News Releases

Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Spring Centerpieces
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner as she presents “Spring Centerpieces” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series on Thursday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. This program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL....
rainbow of colors smeared on a background with a green foreground and 4-H clover logo
Winnebago County 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstrations
Winnebago County 4-H held its annual Public Speaking and Demonstrations Contest at the Winnebago County Extension office in Rockford on March 12.  This annual event gives 4-H youth, ages 8 to 18, a chance to present to families and community members, as well as compete for a chance to...
rainbow of colors smeared on a background with a green foreground and 4-H clover logo
Youth Thrive at Winnebago County's Annual 4-H Fun Day in Rockton
Winnebago County recently held its annual 4-H Fun Day at the Prince of Peace Church in Rockton.  This event is a chance for youth aged 8-18 to explore some of the many different project areas available to them through 4-H. Additionally, the event featured teambuilding activities and...
Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Vermicomposting
Join University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty for a program on “Vermicomposting” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series on Tuesday, April 15 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There is a $5...
multi colored green background, photo of two youth holding ribbons
Stephenson County 4-H Youth Showcase Public Speaking Skills
On Wednesday, March 12, Stephenson County 4-H families gathered on the Highland Community College campus for the annual Stephenson County 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstrations Contest. This event gave 4-H youth, ages 8 to 18, the opportunity to showcase their communication skills and compete...
Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Rainwater Management in Your Home Landscape
Join Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, for “Rainwater Management in Your Home Landscape” on Tuesday, April 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There will be a $5 fee to...
Spoon in hand over a bowl
Serve It Safely: Food Handlers Course
Selling and serving food remains a popular fundraising activity for many community groups. If you belong to a service club, church group, youth group, special interest club, or any non-profit organization, chances are good that you sell food. Any time your group sells food, it is essential to...
Grant McCarty speaking at Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Conference
Another Successful Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Conference
Nearly 110 growers from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin joined us for the Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference in Rockford on Monday, February 17. This year’s conference was set up in the same format as last year with 3 different tracks and breakout sessions throughout the...
pink flowers
Starting Vegetable Seeds Successfully
Join University of Illinois Extension Educator Grant McCarty as he presents “Starting Vegetable Seeds Successfully” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series. This first program in the series will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine Street,...
green background with 2 circles, one circle has a photo of youth lined up indoors learning archery
DOING, THINKING, & CREATING: Lots of FUN awaits youth at 4-H SUPER SATURDAY
University of Illinois Extension is hosting its annual 4-H Super Saturday on Saturday, March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 W. Spring St. Freeport, IL . Super Saturday is a 3-hour event designed to give area youth ages 5 to 18 a chance to explore the many...
trowel and pots
Extension offers Master Gardener Training
FREEPORT, IL – There is still time to register for Master Gardener Training. University of Illinois Extension will offer the training in Stephenson County, starting on February 27. Interested individuals can register now by calling (815) 235-4125 or visiting go.illinois.edu/jsw.Course...
farm fields
Land Leasing Basics Webinar Offered
Leasing farmland is so commonplace that landowners, farmers, and ranchers may not think twice about the lease itself… until things go wrong. Prevent problems with a strong lease while building a path to a resilient future. Learn more at the Land Leasing Basics Webinar,...
food prep
Get your certified food protection manager certification
FREEPORT, Ill.--Americans love dining out. Whether we are celebrating a special occasion or simply eating on the go, eating out is very much a part of our lives. With an ever-growing number of individuals eating out, it is more important than ever to ensure consumers have exceptional, high-...
four photos of food safety in a commercial kitchen
Certified Food Protection Manager Training Offered
Do you currently have a position handling food or are you looking to find a job in the food industry?  If so, consider becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires retail food establishment managers to obtain an American National Standards...
raw vegetables and fruit displayed on wood floor background
Finding Balance: Choosing a Healthy Lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer. With more than 60% of Americans living with at least one chronic condition and 40% managing two or more, it is more important than ever that you...
yellow and blue background; laptop with canning photo
Prepare Now: Yes, You Can! Home Food Preservation Webinars
With a mild winter upon us, many are already dreaming of outdoor adventures and planning their springtime planting. While it's still a few months before we can dig into the dirt and prepare our gardens, why not use this time to learn a new skill?Stay warm this winter, and join us for our...
hand with nippers trimming a tree branch
Introduction to Fruit Tree Pruning
Offered in TWO locations on the same day!Join University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty for a program on “Introduction to Fruit Tree Pruning”. This program is being held on Tuesday, February 25 at: 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess...
cows in a feed row
Certified Livestock Manager Training to be held in Freeport
University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the 2025 Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop (CLMT) schedule. The series of seven in-person workshops will kick off on Feb. 4 in Effingham and conclude on Feb. 19 in Sycamore, with one scheduled locally...