Wells County

The Cooperative Extension Service is one of the nation's largest providers of scientific research-based information and education. It's a network of colleges, universities, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serving communities and counties across America. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service program areas are:

Agriculture and Natural Resources
Health and Human Sciences
Community Development
4-H Youth Development

Purdue Extension is a service tailored to meet the needs of Indiana, needs we know firsthand. Our educators, specialists, and volunteers live and work in all 92 Indiana counties. We provide the link between Land Grant research and Indiana citizens. In doing that we provide practical solutions to local issues. We provide information and expertise that's available in the form you want, when you want it. That's Purdue Extension, Indiana's home team advantage.

What We Do

We improve lives and livelihoods by delivering tested and trusted educational resources. The Cooperative Extension Service is one of the nation's largest providers of scientific research-based information and education. It's a network of colleges, universities, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serving communities and counties across America. The Purdue Extension focuses on: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Human and Health Sciences, Economic and Community Development and 4-H Youth.

Contact Us

Purdue Wells County Extension
horan@purdue.edu
1240 4-H Park Road
Bluffton, IN 46714
(260) 824-6412


County offices

wells County Staff

Now Accepting Applications for Administrative Assistant Opening

Join the Purdue Extension team in Wells County!

More Information

Wells County Happenings

Home Canned Items
Preserve It Now... Enjoy It Later

Check out these educational food preservation opportunities coming up on August 19th and...

More Info
4-H Clover Logo
4-H Enrollment

Enrollment for the 2024-25 4-H Program year begins October 1st!

More Info
4-H Clover
4-H Spooktacular

Join Wells County 4-H for a night of family fun!

More Info
Pancake Booth
Pancake Booth Sign Up

Sign up to work the Pancake Booth at the Bluffton Street Fair!

MORE INFO
Calendar
4-H Association Calendar Fundraiser

Click the link to read more about the current 4-H Association fundraiser!

MORE INFO

2024 Wells County 4-H Rule Book

Check out the 2024 Wells County 4-H Rule Book for updated information about your 4-H projects.

2024 Wells County 4-H Rule Book

ServSafe Classes Offered

For more information and a list of available trainings and exams in our area visit the Purdue ServSafe link below.

Learn More Here

Wells County Newsletters

Check out Health and Human Science Newsletters with helpful articles on health, nutrition, family and finances.

The May/June 2024 edition includes the following articles:

 

How to Protect Yourself and
Your Family From the Sun

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can be harmful to your skin. In fact, most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV light. UV light mainly comes from the sun. But harmful UV light can also come from tanning beds and sun lamps. There are things you can do to help reduce exposure to UV light—for yourself and your children.

Children need special attention to keep them protected from the sun. They usually spend more time outdoors and burn more easily. Babies younger than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. They should also wear hats and protective clothing. Sunscreen used on babies should only be put on small areas of exposed skin.

Stay in the Shade

Staying in the shade is one of the best ways to help prevent UV exposure. Try to stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV light is strongest.

Tip: Use the shadow test to see how strong the sun’s rays are. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are the strongest. Be sure to protect yourself.

Wear clothes to cover your skin

Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts cover the most skin and are the most protective. Some clothing is made with UV protection.

Use sunscreen and apply it correctly

Sunscreen can help protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Use products with broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays). And choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

Be sure to check the expiration date. Sunscreen is usually good for 2 to 3 years. And don’t forget to protect your lips by using a lip balm with sunscreen.

Sunscreen needs to be put on at least every 2 hours, but check the label just to be sure. Sunscreen can wash off when you sweat or swim and wipe off with a towel. So, sunscreen may need to be reapplied more often, even if it is “water resistant.”

Tip: Use at least 1 ounce of sunscreen (about a shot glass or enough to fill the palm of your hand) to cover your arms, legs, neck, and face.

It’s important to remember that sunscreen is just a filter. It does not block all UV rays. Use it, but take other steps to protect yourself, too.

