More Important News

Peterson Anniversary

What a family! Five generations of the John and Vera Peterson family got together recently to celebrate the couple's 70th Wedding Anniversary and took the opportunity to have this photo taken. Seated are John and Vera Peterson of Shannon, who started it all. Standing (l to r): Their son, Randall Peterson of Chadwick, granddaughter Pam Queckboerner of Freeport, great-grandson Christopher Meier and great-great granddaughter Makayla Meier of Milledgeville. (Photo courtesy of Randall Peterson)

Marlene Muscha-Taylor's 50th Birthday

Friends of Lanark's Marlene Muscha-Taylor helped her celebrate her 50th birthday with one of the finest displays of "support" this photographer has ever seen. Happy Birthday! (PA photo/Tom Kocal)

Schryver Gun Sales Hog Roast/Open House

Lin R. Schryver, owner of Schryver Gun Sales in Forreston, and his wife Annette (left) with their staff during Saturday's Customer Appreciation Open House and Hog Roast. They had over 360 guests enjoy the hog roast, and register for lots of prizes, gun raffles and gun give aways."Thank you all for your support and for making our open house a huge success," said Lin. (PA photo/Andrew Williamson)

Fulton High School Homecoming

Fulton High students danced and socialize in the Riverbend Middle School gymnasium Saturday night at their Homecoming Dance. Why the Middle School? Fulton High School was closed Friday, Oct. 9 after asbestos was exposed in the high school shop area on Friday morning. The Homecoming football game had to be cancelled, but, the dance goes on. (Photo by Mark Hagen)

Ridge Street Style & Co. Ribbon Cutting

The Shannon Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Ridge Street Style & Co., located at 318 S. Ridge Street, Shannon, IL. Attending were Row 1, l to r: Omar Wilhelms, Desi Ozburn, Diane Vandenburg, Verna Woessner, Vicki Moll and Danika Lindstrom. Row 2: Luke Glendenning, Steve Wilkens and Jerry (Bubba) Cermak. Kut & Kurl Beauty Shop, established in 1956 has experienced its own extreme makeover, changing its name to Ridge Street Style & Co. Verna Woessner, Vicki Moll and Diane Vandenburg have added a new member to their styling team. Danika Lindstrom will be providing all hair services as well as tanning and pedicures. The styling staff looks forward serving the needs of the Village of Shannon and beyond. (Photo courtesy of Dianne Handsaker)

Customer Appreciation: Advantage One Credit Union

At the community-based Advantage One Credit Union's Customer Appreciation event held Saturday, Oct. 10 in Morrison were several volunteers and AOCU officers, including (front row, l to r) Don Reed, Dianne Henzen (supervisory committee), Robin Green (CEO), La Rita Miller, JoAnn Seelye, Janie Billings, and Carolyn Wohrley. (Back) Danny Green, Stan Tenboer (Chairman of the Board), Norma Haan, Ed Wohrley, Susan Bentley (AO staff), and Doug Seelye. They thank the community for their continued support. (PA photo/Andrew Williamson)

Fulton Fall Festival

This group of 5 from the Fulton and Thomson areas are dwarfed by the huge pumpkin on display during Fulton's Fall Fest Saturday afternoon, Oct. 10. Bryan and Tara (back) are with Brooklyn, Dillen and Taylor, who didn't let a little cold and snow deter them from enjoying the festivities. The 1,149 lb. pumpkin was grown by Fulton's Jim and Patti Topham. The huge vegetable competed with over 40 other contestants from 6 states and placed 4th at the Anamosa, IA Pumpkinfest. They planted it May 1 and used manure fertilizer from Blue Hyll Dairy Farm in Clinton, IA. (PA photo/Tom Kocal)

Local Children Reach Out Around The World

How many of your personal possessions would fit into a shoebox?

Now imagine if that shoebox held everything you owned. For millions of children around the world, a shoebox filled with gifts brings hope and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances.

The children of the Coleta United Methodist Church are planning to aid children around the world through Operation Christmas Child. A branch of Samaritan's Purse, an international relief organization, Operation Christmas Child collects gift-filled shoeboxes from individuals and organizations all across the United States, and sends them to needy children around the globe. Shoeboxes go to impoverished villages in Africa, to flood victims in Mexico, to war zones in Bosnia and many other places, always where the need is great. Shoeboxes travel by airplane, by truck, by riverboat and sometimes by camel to reach even remote villages. These shoebox gifts containing simple toys, hygiene and clothing items, and hard candy may be for many children the only gift they have ever received.

