WSU Extension Stevens County Newsletter

July 2026

Latest news, projects, workshops, free resources, and more. Keep Reading!

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Happy 250th Birthday, United States!

United State Flag on a flagpole

In This Issue

Extension Office News

  • Photos from Farewell Open House & WSU celebration of Debra Hansen’s career!

Master Gardeners

  • Answer Booths and Canner Gauge Testing at Farmers Markets
  • Join Us! 2026-2027 Master Gardener applications now being accepted

4-H Happenings

  • Stevens County Fairs – registration information

    July Calendar and Resources

    Extension News

    WSU Extension Logo

    WSU announces Stevens County Extension Director’s retirement

    Read the article published by the WSU College of Agriculture Human and Natural Resource Sciences newsletter:

    WSU rural community development leader to retire | CAHNRS News | Washington State University

    Gallery of Photos from the retirement party held on June 25th

    White sheet cake with crimson and gray edging, WSU Cougar Head logo and the 4-H and Master Gardener logos. Text reads: "Happy Retirement, Debra. We Will Miss You!"
    Happy Retirement, Debra. We Will Miss You! Cake from the retirement party.
    4 women standing in a lobby: from Left to Right, Washington Senator Shelly Short, WSU Extension Director for Chelan/Douglas County Margaret Viebrock, WSU Extension Director for Colville Reservation Linda McLean, and Debra Hansen.
    Movers and Shakers: Left to Right, WA Senator Shelly Short, WSU Extension Director for Chelan/Douglas County Margaret Viebrock, WSU Extension Director for Colville Reservation Linda McLean, and Debra Hansen.
    Some food served on WSU themed platters: locally baked Sourdough bread, Cougar Gold Cheese, and Cosmic Crisp apples (variety created by WSU researchers)
    Some food served on WSU themed platters: locally baked Sourdough bread, Cougar Gold Cheese, and Cosmic Crisp apples (variety created by WSU researchers)
    Team photo on Debra Hansen's last day as Director of WSU Stevens County Extension office. Left to Right: Kathryn Hoogheem, Agriculture Educator; Debra Hansen, Director; Linda Teller, Master Gardener Coordinator; Shannon Rowley, 4-H Coordinator
    Team photo on Debra Hansen’s last day as Director of WSU Stevens County Extension office. Left to Right: Kathryn Hoogheem, Agriculture Educator; Debra Hansen, Director; Linda Teller, Master Gardener Coordinator; Shannon Rowley, 4-H Coordinator
    Two legends of the WSU Extension world, both serving more than 25 years: Stevens County Director Debra Hansen and Chelan/Douglas Counties Director Margaret Viebrock
    Two legends of the WSU Extension world, both serving more than 25 years: Stevens County Director Debra Hansen and Chelan/Douglas Counties Director Margaret Viebrock
    WSU Stevens County Extension Agriculture Educator Kathryn Hoogheem, Stevens County Conservation District Manager Dean Hellie, and WSU Extension Colville Reservation Director Linda McLean chatting together at Debra Hansen's Retirement Party
    WSU Stevens County Extension Agriculture Educator Kathryn Hoogheem, Stevens County Conservation District Manager Dean Hellie, and WSU Extension Colville Reservation Director Linda McLean chatting together
    Flowers and Gifts brought to Debra Hansen's Retirement Party
    Flowers and Gifts brought to Debra Hansen’s Retirement
    Debra Hansen chatting with Washington State Representative Andrew Engell at Debra's retirement party
    Debra Hansen chatting with Washington State Representative Andrew Engell.
    Debra Hansen standing in the door of her office on her last day. Balloons in WSU colors are attached to the doorway.
    Debra Hansen standing in her office doorway on her last day as Director of WSU Stevens County Extension.

    For more information about WSU Stevens County Extension programs, visit our website: WSU Stevens County Extension Home, email: Stevens Co Extension email or call 509-684-2588

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    Master Gardener News

    Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program flower logo

    Answer Clinic at Farmers Market Booths and Pressure Canner Gauge Testing!