Wear a wide brim hat

Be sure that your hat protects the eyes, forehead, nose, scalp, and ears. A hat with a 2 or 3-inch brim all around is best.

Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays

Large-framed and wraparound sunglasses protect best. Children need smaller versions of protective adult sunglasses—do not use toy sunglasses.

Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps

Tanning devices can cause long-term skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Even with sunscreen, you should limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. Sunscreen does not block all UV rays.

Source: American Cancer Society

 

ServSafe Classes Offered

Purdue Cooperative Extension Service will be offering Retail Food Certificationclasses for food handlers who need to obtain a Retail Food Certificate.

Cost for this training is:

  • Training, Exam, and Manual—$165
  • Training and Exam—$115
  • Exam With Manual—$115
  • Exam Only—$65

May 22, 2024
1-day Training/Exam
Life Church Café of Hope
900 E State Street
Huntington, IN 46750
8:30 AM—4:00 PM
Exam at 4:00 PM
Register at: https://cvent.me/1dyOXq

August 13 & 20, 2024
Wells County Community Center
1240 4-H Park Road
Bluffton, IN 46714
1-day Training—August 13
8:30 AM—4:00 PM
Exam—August 20
9:00 AM
Register at: https://cvent.me/r8w1k2

  

  

The Outdoors and Nature

Spending time in nature is linked to many positive mental health outcomes—improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition. Most studies on nature and well-being look at green spaces like parks and forests, but researchers are also beginning to look at blue spaces—places with ocean and river views. However, you don’t need a picture-perfect outdoor experience to get the benefits of nature.

Plants and Green Space
Seventy percent of respondents to a Mental Health America Connection Survey reported wishing they had more time outdoors, ideally in nature away from their neighborhoods. Cities often have more stressors to physical and mental health, but green space (like parks and gardens) can reduce their impact. Even spending some time in your backyard (if you have one) can produce positive outcomes, and feeling connected to nature helps your mood even if you don’t spend time outdoors.

Children living in neighborhoods with more green space had a reduced risk of developing depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance use disorder.

Even being in the presence of indoor plants is worthwhile—studies have found this to improve focus, memory, and stress tolerance.

What Can I Do To Find Green Space?
Don’t discount the little things. While being in the wilderness is especially nice, even city parks, a small garden, or sitting under a tree can support your mental health.

Bring the outdoors in. Adding greenery to your space can have a similar effect to seeing plants outdoors – and some, like snake plants and bamboo palms, can purify your air.

Natural Light
Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin and vitamin D, which are associated with boosting mood and focus and reducing stress. Without enough sun, these levels can drop, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Light exposure also has a direct impact on your body’s sleep-wake cycle, and consistent sleep is one of the most important factors in your well-being.

More time spent in outdoor light is associated with lower odds of using antidepressant medications and fewer symptoms of insomnia. The natural lighting of a home is known to impact how you describe your own mood. Improvements to natural lighting have a positive impact on overall emotional social well-being, particularly among women and younger populations.

What Can I Do To Get Natural Light?
Enjoy the sunshine. Just 10-15 minutes of sun on your arms and legs a few times a week has the
potential to generate all the vitamin D you need; however, this depends on factors like the season, time of day, pollution, skin tone, and more.

Try a light box. Light therapy can help with symptoms of depression and sleep disorders. The bright light from a light box mimics natural sunlight, causing the brain to produce serotonin and regulate your internal clock.

Connection
One of the greatest benefits you get from nature is connection, which is linked to a better connection to self, community, and purpose. Time in nature benefits personal growth, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social skills. When children connect with nature, they’re more imaginative and independent, and they feel more connected to the peers they’re playing with and other living things.

Accessible nature in a neighborhood, such as parks, lakes, or gardens, are associated with an increased sense of community belonging. People who reported not feeling connected to nature also didn’t feel connected to themselves, to others, or to spirituality/purpose. (MHA’s Connection Survey)

What Can I Do To Connect?
Practice gratitude. Nature is everywhere – even in cities, you can find places like community gardens, little courtyards, or trees full of birds and squirrels. Once you start tuning into your senses and appreciating the unexpected, it often feels more meaningful.

