Wells County 4-H Fair

N-B Video: "Fair"-y tales

2011-08-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a few more memories of the 2011 Wells County 4-H Fair, and if you want to see more, we have plenty of other videos on this blog. (Videos by Chet Baumgartner)

‪2011 4-H Spirit — Part 2‬

2011-07-25T14:01:00.002-07:00

4-H members showed their spirit with gallons of dirty water, greased water melons and lots of hay bales. Welcome to the 2011 4-H Fair Spirit Night. For more Spirit Night fun, go to our Sunday, July 17, blog.

‪2011 4-H Fair Krinn Award‬

2011-07-25T14:01:00.001-07:00

Shelby Meyer received the annual Kane Krinn Award during the annual 4-H Livestock Auction. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: 2011 4-H Fair Royal Showmanship Winner

2011-07-21T10:03:00.003-07:00

Jayde Sills talks about her win for Royal Showmanship and about the honor of winning the award named after her grandfather Jack Sills. (Video by Devan Filchak)

N-B Video: 2011 4-H Fair Kids Pedal Pull

2011-07-21T10:03:00.001-07:00

The Bluffton Optimist Club held a kids pedal pull. Here three finalists are having a pull-off for the 51-60 lbs. group.

2011 4-H Talent Show — Part 1

2011-07-20T12:32:00.001-07:00

Keep checking throughout the week for more talent. (Video by Barbara Barbieri)

N-B Video: 2011 4-H Chalk Art

2011-07-19T13:19:00.002-07:00

Watch as children turn the 4-H Park into a giant canvas Tuesday morning. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: 2011 4-H Fair Miss Wells County Dance

2011-07-19T13:19:00.001-07:00

The 2011 Miss Wells County candidates come on stage — in style. (Video by Devan Filchak)

N-B Video: 2011 4-H Fair Three Miss Wells County queens in one family

2011-07-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

The newest Miss Wells County, Kristen Murray, is no stranger to local royalty: Two of her sisters have also claimed the crown. (Video by Devan Filchak)

N-B Video: 2011 4-H Fair Musical Idol

2011-07-18T14:11:00.001-07:00

Five musical acts from Bluffton and Southern Wells performed at the 4-H Fair during the inaugural Musical Idol. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: 2011 4-H BBQ Cookoff

2011-07-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

From pineapples to bacon to peppers, four teams tried to make the perfect hamburger during the second-annual BBQ cookoff. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: 2011 4-H Projects

2011-07-18T14:09:00.002-07:00

See a giant bumblebee, a tesla coil and more when you explore the 2011 4-H projects in the Expo Hall in the Wells County Community Building. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video 2011 4-H Fair Horse and Pony judging

2011-07-18T14:09:00.001-07:00

Video by Paul Beitler

N-B Video: 2011 Wells County 4-H Parade

2011-07-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Grab a lawn chair, find some shade and enjoy the 2011 Wells County 4-H Parade.

N-B Video: 2011 4-H Spirit

2011-07-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

4-H members show their spirit last night with gallons of dirty water, greased water melons and lots of hay bales. Welcome to the 2011 4-H Fair Spirit Night. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: 2011 4-H ambassadors

2011-07-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Wells County 2011 4-H Fair announced its royalty for the week Saturday evening. (Video by Frank Shanly)

N-B Video: 2011 Caley Award winners

2011-07-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Wells County 2011 4-H Fair announced the Caley Award recipients for the year Saturday evening. (Video by Frank Shanly)

4-H 5K Fun Run/Walk

2011-07-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Watch the beginning of the beginning, as the official 4-H week began with the annual 5K Fun/Run Walk

4-H Grand Champions of the Day

2011-07-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 14

Melody Fox, Jefferson, dog obedience

Complete 2011 4-H Fair schedule

2011-07-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, JULY 16

7:30 a.m. – 4-H 5K Fun Run/Walk, Stage Area (Spring St. entrance closed for run)
9:00 a.m. – Horse & Pony Show. (Western Riding & Reining, Halter & Showmanship)
10:00 a.m. – Community Center, Expo Hall Open
11:00 a.m. – 4-H Sewing & Consumer Clothing Fashion Revue, Community Center Room 1 & 2
1:30 p.m. – Cat Show, Community Center Room 1 & 2
3:00-4:00 p.m. – 4-H Action Demonstrations, Community Center
4:00-8:00 p.m. – Barbecue, sponsored by Wells Co. Farm Bureau, Food Pavilion
4:00 p.m. – Wells County 4-H Foundation Bake Sale Check-in, Community Center Canopy
5:00 p.m. – Parade Lineup at Bluffton Regional South Parking Lots
5:00 p.m. – Wells County 4-H Foundation Bake Sale, Community Center Canopy
6:00 p.m. – Parade leaves Bluffton Regional South Parking Lot
6:30 p.m. – Grand Parade in front of Grandstand (4-H Units, Floats, Bands, Merchants, etc.)
7:00-9:00 p.m. – 4-H Foundation Fun Activities, Exhibit Area
7:30 p.m. – Presentation of 4-H Ten Year & Caley Memorial Awards. Announcement of Wells County 4-H Ambassadors, Stage Area (Bring lawn chairs)
8:00 p.m. – 4-H Spirit Night, Grandstand

SUNDAY, JULY 17

Honor America Day
Sponsored by Farm Credit Services
7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – Pancake & Sausage Breakfast, Food Pavilion. Sponsored by Farm Bureau Young Farmers
9:00 a.m. – Community Worship Service, Community Center, Rooms 1 & 2
9:30 a.m. – Horse & Pony Show Western Performance, Trail
2:00-8:00 p.m. – Log Cabin Open
2:00 p.m. – Rabbit Ambassador Judging, Rabbit & Poultry Barn
3:00 p.m. – Sheep Judging, Livestock Area
4:00-6:00 p.m. – BBQ Cookoff, 4-H Exhibit Area
4:00 -6:00 p.m. – Music Idols from Bluffton and Southern Wells High Schools, Stage Area
6:30 p.m. – BBQ Cookoff Award Presentation
6:30-9:00 p.m. – 4-H Foundation Fun Activities, Exhibit Area
6:30 p.m. – Horse & Pony Fun Show, Grandstand
7:00 p.m. – Gospel Music featuring "Heavens Harmony" and "Common Ground." Stage Area (Bring lawn chairs). Rain Site, Quonset Building

MONDAY, JULY 18

Senior Citizen Day
Sponsored by Pretzels Inc.
8:00 a.m. – Rabbit Judging, Rabbit & Poultry Building
9:00 a.m. – Horse & Pony Show (Senior Versatility)
2:00 p.m. – Photo Session for 4-H Champions, Community Center Expo Hall Stage
4:00-7:00 p.m. – Chicken BBQ Supper, sponsored by Wells Co. Chamber of Commerce, Food Pavilion
5:00 p.m. – Dairy Beef Show, Livestock Arena
5:00-8:00 p.m. – Log Cabin Open
6:00 p.m. – Dairy Feeder Calf Show, Livestock Arena
6:00 p.m. – Horse & Pony Show, Junior Contesting
6:30-9:00 p.m. – 4-H Foundation Fun Activities, Exhibit Area
7:00 p.m. – Log Cabin Program, "Story of the Monarch Butterfly"
7:00 p.m. – Miss Wells County Queen Pageant, Stage Area (Bring lawn chairs)

TUESDAY, JULY 19

Family Fun Day
Sponsored by Bill's Roofing & Siding, Inc.
8:30 a.m. – Swine Judging, Livestock Arena
9:00 a.m. – Horse & Pony Show (Junior Versatility)
9:00 a.m.-Noon – Flower & Vegetable Show Check-in Community Center, Rooms 1 & 2
10:00 a.m. – "Chalk It Up", Chalk Art Activity, in front of Quonset Building, Following 4-H Swine Show Adult Swine Showmanship Show for ages 19 and over
4:30-7:30 p.m. – Pork Chop BBQ Supper, sponsored by Bluffton Optimist Club, Food Pavilion
5:00-8:00 p.m. – Log Cabin Open
5:00-6:30 p.m. – Sound Check for the Talent Show Participants, Stage Area
5:30 p.m. – Goat Show, Livestock Arena
6:00 p.m. – Horse & Pony Show, Senior Contesting
6:30-9:00 p.m. – 4-H Foundation Fun Activities, Exhibit Area
6:30 p.m. – Norwell High School Dance Team, Stage Area (Bring lawn chairs)
6:30-8:30 p.m. – Meet the 4-H Dog Club, Exhibit Area
7:00 p.m. – Log Cabin Program, "Roadside Weeds and their Pioneer Uses"
7:30 p.m. – 4-H Talent Show, Stage Area (Bring lawn chairs)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

