""

Tuesday News

September 1, 2026

Message from State 4-H Fair Manager

It’s hard to believe that the 4-H State Fair opens Friday September 4th. We are getting the 4-H Office ready for opening day and wanted to remind you of some important dates: 

  • Still Exhibit drop off is Monday Aug 31 from 1-6pm and Tuesday Sept 1 from 9am- 6pm.
  • All animal entries must be in Fair Entry by Sept 10 so that we can invite as many alternates as we can. 
  • The fair grounds will be closed Sept 8th & 9th and every Tuesday after that. 
  • Livestock weekend is Sept 18 – Sept 21.

If you have any questions please let me know. I look forward to seeing everyone at the 4-H State Fair.

Kellian Whidden
4-H State Fair Manager
(503)741-6003
Kellian.st4hfair@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

Free Virtual Piano Lessons for Youth Ages 8-16

Washington State University’s Department of Kinesiology is recruiting youth ages 8-16 for a research study exploring how piano lessons may support executive functioning and brain skills. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either a virtual piano lesson group or a comparison group.

Participants in the piano group will receive a keyboard to use during the study and participate in two 30-minute virtual lessons each week for nine weeks. All participants will complete executive functioning assessments at the beginning of the study and again six months later.

Families can receive up to $30 in Visa gift cards for participating, with $15 provided at baseline and $15 provided at the six-month follow-up.

To learn more or sign up, fill out the interest form or contact tristan.loria@wsu.edu.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support WSU research and help advance our understanding of how music education may benefit young people’s learning and development.

Flyer

Starlink + Tractor Supply Partnership Begins September 1st

Promotional graphic featuring Tractor Supply Co., Starlink, and 4-H logos. Text reads: “4-H, Tractor Supply, & Starlink are working together to bring fast, affordable internet access to rural America.” The background shows two people in a large grain field examining crops. An inset photo shows a Starlink satellite internet dish mounted on the roof of a rural building against a blue sky, with the caption “Photo courtesy of Starlink.”

We’re excited to share a new initiative with Tractor Supply and Starlink that will bring fast, reliable internet access to rural communities and create an opportunity for significant unrestricted support for your local 4‑H program.

From September 1–November 1, for every Starlink Kit purchased and registered at Tractor Supply, the value of the first month’s subscription will support 4‑H.

Similar to Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover and Casey’s Round Up campaigns, a portion of the funds generated through eligible Starlink kit purchases and activations will directly benefit 4‑H in your state.

WA State 4-H Equine Judges Training Registration Open

Registration is now open for the WA State 4-H Judge’s Training School. Registration is $100 and will be open until October 1, 2026, or until full. Space is limited. Be sure to secure your spot today!

Questions? Please email 4h.equine@wsu.edu or call 425-520-3908.

Promotional flyer for the 2026 Washington State 4-H Judge’s Training School. A chestnut horse stands beside a 4-H horse judge wearing a cowboy hat and holding a judging clipboard. The event runs October 31, 2026 at 7:00 AM through November 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM at The Equestrian Park at Evergreen State Fairgrounds. The flyer encourages participants to become a 4-H Horse Judge and register today.

Upcoming Dairy Cow Health 101 Session September 15th

Have you ever considered raising dairy cows? On Tuesday September 15th, from 6:30-7:30pm, Dr. Craig McConnel will introduce participants to keeping your dairy cows safe and healthy. Topics will include the dairy lifecycle, nutrition considerations, common health issues, and preventative practices. This beginner class is appropriate for farmers, 4-Hers, and anyone who has (or dreams of having) a small dairy herd of their own. 

Register now for Dairy Cow 101!

Flyer for a virtual program titled “Dairy Cow Health 101.” The flyer features three dairy cows in a pasture and promotes a free introductory class on maintaining a safe and healthy dairy herd. Event details: September 15, 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The class is presented by Dr. Craig McConnel from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Logos for Living on the Land and Washington State University Regional Small Farms appear at the bottom.

Ask Dr. Universe: Why are Keyboards Not in ABC Order?

Why aren’t keyboard keys arranged in alphabetical order? Explore the history behind the familiar QWERTY keyboard and why its unusual layout has stuck around for generations in this week’s Ask Dr. Universe. Discover how technology from the past continues to shape the way we type today!

Submit your question online and you may see your question featured in a future Ask Dr. Universe!

Ask Dr. Universe looking through binoculars.