broadcast to showcase and promote regional approaches to bio-terrorism by state agencies, especially "first responders" of local government. The broadcast/webcast is Thursday, March 21, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (test & tone begins at 3:30). The fee is $150. per site (or $25 for an individual computer web broadcast). Register directly with NACO at the web site www.naco.org.

BUDGET FREEZE GUIDANCE ONLINE

Earlier this week, March 5, an email was sent to all extension describing the Provost's guidance on travel, hiring, and equipment freeze. If you need to refer to this information, it is now posted on the ext.wsu.edu web page.

For state bill status, budget updates, and other government info, visit the new WSU "Olympia Update" Web page at http://www.olympia.wsu.edu/

MEETINGS CANCELED

While we await budget decisions in Olympia regarding the state budget, responsible budget management on our part includes the cancellation of some events. At this time, the WSU Extension Livestock & Dairy Planing Meeting scheduled for March 18-19 in Ellensburg has been postponed. The County Chair Conference in May has also been postponed until we have a clearer picture of what our budget picture may be. If you need to broadcast other major meeting cancellations to all extension via the Friday Update, let me know.

5TH ANNUAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCE EXHIBIT

Congratulations to Dan Fagerlie, Ferry County, who was one of only 40 chosen to exhibit at the 2002 Agriculture and Food Science in the 21st Century Exhibition on March 5th in Washington DC on Capitol Hill. The exhibit was "Partnering to Enhance Extension Education on Reservations."

PERSONNEL

Chair Appointment:

Effective April 1, Christine Price is the Chair in Grant County.

Retirement:

Myrna Miller, Extension Faculty, Clark County
Effective April 1, 2002

New hires:

Angela Crouch, MS, Extension Coordinator, 4H Youth Development, Kitsap County
100% Extension, effective Date: February 4, 2002

Tim Lichen, MS, Extension Coordinator, Environ. Info. Cooperative, Clark County
100% Extension, effective Date: February 19, 2002

Kori Thol, MS, Assistant Director of Development, Alumni & Development Office
Administrative/Professional, effective Date: February 4, 2002

Jonathan K. Yoder, PhD, Assistant Professor/Assistant Ag. Economist
40% Teaching, 60% Research, effective August 16, 2002

Nicole E. Werner, PhD, Assistant Professor, Human Development
100% Teaching, effective August 16, 2002

Jolie B. Kaytes, MS, Assistant Professor, Horticulture & Landscape Architecture
100% Teaching, effective Date: August 16, 2002

Memorium:

Merle Sargent, wife of Bob Sargent, former extension marketing specialist (1980-89), passed away last Thursday, Feb. 28, from complications of her 5-year battle with cancer. A celebration of her life will be on March 10, 2-4 p.m. at the Best Western University Inn in Moscow. The family suggests informal, colorful attire. The celebration will include a sharing of memories of her life. Bob's address is: Dr Robert Sargent, 2978 Highway 8, Moscow ID 83843, Phone 208-88204369. The family suggests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, the Moscow Public Library or a charity of choice.

PERS 2 EMPLOYEES TRANSFER OPTION

Public Employees' Retirement System 2 (PERS 2) employees employed prior to March 1, 2002 will have an opportunity to transfer to PERS 3 retirement during the transfer window from March 1, 2002 through August 31, 2002. Transfer seminars are being held throughout the state. The ICMARC Web site has a listing of seminars.

One training session will be given over WHETS to SIRTI, ICNE, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Wenatchee on March 20. The schedule is:
9:00 a.m. Transfer Options
1:30 p.m. Investments

Each Branch Campus, Research Station, and District Director has a copy of the Transfer video. Copies are also available from the Business and Finance Office. If you plan to transfer to PERS 3 there is a monetary advantage to making the transfer during the transfer window. For some employees PERS 3 can be a much more flexible retirement plan. We encourage all PERS 2 people to attend a seminar or view the video.

Martha Lindahl in Benefit Services at (509) 335-2523 is a wonderful resource, if you have questions about the plans, or contact Becky Priebe at (509) 335-2842.

SCHEDULE

Next week, March 11-15, both Mike and I will be in the office with no plans for travel.

Michael J. Tate
Dean & Director
WSU Cooperative Extension
411 Hulbert Hall
Washington State University
PO Box 646230
Pullman WA 99164-6230
(509) 335-2933
FAX (509) 335-2926
mtate@wsu.edu

Linda Kirk Fox
Associate Dean and Associate Director
lkfox@wsu.edu