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Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

Scotts Bluff Co 4-H

Scotts Bluff Co 4-H Website

Email Us

4-H Enrollment Open Hello 4-H Families! As we embark on a new 4-H programming year, we are excited to continue using the 4-H Online enrollment system. All 4-H families will enroll in clubs and projects through 4HOnline at https://ne.4honline.com. If you are a returning member, go to https://ne.4honline.com. Choose "I have a profile" and log in with your email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, choose "I forgot my password" and the system will send you an email to reset your password. Once logged in as a family, you can update and add members and member information along with projects and clubs. Remember from last year that the system can record LOTS of information, but not all is required. Required fields are marked with red asterisk. If you are new to 4-H, you will need to create a new family account and profiles for each 4-H member at https://ne.4honline.com to participate in the 2018 program year. 4HOnline is a web-based enrollment system that will allow families to enroll in 4-H on your personal computer or mobile device. If you do not have internet access at home, feel free to stop by the Nebraska Extension office and use our computers. You’ll be able to complete all of the information necessary to join 4-H online, including 4-H code of conduct forms and health forms. There will be no paper forms to submit for enrollment. For more information contact the Nebraska Extension office at 632-1480 or jschwartz2@unl.edu. Also, if you have questions as you enroll, please let us help you!

Youth Members Members may enroll at anytime during the year, but to be eligible for County Fair and State Contests these enrollment deadlines need to be met. * Re-enrollment—If you were enrolled in 2017, enroll online and pay the $5 fee to the Extension Office by February 1. You can also do this online with a credit/debit card. You have until May 1 to add or drop 4-H projects for County Fair. * New Enrollment—Youth who are joining 4-H for the first time are encouraged to enroll online and pay the $5 as soon as possible and no later than May 1 to be eligible to exhibit at County Fair. You can also pay your enrollment fee online with a credit/debit card. Adult Volunteers Volunteers will enroll electronically. Returning leaders: If you have children in 4-H, log into your family account at https://ne.4honline.com and update your information. Volunteers without children in 4-H should go to https://ne.4honline.com, enter the email you have used in the past with 4-H and choose, "I forgot my password". A new password will be emailed to you. If you have any questions or concerns, let the Extension office help you! Volunteers must re-enroll each year to retain status in years of service and for UNL insurance. Contact the Nebraska Extension office or more info, if you have questions, or need assistance 308-632-1480 or email Jana at jschwartz2@unl.edu.

In this edition:

- Online Enrollment

- 4-H Enrollment

Youth, Volunteers

- Premium Money

- Radio Days

- Scholarships

- 2019 Aksarben

Stock Show

- Fair Book Changes

- Achievement Recap

-Upcoming Events

4-H Clubs and Councils

You are required to submit a year end treasurer’s report to your local Extension Office by the end of January for each bank or savings account your club or council has. Year End Report paperwork needs to be filled out and returned to our office by January 15. Paperwork will be sent to Organizational Club Leaders or forms are also available at the Extension Office or online at: http://4h.unl.edu/clubresources.

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Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

Select 2019 4-H Projects by Using the Online Search Feature! All across Nebraska 4-H youth are beginning to select their 4-H projects for 2019! Let the Nebraska 4-H Pick Your Project help connect you with projects that fit your interests and skill levels! The interactive, web-based Nebraska 4-H Pick Your Project is found online at http://4hcurriculum.unl.edu. Using the Pick Your Project, youth, volunteers, and parents will be able to search for projects by keywords, curriculum areas, knowledge levels, and geographic level. As an added feature, the web-based Pick Your Project contains the same project codes that are shown in the 4HOnline Enrollment system, making it easier to match the exciting 4-H projects you are learning about in the Pick Your Project with the projects you are enrolling in through 4HOnline. Explore over 150 Nebraska 4-H projects through the Nebraska 4-H Pick Your Project and find the 4-H projects that will help you grow throughout 2019!