Tobacco Free Day
Rem Johnston Printing Co. - David Moss
9:00 a.m. – Poultry Judging, Rabbit & Poultry Building
9:00 a.m. – Beef Judging, Livestock Arena
11:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch, Southern Wells Community Church, Food Pavilion
2:00 p.m. – Dairy Show, Livestock Arena
4:00-8:00 p.m. – Haystack or Loaded Baked Potato, Southern Wells Community Church, Food Pavilion
5:00-8:00 p.m. – Log Cabin Open
5:00 p.m. – Horse & Pony Fun Show, Grandstand
6:00 p.m. – Kids Pedal Pull - Registration (Front of Quonset Building)
6:00 p.m. – Grand Champion Award Presentation, Archery Club Awards, Expo Hall Stage
6:30-9:00 p.m. – 4-H Foundation Fun Activities, Exhibit Area
6:30 p.m. – Photo Session for 4-H Champions, Community Center Expo Hall Stage
6:30 p.m. – Kids Pedal Pull in front of Quonset Building. Sponsored by Bluffton Optimist Club (Bring lawn chairs)
7:00 p.m. – 4-H Livestock Royal Showmanship Contest, Livestock Arena
7:00 p.m. – Log Cabin Program, "The Story of the Monarch Butterfly"
7:30 p.m. – "Nostalgia" featuring classic rock music, Stage Area (Bring lawn chairs)
8:00 p.m. – Horse & Pony Award Presentation, Grandstand
9:00 p.m. – Horse & Pony Released
10:00 p.m.- 12 Midnight – Release of Livestock Except Auction Animals

THURSDAY, JULY 21

Volunteer Day
Sponsored by United REMC
6:00 a.m.-12 Noon – Release of Livestock Except Auction Animals
12:00 Noon-2:00 p.m. – Flower and Vegetable Pick-up, Community Center, Rooms 1 & 2
2:00 p.m. – Premier Auction (Champion Crops, Foods & Garden) Livestock Arena
3:00-7:00 p.m. – Auction Buyers Hospitality, Livestock Arena
3:30 p.m. – 4-H Livestock Auction, Livestock Arena (Sale order - Dairy Beef, Sheep, Dairy Feeder, Goat, Poultry, Swine, 4-H Foundation, Rabbit, Beef & Dairy)
4:00-8:00 p.m. – 4-H Projects released from 4-H Expo Hall, Community Center
6:30-9:00 p.m. – 4-H Foundation Fun Activities, Exhibit Area
7:00 p.m. – Log Cabin Program "Roadside Weeds and their Pioneer Uses"
7:30 p.m. – "Savannah Jack" Country Music Band, Stage Area (Bring lawn chairs)

Wells County Extension Homemakers sponsor open class cookie competition at 2011 4-H Fair

2011-07-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

The Wells County Extension Homemakers will once again sponsor the Open Class Cookie Competition on July 14th, with registration beginning at 5:00 and judging from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.

This competition is open to anyone and everyone, any age, anyone may compete. There is no entry fee.

Any type, any kind of cookies can be entered. Enter as many different types as you so choose. Six cookies per exhibit entry. Include the recipe but do not put your name on the card.

The “Top 10” cookies will be selected with no ranking or order of placing. The Top 10 will be of equal status with a “Ribbon of Distinction” placed on display at the Wells County 4-H Fair which is being held July 16-21, 2011 at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton.

Open Class Competition Committee Members will not be eligible to enter cookies in the judging competition.

If you have any questions about the Cookie Competition, call the Wells County office of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service at 260-824-6412.

4-H Extension Calendar for July

2011-07-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

July 8: Parade and Livestock Pen forms due at County Extension Office
July 9: 4-H Poultry Blood Testing, Cookhouse Patio, 4-H Park, 9:30 – 12:30 PM
July 9: 4-H Park Work Day, 8:30 AM – 12 Noon
July 10: Wells County 4-H Junior Leader Food Booth Open House, 4-H Park, 3 PM
July 11: 4-H Foods Judging, Community Center, Registration, 5:30 PM, Judging, 6 PM
July 12: 4-H Fair Talent Show forms due at County Extension Office
July 12: 4-H Expo Hall Set Up for Fair, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM
July 12: Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM
July 12: Wells County 4-H Leaders, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8 PM
July 13: 4-H Project Check In, Community Center, 2 – 9 PM – BRING YOUR CERTIFICATE
July 13: Livestock Barn Set Up, 6 PM
July 14: 4-H Exhibit Judging, Community Center, 9 AM, Volunteers arrive at 8:15 AM
July 15: Livestock Check In, 4 – 9 PM, North Drive – BRING YOUR CERTIFICATE
July 16 – 21: WELLS COUNTY 4-H FAIR
July 19 – 21: Flower & Vegetable Show at 4-H Fair (Forms available at County Extension Office)
July 22: 4-H Fair Clean Up, 4-H Park
July 23: Iron Kid Triathlon, Stage Area, Awards, 9 AM

Ultimate burger cook off scheduled for 4-H Fair

2011-07-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

This year’s BBQ contest will feature the “Ultimate Burger Cook Off.” The event will be held Sunday, July 17, 4:00-6:00pm at the 4-H Fair in Bluffton. Rules for the event include:

Entries will consist of up to 3 people on a team. All grilling must take place between 4-6PM at the 4-H Park.
Each team will provide its own charcoal or propane grill, cooking utensils, tables tent and supplies, etc. to be used exclusively by that team within the assigned 10x10 cooking space.
Participants may set up between 2:00pm-4:00pm & your meat preparations may begin during this time. Additives and special toppings can be used with this year’s burgers.
Teams may begin grilling anytime after 4:00 PM on contest day. Teams must present their entries to the judges at 6:00 PM.
Judging results will be announced at approximately 6:30 at the stage.
In keeping with the “fun” aspect of this contest, teams can choose a team name and a theme.
Participants will be provided with ground hamburger which will be used in the contest.
The burgers will be judged by a panel for appearance, doneness, taste and texture.
The Top three teams will be awarded prizes.

Special thanks to Lengerich Meats, Heyerly’s Market Gerber Locker for providing the Hamburger that will be used in the contest.

For more information about the contest and a form, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Extension Service at the 4-H Park, Bluffton 824-6412.

Pennville Legion-Lions fair youth livestock shows

2011-07-05T09:27:00.002-07:00

The Pennville Livestock Shows will be held July 5-10 at the Pennville Park. All youth shows are open to any youth that was enrolled in grades 3-12 as of May 2011, Horse show any age. Entry fee is $5.00 per head for sheep, swine, and goat; $1 rabbit exhibitor plus $0.50 per rabbit.

RABBIT SHOW
Tuesday July 5, 2011
Sign in starts at 4:30 pm. Show 6:00pm
Information call 260-726-5332

SHEEP SHOW
Wednesday July 6, 2011
Sign in starts at 4:30pm Show 6:00pm
Information call 260-729-1195

SWINE SHOW
Thursday July 7, 2011
Sign in starts at 4:30pm Show 6:00pm
Information call 260-729-1195

MEAT GOAT SHOW
Friday July 8, 2011
Sign in starts at 4:30pm Show 6:00pm
Information call 260-729-1195

DOG SHOW
Saturday July 9, 2011
Sign in starts at 8:00 am
Information call 260-726-6896

OPEN HORSE SHOW
Saturday July 9, 2011
Sign in starts at 8:00 am Show 9:00am
At Larry Moser’s
Information 260-731-2481

4-H Sewing and Foods Judging Set

2011-07-05T09:27:00.001-07:00

Many 4-H members are busy preparing exhibits for some of the pre-fair judging events which will be held prior to the annual Wells County 4-H Fair, July 16-21.

4-H Sewing, Consumer Clothing, and Fashion Revue will be held Thursday, July 7th at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park in Bluffton. Check in begins at 5:30 PM and judging begins at 6PM.

4-H Foods judging will be held Monday, July 11th at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park in Bluffton. Check in begins at 5:30 PM and judging starts at 6 PM.

Members are reminded that they need to bring their “project Completion Certificate” with them to judging. The certificate was obtained when the leader checks the member’s 4-H manual and record on or before July 1st.

All judging events are open to public and are free.

For more information, contact a 4-H volunteer or the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 260-824-6412.

POULTRY BLOOD TESTING SCHEDULED

2011-07-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Wells County Members are reminded of the health requirements for poultry which includes proof (certificate) that the bird originated from a National Poultry Improvement Program (NPIP) approved flock or a negative blood test for pullorum-typhiod within 90 days of the fair. Members should plan to bring their birds to the blood testing, Saturday, July 9th, 9:30-12:30pm at the 4-H Park Cookhouse Patio. To arrange a special time, contact Stasha Carney 273-5290. The blood test is free.

Only birds not from a NPIP flock need to be tested. Waterfowl, turkeys and quail do not need to be tested.

Local veterinarians can also do the blood testing.

Salmonella pullorum and gallinarum (pullorum typhoid) are bacterial diseases that can produce heavy losses in chickens, turkeys and sometimes other poultry. Losses are greatest in very young birds, but can be seen at almost any age. Survivors of these infections remain carriers for life and can become sources of infections for other birds. As a result, chicks are hatched with the infection and frequently die.

These diseases can be prevented by purchasing stock from hatcheries and breeder sources listed as participants of the National Poultry Improvement Program (NPIP).

For more information about the Poultry Health Requirements, contact the Indiana Board of Animal Health 317-227-0320, or the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 260-824-6412.

4-H Ambassador Forms Due June 29

2011-06-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Applications are now available for the 4-H Ambassador Contest. The contest has two age categories for 4-H members: junior ambassador, grades 7-9, and smbassador, grades 10-12, as of January 1 of the current year.

Selection is based on personal interview and overall 4-H record as submitted on the application. Interviews for the event will be held Wednesday, July 6th, at 6:30PM at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park.

The 4-H Ambassador Contest results will be announced at the opening evening events, Saturday July 16th, 7:30 PM. Applications are available at the Extension service web page at www.extension.purdue.edu/wells or at the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service or for more information call 824-6412. Forms are due June 29th.

