Dunn County Clover Courier |
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UW-Madison Extension Dunn County |
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Hello Dunn County 4-H Families!
I hope you are all happy and well. The days are getting a little longer, and Spring is right around the corner. If you need something to help you get excited about the warmer weather, this month's Clover Courier has got you covered. There is information on Spring project meetings for dog and horse, Spring awards and scholarship applications, and two rounds of Spring Break Programming! You will also find:
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- Dunn County Fair Updates
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Performing Arts Information
- Battle of the Clubs registration
- State Programming Opportunities
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I also want to remind everyone that the Leaders Council will meet on Wednesday, February 4th at 6:30 in the County Government Building. The Leaders Council is open to all Dunn County 4-H Leaders, volunteers and older youth representatives. I've attached a flyer that gives more information about what the council does. We hope to see you there!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
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| Zachary Rozmiarek
Dunn County 4-H Educator
715-308-8616
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Scholarship and Awards Applications Now Open! |
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| It's time to work on your award applications! Applications are due to the Extension Office by March 10. Zoom interviews will be scheduled in March.
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- Middle and High School 4-H'ers are invited to apply for Citizenship, Leadership, and Achievement Awards.
- Members who have earned all three are invited to apply for the County Key Award, the highest level of achievement in 4-H.
- Graduating Seniors are invited to apply for Dunn County Leaders Council Scholarships.
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Award winners and scholarship recipients will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony at the Dunn County Fair.
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Shooting Sports Leader Wanted |
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The Dunn County 4-H Shooting Sports Project is looking for an air rifle leader. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Teaching: Instruct youth in specific shooting disciplines, teaching safety rules, equipment care, and shooting techniques.
- Mentorship: Act as a positive role model for youth, helping them develop life skills
- Adherence to guidelines: Conduct all activities in a professional and ethical manner, following the national 4-H shooting sports guidelines
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Safety supervision: Ensure that all activities are conducted safely, with hands-on or safety instruction only being provided by a certified leader.
- Administrative: Work with the co-leader on administrative tasks such as completing the 4-H Charter and Financial Report, scheduling practices, and communicating with members and the 4-H Educator.
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The Shooting Sports Leader will also need to attend an in person training, the cost of which will be covered by the program. If you are interested, please reach out to Zac at zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu or 715-232-1636.
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Dunn County 4-H Food Drive- Extended until February! |
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Dunn County 4-H is once again sponsoring a food drive for all clubs that wish to participate.
If your club votes to participate, here is what you need to do:
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Collect non-perishable food items between now and your February meeting.
- Email a picture of the club members with the items AND the total amount collected to zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu.
- Donate the items to the food pantry of your choice. You can also bring them to the extension office and we will donate them for you.
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The club with the most non-perishable food items per member will receive an ice cream sundae and root beer float party at their next meeting! (non-dairy options will be available upon request)
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Dunn County Fair Beef Weigh in |
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Beef weigh in for the Dunn County Fair will take place on February 14 from 8-10am at the Dunn County Fairgrounds.
Weigh in is optional, unless you are participating in Total Performance. However, Project Entry Forms and valid YQCA certificate must be submitted in person at the initial weigh-in.
If you have any questions, please contact beef superintendent Del Keyes at (715) 308-7049 and check out the 2026 Map Rules document.
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Dunn County Fair Theme Contest |
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| Help the Dunn County Fair create a theme for 2026!
Each 4-H club has until March 2nd to decide on a theme and fill out the form. All entries will be kept anonymous until the winner is announced!
The Dunn County Fair is also offering a $100 donation to the club with the winning theme!
As you come up with your ideas remember to keep your theme:
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- catchy
- memorable
- related to the fair and Dunn County
- easy to decorate around
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One entry per club. Club Leaders, send your entry by using the attached form.
Good Luck!
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Lactating Cows at the Dunn County Fair |
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This year, the Dunn County Fair will be allowing lactating cows to be shown. There will be milking capabilities for any cow that needs it. In addition, lactating cows will be allowed to arrive on the day of the show and leave after showing.
Please reach out to the fairboard and check the 2026 Junior Fair Book for more information.
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Upcoming Events and Programs |
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Performing Arts Festival- Register Now! |
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Start organizing your group!
The 2026 Tri-County Performing Arts Festival will be held on March 7, 2026, at Elk Mound High School, starting at 9am.
