News Releases

illustration of pine sprigs and holly berries
Holiday Centerpieces
Gather your friends for an afternoon of fun as the University of Illinois Extension hosts “Holiday Centerpieces”. This program is being held on Thursday, December 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL 61028. There will be a $30 charge...
Dr. Ann Johnson
Extraordinary Stephenson County volunteer honored
The University of Illinois Extension has announced that Dr. Ann Johnson is the 2024 4-H Hall of Fame Award recipient for Stephenson County. Dr. Ann is an 11-year volunteer in Stephenson County and was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for her selfless dedication to the University of Illinois...
4-H symbol on a black background with a rainbow circle
Annual Stephenson County 4-H Awards & Volunteer Recognition Event
On Saturday, November 2, over 150 volunteers, members, and families gathered at Highland Community College for the annual Stephenson County 4-H Award and Volunteer Recognition Event.  Together, they enjoyed an awards ceremony, program updates, and a sweet treat from Megan Marie’s Bakery....
green border with a clapperboard and the 4-H symbol
Calling All Aspiring Filmmakers: Join the 4-H Film Festival!
Lights! Camera! Action!The University of Illinois Extension in Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties is excited to announce the 4-H Film Festival, a fantastic opportunity for youth ages 8-18 to showcase their filmmaking talents!Are you an aspiring film director with dreams...
four photos of food safety in a commercial kitchen
Enhance Your Food Safety Skills: Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
Are you currently working in the food industry or seeking a position in this field? Consider becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)! The Illinois Department of Public Health mandates that managers of retail food establishments obtain an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)...
Christmas Garland
Evergreen Porch Pots
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner for “Evergreen Porch Pots” on Tuesday, December 3 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. Pre-registration is required to attend this program by November 27. There is a $30...
Six Stephenson county youth win robotics team award
Youth robotics competition revolves around work of ag scientists, engineers
Youth from 30 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2024 4-H Robotics Competition held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 4.The competition...
four photos of food safety in a commercial kitchen
Get your certified food protection manager certification
Dining out is a cherished part of American life, whether for celebrations or casual meals. With the rising number of diners, ensuring top-notch quality and safety in food service is crucial.The FDA’s 2022 Food Code enhances food safety protocols for retail establishments. In Illinois, all...
crockpot with a beef stew cooking
Simplify meal preparation with a slow cooker
Balancing a busy lifestyle with healthy eating can be challenging, but the University of Illinois Extension has developed a program to make this task both manageable and enjoyable. Introducing “Busy Lives, Easy Meals: Mastering the Slow Cooker,” a comprehensive guide to making delicious,...
hand rake, garden rack, gloves and nippers on a backdrop of fall leaves
Giving your garden a facelift
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Madelynn Wilharm for a presentation on “Giving Your Garden an Overhaul”. This program is taking place on Thursday, October 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There...
photo of Cindy Anderson on a black and gold background
Extraordinary Winnebago County 4-H volunteer honored
Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles.  Cindy Anderson, a ten-year volunteer in Winnebago County, was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to...
4-H symbol on a black background
Winnebago County youth competed at the Illinois State Fair
Over fifty youth from Winnebago County recently competed at the state level at the 4-H General Project Show held August 9 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The best of the best were on display August 9 at the 4-H General Project Show of the Illinois State Fair. Award-...
an illustration of a group of young teens from diverse backgrounds
Youth Leadership Conference: Youth in Action
Are you ready to step out into leadership but are not sure how to get started? Join University of Illinois Extension at Youth Leadership Conference: Youth in Action to hear from youth who have stepped out into leadership and been successful.  Participants will...
4-H symbol on a black background with a rainbow ring
Winnebago County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display on 4-H Day at the Winnebago County Fair 4-H on August 14, 2024. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interests them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to...
photo of colored leaves from a woods
Trees and Fall Leaves Workshop at Schurmeier Teaching Forest
As the leaves change colors, the University of Illinois Extension and the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation invite youth aged 6-12 and their families to join a free outdoor adventure at the Trees and Fall Leaves Workshop at Schurmeier Teaching Forest, 147 E. Reusch Rd., Elizabeth, IL, on...