SHERIDAN COUNTY NEWSLETTER
May 2024
Volume 2023-2024, Issue 8
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 19: Pig, Sheep & Goat Weigh-Ins, Sheridan Co Fairgrounds - 9 am - noon
May 19: YQCA training - Fairgrounds - 1:00 - 2:30 pm
May 20: 4-H Council Meeting - Extension Office - 6:30 pm
May 23: Wilderness Wonders - Camp Norwesca - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
May 24: Wilderness Wonders - Camp Norwesca - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
May 28: North Panhandle Livestock Contest - Box Butte Co Fairgrounds
May 29-31: Next Level Log N Camp - Lincoln
Jun 3: Gordon Summer Maker Day - City Auditorium - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Jun 5-6: Tractor Safety Training - Sheridan Co Fairgrounds
Jun 12: Beaded Felt Hat Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Jun 12: Crochet Workshop - Extension Office - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Jun 13: Cake Decorating Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Jun 13: Lariat Rope Clock - Extension Office - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Jun 14: Leather Coin Pouch Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Jun 17: Rushville Maker Day - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Jun 19: Rabbit/Chicken Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Jun 20: Barn Quilt Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Jun 20: Cord & Glass Workshop - Extension Office - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Jun 23: Sheridan County Progress Show - Sheridan Co Fairgrounds
Jun 25: Clover Bud Maker Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Jun 26-27: Design Camp - Camp Norwesca
Jul 8: Laser Cutter Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Jul 8: Genealogy Workshop - Extension Office - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Jul 13: Sheridan County Horse Show
Jul 19: Sheridan County Style Review & Music Contest
Jul 21-27: Sheridan County Fair
DEADLINE DATES:
May 3 - Wilderness Wonders
Jun 3 - Design Camp Registration
Jun 15 - 4-H Enrollment
July 1 - Fair Entries
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congrats Graduates
Congratulations to our High School graduates!! We wish you the best of luck!
- Jarhett Anderson
- Jordyn Anderson
- Colton Archibald
- Rodney Beguin
- Hayden Boles
- Jessalinn Dieriex
- Caleb Heck
- Haley Johnson
- Noah Kelly
- Abigail Nelson
- Myrisa Pieper
- Abigail Russell
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals
If youth ages 8-18 as of Jan 1 are showing beef, pigs, sheep or goats (this includes breeding, bucket calves and feeder calves), dairy cattle, dairy goats, poultry and/or rabbits at County fair, state fair, AKSARBEN or other shows, they need to complete the YQCA Certification.
There are 3 ways to complete this certification:
1. Youth can complete an online course. This course has 3 sections and youth must complete a quiz in each of the sections and pass with an 80% or better. If youth do not get at least an 80% they are locked out for an hour and should review material. This course also has a fee of $12 that must be paid online.
2. Youth can attend an Instructor Led Session put on by the Extension Office. Youth will attend in-person and actively participate through the 60 minute PowerPoint, as well as some hands on activities at the end. This session has a fee of $3 that must be paid online through the YQCA Website. We also ask that you pre-register through the YQCA website so we can make we have enough supplies for the hands on activities.
3. Youth could complete the Test Out option online at the Intermediate or Senior Level. These courses cost $36 & $48 respectively.
Please visit: https://yqcaprogram.org/ for more information, get registered and pay fees for the in-person course, or take the online course.
Dates for Instructor Led Trainings:
May 19, 1 to 2:30 pm, Sheridan County Fairgrounds
Deadline to complete YQCA is June 15th! YQCA Certificates need to be sent (mmracek2@unl.edu) or turned in to the office.
Once youth have attended their YQCA in-person test, there's a short, survey-like "post test" they will need to complete in order to print their certificate.
4-H ENROLLMENT OPEN
Starting in the 2023-2024 program year, project selection is now optional. By successfully completing the 4-H member enrollment by June 1st, youth will be eligible to participate and exhibit in any project area, contest, county and state fairs. While project selection is optional, it is encouraged for youth to select projects they are interested in exploring.
Please note:
o Youth are only eligible to exhibit in a project area or contest in a single county.
o Horse and shooting sports projects will continue to require project enrollment due to the parental consent required to participate in these projects.
Did you know the 4-H fiscal year is October 1 - September 30?
- If you are new to 4-H please create a profile.
- If you are a returning 4-Her, please register for this coming year!
Age 5-7 are free, Age 8-18 are only $5!