Participants can showcase their talents in music and drama categories, with critiques and awards for all. Join us to celebrate creativity and build confidence in a supportive 4-H community!
This event is open to all 4-H members, including Cloverbuds. Registration closes February 22nd.
Questions? Check out our Performing Arts Festival Website.
More Questions? Reach out to Zac at zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu.
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Dog Project Kick Off Meeting |
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| The Dog Project will hold their Spring Kick Off Meeting on Monday, March 30, at 6pm in Room 60 of the County Government Building.
This will be an introduction meeting with no dogs. Anyone who is interested in joining the dog project is welcome to attend.
Practice nights will take place on Mondays from 6-6:45pm starting on April 13.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Sandy Miller at slmiller8528@gmail.com.
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Horse 101 - YEP Spring Meeting |
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The Youth Equine Project will be holding their Horse 101 Spring Meeting on Sunday April 12 from 5-7pm at the horse arena on the Dunn County Fairgrounds.
They will be discussing the ride night and cliniation schedule, as well as requirements to show at the Dunn County Fair. There will be no horses at the first meeting.
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Spring Break Stay-cation!-
Around the World in 80 Minutes! |
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| Dunn County Youth in grades K-4 are invited to join us as we make suitcases, get passports and "Travel" from place to place making instruments, doing crafts, and playing games!
The programs will be held on from 10:30-noon on March 18th in Menomonie, and from 10:30- noon on March 31st at the Colfax Library. The same activities will be offered at each session.
These programs are open to the public. Registration for Dunn County 4-H members will open February 1st. Registration for non members will open February 10th. Registration for both sessions will close on March 9th. The sessions are limited to 20 youth, so sign up soon!
We are also looking for older youth and volunteers to help run the stations. If you are interested in helping out, email Zac at zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu
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Small Animal Project Meeting |
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The Small Animal Project will be meeting on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30pm in Room 60 of the County Government Building. There will be a quick business meeting, and then the group will work on creating display boards to help promote the project.
If you would like to help create the display boards, sign up for a section by following the link below.
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Battle of the Clubs- Last Chance to Enter! |
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| The 2026 Battle of the Clubs will be held on February 21st, at 10am in the gym at Alliance Church.
The Battle of the Clubs is a county-wide event where each club forms teams of 5-10 youth to compete in a variety of events. Members of all ages are encouraged to participate.
Clubs may have multiple teams. There will be awards, along with bragging rights, for the winning clubs. It will conclude with an all county pizza party sponsored by the Leaders Council.
The cost is $10 per team which will go to the Youth Activities Council to sponsor older youth programming.
Register your team by February 7th.
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Chippewa County 4-H is inviting Eau Claire and Dunn County 4-H members in 6th grade and up to join them for an exciting overnight leadership experience at Camp Nawakwa! Explore leadership, make new friends, and have fun with youth in grades 6 and up.
Activities will include basic first aid, financial literacy, hand-sewn clothing repairs, dressing for success, resume building, professional greetings, and necktie or scarf styling.
The cost is $30 per participant, which includes all meals, a camp t-shirt, and activity supplies. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect, and lead—all while having fun!
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4-H ArtBEAT! provides an opportunity for youth grades 3-5 to experience art in a camp setting at the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells. The event offers a taste of several arts projects including music, visual arts, Theater, and more!
Youth will rotate through a variety of hands-on sessions held at various sites throughout camp.
Parents are not required to attend but are encouraged to participate as enrolled volunteers.
Volunteers will help supervise youth and lead them through the stations. You can easily become a volunteer by enrolling in 4HOnline and completing the online training and a background check.
Register by February 8, 2026 to secure your spot!
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- When: Saturday & Sunday, March 14-15, 2026 (9 AM Sat. - 12 PM Sun.)
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Where: Upham Woods, Wisconsin Dells
- Youth registration: Tiered Pricing - $125, $150, $175; Adult chaperone: $75
- Registration opens January 12 in 4honline
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Steam Gaze- Save the Date |
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Wisconsin 4-H proudly presents STEAM GAZE, a dynamic, full-day experience designed for curious and creative youth in grades 3–5. Dive into a world of discovery where art meets science through hands-on workshops led by passionate educators.