4-H Record Book Deadline July 1

2011-06-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

Wells County 4-H members are busy finishing their project manuals and records (what can be completed) so that they can be checked by the 4-H Club Leader on or before July 1. Once members have their manuals and records checked, the 4-H Club Leader will issue them a signed certificate stating they have completed the required activities. This certificate will be shown upon check-in at the 4-H Fair Expo Hall (non livestock projects) and at the 4-H Park West Road (livestock projects). Dog and cat exhibits will be checked at a June workshop or club meeting. Members who do not have a signed certificate from their leaders will not be able to check their 4-H projects in at the 4-H Fair.

Livestock members should complete as much of the feed record sheet as they can. Once the 4-H Auction is finished you will be able to finish your record and turn it in.

Club boxes will be on display in the Community Center for members to turn in the finished record notebooks and folders during the 4-H Fair.

Mini 4-H members rules remain the same. They simply complete their project exhibit and bring it to the 4-H fair.

The Wells County 4-H Council along with the 4-H Association and 4-H Leaders all endorse the July 1 rule, which helps encourage youth to complete their entire projects. For more information about record books, check your Wells County 4-H rule book or contact your 4-H club leader or the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 260-824-6412

4-H Livestock Health Rules Announced

2011-06-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health will not be requiring a “Certificate of Veterinary Inspection” for the livestock show this year. This policy was started in 2007 and will continue this year. What this means for many 4-H exhibitors is that they will not have to have their local veterinarian look at the animals and write a CVI as was done for many years. It will be up to the livestock exhibitors to carefully monitor their animals during the summer months. Most county fairs will still have a veterinarian, and their livestock shows are now required to record animal identification numbers for cattle, swine, sheep, and goats. This is done in order to locate various animals and exhibitors in the event of some type of livestock disease outbreak.

For more information about your counties' livestock health requirements, contact the Indiana State Board of Health at 1-877-747-3038, your local 4-H rule book or your veterinarian.

4-H Caley Award Forms Due July 1

2011-06-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

Two Wells County 4-H members will be selected for this year’s Caley Memorial Award at the annual 4-H Fair, July 16-21. 4-H members 14 years of age or older can be considered for the award.

Judging is based on the following: 4-H, 45%; school, 20%; community service, 20%; church or youth group, 15%.

The award will consist of a $500 scholarship. Selection will be announced on Saturday, July 16th, at 7:30 PM on the opening day of the 4-H Fair.

The Caley Memorial Award is presented in honor of members of the Caley family, who were killed in an automobile accident in 1965 on their way to the 4-H Fair. Bill, the father, and four children — Kirby, Kent, Kris and Kevin — were all killed. Their mother, Marge, survived.

Applications for the award are available at the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 1240 S 4-H Road, Bluffton, IN 46714. For more information call 824-6412.

Applications and recommendations are due July 1.

4-H Fair Talent Show to be held July 19th

2011-06-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Entry forms are now available for the 4-H Talent Show which will be held on July 19 at 7:30 PM at the Wells County 4-H Fair.
Participants must be enrolled in 4-H in Wells County. Age groups include Class A (grades 1-2), Class B (grades 3-6) and Class C (grades 7-12). Categories include vocal, instrumental and other (novelty, dance and clogging.)

Awards will be presented to winners in each category; the Mack Shultz Award will be presented to the top talent winner. The award is presented in memory of Mack Shultz, who was a ten-year 4-H member who loved music. His Air Force jet disappeared off the coast of Florida in the Bermuda Triangle. Mack was the son of the late Shirley and Galen Shultz and brother to Peggy (Norman) Schweikhardt of Warren, Indiana.

Entry forms are available at the Extension service Web page at www.extension.purdue.edu/wells
or at the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service. For more information call 824-6412. Entry forms are due July 11th.

4-H FROZEN FOOD SALE UNDERWAY

2011-04-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

The annual 4-H Frozen Food Sale is underway by Wells County 4-H members and volunteers. Order forms are due March 22 at the Wells County Extension Office located at 1240 S. 4-H Road, Bluffton.

Over 100 items are included in the selection which ranges from frozen fruit and vegetables to fish and chicken. Many of the fruit and vegetables are bulk packaged in ten, twenty, or thirty pound containers. Most of the fruit can be ordered with or without sugar and are excellent for pies and desserts.

Many of the fruit and vegetables are individually quick frozen (IQF) which means you can just pour or scoop out what items you need. Some of the most popular items ordered include: chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, and uncooked; chicken breasts, boneless skinless, and uncooked; Red Tart Cherries, quick frozen so that you can pour out what you need each time; and Raspberries, red and black.

Special offerings during this sale include: meatballs, Italian style; Pollack Fillets; Peaches; Red Raspberries; Potato Wedges; Fruit Variety Pack (strawberries, cherries, and pineapple); and vegetable pack (peas, corn, green beans, and broccoli).

Customer satisfaction is assured by a money back guarantee from Wilson's Zero Foods on all products. Wilson's Zero Foods have been a long time supporter of 4-H and work closely with over 60 counties in Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania with this unique and practical fund raiser.

Food orders should be picked up on Wednesday, April 7th from 2 - 5 PM at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton. Proceeds from the Frozen Food Sales will go to the local 4-H clubs based on the sales and a portion will go to the new Wells County 4-H Junior Leader Food Booth Building Fund.

For more information and an order form, contact any 4-H family or the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 260-824-6412.

4-H ENROLLMENT ACTIVITIES UNDERWAY

2011-03-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

4-H Clubs in Wells County are enrolling members for 2011. Youth may select a township / community club or one of the county clubs.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years.

Enrollment forms for club members are due April 1. The form can be obtained at a club meeting, the County Extension Office (located at the 4-h Park in Bluffton) or on the internet at www.extension.purdue.edu/wells

Youth in first and second grades may join Mini 4-H and work on a project with the help of a parent or adult. Mini 4-H enrollment forms are being distributed at schools in March. Mini 4-H enrollment forms are accepted until May 1.

Youth and parents are invited to attend one of these 4-H Clubs to enroll and collect information for 2011.

Bluffton Area: Hurryin’ Harrisons 4-H Club, March, 7 – 8 PM, 4-H Park Community Center, Bluffton. Leaders Chad & Lisa Sheets, 824-8543.

Northern Wells Area: Jefferson Knightriders 4-H Club, Leader Ronda Flesch, 438-9725;
Lancaster Achievers 4-H Club, March 14, 7 – 8 PM, 4-H Park Community Center, Bluffton. Leaders Rob & Jenni Hoover, 565-3966; Rockcreek Rollers 4-H Club, Leaders James & Cindy Hall, 437-5465.

Southern Wells Area: Chester Chargers 4-H Club, April 4, 3:30 PM; Southern Wells School, Leaders Doug & Aimee Paxson, 765-728-5646; Jackson 4-H Club, March 31, 6:30 – 8 PM, Dillman Church, Leader Kelly Jones, 260-228-0217; Liberty 4-H Club, Leader Carol Herring, 694-6745; Nottingham Nobles 4-H Club, March 12 and April 9, 9:30 – 10:45 AM, Petroleum United Methodist Church. Leader Deena McClure, 346-2898.

Home School Club: PATRIOTS Home School Club, March 12, 10 – 11:30 AM, Mossburg Home. Leader Cindy Mossburg, 758-2272.

Project Clubs:

Horse & Pony Club, April 10, 4 - 5 PM, Wells County 4-H Park. Leaders Rhonda Phillips, 638-4744 and Lisa Toliver, 708-224-7030.

Archery Club, April 19, 7 – 8PM, Wells County 4-H Park. Sign Up; Beginners Meeting, April 26, 6:30 – 8:30 PM; Advanced, April 27, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Leaders Terri & Dan Quinn, 622-6617.

Shot Gun Safety Club, April 23, 9 – 11 AM, Wells County Gun Club, 2555 E. 400 N., Ossian. Leaders Fred Nash, 694-6736; Jim Hunter, 824-2783; and Kevin Springer, 565-3323.

For more information about a 4-H Club near you, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Extension Service located at the Wells County 4-H Park, 1240 S. 4-H Road, Bluffton IN 46714, 824-6412.

4-H FROZEN FOOD SALE UNDERWAY

2011-03-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE MARCH 28, 30 & 31

2011-03-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

A Hunter Education Course will be offered Monday, March 28, Wednesday, March 30, and Thursday, March 31, 5:30 – 9 PM at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

The course will be taught by Indiana Conservation Officer Kenny Wireman; Certified Volunteer Instructors Darrell Reynolds, Rich Falk, Rick Bergman, Tracy Myers, and Mike & Jodi Pinkerton.

Youth under age 16 must be accompanied by a guardian. Attendance at all three (3) classes is required for certification.

The course is free and is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

For pre-registration and information, call 824-0692.

4-H ENROLLMENT ACTIVITIES UNDERWAY

2011-03-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

4-H FROZEN FOOD SALE UNDERWAY

2011-03-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-03-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

March 22 — 4-H Frozen Food Order Forms due at County Extension Office
March 22 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

March 25-27 — State 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop, Ross Camp, Lafayette

March 28 — 4-H Jr. Leaders, Community Center, 7-8:30 p.m.
March 28 — Extension Homemakers Spring District Meeting, Whitley County, 9:30 a.m.
March 28 — Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30-9 p.m.