Last year thirty of over 7 million shoebox gifts collected nation-wide came from the Coleta church. This year the Sunday school children are planning fund-raising events to be able to send out even more boxes. The Coleta kids will collect and decorate empty shoe boxes during the next two weeks, and invite members of the congregation to take them home and fill them with gifts for girls or boys, ages 2-4 years, 5-9 years or 10-14 years.

They will also purchase items to pack during Sunday school on November 8. The filled shoeboxes will be dedicated at a special church service on November 15 and then sent off on their journey around the world.

"It's an awesome project", says Kristina, who lives in Coleta. Her friend Abby, from Chadwick, agrees. "We have so much, and these kids have so little". Abby has been saving her babysitting money to buy items for her shoeboxes.

The children from the Coleta church aren't thinking about what they want for Christmas this year. They are counting the donations from their bake sale and busy planning what they can give away.

For more information about Operation Christmas Child, go to www.samaritanspurse.org

If you would like to participate with the Coleta kids in their project, call the Coleta United Methodist Church at 336-2226 or contact Debra Dimon-Davis at 225-7711 (email: davisd@svcc.edu).

Carroll County 4-H Federation Meets

The Carroll County 4-H Federation met September 13, at the Lanark Park. The meeting was called to order by President, Nikita Nash. Committee reports were given. In old business the federation approved to sponsor a classroom for the Newspaper in Education Project. Under new business, records judging will be held September 22, and National 4-H week is October 4- 10.

The federation will hold a promotion/kick-off party on November 7. The Achievement program will be November 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Namann Diehl Auditorium in Mt. Carroll. Reminded clubs need they need to sign up to bring two topping for the ice cream bar.

Federation officers were elected for the 2009-2010 year; President: Nikita Nash, Vice-President: Dan Schoeninger, Treasurer: Nikita Nash, Reporter: Dena Harridge, Recreatin Committee: Rebecca and Dylan Alexander. Mary Ann Schoeninger, Geralyn Nash, Shelia Alexander, Denise Harridge volunteered as Federation Advisor for the 2009-2010 year.

Lanark 4-H Club Holds Meeting

By Jillian Appel, Reporter

The Lanark Clever Clovers 4-H Club held their first meeting in September. Enrollment and re-enrollment forms were filled out and turned into the new leaders, Deanne Fink and Casey Demrow. Election of Club Officers will be held at the October meeting.

Club members voted to change the meeting place, day and time. Starting in October the meetings will be at the Heritage center in Lanark on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in joining 4-H, please come to the October 12th meeting.

Chadwick 4-H Club Holds Meeting

By Dylan Alexander, Reporter

The meeting started at 7:12. Our president is Kyle Imel, vice president is Doug Williams, treasurer is Becca Alexander and secretary is Harrison Schmidt.Our reporter is Dylan Alexander, historian is Abbigail Merema and Recreation is Garrett Kness. Wetalked about thechanges in 4-H and decided on superintendents this year.

Milledgeville 4-H Club Holds Meeting

By Shaunte' Padilla, Reporter

The new year of the Milledgeville Hotshots began on September 9, at 7:15 p.m. The meeting was held at the Milledgeville State Bank. The pledge was led by Matt Keppen and the 4-H pledge was led by Tommy Dyson. 10 members were present.

The Hotshots received a thank you card for donating items to the Jacob's house fire. Window Display Committee will meet at the Keppen's on September 27th at 5:30 p.m. for a meeting.

At the meeting new officers were elected; President Nikki Nash, Vice President Brittney Nelson, Secretary Shaunte' Padilla, Treasurer Sarah VenHuizen, Reporter Matt Keppen, Historian Mary Francque and Randi Marie Kleckler. Members present signed up for their new projects.

Next meeting will be October 14, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m.

Morrison HS Hosts Parent/Teacher Conferences

Morrison High School will hold Parent/Teacher Conferences on November 5 and 6. Conferences will be scheduled at 15 minute intervals beginning at 1:00 until 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5th and from 8:00 a.m. ­ 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6th.