    Find our Booth at the Farmers Markets on the following dates:

    Chewelah Farmers Market

    Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
    • July 10 & 24
    • Aug 7 & 21
    • Sep 4 & 18
    Master Gardener booth at Chewelah Farmers Market. 2 Master Gardeners answering a question for a visitor to the booth.
    Sheree and Elisabeth chat with a customer at Chewelah Farmers Market

    Colville Farmers Market

    Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • July 11 & 25
    • Aug 8 & 22
    • Sep 5 & 19
    Booth at Colville Farmers Market with Master Gardener Kati and Food Safety Advisor Bonnie.
    Kati and Bonnie working the Colville Farmers Market

    Washington Green School and Master Gardener Training, 2026-2027 school year

    Registration opens August 15th! Now accepting applications!

    Gardening with Purpose - Train with Experts and Support Sustainability Join Us!

    Love gardening? Want to meet great people and give back to your community? Join the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program and gain science-based knowledge from WSU experts.

    We are your neighbors and members of your communities. Our priorities inform our efforts to create a more resilient Washington. We are actively engaged in teaching research-based gardening and environmental stewardship practices.

    Learn About Our History

    Stevens County program

    Course Schedule runs from October 5th thru February 28th.

    Requirements for Master Gardener Certification:

    • Complete the “Washington Gardener Certificate” curriculum (all online)
    • Participate in Local Volunteer Training (in-person hands-on workshops) which are held approximately once a month
    • Create a 15-minute student presentation
    • Work 40 volunteer hours internship
    More Details and FAQ

    For more information about Master Gardener programs offered by WSU Extension in Stevens County, visit our website: Gardening | Stevens County, email: Linda Teller or call 509-684-2588

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    4-H Happenings

    4-H Grows Here with 4-H shamrock logo

    Stevens County Fairs

    Signpost in bucket. display at fair

    Fair season is just around the corner. They give our 4-H youth the opportunity to show their project work for the year. Fairs aren’t just for kids – anyone can enter exhibits to share. Below are links to fairs in Stevens County. We have Valley and Hunters Fair Books available in our office. Make sure to read rules and policies of each fair for your exhibits.

    • Valley Fair – August 8.  Animal registrations are due by July24. Visit August 8, 2026 – Home for more information.
    • Hunters Fair – August 15. Pre-registrations for animals are due by July 27. All other entries due by August 9. Visit for Hunters Community & 4-H Fair more information.
    • NE WA Fair – August 27-30. Fair Books are out and online registration is open. Animal entries are due July 1 and still life due August 10. Visit Northeast Washington Fair Grounds – Stevens County WA for books and online registration.
    • Clayton Community Fair – August 28-30. Fair books and other information is available online at Clayton Community Fair. Animal registrations due by July 21 and all other entries area du by August 1.

    For information about our 4-H program, visit our website: 4-H Youth | Stevens County or contact Shannon Rowley, 509-684-2588

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    Events Calendar

    July/Aug (also see Events page)

    • Jul 16 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
    • Jul 20 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 9-11am
    • Jul 23 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
    • Jul 24 – MG booth at Chewelah Farmers Market 11a-3:30pm
    • Jul 25 – MG booth at Colville Farmers Market 9am-1pm
    • Jul 27 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 9-11am
    • Jul 30 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
    • Aug 3 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 9-11am
    • Aug 6 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
    • Aug 7 – MG booth at Chewelah Farmers Market 11a-3:30pm
    • Aug 8 – MG booth at Colville Farmers Market 9am-1pm
    • Aug 8 – Valley Fair
    • Aug 10 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 9-11am
    • Aug 13 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
    • Aug 15 – Hunters Fair

    Other Events

    Forestry Classes – Northeast Region

    Resources

    Farmer Assistance Request
    Ask A Master Gardener (Submit Questions)
    General Stevens County Extension Contact Form
    Master Gardeners Facebook Page
    The Evergreen Thumb Podcast
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