Supporters of Schmaling (S.O.S.) Giving Tree Project

The Supports of Schmaling (S.O.S.), a new group dedicated to monetary support of the Fulton library, initiated a holiday project labeled “The Giving Tree.” A large holiday tree was decorated with handmade paper mittens and hats and monetary amounts for donations were printed on the decorations. Patrons were asked to support needs for the children’s department. Response was heartwarming.

The tree was decorated for six weeks and twenty-six people generously opened their pocketbooks giving $657 for the project. One gift was specifically designated for a Wii and games. Sue Mannix, librarian, will purchase graphic novels as requested by three donors. Nine people asked for children’s books and one person for audio material. The others indicated they would like donations used wherever needs were greatest.

Donors were: Sharon Braun, Kathryn Bush, Valerie Bush, Ben Fanderclai, Sam Fanderclai, Sandra Foster, Joan Johnson, Kasi Klimstra, Barb Knight, Ron Koehn, Ed and Nancy Kolk, Rhea Kraft, Carole Kruger, Kathy Kuebel, Sue Mannix, Metzger Farms, Mary Metzger, Jim and Barb Rhoades, Caylee Schumacher, Clinton Schumacher, Karla Schumacher, Karrin Kay Schumacker, Kordell Schumacker, and S.O.S.

This was the second project for S.O.S. members since the group formed in 2009. In October, a book sale netted $1200.

S.O.S. members meet quarterly with the next meeting scheduled for February 8, 2010.

Heartland Animal Shelter

Meet Java. This big guy has been at the shelter for many months. He was very shy and scared when he first came, but he has adjusted and is a friendly fellow now. He would love to have a family of his own, so if you are looking to adopt, come see Java. There are many cats and kittens ready for adoption at the shelter waiting for their families to come adopt them. Call today for an appointment 815/-244-6543 or 815/273-3183.

Congratulations!

Last Thursday, January 7, the following students were honored for Perfect Attendance at the Chadwick-Milledgeville school and given certificates.

Kindergarten l-r is Reneya Merkel, Blake Schurman, Matthew Lapp, and Isabella Covey. Izaac Toms not pictured.

1st grade front row l-r is Kobe Gabbard, Hannah Smith, Max Phillips, and Cody Brown Middle row is Carol Yingling, Jason Queckborner, Abigail Peyton, Treyton Selman, and Nick Smith Back row is Ashlyn Hendrick, Noah Newstrand, Dawson Maronde, Dylan Kness, Tyler Atkinson, Ryan Kendall, and Logan Meiners.

2nd grade front row l-r is Tessa Brubaker, Grant Conkrite, Noah Henson, Kyle Lapp, Olivia Sturrup and Emily Hinrichs Back row is Steven Adee, Mason Johnson, Tyler Coverdill, Clayton Simpson, Mason Phillips

3rd grade front row l-r is David Lohnes, Thane Yingling, Andrea Feary, Connor Woodin, Logan Rayhorn Middle row is Madalyn Hicks, Jacob Hartje, Blaynes Kappes, Megan Miller, Hope Krska Back row is Tyler Queckvborner, Mason McKenna, Colton Simpson, Corey Anderson, Carson Boyer, and Hunter Hatten

Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club is in the Christmas Spirit

By Matt Keppen

Chadwick Achievers 4-H Club Reporter

The December 16th meeting of the Milledgeville Hotshots was filled with excitement. To start the night, we made Christmas tins. We decorated tin cans festively and filled them with a bag of Chex mix. After making these items, we tied a blanket to thank our former leader, Kay Ferris.

We then held a short meeting with talks by Alex Schuldt and Betty Nicklaus on cooking. We discussed the upcoming fundraiser and handed out the tickets to sell. On March 27, there will be a drive through supper including a pulled pork sandwich, baked potato, green beans, and cherry cobbler. Contact the extension office for tickets.

We then headed across the street to the Brethren Home. We sang numerous Christmas carols and gave the occupants the Christmas tins we had made. Our 4-H warmed the hearts of many people by our actions.

Country Clovers 4-H Club December Meeting

By Olivia Zimmerman

Country Clovers 4-H Club Reporter

The Country Clover 4-H group met on December 17, at 6:30 p.m., at the Milledgeville Community Center. The meeting was called to order by Caleb Farmer and the Pledge of Allegiance and Club Pledge were recited.

The role call was taken by Alayna Farmer and the Minutes of the previous meeting were read. A motion was made by Bailey Fisch to accept the minutes of the previous meeting and a second was made by Gabrielle Shedden. The Treasurers’ report was then given by Jeanna Farmer.