4-H Council Members for 2019 President Paul Callenius

Vice-President Lucienne Keller

Secretary Tanya Lake

Treasurer Julie Lane

Youth Rep Justin Keller

Youth Rep Autumn Pittman

County Fair Premium Money

January 25 - Last Day to Pickup Premiums

The 4-H Council will be awarding premiums in the form of cash again this year. If you won a ribbon at

the Scotts Bluff County Fair, you earned some premium money. The following amount is awarded per

4-H Ribbon: Purple - $2.00; Blue - $1.75; Red - $1.50; White - $1.25. Due to the use of cash, only

4-H’ers and their families may pick-up the premiums. No club leader will be responsible for picking-up

premiums.

4-H’er premiums will be sorted into envelopes and available at the 4-H Achievement Celebration. If you

were unable to attend the Achievement Program, you can pick-up your premium cash at the Scotts Bluff

County Extension Office until January 25. After January 25 the cash will be returned to the premium

account. The Nebraska Extension Office will be closed for Holiday Close-down from December 24-

January 1. Premium money will not be available at this time.

Beef Weigh-in

Market Beef Weigh-in will be held on Saturday, January 5 from 1:00-3:00 pm and Saturday, February 16 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm @ the UNL Feedlot (Storm date Feb 23).The UNL Feedlot is located north of Scottsbluff off of Experiment Farm Road. Call 632-1480 if you need directions! Tags are $1 each and we will have all the paperwork needed. If you are interested in showing Market Beef at Ak-Sar-Ben or State Fair, you will need an EID tag ($2) and MUST submit a DNA kit for these animals. DNA Kits will be available at the weigh-in for $6 each and are due to the Nebraska Extension Office by April 1.

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Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

February is Nebraska 4-H Month!

Each year, Nebraska 4-H observes February as Nebraska 4-H Month.

We encourage you to show your 4-H spirit and tell everyone what 4-H is about! There are lots of fun

activities you can do within your club, family, school, and community. Let your enthusiasm and creativity

tell your story. Start Planning Now!

Shooting Sports-Competition BB Gun, Sporter Air Rifle, Precision Air Rifle

and Pellet Pistol 4-H is having practices on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6:00 PM in the Morton Building on the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds in Mitchell.

4-H Radio Days Fundraiser

It's time to sell KNEB 4-H Radio Days Ads! KNEB generously donates air time to the Scotts Bluff County 4-H program so we can tell the community about 4-H. Each pre-scripted 30-second 4-H promotional ad, recorded by Junior Leaders, will name the sponsoring business. KNEB runs the ads on their AM and FM stations during the month of March. 4-H members sell the ads to businesses and individuals. Ads are $10 each. Sponsor information and payment are due to the Extension Office by February 15, 2019. We are limited in the number of ads we can sell, so please contact Jana at 632-1480 if you are selling more than 10 ads. Selling packets that will help walk you through the process are available on the Scotts Bluff County 4-H webpage. Of each ad sold, $5 goes to the seller's club and $5 goes to the Scotts Bluff County 4-H Council to offset countywide expenses. Thank you for your enthusiastic participation in this promotion opportunity!

Youth Livestock Projects and the VFD Regulation

Effective January 1, 2017, all livestock producers that use antibiotic medicated feeds to prevent, treat or control animal health issues will be required to get a written order or Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) from a Veterinarian to purchase and feed these feeds. The regulation will only affect antibiotics administered in feed or water for livestock. Antibiotics are important to both human medicine and animal health, to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance in both areas; producer must follow the FDA Approved Labels. These labels determine what animal health issues can be treated with that specific antibiotic, dosage and proper administration. The first step youth producers should take is to develop a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship by visiting with their veterinarian. Within this discussion, producers need to review their herd/flock health plan and evaluate vaccinations and treatment plans for the animals they care for. If you determine that medicated feeds should be used, plan on how to acquire a VFD Order from the veterinarian. Copies of the VFD must go to you and your feed supplier/dealer before you can purchase or feed these feeds. Youth Livestock Participants may visit with their feed supplier/dealer to plan a nutrition/feed program prior to getting their project animals to discuss if medicated feeds should be used and if a VFD is required. For more information visit the Nebraska BQA VFD Webpage at: http://bqa.unl.edu/veterinary-feed-directive Or Contact Rob Eirich, Extension Educator/Director of Beef Quality Assurance via email at: reirich2@unl.edu.

