University of Illinois Extension to Offer Master Gardener Volunteer Training
The Jo Daviess County Extension Office is happy to announce that we will be offering Illinois Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training beginning in January. The training will be offered via the online platform with some additional in-person field trips and events scattered throughout. The...

Jo Daviess County 4-H holds recognition event
Elizabeth, IL – On Sunday, November 5, 2023, over 100 volunteers, members, and families gathered at the Elizabeth Community Building for the annual Jo Daviess County 4-H Award and Volunteer Recognition Event. Together, they enjoyed an awards ceremony, program updates, and a variety of desserts...

Winnebago County 4-H Recognition Event celebrates 4-H members and volunteers
ROCKFORD, IL- On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Winnebago County celebrated it’s 4-H members and volunteers at the annual Recognition Event.  This event was held at The Twisted Tulip in Machesney Park, which is owned by a 4-H alumni.  The Machine Shed provided appetizers and desserts....

2024 CERTIFIED LIVESTOCK MANAGER TRAINING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the 2024 Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop (CLMT) schedule. The series of seven in-person workshops will kick off on January 30 in Springfield and conclude on February 8 in Pittsfield. These workshops...

Driftless Region Beef Conference Jan. 25-26
Beef producers from three states invited to attend With nearly 2.5 million cattle in three Midwest states, university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference.  The twelfth annual event...

Upcoming Class Offers Winter Decorating Tips
Do you enjoy gardening in containers? Are you disappointed when you have to put these containers away for the winter? If so, we have a class for you! Join the University of Illinois Extension and the Freeport Park District for “Evergreen Porch Pots” on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Krape...

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-...

Annual Stephenson County 4-H Awards & Volunteer Recognition Event
Freeport, IL – On Saturday, October 21, 2023, over 125 volunteers, members, and families gathered at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau building for the annual Stephenson County 4-H Award and Volunteer Recognition Event.  Together they enjoyed an awards ceremony, program updates, and a sweet...

2023 Youth Leadership Conference: Discovering the Leader Within You!
ROCKFORD, IL- Have you always wanted to take charge of a fundraiser or committee at your school but weren’t sure how to get started?  Is there a need in your community that you really want to assist with?  Come and learn how you can get started in leadership right now.  There’s a...

Youth medication safety workshop on October 26
ROCKFORD, IL- University of Illinois Extension 4-H and UIC College of Pharmacy will be offering a hands-on workshop on Thursday, October 26th. The workshop will be held at UIC College of Pharmacy in Rockford from 5:00- 6:15 pm.  Participants will learn the importance of proper storage and...

Stay alert, be prepared for increased risk of farm fires during harvest
URBANA, Ill. — Severe drought and current environmental conditions have the Midwest on alert as fire risks are higher than usual during equipment rollout for corn and soybean harvest. From lack of precipitation to low soil moisture and dry vegetation, these conditions, when paired with hot,...

Extension Promotes Gina Adams to Youth Development Educator Position in Rockford
Rockford, ILL [October 4, 2023]— Illinois Extension has a long-standing commitment to providing youth development programs throughout the state. Locally, in the Rockford area, Extension has recently welcomed Gina Adams into a new role as 4-H Youth Development Educator. Previously, she has worked...

Take steps to build a strong foundation for diabetes care
URBANA, Ill. — Over 37.3 million Americans live with diabetes, and another 38% of adults have prediabetes. Raising awareness and learning as much as possible about preventing and treating diabetes is essential. University of Illinois Extension offers...

Jo Daviess County 4-H will host "Information Night"
Elizabeth, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth program for the University of Illinois Extension and the largest out-of-school youth organization in Illinois. 4-H youth development programs in Jo Daviess County challenge youth to “learn by doing” with fun, hands-on activities. Kids can...

Illinois 4-H Honors Jo Daviess County Volunteers
Elizabeth, Ill. - Illinois 4-H honors and celebrates extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Two volunteers from Jo Daviess County were honored during the 2023 Illinois State Fair. Those honored have a track record of exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and...

Local Master Gardener volunteers recognized at state conference
FREEPORT, Ill---Three Master Gardener volunteers from Stephenson County were recognized for their volunteer efforts at the State Master Gardener Conference held in Peoria, IL, on September 7 and 8. Mary Blair, Bernard Lischwe, and Deb Schwartz received the Outstanding State Master Gardener Award...

Illinois Extension Upcoming Programs
Fall and winter are shaping up to be a busy time at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office. Listed are the programs coming up in the next few months. Register now to secure your spot! To register or for more information on any of these programs please visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw or...

Extraordinary Stephenson County volunteer honored
Freeport, Ill. -  The University of Illinois Extension has announced that Julie Miller is the 2023 4-H Hall of Fame Award recipient for Stephenson County. Julie is a 28-year volunteer in Stephenson County and was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for her selfless dedication to the University...

Extraordinary Winnebago County volunteer honored
In 2023, 53 individuals were inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.  Elizabth is the twelfth volunteer to receive this award in Winnebago County, following Kathy Koning- McClure, who received it in 2022. Illinois 4-H honors and celebrates extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers,...

Youth gain leadership skills to help their local community fight hunger
Freeport, IL – Stephenson County 4-H Ambassadors held a Food Drive in Stephenson County to help fight hunger in their own communities. This community service project was created by youth who saw an immediate need right in their own backyards. In a season where food prices are rapidly increasing...