By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
There were hugs, a lot of laughter, a little emotion and one big THANK YOU from the Geary County community to Chuck Otte on Saturday during his retirement reception at the 4-H / Senior Center. Otte will wrap up a 40-year career as the Geary County agricultural extension agent next Friday ( Sept. 2 ). He is retiring but does plan to continue residing in the county.
There was an opportunity to visit with Chuck and his wife Jaye, one-on-one, followed by a "Chuck Roast" where friends told funny stories about Otte and congratulated him on his career.
There were funny stories and sincere comments that left the audience chuckling or nodding their heads in agreement:
-- "We're the lucky ones who've had you ( Chuck ) for 40 years."
--"We love you. You've done a great job."
--To the community. "Great to see the support you're giving him."
--Otte initially had planned to stay in Geary County three to five years but one humorist from Nebraska ( Chuck's home state ) noted, "Geary County we extend our sincere sympathy to you for having to put up with Chuck for 40 years."
Members of a panel participated in the roast emceed by retired KJCK radio broadcaster Mark Ediger.
Among the speakers was Geary County Commissioner and Catbacker Club leader Keith Ascher. Otte is a graduate of the University of Nebraska but spent four decades working for KSU Research & Extension. Ascher presented gifts to Chuck and Jaye including flowers for her and to Chuck a football autographed by former K-State coach Bill Snyder.
Wrapping up the event, Otte explained you remain in one job for 40 and a half years when you love who you are working with, working for and what you do. He encouraged the community to give the new agent support, and have the patience to allow that person to become the best agent they can be.
A new agent should be hired in the September, October, November time frame.