March 29 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

March 30 — 4-H Council, By-laws Committee, Extension Office, 7 p.m.
March 30 — Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30-9 p.m.

March 31 — Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30-9 p.m.

April 1 — 4-H Membership Enrollment Forms due at County Extension Office

April 2 — 4-H Park Volunteer Work Day, 8:30 a.m.-noon

April 3 — Deena Mc Clure Benefit, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE MARCH 28, 30 & 31

2011-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-03-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

March 22 4-H Frozen Food Order Forms due at County Extension Office

March 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

March 25 - 27 State 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop, Ross Camp, Lafayette

March 28 4-H Jr. Leaders, Community Center, 7 - 8:30 PM

March 28 Extension Homemakers Spring District Meeting, Whitley County, 9:30 AM

March 28 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

March 29 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

March 30 4-H Council, By-laws Committee, Extension Office, 7 PM

March 30 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

March 31 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

April 1 4-H Membership Enrollment Forms due at County Extension Office

April 2 4-H Park Volunteer Work Day, 8:30 AM - 12 Noon

April 3 Deena Mc Clure Benefit, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton
11 AM - 1:30 PM

4-H FROZEN FOOD SALE UNDERWAY

2011-03-16T05:00:00.001-07:00

4-H ENROLLMENT ACTIVITIES UNDERWAY

2011-03-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE MARCH 28, 30 & 31

2011-03-14T05:00:00.001-07:00

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-03-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

March 14 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

March 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

March 22 4-H Frozen Food Order Forms due at County Extension Office

March 25 - 27 State 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop, Ross Camp, Lafayette

March 28 4-H Jr. Leaders, Community Center, 7 - 8:30 PM

March 28 Extension Homemakers Spring District Meeting, Whitley County, 9:30 AM

March 28 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

March 30 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

March 31 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

April 1 4-H Membership Enrollment Forms due at County Extension Office

April 2 4-H Park Volunteer Work Day, 8:30 AM ñ 12 Noon

April 3 Deena Mc Clure Benefit, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton
11 AM - 1:30 PM

HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE MARCH 28, 30 & 31

2011-03-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

4-H FROZEN FOOD SALE UNDERWAY

2011-03-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

4-H ENROLLMENT ACTIVITIES UNDERWAY

2011-03-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-03-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

March 14 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

March 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

March 22 4-H Frozen Food Order Forms due at County Extension Office

March 25 - 27 State 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop, Ross Camp, Lafayette

March 28 4-H Jr. Leaders, Community Center, 7 - 8:30 PM

March 28 Extension Homemakers Spring District Meeting, Whitley County, 9:30 AM

March 28 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

March 30 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

March 31 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

April 1 4-H Membership Enrollment Forms due at County Extension Office

April 2 4-H Park Volunteer Work Day, 8:30 AM - 12 Noon

April 3 Deena Mc Clure Benefit, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton
11 AM - 1:30 PM

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-03-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

March 5 Wells County 4-H Beef / Dairy Beef ID Day, 4-H Park Multi-Purpose
Arena, Bluffton, 9 AM - 11 AM

March 5 4-H Operation Military Kids presentation, Bluffton High School, 11 AM

March 7 Extension Homemakers Executive Council, Community Center, 4-H Park,
12:30 PM

March 7 Extension Homemakers President's Council, Community Center, 4-H
Park, 1:30 PM

March 7 Wells County 4-H Council, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7 PM

March 8 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

March 14 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

March 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

March 28 Extension Homemakers Spring District Meeting, Whitley County, 9:30 AM

March 28 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

March 30 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

March 31 Hunter Education, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 - 9 PM

April 3 Deena Mc Clure Benefit, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton
11 AM - 1:30 PM

4-H CATTLE IDENTIFICATION DAY MARCH 5, 2011

2011-03-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Wells County 4-H Beef AND Dairy Beef Identification Day will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011, 9 AM - 11 AM. The event will take place at the Wells County 4-H Park Multi-Purpose Arena located behind the Horse Barn.

All beef steers, dairy beef steers, and market heifers must be ear tagged, nose printed, and weighed to be eligible to show at the 2011 Wells County 4-H Fair, July 16 - 21. In addition, animals planning to be exhibited at the Indiana State Fair must be retinal eye scanned.

Commercial heifers (non-registered) will also be ear tagged so they may be exhibited.

Registered heifers do not need to be brought to the ID Day. These animals will be identified by their registration papers which includes their ear tattoo number.

Two ear tags will be used this year. One will be a county tag specific for Wells County and the other will be a RFId (Radio Frequency Identification) tag provided by the state. These tags can be read at livestock shows with a scanner at a distance of 1 - 4 feet.

Official livestock enrollment forms will be available at the ID Day and may be completed there or turned in to the Extension Office by March 15, 2011.

Members who participated in the Dairy Feeder Steer Calf project are also encouraged to enroll their animals in the Dairy Beef project. These animals will exhibit in a separate show at the 4-H Fair.

Youth may also enter a calf in the Beef Starter Class. This special class is for beef calves born after January 1st and up until June 1, 2011.

This year's 4-H Fair will be held July 16 - 21. The Dairy Beef Show will be held Monday, July 18, 5 PM. The Beef Show will be held Wednesday, July 20, 9 AM. The Livestock Auction will be Thursday, July 21, 3:30 PM.

For more information about 4-H or the 4-H Beef / Dairy Beef projects, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 1240 S. 4-H Road, Bluffton, 260-824-6412 or Beef Superintendent Mike Piqune, 260-375-3373 or Dairy Beef Superintendent Karl Steiner, 260-346-2366.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-28T08:49:00.001-08:00

March 1 — 2011 Wheat Production Day, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Lunch included. Call 824-6412 to register.
March 1 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

March 3 — Wells County Soil & Water Conservation District Annual Meeting and Fish Fry. Tickets, $7 Adults; $5 children. Call 824-0624.

March 5 — Wells County 4-H Beef/Dairy Beef ID Day, 4-H Park Multi-Purpose Arena, Bluffton, 9-11 a.m.

March 7 — Extension Homemakers Executive Council, Community Center, 4-H Park, 12:30 p.m.
March 7 — Extension Homemakers Presidents' Council, Community Center, 4-H Park, 1:30 p.m.
March 7 — Wells County 4-H Council, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7 p.m.

March 8 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

March 14 — Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 p.m.

March 15 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

April 3 — Deena Mc Clure Benefit, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Feb. 26 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension
Office, 9 AM - 3 PM

March 1 2011 Wheat Production Day, Community Center, 4-H Park,
8:30 AM - 1:30 PM,
Lunch included. Call 824-6412 to register.

March 1 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

March 3 Wells County Soil & Water Conservation District Annual Meeting and
Fish Fry.
Tickets, $7 Adults; $5 children. Call 824-0624.

March 5 Wells County 4-H Beef / Dairy Beef ID Day, 4-H Park Multi-Purpose
Arena, Bluffton, 9 AM - 11 AM

March 7 Extension Homemakers Executive Council, Community Center, 4-H Park,
12:30 PM

March 7 Extension Homemakers President's Council, Community Center, 4-H
Park, 1:30 PM

March 7 Wells County 4-H Council, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7 PM

March 8 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

March 14 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

March 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

April 3 Deena Mc Clure Benefit, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton
11 AM - 1:30 PM

4-H GARDEN PROJECT INCREASING

2011-02-24T05:00:00.001-08:00

Just as home gardening has experienced and increase in popularity so has the 4-H Garden Project. It seems that the economy and the interest in raising our own food along with a food preservation movement (freezing / canning) are the major factors.

Young people and adults have always found enjoyment in growing their own food and sharing it with others.

In the 4-H Garden project, youth can grow a variety of food producing plants and then exhibit some of their produce at the county and state fairs.

Exhibits can range from a single plate vegetable to a collection of 5 different vegetable plates. Youth can also exhibit one of 13 different potted herbs, such as basil, chives, dill or lavender. There is also an educational poster option where youth can share information on plant diseases, insects, garden pests, computer designed gardens or unusual vegetables.

Wells County also has a “Just For Fun” class where youth may exhibit the largest (by weight) tomato, potato, onion, cabbage, sunflower or unusual growth forms!

Youth can also branch out with the project and sell produce at a Farmer’s Market or learn some food preservation skills such as freezing and canning in the 4-H Foods project.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years. Enrollment deadline is April 1st.

Youth in grades 1 & 2 may join Mini 4-H where they may also learn about plants. Mini 4-H forms are due May 1st.

For more information about 4-H, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 824-6412 or visit the 4-H web page at for an enrollment form.

4-H CATTLE IDENTIFICATION DAY MARCH 5, 2011

2011-02-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

4-H GARDEN PROJECT INCREASING

2011-02-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

4-H CATTLE IDENTIFICATION DAY MARCH 5, 2011

2011-02-18T08:10:00.001-08:00

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Feb. 19 Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8 AM – 12:00 Noon

Feb. 20 Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30-5:00 PM
Cost: $1.00 per ticket

Feb. 20 Daddy/Daughter Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:00-8:00 PM
Cost: $10.00/couple Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7:00 PM

Feb. 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Feb. 26 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office, 9 AM – 3 PM

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

Feb. 19 — Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8 a.m.-noon

Feb. 20 — Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30-5 p.m. Cost: $1 per ticket. Call 824-6069
Feb. 20 — Daddy/Daughter Dance, community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $10/couple. Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 — County Offices Closed for President's Day
Feb. 21 — Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 p.m.

