News Releases

Kids Experienced Hands on Learning at Stephenson County 4-H Super Saturday
Freeport, IL – University of Illinois Extension hosted its annual 4-H Super Saturday on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at local Farm Bureau Office. Super Saturday is a 3-hour event designed to give area youth ages 5 to 18 a chance to explore the many project areas available through the 4-H program. ...
A close up of a cow in a field
Youth quick recall tested at state dairy contest
Bloomington, Ill. – 4-H members had their knowledge and quick recall of information tested at the Illinois 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl contest on Feb. 26 at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington.  Fifty 4-H members from 10 counties throughout Illinois came together to participate in...
Earth Day Activities with 4-H
The University of Illinois Extension & 4-H & the Children’s Hand-On Museum (CHOM) have teamed up to bring Stephenson County youth, ages 4-12 a fun-filled after school hour of Earth Day Activities. On April 21, from 4-5 p.m. we will be making crafts with recycled items, planting a flower...
Rain Water Management in Your Home Landscape
Join Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, for “Rain Water Management in Your Home Landscape” on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the Elizabeth Community Building, HWY 20 W. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There will be a $5 fee to attend...
Joys Spring Gardening Series
Freeport, IL---The University of Illinois Extension and the Freeport Public Library have teamed up to offer the Joys Spring Gardening Series. Extension Staff and Volunteers will be leading classes to get you geared up for spring and the growing season ahead.  The series will take place on...
Understanding how diet and lifestyle influence the inflammation process
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stressors. Understanding what causes inflammation and how you can better manage it is the first step to improving your overall health. Many lifestyle choices contribute to the inflammation response. However, by making small changes in our everyday...
Hands-on Fun Awaits Kids at 4-H Super Saturday
Freeport, IL – University of Illinois Extension is hosting its annual 4-H Super Saturday on Saturday, April 2  from 8:45 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...
Spring Centerpieces
Join Nikki Keltner, University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator, for Spring Centerpieces on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There will be a $20 fee to attend this program and pre-registration is required as...
Freeport Teen Travels to National 4-H Congres
“You never know where 4-H might take you,” says Stephenson County 4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinator Brenda Heimann. “Our very own Michelle Marck,of Freeport, had a once in a lifetime experience this past November when she was selected to be a representative at the National 4-H...
Totally Tomatoes, Perfect Peppers
Join Grant McCarty, University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, for Totally Tomatoes, Perfect Peppers on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the Elizabeth Community Building, HWY 20 W. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There will be a $5 fee to attend this program and pre-...
Arts & Crafts with 4-H After School
The University of Illinois Extension / 4-H & the Children’s Hand-On Museum (CHOM) have teamed up to bring Stephenson County youth, ages 4-12 a fun-filled after school hour of arts & crafts. On March 17th, from 4-5 p.m. we will be learning paper quilling & mosaic art at the CHOM. If...
Spring into quick breads
This spring, cultivate wellness in your youth and empower them to move more and gain important life skills in the kitchen. University of Illinois Extension & 4-H is offering a fun opportunity to build confidence and healthy habits with the April I MADE That cooking kit. The kits will...
Geothermal energy systems capture the power of the sun
URBANA, Ill. – Solar energy is not limited to solar panels. Geothermal energy represents another method of using solar energy to heat water and buildings and to generate electricity. As the sun heats the earth’s surface, geothermal systems harvest this energy in a clean, efficient, and...
Grazing Livestock, A Conservation Strategy
Join John Strauser, a PhD student at University of Illinois, Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Educator, and Kelly VanBeek, Wildlife Biologist from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a community discussion on using grazing livestock as a conservation strategy. This discussion will...
Connecting Hunger and Health at Illinois Food Pantry Conference
One in ten people in Illinois struggle with food insecurity daily, according to Feeding America. Making the healthy food choice is not always easy when money is tight. Food pantries and agencies that address food insecurity are invited to attend the Hunger and Health Illinois Conference. The...
The Tallest Snowman Challenge- After School Program
The University of Illinois- Extension & 4-H has teamed up with the Children’s Hands On Museum (CHOM) of Northwest Illinois to offer an after school program for all children ages 3-12. The program date is February 17 from 4-5 pm at the CHOM, located at 1233 W. Galena Ave. Freeport, IL....