Individual notices are being sent to parents but you are welcome to schedule an appointment even if you don't receive a notice. Parents should call the Morrison High School at 815-772-4071 for appointments or for more information.

School will dismiss at 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 5th. School will not be in session on Friday Nov. 6 because of the Parent/Teacher Conferences.

From the Fields

Jim Morrison - Ext. Educator

Crop System

Rockford Ext. Center

University of Illinois

Even though it is not perfect, soil testing is the most important guide to profitable application of phosphorus, potassium, and limestone. An accurate soil test provides a framework for determining the fertility status of a field.

Buy using a soil probe, collect at least five cores or subsamples within a ten-foot radius around a sampling point. When mixed together, these subsamples comprise a soil sample.

The number of samples taken from a field is a compromise between what should be done (information) and what can be done (cost). There are various sampling strategies depending upon cost, equipment to be used, past fertilization practices, and the potential response to fertilizer application. These strategies are explained in the new Illinois Agronomy Handbook, 24th Edition. One such strategy is one sample per 2.5 acres.

A seven-inch sampling depth is commonly recommended. If limestone or nitrogen has been applied to the soil surface and not incorporated, it is important to monitor surface soil pH by collecting samples to a depth of two inches from at least three areas in a 40-acre field. These areas should represent the low, middle, and high ground of the field.

Sampling every four years is encouraged when soils are at an optimum level of fertility. When maintenance levels (crop removal) are not being applied in cropping systems that remove large quantities of nutrients, such as hay or corn silage, soil testing should be done every other year. To improve consistency of results, collect the samples at the same time of the year, and from the same locations within the field.

Late summer and fall are the best seasons for collecting soil samples, because potassium test results are more reliable then. Potassium test results, unlike phosphorus and pH, tend to be cyclic with low levels in late summer and early fall.

For commercial soil testing services in your area, see this web site www.soiltesting.org , or contact your local University of Illinois Extension office, or fertilizer dealer.

For further information on soil testing and soil fertility consult the newly revised Illinois Agronomy Handbook, 24th Edition, available at the University of Illinois Publications Plus web site https://pubsplus.uiuc.edu/C1394.html , or contact your local Extension office.

Yield Challenge Seeks Participants

Angel Flesher

Illinois Soybean Association

The Illinois Soybean Association has launched a challenge designed to make Illinois soybean growers the global leader in soybean yields. Funded by the soybean checkoff, the 2010 Yield Challenge combines the talents of growers, students and agri-businesses to test soybean production skills and compete for higher yields.

As part of the Challenge, participants will receive free soil testing for nutrients and soybean cyst nematode count, along with free protein and oil analyses of samples taken from harvested plots. The soybean production strategies and data collected from the Challenge will be available to all growers to improve soybean yields in Illinois. Applications are due by April 1, 2010.

For more information visit www.soyyieldchallenge.com.

Unemployed Seek Financial Advice in Tough Times

Currently the national law allows people to collect unemployment benefits for 79 weeks. 79 weeks is already an extension of the usual time limit for unemployment and, yet, legislation is being considered that would extend this benefit time. Why? Because many people have been unemployed for longer than 79 weeks, and the number of people unemployed continues to increase.

"My colleagues and I are hearing different financial questions from people now than we did a few years ago," says Kathy Sweedler, University of Illinois Extension Educator. "This is a very difficult time for people financially and their financial situations are often complicated. They may need a wide range of different kinds of financial advice, and they need to know how to find a reliable adviser for their particular needs."

Before you start working with a financial professional it is worth taking the time to compare two or three financial professionals in order to choose someone who is a good match for you. Be aware that anyone can call themselves a financial advisor! You want to choose someone who has appropriate education and experience. Interview financial professionals and ask many questions. University of Illinois Extension's website Choosing a Financial Professional,

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/financialpro/, discusses how to evaluate a financial professional's credentials and explains how different financial professionals are paid. At this website you can download a free interview guide.

Unemployment, and the problems that that arise with reduced income, is a very stressful situation. One out of eight households with a mortgage is currently delinquent on their home loan or in foreclosure. According to Sweedler, "We know that people are especially vulnerable to fraud during times of stress."

"If you're having trouble paying your mortgage payments, contact a qualified housing counselor, Sweedler recommends. She suggests visiting HUD's website at www.hud.gov or calling (800) 569-4287 for a list of qualified housing counselors.