Plant something. Gardening is a great mindfulness activity. Getting your hands in the dirt can help you feel more grounded, and helping a plant grow can even boost your self-esteem.

 Source: Mental Health America

 

 

2024 Wells County Extension Homemakers Festival

May 16, 2024
Registration will begin at 5:30 PM
Event begins at 6:00 PM

Registration forms were mailed toExtension Homemaker Presidents in April and are also available through The Wells County Extension Office.

Cultural Arts Exhibit:

Guidelines for the Cultural Art Exhibit are as follows:

  1. The exhibit must have been completed within the last two (2) years and never exhibited at Home and Family Conference.
  2. There will be 5 categories for the exhibits:
    1. Quilts
    2. Needlework
    3. Knit/Crochet
    4. Crafts/Miscellaneous
    5. Special Project – Table Runner – No wider than 18in., can be any length, can be any medium
  3. There should be no visible personal identification on the entry.
  4. Entries are due on May 16th at the Homemakers Festival.

 

  

Master Gardener Plant Sale

May 18, 2024
8:00 AM—12:00 PM
Wells County 4-H Park
1240 4-H Park Road
Bluffton, IN 46714

Need some perennial plants or bulbs to spruce up your landscape? Come out and see the Wells County Master Gardeners!

A large selection of annuals and perennials will be available to purchase at great prices.

Have questions about the plants at the sale? Just ask one of the Master Gardeners at the sale for more information!

 

 

Dry Canning

Some people are experimenting with canning fresh vegetables their own way instead of following research-based processing from USDA. The USDA home canning procedure is meant to kill spores of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that cause the potentially deadly botulism poisoning.  The latest version of people making up their own method that is potentially very hazardous has been brought to our attention through emails and calls to the USDA Hotline. It involves putting raw vegetables (such as corn, green beans, carrots, beets or other vegetables) in canning jars with no added liquid, applying lids and pressure canning for the same amount of time as if you had added the water to cover required in the USDA method.

What is hazardous about this "dry canning" of vegetables?

  • In the pressure processes we have to recommend for home canning of vegetable, the liquid covering pieces of vegetables in the jars is required for the expected heat penetration throughout the jars during processing. The food must be prepared and jars filled just as described for the USDA process time to work as expected in killing bacteria of concern.
  • It is well known that bacteria and bacterial spores are more sensitive to wet heat than dry heat. They will die in hot dry air much slower than in hot water. So, if the process was researched with water or other liquid in the jars, it is not expected that the same process time will be long enough heating for a jar without the liquid in it.
  • The risk here is botulism, which is a food poisoning disease that can be fatal (or kill people).  Botulism toxin can be present in canned vegetables without any visual changes to the food or odors.  Please read what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has to say about botulism and home canning, and particularly note the section on here called What is Botulism: https://www.cdc.gov/features/homecanning/index.html

But people say it works and like the food...

  • Someone can get lucky and not get sick from trying this. Bacteria are not distributed evenly throughout our environment. But the next timee, Clostridium botulinum or othere harmful bacteria can be in the jar and botulism poisoning could result.
  • And by the way, some people who have made up this method on their own are adding butter or ghee even if no water. These are no substitute for the required liquid in the jars, either. And these should not be added to the jars even with liquid in research-based processes if not called for in the original instructions.

Home canning and creativity

  • Canning preservation of food is not a creative activity about how to produce the best quality only. Safety must come first, and the researched processes we have for vegetables require the liquid cover in the jars (and whatever is the type of liquid called for in the described procedure with each process, which is usually water for plain vegetables).​
  • Again, the USDA low-acid home canning recommended processes are meant to be used with the full procedures as written -- how to select and prepare the food, how to fill jars, how to manage the step by step canning process in a recommended pressure canner type, and how to make altitude adjustments.

