Sioux County Newsletter

Apr. 20 - YQCA training at Courthouse

Apr. 21 - Service Project and Hot Mess Canvas workshop at Security First Bank basement

Apr. 22-23 - Shooting Sports Certification Workshop, Dawes County

Apr. 28 - ARBOR DAY - Office Closed

May 10 - Safety Day at the Fairgrounds

May 12 - Speech & Presentation Contest at Harrison Fire Hall

May 17 - Babysitting Workshop at Harrison Bible Church

May 23 - Sew Your Own Workshop at Harrison Bible Church

May 25 - Wilderness Wonders Camp

May 26 - Wilderness Wonders Camp

May 31 - June 1 - LOG N Camp

The Northern Panhandle would like to introduce our newest member, Maddox Jack Arterburn! Maddox was born on March 1st. He weighed 8 lbs and 13 oz. Congratulations to Beef Systems Educator, Jack Arterburn and his wife, Emily! Maddox joins his siblings Cogan, Lincoln, Quentin, and Josie.

The 4-H Council will pay for new 4-H project manuals if youth are registered on 4-H Online by May 1st. To receive the curriculum sales we like to order the manuals in May. Please complete the manual order form and return to the office or Melissa Mracek by May 1st. The manuals are great educational pieces to help youth with their upcoming fair projects.

The Sioux County Shooters were busy through the month of March. At the Alliance Competition on February 26th ,in the 9-10 year old BB Gun division Ruger Pelster placed third Jace Hyer sixth, Tilton Button ninth, and Natalie Turbiville seventeenth. Chisum Pelster won the 11-12 year old division. In the 13-15 year old division, Boone Button placed third. In the Air Rifle Sporter 8-10 year old division, Ruger Pelster placed second and Tilton Button third. Chisum Pelster won the 11-12 year old division. Boone Button placed fifth in the 13-14 year old division. Jaime Turbiville placed seventh in the 15-18 year old division. In the Air Rifle Precision division, Ruger Pelster again placed second and Tilton Button third for the 8-10 year old division. Chisum Pelster won the 11-12 year old division and Boone Button was awarded sixth in the 13-14 year old division. Jaime Turbiville received fifth in the 15-18 year old division.

The next contest was held in Ogallala on March 5th. In the 9-10 year old BB Gun contest, Ruger Pelster received third, Jace Hyer seventh, and Tilton Button thirteenth. In the 11-12 year old division, Chisum Pelster received second. Boone Button was awarded nineth in the 13-15 year old division. In the Air Rifle Sporter 8-10 year old division, Ruger Pelster received second and Tilton Button third. Chisum Pelster won the 11-12 year old and Boone Button placed eighth in the 13-14 year old division. In the Air Rifle Precision contest for the 8-10 year olds Ruger Pelster received second and Tilton Button third. In the 11-12 year old division Chisum Pelster placed first. Boone Button received seventh for the 13-14 year old division.

The last Panhandle Best Competition was held in Chadron on March 12th. In the 9-10 year old BB Gun division Ruger Pelster placed second, Jace Hyer eleventh, Natalie Turbiville thirteenth, and Tilton Button sixteenth. In the 11-12 year old division, Chisum Pelster won. Victoria Turbville placed sixth and Boone Button tenth in the 13-15 year old division. In the 8-10 year old Air Rifle Sporter Ruger Pelster placed second and Tilton Button third. Chisum Pelster won the 11-12 year old division. In the 13-14 year old division, Boone Button placed seventh. Jaime Turbiville received sixth in the 15-18 year old division. In the Air Rifle Precision Contest, Ruger Pelster placed second and Tilton Button third in the 8-10 year old division. Chisum Pelster won the 11-12 year old division. Boone Button placed eighth in the 13-14 year old division and Jaime Turbiville sixth in the 15-18 year old division. Dawes County was also able to hold a Pistol competition. In the 8-10 year old division, Ruger Pelster won and Natalie Turbiville placed second. Chisum Pelster won the 11-13 year old division. Victoria Turbiville won and Baxter Reece received second in the 14-18 year old division.