When purchasing investments, take a few simple steps to protect yourself. Before you invest, take time to check that both the investment and the person selling the investment are legitimate.

1. Check that the investment option you're interested in is registered with your state's securities regulator. If it is not registered, then this is likely a fake investment. Don't invest!

2. Who is selling you the investment? Check the financial professional's background and references. In Illinois, a simple way to check on an investment option or a person's licenses and disciplinary records is to call the Illinois Securities Department, toll-free 1-800-628-7937 or visit their website at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/securities/.

For more information on how to recognize and avoid investment fraud, visit the Plan Well, Retire Well: Your how-to guide website at www.RetireWell.uiuc.edu.

Pumpkin Shortage? Not in Illinois

Although shortages of both jack-o-lantern pumpkins and canned pumpkin in stores have been reported, researchers say there are plenty of both available, particularly in the Midwest.

"Part of the confusion about possible shortages is because there are many different pumpkin varieties," said Bill Shoemaker, researcher at the University of Illinois Horticulture Research Center in St. Charles.

"Processing pumpkins for canned pumpkin are great big football-shaped squash, a sort of tan color, not the kind of decorative jack-o-lantern pumpkin that consumers are used to seeing."

Shoemaker said last year there was a serious crop failure for processing pumpkins used in canned pumpkin pie filling which is currently on the store shelves. This year's crop has been good, but it takes time to get it processed and into cans.

"Right now the market is experiencing a gap in the need for canned pumpkin and the current availability of it in the stores," he said. "This year's crop is at the processing plant now. There may be a delay, but this year's pumpkin crop is coming to the rescue just in time."

Approximately 40 percent of the processing pumpkin crops have been harvested, and the rest will be harvested as long as there is no deep freezing, said U of I plant pathologist Mohammad Babadoost.

"In the past two weeks, I have had many contacts about this year's pumpkin crop in Illinois, the Midwest, and nationwide," Babadoost said. "There may be fewer pumpkin crops in the northeastern states than expected, but to my knowledge, there is no shortage of pumpkins in the Midwest, certainly not in Illinois. We have had a record processing pumpkin acreage in Illinois in 2009. The only problem was that harvesting of processed pumpkin began about 10 days later than usual, due to the wet season and a delay in planting."

Regarding jack-o-lantern pumpkins, Babadoost said only a few growers in Illinois reported poor pollination and poor crops. "We have had higher incidence of bacterial spot disease than the past. However, Illinois Halloween pumpkins are fine and there should be no shortage. We do not have the best pumpkin crops that we expected, but we have satisfactory pumpkin crops and will meet the demands of Illinois citizens and beyond."

For those parts of the country that are having a difficult time locating a supply of pumpkin, U of I's MarketMaker website has an interactive directory of growers and producers.

"If the large commercial growers that supply pumpkins to grocery store chains are seeing lower yields, it's still possible to locate a source of pumpkins through the MarketMaker website said U of I Extension specialist Darlene Knipe. "There are over 1,500 pumpkin growers listed on MarketMaker — 315 in Illinois alone," Knipe said.

The national website can be found at http://national.marketmaker.uiuc.edu/. Visitors can click on a state to target their search for pumpkins or click on the link to the Market Place Buy Sell Forum and use the search function at the top of the page to find pumpkin sources in all of the participating states.

During the short gap in product supply, Shoemaker recommends that consumers try making their own pie filling. "Sugar pie pumpkin looks like a small jack-o-lantern style pumpkin," he said. "The pulp inside is less stringy and make a good pie filling. Homeowners can also use butternut squash or buttercup squash as substitutes for recipes that call for pumpkin."

Illinois is the leading state in pumpkin production with approximately 90 percent of processing pumpkins produced in the United States grown in Illinois. Shoemaker said that many Illinois pumpkin growers also grow butternut squash.

University of Illinois Extension's website http://urbanext.illinois.edu/pumpkins/selection.html has information on how to select and cook fresh pumpkin.

The Secure Optimal Yield Scholarship

The 2010-2011 Secure Optimal Yield Scholarship is a $5,000 one-time award presented to a High School Senior who is going to pursue
Agriculture as a degree area of study at any accredited College or University of their choosing. The scholarship is managed by the American Soybean Association and is made possible through a grant by BASF.

