Pressure canner safety is crucial during the home canning season. The University of Illinois Extension is offering free dial gauge testing to help home canners prevent inaccurate pressure levels, which can lead to unsafe food preservation. Residents can bring canner lids and gauges to three local Extension offices: Princeton on May 14, Ottawa on May 21, and Henry on May 29. Drop-off options are also available; staff will notify you when your equipment is ready for pickup. Registration and additional information are available at go.illinois.edu/cannertestingblmp. For accommodations, contact Susan Glassman at 815-433-0707 or by email at [email protected].
- May 14, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Illinois Extension Bureau County Office, 850 Thompson St., Princeton, IL.
- May 21, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Illinois Extension LaSalle County Office, 1689 N. 31st Road, Ottawa, IL.
- May 29, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Illinois Extension Marshall-Putnam County Office, 509 Front St., Suite 4, Henry, IL.