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ServSafe Certification Training -- Spirit Lake, March 8th
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
Did you know that there are estimated 76 million food borne illnesses each year and 225 to 300 million cases of acute gastroenteritis? That figures out to be once a year for each of us. How do you know the food you are being served has been handled and prepared with safety in mind? ServSafe is arguably the most recognized and renowned certification a food service manager can acquire to verify a complete knowledge of food safety practices. Research shows that training employees in safe food handling practices significantly improves food safety. Sign-up for a class today!

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What's For Supper? Tips to Spend Smart. Eat Smart. - March 27th
(Posted on 1/30/2012)
Ever wonder how to provide nutritious meals for your family without spending more at the grocery store? Come join ISU Nutrition & Health Program Specialist, Holly VanHeel, for an evening of fun and exploration. Learn ways to stretch your food dollar and provide a more balanced, healthy meal.

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Living High Tech And What It Means for Our Kids
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
Click on this Iowa Future Video to see the drastic changes occuring in Iowa and the world. For example, "Did you know... more people today have a mobile phone than have access to a clean toilet. 92% of American children have an online presence by the time they are 2 years old." Read on to find out more.

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FREE Farmer's Tax Guide | For Use in Preparing 2011 Tax Returns
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
This publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming. Use this publication as a guide to figure your taxes and complete your farm tax return. Available at the Dickinson County Extension & Outreach Office or at the ISU Extension online store.

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Iowa 4-H Scholarhips Available
(Posted on 1/6/2012)
Are you attending or planning to attend college? Consider applying for an Iowa 4-H Scholarship. Applications are available online or in county Extension Offices. Deadline is March 1st.

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Iowan's Thank ISU Extension & Outreach
(Posted on 1/6/2012)
Watch this video to see how Iowa State University Extension & Outreach has helped Iowan's across the state.

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Find Us On Facebook
(Posted on 1/5/2012)
Come "Like Us" on Facebook to get alerts on latest programs and happenings with Extension.

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New Year's Resolution - Forget Forbidden Foods
(Posted on 1/4/2012)
If one of your resolutions for the new year was to eat healthier, consider this...instead of concentrating on how to avoid ‘forbidden’ foods, focus on foods you CAN eat more often. ISU Extension & Outreach Nutrition Specialists share suggestions.

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Test Your Home For Radon This Winter and Protect Your Family
(Posted on 12/13/2011)
Test Your Home. Protect Your Health. Stop by the Dickinson County Extension & Outreach Office to get your radon test kit and give the gift of health this winter. Read on to learn more about Radon, the test kits, and 4 Action Steps.

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4hOnline Information
(Posted on 11/30/2011)
We encourage 4-H families to use these NEW online links to enroll in 4-H, add or drop project areas, change contact information, verify livestock identification information and more. Come see how quick and easy it is to be in 4H!

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Consider Gift of Grain to 4-H
(Posted on 10/25/2011)
Give a gift of grain this year to benefit youth in Dickinson County while helping you save on your taxes. A donation of grain is an easy way for Iowa farm families to show their support for the 4-H program and make sure 4-H continues for future generations.

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Join 4-H! Make Friends! Have Fun! Do Cool Stuff!
(Posted on 9/12/2011)
Be part of the world's largest youth-serving organization - 4-H. We're in 80 countries around the world and involve more than 6 million youth and 500,000 volunteers. Come Join the FUN with your FRIENDS!

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My Plate's Message: Proportions
(Posted on 9/12/2011)
The USDA released a new food icon “MyPlate” on June 2, 2011. The intent of the icon is to share a simple, concise message of proportionality on your plate. Extension also has some fun new ways to help Americans visualize proportions as well.

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Set Limits & Examples For Kids TV Viewing
(Posted on 3/9/2011)
Studies show that by the time American children graduate from high school, they have spent more time in front of the TV than in the classroom. That is a powerful influence on kids. So what can parents do?

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2010 Farm & Rural Life Poll Results
(Posted on 1/1/2011)
More than 1,300 farmers participated in the 2010 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll. Results show that despite the recession and difficult weather-related events, Iowa farmers feel like they and their families maintained their quality of life and are optimistic about the future.

News from Iowa State University Extension

Kids Learn Healthy Habits from Caring Adults
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
Adults need to adapt healthier lifestyles and be role models for kids if Iowa is going to be the healthiest state in the nation, says Ruth Litchfield, an Iowa State University associate professor and state nutrition extension specialist.
Science of Parenting: How to Parent Spirited Children
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
When it comes to temperament, some kids are as dependable as pickup trucks, while others are as touchy as high-end sports cars. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines the “engine” that drives a child and how parents can manage spirited children.
Connect to Nature at February Virtual Eco Family Conference
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
“When we love the place where we live, we take better care of it,” said Kristi Cooper, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She will discuss how to develop a sense of place and build communities that connect people with nature during the Virtual Eco Family Conference on Feb. 2.
Parent-Child Cell Phone Debate Continues
(Posted on 1/17/2012)
Parents can exert a measure of control over their child’s mobile phone use by limiting use, checking its contents and using it to monitor the whereabouts of their offspring. However, with a few exceptions, these activities by parents do not seem to impact patterns of cell phone use by teens, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialists.
Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by Feb. 1
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
At some point in many women’s lives, they will have to make major financial decisions. Money Talk, an online class offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gives women the knowledge to make those decisions and improve their lives. The registration deadline is Feb. 1 and the class begins Feb. 6.
Science of Parenting: Using Technology to Help with Parenting
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
From podcasts to text messages and Skype, many parents are adding technology to their parenting toolkit. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach takes a closer look at how parents can use information and communications technology for parenting.
Virtual Eco Family Conference Connects Families to the Environment
(Posted on 12/22/2011)
Iowa families throughout the state will be getting together — virtually — once a month from January through June for an Eco Family Conference from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. It’s an opportunity for families to improve the environment, reduce their carbon footprint and create community close to home.
Extension Offers Free Monthly Parenting Newsletter
(Posted on 12/16/2011)
Any parent, new or seasoned, may have questions regarding his or her children. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a free monthly newsletter, Just in Time Parenting, with helpful information on parenting young ones.
Phone App Is Winter Preparedness Tool for Motorists
(Posted on 12/14/2011)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists prepare for winter weather travels. And should they get stuck in winter weather, the app provides on-the-spot assistance.
Parents Can Help Kids Deal with Bullying
(Posted on 12/1/2011)
Relational aggression in children is another way of saying that kids can be mean to one another. Parents may not be able to stop this bullying, but they can help their children learn how to deal with the behavior, says Kimberly Greder, an extension specialist and associate professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State University.

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