Peoria County Extension Director

A recent nationwide recall of shell eggs has many people wondering if their eggs are safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been investigating over 200 reports of salmonella cases each week since late June. Many of these cases...
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Summer is the season to be outside, whether you are headed to a cookout, packing for a picnic, or planning a day at the pool. Food safety may not be one of your top priorities. However, making sure food is safe for you and your family to eat will help to prevent illness, so...
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Not many people were happy with their tomato crop last year. Mostly because the crop was very late in maturing, and then quite a few of the plants died prior to providing a full crop. There is not much we can do to increase maturity once the crop is in...
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The infection has hit this county director. That infection which peaks curiosity, taps into repressed memories and is the precipitant of “friend” and family reunions. Many have been infected by the particular strain known as social networking and more specifically, “Facebook.” Yet, there is that component of social networking which requires that great care...
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“Converting from a traditional to a Roth IRA is a hot topic this year,” according to Karen Chan, CFP® and consumer and family economics educator with University of Illinois Extension. “As of 2010, anyone is eligible to convert. This is the only year in which a taxpayer can convert but spread the taxable...
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Is anyone ready for the “greening” of spring? It seems that winter, and its accompanying snow, has graced us with its presence long enough. In order to paint some “green” thoughts for you, The Peoria County Office would like to provide some information on Easter Lilies. Easter lilies are common this time...
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It is always a melancholy time when the excitement of the holidays is over and the tree is taken down. Most of us hate to just throw out the tree that has provided so much enjoyment. There are several ways the old trees can be used by gardeners, mentions David Robson, University of Illinois...
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It is always a melancholy time when the excitement of the holidays is over and the tree is taken down. Most of us hate to just throw out the tree that has provided so much enjoyment. There are several ways the old trees can be used by gardeners, mentions David Robson, University of Illinois...
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If past years are any example, there is a good chance in December, January and/or February we will have a couple of bad ice and snow storms. A heavy snowfall or ice storm may bend branches to the point where homeowners think something should be done. Of course, there may be points where...
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Fall is the best time to start your bird feeding program according to Bob Frazee, University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator. Birds, small mammals and other wildlife are actively seeking food sources to fatten up for migration or for winter temperatures if they are year-round residents. By having your feeders up early,...
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