The Sioux County Shooters participated in the State Competition on March 18th and 19th in Beatrice, Nebraska. Saturday March 18th was the BB Gun competition at Beatrice High School. In the 9 – 10-year-old division Ruger Pelster placed 2nd with a score of 363. Tilton Button placed 30th with a score of 266. In the 11 – 12-year-olds Chisum Pelster placed 1st with a score of 369 and won the Standing position. In 13 – 15 year olds Boone Button placed 15th with a 360.

Sunday March 19th was the Air Rifle 3 Position Sporter and All Standing Precision competition. Air Rifle Sporter 8 – 10-year-olds Ruger Pelster placed 2nd with a 419. Tilton Button placed 3rd with a score of 284. In the 11 – 12-year-olds Chisum Pelster placed 1st with a score of 490 and won the kneeling position. In the 13 – 14-year-olds Boone Button placed 11th with a score of 463.

Precision 8 – 10-year-old Ruger Pelster placed 2nd with a 244. In 11 – 12-year-olds Chisum Pelster placed 2nd with a score of 272. And in the 13 – 14-year-olds Boone Button placed 8th with a score of 276.

Good Job at State and Thank you for representing Western Nebraska, Sioux County, and our local 4-H youth. Good luck the rest of the year with your 4-H projects!

The Nebraska State 4-H Presentations Contest will partner with the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest to create a combined state-level communications event – this event will be called the Premier Communication Event and will be held on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus on Friday, June 23, 2023.This means that the youth who qualify for the Presentations Contest needs to be determined before June 1. https://4h.unl.edu/premier-communication-event

The Public Service Announcement theme for 2023 is: Discover Your Spark in Nebraska 4-H!

This year the Sioux County Speech and Presentation Contest will be held on Friday, May 12th at 1 pm at the Harrison Fire Hall. Please register for this event by May 1st by completing the entry form below and sending it to the Sioux County Office or Melissa Mracek at mmracek2@unl.edu.

The classes youth can participate in the Sioux County Contest are:

ILLUSTRATED PRESENTATIONS

An Illustrated Presentation, given by one (1) individual or a team of two (2) individuals, is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something. Presentations are given on a stage/platform. Judge views the entire presentation and engages in a question and answer session following presentation.

RULES

• Participant Requirements
• All participants must be 5 years old before January 1 of the current year
• All classes require the presence of the contestant(s).
• A team presentation, consisting of two (2) individuals, may be given for any class; there is no separate class for team presentations.
• Time limit is 6-8 minutes for a presentation given by an individual, and 8-10 minutes for a presentation given by a team. Participants may be penalized if their presentation exceeds the time limits. There is no lower time restriction for youth 4-H ages 5 – 7.
• Presentation Topic:

• All 4-H Presentations topics should be related to what the 4-H youth is learning though 4-H educational experiences focused on the priorities of career and college readiness, community development, entrepreneurship, food supply confidence, healthy living, leadership development, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
• Enrollment in the project area in which the participant is making a presentation is not required.
• 4-H Presentations should include an introduction (the “why” portion of the topic), a body (the “show and tell” portion of the topic), and a conclusion/summary (the “what” portion of the topic).
• The same presentation cannot be given in more than one Illustrated Presentations class.
• Contest Information
• Equipment provided includes two (2) tables, one (1) easel. If electronic equipment is needed, 4-H members must make arrangements with the Extension Staff prior to the contest or bring their own.
• Presenters using computer-based visuals may bring files on a USB drive that is PC formatted. Participants may also provide their own computer or other equipment as needed; however, participants must be able to connect their computer to a HDMI plug on the television screens.
• Live animals may be used in the presentation. Presenters are responsible for all stalling arrangements, care and handling of animals. Animals can only remain in the presentation area while the owner is present.

