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Local News

Summer Robotics Camp - Adult Volunteers Needed (Register Here)
(Posted on 2/8/2012)
Lions, tigers and bears – oh my! Gears, robotics and ultrasonic frequencies – oh my! Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking volunteers (high school students and older) to assist Northwest Iowa youth learn about the expanding field of robotics and automation! Come be a part of an exciting and innovative experience that youth can’t wait to participate in!

Moving Towards a Healthier Iowa
(Posted on 2/7/2012)
Adults need to adapt healthier lifestyles and be role models for kids if Iowa is going to be the healthiest state in the nation. Come on Iowan's - lets raise healthy kids.

Spirited Child

Science of Parenting: How to Parent Spirited Children
(Posted on 2/2/2012)
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.

Monsanto school grant

Nominate Your School District for a Grant up to $25,000
(Posted on 1/27/2012)
Monsanto is offering funding for your school to integrate Agriculture programs. Nominate your public school TODAY!

Flavor

Flavors of Northwest Iowa - Locally Grown Food & Culture
(Posted on 1/12/2012)
We Love Local Food andFlavors of Northwest Iowa is a regional network for local food producers and consumers

Financial

YOU HAVE OPTIONS - Ensure Your Familiy's Economic Security Today
(Posted on 1/6/2012)
Find out about the variety of earned benefit programs and other valuable services that exist in Iowa to help with your family's daily expenses.

facebook

Find us on Facebook - ISU Extension and Outreach O'Brien County
(Posted on 1/4/2012)
Come "Like Us" on Facebook and you will receive alerts on our latest programs and happenings with Extension!

Fighting

When Siblings Fight, Teach Healthy Ways to Handle Conflict
(Posted on 1/4/2012)
With winter’s cold, snowy weather, children will be spending more time indoors with their brothers and sisters. Sometimes this forced closeness may cause an increase in disagreements, arguments and all-out fights.

Student Loan

New Student Loan Legislation
(Posted on 11/9/2011)
Find out how the federal legislation changed the terms of student loans, and how they may affect you, as well as provide you with information on various ways to pay down student loan debt, and what to do if you can’t make your student loan payments.

Newsletter

ISU Extension Newsletters
(Posted on 11/7/2011)
Ag, Family, 4-H and Horticulture Newsletters are available

Family

Great Information for Raising your Family
(Posted on 10/17/2011)
October Family Life Education/Information

College Savings

Tax Tips for Students and Parents Paying College Expenses
(Posted on 9/16/2011)
Internal Revenue Service identifies these tax benefits that may apply to you, your spouse or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption on your tax return.

MG Logo

Register for The Iowa Master Gardener Program!
(Posted on 8/12/2011)
Classes start in January 10, 2012

Shop Smart

Spend Smart, Eat Smart - Affordable Tips.
(Posted on 1/20/2009)
For more tips and information on buying and eating nutritious food, visit the Spend Smart Eat Smart website www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsavings

drugs

Sources for Help with Prescription Drug Costs
(Posted on 6/5/2008)
Help is available for individuals who are struggling with their prescription costs. If you lack coverage or find yourself in the donut hole of your current plan there are some possible solutions.

Money Tree

Money Saving Tips from ISU Extension - O'Brien County
(Posted on 5/23/2008)
Are you feeling the crunch of the extra cost of a gallon of milk or gas prices? You are not alone. Here are some tips on how to save money.

4H Leaders

Join 4-H today!
(Posted on 2/27/2006)
O'Brien County 4-H leaders attend meetings to share ideas and much more.......

kids eating apples

CYPHERnet offers children, youth and family resources
(Posted on 3/1/2005)
If you're a professional serving children, youth and families or a parent with your own children, you know that finding reliable, high quality, research-based information on the Web can be a major challenge. That's where CYFERnet can help you.

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.

Staff

Kaye Strohbehn - County Program Coordinator
Phone: 712-957-5045
Fax: 712-957-5065
Email: kestroh@iastate.edu

Renee Sweers - Nutrition & Health Program Specialist
Phone: 712-276-2157
Fax: 712-276-6211
Email: rsweers@iastate.edu

Lori Hayungs - Family Life Program Specialist
Phone: 712-737-4230
Fax: 712-737-3590
Email: lhayungs@iastate.edu

Cheryl Heronemus - Region 1 Extension Education Director
Phone: 712-957-5045
Fax: 712-957-5065
Email: hero@iastate.edu

Resources from ISU Extension