Feb. 22 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 24 — Wells County Extension Service Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Night, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 26 — 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

March 1 — 2011 Wheat Production Day, community Center, 4-H Park, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Lunch included. Call 824-6412 to register.
March 1 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

March 3 — Wells County Soil & Water Conservation District Annual Meeting and Fish Fry. Tickets, $7 Adults; $5 children. Call 824-0624.

March 5 — Wells County 4-H Beef/Dairy Beef ID Day, 4-H Park Multi-Purpose Arena, Bluffton, 9-11 a.m.

March 7 — Wells County 4-H Council, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7 p.m.

March 8 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Bee Keeper talks today!

2011-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Master Gardeners--Wells County 4-H Park; tonight, 7 p.m. Jim Gass will present a program on the importance of bees in the environment, and for pollinating crops. Jim has beehives and produces "Honey by Jimmy" at his property, near Zanesville. He is past president of the Wells County Master Gardeners and is the Market Master for the local Farmers Market. Open to the public.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-16T05:22:00.000-08:00

Feb. 19 Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park,
8 AM - 12 Noon

Feb. 20 Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30 - 5 PM
Cost: $1 per ticket. Call 824-6069

Feb. 20 Daddy / Daughter Dance, community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6 - 8 PM
Cost: $10 / couple. Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 County Offices Closed for Presidentís Day

Feb. 21 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

Feb. 24 Wells County Extension Service Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation
Night, 6:30 PM

Feb. 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 26 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office,
9 AM - 3 PM

March 1 2011 Wheat Production Day, community Center, 4-H Park, 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM,
Lunch included. Call 824-6412 to register.

March 1 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

March 3 Wells County Soil & Water Conservation District Annual Meeting and Fish Fry.
Tickets, $7 Adults; $5 children. Call 824-0624.

March 5 Wells County 4-H Beef / Dairy Beef ID Day, 4-H Park Multi-Purpose Arena,
Bluffton, 9 AM - 11 AM

March 7 Wells County 4-H Council, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7 PM

March 8 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

4-H HORSE & PONY TACK AUCTION FEBRUARY 19, 2011

2011-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Club will host a Tack Auction on Saturday, February 19 at the Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton.

Doors will open at 5 PM and the Auction will begin at 6 PM. Carlo & Sonja Moore will be the tack vendor and consignments are available. Donated items are encouraged for the silent benefit auction.

Food and beverages will be available. All proceeds to benefit the Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Club. For more information and consignment details, contact Lisa Toliver, 708-224-7030 or Rhonda Phillips, 260-557-4745.

4-H MEMBERSHIP OPEN HOUSE FEBRUARY 19th AT COMMUNITY CENTER

2011-02-14T05:00:00.001-08:00

The annual 4-H Sign Up Day and Open House will be held Saturday, February 19th, 8 AM - 12 Noon at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

4-H members and families are encouraged to stop by to fill out membership forms, meet with your club leaders (pick up last year's record notebook), pay your club dues, and pick up this year's manuals and meeting schedules.

4-H volunteers will answer questions and get you signed up for 2011.

The club schedule for the event will be:

8 - 10 AM Hurryin' Harrisons (Harrison Township)
Liberty Township Happy Go Lucky
Jackson Township Jaguars
PATRIOTS 4-H Club
Rockcreek Rollers (Rockcreek and Union Townships)

10 AM - 12 Noon Chester Chargers
Jefferson Township Knightriders
Lancaster Township Achievers
Nottingham Township Nobles

Information tables will also include schedules and forms for Archery, Horse & Pony, 4-H Dog Obedience Club, 4-H Shot Gun Safety, and Mini 4-H.

If the date is not convenient, families are welcome to stop by the Purdue Extension Service Office located at the 4-H Park where they can pick up a 4-H membership form. The membership form can also be found at: www.extension.purdue.edu/wells

4-H membership forms for Wells County are due April 1, 2011.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years.

Mini 4-H forms will also be available for youth in grades 1 & 2.

If you have questions about any project, please call your 4-H Club Leader or the Wells County Extension Office, 1240 S. 4-H Road, Bluffton IN 46714, 260-824-6412 or email rsherer@purdue.edu.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Feb. 14-20 Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 PM

Feb. 19 Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8 AM – 12:00 Noon

Feb. 20 Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30-5:00 PM
Cost: $1.00 per ticket

Feb. 20 Daddy/Daughter Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:00-8:00 PM
Cost: $10.00/couple Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7:00 PM

Feb. 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Feb. 26 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office, 9 AM – 3 PM

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-10T06:14:00.000-08:00

Feb. 14 - 20 Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H Fair Schedule Committee, Community Center, 4-H Park,
Bluffton, 6:30 PM

Feb. 19 Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park,
8 AM - 12 Noon

Feb. 20 Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30 - 5 PM
Cost: $1 per ticket. Call 824-6069

Feb. 20 Daddy / Daughter Dance, community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6 - 8 PM
Cost: $10 / couple. Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 County Offices Closed for President's Day

Feb. 21 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

Feb. 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 26 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office,
9 AM - 3 PM

March 1 2011 Wheat Production Day, community Center, 4-H Park, 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM,
Lunch included. Call 824-6412 to register.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Feb. 12 — 4-H Volunteer Training: Issues & Answers for Today's 4-H Volunteers, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Grace Point Church, Fort Wayne

Feb. 14-20 — Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 — Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 — Wells County 4-H Fair Schedule Committee, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 — Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8 a.m.-noon

Feb. 20 — Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30-5 p.m. Cost: $1 per ticket. Call 824-6069
Feb. 20 — Daddy/Daughter Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $10/couple. Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 — County Offices Closed for President's Day
Feb. 21 — Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 p.m.

Feb. 22 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 26 — 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

4-H FOOD PROJECT CONTINUES IN POPULARITY

2011-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

The 4-H Food project continues to be popular in 92 counties across Indiana. In fact, it ranks within the top five 4-H projects for most counties.

In Wells County, nearly 100 youth participated in the 4-H Food project last year.

Youth learn a wide variety of life skills in the project. The 4-H Food project books are divided into chapters (bites) and cover nutrition, food safety, preserving / storing and baking and cooking. Each chapter has hands on activities can be done at home or in a club meeting.

Youth can exhibit in prepared (baked) or preserved (freezing or canning) or they may do an action demonstration.

The prepared exhibits are the most popular. These exhibits at the fair begin with cookies in grade three and progress through muffins, cakes, biscuits, pretzels, yeast rolls, yeast breads, creative snacks, pies, and international foods.

One of the things that has made the project successful is that kids love to make their exhibit and see how it tastes. They can then try different ways to improve it to get the best results.

Youth are also trying different ways to make food healthier such as reduced sugar and fats.

Membership in 4-H is open to boys and girls when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years.

Youth in grades 1 and 2 may join Mini 4-H which also includes a foods project option.

For more information about 4-H, contact the Purdue Extension Service, Wells County Office at 260-824-6412 or attend the 4-H Open House Saturday, February 19th, 8 AM - 12 Noon at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-07T05:00:00.001-08:00

Feb. 7 Wells County 4-H Jr. Leader Club, 4-H Park, 7-8:30 PM

Feb. 8 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 PM

Feb. 12 4-H Volunteer Training: Issues & Answers for Today’s 4-H Volunteers, 9 AM – 12:30 PM,
Grace Point Church, Fort Wayne

Feb. 14-20 Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 PM

Feb. 19 Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8 AM – 12:00 Noon

Feb. 20 Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30-5:00 PM
Cost: $1.00 per ticket

Feb. 20 Daddy/Daughter Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:00-8:00 PM
Cost: $10.00/couple Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7:00 PM

Feb. 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Feb. 26 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office, 9 AM – 3 PM

RECORD FAMILY EVENTS IN 4-H SCRAPBOOK PROJECT

2011-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

The 4-H Scrapbook Project provides youth an opportunity to record a family or individual event in a unique and special way. In fact, the hobby of scrapbooking continues to grow each year as more people utilize digital cameras and computers.

In 4-H, the project is divided by age groups: Beginner, grades 3 - 5; Intermediate, grades 6 - 8; and Advanced, grades 9 - 12.

Scrapbook album size should be at least 5' x 7' or larger for the Beginners and Intermediate. Advanced may be 8' x 10' or larger. It should be noted that 12' x 12' is the most common scrapbook album size and will be easier to work with and to find materials for. However, many acid free and lignin free paper can be found more easily in 8' x 10' sizes.

Photos, memorabilia and journals must be included in each scrapbook. The photos help to show the event or activity while the memorabilia (ticket stub, graduation program, etc.) makes the scrapbook more real and unique.

Journaling is a must, without it, your photos and memorabilia will be less meaningful over time. Members in the advanced division are asked to tell more of a story with their scrapbook, sharing thoughts and feelings.

Youth are encouraged to use photo safe pigma pens which are fade-proof, waterproof, and acid free when used on acid free paper. It also causes no water damage to photos over dime and will be legible for generations to come.

Additional skills learned in the 4-H project include cropping (cutting and trimming unnecessary parts) techniques, using decorations (stickers and die cuts), page layout and design and of course, neatness.

For more information about 4-H and the nearly 50 projects offered in the program. Contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Extension Service, 260-824-6412.

HORSE HEALTH TO BE TOPIC OF 4-H MEETING

2011-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Club will meet tonight at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

Dr. Ryan Rothenbuhler will speak about equine health and the importance of vaccines.

