Kids with 4-H projects in Washington County get one more shot at blue ribbons in the State Fair competition, but after this year, the county's funding of the program is finished, the county board decided.

The Stillwater Gazette reports that the board voted 4-1 Tuesday to eliminate two full-time program coordinator positions as of Sept. 15, which will save $37,684 in 2009 and about $130,000 in future years.

Commissioner Lisa Weik, of Woodbury, dissented, saying she would have rather seen the county continue to fund one 4-H coordinator until the group could find a more sustainable funding plan.

4-H supporters said they were saddened but not surprised by the board's decision. They'll start looking for other ways to fund the program.

Commissioners said they recognize the value local 4-H clubs bring to the community, but there is simply no room for non-essential services in the county's ever-tightening budget. If the organization is to continue in its present form, it will have to find other means of support.