Thurston County 4-H News

Jennifer E. Hansen, Extension Educator, jhansen6@unl.edu

Sydney Williams, Extension Assistant, sydney.williams@unl.edu

Bobbie Hingst, Office Manager, bhingst2@unl.edu

Email: thurston-county@unl.edu
Website: thurston.unl.edu
Location: 415 Main Street, P.O. Box 665, Pender, NE 68787
Phone: 402-385-6041
Facebook: facebook.com/UNLExtensionThurston/
Twitter: @UNLThurstonCty

SEPTEMBER

NEBRASKA STATE FAIR – Aug 23 – Sept 2

30-2 FFA Weekend @ State Fair

2 Office Closed – Labor Day

9 Joint 4-H Council Meeting, Pender Fire Hall

11 Farm Safety Day, Pender, NE

26-29 Aksarben Stock Show

OCTOBER

7-12 National 4-H Week

14 Office Closed – Columbus Day

14 Thurston County 4-H Council Meeting

NOVEMBER

11 Joint 4-H Council Meeting

11 Office Closed – Veteran’s Day

18 Thurston Extension Board Meeting

21-22 Office Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday

DECEMBER

9 Thurston County 4-H Council

24 Office Closed – Christmas Eve

25 Office Closed – Christmas Day

Congratulations to all of the 4-H'ers and families for an excellent job with the fair! The Extension Office staff would like to thank you for an excellent fair experience. Keep up the good work.

Our 4-H program and county fair would not be successful without the many volunteers, sponsors, and donations. Especially this year with all the modifications and adaptations, you all truly stepped up and we thank you!

Please remember to personally thank someone that helped this year. Our volunteers are a vital part of the 4-H program, and many of the events at fair and throughout the year would not be possible without their dedication.

If you received a trophy or bonus auction premium, get those thank you notes sent! A few brief sentences about your experience are all it take to show your appreciation. We want to continue the positive support from all of our donors. So make sure to say Thanks!

Congratulations to all our Thurston County 4-Hers who participated at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair!

Results from the State Fair can be found here: https://nebraska4hresults.com/

Please congratulate these 4-Hers for all their hard work!

Static: Caleb Kelly, Camden Kelly, Reese Kelly, Rayna Kelly, Kaitlyn Mahaney, Dylan Mahaney, Logan Hansen, and Kate Hansen

Livestock: Jett Fogarty, Jace Fogarty, Jax Fogarty, Brylea Mosser, Rowen Paeper, and Shaylee Sanderson

For all you new members and for our previous ones, to keep up with all the latest updates and information as soon as possible! Follow us on Facebook @UNLExtensionThurston!

This is an awesome opportunity for our older Dakota or Thurston County 4-H members!!

4-H Ambassador Eligibility:

• Youth 14-18 years of age (age on January 1st).

• Youth will serve a two year term (can reapply for another term).

• Enrolled as a 4-H member (Dakota or Thurston).

• Must be an active member for at least two years prior to application.

Applications are due to the Nebraska Extension Office in Dakota County by Friday, October 15, 2024.

Contact your nearest Extension office for the application.

Club of Excellence summary forms are due September 15! The Nebraska 4-H Club of Excellence designation recognizes and celebrates 4-H clubs for engaging and empowering members. To receive and maintain the designation, clubs must meet certain criteria and submit an annual summary form to their local Extension office by September 15. More information and summary form templates are available at https://4h.unl.edu/clubs-excellence

Are you interested in serving as a county fair judge in 2025? Submit your interest now through September 30, 2024. Those interested in serving as a county fair or state fair 4-H judge in 2025 are encouraged to submit your interest and qualifications at 4h.unl.edu/judges.

Looking for a unique way to engage and inspire young people in your club or classroom? Check out this year’s 4-H STEM Challenge. The 2024 STEM Challenge was developed by 4-H educators from LSU AgCenter, North Dakota State University, Penn State Extension, and University of Nebraska–Lincoln. This year's kit will provide fundamental knowledge on food security, how people are impacted locally and globally, and how youth can co-create more food secure communities. Learn more at 4-H.org/programs/stem-challenge/

Mark your calendars and make plans to celebrate National 4-H Week with us on October 7-12!

https://4-h.org/resources/professionals/marketing-resources/4-h-week-toolkit

It’s that time of year again and we’ll be hosting the 20th annual Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium (NYBLS) here at the Animal Science Complex on November 8 – 10, 2025. More details about the symposium, the 2023 recap video and the application link can be found at go.unl.edu/nybls. Please note the application deadline of September 15th. If an individual is selected to participate, a $75 registration fee will be collected at that time. I have attached social media content for you to share if you wish as well as a flyer that can be distributed. Please contact me at araymond2@unl.edu with any questions that you have.

Apply to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for FREE through November 1!

There is no place like Nebraska and no better time to become a Husker!

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is waiving the $45 undergraduate admission application fee for Nebraskans through November 1. You can apply for FREE at go.unl.edu/apply—enter the code “HUSKER” when prompted for a fee waiver code.

We’re here to help! Contact us at admissions@unl.edu or 402-472-2023.

Explore the "Power of Red" at the 4-H Campus Visit Day! 🌟 Join us on Saturday, November 9th, for a half-day college visit experience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dive into academic interests, enjoy a campus tour, and get all your questions answered about admissions, financial aid, and more. Complimentary lunch included! Register now at go.unl.edu/casnrvisitday24. #PowerOfRed

Discover Nebraska during Red Letter Days! 🌟 High school juniors and seniors, join us for a full-day campus visit experience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Explore academic opportunities, engage in student and parent sessions, and enjoy a campus tour. Available on select Mondays and Fridays. Register now at go.unl.edu/visit.