First Lego League Volunteers Needed!

Get on board with one of the fastest growing 4-H projects – Robotics! On-site volunteers are needed at the Nebraska First Lego League Tournaments. January 21, 2019 – Sidney, NE. Learn more at http://4h.unl.edu/firstvolunteer.

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Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

2019 Special Garden Project

Carmine Splendor Okra Enroll for the 2019 Special Garden Project through 4-H Online.

Contact the Nebraska Extension Office and let them know how many seed packets you need. If you do not

contact your local Extension Office, seeds might not be available for you. The county office will order

seeds as a county unit then distribute them to the members.

This project is open to all youth of 4-H age and it will give them the opportunity to learn about growing,

harvesting, and exhibiting this unique vegetable.

The Special Gardening Project lets 4-H members try their hand at growing unusual vegetables and flowers.

The project allows experienced 4-H gardeners to grow something fun, new, and different while letting those

new to gardening get their feet wet in this project area.

4-H members enrolled in the Special Garden Project will:

Receive a ‘packet’ of Carmine Splendor Okra (one packet per

youth) in March/April

Receive a newsletter about:

Planting & growing okra Okra problems & insects Harvesting & using okra

Be able to exhibit this unique flower at County and State Fair

State Fair Special Garden Project Educational Exhibit Class G-775-001

State Fair Special Garden Project Fresh Cut Flowers or Harvested Vegetables G-775-002

Other fun county only ways to exhibit this unique vegetable like a story, poem, or poster. Each county is different so be sure to check with your local Extension Office.

Complete an evaluation about their growing experience: https://go.unl.edu/carminesplendorokra.

Scholarships

Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarship Program The Nebraska 4-H Foundation supports 4-H in many ways, there are several statewide Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarships including:

Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply Scholarships - $1,000 each awarded to two individuals residing in Scottsbluff and Morrill Counties

4-H Legacy Scholarships - $1,000 each awarded to three individuals

Rose and Guy Richard McDonald Scholarship - $2,000 each awarded to two individuals

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation utilizes the Annual Achievement Application for awarding scholarships. Youth interested in applying for these scholarships must complete the Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships page of the application form and follow the state-level completion and submission procedures. For more infor-

mation, please see the Nebraska 4-H Foundation Recognition page. All applications must be received by

January 15, 2019. Contact the Extension Office if you have any questions

Upper Mitchell Valley Scholarship

The Upper Mitchell Valley (formerly the Gerald & Velma Applebee) Scholarship is offering one $300 scholarship to an outstanding student who has been in 4-H within the last four years. Payments will be made directly to the school of the recipients choice. Application deadline is April 20. Contact the Extension Office for an application.

*Photo courtesy of Johnny’s Select Seeds

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Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

NACEB Scholarship 2018-19 The Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards (NACEB) Scholarship Program includes the following:

One $1000 scholarship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) or in the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) for an incoming student (freshmen or transfer student).

One $1000 scholarship for a current student (sophomore or higher) enrolled in CASNR or CEHS.

Note: NACEB may suspend this scholarship program at any time. It is expected that each scholarship recipient make at least one presentation to a community, high school, or 4-H group discussing the importance of continuing one’s education at the post-secondary level, the positive experiences and benefits of studying in CASNR/CEHS and encouraging others to study in CASNR/CEHS. Each recipient of this scholarship will be invited to attend the NACEB Annual Meeting and to speak to the members, briefly outlining her/his academic progress, career plans, and observations of her/his experiences in CASNR/CEHS. If unable to attend, a written report is an alternative. An effort will be made by NACEB to assist each recipient with travel to the meeting. This support could be in the form of offered transportation with other attendees or reimbursement of mileage at the discretion of NACEB. Applications may be found at: https://form.jotform.com/CASNR/naceb. Application materials must be received by March 16, 2019.