North Panhandle Speech Contest Results
On Sunday, April 14th the 4-H Staff from the North Panhandle hosted the annual Communications Contest at the Performing Arts Center in Alliance. Youth, between the ages of 5 to 18, from Box Butte, Dawes, and Sheridan Counties had the opportunity to participate in an Illustrated Presentation, Prepared Speech, Public Service Announcement, or Video Communications Contest.
For the Sheridan County Intermediate Division, Willow Frink received Grand Champion. For the Sheridan County Junior Division, Cedar Frink also received Grand Champion. They are both eligible to attend the State Premier Communications Contest in Lincoln on June 17th and 18th in Lincoln, Nebraska.
ALL THINGS FAIR
Fairbook
The 2024 Sheridan County Fairbook has been updated. You can find the updated pages at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/northernpanhandle/2024-sheridan-county-fair/
The biggest update are the class changes in Visual Arts.
Fair Schedule
New this year the Cake and Cookie Jar Auction will be on Monday, July 22nd with Business Showmanship to follow. Cake judging has been moved to the same time as static judging.
Camping
Reminder – there will be a $10/day or $50 camping fee at the fairgrounds during fair week. The fee helps to make updates around the fairgrounds. Parking passes are now available to purchase at the extension office.
Business Showmanship
This year for Family Fun Night we are hosting a Business Showmanship competition. The species this year is SHEEP and GOAT. We would like 4-H members who are taking this project to invite a Business professional to show their animal against other local business professionals. It will take place on Monday, July 22nd starting at 7 pm. This is a great opportunity for youth to meet and interact with local businesses. The 4-H Council has compiled a list of potential business professionals to ask, please contact the Extension Office for some of the names. Also please let the office know if you are planning to have someone show your project animal. See the form below.
This year Farm Credit Services of America is sponsoring a new t-shirt for all 4-H members this year. To help us order the shirts, please complete the form below for each youth member prior to June 15th. If you filled this out last month, please fill it out again.
Congratulations to Tenley Ostrander for her design being picked to be the 2024 Sheridan County Fair Theme!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sheep, Pig, Goat Weigh-in
Youth members who are interested in showing a sheep, pig, or goat at the Sheridan County Fair this summer can attend weigh-in on May 19th to get their animal tagged and complete the Animal Affidavit sheet. Sheep and Goats will need to have a scrapies tag with them. Swine tags will be provided.
SUMMER IS COMING SOON!
Check out the summer workshop schedule for a listing of all the opportunities.
WILDERNESS WONDERS 4-H CAMP - Camp is Full!!
Predator vs. Prey is the theme for the 2024 4-H Wilderness Wonders Camp! On May 23, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm will be offered for youth going into 3rd-5th grade. The camp is limited to 50 youth from four counties and will have a $40 fee. On May 24, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm will be offered for youth ages 5-7. The camp is limited to 50 from four counties and will have a $40 fee.
Registrations were due May 3rd.
North Panhandle Judging Clinic & Contest
Youth will have the opportunity to learn from a Livestock Judging coach before testing their skills at a competition. The morning will focus on helping with reasons and basic judging information. This competition is a part of the Great Plains Circuit. Lunch is included. Youth will need to complete the registration form below and email to Melissa Mracek at mmracek2@unl.edu.
Where: Box Butte Fairgrounds, Hemingford
When: May 28, 9 am clinic, 12 pm contest
Who: Youth 8+
Cost: $30 for both, $20 for contest
Register Deadline: Day of
Gordon Summer Maker Day
Design your day to complete three different project. Youth will get to pick from cooking, upcycled feed bag, house wooden sign, electrical game, and flowerpot birdbath. Youth will need to pack a lunch.
Where: Gordon City Auditorium
When: June 3, 9 am to 3:30 pm
Who: Youth 8+
Cost: $20
Project: Dept. C Div. 211 Class 9, Dept. C Div. 257 Class 15, Dept. C Div. 257 Class 25, Dept. D Div. 340 Class 7
Register Deadline: May 24th
Tractor Safety Certification
Youth who are interested in haying this summer for someone other than their family needs to complete this training if they are 14-15 years old. This certification is a great training to learn how to be safe on tractors.
Where: Sheridan County Fairgrounds
When: June 5-6 at 9 am
Who: Youth 14+
Cost: $40
Register Deadline: May 29th at go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training
Fort Robinson 4-H Horse Camp
Horse Enthusiasts help us celebrate the 50th year of Horse Camp this summer. This camp is full of sessions and trail rides along with creating your own headstall. See the registration form below.