4-H membership forms will be available for youth to sign up for this year's Horse & Pony Club.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years. Youth in grades K - 2 may join the Mini 4-H Horse & Pony project.

The club sponsored annual tack auction will be held Saturday, February 19th, 5 PM at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

Youth may also do the Horse Poster project. In this project, youth select a horse related topic to learn about and then make a poster for display at the annual 4-H Fair,
July 16 - 21.

For more information about the 4-H Horse & Pony Club, contact Rhonda Phillips,
638-4744, Lisa Toliver, 565-3896 or go to www.wellso4hhorseandpony.webs.com

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Feb. 5 Purdue Ag Fish Fry, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Blue Ribbon Pavilion, 11:30 AM
Speaker: Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman. Tickets $20.00

Feb. 6 Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Club, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton
4:00-5:00 PM, Speaker Dr. Ryan Rothenbuhler--Horse Health & Vaccines

Feb. 6 Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Advisory Board, 5-6 PM, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton

Feb. 7 Wells County 4-H Jr. Leader Club, 4-H Park, 7-8:30 PM

Feb. 8 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 PM

Feb. 12 4-H Volunteer Training: Issues & Answers for Today’s 4-H Volunteers, 9 AM – 12:30 PM,
Grace Point Church, Fort Wayne

Feb. 14-20 Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 PM

Feb. 19 Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8 AM – 12:00 Noon

Feb. 20 Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30-5:00 PM
Cost: $1.00 per ticket

Feb. 20 Daddy/Daughter Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:00-8:00 PM
Cost: $10.00/couple Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7:00 PM

Feb. 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Feb. 26 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office, 9 AM – 3 PM

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

Feb. 6 Wells County Horse & Pony Club, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton
4 - 5 PM, Speaker, Dr. Ryan Rothenbuhler - Horse Health & Vaccines

Feb. 6 Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Advisory Board, Community Center,
4-H Park, Bluffton, 5 - 6 PM

Feb. 7 Wells County 4-H Jr. Leader Club, 4-H Park, 7 ñ 8:30 PM

Feb. 8 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 12 4-H Volunteer Training: Issues & Answers for Today's 4-H
Volunteers, 9 AM - 12:30 PM, Grace Point Church, Fort Wayne

Feb. 14 - 20 Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H Fair Schedule Committee, Community Center, 4-H Park,
Bluffton, 6:30 PM

Feb. 19 Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park,
8 AM - 12 Noon

Feb. 20 Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30 - 5 PM
Cost: $1 per ticket. Call 824-6069

Feb. 20 Daddy / Daughter Dance, community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6 - 8 PM
Cost: $10 / couple. Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 County Offices Closed for President's Day

Feb. 21 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

Feb. 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 26 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office,
9 AM - 3 PM

4-H MEMBERSHIP OPEN HOUSE FEBRUARY 19th AT COMMUNITY CENTER

2011-02-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

RECORD FAMILY EVENTS IN 4-H SCRAPBOOK PROJECT

2011-02-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

Feb. 1 — Wells Co. 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 — 4-H Fair Schedule Committee Meeting, Extension Office Conference Room, 4-H Park, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 — National Wear Red Day, American Heart Association
Feb. 4 — Reservations due: Issues & Answers for Today’s 4-H Volunteers

Feb. 5 — Purdue Ag Fish Fry, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Blue Ribbon Pavilion, 11:30 a.m. Speaker: Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman. Tickets $20.

Feb. 6 — Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Club, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton 4-5 p.m., Speaker Dr. Ryan Rothenbuhler, Horse Health & Vaccines
Feb. 6 — Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Advisory Board, 5-6 p.m., Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton

Feb. 7 — Wells County 4-H Jr. Leader Club, 4-H Park, 7-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 — 4-H Volunteer Training: Issues & Answers for Today’s 4-H Volunteers, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Grace Point Church, Fort Wayne

Feb. 14-20 — Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 — Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 — Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8 a.m.–noon

Feb. 20 — Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30-5 p.m. Cost: $1 per ticket
Feb. 20 — Daddy/Daughter Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $10/couple Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 — Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 p.m.

Feb. 22 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Feb. 26 — 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Feb. 1 Wells Co. 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 PM

Feb. 1 4-H Fair Schedule Committee Meeting, Extension Office Conference Room, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

Feb. 4 National Wear Red Day, American Heart Association

Feb. 4 Reservations due: Issues & Answers for Today’s 4-H Volunteers

Feb. 5 Purdue Ag Fish Fry, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Blue Ribbon Pavilion, 11:30 AM
Speaker: Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman. Tickets $20.00

Feb. 6 Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Club, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton
4:00-5:00 PM, Speaker Dr. Ryan Rothenbuhler--Horse Health & Vaccines

Feb. 6 Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Advisory Board, 5-6 PM, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton

Feb. 7 Wells County 4-H Jr. Leader Club, 4-H Park, 7-8:30 PM

Feb. 8 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 PM

Feb. 12 4-H Volunteer Training: Issues & Answers for Today’s 4-H Volunteers, 9 AM – 12:30 PM,
Grace Point Church, Fort Wayne

Feb. 14-20 Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 PM

Feb. 19 Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park, 8 AM – 12:00 Noon

Feb. 20 Special Needs Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 3:30-5:00 PM
Cost: $1.00 per ticket

Feb. 20 Daddy/Daughter Dance, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:00-8:00 PM
Cost: $10.00/couple Call 824-6069

Feb. 21 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7:00 PM

Feb. 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Feb. 26 4-H Camp Counselor Training, Williams County, Ohio, Extension Office, 9 AM – 3 PM

HORSE HEALTH TO BE TOPIC OF 4-H MEETING

2011-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Club will meet Sunday, February 6, 4:00 PM at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

Dr. Ryan Rothenbuhler will speak about equine health and the importance of vaccines.

4-H membership forms will be available for youth to sign up for this year's Horse & Pony Club.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years. Youth in grades K - 2 may join the Mini 4-H Horse & Pony project.

The club sponsored annual tack auction will be held Saturday, February 19th, 5 PM at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

Youth may also do the Horse Poster project. In this project, youth select a horse related topic to learn about and then make a poster for display at the annual 4-H Fair,
July 16 - 21.

For more information about the 4-H Horse & Pony Club, contact Rhonda Phillips,
638-4744, Lisa Toliver, 565-3896 or go to www.wellso4hhorseandpony.webs.com

HORSE HEALTH TO BE TOPIC OF 4-H MEETING

2011-01-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Farm Fresh forms available

2011-01-27T09:15:00.001-08:00

The Blackford County Extension Service now has the 2011 Farm Fresh forms available to sign up for the Farm Fresh Directory for Blackford County and surrounding communities.
The directory can help local residents and consumers to find locally grown produce, flowers and other farm commodities. The directory lists the grower/producer, products available and their contact information.
Those interested in being in the directory can stop by the Blackford County Extension Office at 119 N. High Street in Hartford City.
There is no cost to be in the booklet. Forms are due by March 1. For more information call 765-348-3213.

Raising livestock basics course to begin Feb. 14 in Hartford City

2011-01-25T10:37:00.001-08:00

Did you ever want a few chickens or a horse on your property? Or maybe curious about what it takes to own goats, sheep, pigs or cows?
Back to Basics: A Novice's Guide to Farm Animal series will begin Feb. 14 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Blackford County Extension Sevice at 119 N. High Street, Hartford City.
The goal of the series is to inform the novice owner about the latest information and trends related to common livestock found on small farms.
Topics for each class are as follows:
Feb. 14: Goats and Sheep.
Feb. 21: Cattle for your property.
Feb. 28: All about chickens.
March 7: A Home for Horses.
March 14: Swine Guidance.
The cost to attend all the lessons is $50. Cost to attend one session at a time is $15. Second person on the same farm is free.
Deadline to register is Feb. 7. Call 765-348-3213.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-01-24T08:53:00.001-08:00

Jan. 25 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 — Northeast IN Livestock Auctions Workshop, Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Rd., Fort Wayne, 7-9 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 — National Wear Red Day, American Heart Association
Feb. 4 — Reservations due: Issues & Answers for Today's 4-H Volunteers

Feb. 5 — Purdue Ag Fish Fry, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Blue Ribbon Pavilion, 11:30 a.m. Speaker: Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman. Tickets $20.

Feb. 7 — Wells County 4-H Jr. Leader Club, 4-H Park, 7-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 — 4-H Volunteer Training: Issues & Answers for Today's 4-H Volunteers, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Grace Point Church, Fort Wayne

Feb. 14-20 — Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 — Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 — Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-01-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

Jan. 25 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety Sign Up, Community Center,
4-H Park, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Jan. 27 Northeast IN Livestock Auctions Workshop, Allen County
Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Rd., Fort Wayne, 7 - 9 PM

Feb. 1 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 4 National Wear Red Day, American Heart Association

Feb. 4 Reservations due: Issues & Answers for Today's 4-H Volunteers

Feb. 5 Purdue Ag Fish Fry, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Blue Ribbon
Pavilion, 11:30 AM. Speaker: Former Secretary of Agriculture
Dan Glickman. Tickets $20.00

Feb. 7 Wells County 4-H Jr. Leader Club, 4-H Park, 7 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 8 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 12 4-H Volunteer Training: Issues & Answers for Today's 4-H
Volunteers, 9 AM - 12:30 PM, Grace Point Church, Fort Wayne

Feb. 14 - 20 Random Acts of Kindness Week

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H Foundation, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

Feb. 15 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Feb. 19 Wells County 4-H Open House & Sign Up, Community Center, 4-H Park,
8 AM - 12 Noon

Feb. 21 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

Feb. 22 Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety, Community Center, 4-H Park,
6:30 - 8:30 PM

4-H BB & RIFLE SAFETY SIGN UP

2011-01-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

Youth in grades 3 - 13 may still enroll in this year's Wells County 4-H BB & Rifle Safety Club on Tuesday, January 22, 6:30 PM at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton.

