Clinton County 4-H members taking the horse project will have an opportunity to participate in the first ever Clinton County 4-H Horse Challenege this spring and summer. Members are encouraged to log their riding time from May 1 to August 8. Completed logs should be submitted to the office by the end of August. Awards will be given out at the Annual Achievement Program to those 4-H'ers who logged the most time. The challenge is also open to 4-H horse parents and leaders.

Members enrolled in the horse project should have a letter and Horse Challenge log in the mail next week.

Good Luck

-Elaine-

You may have noticed in the March/April 4-H newsletter that we are searching for chicken homes again this spring. We have embryology projects in 6 Clinton County classrooms this year. About double have had in the past few years. So far we have only found homes for the chicks from two classrooms. So we have four more to go.

Twenty four eggs are put in each incubator for hatching. For the most part our classes have had a pretty good hatch rate but there are no guarantees. Each class has a mix of different kinds of chicken eggs so there are no breed guarantees either. These chickens are free, and free is a great way to start any new 4-H project.

To claim a hatching a parent must contact me (sorry kids I won't just take your word for it that mom says you can have a flock of chickens), and you have to take a whole hatching (wether it is 4 chicks or 24 chicks).

The first four hatchings will be available the last week in April (two of those are already taken). The last two hatchings will be available right about the time school gets out.

For more information call me or Stephanie at the office at 526-4551.

note-the free bunnies have both found homes.

we just got this information this morning. If anyone is interested please let me know. I have the order forms

Join a Fun Night of Baseball

4-H members, alumni, and their families are invited to join in the fun at 4-H Night with The Southern Illinois Miners, on Friday, June 13. The Miners will be playing the Midwest Sliders in a 7:05 p.m. game in Rent One Park, just off I-57,at Marion, IL. Note: Groups of families or county groups that wish to sit together must send their orders in one package.

Two different ticket packages may be purchased: $7.00 for a game ticket only; OR $13.00 for the Perfect Game package (includes ticket, hot dog, soda, and chips). Two youth will be selected to throw out the first pitch of the game. And, another group of 4-H members will lead the 7^th inning stretch songs. First pitch youth and the 7^th inning stretch leaders will be drawn from the ticket orders submitted.

Gates for the game will open at 6:05 p.m. Youth ticket holders who have picked up their tickets by 6:15 p.m. will be able to go onto the field prior to the game. And, the first 1000 fans in the park will receive a free game program.

Ticket orders must be postmarked by April 21. Tickets will be distributed at the game, near the entrance to the stadium. All tickets are for Reserved seating. All sales final; no refunds. To confirm your tickets, you may call the Williamson County Extension Office at 618-993-3304 after April 25.