This camp is for youth and adults to attend. Housing and food is on your own but board for the horses is included besides Wednesday night. Youth may also complete a scholarship application to have their fee waived.
Where: Fort Robinson State Park
When: June 6-8
Who: ages 8+
Cost: $65 for youth members, $55 for adult members with a youth
Registration deadline: May 10th to ensure a t-shirt, otherwise day of
Horse Camp Scholarship
Youth members have the opportunity to apply for a Horse Camp scholarship. NEW this year, youth can also create a t-shirt design for the 2025 Fort Robinson Horse Camp. If their design is selected they will also receive a scholarship. Scholarship application is attached below.
Beaded Felt Hat Workshop
Add some flair to a felt hat this summer by attending this workshop. Kaylee Kaiser will help teach youth how to create beaded hat bands as well as bead the rims of hats. Youth must bring a felt hat. Pack a lunch if planning to stay for the Crochet Workshop.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 12, 9 am to 12 pm
Who: Youth 10+
Cost: $20
Project: Dept. C Div. 221 Class 7
Registration Limit: 6
Register Deadline: June 1st
Crochet Workshop
Learn the basics of crocheting with Myrisa Pieper at this workshop while you create hot pads and wash clothes. Pack a lunch if attending the Beaded Hat Workshop as well.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 12, 1 pm to 3 pm
Who: Youth 10+
Cost: $5
Project: Dept. C Div. 226 Class 8
Registration Limit: 6
Register Deadline: June 1st
Cake Decorating Workshop
Learn the basic tips used in cake decorating while frosting some yummy cupcakes with Darchelle Kaiser. Youth will need to bring 6 cupcakes with them. They can also pack a sack lunch to stay at the office if attending the Lariat Rope Clock workshop.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 13, 9 am to 12 pm
Who: Youth 8+
Cost: $10
Project: Classes in Div. 920
Registration Limit: 8
Register Deadline: June 1st
Lariat Rope Clock
Add some western décor to your house this summer by creating this Lariat Rope Clock with Phyllis Lindsey. Youth will need to pack a sack lunch if plan to attend this workshop after Cake Decorating.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 12, 1 pm to 3 pm
Who: Youth 10+
Cost: $10
Project: Dept. C Div. 257 Class 19
Registration Limit: 6
Register Deadline: June 1st
Leather Coin Pouch Workshop
Join Wendy Andersen for some stamping, dying, and stitching leather fun at this workshop. Youth members will design and create a leather coin pouch.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 14, 9 am to 11 am
Who: Youth 10+
Cost: $15
Project: Dept. C Div. 221 Class 7
Registration Limit: 6
Register Deadline: June 1st
Rushville Summer Maker Day
Youth will design their day to end up with three complete 4-H projects. Members can pick between Hydro dipping, Outdoor Pallet Swing, Camp Fire Chair, Sewing Project, and Cooking. Youth will need to pack a lunch.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 17, 9 am to 3:30 pm
Who: Youth 8+
Cost: $20
Project: Dept. C Div. 257 Class 22, Dept. C Div. 257 Class 24, Dept. C Div. 257 Class 12,
Register Deadline: June 1st
Rabbit/Chicken Workshop
Level up your poultry and rabbit showmanship speeches by attending this workshop. Get tips and tricks on how to improve your showmanship speech for fair this year!
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 19, 9 am to 11 am
Who: Youth 5+
Cost: FREE
Register Deadline: June 15th
Barn Quilt Workshop
Get guidance from Artistic Innovations Nebraska as they guide youth and adults through how to create a 2 foot by 2 foot Barn Quilt. Adults are welcome to join. Youth who are nine years old, must have an adult accompany them. Thanks to the Sheridan County 4-H Council, this workshop will only cost $30 for Sheridan County 4-H members and $65 for non-members and adults. Pack a lunch if wanting to join in for the Cord & Glass workshop.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 20th, 9 am to 12 pm
Who: Youth 9+
Cost: $30 for 4-Hers, $65 for non members and adults
Project: Dept. C Div. 229 Class 21
Registration Limit: 20
Register Deadline: June 15th
Cord & Glass Workshop
Create some awesome and fun pieces for your home during this workshop. Work with Wendy Scheenen to create a stain glass article and Wendy Andersen to utilize hand knitting tools to create a decorative item for your home. Pack a lunch if plan to attend the Barn Quilt workshop as well.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 20, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Who: Youth 8+
Cost: $30
Project: Dept. C Div. 260 Class 11 and Dept. C Div. 257 Class 13
Registration Limit: 8
Register Deadline: June 15th
Clover Bud Summer Maker Day
Clover Buds will participate in a variety of projects around Healthy Living, Consumer & Family Science, STEM, and more!