Mrs. Brill (the assistant leader) told the group about some things that they would need to know for the Passport to the World project. A display table with items from China was set-up for the clubbers to view. She also said to start searching for community service projects that would profit the community. She announced that if anyone was interested, there is a Public Presentation competition in February. Mrs. Brill told the group that if they wanted to raise money to pay for the club fees, that there was going to be a drive - through supper in March and they could sell tickets.

Mrs. Brill announced that for anyone in Robotics, there is a contest in April. Triana Meyers asked if we could do a cake walk or something to raise money for Pitter Patter Pantry. The group decided to bring up the subject at a future meeting.

A motion was made by Gabrielle Shedden to adjourn the meeting and a second was made by Shea Dobish.

Talks and Demonstrations were given by: Danielle Shedden - Poultry; Triana Meyers - How To Make Butter Cream Frosting; Caleb Farmer - Photography; Hannah & Beth Brill and Claire Stringer - Theater Arts.

Carroll County 4-H Hosts Dance

The Carroll County 4-H will be hosting a multi-county “Tropical Paradise” dance on Saturday, January 16, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at Naaman Diehl Auditorium in Mt. Carroll.

All 4-H’ers are invited to attend. Cost to attend is a full size towel, washcloth or full size shampoo or conditioner. These items will be donated to the local CHOICES. Refreshments will be served.

Join us for lots of fun! For more information, contact Leanne Rahn at University of Illinois Extension Carroll County Office in Mt. Carroll at 815-244-9444 or lrahn@illinois.edu.

Carroll County 4-H Ambassadors Meet

The Carroll County Junior Ambassador group is recruiting 6-8th grade 4-H’ers and non-4-H’ers for the 2009-2010 4-H year.

At their monthly meetings last year, they planned community service projects and social activities.

The first meeting of the new-year for the Jr. Ambassadors will be Thursday, January 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Extension Office Meeting room in Mt. Carroll. Contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office for more information on how to join the Jr. Ambassador team. Please call 815-244-9444 or e-mail lrahn@illinois.edu Bring a friend.

Carroll County 4-H Leaders Meeting Planned

The next Carroll County 4-H Leader’s Meeting will be held Monday, February 1st, at 7:00 p.m. at the Carroll County Farm Bureau Board room. We have many agenda items to discuss – upcoming winter programs and activities, judging contests, ideas for 4-H Fair, etc. All organizational, project and Junior Leaders are encouraged to attend.

Carroll County 4-H Steer Weigh-In & Tattooing

4-H Steer weighing and tattooing will he held Saturday, February 6, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Jim & Kayla Ruter farm near Shannon. Snow date will be February 13 at the same location.

Any 4-Her who has a beef steer or a market heifer for a project must attend the weigh-in. Also anyone that is remotely thinking of showing steers at the State Fair Show in August in the Jr. Department beef steer and beef premiere classes. State Fair animals must also be tagged with an electronic ID tag. Qualifying carcasses must grade at least low choice, have a yield grade lower than 4.0 and weigh 900 lbs. or less.

For more information or to register by February 4 to attend the weigh-in and tattooing, contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or e-mail at lrahn@illinois.edu.

RAB Meeting

A Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting will be held on the evening of January 14th at 6:00 pm in Building 247 conference room at the Savanna Army Depot. All meetings are open to the public.

If you have any questions, regarding this Savanna Army Depot meeting, please contact John E. Clarke, BRAC (Base realignment and Closure) Environmental Coordinator at 815-273-8827 or Cindy Irwin, Savanna Site Manager at 815-273-831.

Operating Room and Specialty Clinic at MCH Nears Completion

Morrison Community Hospital administration announced today that the hospitals $2 million renovation of the operating room and specialty clinic will be completed soon. Specialty physicians have already begun scheduling outpatient surgeries for February of 2010. MCH has offered surgical services for many years but with the addition of new specialists and technology they will now be able to offer a larger range of services.

Chad Haskell the Director of Communications said, “The community and surrounding area can be confident when choosing MCH for their outpatient surgery. We have enhanced our surgical department with the addition of new staff, experienced specialty physicians, advanced education, and the latest technology. With the addition of these specialty physicians and outpatient surgeries the community will benefit from having services close to home and the local businesses will hopefully see an increase of visitors from out of town. It is evident by the large quantity of patient visits that we have had in our Family Care Clinic that we will have plenty of opportunities for our new specialists.”

