News Releases

Harvesting a Rainbow of Tomatoes
Loving seeing those beautiful red, yellow, and green colors? Well, you’re in luck – we are fast approaching tomato season! Whether you enjoy fried green tomatoes or waiting for them to turn that beautiful deep red color if you love tomatoes, check out the University of Illinois Extension’s...
Geothermal systems bring smaller footprint to scalable, renewable energy
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois advances towards its goal of converting all energy systems to 100% renewable energy by 2050, it recognizes that other energy sources besides solar and wind are necessary to reach the state’s future demands. Geothermal energy could be the key to replacing...
Extension holding USDA training for local school nutritional professionals
According to the School Nutrition Association, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is the country's second-largest food and nutrition assistance program. During the 2019 school year, the NSLP served 4.8 billion lunches to children nationwide. With the vast number of students receiving...
Winnebago County 4-H Bass Fishing SPIN Club was a great success!
Area youth participated in University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H Bass Fishing Club during the week of June 7-11, 2021 at the ICF Torstenson Property in Pecatonica, Illinois.  The club was co-led by 4-H Youth Leadership Team member Myles Nelson and adult 4-H volunteer Tony Grotto.  Nelson is a...
Electronics Recycling Event offered in Freeport
Electronics Recycling Collection Offered The Stephenson County Health Department, City of Freeport, and University of Illinois Extension have partnered to host an electronics recycling collection event on Saturday, August 21, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., in parking lot B at Highland Community...
Midwest Hemp Study Includes Local College Students
Freeport, ILL [June 23, 2021]—Local college students had the unique opportunity to assist and learn from University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator Phillip Alberti in April with a replicated research trial focusing on industrial hemp. Alberti gave brief lectures...
Wizarding World of 4-H School
University of Illinois Extension will be offering a “Wizarding World of 4-H” event on Tuesday, June 29, in Elizabeth at the Elizabeth Community Building, Wednesday, June 30 in Freeport at the Freeport Public Library and Thursday, July 1, 2021 in Rockton at Prince of Peace Church. This magical...
Extension Brings STEM Activities to the Classroom
Creative thinking, hands-on problem solving, critical reasoning—these are just some of the skills seventh and eighth grade students at Pearl City Middle School used on Wednesday, May 26. Staff from the University of Illinois Extension brought five different STEM activities for students to learn...
Youth Learn the Importance of Healthy Hydration and Physical Activity
  University of Illinois Extension and 4-H have put together fun educational kits designed to inspire healthy hydration and physical activity in celebration of the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Join in on the fun with the Olympic-themed activities included in the kit. These...
Keep an eye out for invasive jumping worms in the garden
URBANA, Ill. – After a long winter, Illinois gardeners are eager for the new growing season. While doing the usual preparations and tasks, home gardeners should be aware of an invasive species wriggling across the Midwest – the jumping worm. Jumping worms are non-native earthworms that...
Babysitting Clinics
  Take care of the kids in your neighborhood when their parents can't be with them! University of Illinois Extension will be offering a babysitting clinic this summer. Interested youth may choose to attend the clinic on June 4 at Prince of Peace Church, Rockton, ...
Refining and Expanding Hemp Database
In 2018, the USDA issued the “Interim Final Rule for the Domestic Production of Hemp,” legalizing hemp production (grain, fiber, and cannabinoids) in the United States for the first time in nearly 70 years. Due to federal regulations and limitations in the past, there has been a severe lack of...
Stephenson County Youth Nominated for State Public Speaking Contest
Three Stephenson County 4-H youth were nominated on Tuesday, April 20, to compete in the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest. Their quest to compete at the State Contest started back in January when the youth attended a Farm Bureau training for public speaking. The Tuesday evening...
Kitchen Scrap Gardening
  Join the University of Illinois Extension in learning about Kitchen Scrap Gardening. This will be in the form of a kit that you can come to pick up at your local Extension Office that will include all of the materials needed for you to get started on your kitchen scrap garden. These...
Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference
  Learn the latest information in dairy nutrition and management by attending the virtual 2021 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference on June 9-10. The new format is designed to improve the participant experience. June 9 and 10 will feature live morning sessions...
Winnebago County 4-H Kicks Off Summer Contests with Public Speaking
  Winnebago County 4-H held its first in-person 4-H contest on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Toni’s of Winnebago Event Center.  Seven area youth presented speeches on a wide variety of topics from Formal Speeches, Illustrated Speeches and including Oral Interpretations.  “The kids did an...
Local Youth Participate in Mental Health Discussions
  With half of all mental disorders beginning by age 14, it’s imperative that teens learn about mental health. University of Illinois Extension 4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinators from Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties recently held a six-part online series called...
Choose Healthy Foods From Local Growers
Learn to eat healthy as you support local growers in a monthly Zoom series presented by University of Illinois Extension experts. Each webinar begins at 12:00 p.m. and is 30 minutes in length. To register or for more information please visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw or call us at 815-858...
Living with Arthritis Can be a Challenge
  Arthritis is a condition in which one or more of your joints become inflamed, often leading to stiffness, soreness, and in some cases, swelling. This disease affects the lives of more than 54 million adults in the US, with more than 21 million having osteoarthritis. However, certain...