Aug 25 - Sep 4: Nebraska State Fair

Sep 4: Labor Day - Office Closed

Sep 9-10: Willow Tree Festival

Sep 20: Sew Fun - Extension Office, 9:00 - 12:00 or 1:00 - 4:00

Sep 29: Sew Fun - Hay Springs Cafeteria, 1:00 - 4:00

Sep 18: 4-H Council Meeting

Oct 1: All Award Applications due

Oct 1-7: National 4-H Week

Oct 9: Columbus Day - Office Closed

Oct 29: 4-H Recruitment & Awards Banquet Extension Office - 5:00 pm

Buyer gifts can be picked up at the office on September 8th. That gift needs to be taken to the buyer and a picture taken with the buyer and the youth. Please email these pictures to sheridan-county@unl.edu. Sale checks are available for pickup or can be mailed.

These projects will be celebrated during the Achievement Banquet on October 29th at the Extension Office, and can then be taken home after.

Youth will receive their Premium money during the Achievement Banquet on October 29th.

4-H Youth are able to receive more awards/money by applying to several that are linked in this smore letter below! These include:

- Achievement Application awards

- 4-H Buck Award

- Hard Luck Award

- Record Book Award

Another great fair in the books! Thank you to all that volunteered, exhibited projects, participated in summer workshops, and continue to "Make the Best Better!" Reflecting on this years' fair a little, it doesn't even seem like it happened because the week went by so fast! Every year it always amazes me at how great the kids are and how great the volunteers are!!

I know things are not always perfect, and they never will be. BUT with great people like you I know we can adapt and work together to resolve those little challenges!

We will be trying to have some 4-H related events throughout the fall and spring this year, so please be on the look out for those activities!

There are certain things that might be changing for next year. SOOOOO PLEASE let us know if you have questions. If you don't know something contact someone at the office and we will help you.

Lastly, we are really needing more volunteers for our 4-H program. Talk to someone who would be interested and think about joining! Bring a friend!

I hope everyone has a good school year!

Congratulations to all of our participants!

Junior and Intermediate age divisions are eligible to complete either the Achievement Application or the Career Portfolio. These are due October 1st. The Senior division must complete the Achievement Application in order to be eligible for State Awards. By completing these applications, youth are eligible to win additional $25 cash prizes presented at the Achievement Banquet in October. Youth will need to select a curriculum area. To complete the Achievement Application, youth have a maximum of 3 pages to include the following information: collective 4-H experiences, 4 -H experiences within the last year, 4-H Leadership Experiences, Non 4-H Leadership Experiences, Community Involvement, and Career Spark.

See the video below to help fill it out!

There is a $100 award for youth who hand in (up to three completed) project records by September 1st. Winners will be presented at the Achievement Banquet in October.

The 4-H Council implemented 4-H Bucks program to help active 4-H members pay for workshops and 4-H camps.

Every year, 4-H members can earn up to $50 by participating in different activities such as speech contests, horse level testing, workshops, progress show, being a club officer, etc. Each activity you participate in, you receive a number of points.

If 4-H members who are Juniors earn 5 to points they receive $10, 10 to 15 points they receive $25, and 16 or more points they receive $50. Intermediate members must earn 7 to 12 points to earn $10, 13 to 19 points for $25, and 20 or more points for $50. Senior members must earn 9 to 15 points to receive $10, 16 to 23 points for $25, and 24 or more points to earn $50. Youth can utilize the 4-H Bucks to help pay for 4-H workshops, camps, etc. It is a scholarship program for youth being actively involved in 4-H throughout the year.

Write a one page story that outlines something that didn’t go right and how you prevailed or learned from the experience. Can include pictures. Winners will receive a $25 scholarship.

Members from the Junior Leader Club and 4-H Youth Council will be on the ballot and be voted on to be selected at the Achievement Banquet. If these youth are selected as the Ultimate Teen, they will receive a scholarship.

Diamond Clover is a noncompetitive aspect of 4-H that allows youth to set goals for the 4-H year which are not tied to ribbons received. After fair is over, youth will write down their accomplishments under the goals they selected. At the Achievement Banquet they will be recognized and receive a 4-H pin with the stone that is related to their level. Youth can only complete one level a year but can start at any of the levels.

The Diamond Clover program has been adapted so 4-H members who do not participate in the County Fair can still apply for this recognition. Please contact the Nebraska Extension Sheridan County office if you have any questions at mmracek2@unl.edu.

Save the date for the 2023 Sheridan County 4-H Achievement Banquet will be Sunday, October 29, 5pm at the Extension Office at 800 Loofborrow Street in Rushville. Details coming soon for this event!

Robotics will be starting in Rushville and Gordon for youth ages 9 to 14. They can contact Melissa at mmracek2@unl.edu for more information!

Free sewing classes will be starting soon held at the Extension office in Rushville or at the Hay Springs School from 9:00 - 12:00 or 1:00 - 4:00pm! Beginning sewers will be learning the fundamentals and skills needed to create and design beautiful projects! Limited space is available. So please let the office know soon at mnelson82@unl.edu or 308-327-2312.

Clover Bud meetings will be happening at the Hay Springs School, Rushville Elementary, and Gordon Elementary. Schedule will be coming soon!

Clover Bud members are youth between the ages of 5 and 7 as of January 1st, 2024. These youth will experience teamwork, social interaction, and decision-making skills while participating in hands on activities. Upon participating in these workshops, youth will have Clover Bud projects to display at the 2024 Sheridan County Fair.

Shooting Sports practice for BB Gun and Air Rifle will start on October 2nd. They practice from 3:30 to 7:OO pm depending on when the youth show up. During October through December, practice is held the first and third Mondays of the month. In January they will start practicing every Monday and start attending the Panhandle Best Shoots. Youth need to be registered for 4-H to participate. Parents need to sign waivers the first meeting. Please contact Bruce Salisbury 402-533-8859 or Donna Jech for more information.

Youth members are also included in the 4-H Council. This is a vital role necessary to give our youth "voice" on decisions that affect their educational experience. 2-4 youth members ages 14-18 can serve on the council.

Any adult or youth interested in having your name added to the ballot for the Sheridan County 4-H Council is encouraged to call the office (308-327-2312). The annual election will be held at the Achievement Banquet in October.

Interested in serving as a 4-H judge next summer? We’re always looking for qualified adults with fresh perspectives to serve as judges at the county and state levels. Sign-up by September 30 at 4h.unl.edu/judges.

We need help! We rely heavily on volunteers in the days leading up to and during the Nebraska State Fair to help ensure everything runs smoothly and provide a positive experience for our youth participants. Learn more about the volunteer opportunities and sign-up at 4h.unl.edu/state-fair-volunteer.

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, Marie Nelson, Melissa Mracek

4-H Council:
President - Ryan Paul

Vice President - Jake Elwood

Secretary - Jackie Simonson

Treasurer - EJ Frink
Members at large: Candace Nelson, Megan Grossman, Zach Kearns, Clint Vincent, Jace Stumpff, Brad Beguin
Youth Members: Austin Child, Colton Archibald, Wyatt Fedderson, Kyler Vincent

Extension Board:
President - Matt Albrecht
Vice President - Caleb Peters
Secretary/Treasurer - Jacob Tejral
Members at large: Trevor Ginkens, Paige Stumpff

Email: mnelson82@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/northernpanhandle/educational-programs/northern-panhandle-4-h/
Location: 800 S Loofborrow Street, PO Box 329 Rushville, NE 69360
Phone: 308-327-2312
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNLSheridanCounty
Twitter: @SheridanCounty