The Tom Holman Scholarship A $250.00 award will be given to one Scotts Bluff and one Morrill County 4-Her annually in remembrance of Extension Educator Tom Holman. The 4-Her must complete the scholarship application available at hhttp://ne4hfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/THE-TOM-HOLMAN-SCHOLARSHIP.pdf. Applications are due by September 23. The recipients will be announced at the annual 4-H awards event in their respective county. The scholarship will be paid directly to their college/university upon successful completion of their first semester.

AKSARBEN STOCK SHOW TRANSITIONS TO JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SHOW FORMAT

Four States Added to Eligibility

Grand Island, NE –The Aksarben Stock Show will transition to junior livestock show format in 2019. Under the junior show model, youth from nine to 19 years of age are eligible for the competition with no prerequisite of youth organization affiliation.

Greg Harder, stock show director, said the change will give the 92-year-old Aksarben Stock Show growth opportunities. “Today’s agricultural youth are involved in 4-H, FFA, breed associations or open class competitions, making them diverse in their affiliations,” he stated. “We want to make sure more junior exhibitors can show at Aksarben in 2019.”

Harder said part of the expansion strategy meant opening doors to additional states. “We added four more,” he said. “Arkansas, Montana, Indiana and Wisconsin will join the existing 10 state family of eligibility.” Rules for the 2019 event will be written by Aksarben Stock Show management, versus the previous system of rules within each state operating independently. “It’s very difficult to run a fair and unified show when everyone plays by different rules,” Harder said. “We’ve brought those rules in-house to a sole playbook that everyone abides by.”

Bernadette (Bernie) O'Rourke, extension youth livestock specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the animal science departments said, “Wisconsin appreciates the opportunity for our youth to take part in the long tradition of Aksarben. We anticipate our youth will benefit from connecting with others and continuing to expand on their knowledge of animals through knowledge and professional contests. “

Officials from Nebraska State Fair, show producer, noted that the show expansion will be a benefit to Grand Island businesses, bringing more people to town. Livestock facilities built in 2010 for Nebraska State Fair will continue to house the show.

The Aksarben Stock Show will be held Sept 26-29, 2019 in Grand Island, NE. For more information visit http://AksarbenStockShow.com. Families with questions can contact Greg Harder at gharder@showaksarben.com or at 308-385-3968

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Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

Nebraska 4-H has expanded the state recognition system.

The Diamond Clover and Nebraska Gives Back have the biggest change. All information is

available on the website at https://4h.unl.edu/recognition-awards.

Diamond Clover

INDIVIDUAL AWARD

The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover pro-gram encourages 4-H members to engage

in a variety of projects and activities that will help them acquire life skills necessary to lead successful lives as

a competent, caring, and contributing citizen. The program consists of six levels that require a

4-H member to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate

accomplishments.

Nebraska 4-H Gives Back

INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP AWARD

The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program is an opportunity for a

Nebraska 4-H member or a team of 4-H’ers to make a meaningful

contribution to their community. This award recognizes the impact that 4-H

youth make in their communities and celebrates the

spirit of service-learning, a pillar of the 4-H experience.

Programs of Excellence

GROUP AWARD

Nebraska 4-H Programs of Excellence is an award program designed to recognize 4-H groups, such as afterschool programs, school

enrichment, or special programs, for providing high-quality educational

experiences. Three levels are offered based upon the time spent

instructional mode.

Club of the Month

GROUP AWARD

The Nebraska 4-H Club of the Month program recognizes 4-H Clubs through-out the state of Nebraska. Any 4-H club

may nominate themselves, and nominations are due the second Friday of each month. Clubs of the Month receive a

$50 cash card from the Nebraska 4-H Foundation.

Clubs of Excellence

GROUP AWARD

The Nebraska 4-H Club of Excellence program is designed to recognize and celebrate 4-H Clubs for successfully

encouraging and empowering members. Clubs must meet a certain set of criteria

and document how this criterion was met. Clubs must apply annually.

