Local Interest

4-H groups and community members were able to provide several carloads of supplies and a cash donation to a local non-profit group that provides essential items for children in the Foster Care system in Western Nebraska.

During the month of April, 4-H groups across the Panhandle gathered their resources and celebrated the 4-H National Day of Service by making donations to Finders Keepers. The supply drive focused on items like diapers, formula and other infant items, new socks and undergarments, new or gently used clothes, shoes, coats, toys, games, books, school, art supplies, backpacks, bags, tote boxes, and new toothbrushes and toiletry items.

By Kelley Rice, Extension Educator and 4-H Coordinator for Panhandle Extension District

A framework is a frame or structure composed of parts fitted and joined together, according to dictionary.com. It is also a good analogy for the way the multi-faceted parts of Nebraska 4-H work together to fulfill its mission to empower youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

At the core of the 4-H framework is Positive Youth Development, which uses the experiential learning model (learning through experience) coupled with positive relationships with caring adults.

Many high-school students, when classes dismiss for the summer, don’t think about school until August. Three local youth, including a 2018 Scottsbluff High School graduate and two Bayard High School students, are returning to the classroom during break, but switching roles to become teachers of elementary students.

Three students are taking part in the Teens as Teachers program: Luis Cordova of Scottsbluff and Gordon Acosta and Alejandra Garza, both of Bayard. The program is sponsored by Nebraska Extension and now in its second year in Scotts Bluff, Morrill, and a handful of other counties in Nebraska.

By Sarah Paulos, Nebraska Extension Educator

      “Don’t get dirty.”

      “Wash your hands!”

This has been the request of parents throughout the ages aimed at children coming in and out from outdoor play. But is this good advice? Can getting dirty and being exposed to germs actually benefit children? The answer is yes.

The Centers for Disease Control stated that the number of Americans with asthma grew by 28 percent from 2001-11. Research has also noted that children who are exposed to more microbes (or germs) early in life develop better immune tolerance to things like asthma and allergies.

By Gary Stone, Extension Educators, Panhandle Extension District

Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is a concept to identify potential invasive species prior to or just as the establishment of the invasive is taking place.  An Integrated Pest Management plan (IPM) can be developed to manage, contain and eradicate the invasive species before it can spread further.  This will avoid costly, long-term control efforts.

Tammie Ostdiek has accepted an offer to serve as Extension Educator in Food, Nutrition and Health for Nebraska Extension, based in Morrill County.

Her acceptance was announced by Dr. Jack Whittier, Director of Research and Extension for the Panhandle. She is scheduled to begin her duties June 6, 2018, after completing her duties as a teacher in Goshen County, Wyo.

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UNMC, Nebraska Extension announce annual hazardous occupations safety courses for teens across Nebraska this summer

March 23, 2023
Nebraska Extension and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, have announced dates for the annual “tractor safety” training courses scheduled at sites across Nebraska in early June.

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Research technologist played part in research history

March 23, 2023
In the past 45 years, Rex Nielsen has been part of important research projects at the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center (PREEC) in Scottsbluff.

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Panhandle Perspective: A Plant Disease Changes Sugar Beet Production in Nebraska

March 23, 2023
Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) has long been problematic to sugar beet production throughout the eastern and Great lakes production areas of the United States and is considered to be the most important and destructive foliar disease for this crop.

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PREEC welcomes new communications specialist

March 23, 2023
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff welcomed Chabella Guzman, as its new communications specialist. She will be responsible for news media, social media, web content, video content, meeting technology, and other communications roles related to the Panhandle Center and Extension in western Nebraska.

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