Be food-safe when home canning, please, and stay with properly researched and tested procedures.

 Source: https://nchfp.uga.edu/blog/dry-canning-raw-vegetables-is-an-unsafe-practice#gsc.tab=0

 
No Time for Exercise?
Here are 7 Easy Ways to Move More!

Too busy to add more exercise to your schedule? When you can’t seem to make time for a full workout, try these no-sweat ways to move more in your daily life.

You found your keys. You found the motivation to clean out your closet. Now see if you can find at least 150 minutes each week — a little more than 20 minutes a day — to get physically active! Don’t worry, there are plenty of easy, no-cost ways to do it.

Think there’s no way you can find the time? Good news: You don’t have to do it all at once. In fact, it’s better to spread your activity throughout the week. You can get health benefits even if you split it into a few short sessions of exercise a day.

Here are seven no-stress ways to boost your activity level:

  1. Grab the leash and walk your dogYour body — and your pooch — will thank you!
  2. Take your kid (or spouse) for a walk. It’s an excellent way to get some face time without screens. Keep it fun by exploring new neighborhoods or turning your walk into a scavenger hunt. Research shows that joining a group or taking a class with others increases exercise time and health benefits.
  3. Try the 10-Minute Workout.Stuck at home? Boost your heart rate and brain power with this quick home workout.
  4. Walk and talk. Even if you’re glued to your phone for work or personal calls, you don’t have to be glued to your chair. Make it a habit to walk and talk. Some workplaces have walking paths to make it even easier to move while at work. You can also take walks with coworkers to break up your day.
  5. Tune into fitness. Don’t want to miss an episode? Walk or jog in place, do yoga or lift weights, or walk on the treadmill at the gym while you watch your must-see TV shows.
  6. Ditch the car. Spare yourself the parking stress and log some more active time by parking farther away (or even leaving the car at home) and walking or biking to your destination.
  7. Take the stairs. The elevator may go up, but it doesn’t make your heart rate climb. Take the stairs when you can, even if just for a floor or two. And don’t ride the escalator, climb it. Those can be active steps, too!

When you start looking for them, you’ll see lots of chances to be more active every day and get a few more steps in during your regular, routine activities. Remember, every step counts!

Source: heart.org 

  

A PDF version of this newsletter is available HERE.

News Notes for Parents is a newsletter geared towards parents with children ages 8 and under. You will find articles about parenting, early childhood education, nutrition and much more.

In the May 2024 issue of News Notes for Parents, you will find the following articles:

 

Summer Art Activities for Social-Emotional Learning

The summer months are approaching, which is a great opportunity for getting outdoors and working on social-emotional learning through art.  The Institute for Art Integration and STEAM shared how they promote social awareness through art activities. Through arts we can learn to take the perspective of others, find commonalities, and appreciate our differences. Through our passions and a shared community of diverse backgrounds we can also deepen positive relationships with others.  Whether a child has a strong interest in the arts or another subject, these activities will be engaging for anyone’s sense of creativity! Here are a few activities practicing social emotional learning skills through the arts children can do at home or at school:

Drawing Activity:
Happy Me versus Angry Me
Instructions: Have your child draw two different pictures to compare side by side. First, they will draw a picture of what they look like when they are happy. Second, they will draw a picture of what they look like when they are angry. Ask your child to include in the picture examples of things that make them happy or angry.

Collage Activity:
Picture Collage
Instructions: Using old magazines, have your child cut out pictures of things that are important to them. Then have a discussion about what they chose and why they chose those pictures.

Music Activity:
Name the Emotion
Instructions: An adult will play the first 10 seconds of a song or long enough for the first lyric or two to play. The children have to guess what emotion they hear in the song (happy, sad, angry). If there is more than one child you can keep track of who gets it right first and give points. After finding the right answer everyone playing can try singing the song with a different emotion intonation. For example, if it is a sad song try singing it cheerfully!  