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: June 25, 9 am to 12 pm
Who: Youth 5-7
Cost: $15
Project: Clover Bud projects
Register Deadline: June 15th
Design Camp
Get your Fashionista on at this overnight 4-H Camp at Camp Norwesca. Youth will create three sewing projects including a romper, accessories, and more! Youth need to complete the measurement page as a part of registration. Male campers are welcomed but must provide an overnight chaperone. Space is limited.
LOG N Camp
Meet youth from across the panhandle at this fun overnight camp at Cedar Point Biological Station. Transportation will be provided.
Where: Cedar Point Biological Station
When: July 1-2
Who: Youth 5th- 7th grade
Cost: $80
Register Deadline: June 1 at go.unl.edu/logn24
Horticulture Contest
This online contest provides youth an opportunity to test their knowledge of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Open to all youth and adults.
Where: Online
When: June 7-21
Who: Youth 8+
Cost: FREE
Register at: https://go.unl.edu/hortquiz2024
Laser Cutter Workshop
Youth will create a fun project using a laser cutter. If planning to attend the Genealogy workshop, please pack a sack lunch.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: July 8, 9 am to 12 pm
Who: Youth 10+
Cost: $25
Register Deadline: July 1st
Genealogy Workshop
Youth will learn how to research their family to create a cool heritage project. Youth will need to pack a lunch if attend the Laser Cutter Workshop. Also youth should be names and birthdates of their family members.
Where: Sheridan County Extension Office
When: July 8, 1 pm to 3 pm
Who: Youth 10+
Cost: $10
Project: Dept. A Div. 101 Class 1
Register Deadline: July 1st
Area Progress Shows
Youth have an opportunity to practice for fair at area Progressive Shows. The first is June 15th in Dawes County then in June 22nd is Box Butte, and June 23 in Sheridan County. Below are their registration forms.
SHERIDAN COUNTY UNIFIED SHOWING
If you are interested in participating in Unified showing at the 2024 Sheridan County Fair as a Mentor or Mentee please message Melissa at mmracek2@unl.edu by June 1st!
Premier Animal Science Event (PASE)
Youth between the ages of 8-18 can participate in a variety of contests at the PASE event in Lincoln including Meat Judging, Livestock Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl, Skillathon, Poultry Judging, Companion Animal contests, Animal Welfare and more! Members can participate as a team or individual. Please contact the office if you are interested in participating. The deadline to register is May 30th.
State 4-H Camp
There are two State 4-H Camps located in Chadron this summer.
June 1-5th is for 10-14 year olds
Youth will explore the oldest state park in Nebraska on horseback. Campers will travel to Hudson-Meng Education Center, hike through Toadstool Geologic Park, along with other fun activities
June 6-8 is for 8-10 year olds
This is a great introduction to 4-H camp. Campers will explore the natural world, archery, arts and craft, campfire, and lots of laughs!
To register for these camps visit: https://4h.unl.edu/camps-summer
4-H LEADERSHIP
These people are YOUR voice! Please contact any of them if you have an idea for a new or existing event or activity, have concerns with the program, or just want to have input in the decision-making process.
David Russell, Wendy Andersen, Michelle Heck, Nicole Janssen, Jake Scott, Kami Scott, Valerie Beel, Tim Campbell, Kris Stumpff, Melissa Mracek
4-H Council:
President - Zach Kearns
Vice President - EJ Frink
Secretary - Brad Beguin
Treasurer - Jackie Simonson
Members - Candace Nelson, Clint Vincent, Jace Stumpff, Brain Nelson, Ryan Paul
Youth Members: Kirsten Heck, Jaxon Kearns, Wyatt Feddersen, Kyler Vincent
Extension Board:
President - Matt Albrecht
Vice President - Caleb Peters
Secretary/Treasurer - Paige Stumpff
Members - Trevor Ginkens, Morgan Weyers
Sheridan County Extension Office:
Office Manager - Wendy Andersen
4-H Extension Educator - Melissa Mracek
Nebraska Extension - Sheridan County Office
Email: sheridan-county@unl.edu
Location: 800 S Loofborrow Street, PO Box 329, Rushville, NE 69360
Phone: 308-327-2312
Twitter: @SheridanCounty