Baxter County fourth graders will attend a hands-on safety education program at the Baxter County Fairgrounds on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, organized as part of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation’s Safety Day initiative, aims to teach children critical safety skills for both farm and rural environments.
Participants will visit stations focused on ATV, chemical, PTO, electrical, and lawnmower safety, along with firearm safety and proper emergency procedures. The day also includes a K-9 demonstration and a "first on the scene" training session, conducted by the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and Air Evac personnel.
Fourth graders will receive lunch, snacks, and a take-home safety bag as part of their participation. The event is a collaborative effort between Baxter County Extension 4-H, the Baxter County Office of Emergency Management, and the Baxter County Conservation District.
Since 1995, the Progressive Agriculture Foundation has facilitated these educational events nationwide to promote safety awareness among rural youth. Community leaders emphasize the importance of such programs in helping children navigate potentially hazardous situations safely and responsibly.
Parents or schools interested in registering students or seeking further information can contact Dawn Downing-Wahl at 870-425-3527, ext. 3, or via email at baxtercountycd@gmail.com. Amanda Rychtarik is also available for inquiries at 870-425-2335 or arychtarik@uada.edu.