Marcia Hellandsaas (Photo submitted)
"Working with kids and the elderly is always fun," states Marcia Hellandsaas, retiring McKenzie County Extension Agent after nearly 34 years.
Hellandsaas graduated from Regent High School, has a BS degree in home economics from NDSU and began her career in Williston working for the North Dakota Health Department as an environmental health inspector, inspecting restaurants, bars, motels, campgrounds, in northwest North Dakota.
She noticed an opening ad for an extension agent in Watford City, which was an opportunity to work with 4-H kids and their families. She moved to Watford City, not to only serve 4-H kids in McKenzie County but working with the Dunn County 4-H program for 20 years. "I had to be on my toes all the time because there was a time change between Watford City and Killdeer, " she says.
Every year she has been very instrumental in getting kids ready for fairs, events and shows.
Now there is a network between counties so a lot of the counties can work together on different projects. Currently, she is working with Mandan and Fargo on Suicide Prevention.
She has around 300 4-H kids involved in various projects and programs. Her teams in various events sometimes bring home top honors.
"Watford City is great at volunteering for a variety of services which makes my job easier," she finishes.
Hellandsaas along with her hectic lifestyle manages to serve on the First Lutheran Church Board, Heritage Park Board and McKenzie County Fair Board.
She has a son, Eric, who is married and lives on the farm.
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