Meetings will continue each Tuesday night, 6:30 - 8:30 PM until April 5.

Youth in grades 3, 4, and 5 can participate in BB Gun. Youth in grade 6 and above can participate in Rifle or Pistol.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade or become ten years of age sometime during the calendar year (January 1 - December 31) and may continue their membership for a maximum of ten (10) years or through the calendar year they become nineteen (19), whichever comes first.

A membership fee of $20 for BB Gun and $25 for .22 Caliber Rifle should be paid at the first meeting. The fee covers the cost of equipment, materials, ammunition, insurance, and awards. Checks should be made payable to Wells County 4-H Rifle Club. Scholarships are available by checking with 4-H Leaders at the event. If you have more than one person in the family, the second member is only $15. No person will be turned away due to financial constraints.

The 4-H Shot Gun Safety Club. 4-H Pellet Pistol Safety Club, and the 4-H Archery Club will all begin in April.

For more information about 4-H, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 824-6412 or one of the Shooting Sports Leaders: Don Kiefer, 824-1585; Chad Captain, 417-6488; Tex Mauger, 827-0266; Gregg Palmer, 701-2975; and Kevin Springer, 565-3323.

4-H LIVESTOCK AUCTION WORKSHOP

2011-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Allen County Fairgrounds will be the site of the Northeast Indiana 4-H Livestock Auction Workshop, Thursday, January 27, 7:00-9:00 PM at the McComb Administration Building. The fairgrounds is located at 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne. The workshop is designed for volunteers who assist with their 4-H livestock auctions in some way.

Topics which will be discussed in the workshop will include: sharing of survey results of common practices; what works best; software programs that assist with the auction process; and thanking buyers for their support.

The workshop is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is not required. For more information, contact your Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service at 260-824-6412.

AREA 4-H VOLUNTEER TRAINING SCHEDULED

2011-01-14T10:44:00.001-08:00

“Issues & Answers for Today’s Volunteers” will be the theme of a northeast Indiana 4-H Volunteer Training to be held Saturday, February 12, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Grace Point Church, Fort Wayne. The workshop is designed for adult and teen 4-H volunteers.

Seminar topics at the event will include:

· Healthy Living – Living the Fourth “H”. Learn how to incorporate healthy living in your club and in your life.

· Social Media – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Learn how to use and what to look out for in social media.

· Keeping Older 4-H Members—Panel Discussion with 4-H’ers on how to keep them coming back.

· Being informed on Today’s Drugs. Learn the signs, symptoms and dangers related to synthetic and prescription drugs for today.

· Working with Today’s Changing Families. Learn what to look for and how to handle different situations at meetings and events.

· Back to Basics—Club Self-Assessment. Learn how to improve what you do in your club with agendas, monthly and yearly planning.

· Get-R-Done—Tips and Techniques for Time Management. Learn how to maximize your efforts in your 4-H meetings and at home.

The workshop location, Grace Point Church of the Nazarene, is located just off I-469 at 8611 Mayhew Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835. Advance registration of $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for youth (grades 7-12) is required for the workshop and is due February 4th at your Purdue Extension Service Office.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-01-12T09:37:00.001-08:00

Jan. 17 — Wells County 4-H Association, 7 p.m., Community Center, 4-H Park
Jan. 18 — 4-H Scholarship and Resume' Forms due at County Extension Office
Jan. 18 — Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension and Teaching, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 18-20 — Fort Wayne Farm Show, Memorial Coliseum
Jan. 20 — 'Wells Weighs In' begins
Jan. 27 — Northeast IN Livestock Auctions Workshop, Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Rd., Fort Wayne, 7-9 p.m.

4-H BB & RIFLE SAFETY CLUB ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE

2011-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Safety instruction, handling procedures, shooting skills and hands on experience will be included in the Wells County 4-H BB Gun & .22 Caliber Rifle Safety Program.

Meetings will begin Tuesday, January 18th with sign up and safety rules from
6:30 – 8 PM. BB & Rifle Safety will continue each Tuesday until march 29th. The Awards Night for BB & Rifle will be held on April 1st.

Youth in grades 3, 4, and 5 can participate in BB Gun. Youth in grade 6 and above can participate in Rifle.

First time members who are old enough for Rifle will be required to pass a shooting skills proficiency test which reviews the positions and range safety procedures.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years.

A membership fee of $20 for BB Gun and $25 for .22 Caliber Rifle should be paid at the first meeting. The fee covers the cost of equipment, materials, ammunition, insurance, and awards. Checks should be made payable to Wells County 4-H Rifle Club. Scholarships are available by checking with 4-H Leaders at the event. If you have more than one person in the family, the second member is only $15. No person will be turned away due to financial constraints.

Members are not allowed to bring their own equipment. Advanced registration is not required. Sign up will be at the first meeting. All participants must have a completed and signed health form before participating in the hands-on activity.

In case of bad weather, listen to radio station K105 FM or WMEE 97.3 FM for cancellations. Usually, if one of the schools cancel, the 4-H event will be postponed.

Youth may also enroll in the Shooting Sports Fair Exhibit Option. Members may make a poster or a notebook about some aspect of shooting sports or may exhibit something they have made. Examples might include: Poster or Notebook; Firearm Safety; Cross a Fence with a Gun; Eye Dominance; Muzzleloading; Target Trap; Archery Safety; Types of Arrows; Buying a Bow; Shooting Vests; Hunter Ed; Tree Stand Safety; Percussion or Flintlock; Hunting Wild Turkeys; Handmade Items – Gun Rack; Ammo Box, etc.

The 4-H Shot Gun Safety Club. 4-H Pellet Pistol Safety Club, and the 4-H Archery Club will all begin in April.

For more information about 4-H, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 824-6412 or one of the Shooting Sports Leaders: Don Kiefer, 824-1585; Chad Captain, 417-6488; Tex Mauger, 827-0266; Gregg Palmer, 701-2975; and Kevin Springer, 565-3323.

4-H POLAND EXCHANGE SEEKS HOST FAMILIES

2011-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Families in northeast Indiana have an opportunity to host 4-H members and adult leaders from Poland during the first two weeks of June, 2011.

Hosts are needed for the youth (ages 12 – 18) and the adults. Families should be willing to share their home and community and involve them in local 4-H activities and meetings.

2011 will be the 7th year for the exchange with Indiana hosting during odd years and traveling to Poland in even years.

The Polish participants are from south central Poland (Swietokrzyski Region) north of Krakow.

Applications are due February 1 and a host family orientation will be held May 1.

For more information about the exchange or a host family application, contact the Wells County Extension Office, 824-6412 or Lee Stanish, Purdue International 4-H Coordinator, lstanish@purdue.edu or call 765-496-3585.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-01-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Jan. 7 - 9 Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals & Events, Marriott East, Indianapolis

Jan. 8 State 4-H Poultry Workshop, Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 2003
E. Pleasant St., Noblesville IN, 10 AM - 1 PM

Jan. 11 4-H Jr. Leader Food Booth Committee, Wells County Community
Center, 7 PM

Jan. 17 Wells County 4-H Association, 7 PM, Community Center, 4-H Park

Jan. 18 4-H Scholarship and Resume Forms due at County Extension
Office

Jan. 18 Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension and Teaching, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 10 AM - 3 PM

Jan. 18 - 20 Fort Wayne Farm Show, Memorial Coliseum

Jan. 20 "Wells Weighs In" begins

Jan. 27 Northeast IN Livestock Auctions Workshop, Allen County
Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Rd., Fort Wayne, 7 - 9 PM

4-H SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE JANUARY 18TH

2011-01-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

4-H Club college scholarship forms and the State 4-H Resume’ forms are due Tuesday, January 18th at the Wells County Extension Office located at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

At least 14 $300 scholarships will be presented to Wells County youth.

Forms were mailed to high school seniors in December but they may also be found on the State 4-H web page: HYPERLINK "http://www.four-h.purdue.edu" www.four-h.purdue.edu and go to “opportunities” and “scholarships”.

For more information about the 4-H scholarships, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Extension Service, 824-6412 or rsherer@purdue.edu

WELLS COUNTY 4-H HORSE & PONY SIGN UP

2011-01-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

Youth and parents interested in Horse & Pony are invited to attend the Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Club Sunday, January 9th, 4 PM at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park, Bluffton.

4-H member and horse enrollment forms will be distributed along with details for the Quiz Bowl Team and Judging Team.

Future club meetings will be held February 6th, 4 PM and March 6th, 4 PM at the same location.

Outdoor meetings will begin in the spring in preparation for the Wells County 4-H Fair, July 16 – 21.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years. Youth in grades 1 and 2 may join the Mini 4-H Horse & Pony project.

The club sponsored annual tack auction will be held Saturday, February 19th, 5 PM at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

For more information about the 4-H Horse & Pony Club, contact Rhonda Phillips, 638-4744 or Lisa Toliver, 565-3896.