To read full article with more activities go to: https://betterkids.education/blog/5-art-activities-for-social-emotional-learning

 

   

Healthy Eating for Kids

Healthy eating is important at every age. Offer kids a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding on foods and beverages, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Start with these tips:

  • Offer variety: Include choices from each food group—fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives—in meals and snacks during each day.
  • Connect at mealtime: Eat meals together whenever possible. Turn off the TV and put away phones and tablets, so you can “unplug” and focus on healthy foods and each other.
  • Make good nutrition easy: Designate a shelf or a drawer in your fridge for your kids. Stock it with cut-up fruits and vegetables, yogurt, nut butters, and whole-wheat mini bagels and crackers.
  • Think about their drinks: Make water and low-fat or fat-free dairy milk or fortified soy alternatives easy options to grab in your home. Have ready-to-go containers filled and in the fridge to take on outings.
  • Get kids involved: Depending on their age, kids can peel fruits, assemble salads, measure, scoop, and slice. Let them create and name their own side dish.
  • Have a shopping buddy: Let kids participate in grocery shopping online or in the store. Reward them by letting them choose their favorite fruit or maybe a new one

Source: https://www.myplate.gov/tip-sheet/healthy-eating-kids

 

  1.  

emoji omelets

The perfect treat to end a hot summer day. Toss the ingredients in the blender and enjoy!

Ingredients
1 banana (frozen)
1/2 c. low-fat yogurt (plain)
1/2 c. orange juice (prepared)

Directions
Before you begin: Wash your hands.

  1. Wash hands with soap and water
  2. Put all ingredients in a blender and mix well
  3. Add more liquid if you want the drink thinner

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/2 c.
Calories 119, Fat 1g, Cholesterol 4mg, Sodium 44mg, Carbohydrates 24g, Fiber 2g, Sugar 17g, Protein 4g, Vitamin D 0mcg, Calcium 122mg, Iron 0mg, Potassium 479mg

Source: https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/orange-banana-frosty

A PDF Version of News Notes to Parents is available HERE.
A spanish version of News Notes to Parents is available HERE.