Governor's Ag Excellence Award

GROUP AWARD

The purpose of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards, sponsored by the

Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) is to recognize 4-H clubs for the work of the individuals in the club and

the community service work of the entire club.

National 4-H Congress

INDIVIDUAL AWARD

National 4-H Congress is an award program which provides recognition to

4-H youth for their outstanding performances and achievements in

4-H. Nebraska 4-H awards 23 delegates each year with partial scholarships, as well as additional alternates who may attend at their own expense. Delegates

are selected using the Annual Achievement Application.

National 4-H Conference

INDIVIDUAL AWARD

National 4-H Conference is the annual premiere national civic engagement

opportunity for 4-H members across the country. Nebraska 4-H may send two

delegates each year. Delegates are selected using the Annual Achievement

Application and interviews.

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National 4-H Youth in Action Awards

INDIVIDUAL AWARD

The 4-H Youth in Action program recognizes four confident young leaders in the core pillar areas:

agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM. Each pillar winner

will experience an exciting year of telling their 4-H story and celebrating their

leadership. Each winner also receives a $5,000 scholarship. One pillar winner

will be selected as the 4-H Youth In Action National Award Winner and will

receive an additional scholarship.

Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

The opportunities listed are general and not specific for any particular project or project area.

However, additional awards and recognition are available for youth who wish to participate

in competitive events, shows, and contests which may be related to specific 4-H projects or

project areas.

Awards and recognition listed are specifically for youth participants. However,

additional volunteer awards and recognition are also available for adult volunteers, club leaders,

and project leaders.

Omaha Fashion Week

Over the last 10 years, Omaha Fashion Week has grown to the nation’s 5th largest fashion event. In addition to supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region, Omaha Fashion Week supports young fashion designers by providing mentoring, educational opportunities, and a professional platform to showcase work. Nebraska 4-H is once again partnering with Omaha Fashion Week during their Spring Showcase. OFW Student Night will take place on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 and will exclusively feature student designers, including a 4-H collection. This collection will consist of 10 to 12 garments from across the state. Each garment will be modeled by the 4-H member who made it. In order to create a complete and dynamic collection, interested 4-H members are invited to apply to participate in the show. The 4-H collection will be curated based upon the selection criteria as listed below. Student Night Details: When: Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Where: Omaha Design Center (near TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha) Hair and Make-up will be scheduled for all models starting at 2:00 p.m. Runway rehearsal will take place at 5:30 p.m. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and will end around 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are free to students who show their Student ID or are $10 for non-students. For more information about Omaha Fashion Week or to purchase tickets to this night or the entire week, visit http://omahafashionweek.com. Selection Criteria: • Participants must be current 4-H members. • Preference will be given to garments that were exhibited at the 2018 Nebraska State Fair. • Garments should be fashion forward, runway appropriate and display high quality construction. • Creativity and attention to detail are highly scrutinized in garment selection. To Apply: Complete the following application form: https://go.unl.edu/ofw2019. Applications are due January 11th.

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Fair Book Changes for 2019

The following changes have been approved for 2019. Please review. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Extension Office or 4-H Council Member.

Poultry is Wednesday and Rabbit is Thursday both start at 8am

Round Robin Past winners can compete Can win more than once Data and Rate of Gain Contests Must pre-register for Stall Fee Increase Up fees to Sheep, Swine, Goats $7; Cattle-$10;

Poultry/Rabbits-$2 Champion Row No champion row-champion signs will be animal's

Pens Exhibitors are responsible for putting signs up and

returning will forfeit their sale money Underweight animals in showmanship are Only allowed if this is your only animal project in that organization (FFA/4-H) and species. These approved animals are only kept on the fairgrounds until immediately after the showmanship class. Example- A member has a 4-H breeding sheep and a 4-H market sheep that does not make weight and no other animals. The breeding sheep will be the animal they show in showmanship. .

Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

2019 National Youth Summit on Photography Skills & Careers

National 4-H Conference Center is pleased to announce the arrival of the 4-H Photography Skills & Careers

Summit to the National 4-H Conference Center. This totally new program is ramping up to be the one national

4-H event you won’t want to miss! Join delegates from across the country to explore emerging photography

careers and related skills necessary for entry into tomorrow’s workforce. Sample mini-tracks to include sports

photography, forensic science, photographic arts, nature photography, photo-technology, medical

photography, photo-editing, photojournalism, space and military photography and show-animal photography.

The National Youth Summit on Photography Skills & Careers will be held February 28 through March 3, 2019.

It is a national conference for high school students, grades 9 through 12. It’s designed for both the casual and

experienced photographer. They’ll hear from leaders in the field of photography about advancements in

technology, emerging photo-techniques, and the role of social media and responsible posting.

Attendees will be immersed in an agenda that’s loaded with mini-tracks, career roundtables, and off-campus

experiences in the surrounding DC area to learn and grow. In addition, all attendees will experience our

“Selfie 101” capstone event providing an evening of off-campus photo assignments while exploring the sights

of our nation’s capital. Plus, all attendees will participate in a live social media event to launch the newly

revised National 4-H Photography project series sponsored by the 4-H Mall.

Registration is open! Register and find out more information at www.NationalYouthSummits.org. Registration closes on February 8, 2019.

Swine Breeding Gilt-Keep as Exhibition, breeding

swine will be one of your four animals No preset weight breakdowns for weight

divisions Sheep No changes Meat Goats No changes - Make sure 8 am start time is in fairbook Beef No changes Horse Delete flag race

Look for more changes in February newsletter

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Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

Scotts Bluff County 4-H Holds Achievement Celebration

Scotts Bluff County 4-H held the annual Achievement Celebration on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the University of Nebraska’s Panhandle Research and Extension Center. The Hawaiian themed event was held to celebrate the end of a successful 4-H year and to award and honor volunteers, leaders, and 4-H members. In addition, the 4-H Council for 2019 was elected at this event. The 4-H Council, in collaboration with Extension staff, determines the needs of 4-H youth in the county and how to meet those needs. This is done through program planning, policy making, resource development, linkages within the program and in the community, and accountability. The volunteers who serve on the 4-H Council take on the roles and tasks to ensure that this 4-H program empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. As per the Constitution and By-Laws of the 4-H Council, officers are elected by ballot at the 4-H Achievement event by 4-H membership at large to begin their term in January of the following year. The 4-H Council members elected for 2019 are President – Paul Callenius (Scottsbluff), Vice-President – Lucienne Keller (Lyman), Secretary – Tanya Lake (Morrill), Treasurer – Julie Lane (Mitchell), Youth Representatives Autumn Pittman (Morrill) and Justin Keller (Lyman). Youth award highlights include: The Outstanding 4-H Member Award is the highest award a member can receive and is based on their activities and accomplishments in 4-H. One award is presented each year to a 4-H member who is 16 to 18 years of age by January 1 of the current year. The recipient receives a plaque and a $250 college scholarship. Alexis Souza (Morrill) is the recipient of this award for 2018. The “I Dare You” Leadership Award was first offered to young people in the United States in 1941 by William H. Danforth, founder of the Ralston Purina Company. He dared young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of leadership and service. The I Dare You Award recognizes those who, with a little encouragement, are ready to see themselves as leaders—young adults who are ready to take the dare. Qualifying 4- H members are 16 to 18 years old by January 1 of the current year and have demonstrated personal integrity, lead well-rounded lives and possess a willingness to assume responsibility. They do not need to hold leadership positions currently but are recognized by their peers and adults who work with them as emerging leaders. Recipients receive an award and a $200 college scholarship. The recipients of the I Dare You Award for 2018 are Angela Arriaga (Scottsbluff), Teagan Flick (Morrill), Allyson Gion (Scottsbluff) and Katelan Rogers (Lyman), The 4-H Career Portfolio is the annual record-keeping system used by Nebraska Youth. It is a composite of all 4-H and non-4-H projects and activities throughout the individual’s 4-H career. The overall portfolio winner recognizes two members at each level who have done an outstanding job in documenting their 4-H career. These members receive certificates and cash awards of $50 for 1st place and $25 for 2nd place. This year’s winners are: 1st Place Junior Division (Communications & Expressive Arts, Science & Technology) – Justin Keller (Lyman) 2nd Place Junior Division (Animal Science) – Ethan Bomberger (Pine Bluffs, WY) 1st Place Senior Division (Animal Science) – Jessica Wilkinson (Morrill) 2nd Place Senior Division (Leadership & Citizenship) – Autumn Pittman (Morrill) Additional Career Portfolio Awards awarded: Junior Division Animal Science – Malissa Armstrong (Scottsbluff), Laurence Keller (Lyman), MacCormick Riesen (Minatare), Justin Vance (Minatare), Jake Wilkinson (Morrill) Junior Division Consumer & Family Science – Emily Knouse (Melbeta), Sheridan Lathrop (Scottsbluff), Justine Wilkinson (Morrill) Junior Division Healthy Lifestyles, Communications & Expressive Arts - Gabriella Anderson (Mitchell) Senior Division Animal Science – Katie Colson (Bayard), Addison Lashley (Mitchell), Kathryn Vance (Minatare) Senior Division Consumer & Family Science - Mirka Anguiano (Bayard) Senior Division Citizenship & Leadership, Communications & Expressive Arts - Alexis Souza (Morrill).

