February: ongoing polar vortex activity?

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•February 4, 2026• by DM Williamee As if the recent snowfall, wind, and colder temperatures were not sufficient to get everyone’s attention as we rang in the New Year, it is being predicted that the frigid weather will continue despite a warmer forecast over the next week to ten days. According to the National Weather Service, NOAA, and as cited by Accuweather, February is expected to bring with it an intense polar vortex, chilling weather patterns. A polar vortex refers to a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s poles. When it weakens or shifts, it … Read More

SNAP benefits change now in effect

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•February 4, 2026• by DM Williamee Beginning on February 1st, SNAP benefits changes were put into motion by H.R. 1, or the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’, signed into law last July 4th. This legislation enacted major changes to federal taxes, Medicaid, and other programs, becoming Public Law 119-21. The primary impact on SNAP is the changes to the work requirements. Adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under age 14 must work, participate in employment and training programs, or volunteer at least 80 hours each month to receive benefits. … Read More

Watershed Steward Training: improve water quality

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•February 4, 2026• Emily Steele Media Comm. Manager, U of I Extension Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is tied to the health of a community, and understanding where water comes from, how it moves, and what impacts its quality and quantity is crucial to maintaining safe and sustainable water resources now and in the future.  … Read More

Winter weather and extreme cold bring increased fire and carbon monoxide risks

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•February 4, 2026• As winter weather brings extreme cold across Illinois, fire safety officials are urging residents to use extra caution when heating their homes. Frigid temperatures often lead people to rely more heavily on heating systems and alternative heat sources, which can increase the risk of home fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if proper safety precautions are not followed. … Read More

‘Spring into Gardening Conference’ prepares for growing season

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•February 4, 2026• Gardening enthusiasts and beginners alike are invited to the sixteenth-annual ‘Spring Into Gardening Conference’. This year’s program is Saturday, March 14th, in Charleston. Enjoy a day filled with gardening advice, creative ideas, and hands-on guidance.   Expert-led breakout sessions led by Illinois Extension Horticulture Educators will cover topics such as soil health, composting, pollinator gardening, vegetable gardening, and debunking DIY garden products. The Green Team from Wesley United Methodist Church will lead a tour of their community garden, sharing ideas and tips with participants. Hands-on activities like flower arranging, plant propagation, and creating nesting balls are available … Read More

Illinois Treasurer: check for missing money, unclaimed property

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•February 4, 2026• Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to visit the ICash missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them. An estimated one-in-four adults who check ICash discover they have missing money or other unclaimed property, shared Frerichs, who recommends checking the website at least a couple of times a year. “It’s a good idea to check the names of family members and friends, as well as your own name, because you might find some unexpected treasures. If you find something for your relatives or neighbors, you can use … Read More

Historically dry conditions in 2025 boost drought issues

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•February 4, 2026• by Rhiannon Branch FarmWeek  Drought, flooding, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and extreme temperature swings; 2025 had it all, and it varied drastically by location, making last year a memorable one from a weather standpoint for many Illinois farmers. State Climatologist Trent Ford, with the Illinois State Water Survey, reviewed weather statistics from 2025 and events that stood out during a recent FarmWeek interview. Precipitation, or lack thereof: nearly the entire state is abnormally dry or in some form of drought as a result of a shortfall of precipitation last year, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor released January … Read More

IL Conservation Foundation: 2026 scholarship opening

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•February 4, 2026• The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Conservation Achievement Scholarships, which will award up to four one-time scholarships of $2,000 each to Illinois high school seniors committed to conserving the state’s natural resources. The scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated sustained, voluntary dedication to preserving, protecting, enhancing or promoting Illinois’ lands, waters, and wildlife. One scholarship is reserved annually for a dependent of an Illinois Department of Natural Resources employee. “The Conservation Achievement Scholarship reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation of conservation leaders,” said Jenny Vaughn, executive director of the Illinois … Read More

Lady Redskins remain perfect in LPC play

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by E. Scott England The Lady Redskins had two games last week with one being a much anticipated re-match against Tri-County. They rounded out the week with a long road trip to Bloomington. Tri-County It had not been many days since these two teams faced off against one another in the Lincoln Prairie Conference championship. A thriller from the beginning, the Lady Redskins prevailed in the end. Now the teams met in regular season. Sullivan did not disappoint. … Read More

Mo-Do 4-H updates

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Submitted A generous donor has covered the cost of our upcoming leather workshop, so all youth may now attend for free. This workshop is being put on by one of our own, Gareth Coffer, who wins the leather division year after year at the State Fair and now has his own business. This class will be held at the Arthur United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 7th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and will be sponsored by the Arthur Rotary Club. For more information and to register, go to https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/leather-skills-make-and-take-workshop. … Read More