Rowan Cooperative Extension Director Darrell Blackwelder has announced he intends to retire Aug. 1.

He sent the following email to county officials: “As of May 1^st , I will have completed over 32 years of service with Cooperative Extension serving as a 4-H agent, horticulture agent and finally as the County Extension Director.  With the new Cooperative Extension Visioning Plan effectively in place, now is the appropriate time for me to step down and allow a new generation of extension employees to take over my responsibilities. I appreciate the continued support over the years with Cooperative Extension Educational Programs.

“Thanks again for your cooperation and support of myself and Cooperative Extension Programs in Rowan County.”

Blackwelder has written for the Salisbury Post throughout most of his years with Extension.