By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Renae (Stroda) Riedy began work this week as the Kansas State University/Marion County extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. She also will be involved with the 4-H Youth Development program.

Riedy grew up at Hope. She and her husband, Casey, farm at Woodbine. They have four children ranging in age from 9 to 18.

Riedy has been an educator for 19 years. She graduated from Kansas State University in 1995, with a degree in general human ecology. She spent almost nine years as a parent-educator and coordinator for Parents as Teachers in the Herington and Hope communities. She also spent one year working for the Dickinson County Health Department, providing education on childcare. She was a Healthy Start home visitor for seven years.

“I had been thinking about branching out into extension,” Riedy said. “I do like to educate. Every job I’ve had was in education. This job is an opportunity to expand to educating older adults, empty-nesters, and senior citizens.”

She said it would include educating people on health issues such as diabetes.

“I will be looking at the needs of people and learning how to address them,” Riedy said. “The extension service has materials that will help.”

Riedy was in 4-H for 12 years, and she is looking forward to working with young people, as well.

Fellow extension agent Ricky Roberts is excited about having a partner again. The position has been vacant since April.

“Renae brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm,” he said. “She has a lot she wants to do, and we already have a bunch of things we can do together. She’s going to be a tremendous asset.”