Dr. Raymond Alberts, Ophthalmologist, holds a medical degree from the University of Utah and completed his residency at the University of Iowa. Dr. Alberts has been performing surgeries at MCH since 1998. Dr. James Dukelow, Podiatrist, graduated from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1990. Dr. Dukelow completed his residency at the Harvard Memorial Hospital and has been seeing patients at MCH since 2003.

Dr. Thane Cody, Ear Nose & Throat Specialist, has been establishing clinic patients at MCH for a year. He received his education at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine and completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic in 1996. Dr. Mohammed Irshad, Gastroenterologist, received his education at the Kasturba Medical College (India) and completed his residency at the Sinai Samaritan Medical Center- University of Wisconsin Medical School in 1989. He has been serving clinic patients at MCH for six months.

MCH will now be able to offer many new outpatient surgical procedures and preventative screenings. Procedures and screenings that will be performed at the hospital will include cataract surgeries, tonsillectomies, placements of ear tubes, colon screenings, diabetic screenings for conditions of the feet, and many more.

An open house and tour is scheduled for Sunday, January 31st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Area residents are welcome to attend and help celebrate the new improvements. For more information please contact Morrison Community Hospital at 815-772-4003 or visit their new website at www.morrisonhospital.com.

Winter Lecture Series in Elizabeth

Planetary Studies Foundation invites the public to a lecture series on alternate Saturdays in January to March 2010. Topics will range from history to meteorite science to avian ecology. Lectures will be held at 1 PM at the historic Banwarth House, 408 E. Sycamore St., Elizabeth, IL (Behind Law & Jones Funeral Home). Refreshments will be served. Speakers will include Diane and Paul Sipiera of Planetary Studies Foundation (PSF) and Dan Wenny of PSF and Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. Come with questions!

Jan. 9 – History of the Banwarth House – Learn about the physical and historical preservation of this 1876 house. The Banwarths were prominent owners of a blacksmith shop, buggy/wagon shop, furniture/mercantile store and funeral home. (Diane Sipiera)

January 23 – Ecosystem Services by Birds – What do birds do in ecosystems and why are they important? Learn about the ecological roles birds fill, cultural significance of birds, and economics of bird conservation. (Dan Wenny)

February 13- How to Recognize a Meteorite from a “Meteorwrong”. - Presentation on the scientific importance of meteorites. View meteorites and compare. If you think you may have a meteorite, bring it in. (Paul Sipiera)

February 27 – Spinning Wheel, Round and Round – Preserving the past art form of spinning wool. Observe the instructor explain the steps in spinning and the process of getting the wool. (Diane Sipiera and Jolene Foat)

March 13 - Hot Rock on Blue Ice - Search for meteorites in Antarctica. (Paul Sipiera)

March 27 – Bird Migration – Learn the who, how, where and why of avian migration. (Dan Wenny)

The Planetary Studies Foundation is a local non profit with headquarters in Elizabeth. The mission of PSF is to promote the study of planetary science and astronomy with emphasis on meteorites; and to sponsor, encourage, and assist in the physical, astronomical, earth and environmental sciences so as to broaden our knowledge of all phases of the universe. For more information and seating reservations, call 815.858.2014, or online at www.planets.org.

In The Service

Army Reserve Sgt. Brett J. Lawson has returned to the U.S. after being deployed overseas at a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq’s economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq’s sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Lawson is a military police member of the 339th Military Police Company, based in Davenport, Iowa. The sergeant has nine years of military service.

He is the son of Steven J. Lawson and Rebecca A. Nave of Spring Lake Road, Savanna, Ill. The sergeant is a 2000 graduate of Savanna High School.

Tour FHN’s New Women’s Diagnostic Center

The public is invited to tour FHN’s new all-digital Women’s Diagnostic Center at an open house from 3 – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.

The Diagnostic Center, located inside the Imaging department of FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, offers the latest in diagnostic technology, including digital mammography and bone densitometry as well as stereotactic and ultrasound-guided Mammotome biopsies and hysteroscopic exams.

“Though technology is the ‘brain’ of this center, we’ve made sure that caring for patients is the ‘heart,’” said Robin Scalise, FHN director of diagnostic imaging. “The center’s private hallways and changing rooms will improve patient privacy, and we’ve upgraded everything from the changing rooms to the gowns patients wear while undergoing testing to make our patients feel more comfortable while they’re here with us.”