The scholarship will be presented in $2,500 increments per semester. The student must maintain successful academic progress and be in good standing with the College or University to receive the full amount of the scholarship. Candidates may apply on-line Sept. 14, 2009 through November 16, 2009. Final Selection will be made the first week of December.

The student will be notified prior to an official announcement made in March 2010, during Commodity Classic in Anaheim, CA.BASF sponsors the winner and one parent to attend Commodity Classic for two days to participate and receive special recognition at the ASA Awards Banquet on the Friday night of Commodity Classic. To apply on-line or download an application, and for specific scholarship requirements, go to http://www.soygrowers.com/soy/scholarship.htm

Learn How Windbreaks Can Save Energy

Persons living in homes in rural areas that are constantly exposed to the wind could save money by installing a windbreak. In the winter, a dense multi-row windbreak can save 10 to 40 percent in heating the home. Energy used to cool homes in the summer can also be reduced by a windbreak.

Windbreaks can have other benefits too. Wildlife habitat, especially with the addition of shrubs can be created. Fruit trees or trees for fuel wood production can also be incorporated into a windbreak, providing food and fuel for heat.

Dave Shiley, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources Management Educator will present a program regarding windbreak design, planting, and maintenance. Renovating old windbreaks will also be discussed. This statewide teleconference, which includes a presentation filled with windbreak images, is offered at the Mt. Carroll or Elizabeth Extension Offices Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 1:30-3:00 pm.

Cost is $5.00/person. Advance registration is needed. Phone 815-244-9444 to attend in Mt. Carroll or 815-858-2273 to attend in Elizabeth. If you have disability needs, please indicate when registering.

Day Camp for Kids

This Veterans Day let your kids enjoy a fun filled red, white and blue themed day with games, crafts, cooking and much more. This is the first ever school's out camp offered by University of Illinois Extension Carroll County Office. The camp is for kids entering Kindergarten through 8th grades, Wednesday, November 11th from 8:00-3:30pm at Naaman Diehl Auditorium in Mt. Carroll.

Camp fee is $15 per child by November 1st and an additional fee for late registration. A sack lunch is needed and drink will be provided. Camp size is limited so register early. To register your child or to learn more about the camp, call the Carroll County Extension office at 815-244-9444.

September Rainfall

A big "thank you" goes to all of our University of Illinois Extension Rainfall Reporters in Carroll and JoDaviess counties. Here is their report for the month of September and for those that kept track from April through September the sixth month total will be listed.

Mt. Carroll: Richard Fuller, 1.30 - 28.78; Nancy Gable, 1.40 - 28.85; Les Grim, 1.75 - 35.75; Maynard Kehl, 1.45 - 30.98; Kenneth Rahn, 1.30 - 28.90; Mary Rapp, 1.46 - 31.63 ; Tom Tuite, 2.00 - 35.05.

Savanna: Allen Beyer, 1.10 - 29.91; Leroy Getz, 1.35 - 34.75; Keith Rath, 1.30 - 31.94; Paul Rath, 1.25 - 37.15.

Chadwick: Tim Adolph, 1.60 - 33.60; Raymond Henningsen, 1.95 - 34.69; George Weber, 2.40 - 37.70; Bob Yingling, 1.20 - 29.80.

Milledgeville: Shirley Cheeseman, 2.20 - 30.25; Frank Fogel, 2.00 - 33.30; Phyllis Wagenknecht, 2.50 - 28.80.

Lanark: Edna Beattie, 2.10 - 30.20; Kris Lauritzen, 2.20 - 30.50; Robert Michael, 2.20 - 29.10.

Shannon: Jim Endress, 2.60 - 23.37; Eileen Kent, 2.02 - 32.26; Mary LaShelle Mantle, 1.95 - 29.24.

Stockton: David Fernstaedt, 1.13 - 26.27; Herbert Hill, 1.20 ; David Marcure, 1.25 - 31.99; Arlo Paxton, 1.70 - 33.50.

Galena: Dwight Bischel, Galena Territory .86 - 25.26; Mary Dittmar, 90 - 24.60; Darlene Farrey, .75 - 26.30; Catherine Winslow, 1.00 - 26.89.

