More Important News

Shannon Lions Club Past President Don Larson, District Governor Ruth Lyle, President Laurie Woessner, and Secretary Allen Woessner attended the Lions Candy Day Jamboree on Aug. 29 in Mt. Morris. The Shannon Lions will be on the street collecting for the visually impaired on October 12.

Historical Society Features Civil War Generals

The Morrison Historical Society welcomes the public to a Civil War presentation and film viewing, Sunday, October 14, 2012, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The location is Morrison's Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.

The museum opens at 1:00 to view exhibits and enjoy a bag of goober peas, or peanuts.

Donald S. Mulnix will discuss the book he helped compile, with its extensive documentation of Whiteside County Civil War generals. A second edition is being compiled.

"The Perfect Tribute" then will be viewed; it is suitable for children and adults. Jason Robards as President Lincoln and historical realism make this film enjoyable. It highlights an imagined hospital encounter between a Rebel soldier and a lawyer, who is--unknown to him--the President of the United States. The run time is 100 minutes.

- Stephanie Vavra

At the Mount Carroll Rotary Club meeting at Campbell Center For Historic Preservation in Mt. Carroll on Oct. 2, a $1000 donation was presented at the luncheon. The Mt. Carroll Club has supported the Campbell Center for the past 20 years. (L-R): CC staff, Mathew Toland Asst. Director, Adm. Assistant Dana Nappi, Executive Director Sharon Welton, Rotarians Gary Foltz and Jane Dixon. (Courtesy of Lou Schau)

The Carroll County Kids 4-H Club of Mt. Carroll kicked off the new 4-H year with election of officers at their September meeting. The new officers for the Carroll County Kids 4-H Club. They include: (front row, l to r) Haley Bickelhaupt, President; Trevor Bikelhaupt, Treasurer, Nicki Adolph, Secretary. (Back row, l to r): Katelyn Morrow, Reporter and Hannah Knight, Vice-President.

For more information on how to join 4-H contact University of Illinois Carroll Co. Office at 815-244-9444.

Next Spring, Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll residents will enjoy watching bluebirds as they nest in ten bird houses donated by (left) Lois and Kim Kauffman in loving memory of Palmer and Margaret Dauphin. The nesting boxes were made by Kim Kauffman and will provide a safe and sturdy home for these beautiful birds. Also pictured is staff member Jackie Medley. (Courtesy of Anna Gray)

The Milledgeville Elementary Week 4 Thumbs Up Winners from left to right, front row are Payton Sarber, Roger LaBorn, Kayden Knutti, Austin Jones, Olivia Schurman. In the back row are Lannigan Rogers, Joslynn Harris, Sophie Shaw, Jaycie Schmidt, Emma Foster.

The Milledgeville Elementary Week 5 Thumbs Up Winners from left to right, front row are Abbygail Branscomb, Zackery Koppien, Lillian Ebersole, Kylee Jensen, Brooklyn Balsiger. In the back row are Elijah Barraza-McCleary, Linsey Lapp, Caden VanDyke, Kassie Britt, Caley Munz.

Game Time in Savanna

“Game Time” in Savanna has begun. A group of 11 people got together on September 8th and had a great time. Cards and board games were played, but we are open to playing others.

Our next scheduled “Game Time” is coming Saturday, October 13th, 6:30 PM at Mest Manor in Savanna, but is open to anyone in the area.

From now on, it will be held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, same time, same location. Mark your calendars.

Games are provided, but you are welcome to bring one with you.

No cost involved! Come join the fun. Questions? Call Mary Stebbins at 815-273-4156.

Accepting Applications for Cost Sharing at CCSWCD

The Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District is now accepting application for cost sharing for installation of soil and water conservation practices. Deadline to apply for cost sharing is October 15th. Eligible practices include grassed waterways, erosion control structures, critical area planting, well decommissioning, nutrient management plans, terraces and diversions.

For more information, call the Carroll County SWCD office at 815-244-8732 ext#3 or stop by the office at 807C South Clay Street in Mount Carroll.

TRIAD Hosts Pork Chop Lunch

Carroll County TRIAD will be having a fundraiser at Sullivan’s Foods, 217 Chicago Avenue, Savanna, from 10:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, October 20th. TRIAD volunteers will be selling pork chops, hamburgers, brats and hot dogs. All proceeds will go towards local TRIAD programs for senior citizens of Carroll County.

