Wednesday What-Nots 10/15

Wednesday What Nots is now delivered directly to your inbox through our newsletter platform. Reach out to Kristen at kherrick3@unl.edu with questions.

Fall is off to a fast start as we dive into another season of school enrichment! If you see us around the schools, be sure to say hi — and if you’d like us to visit your classroom, ask your teacher to give us a call!

Don’t forget to cash your award and premium checks from the County and State Fair as soon as possible!

Join us on November 2nd for the 2025 Achievement Night in the Kimmel Ag-Expo Center at 5 P.M. More details to come!

Sign up now!

https://forms.office.com/r/naRPGgf49e?origin=lprLink

Please remember to complete your annual instructor report by October 31. The instructions and link were emailed to you by Steve Pritchard last week, but if you did not receive them, please reach out to Tracy for assistance.

You can access the on-line reporting form by going to: 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Annual Instructor Report - DUE OCTOBER 31, 2025

County Fair banners, trophies, buckles, and cash are ready to be picked up!

Please make arrangements to pick up your State Fair projects from the Extension Office as soon as possible. Due to limited space, any projects not picked up by Achievement Night will be taken to the thrift store. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us stay organized!

June Mead

Emma Houghton

Lillian Houghton

Addisyn Berner

Grace Behmer

Annalynn Beach

Emma Beede

Madelynn Lindemann

Charolotte Wellensiek

Kalyn Smith

Preston Rumery

Gideon Kellett

Grayson Kraus

Czandrya Morgan

Braxton Fass

Kelsey Steinhoff

Brandon Steinhoff

Lorelei Walters

From October 1 – November 4, 2025, Casey’s and 4-H are joining forces to strengthen the communities they call home. Support 4-H at Casey’s in two easy ways:

• October 1-10: Round up your in-store purchase to donate to 4-H
• October 1-November 4: add a donation to any order made online or in the Casey’s app

Every donation benefits Nebraska 4-H programs. Casey’s will match up to $150,000 of donations.

We’re excited to announce that the 2025 Nebraska 4-H State Rodeo and UNL Rodeo Fall Jackpots are set for Friday, October 31st, and Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at the Sandhills Global Event Center, Livestock Market Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska!

Schedule Overview

Friday, October 31st – Speed Events & Costume Triathlon Event- 4D Barrels, Youth Barrels to Follow 4H Events
Saturday, November 1st – Goat Tying & Roping Events - Open Goat tying, Open Breakaway and Handicapped Team Roping to Follow 4H Events

This year’s event will feature all your favorite 4-H and UNL jackpot competitions, plus a bonus Halloween Costume Triathlon Event on Friday night — where contestants will breakaway rope a calf, run the cloverleaf barrel pattern, and tie a goat! Prizes will be awarded based on time and creativity, including a Top Costume Award!

You can find more information at https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/horse-program/horse-rodeo/ Entries will be open in 4-H Online from October 15-27th.

Districts run North-South and are divided by region: West district runs from western county line to 22nd rd, Central district is 22nd rd to 46th Rd, and East district is 46th Rd to the eastern county line. Council meets monthly to provide 4-H program guidance and helps shape the future direction of the program. If you’re ready to add your name to the ballot (or maybe you just need a few more details before you decide), call or email Tracy.

Utilize the links below to sign up for the Take & Make Project! Plan to pay when you pick them up from the Otoe County Extension Office.

Yarn Trees

Is your teen passionate about AI, computer science, or STEM? Nebraska 4-H has a funded opportunity for youth (ages 13–19) to attend the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. - including travel, registration, hotel, and meals!

Teens & a parent/guardian must complete the Interest Form by Oct. 27: https://go.unl.edu/ai-igite26

On behalf of the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers, attached is the Martha & Don Romeo Scholarship application. Return to the Extension Office by Nov. 30.

Visit https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-road-show for more specific information and registration link. Registration closes one week prior to each Road Show session. Registration is $15 per person and includes a meal and all supplies for in-person attendees. Registration for Virtual attendees is $10, they will receive a packet of supplies to use during the program.

Tracy Ensor, 4-H Youth Development Associate Extension Educator, tensor2@unl.edu

Kristen Herrick, 4-H Extension Assistant, kherrick3@unl.edu

Ben Jewell, Rural Prosperity Nebraska Associate Extension Educator, bmcshane-jewell2@unl.edu

Cheryl Goff, Office Manager, cheryl.goff@unl.edu

Website: www.otoe.unl.edu

Location: 620 1st Street, Syracuse, NE, USA
Phone: (402) 269-2301
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nebraska-Extension-in-Otoe-County