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Independent Grocer Summit helps local businesses maximize profitability

CARTERVILLE, Ill. — With the rise of big-box stores and rising operational costs, small-town businesses are becoming scarcer. Yet independent grocers play a vital role in local economies, especially within rural communities or food deserts. 

The second annual Independent Grocer Summit…
Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for the 2026-27 hunting season

URBANA, Ill. – A popular program returns for its fifth season to help feed neighbors in need. Hunters Feeding Illinois connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to bring lean protein to local residents and families, providing a unique pathway to address and improve food insecurity.…
Recycle pumpkin season with a smash at Illinois Extension composting events

URBANA, Ill. — Like the changing of the leaves, fall can seem fleeting. Enjoy seasonal vibes — until the porch pumpkins start to decay. When that happens, where do the pumpkins go?

“Many do not realize that a thrown-away pumpkin does not break down and disappear on its own without leaving…
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Keep yourself, loved ones safe from invisible electrical dangers
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Every year, 1,000 people die, and 30,000 people are injured in electrical accidents. While electricity typically transmits without incident, there are times when the electrical path becomes disrupted. When this happens, the current can flow through anything or anyone in its...
Planning, designing a native garden
URBANA, Ill. – Those who love gardening, wildflowers, or who are tired of mowing expansive lawns should consider creating a native plant garden. Gemini Bhalsod, a horticulture educator with ...
Award honors outstanding youth leadership in ag industry
URBANA, Ill. – The 4-H Sustaining the Future Award was created to recognize 4-H members who have exemplified outstanding leadership in the agricultural industry. The leadership achievements of Illinois 4-H members were...
State 4-H Hippology contest fosters passion for all things equine
URBANA, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent state educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Meeting community housing needs is key to economic mobility
URBANA, Ill. –  Economic mobility in communities is tied to affordable housing. The lack of affordable housing costs nearly $2 trillion in lost wages and productivity and creates instability where children fail to thrive, according to the...
Volunteers at the heart of Illinois 4-H
Urbana, Ill. – Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming.  University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program honors its 6,000 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24. “Our...
mushroom
Edible wild mushrooms are more than just your next meal
URBANA, Ill. — Every spring, enthusiastic woodland hunters scour forests across Illinois in search of an elusive and delectable fungi, the morel.Determined foragers delight in the thrill of harvesting wild morel mushrooms, Morchella spp, that can’t be bought at a grocery...

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