4-H Extension Calendar

2011-01-05T06:07:00.001-08:00

Jan. 7-9 — Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals & Events, Marriott East, Indianapolis

Jan. 17 — Wells County 4-H Association, 7 p.m., Community Center, 4-H Park

Jan. 18 — Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension and Teaching, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Jan. 18-20 — Fort Wayne Farm Show, Memorial Coliseum

4-H Extension Calendar

2010-12-28T08:45:00.001-08:00

December 31 Wells County Offices closed for New Year’s

January 3 Extension Homemakers Executive Council, 12:30 PM, Community Center, 4-H Park

January 3 Extension Homemakers President’s Council, 1:30 PM, Community Center, 4-H Park

January 7-9 Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals & Events, Marriott East, Indianapolis

January 18 Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension and Teaching, Indianapolis,
Marriott Downtown, 10 AM – 3 PM

January 18-20 Fort Wayne Farm Show, Memorial Coliseum

4-H Extension Calendar

2010-12-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

December 23-25 — Wells County Offices closed for Christmas

December 27 — Area 4-H Jr. Leader event at Crazy Pinz (1414 Northland Blvd., Fort Wayne), 6-9 p.m. Meet at 4-H Park at 5 p.m., Ossian Community Market, 5:15 p.m. to Carpool. Call 824-6412 by December 22 for reservations.

December 29 — Extension Homemaker's Program Planning Meeting, 1:30 p.m., Community Center, 4-H Park

December 31 — Wells County Offices closed for New Year's

Jan. 3 — Extension Homemakers Executive Council, 12:30 p.m., Community Center, 4-H Park
Jan. 3 — Extension Homemakers Presidents' Council, 12:30 PM, Community Center, 4-H Park

Jan. 7-9 — Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals & Events, Marriott East, Indianapolis

Jan. 17 — Wells County 4-H Association, 7 p.m., Community Center, 4-H Park

Jan. 18 — Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension and Teaching, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 18-20 — Fort Wayne Farm Show, Memorial Coliseum

4-H Extension Calendar

2010-12-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

December 23 - 25 Wells County Offices closed for Christmas

December 27 Area 4-H Jr. Leader event at Crazy Pinz (1414 Northland Blvd., Fort Wayne), 6 - 9 PM. Meet at 4-H Park at 5 PM, Ossian Community Market, 5:15 PM to Carpool. Call 824-6412 by December 22 for reservations.

December 29 Extension Homemaker's Program Planning Meeting, 1:30 PM, Community Center, 4-H Park

December 31 Wells County Offices closed for New Year's

Jan. 3 Extension Homemakers Executive Council, 12:30 PM, Community Center, 4-H Park

Jan. 3 Extension Homemakers President's Council, 12:30 PM, Community Center,4-H Park

Jan. 7 - 9 Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals & Events, Marriott East, Indianapolis

Jan. 17 Wells County 4-H Association, 7 PM, Community Center, 4-H Park

Jan. 18 Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension and Teaching, Indianapolis
Marriott Downtown, 10 AM - 3 PM

Jan. 18 ñ 20 Fort Wayne Farm Show, Memorial Coliseum

4-H Extension Calendar

2010-12-17T06:18:00.000-08:00

December 17 4-H Jr. Leaders help with wrapping at Karing for Kids. Meet at 5:30 PM
at the 4-H Park. Wrap from 6 - 9 PM at the Markle Church of Christ,
State Road 116 at the west edge of Markle.

December 23 - 25 Wells County Offices closed for Christmas

December 27 Area 4-H Jr. Leader event at Crazy Pinz (1414 Northland Blvd., Fort Wayne),
6 - 9 PM. Meet at 4-H Park at 5 PM, Ossian Community Market, 5:15 PM to
Carpool. Call 824-6412 by December 22 for reservations.

December 31 Wells County Offices closed for New Year's

Jan. 3 Extension Homemakers Executive Council, 12:30 PM, Community Center,
4-H Park

Jan. 3 Extension Homemakers President's Council, 12:30 PM, Community Center,
4-H Park

Jan. 7 - 9 Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals & Events, Marriott East, Indianapolis

Jan. 18 - 20 Fort Wayne Farm Show, Memorial Coliseum

NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP 4-H HONORS MEMBERS

2010-12-09T10:13:00.001-08:00

4-H families from Nottingham Township met recently at the Living Water Church for their annual 4-H Awards Night.

Township Record Book Awards were presented to: Malinah Dixon, Arts & Crafts; Erika Pinkerton, Consumer Clothing; Reid Shaffer, Construction Toy; Rachel Harvey, Corn; Jessie Mc Clure, Dairy Feeder Steer, Photography, and Rabbit; Jessica Betz, Dog Poster, Poultry, and Scrapbooking; Brooke Gephart, Foods; Matthew Geisel, Models; Shiloh Hicks, Rabbit Poster; Ben Shaffer, Small Engines.

County Record Book Awards were presented to: Rachel Harvey, Corn; Jessie Mc Clure, Photography; and Jessica Betz, Scrapbooking.

Outstanding Record Books submitted at the County Fair are judged by 4-H Leaders and submitted for township and county awards. Accuracy, completeness, and neatness are the major factors considered in the judging.

Roger Sherer, 4-H Extension Educator presented a PowerPoint program on 4-H Fair Highlights.

Information was shared from the Wells County 4-H Foundation and their activities at the 4-H Fair. High School seniors were encouraged to apply for the scholarships that are sponsored by the 4-H Foundation.

Wells County Farm Bureau was recognized for their sponsorship of 4-H pins and donation to the 4-H Club for the Achievement Program.

4-H Leader Deena Mc Clure was thanked for her service as 4-H Leader.

Volunteers serving on the 4-H Association and 4-H Council were also thanked. They include Doug & Tammy Klefeker, Treva Betz, and Karl Steiner. In addition, volunteers from the township were thanked for their help with the 4-H Pancake & Sausage Booth at the Bluffton Street Fair and Labor Day weekend Rodeo.

Additional volunteers are needed for these committees next year. Interested adults may contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 824-6412.

The 4-H program is organized by the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, Wells County, and the US Department of Agriculture.

4-H Extension Calendar

2010-12-07T09:02:00.001-08:00

December 8 Wells County 4-H Association Budget Committee Meeting, Wells
County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:30 PM

December 9 4-H Scholarship Workshop, Wells County Community Center, 4-H
Park, Bluffton, 7 - 8 PM

December 13 Wells County 4-H Association, Wells County Community Center,
4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:30 PM (Carry-In Supper)

December 17 4-H Jr. Leaders help with wrapping at Karing for Kids. Meet at 5:30 PM
at the 4-H Park. Wrap from 6 ñ 9 PM at the Markle Church of Christ,
State Road 116 at the west edge of Markle.

December 27 Area 4-H Jr. Leader event at Crazy Pinz (1414 Northland Blvd., Fort Wayne),
6 - 9 PM. Meet at 4-H Park at 5 PM, Ossian Community Market, 5:15 PM to
Carpool. Call 824-6412 by December 22 for reservations.

4-H Extension Calendar

2010-12-06T08:53:00.001-08:00

December 6 — Wells County 4-H Jr. Leaders, 6:30 p.m. (Meet at Bluffton Wal-Mart - Christmas Family Project)

December 7 — Wells County 4-H Shooting Sports Leaders Meeting, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7 p.m.

December 8 — Wells County 4-H Association Budget Committee Meeting, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:30 p.m.

December 9 — 4-H Scholarship Workshop, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7-8 p.m.

December 13 — Wells County 4-H Association, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:30 p.m. (Carry-In Supper)

4-H Extension Calendar

2010-12-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

December 6 Wells County 4-H Jr. Leaders, 6:30 PM. (Meet at Bluffton Wal-Mart
- Christmas Family Project)

December 7 Wells County 4-H Shooting Sports Leaders Meeting, Wells County
Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7 PM

December 8 Wells County 4-H Association Budget Committee Meeting, Wells
County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:30 PM

December 9 4-H Scholarship Workshop, Wells County Community Center, 4-H
Park, Bluffton, 7 - 8 PM

December 13 Wells County 4-H Association, Wells County Community Center,
4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:30 PM (Carry-In Supper)

MONSANTO TO FUND 'FARMERS GROW COMMUNITIES'

2010-11-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

Indiana farmers in 83 counties including Wells and surrounding counties have an opportunity to provide a boost to their rural community with a $2,500 award available to their favorite nonprofit civic group or unit of government.

The program provides a great opportunity for farmers to nominate their favorite local non-profit. In 2009, the first year of the program, the funds provided nearly 500 farmers in 10 states with $2,500 awards to the non-profit organization of their choice. The program in 2010 has now expanded to more than 1,200 counties across 38 states.

Some of the more popular non-profits receiving the awards from the farmers include: FFA, 4-H, and fire departments. Those groups selected have included: Boys & Girls Club, SWCD, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, and Park Boards.

Farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities.com or call 1-877-267-3332. Farmers 21 and over, who are actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and / or 40 acres of open field vegetables or at least 10 acres of tomatoes, peppers, and / or cucumbers grown in protected culture are eligible. Farmers can enter now through December 31, 2010.

The program is open to all qualifying farmers, and no purchase is necessary in order to enter or win. One winner will be drawn from each of the participating counties, and the Monsanto Fund will announce winning farmers and recipient organizations by February 2011.

Support your favorite non-profit. Enter the Monsanto Funds America's Farmers Grow Communities program.