Classes – each of these classes will be divided into age groups (Clover Kid, Beginning, Intermediate, Senior)

*B151113 Illustrated Presentation - (SF65)

PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST

ELIGIBILITY

• Youth may participate in both the Speech and PSA categories.
• Only individuals may compete in the speech or radio PSA competition.

GENERAL RULES

SPEECH

• Divisions and Length of Speeches:
• Clover Kid (Ages 5-7): – no time limit
• Beginner (Ages 8-10): – Suggested speech length is 1 – 3 minutes. Beginners may compete in Section I no more than 2 years.
• Intermediate (Ages 11-13): Suggested length is 3 – 5 minutes. Intermediates must give original speeches.
• Senior Division (Ages 14-18): 5 to 8 minutes. Seniors must give original speeches.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS (PSA)

• All PSA’s are 60 seconds in length.
• All radio PSA’s must promote 4-H and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of the year.
• All 4-H PSA’s must include the following tag line within the last ten seconds of the PSA: “Learn more about Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu.” The tag line is included in the 60 second time limit. Sound effects and public domain music may be used. Copyrighted material may not be used.
• All PSA’s must be the original work of the presenter. Contestants may not use PSA’s written and provided by the state or national staff.
• No team PSA’s are allowed.
• Radio PSAs will be submitted electronically as a .wav or .mp3 format along with the registration form.

VIDEO COMMUNICATION

• The Video Communication is 60-90 seconds in length.
• Youth may use a phone, laptop, or tablet to create a multi-media piece around the theme: My 4-H Story
• Sound effects, public domain music, an graphics can be used. Copyrighted materials may not be used.

SCORING

• Judges will deduct three points from the contestant's speech score for each 30 seconds under or over the time limit. (Senior division only.)
• See scorecard for additional judging criteria. http://4h.unl.edu/public-speaking

B150001 Clover Kid Public Speaking Section I – Non-original Speech

B150002 Clover Kid Public Speaking Section II – Original Speech

B150003 Junior Public Speaking Section I – Non-original Speech

B150004 Junior Public Speaking Section II – Original Speech

B150005 Intermediate Public Speaking

B150006 Senior Public Speaking

B150007 Clover Kid Audio P.S.A.

B150008 Junior Audio P.S.A.

B150009 Intermediate Audio P.S.A.

B150010 Senior Audio P.S.A.

B150011 Junior Video Communication

B150012 Intermediate Video Communication

B150013 Senior Video Communication

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals or YQCA is a training that most 4-H livestock exhibitors must complete to show. Since Sioux County is an open show that is not a requirement. This training helps to educate youth about animal safety and welfare, food safety, and being a good advocate for the livestock industry. We do not want Sioux County youth to miss out so we are offering it in Harrison on April 20th at 4 pm to 5:30 pm at the Courthouse. Youth will learn valuable information and also participate in a hands on activity. The fee for this workshop is $3. Please register to attend by contacting the office at (308) 668-2428 or Melissa Mracek at mmracek2@unl.edu.

Giving back to our community is an essential part of 4-H. In honor of that we will be spending some time on the afternoon of April 21st making May Day baskets for 4-H members to share throughout the community while we wait for parts of our Hot Mess Canvas project to dry. This event will start at 1:30 and go to until 4 pm at the Security First Bank Basement.

A complete summer workshop listing will be emailed and delivered out after Easter Break. See below a preview of all the summer workshops.

• Participants do not have to be 4-H members to participate.
• Please register by the deadline in order to ensure adequate supplies.
• Families can apply for scholarships from the 4-H Council to help pay for the cost of the workshops, even if it is after they have attended! See the scholarship application below.

