CHS Rochelle supports Ogle County 4-H
OREGON, Ill.—CHS Ethanol is committed to giving back to the communities it serves, and when identifying local organizations to support, Ogle County 4-H aligned perfectly with that mission. When Samantha Zaccaria of CHS connected with University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Jodi...
See safety in action at Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff event in Urbana
URBANA, Ill. — What began as an idea from agricultural industry groups to help ensure safety in the workplace has now become a nationwide movement. Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week takes place March 30 through April 6, and the 2026 Illinois kickoff...
Registration open for Wild Neighbors: Coyotes program in Belvidere on March 21
BELVIDERE, Ill.—University of Illinois Extension Educator Peggy Anesi will be offering a free educational program on coyotes Saturday, March 21, at 9:00 a.m. at the Boone County Conservation District, 603 Appleton Road. “Coyote families are welcoming their new offspring in March, so it’s a...
Ogle County 4-H Penny Carnival set for March 7
OREGON, Ill.—Looking for a fun, inexpensive way to spend a Saturday evening with your kids or grandkids? Put the Ogle County 4-H Penny Carnival on your March schedule! 4-H Penny Carnival is set for March 7 from 5-8 p.m. at the Blackhawk Center...
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign receives 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been awarded the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a national distinction that recognizes higher education institutions demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to community engagement. Illinois previously received...
Illinois Extension supports rural communities with a business transition plans series
URBANA, Ill. — Across the United States, many small-business owners are approaching retirement without a clear plan for what comes next. Although these entrepreneurs have spent decades building companies that support local jobs and services, many are unaware of succession options beyond...
U of I Extension to offer free gardening programs in Stillman Valley
STILLMAN VALLEY, Ill.— The Ogle County Master Gardeners invite community members to grow their gardening knowledge through two free educational programs offered in March and May at the Julia Hull District Library, 100 Library Lane, Stillman Valley. Space is limited. Reserve your spot by calling...
U of I Extension offering Master Naturalist training in Oregon
OREGON, Ill.— Individuals who are passionate about nature, conservation, and strengthening their communities are invited to apply for the Illinois Master Naturalist Program, now accepting registrations for its Spring 2026 training cohort. Pre‑registration is required by March 13. Contact...
Explore techniques to take charge of chronic pain
URBANA, Ill. — Pain is one of the body’s most important warning systems, signaling when something needs care or attention. But when pain becomes persistent, it can interfere with daily routines, limit mobility, and affect emotional well-being. In the United States, chronic pain affects more than...
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
Freeport, Ill.--- Whether dining out for a special occasion or grabbing a quick meal on the go, people expect food that is both high-quality and safe. This expectation plays a major role in where people choose to eat. To protect customers and maintain public health, restaurants are required to...
Boone County Master Gardeners to offer free March gardening programs at Ida Public Library
BELVIDERE, Ill.— The Boone County Master Gardeners invite community members to grow their gardening knowledge this spring through two free educational programs offered in March at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State Street, Belvidere. Space is limited. Reserve their spot by calling the...
Where’d you get that frog? Illinois study traces illicit online amphibian trade
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping amphibians as pets offers hobbyists an opportunity to connect with the non-human world, often increasing interest in conserving animals in the wild. But there’s a dark side to the amphibian trade, according to a...
Ogle County 4-H youth turn small ideas into major community support effort
OREGON, Ill.— “Hands to larger service” is one of the four H’s that 4-H members strive to live by. Members give back to their communities in many ways, and sometimes those ideas grow into one big project.Last fall, three different ideas were presented to the 4-H staff that led to one...
Order freezer meals for an easy supper and support the Ogle-Carroll Ag in the Classroom Program
OREGON, Ill.— Meals made easy and for a great cause. Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple? We have a great opportunity for you to take a night off from cooking. This is also a great gift idea. Order 2 sets of 5 meals for a total of 10 meals....
Illinois Extension offers support for farmers experiencing economic stress
URBANA, Ill. — As farmers across the state face mounting economic pressures, University of Illinois Extension reminds agricultural producers, advisers, and families that free help is available wherever you are.Assistance resources range...
Extension foresters protect trees, empower landowners
URBANA, Ill. — As the saying goes, the hope is that trees will “bloom where they’re planted.” Still, sometimes even these plant powerhouses need help overcoming challenges like invasive species, urban...
Candice King Guest Speaks at 4-H Public Speaking Workshop
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, thirty-nine youth from Stephenson, Winnebago, Ogle, Boone, and DeKalb Counties attended a public speaking workshop at the Machine Shed in Rockford, Illinois. This workshop helps youth learn new techniques to prepare them for their counties’ upcoming public...
