News Releases

Mary Jo Stewart receives Stuart Hawbaker Lifetime Achievement Award
DECATUR, Ill. — Mary Jo Stewart has generously given her time and shared her talents with the Macon County 4-H program for many years. In recognition of her dedication, Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation has selected her to receive the Stuart Hawbaker Lifetime Achievement award. ...
Starting a food business in Macon County
Joint Release from University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon and Piatt counties and Macon County Health Department.   Caitlin Mellendorf, registered dietitian and nutrition and wellness educator has received many questions...
Dewitt county 4-H volunteer receives Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame award
CLINTON, Ill.— Megan Barth, Clinton, Ill., received the Illinois Foundation 4-H Hall of Fame Award during a virtual ceremony on Aug. 18. This year, the Foundation recognized 87 individuals for their dedication to 4-H, the University of Illinois Extension youth development program.  ...
4-H members earn awards in virtual show
DECATUR, Ill – University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H shows looked different this year. Traditional in-person events were replaced with a virtual fair platform that was rolled out by Illinois 4-H after in-person activities were cancelled. Macon and Piatt 4-H members quickly adapted to the new...
Seniors, don’t just eat cereal for dinner
DECATUR, Ill - When teaching nutrition education classes to seniors, Caitlin Mellendorf, registered dietitian and University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator, regularly hears that after years of cooking for themselves and their families, easy meals like cereal and milk or a...
Get the most from your energy budget
URBANA, Ill. – Understanding how electric utilities work and the services available can help residents and governments invest resources wisely and save money. In a series of energy policy webinars, University of Illinois...
Virtual Monarch Madness features published authors
DECATUR— Monarchs in North America are the only butterflies with a predictable, annual migration. These butterflies log approximately 2,500 miles before they reach their migration destination in Mexico.  Monarch populations have been rapidly declining for many years, and although some...
Become a Master Gardener and help others grow
DECATUR – Do you have an interest in gardening, time to volunteer in the community, and a desire to share your knowledge with others? The University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener program serving DeWitt, Macon and Piatt counties might be the perfect fit for you. Applications are now...
4-H virtual horse show a success
DEWITT – 4-H members from DeWitt and Macon counties submitted photos and videos to an online judging platform for this year’s 4-H horse show. Twenty-three exhibitors provided still photographs and video showing their horses and ponies walking, trotting and running. These are the...
seed packet
Do not plant seeds of unknown origins
URBANA, Ill. – Mystery packages with unidentified seeds have shown up in mailboxes across the U.S. over the past week. University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts urge people to never plant unidentified seeds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is...
Lawn rust and why your shoes are turning orange
URBANA, Ill. – The first hint of lawn rust often comes from the bottom of shoes, says Chris Enroth, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. Homeowners may...