2024 September/October 4-H Newsletter:
  • 2025 Enrollment!
    • Enrollment for the 2024-2025 program year begins Tuesday, October 1st! This enrollment period applies to all 4-H participants including Mini 4-H (grades K-2), traditional 4-H members (grades 3-12), and all adult volunteers. Brief instructions are listed below, but a detailed version will be sent in the mail and is available online at www.extension.purdue.edu/wells
    • Enrollment Instructions:
      • Go to https://v2.4honline.com
      • Enter your email and password, then click “Sign In”. Do not create a new account. If you have forgotten your username/password please call the Extension Office.
      • Continue to Youth & Mini 4-H Member Enrollment
      • Select the member you wish to enroll and update grade level.
      • Continue on to “Select Club”, then “Select Projects”
      • Once complete, click “Select Questions” and fill out correctly.
      • Pay member dues. Enrollments will not be approved until payment is complete.
  • Save the Date:
    • 2025 Wells County 4-H Fair - Saturday, July 12th - Thursday July 17th
  • Calendar of Events:
    • September:
      • September 2: Labor Day - Extension Office Closed
      • September 8: Street Fair Pancake Booth Work Day
      • September 9: Association Meeting, 7:00PM, Meeting Rooms
      • September 10: Council Meeting (1st Rule Change Review), 7:00PM, Meeting Rooms
      • September 17-21: Bluffton Street Fair
      • September 22: Horse & Pony Banquet and Fun Show, 4:00PM, Grandstand Arena
      • September 25: Royal Showmanship Committee Meeting, 6:00PM, Meeting Rooms
    • October: 
      • October 1: Enrollment Opens for the 2025 Wells County 4-H Fair
      • October 1: Council Meeting (2nd Rule Change Review), 7:00PM, Meeting Rooms
      • October 7: Junior Leader Fall Kickoff Meeting, 6:00PM
      • October 14: Columbus Day - Extension Office Closed
      • October 14: Association Meeting, 7:00PM, Meeting Rooms
      • October 26: Wells County 4-H Association Spooktacular, 6:00-9:00PM, 4-H Park
    • November:
      • November 4: Junior Leader Meeting, 6:00PM, Meeting Rooms
      • November 11: Club Leader Meeting, 7:00PM, Meeting Rooms
      • November 18: Association Meeting, 7:00PM, Meeting Rooms Officer Elections
  • Upcoming Volunteer Meetings:
    • Council Meetings:
      • Tuesday, September 10th at 7:00PM in the Meeting Rooms. This will be the first discussion for rule changes.
      • Tuesday, October 1st at 7:00PM in the Meeting Room. This will be the second discussion for rule changes
    • Association Meetings:
      • Monday, September 9th at 7:00PM in the Meeting Rooms
      • Monday, October 14th at 7:00PM in the Meeting Rooms.
      • Monday, November 18th at 7:00PM in the Meeting Rooms. *Officer elections will take place during this meeting. More information to come.
    • Club Leader Meeting:
      • Monday, November 11th at 7:00PM in the Meeting Rooms.
    • Royal Showmanship Meeting:
      • Wednesday, September 25th at 6:00PM in the Meeting Rooms
  • Adult Volunteer Enrollment:
    • Adult volunteers must re-enroll in 4-H Online to be a volunteer for the 2024-2025 year, This means completing all of the volunteer training. It does have to be done each year. Any new volunteers will also need to complete the enrollment process.
    • To enroll, log in to your 4-H Online account. Returning members will choose “Adult Enrollment”, and new members should click “Adding New Members”. You will then follow the instructions until enrollment is complete, making sure to watch all the video trainings.
  • Junior Leader Fall Kickoff Meeting:
    • Monday, October 7th at 6:00PM, Wells County 4-H Park
    • The Fall Kickoff Meeting is for all current and new members! Any student in 7th grade or higher that is interested in joining the Junior Leader Club should plan to attend our Fall Kickoff Meeting!! It will be a fun way to kickstart the new year.
    • Next Meeting: Monday, November 4th at 6:00PM
  • 4-H Association Calendar Fundraiser:
    • The Wells County 4-H Association is currently raising funds to help with improvements around the 4-H Park to provide a better experience not only for 4-H families, but also the community. One of the main repairs that is needing to be made in the near future is replacing the entire HVAC system of the Community Center Building, which hosts several community and 4-H events. The 4-H Association is asking for your help by joining them in their current fundraiser - Sell the Calendar! Below are details on how it works.
      • Each day of the month is sold by collecting a donation for that days value. (Example: the 25th is a $25.00 donation; the 5th is a $5.00 donation, etc.)
      • Attempt to sell each day of the month by posting the Calendar (shown on page 4) to Facebook and sending to friends and family.
      • Collect donations from family and friends. Please turn in the total amount collected into the Wells County Extension Office by end of work day on Friday, October 18th. Checks can be made payable to the Wells County 4-H Association.
      • Digital copies of the calendar are available on www.extension.purdue.edu/wells. Please direct any questions to the 4-H Association President, Brandon Gephart. He can be reached at wellsco4hassociation@gmail.com 