Visitors to the open house will also be able to meet FHN’s new Nurse Navigator. When a patient requires further testing or treatments, Jennifer Schierer, RN, will serve as the point person for the entire team – including healthcare providers, the patient and her family.

Open house visitors may access the Women’s Diagnostic Center through the Admissions waiting area near the Atrium entrance of the hospital. Please remember that all visitors to the hospital must check in at the registration desk in the Atrium.

For more information on the Women’s Diagnostic Center, visit www.fhn.org.

Johnson Makes Bradley U. Dean’s List

Darcie R Johnson of Lanark received recognition on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2009 semester at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

To be eligible for the Dean’s List a student must achieve a minimum 3.5 gradepoint average for the semester on a 4.0 scale.

BBB’s Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions for a Consumer-Savvy 2010

Rockford, IL-January 7, 2010 - The New Year is here and, because of the rough economy, it’s more important than ever to resolve to be a savvy consumer. The Better Business Bureau offers ten New Year’s resolutions to fight scammers, prevent identity theft and save money in 2010.

“Being a savvy consumer is ultimately about using money wisely and, in this tough economy, many families are quickly learning how important it is to squeeze as much value as possible out of a dollar,” says Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Creating a budget, researching businesses before you buy and staying away from scammers should be among everyone’s resolutions this year.”

BBB recommends the following New Year’s resolutions to become a savvier consumer in 2010:

Look for the BBB seal and always check a business out with BBB before you buy. Nearly 400,000 businesses bear the BBB seal of accreditation and meet our standards; you can find the seal on Web sites and at business locations. But BBB doesn’t just report on accredited businesses. You can locate trustworthy businesses by visiting www.bbb.org to review BBB Reliability Reports for nearly 4 million businesses across North America for free.

Always read the fine print—especially for “free” trial offers. Many consumers complained to the BBB in 2009 after signing up for a “free” trial offer online that resulted in repeated charges to their credit or debit cards sometimes amounting to as much as hundreds of dollars every month. Read the terms and conditions of any “free” trial offer before handing over credit or debit card numbers.

Get everything in writing. Don’t just take a business’ word for it. Get every verbal agreement in writing to limit miscommunication and misunderstandings between your expectations and what the business delivers.

Beware of “job” offers to make easy money. Unemployment in the nation is high and scammers are targeting the large pool of job hunters. Beware of any job offer, work-at-home scheme or business opportunity that promises big money for little work and no experience. Look up companies at www.bbb.org before you apply for any job.

Keep your computer safe. If you haven’t already, install anti-virus software onto your computer and don’t forget to regularly check for software and operating system updates and patches. Don’t open attachments or click on links in e-mails unless you can confirm the e-mail came from someone you trust.

Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Many scams require that the victim wire money back to the scammers. Scammers know that tracking money sent via MoneyGram or Western Union is extremely difficult. Even more troubling for victims is the fact that it’s nearly impossible to get your money back.

Fight identity theft. Always shred paper documents that include sensitive financial data and dispose of computers, cell phones and digital data safely. BBB offers www.bbb.org/us/article/4149 tips and checklists on what to shred, and hosts annual www.bbb.org/us/secure-your-id/ Secure Your ID events nationwide to help you stay safe.

Fight fake check fraud. Thanks to advances in printing technology, scammers have the ability to create very real-looking phony checks. www.bbb.org/us/article/bbb-warns-against-three-common-check-scams-11256 Educate yourself on the common types of check fraud and be extremely wary of checks that come with claims that you’ve won the lottery, are eligible for a government grant or have landed a job as a secret shopper.

Ask BBB for help. www.bbb.org/us/Consumer-Complaints/ File a complaint with your BBB if you have a disagreement with a business or have been ripped off by a scammer.

Create a budget and stick to it. If you’re a cash-strapped consumer, setting a budget can help you stay afloat in 2010. www.bbb.org/us/article/tips-on-how-to-develop-a-working-budget-6101 BBB has advice on how to create a budget to help you get out of debt and stay out of debt at bbb.org.

For more advice you can trust from your BBB, visit www.bbb.org

WIU Dean’s List Announced

To be named to the Fall 2009 Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must be in good standing and earn at least a 3.6 grade point average on a scale of 4.0 equals an A in 12 credit hours of graded courses; pass-fail hours are not counted.