Whether your spark is chemistry, theater, visual arts, environmental science, music, or something in between, STEAM GAZE offers multiple interactive tracks to ignite imagination and innovation.
Older 4-Hers and staff will guide and inspire throughout this exciting day of exploration and creativity. It is open to 4-H ers and non 4-Hers.
Youth must attend with an adult (parent, club leader, teacher, Extension staff, etc.). Adult attendance is free.
Event Details:
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- Wausau: April 25, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Marathon County Extension Office, Wausau, WI - Milwaukee: May 16, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
TBD - Cost: $10
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Registration will open through 4-H Online at the end of February.
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Are you looking for something for your Cloverbud to do on a cold or snowy day?
Just in time for Valentine's Day, check out this Pop Up Greeting Card activity!
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Want to learn some new community service or engaging, fun activities for your club? Have an idea your club would like to share? Join in the Clover Connect idea sharing zooms this spring!
Two engaging, interactive topics are planned:
Hands to Larger Service: Community Service Ideas
Sunday, Feb 22 at 7 p.m. & Monday, Feb 23 at Noon (same content will be repeated)
Making 4-H Meetings Fun: Bringing Laughter and Learning to 4-H Meetings
Sunday, Mar 22 at 7 p.m. & Monday, Mar 23 at Noon (same content will be repeated)
The sessions will include information sharing, hands-on learning, and time to share ideas with other older youth leaders and adult volunteers from across the state!
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| I'm a new paragraph block.
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This month's Exploring 4-H Newsletter talks about club meetings. Did you know that there are 3 parts to every meeting? Check out the Exploring 4-H Newsletter to learn more!
Being new is scary. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Zac or your club leader if you have any questions. We're here to help.
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County-Wide Meetings and Events |
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County-wide project meetings are open to any 4-H member who meets the age criteria. If you are unsure about adding a project area, these meetings are an excellent way to explore and learn more. Reach out to the extension office or project leaders for more information.
Projects can be added any time before May 1st in 4honline.com.
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| Small Animal Project | February 10, 6:30-7:30, Room 60- Dunn County Government Building | Creating promotional display boards | | Battle of the Clubs | February 21, 10am-Noon, Alliance Church | Group games and competitions | | Youth Activities Council |
February 24, 6:30-7:30pm, Room 60- Dunn County Government Building | Making dog toys to donate | | Dog Project Kick Off | March 30th, 6-7pm, Room 60- Dunn County Government Building | Practice schedule and general information | | Youth Equine Project Spring Meeting
| April 12, 5-7pm, Dunn County Fairgrounds |
Ride night schedule and general information |
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County Government Building, 3001 Us Hwy 12 E, Menomonie, WI 54751
Please park on the West Side of the building and use the Health Department Doors for all programs at the Government Center.
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4-H On the Air is a fun and unique opportunity for the youth, and a great way to promote your club and Dunn County 4-H. Interviews can be done at the station or by phone.
If you are listed here, please take a moment to connect with WAXX: farm@midwestfamilyec.com or call Jill at 715-852-2659.
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| | February | Hay River Helpers | | March | Connorsville Comets | | April | Elk Meadow |
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The Dunn County Leaders Council is excited to help fund your 4-H trip! The Leaders Council is committed to funding 25% of all state and national trips and experiences. The Leaders Council may fund at greater amounts depending on the number of participants and budgetary allowances.
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The Leaders Council supports youth in excelling in 4-H activities by helping to remove financial barriers. If your youth needs financial assistance for a 4-H project or activity, email zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu. All requests are voted on by the Leaders Council and are kept anonymous.
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The Leaders Council will meet on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30pm in the Lower Level of the County Government Building.
The Leaders Council isn't just for club leaders. ALL Dunn County 4-H volunteers are invited to attend. If you are looking for a way to support the Dunn County 4-H Program, the Leaders Council is for you.
Volunteers are welcome to join online or in person.
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The Leaders Council is looking for volunteers who would like to serve on a committee. If you are passionate about helping youth, and would like to help fund raise, organize events, or assist with awards, reach out to Zac for more information.
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Dunn County 4-H Leaders Council Sponsors |
Thank you to our 2025-26 Leaders Council Sponsors! If you, or someone you know, would like to become a 2026-27 sponsor, reach out to Zac, or visit the link below.
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An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.
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3001 US Hwy 12 East Suite 216 | Menomonie, WI 54751 US
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