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Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Program is designed to encourage 4-H youth to engage in a variety of projects and activities that will enable members to acquire the life skills necessary to lead successful lives as competent, caring and contributing citizens. The program’s overall goal is to provide 4-H members a rich and diverse learning experience. The program consists of six levels that require a 4-H member to plan and report a broad range of age appropriate accomplishments. The program is designed to enable every 4-H member willing to exert the effort an opportunity to be recognized, regardless of how they are involved in 4-H. An Amethyst Clover pin awarded to Jake Wilkinson (Morrill) Aquamarine Clover pins awarded to Laurence Keller (Lyman), Addison Lashley (Mitchell) and Sheridan Lathrop (Scottsbluff) Ruby Clover pins awarded to Justin Keller (Lyman) and Justine Wilkinson (Morrill) Sapphire Clover pins awarded to Mirka Anguiano (Bayard), Autumn Pittman (Morrill) and Jessica Wilkinson (Morrill) The appearance of animals at the county fair is the first impression the public has of 4-H and the livestock industry. The focus of good herdsmanship is teamwork, showing pride in their animal exhibits, and learning to pick-up and take care of the area. Herdsmanship also includes proper care of animals, making sure there is enough water and the pens are clean. Herdsmanship awards are given to 4-H Clubs and individual 4-H members for excelling in these efforts. Beef Herdsmanship Award - Panhandle Livestock 4-H Club – Leader Lanna Hubbard (Mitchell) Meat Goat Herdsmanship Award – Just Kidding Around 4-H Club – Leader Carolyn Thomas (Scottsbluff) Sheep Herdsmanship Award and All Around Herdsmanship Award - Fairview 50 4-H Club – Leader Kate Schmer (Minatare) Swine Herdsmanship Award - Four L 4-H Club – Leader Cindy Schmidt (Minatare) Individual 4-H members recognized for excellence in herdsmanship are: Priscilla Alfaro (Scottsbluff), Jacque Bowles (Scottsbluff), Clayton Haug (Pine Bluffs, WY), James Klemp (Gering), Joslyn Paben (McGrew), Kate Pieper (Mitchell), Emma Robbins (Morrill), Hayden Schmer (Minatare), Katie Vance (Minatare), and Madyson Tarr (Scottsbluff). The Tom Holman Spirit of 4-H Award is to honor the memory of Tom Holman, long-time Extension Educator in Scotts Bluff County. It is given to 4-H members in their first few years of membership who are trying out a variety of project areas, learn by doing, and show the true spirit of the 4-H program. This award was presented to Mirka Anguiano (Bayard). The New Horizons 4-H Award is given to a young volunteer who is a recent 4-H alumni. 4-H has made an impact on their lives so they have decided to give back to the program as volunteers and are already making a difference in the 4-H program. The New Horizons award was presented to Luis Cordova (Scottsbluff). Leaders are the foundation of the 4-H program. Leaders teach many important life skills, help youth learn by doing, voluntarily give of their caring and kind words and provide opportunities to succeed and fail in a safe environment. Special pins are awarded in five year intervals to volunteers who continue to be committed to the 4-H Program. Receiving pins this year: Five years (silver pin) - Katherine Esselstein (Mitchell Valley 4-H Club), Jacqueline Hartman (North Stars 4-H Club), Brooke Heine (Mitchell Valley Rabbit Hopping Club), Steve Mount (Western Nebraska Shooting Sports), Jarrett Ratliff and Kelly Ratliff (Scotts Bluff County Shooters) and Julie Wilkinson (Just Kidding Around 4-H Club) Ten years (gold pin) - Chris Cannon (Bit & Spur 4-H Club) Twenty years (diamond pin) - Dustan Keener (Mitchell Valley 4-H Club) Special recognition for over thirty years of 4-H leader-ship: Juanita Baker, Val Baker and Corlyus Treffer (Bit & Spur 4-H Club), Sandra Sue Suhr (Scotts Bluff County Shooters 4-H Club)

