News Releases

Clovers in a field.
4-H youth honored for leadership, career achievements
Urbana, Ill. – 4-H youth across the state have been honored for their career achievements in the 4-H program. The State 4-H Experience Award offers recognition for members who took part in activities and events in the categories of Participation, Community Service, Leadership, and...
Ignite youth gather in front of banner.
National leadership super summit gives teens new pathways
Washington, D.C.. – Eighteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit to be held Mar. 13-17 in Washington D.C. Teens experienced four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment and...
Ross Vancil at the microphone.
4-H youth leader takes the stage as part of Agriculture Legislative Day
Springfield, Ill. –  Members of the Youth Leadership Team represented Illinois 4-H at the Agriculture Legislative Day held in Springfield Mar. 13. Agriculture Legislative Day allows farm and agricultural commodity organizations and others with an agricultural interest to meet with both...
Road Trip attendees look at a presenter.
Illinois youth attend first 4-H post-high school success conference
URBANA, Ill. — Over 140 eighth through 12th graders from across Illinois headed to the Illini Union on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus for a 4-H College and Career Road Trip. This dynamic conference was aimed at preparing Illinois youth for the journey into higher education...
Turmeric spice roots image
Spice-Healthcare: Dietary assessments for culturally diverse older adults
URBANA, Ill. — A cross-campus team of researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, led by Kinesiology and Community Health Assistant Professor Mina Raj, has received two grants to test an online platform designed to help dietitians, clinicians and food service personnel make...
ladies serving cake at a bazaar
Serve It Safely: Food Handlers Course to be held in Rockford on May 9
Selling and serving food remains a popular fundraising activity for many community groups. If you belong to a service club, church group, youth group, special interest club, or any non-profit organization, chances are good that you sell food. Any time your group sells food, it is essential to...
pressure canning supplies along with canned items sitting on a stovetop.
Master the art of water bath and pressure canning
Home food preservation continues to be extremely popular, whether due to increased food costs, the desire to know what is going into your food, or because it benefits the environment by reducing one’s carbon footprint. There are many ways to preserve food at home, including freezing, drying,...
Cicada hanging on a pine branch
Cicadas 2024 - a once in a lifetime experience
ROCKFORD, Ill. — Join Illinois Extension and Nicholas Conservatory on Wednesday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Nicholas Conservatory for a lively program: Cicadas 2024 — A Once in a Lifetime Experience. Learn more about the upcoming May and June appearances of Broods XIII and XIX,...
two hands shaking
Local Extension office to host upcoming events
OREGON, Ill. - The local University of Illinois Extension office in Ogle County released upcoming free April events. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these programs, call 815-632-3611 by April 1.    Don't Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections...
Youth standing in front of game swimming pool
4-H Carnival winners announced
OREGON, Ill. - The Ogle County 4-H Federation hosted its annual 4-H Penny Carnival at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon on March 2.   Penny Carnival is much like a fun fair but features games dreamed up and designed by the 4-H clubs in the county.  All twelve of the county's clubs participated,...
Maria Kalaitzandonakes
Consumers across political spectrum share food pricing frustrations
URBANA, Ill. — In his State of the Union address last week, President Biden touched on a topic close to the hearts of U.S. consumers: food prices. In this election year, we can expect high food costs to come up repeatedly, with candidates from both parties invoking price gouging, shrinkflation,...
Overhead view of compost filled bin during winter.
Spring into composting by reviving a compost pile after winter
URBANA, Ill. — If you haven’t touched your compost bin or pile all winter, don’t worry, you are not alone. It could be filled with kitchen scraps to the top or left untouched since the fall. Getting a compost pile going again after the long, cold winter can be intimidating, but it is possible...
Darci Webber
New Extension environmental educator takes root in central Illinois
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — When it comes to coexisting with nature, the solutions aren’t always straightforward. What do you do if your native plant landscaping attracts a family of groundhogs? How do you work with your neighbors to remove encroaching invasive species? Where can you go in town to find...
Youth making breat at a table
4-H Day of Dabbling was a hit
OREGON, Ill. - Over 40 youth participated in the 2024 4-H Day of Dabbling held in Oregon on February 24. This event allowed youth to explore numerous areas of 4-H project work hands-on. Twelve workshops were offered, and participants could choose three that interest them. Project areas...
tall trees with green leaves
NatureFest 2024
GENOA, Ill. - Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District are having their third annual, free, outdoor NatureFest, on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. at Russell Woods...
Youth standing on bowling lane with medals
4-H bowling champions named
OREGON, Ill. - The 2024 Ogle County 4-H Bowling Tournament championship round was held on February 25th at T-Byrd Lanes in Rochelle.  Seven qualifying teams bowled to determine the first-place winners in the junior division (ages 6-13) and senior division (ages 14 and up). The clubs set...