Families can participate together in this event to learn more about safety practices on May 10th at the Sioux County Fairgrounds from 9 am until 2:30 pm. Sessions include Home Alone, Fire Safety, Animal Safety, PTO Safety, Internet Safety, ATV Safety, Water Safety, First Aid, and Roadway Safety. Families will receive a free t-shirt and goodie bag. Please register for the event by contacting the Extension Office at (308) 668-2428.

Chadron State College Rodeo Coach Lane Day is willing to come to Harrison for a one day Calf Roping and Break-away Clinic for youth. This clinic will be open to anyone ages 8 and up wanting to strengthen their roping skills. The tentative date is May 11th but there will be more details to come!

Bring a pair of jeans and upcycle them to create a new pair of bell bottoms. Utilize the Cricut machine to design your very own t-shirt as well as create a simple accessory.

Who: Youth ages 8 +

When: May 16, 9am to 3 pm

Where: Harrison Bible Church

Fee: $15

Projects: C221007, C222003, C221003

Registration Deadline: May 10

Items to Bring: sack lunch, pair of jeans, sewing machine and notions (if have them)

Learn the basics of Child Development, Nutrition, Safety, CPR, and More!!

Who: Youth ages 10+

When: May 17, 8:30 am to 4 pm

Where: Harrison Bible Church

Fee: $30

Projects: C200008, E440001

Registration Deadline: May 10

Explore the Deep at the 2023 4-H Wilderness Wonders Camp! On May 25, camp from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm will be offered for youth going into 3rd-5th grade. The camp is limited to 50 youth from four counties and will have a $40 fee. On May 26, camp from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm will be offered for youth ages 5-7. The camp is limited to 40 and will have a $40 fee. Youth will need to bring their swimming suits and towels to the May 26 camp.

Registrations are due by May 1. Turn them into the Extension Office as soon as possible! We wanted to promote this to 4-H families before we send the flyer home with local schools. The slots for both camps will fill up fast! The registration form is located below.

Do you like a challenge? Learn and practice being resilient while improving the leadership skills you already posses, while participating in some fun outdoor activities!

Plan to register for LOG N camp this year - May 31st - June 1st.

With the burning down of Halsey State 4-H Camp, we will be heading to Valentine, NE this year!

Please Visit: https://go.unl.edu/logn2023 and complete the registration form. You can also scan the QR code.

Please contact Melissa Mracek for more information.

Here is a local opportunity to show off your livestock judging skills or to learn more. This contest is part of the Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit. A meal will be provided and prizes in each age division.

Who: Youth ages 8+

When: June 2, 9 am to 2 pm

Where: Dawes County Fairgrounds

Cost: $15

Registration Deadline: Day Of

Meet the new Food and Nutrition Educator Ashley while cooking with her! Youth will make muffins and cookies.

Who: Youth ages 8+

When: June 6, 9 am to 12 pm

Where: Harrison Bible Church

Cost: $10

Projects: E410006 & E410004

Registration Deadline: May 15

The annual Fort Robinson Horse Camp will be held on June 8-10 at Fort Robinson. Participants enhance their horse skills through training sessions such as all the right moves, game on, don't be so sensitive, trail challenge competition, spur straps, and more! The fee for youth participants is $65 and $55 for an adult accompanying them. This fee includes a stall for Thursday and Friday night, meal for Friday night, Saturday breakfast, and a craft. Scholarship application, camp program, and registration can be found online or in our office. Registration is due May 12th.

Practice your livestock judging skills at this contest. This contest includes a meal and prizes. It is a part of the Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit.

Who: Youth ages 8+

When: June 15, 9 am to 2 pm

Where: Box Butte Fairgrounds

Cost: $15

Registration Deadline: Register the Day of

Level Up your sheep and beef showmanship skills at this one day clinic.

Who: Youth ages 8+

When: June 30

Where: Sioux County Fairgrounds

Cost: FREE

Registration Deadline: June 1

Items to Bring: Pack a sack lunch

Katie Reece is coordinating a Range Workshop for our Sioux County 4-H members. More details to come!

