News Releases

'Egg'cellent food safety tips keep us healthy
This time of year is popular for dyeing and decorating hard-boiled eggs. Food safety is important to remember when handling eggs to prevent unwanted foodborne illnesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates 79,000 Americans get sick every year from Salmonella found in eggs....
What is a 4-H Meeting Like? By Jake Wiseman
What is a 4-H meeting like? By Jake Wiseman           4-H meetings are always really fun. I am a member of the Ellery Panthers 4-H Club. The club meeting starts off with the pledges, and then the secretary takes roll call. After that...
New website offers advice for feeding babies
URBANA, Ill. - Families with questions about safe and healthy practices for feeding infants now have a reliable source for answers. Feeding My Baby from Cradle to Table, a new website from ...
Improve your gardens: Four Seasons webinar offers tips
URBANA, Ill. - Extend the beauty and productivity of this year's garden. University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts have added five new offerings to the popular Four Seasons Gardening ...
Understanding the truths of autism
URBANA, Ill. - The myths surrounding autism often overshadow the truths. Leading University of Illinois experts will provide insight into what autism is as they debunk myths during an online webinar from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7....
Improve your health at home: Online Webinar
URBANA, Ill. - Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially as more of our time is spent at home. Learn healthful strategies for enriching your wellness journey over the next two months that can change your life. Free online webinars offered by ...
Hemp grower spotlight: American Hemp Research
FREEPORT, Ill. - The University of Illinois Extension will continue with their “Grower Spotlight” webinar series on Monday April 6th, 2020 from 9:00AM-10:30AM. This webinar series serves as a platform for our local producers and allow other growers, agribusiness professionals, university and...
Millions at stake in census; be counted
URBANA, Ill. - An accurate census count is important to Illinois. The state could lose two congressional seats based on the population totals informed by the next census. Federal funding for programs including Medicaid,...
Save the taste of summer with at-home food preservation
DECATUR, Ill. — Get ready for summer produce by learning how to preserve food safely with University of Illinois Extension. Nutrition & Wellness Educator Caitlin Mellendorf will teach the basics of home food preservation and provide the latest safety guidelines. Kick off the canning...
Public Coronavirus Unit Update from Stacy Woodyard-Interim Director
The impact of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern both  globally and here in our community. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  guidelines, the University of Illinois has implemented social- distancing protocols...
Edwards County 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest Held
The University of Illinois Extension Edwards County 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest was held on March 9, 2020 in the Edwards County Farm Bureau Community Room. Four individuals gave demonstrations - Apphia Hallas “How to Make Tuna”, Lillian Bare “Plants/How to Plant a Tomato Seed”, Aleya...
4-H: It's Not Just For Little Kids
4-H: It’s Not Just For Little Kids   4-H is often depicted as a fun club for kids, but it is so much more than that. 4-H is an opportunity for high-school aged kids to give back to the community, build leadership skills, and explore possible career paths.  ...
Shutting Down the Energy ‘Thieves’ in your Home 
On the hunt for another $100.00 (per year) to stretch your budget? One study found a surprising number of “Always On” electrical devices in our homes:  Coffee makers and other small appliances with built-in clocks  Cable/satellite, game and other TV...
Edwards County 4-H Feeding & Growing Our Communities/Meal Packaging Event
Edwards County 4-H youth, along with volunteers, of the community, will be packaging rice meals on Saturday, March 7, at the COUNTRY Financial Hall, at 10:00 a.m.  This event is a collaboration with Illini Fighting Hunger. This experience has been organized to help our local community. The...
4-H Ambassador Hayley Buerster Hometown Voice Article
Edwards County 4-H Ambassador: Hayley Buerster  Have you ever been challenged in something that you thought you were never capable of doing? I have  been involved in 4-H for the past 10 years and I have raised goats for a total of 8 of these years. ...
4-H Ambassador Ava Anderson Hometown Voice Article
Edwards County 4-H Ambassador: Ava Anderson  The Importance of 4-H In My Life 4H has made such a positive impact on my life. Many people do not realize how much a single, extra  activity can improve maturity level and life skills. Throughout my eight...