Area individuals in North-central and Northern Illinois who received honors include:

Chadwick (61014) - Joseph Aaron Dane (Freshman); Courtney J Thompson (Senior); Lanark (61046)- Julia S Signer (Junior); Savanna (61074) - Zachary Merlin Brehm (Junior); Carene Louise Hatteberg (Senior); Shannon (61078) - Kaye Marilyn Nichols (Senior); Lindsay Snetcher (Senior); Thomson (61285) - Joseph David Meade (Freshman) - Amanda J Wolfe (Senior); Elizabeth (61028) - Laura Marie Albrecht (Freshman); Chad James Altfillisch (Senior); Hanover (61041) - Kevin A Bradt (Senior); Forreston (61030)- Michael Andrew Schneiderman (Freshman); Polo (61064) - Katie Ohlwine (Junior); Lena (61048) - Caitlin E Kryder (Junior); Jeffrey Paul Liles (Junior); Jordan Lee Liles (Junior); Pearl City (61062) - Ryan Coy Vance (Sophomore)

Walton on Dean’s List

Bellarmine University has named Forreston resident Katherine Walton to the dean’s list for fall 2009. Walton is a freshman at Bellarmine. The dean’s list recognizes students who receive a grade point average of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale.

Bellarmine University is an independent Catholic university offering more than 50 majors, as well as graduate degree programs, a doctor of nursing practice and a doctor of physical therapy. Forbes.com and the Princeton Review rank Bellarmine among America’s best institutions for higher education, and U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks Bellarmine as a top tier university.

Tuition Waiver at U of I

There is a tuition waiver available for children of Veterans living in Illinois. The waiver may be used for any University of Illinois campus.

Up to six waivers per Illinois county are awarded each year, one for each of the following conflicts: World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Southeast Asia Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Applications are now available and the deadline is March 1, 2010. To learn more about this tuition waiver, go to: http://www.DanRutherford.com

Any questions can be directed to The Office of Student Financial Aid, Ph: 217-333-0100.

LINKS OF HOPE for Tyler’s Justice Center For Children

Tyler’s Justice Center for Children announces the initiative LINKS OF HOPE - a 6 month campaign, beginning January 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2010. This initiative’s purpose is to strengthen the investment of the children of our community by strengthening the bonds of protection around the Center as it is faced with an uncertain future due to the economic disarray of the State of Illinois. Tyler’s wants to ensure the start of the next fiscal year with increased financial independence from continued unexpected and unpredictable state cuts/budget woes. The State fiscal year begins, July 1, 2010.

Tyler’s is asking any adult to donate ONLY $1.00. This dollar will be used to create a chain of links to go around the Center’s facility. Our goal is to have a link to represent each child, each potential victim, in the population that we serve in the tri-county area of Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties. On June 30, 2009, we will have an appreciation open house for all who wish to attend from 4-6 PM at the Center and we will attempt to encircle the Center in the Links of Hope. Please be a part of watching our progress on our website updates and of be a part of a proactive response to stabilize the future of our community. All proceeds from the Links of Hope will go toward the next fiscal year’s budget to help the Center positively start the next fiscal year and ensure that there will be no changes in service provision for our children and our community.

Tyler’s Justice Center for Children is a 501©3, non-profit Children’s Advocacy Center which provides services to child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse. In the past, child victims of abuse were interviewed several times, by many people, sometimes in less than desirable locations like a principal’s office or even the home of the perpetrator. The Center coordinates members of a multidisciplinary investigative team along with the child and his or her non-offending caregiver, allowing the child to be interviewed by a trained, forensic interviewer. This process lessens the trauma for children and allows them to disclose information in a place where they feel comfortable. The agency also provides crisis counseling and intervention for victims and their families as well as follow-up advocacy services. The Center serves Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties. Tyler’s Justice Center for Children is a recipient of the Northwest Illinois Chapter of United Way.

Morrison School Board Member Vacancy

The School District is accepting applications to fill the vacancy resulting from Mr. Ted Tilton moving out of the School District. The appointment will be from February 9, 2010 until the election in the spring of 2011. Letters or e-mails of interest stating why you want to be a member of the Board of Education may be sent to:

Attention: Mr. Jim Prombo and the Board of Education

643 Genesee Ave.

Morrison, IL 61270

Or e-mail: suellen.girard@morrisonschools.org

Letters of interest must be received no later than 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 4, 2010. It is anticipated that interviews and the appointment will likely take place at the regular meeting of the Board of Education on February 9, 2010.

A member of the Board of Education must:

- Be a United States citizen,

- Be at least 18 years of age,

- Be a resident of Illinois and the District for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment,

- Be a registered voter,

- Not be a child sex offender,

- Not hold another incompatible public office, and

- Not have a prohibited interest in any contract with the District.