A Triad is a group of three. The Carroll County TRIAD involves law enforcement, community resources and social service agencies to improve the quality of life for senior citizens of Carroll County.

For more information contact Sgt. Randy Craft, Lanark Police Department at (815) 493-6931.

Eastland CUSD #308 Board of Education Meeting Date Changes

The Eastland Board of Education meetings in October and November have been changed from the usual third Wednesday of the month. The dates have been changed as follows:

- Monday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Eastland Elementary School;

- Wednesday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Eastland Elementary School.

Board meeting are held at the District Office at 200 South School Street in Lanark.

Annual Fall Art Show & Sale

The Palisades Art League will host its annual Fall Art Show and Sale on Saturday, October 20th from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 21st from noon until 4:00 p.m. at the West Carroll Primary School cafeteria on Wacker Road in Savanna.

Monetary prizes will be given for the amateur and advanced winners in Best of Show selections in both Photography and Fine Art categories with ribbons being awarded to other competitors for excellent work. PAL members will also choose one of their own to receive the PAL Peer Award.

All artists, whether amateur or advanced in experience may enter this competition but participants are advised that artwork will be divided according to the mediums of painting, mixed media drawing, dimensional works, photography and computer generated art at both the amateur and advanced levels and final media grouping will be subject to the discretion of the judges. All artwork must be original, never previously entered in a PAL show and be properly framed with wire hangers, not modern back bar hangers. Nude art is not acceptable and the PAL reserves the right to accept, reject or re-classify any entry.

Entries must be delivered to the West Carroll Primary School between 5 and 8 p.m. on October 19th or between 8 and 9 a.m. on October 20th. No entries will be accepted after that time. Pre-registration is always appreciated. The Judge’s Critique will start at 12:30 p.m. on October 20th for Photography with the Fine Art Critique to follow. All artists and photographers entered are welcome to attend.

Heartland Pet Welfare will have BBQ sandwiches and baked goods for sale on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. For more information about the show, brochures and/or entry forms, artists may contact Judy Gentile at 815-273-1143, DJG@mchsi.com or send a request to PAL, Box 125, Savanna, IL 61074.

Educators of Beauty Future Graduate of the Month

Becky Greenfield of Shannon, Illinois, who is attending Educators of Beauty in Sterling was selected as the Future Graduate of the month of September by popular vote of the administration and student body.

The criteria used in the selection process is based on a positive attitude, exceptional skills of the trade, customer service, excellent grades, professional appearance, good attendance and salesmanship ability. Becky portrayed a perfect image of a successful cosmetologist at Educators of Beauty.

Carroll County Democrats Meeting

The Carroll County Democrats will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 16th at 7 p.m. at the York Township Library, 1005 West Main Street in Thomson, IL.

We will have new signs for Obama to replace the ones that have been stolen. We still have raffle tickets. For more information, contact Gerald Bork at 815-244-8975.

Take Care of Your Chain Saw

The Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District will be holding a free of charge chainsaw maintenance, safety and forest management seminar on Saturday October 13, 2012. The program will have Kevin Oetken and Dave Harrison speaking to our guests at Hilltop Meadows Hunt Club outside of Fulton.

The program will start at 9:00 a.m., and last until around noon. Breakfast donuts and lunch will be provided. Please let us know if you would like to attend. If a sufficient number of people plan on attending, additional information will be provided prior to the event.

To reserve your spot or seek more information, please call the Whiteside SWCD office at 815-772-2124 ext 3. or email Wendy at wendyromanswcd@hotmail.com.

Pre-register for Chain Saw Safety Training Classes

The Game of Logging Level 1 & Level 2, two all day chainsaw safety classes sponsored by the Northwest Illinois Forestry Association, will occur in Jo Daviess County at the Tom & Jessica Arnold Farm near Elizabeth on Saturday, October 27th, and Sunday, October 28th. Both courses will be led by veteran logging instructor Ken Lallemont of Timber Resources, Catawba, WI. This is a great opportunity for professional chainsaw safety instruction and hands-on tree felling.

Level 1 (Sat.) focuses on introducing the participant to open face felling and the development of techniques to safely use it. Topics covered include personal protective equipment, chainsaw safety features, chainsaw reactive forces, bore cutting, pre-planning the fell, and understanding hinge wood strength.