  • IMPORTANT - Pick Up Projects:
    • The Extension Office is currently housing SEVERAL county and state fair projects that need to be reunited with their rightful owner. Although we have enjoyed their company, it is time for them to make their way back to their forever home. If you are missing a project from either the county or state fair, more than likely we have it! Please come pick it up ASAP from the office. Our office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00AM-4:30PM. If you are unable to come during those hours please call 260-824-6412 to make other arrangements. Your projects miss you and want to come home!
  • Cash Your Checks!
    • This is a reminder to all 4-H Auction Participants that your checks from the auction should be cashed by November 30th or funds will be forfeited. If you have yet to pick up your check, please do so ASAP! Make sure to bring in your thank you cards addressed, stamped & sealed. Checks will not be handed out until thank you cards have been turned in.
  • Wells County 4-H Association Spooktacular:
    • October 26, 2024 from 6:00-9:00PM at the Wells County 4-H Park
    • Admission: $1.00 or 1 canned food item per person (Expired food will not be accepted)
      • Funds collected will be donated to Feeding Tomorrow’s Future Today Weekend Backpack Program
    • Activities: Carnival Games & Prizes, Log Cabin Tours, Hay Rides, Spooky Forest (opens at 7PM)
  • Spooktacular Volunteers:
    • The Wells County 4-H Association is hosting their Spooktacular festival again this year! Check out page 6 for date and details. They are looking for adult and youth volunteers to help with the carnival games, concessions, and the spooky forest. If you are interested in helping out please contact Brandon at 765-499-7042 or Janet at 260-273-1123.
  • Pancake Booth Work Day:
    • Sunday, September 8th at 6:00PM, Gravel Lot at the 4-H Park
    • The 4-H Association will be gathering on Sunday, September 8th at 6:00PM to get the Pancake Booth ready for Street Fair. After being stored away all winter, the booth could use some love. If you are available that evening, the 4-H Association would greatly appreciate your help! The more volunteers we get, the quicker the cleaning will go!
  • Pancake Booth Sign Up:
    • The 4-H Pancake Booth will once again be at the Bluffton Street Fair this year! The Booth is a great fundraiser for 4-H, as these funds help sponsor our ribbons at the Fair and various 4-H Trips that our youth get to attend.
    • Volunteers are needed for various shifts throughout the week. Each township is responsible for finding 12-16 people to work during their assigned shift. Volunteers will be cooking food, taking orders, and help deliver food to guests. It really does take several people to run the booth smoothly. Shift days are listed below. Sign up online at: https://bit.ly/PancakeBooth2024 
      • Tuesday, Sept. 17th 5PM to Close: Chester Township
      • Wednesday, Sept. 18th 7AM - 5PM: Community Volunteers
      • Wednesday, Sept. 18th 4:30PM to Close: Jefferson Township
      • Thursday, Sept. 19th 7AM - 5PM: Community Volunteers
      • Thursday, Sept. 19th 4:30PM to Close: Jackson Township & Shooting Sports
      • Friday, Sept. 20th 7AM - 5PM: Nottingham Township
      • Friday, Sept. 20th 4:30 to Close: Rockcreek Township
      • Saturday, Sept. 21st 7AM - 12PM: Lancaster Township
      • Saturday, Sept. 21st 11:30AM - 5PM: Harrison Township
      • Saturday, Sept. 21st 4:30PM to Close: Liberty Township

Upcoming Wells County and State Extension Events

State Extension Events

Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez walking through a cornfield in Indiana
Behind the Research: Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez, MSW, LCSW

Many people are involved in the remarkable range of programs, services and facilities that...

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Purdue field day to feature research on sorghum’s value as a forage crop

Purdue University Extension will host a Forage Sorghum Field Day on Sept. 10 at the Feldun-Purdue...

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sheep
ISA will host sheep-themed educational opportunities and competitions at Indiana State Fair

In addition to 4-H and open sheep shows, the Indiana Sheep Association (ISA) is sponsoring...

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Empowering Futures: Juntos 4-H PASA at Purdue University

Summer is a time for exploration and discovery, and a collaboration with Indiana 4-H and the...

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food waste
$1.5M USDA NIFA grant will help Purdue researcher identify community-based food waste solutions

The Purdue University College of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Economics has...

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Producers are invited to attend Purdue University Extension's Twilight Tour at Feldun Purdue Agricultural Center on June 25. (Photo provided by Ron Lemenager)
Producers invited to attend twilight tour of grazing technology

Producers are invited to attend Purdue University Extension’s twilight tour of grazing...

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