Regional Spelling Bee Needs Your H-e-l-p

Regional Superintendent of Schools, Marie Stiefel, is hoping to make the Regional Spelling Bee a true regional event and is asking everyone to get on board to help make this happen. Each year, public and private schools throughout Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties send their top spellers to a Regional Spelling Bee. Historically, the top winners from the Regional Bee have then competed for the grand prize – a trip to Washington D.C. to compete in the National Spelling Bee in early June.

For many years, the Regional Office has had a corporate sponsor that covered the cost of sending the regional winner and one parent/guardian to Washington D.C. This year, however, the Bee has fallen victim to difficult economic times, and the sponsor has withdrawn its financial support. Stiefel feels strongly about the importance of continuing this tradition and is, therefore, asking the surrounding communities to help.

“Even in this modern time of ‘texting and tweeting’, basic mastery of the English language is crucial to success in college and in the workplace. The Spelling Bee is a great way to emphasize this skill,” states Stiefel.

The cost of sponsoring the Bee and sending a contestant to Washington is approximately $5,000. “If we all pitch in, we can still make this happen. Even if our winner doesn’t make it to the final rounds in the national contest, the experience itself is invaluable,” says Stiefel.

Individuals or groups wishing to donate may send their contributions to the Regional Office of Education – Spelling Bee fund, 500 N. Rush St., Stockton, IL 61085. Stiefel will be happy to answer questions and can be reached at (815) 947-3810.

The public is encouraged to attend the Regional Spelling Bee, which will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 22, at the Pearl City School. In case of inclement weather, a “snow date” is scheduled for February 24.

WOTM Events and Elections Coming Soon

The Savanna Women of the Moose have many events planned in the upcoming weeks. Social events planned are a “Fifth Friday Meal” on January 29 featuring Hamburger Casserole, salad, rolls and dessert for $5.00.

An “indoor garage sale” will be held at the lodge on March 27 from 8:00 – 4:00. Lunch will be available for purchase from 11:00 – 2:00. Any members wishing to purchase table space for the sale can make arrangements by calling Sandy Shaw.

Annual election of officers will also be held in March. Any current member willing to run for an office should submit her name and the desired office in writing to a current officer or send it to the Women of the Moose, P.O. Box 231, Savanna, IL, by March 9, 2010. All submitted nominations are welcome.

Other upcoming events at the Moose Lodge include “The Mississippi Man” performing from 7:00 – 11:00 on January 16. This is pizza and taco night at the Moose; there will be a cover charge for the band. Also, plan to attend the annual Super Bowl Party. Enter your best chili in the chili cook-off and take part in the raffles, silent auction, and door prizes.

“There is a lot going on at the Moose Lodge,” said Kari A. Baisden, Senior Regent of the Savanna Women of the Moose. “Come and be a part of it!”

TCEDA Names Executive Director

The Tri-County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) has selected Randy Prasse, the former executive director/CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair Park, as its first full-time executive director.

Russ Simpson, Jo-Carroll Energy senior vice president of economic development and member services, served as TCEDA’s interim director since the group’s inception.

“We are pleased Randy has accepted this important role,” said TCEDA chairman Michael W. Hastings. “He has the skills and background needed to lead the organization and continue its growth and development”

Prasse brings to TCEDA knowledge of strategic planning and branding, business and tourism growth, and membership development from his 20 years of business experience.

Prasse served as the Wisconsin State Fair Park executive director from 2004 to 2009. He comes to northwest Illinois from Milwaukee, where he most recently was general manager at Impark, a parking management company.

Prior to his four years with at the state fair, he was executive director of the East Town Association in Milwaukee, managing a central business district of more than 200 businesses to increase retail development and residential growth and developed three of the top events in Milwaukee. Prasse also served as director of marketing and sales at the Racine County Convention and Visitors Bureau and membership director at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, where he developed the “Members Helping Members” campaign resulting in 20 percent membership growth in two years.

The Stephenson County native credits being raised on a family dairy farm for giving him a “solid work ethic yet maintaining the small town resident’s perspective on current affairs.”

“I want to be a key leader in the tri-county’s business renaissance,” Prasse said. “This is a great opportunity to think strategically, lead with vision and make a difference for the region.”

As TCEDA’s director, Prasse plans to work with business leaders to determine the keys to sustainability, identify and secure funding to make an impact on individual businesses and the region, and cooperate with all communities in the TCEDA region to deliver a unified and consistent message.