Level 2 (Sun.) focuses on maximizing chainsaw performance through basic maintenance, carburetor setting, and filing techniques. Limbing and bucking techniques are introduced, spring pole cutting is covered and more felling is practiced.

You do not have to attend both classes, but that is an option. Some may wish to enroll in Level 2 as a follow up to previously completing Level 1 (Level 1 is a pre-requisite to Level 2). Some may wish to only participate in Level 1. On-site registration will begin at 8:00 am each day. The course will run through late afternoon. Please bring your own sack lunch. Beverages will be provided. This is an outdoor event, so dress accordingly. If you have a chain saw available, bring it. Each class will be limited to the first twelve people registered to assure sufficient one-on-one instruction. Cost is $50.00 for Northwest Illinois Forestry Association members and their families, $70.00 for non-members. Pre-registration before Wednesday, Oct. 24th, is required. Location details and payment arrangement may be made by contacting Tom Arnold at 815-858-2407, or by email, arnoldfarm@juno.com.

Timber Harvest Site and Forest Regeneration Tour

On Saturday, October 20th, 1:00pm, the Northwest Illinois Forestry Association will host a tour of timber harvest sites and subsequent natural forest regeneration on the Tom and Jessica Arnold Tree Farm northeast of Elizabeth. A 15 acre hardwood clearcut conducted in the winter of 2011/2012, selective walnut harvests in 2010 and 2008, and a 4 acre hardwood clear cut in 1995 will all be viewed. Timber management goals and implementation will be discussed.

The Arnold Farm is located at 997 N. Salem Road, Elizabeth, IL. From Highway 20 in Woodbine, take any street to the north and then an immediate left onto Woodbine Road heading west. Go approx. 2 miles to Apple River Road. Turn right and go approx. 1 mile to Fairview. Turn left and up the hill. urn right onto Salem Road. Arnold Farm is the first farm on the right hand side approx. 2 miles down Salem Rd. For more information, call 815-990-3663.

First Baptist Church of Mount Carroll Movie Night

Everyone is invited to attend the First Baptist Church’s Movie Night this coming Sunday, October 14, at 5:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Mount Carroll.

This week’s movie is “Faith Like Potatoes,” based on the inspiring true story of a farmer who found faith. He moves his family to South Africa and suffers a series of seemingly insurmountable losses. Through unlikely friendships and much needed divine intervention, he discovers his life’s true purpose and it sustains his unwavering belief in the power of faith. A moving life journey of a man who, like his potatoes, grows his faith, unseen until the harvest.

Bring the family and come enjoy the movie, popcorn, and refreshments (all free!). We think you will enjoy this inspirational, Christian movie.

The First Baptist Church is located at 201 S Main street in Mount Carroll. If you have questions please contact John McConnel Jr at 815-244-4005.

National 4-H Week

October 7-13 is National 4-H Week, and Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Counties are celebrating the 4-H youth who are stepping up to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world.

“Join the Revolution of Responsibility” is the theme for this year’s 4-H Week events, here and across the country.

Recent findings from Tufts University’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth who don’t participate in 4-H. The Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H’ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities.

Clubs will be creating their annual window displays that can be seen in area businesses and schools. Each display highlights 4-H project areas, activities and service events.

In Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties, more than 650 youth in 30 traditional community clubs are part of the 4-H program.

Enrollment for the coming 4-H year is happening now. To get involved or learn about 4-H opportunities in your community visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clwor call:

Carroll Co. 815-244-9444

Lee Co. 815-857-3525

Whiteside Co. 815-772-4075

Editor’s Note: If you are would like information about how to join 4-H in Jo Daviess County, please call the University of Illinois Extension Office at 815-858-2273.

The statewide 4-H program is coordinated by University of Illinois Extension.