Boone Button and Laura Button will be hosting a 3D Printer workshop to help youth create their new items. More details to come.

Join us for Clover Kid fun at this age appropriate workshop. Activities will be from a variety of project areas.

Who: Youth ages 5-7

When: July 6, 9 am to 12 pm

Where: Harrison Bible Church

Cost: $10

Registration Deadline: July 1

4-H Shooting Sports will be hosting a Instructor Certification and Update in Chadron on April 22-23.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to become certified as an adult (21 years and older) or apprentice (14-20 years old) leader. Four project areas will be offered at the Chadron Workshop - rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery.

The time has come to provide an update for all Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors who received their training in 2017 or before. These update sessions are for adult or apprentice 4-H volunteer instructors who have previously attended a 4-H instructor training workshop in 2017 or prior years. These are an update for existing instructors, NOT a training for new instructors. Discipline updates that will be offered include rifle, shotgun, archery, and pistol.

There is a minimum number of participants needed to offer these disciplines.

For more workshop information and registration link, go to the 4-H Shooting Sports web page. Or contact your local Nebraska Extension Office or Steve Pritchard at (402)395-2158 or (308)536-2691. Registration is available only online at the link provided in the brochure or they can register directly by clicking HERE.

The 2023 Sioux County Fairbook has been updated and is available at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/northernpanhandle/sioux-county-fair/

2023 Fair Schedule

July 14- Clothing Day at Harrison Bible Church

July 28 - Open Livestock Show

Aug. 1 - Horse Show

Aug 3 - Open Class and Static Day

There are a few new things to look for in the Sioux County Fairbook. The 4-H Council has decided to make a requirement to have dog and cat 4-H exhibitors complete a State 4-H required vaccination form with their veterinarian. This form will be listed on the website with this section of the Fairbook.

Some new project areas have also been added including the Culinary Challenge as well as Small Engines and Restored Vehicles. The Culinary Challenge has a team of youth that design a table setting and menu. They have to make one item on their menu and it must include the special ingredient for the year. The ingredient for 2023 is sunflowers. For more information about this contest visit the Contest section of the fairbook.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting applications for its biggest youth outreach event - the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). NAYI brings together hundreds of high school juniors and seniors for one week every year to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with ag leaders and discover the many careers available in agriculture.

NAYI will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus July 10-14, 2023. Applications for NAYI are available at www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted online. Students selected to attend NAYI do so free of charge due to generous donations from numerous agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending have until April 15, 2023, to apply. This year’s theme is “For the Future.”

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Award is a prestigious award designed to recognize 4-H Clubs for their efforts to serve their communities. This award provides funding for 4-H Clubs to complete projects that will have a lasting impact on their communities. Projects should be intentional and impactful, growing club members as leaders and fulfilling a need in their community. Applications are due April 21. Learn more at ne4hfoundation.org/governors-ag-excellence-award.

The 2022-2023 4-H year on 4-H Online is now open! Youth wanting participate in Shooting Sports needs to get enrolled today!! Youth must be enrolled before practicing. Deadline for 4-H Enrollment will be June 15, 2023.

Note - 4HOnline has undergone a new update. The parent company behind the 4-H Online website has elected to add a banner ad for Auction Frogs that will appear when families log into 4-H Online. There is no way for Nebraska 4-H to opt out of the banner ad. This banner ad appears at the bottom of the Member List in the Family Profile. If you click "X" button the ad, the ad should not appear again in that browser.

The Livestock Achievement Program is an advanced opportunity for youth interested in diving deeper into and expanding upon their current livestock project and establishing themselves as leaders in their project area. The program encourages youth to engage in a variety of activities related to their project and recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas. Applications are now open. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement.

Email: mmracek2@unl.edu
Website: go.unl.edu/siouxcofair
Location: PO Box 277 Harrison, NE 69346
Phone: (308) 668-2428
Facebook: facebook.com/UNLSiouxCounty