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Scotts Bluff County 4-H Newsletter - December 2018

Nebraska Extension in Scotts Bluff County

4-H Extension Assistants: Jana Schwartz, jschwartz2@unl.edu, Leo Sierra Extension Educators: Jackie Guzman, Gary Stone Office Manager: Stacy Brown Secretary/Receptionist: Jeanne Yeoman

The Leaders of the Year Award recognizes an enrolled 4-H volunteer leader. This person or persons may be a club leader, project leader, special interest leader, community leader or a resource leader. Natalie Creech (Mitchell) was recognized as 4-H Leader of the Year for all of her time, hard work, contributions and support of 4-H as the leader of the Sew Cool 4-H Club. The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service made a significant contribution to the 4-H program. The recipient does not need to be an enrolled 4-H volunteer leader. This award was presented to Lucienne, Justin and Laurence Keller (Morrill) and to Jessie Lopez (Scottsbluff) received this award for 2018. The Friend of 4-H Award recognizes someone who has been a true friend in providing significant support to the 4-H program. Friend of 4-H Awards were presented to Donna Garl (Mitchell) and to Lorna Davis (Gering). First year 4-H members, graduating senior 4-H members and Clover Kids received awards. The Clover Kids are 4-Hers who are 5 to 7 years old and who participate in hands-on activities designed to build lots of different skills. This is a strictly non-competitive program with the emphasis on fun and learning. Scotts Bluff County 4-H would like to thank the Achievement Committee – Julie Lane, Wendi Callenius, Paul Callenius, Tanya Lake, Patty Pittman, Autumn Pittman, Alexis Souza, and Jana Schwartz and the 4-H Junior Leaders Club for all of their work to make this event happen. Special thanks to Paul Callenius for serving as the emcee for the program and to Lucienne Keller for taking photos.

Upcoming Events

Winter Holiday - Extension Office Closed - December 24-January 1

4-H & FFA Beef Weigh-in - January 5, 1:00-3:00pm, UNL Feedlot

Year End Club Reports Due - January 15

FLL Robotics Competition - January 19 in Sidney

Extension Office Closed - MLK Jr Day - January 21

Last Day to Pick up Premium Money - January 25

Panhandle Best BB Gun & Air Rifle Competition - TBA

4-H Council - January 28 at 6:00pm, PREC

FEBRUARY - Nebraska 4-H Month

4-H & FFA Beef Weigh-in - February 16, 1:00-3:00pm, UNL Feedlot

4-H & FFA Beef Weigh-in (Storm Date) - February 23, 1:00-3:00pm, UNL Feedlot

Scotts Bluff County Panhandle Research and Extension Center 4502 Avenue I Scottsbluff, NE 69361 Phone: 308-632-1480 Fax: 308-632-1481 Office Hours: M-F, 8am-5pm http://scottsbluff-morrill.unl.edu