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4-Hers stage own version of Chopped
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Drayton Causey, third place - photo by Photo provided

The Effingham County Extension office recently sponsored 4-H’s inaugural Milk Make Contest.

4-H’ers were given a select number of food items to choose from, such as fruits, granola, cookies and various syrups. Participants were then instructed to create a tasty, nutritious milk-based drink that would be judged on nutrition, appeal, flavor, creativity, technique and presentation.

The contest aimed to help students develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities. It also promoted utilizing milk for its nutritional value and versatility.

Participating from Effingham 4-H were Shelby Aiken, Sydney Bazemore, Lydia Beech, Drayton Causey, Madison Hodge, Keenan Hoecht, Alexis Hovey, Joshua Kleckauskas, Kodie Lamb, Taylor Lucas, Magali Lopez-Warren, Laura Grace Molina, Kinsey Stone, Kyler Stone, Zachary Wert and Meli Zavaleta-Warren.

The winners were Taylor Lucas and Zach Wert. Effingham 4-H held separate competitions for its two Kids in the Kitchen cooking clubs.

Madison Hodge and Kodie Lamb took second place. The third-place finishers were Alexis Hovey and Drayton Causey.

Senior 4-H’ers Marci Delcampo, Sophie Usher and Rebecca Velasquez served as the judges.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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