News Releases

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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
Julie Miller
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...
Elizabeth Russo
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,...
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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...
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Grapevine Wreaths
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Volunteers Laurie Zueger and Linda Helgeson for this program on Grapevine Wreaths. The program will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL....
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Fall Garden Series Offered
FREEPORT, Ill--As the gardening season comes to a close, join us for some informative and fun gardening programs to help you wrap up your gardening work and get a jump-start on the coming season. The University of Illinois Extension, in partnership with the Freeport Park District, is offering...
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Composting: Getting Ready for Fall
Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for Composting: Getting Ready for Fall. The program will take place on Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m. The program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St...
youth hiking outside
Youth Naturalist Program offered
Learn about nature at Wee Nats (Wee Naturalists) a fun, interactive program for youth ages 4-7. Learn about different environmental education topics through a story, activity, craft, and hike. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Educator, Kelly Lafferty, will lead the program at the...
Kathryn Seebruck
Extension welcomes Agriculture Educator in Northwest Illinois
 Illinois Extension has recently welcomed Kathryn Seebruck to the staff in Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. As a Crop Sciences and Agronomy Educator, she will work with producers and agribusinesses in the area to support the production of row crops and forages. A native of...
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Invasive and Nuisance Plants Workshop Offered in Freeport
FREEPORT, Ill-----Fall can be a suitable time to address some landscape plant issues. Woody plants and other perennials can best be managed during the fall. If you have noticed some plant types are taking over your landscape, this is the time to exercise some control for a better next year,...
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Fall Invasive and Nuisance Plants in the Landscape
Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resource, Environment and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for a Fall Invasive and Nuisance Plants program. Jay will delve into what makes some plants invasive or a nuisance and why fall is the best time to manage them.  The program will be held from...
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4-H Members Showcase Their Exhibits During the Fair
Elizabeth, IL- 4-H members from all over the county participated in the 2023 Jo Daviess County 4-H Fair on July 17-19. Participants exhibited in a variety of project areas, including the horse, poultry, and rabbit shows, the dairy show, various livestock shows, the Cloverbud...
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Learn how to ferment vegetables at upcoming program
FREEPORT, Ill.-Fermentation, like drying, is one of the oldest methods of preserving food for later use. It is also used in creating other foods, like cheese, yogurt, alcohol, and sourdough bread. Fermentation is a natural process in which microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast convert...
two hands in the garden planting a tomato plant
Gardening While Aging Program Planned by Extension
The University of Illinois Extension will be offering another gardening related program this month. On Wednesday, June 28, Master Gardener Madelynn Wilharm will be presenting “Gardening Gracefully as We Age” at 1:00 pm at the Extension Office in Elizabeth. There is no cost for this program, but...