ILLINOIS EXTENSION WELCOMES NEW STAFF TO WABASH COUNTY OFFICE

The University of Illinois Extension serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties has added two new staff members to its Wabash County office in Mt. Carmel.
Carrie Tennis has joined as the Wabash County Office Support Assistant. She will provide administrative and fiscal support for Extension programs. Tennis previously worked as an office manager in retail and healthcare and has been a Wabash County 4-H volunteer leader since 2022. She holds an associate’s degree in interpersonal communications from Frontier Community College.
Tori Thompson has been named the new Wabash County 4-H Program Coordinator. She will lead 4-H school programs, oversee local clubs, and organize events to grow membership. A former Blue Ribbon 4-H member in Edwards County, Thompson is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science and agribusiness at Murray State University.
Extension Director Tara Buerster said both hires bring passion and experience that will strengthen youth development, nutrition, and agricultural programming in the county.
The Wabash County Extension office, located at 738 N. Market Street in Mt. Carmel, has also expanded its hours. The office is now open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closing daily from noon to 1 for lunch.
For more information, call 618-262-5725 or visit extension.illinois.edu/elrww.