EPC Theatre presents ‘The Hallelujah Girls’

Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. The action in this rollicking Southern comedy takes place in SPA-DEE-DAH!-- the abandoned church-turned day spa where this group of friends gathers every Friday afternoon. After the loss of a dear friend, the women realize time is precious and if they’re going to change their lives and achieve their dreams they have to get on it now! But Sugar Lee, their high-spirited, determined leader, has her hands full keeping the women motivated. Carlene’s given up on romance, having buried three husbands. Nita’s a nervous wreck from running interference between her son who is in constant trouble with the law and his probation officer. Mavis’ marriage is so stagnant she’s wondering how she can fake her own death to get out of it. And sweet, simple Crystal entertains them all, singing Christmas carols with her own, hilarious lyrics. The comic tension mounts when a handsome, ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, a marriage proposal for one of the ladies comes from an unlikely suitor and Sugar Lee’s arch rival vows he and his side-kick will stop at nothing to steal the spa away from her. By the time the women rally together to overcome these obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!” Come see the talented students from EPC breathe life into these characters.

The show will be presented at Pearl City High School with performances on Saturday, October 20th at 7:00 P.M. and Sunday, October 21st at 2:00 P.M.

Tickets are $5.00 at the door.

We hope you come out to support the cast and crew in this hilarious adventure!

Carroll County 4-H Federation To Meet

The next monthly meeting of the Carroll County 4-H Federation will be Sunday, October 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mt. Carroll Bowling Center. All 4-H families are invited to attend.

If you would like to attend the meeting and bowling, please send your registration form to the Extension Office by October 11 to pre-register.

For more information contact Leanne Rahn at Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or e-mail at lrahn@illinois.edu.

Carroll County 4-H Shooting Sports Groups to Meet

4-H archery workshops will be held on the following dates: Saturday, October 13 & 27, at 12 noon for all 4-H’ers enrolled in the archery project and for any non-4-H youth between the ages of 8 and 18 by September 1 that would be interested in joining. The workshop will be held at the Mike & Jodi York farm located at 25269 E. Locust Rd., Lanark. You must be accompanied by a parent. Dress for the weather.

4-H Shooting Sports Shotgun workshops will be held on the following dates: Sundays October 14 & 21 at 11:00 a.m. at the Clark VanBuskirk shooting range at 8989 VanBuskirk Road, Mt. Carroll. The Shotgun Group is also open to current non-4-H youth 10 and older by September 1 that would be interested in joining. Dress for the weather. Cost is $10 for shells. You must be accompanied by a parent. You can bring your own gun or use one of the instructors.

If you have any questions, please call Leanne Rahn at 815-244-9444 or lrahn@illinois.edu.

Computer Art SPIN Club Starting

A computer art SPIN Club will be starting on Monday, October 15, for all 4-H & non 4-H youth between the ages of 8 and 18 years old by September 1. The group will be meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Carroll County Extension Office meeting room in Mt. Carroll.

The group will meet for six times. You will have the opportunity to learn how to create art on a computer, work with photography on the computer, and learn about software that is available. This is a hands-on learning group. The October 15, meeting will be an informational meeting. Bring a parent or adult with you and your calendar to plan future meeting dates.

For more information contact University of Illinois Carroll Co. Extension Office at 815-244-9444 or Leanne Rahn at lrahn@illinois.edu

Farm to School/School Gardening 101 Program Offered

Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed October 2012 as National Farm to School Month in Illinois.

Coordinator for the Illinois Farm to School Network, Julia Govis states, “This designation will help build awareness for the Farm to School program and its activities in Illinois.”  In response, the University of Illinois Extension will offer an educational program Farm to School and School Gardens—101.

On Saturday, October 20th, the Farm to School and School Gardens—101 workshop will be hosted.  This workshop is designed for parents, teachers, school board members and community members and will be held in Freeport from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn the basics of Farm to School efforts, steps needed so schools can use local produce and products, and what will benefit the students, schools and communities.  Another session on school gardens will include information on garden planning, technical advice, and tips on how to sustain it through the summer. Local ag teachers will be involved in the program to share their school garden experience.  “School gardens are a way to bring hands on experience to the classroom enhancing the learning experience” comments Nikki Keltner, Program Coordinator at the U of I Extension. “They can start small and expand as enthusiasm builds.”  The Blackhawk Hills Regional Council will also be providing support for this workshop.

Farm to School and School Gardens—101 will be held in Room 201 of the Highland Community College Student Conference Center (Parking Lot A).  There is no cost to attend this program, but pre-registration is required by calling the University of Illinois Extension at 815-235-4125 or on-line at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw.