Prasse and his wife, Susan, have three daughters, Elizabeth, Amanda and Emma, as well as a granddaughter, Camille. When he is not working, you will find him riding his Harley-Davidson throughout the area, collecting Structo Toys from Freeport, and tinkering with his 1937 John Deere B tractor.

Community Needs Survey Going to 4,000 Whiteside Homes

In the next week or two, one in six homes in Whiteside County will receive a survey in the mail. This survey, sponsored by the Whiteside County Health Department and Whiteside County Healthier Communities Partnership, will be used to assess local health and human services needs.

Look for the Whiteside County Human Services Needs Survey 2010 in your mailbox and if your household is among the 4,000 to receive the survey, please complete and return. By replying to the survey, you help local agencies and organizations better understand your needs and community problems that require attention. Completing the survey is important even if no one in your household needs services. The usefulness of the survey’s findings depends largely on the number of responses, because a variety of perspectives enables a far better understanding of local needs.

The survey project is a cooperative effort by the health department, United Way and forty other area organizations. These agencies will use the results to identify the most pressing community concerns and ways to address them. This survey repeats a similar survey conducted in 2003 which paved the way for the expansion of the community clinic.

Whiteside County Health Department has contracted with Health Systems Research of the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford which has assisted with previous Whiteside community studies. If you receive a survey and have questions or need help to complete the survey, please call Health Systems Research toll-free at 1.800.854.4461.

Bi-County Cooperative Foundation Announces Scholarships

The Bi-County Special Education Cooperative Foundation is proud to announce that it has several scholarships available for area high school students pursuing higher education. The Foundation has scholarships available for general education students pursuing a degree in the special education field as well as scholarships for special education students wishing to pursue higher learning or vocational training after high school.

The Foundation scholarships are Bi-County’s most prestigious scholarship awards, recognizing academic, leadership and service achievement, as well as special personal qualities. Scholarship candidates will be reviewed on the basis of their academic accomplishments, creative distinctions, and extracurricular activities as well as the candidate’s contribution to the inclusion of community and academic life of children with special needs.

Interested applicants will be asked to submit the application form, a written statement, and two letters of recommendation by February 15, 2010. Application information may be found at the Foundation’s website: www.bi-countyfoundation.org or by calling Drew Hoffman, Executive Director of Bi-County Special Education Cooperative, at 815-622-0858.

Established in 1996, the Bi-County Special Education Cooperative Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of children with disabilities in Whiteside and Carroll counties. In addition to educational scholarships, the Foundation has other awards available to individuals and groups seeking to enhance the lives of children with disabilities including Mini Grants, Autism Disorder Scholarship, and an Autism Spectrum Disorder Stipend. The Foundation also seeks to honor the contributions of individuals through the Unsung Hero Award. To improve the lives of children with disabilities and thus augmenting the community as a whole, the Foundation relies on the contributions of businesses and individuals. For more information on the Foundation’s assistance or award programs or how you can contribute, please visit our website at www.bi-countyfoundation.org or call the Cooperative office at 815-622-0858.

Scholarships Up To $25,000 Available From Rotary

Application for Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship0s, up to $25,000 each, are available from the Rotary Clubs of Savanna and Mt. Carroll. Applicants should be college freshmen who plan to study abroad their junior year or upperclassmen who want to complete a year of graduate study overseas. This scholarship is for students whose families live in the Northwest Illinois area. The deadline for applications is May 14, 2010.

Ambassadorial Scholarships for the academic year 2011-2012 are for one academic year abroad, and provide funding for round-trip transportation, tuition and fees, room and board, some educational supplies and language training (if necessary) up to a maximum of $25,000.

The scholarships, which are designed to further international understanding and goodwill, provide for study abroad in more than 160 countries where Rotary clubs are located. During their studies abroad, Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars act as “ambassadors of goodwill”. Through appearances before Rotary clubs and districts, schools, civic organizations, and other forums, the students represent the United States and work to further international understanding.

For more information and an application, please contact Ann Murphy, Scholarship Committee Chair, at 815-273-2933. The application for 2011-2012 can be downloaded at www.rotary.org after January 1, 2010.

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship program is the world’s largest privately sponsored international scholarship program. Focused on humanitarian service, personal diplomacy, and academic excellence, the program has sponsored more than 39,000 Rotary Scholars since it began in 1947.

