ACKNOWLEDGMENT - Waseca County commissioners (from left) Brad Milbrath, Brad Harguth, Doug Christopherson, Brad Krause and De Malterer were taken by surprise when they were presented with the Waseca County 4-H organization's Distinguished Service Award during a recent celebration.
Commissioners surprised with service award
Thu, 11/27/2025 - 12:15am
The members of the Waseca County Board of Commissioners were surprised during the Waseca County 4-H Achievement Celebration the evening of Nov. 14 when it was announced they were receiving the organization’s "Distinguished Service Award.”
Commissioner De Malterer, who was present at the event but unaware of the approaching honor, stepped forward to receive an engraved plaque on behalf of the board. She shared it with fellow board members during their regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
“It was quite a delightful surprise,” she told them. “I’m glad I could be there to accept it.”
University of Minnesota Extension youth development leader Amy Nelson shared the text used as the award was announced:
The Distinguished Service Award is given to recognize people who have given to the 4-H program over several years. These people go above and beyond the call of duty.
The Waseca County Board of Commissioners have been huge supporters and advocates for the Waseca County 4-H program, and Waseca County Extension. Because of their belief that the program changes lives for the better, they work tirelessly to ensure our Extension department is adequately funded. In 2024 they saw the need to reach more youth with 4-H, and took a huge step to hire additional staff. This is the county’s first Extension staffing increase in over 30 years! They show up at the county fair to cheer on our 4-Hers, and lend their time to help 4-H make meaningful partnerships within our county. We are extremely grateful for their support, and would like to congratulate the Waseca County Board of Commissioners on being named this year’s Waseca County 4-H Distinguished Service Award recipients.