Savanna Smiles 4-H Club

By Izabella Fredericks, Savanna Smiles 4-H Club Reporter

The first meeting of the Savanna Smiles 4-H Club was held on Sunday, September 9th at the Community Church in Savanna.

First thing on the agenda was election of new officers for 2012/2013. They are as follows: President – Kylie Beaston, Vice-President - Elizabeth Rath, Secretary – Katie Hoffman, Treasurer – Dena Harridge, Reporter – Izabella Fredericks, Historian – Samantha Law, Co-Recreation – Andrew Law and Adam Rath and Federation Delegates are Adam Rath and Izabella Fredericks.

Old business was turning in record books to be judged for awards on Sept. 17th and the 24th.

New business included voting to be in the West Carroll Homecoming Parade on October 4th. Committees were set up for decorations for the parade and the National 4-H Week window display.

Our club will be selling wreaths again this year as a fundraiser. Forms will be handed out as soon as they arrive. Leader Julie Skiles made the announcement that the Wonders of Washington(WOW) group will be having a pulled pork sandwich drive through supper on October 20th to help raise money for their trip to Washington D.C. She will have tickets for sale as well as the Rath family. At the October meeting we will invite any new people who want to join to come to Old Mill Park and join us for a 4-H scavenger hunt. –continued-

The club voted on helping the Carroll County Humane Society sell Scentsy as a fundraiser for them. This is just one of the community service projects that we plan on working on this year.

Everyone received their new enrollment forms for the new year.

Next meeting will be Sunday, October 14th at the Old Mill Park at 2:30 p.m.

Radon Program Offered

The public, especially homeowners and realtors, are invited to attend a Radon Program, called, “Help Yourself to a Healthy Home - Reduce Your Exposure to Radon.” The program will be held on Wednesday, November 14, at 6 p.m., at the Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas Street, Freeport. There is a $5 fee to attend. All participants will receive a free radon test kit to take home and informational handouts.

Participants will learn how radon enters the home, the dangers of radon, and how to quickly and easily test their home for radon. Participants will also learn how to reduce the level of radon in their home and how to find licensed radon mitigator if they want professional help.

Registration is required by November 12 by calling the U of I Extension at (815) 235-4125 or online at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw. Registration cost is $5.

“Help Yourself to a Healthy Home” will be offered in Galena on Thursday, November 15 at 1 p.m. at the First Community Bank of Galena, 101 Exchange Street, Galena. For more information about the Galena program contact the U of I Extension at (815) 858-2273 or on-line at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw. It will also be offered at the Naaman Diehl Auditorium, Carroll County Farm Bureau, 811 S. Clay Street, Mt Carroll, on Thursday, November 15 at 6 p.m. for more information please contact the U of I Extension-Carroll County at (815) 244-9444 or on-line at web.extension.illinois.edu/clw. “Help Yourself to a Healthy Home” is sponsored by the Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll County Health Departments and University of Illinois Extension.

In the Service

Army Pvt. Bradley R. Lessman has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Lessman is the son of Troy Lessman of West Division Road, Shannon, and cousin of Adam Young of Freeport. He is a 2011 graduate of Eastland High School, Lanark.

23rd Annual Festival of Trees Gala Evening

Join Hospice of the Rock River Valley, a United Way Agency, for an elegant celebration of the holiday season by attending the Festival of Trees Gala.

The Gala will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10 at The Brandywine Banquet Center. The Festival of Trees is thrilled to have CGH Medical Center as this year’s presenting sponsor, along with gala sponsor US Bank. The Festival of Trees and the Gala celebrates the holiday season and is filled with fun and festivity that reflects the essence of hospice – family, friendship, community and caring.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres and a silent auction. Following the silent auction, participants will enjoy a lovely sit down dinner and a dessert & live auction. Some items available during the evening include Hawaii Condo Stay, Chicago overnight packages, Chicago Bears Preseason Tickets including admission to the United Club and parking pass, Cabin get-away package to Lake Elizabeth, Wis., Lake of the Ozarks Condo get-away package and much more. All proceeds from the Festival of Trees and the Gala benefit patients and families of Hospice of the Rock River Valley.

Reservations can be made by calling 815-288-3673. Tickets are $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight. For more information or to make a reservation, call 815-288-3673 or visit www.hospicerockriver.org. Reservations are due by Oct. 26.

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