Contact: Ann Murphy, Savanna Rotary Scholarship Committee Chair, 815-273-2933 or Paul Tobin, Mt Carroll Rotary President 800-244-9594

Cure Your Wintertime Blues and Cabin Fever

Has the current snow and cold spell given you a case of cabin fever? It has with many Lanark area residents. So to get out of the house they bundled up and headed to the Lanark Public Library.

The shelves are stocked with many titles in all formats, with a wide selection of print, audio, video and computer resources for all ages.

New adult fiction:

Deeper than the Dead-Hoag; Paris Vendetta-Berry; Dragons-Connelly; Village of Ghost Bears-Jones; Draining Lake-Indridason; Spooner-Dexter; Murder inside the Beltway-Truman; Ghost at Work-Hart; Evil for Evil-Benn; A friend of the family-Gradstein; Sizzle-Garwood; Lacuna-Kingsolver; First Rule-Crais; Dark Places-Flynn; Not My Daughter-Delinsky; Pirate Latitudes-Crichton; Her Fearful Symmetery-Niffenegger; Ford County-Grisham; True Blue-Baldacci; Under the Dome-King; 13 1/2-Barr; The Professional-Parker; Scarpetta Factor-Cornwell; U is for Undertoe-Grafton.

Non-Fiction:

Eat this Not That 2010; Cook this Not That; Pioneer Woman Cooks; Big Burn-Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America; Stones into Schools-Mortenson; Blind Side-Lewis; Finding It-Bertinelli; Going Rogue-Palin; Have a Little Faith-Albom.

Audio Books:

A crack in the Lens-Hockensmith; Wolf Hall-Mantel; Noah’s Compass-Tyler; Strength in what Remains-Kidder; Half Broke Horses-Walls; Sizzle-Garwood; Remarkable Creatures-Chevalier.

DVDs:

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs; Public Enemies; G Force; Angels and Demons; My Sister’s Keeper; Julie and Julia; Sticks and Stones; There’s No Place Like Home.

Calendar of Events for January:

- Early voting in City Hall Jan 21-3-6:30

- Friends of the Lanark Public Library monthly meeting Jan 21 7pm in City Hall

For money saving entertainment, enlightenment and enrichment for all ages, visit the Lanark Public Library, 110 West Carroll Street. Tues, Wed, Fri Noon-5, Thurs-Noon-7:30 and Sat 10-3.

From the Fields

By Jim Morrison

Extension Educator, Crop Systems, University of Illinois

Cropping practices used by Illinois farmers in 2009 have been recently reported by the Illinois Field Office (Springfield) of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA and Illinois Department of Agriculture. The report shows trends in corn and soybean production practices. In 2009, the row width of corn grown for grain averaged 30 inches. The average row width continues to decline with 84 ½ percent of the acreage in the 20.6 to 30.5 inches row width category.

Plant population of corn for grain was a record breaking 29,600 plants per acre. This breaks the record attained in 2008 of 28,900 plants per acre. The number of ears per acre, at 28,900 was up 550 from the record breaking figure obtained in 2008.

The average row width of Illinois soybean was 18.6 inches in 2009, nearly two inches wider than 2008. The most common row width category was from 10.1 to 18.5 inches, accounting for 52 percent of the samples. The next largest row width category was 28.6 to 34.5 inches, which accounted for 27.7 percent of the samples.

These figures are from surveys done in randomly selected fields throughout Illinois. Counts and measurements are made monthly at these fields.

Regarding the use of biotechnology traits in 2009 corn, 84 percent of the Illinois corn acreage was planted to biotechnology hybrids, up 4 percent from 2008. In soybean, 90 percent of the planted acreage was to herbicide resistant biotechnology varieties, an increase of 3 percent from 2008.

For further details and to see reports released during 2009 by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, see this web site: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Illinois/Publications/Farm_Reports/2009/09alpha.htm

Virginia Weber Celebrates 90th

Virginia Weber will be celebrating her 90th birthday on February 9, 2010. Her family is hosting an open house on Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 2-4 at Naaman Diehl auditorium in Mt. Carroll. In lieu of gifts, Virginia is requesting food items for the Carroll County Food Pantry. Cards may be sent to her at 502 S. Thornton, Mt. Carroll, IL 61053.

Virginia is a life-long resident of the Mt. Carroll area. She was married to the late Lloyd Weber and they farmed until his death in 1999.

She has four children, Karen (Lee) Butler of Freeport, Tom (Judy) Weber of Venice, Florida, Dave (Jan) Weber of Lanark, and Teresa (Don) Nowviock, Jr. of Stockton. She has five grandchildren and three great children.