News Releases

Senior winners pose with banners.
Youth livestock skillathon showcases future leaders of ag
Urbana, Ill. — Seventy 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon held in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus on Nov. 4. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer...
box of food for food drive with a bow on it
12 days of giving campaign starts December 1
Join Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Extension in giving back this holiday season through the 12 Days of Giving. Favorite foods are an important part of the holiday season, often connected to comfort and memories. During this season of giving, you can make a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors...
Youth lay on the ground and aim rifles
Young marksmen aim for excellence
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The best teenage 4-H rifle shooters from Illinois gathered to compete in small bore rifle and air rifle competition at the 2023 4-H State Rifle Shoot held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters on Oct. 8. The rifle shooting sports discipline involves both precision...
group of seven women with one holding a banner
HCE member makes new banner for county clubs to use
MT. CARROLL, Ill. — What is HCE? Through the years, the organization has changed to continue/progress with the current times, trends or needs. It was first known as Home Bureau Federation for farm wives. Today, they are Home & Community Education with the goal being education for home...
two girls dancing
4-H educator ignites passion for dance at upcoming teen summit
STERLING, Ill. — 4-H Educator for Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties, Danielle Gapinski, will share her passion for dance in Washington D.C. as part of the Ignite by 4-H teen summit.  Through a submission process, Gapinski’s Get Up and Dance! session proposal was selected to be a part of...
Tupperware containers with food in them
Ag in the Classroom meal fundraiser accepting orders
OREGON, Ill. – Do you have someone on your holiday list that is hard to buy for or has everything? Do you want an easy meal for yourself?  University of Illinois Extension has the solution for you. Individually proportioned meals prepared and frozen for your convenience. Two...
Up close on brown tree bark with text overlay reading Community Tree Care.
Sharpening knowledge of tree care leads to healthier, better-looking trees
URBANA, Ill. — Trees are a beautiful and vital part of our communities, providing many long-term benefits to the public. Routine maintenance and proper care techniques contribute to a longer, healthier life. “Trees improve the local environment, economy, and overall quality of life,”...
Person bent down on one knee checking soil in a no-till farm field.
Agriculture field day set to explore, address carbon market questions
URBANA, Ill. — The carbon market is an emerging entity and buzzword in the agriculture industry. Every day, different programs are being presented to farmers, landowners, and researchers, creating a lot of questions around carbon and farm operations. “It is a vital time to bring...
A gloved hand holds open a bat wing up to the light
ACES expert: Bats take spotlight during Bat Week
URBANA, Ill. — Bats come out of the shadows during Bat Week, Oct. 24-31, an international awareness campaign that aims to educate the public about bat conservation in the week leading up to Halloween. University of...
A white tailed deer crosses a road in fall
Stay alert for deer behind the wheel in fall
URBANA, Ill. — Deer are more active in the fall and drivers should be cautious when traveling after dark. While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down...
vintage typewriter with paper in it that reads donations.
Ogle County 4-H is partnering with Oregon Avalanche for winter gear drive
OREGON, Ill. – The cold weather has arrived in Ogle County, and warm coats and accessories are essential for staying warm. Because of this, Ogle County 4-H is partnering with Oregon Avalanche to “Spread the Warmth” during their Winter Gear Drive, from Oct. 18 through Nov. 15. Oregon Avalanche is...
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Gardening in the Air - Virtual Gardening Symposium
Gardening enthusiasts, get ready to embark on a virtual horticultural journey with "Gardening in the Air." This unique virtual symposium is proudly presented by University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension. Scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30...
A photo of woman next to children in nature
ACES Expert: Nature exposure can ease ADHD symptoms
URBANA, Ill. — As organizations bring attention to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in October for ADHD awareness month, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expert says time in nature can ease symptoms of the common...
A woman with her back to the camera faces a dumpster full of pumpkins as she smashes them with a bat
Have a smashing good time composting Halloween pumpkins
CHICAGO, Ill. — Jack-o’-lanterns live a short, scary life. That is unless they are catapulted, hurled, or whacked into a compost pile after spooky season is over. Green your Halloween by recycling pumpkins after the holiday at one of more than a dozen University of Illinois...
Far view of the scene of a farm fire.
Stay alert, be prepared for increased risk of farm fires during harvest
URBANA, Ill. — Severe drought and current environmental conditions have the Midwest on alert as fire risks are higher than usual during equipment rollout for corn and soybean harvest. From lack of precipitation to low soil moisture and dry vegetation, these conditions, when paired with hot,...
multiple hands reaching for the center
New committee to drive inclusivity and equity initiatives in Illinois 4-H
Champaign, IL – Illinois 4-H is marking the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Implementation Committee. This newly formed committee will advise and collaborate in the implementation of DEIA priorities recently identified through a strategic planning...
An older woman smiling
Learn essential tips for a better aging life experience
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face many changes and challenges, from losing loved ones to declining health and independence. That's why it's essential to give them the meaning they need to live this stage of life with dignity. University of Illinois...