John Diedrich, Scales Mound 2.90 - 34.75; James Huilman, Scales Mound .64 - 29.25

Douglas Kalec, Thomson, 1.10 - 36.75; Don Terry, Apple River, 1.35 - 29.42; Greg Haas, Elizabeth, 1.70 - 30.31; Virginia Niemeier, Lena, 1.80 - 30.40.

Benefit Breakfast For Kathi

The Bethesda Lutheran Church of Morrison will be hosting a benefit breakfast for one of its members, Kathi (Stone) Biller of Rock Falls, Illinois. Kathi is formerly of Morrison.

Pancakes, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee will be on the menu. The breakfast will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 noonin the Community Room of the Odell Public Library at 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison. Donations will graciously be accepted.

The benefit will help Kathy offset expenses being incurred by ongoing cancer treatments along with other medical concerns. Several years ago, Kathy had a kidney transplant and special care is needed during cancer treatments.

Also that day at the breakfast, the church will be holding a bake sale and a raffle of various items. Items in the raffle will be awarded that day. Remember to stop in at the Odell Library on Saturday, October 31, 2009 for this special benefit breakfast, bake sale and raffle.

Area CROP Walk Goal - To Raise $10,000

Last year, the CROP Hunger Walk raised over $17 million to end hunger around the world. After an absence of 17 years in our community, the Morrison CROP Walk is back with the goal to raise $10,000.

The mile and a third walk will be held on Sunday, October 18 with registration at 1:00 and the "step off" at 1:30. The walk will begin at the United Methodist Church. The Walk is sponsored by the Presbyterian, Methodist, Bethesda Lutheran, Saint Ann's Episcopal, and Ebenezer Reformed Churches. All people and children are invited to help in this community effort.

Each church has donor cards to distribute for donations and funds. Unlike the walks of years ago, there are no monies to collect after the walk. Donors are encouraged to give a flat donation at the time of contact. Checks are payable to CWS/Crop Walk. People may be an "E-Walker" also. Go to CROP Walk Online, click on the state of Illinois, locate the Morrison walk and follow the instructions.

'Carroll County's Got Talent' Variety Show Coming Soon

Are you looking for something you can do with the whole family? Why not come to see Carroll County's best performers demonstrate their talent.

Join us on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Campbell Center's Metcalf Auditorium for the first annual "Carroll County's Got Talent" variety show. The event will feature three local celebrity judges and Mt Carroll's very own Levi Jones will be a co-master of ceremony. It's sure to be fun for all ages and we hope to see you there.

If you are interested in performing, entry forms are available at Shaw's Food Pride in Mt. Carroll, Engel's Jewelry in Savanna, Brothers Restaurant in Lanark, THE National Bank in Chadwick and Casey's General Store in Thomson, Milledgeville and Shannon.

For ticket information, call the Campbell Center at (815)-244-1767.

Business News . . .

'Tis The Season in Shannon

The Shannon Chamber of Commerce invites you to their Annual "Hometown Christmas" event to get you in the holiday spirit. The event will be presented on Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21 throughout the friendly Northwest Illinois village.

Local businesses, crafters and bakers welcome you to their open houses. You will discover not only gifts of good taste: rolls, pies, candies, cookies, and popcorn, but also beautifully hand-crafted gifts: wooden, fabric, glass and floral. Also, candles, primitives, mini sleigh rides, lunch specials, and much more will be available.

Maps highlighting the location of the participants are available at the First State Bank Shannon/Polo/Lake Carroll, and Casey's. Look for the Candy Cane in front of each location.

Friday night is a Chili Supper, along with a visit from Santa Claus, live reindeer and crafts for kids at the Shannon Fire Station, followed by a Christmas Light Parade. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in the Village Park before and during the parade.

(Watch The Prairie Advocate and www.PACC-News.com for details)

Oktoberfest in Mt. Carroll

In historic downtown Mount Carroll, Illinois, the City of Mt. Carroll and the Mt. Carroll Chamber of Commerce invite you to join them for 2 days of food, fun and music at their Oktoberfest 2009, set for Friday and Saturday, October 23 & 24.

Enjoy kids' games, antique tractor and wagon rides, tractor pulls, beer and food tents, craft show, farmer's market, hot dog-eating contest, magic show, fire department water hose fights, historic cemetery tours, pumpkin-decorating contest, costume contest, with live bands nightly!

The great music scheduled for your enjoyment is hosted by Turning Point Productions

(http://www.turningpointproductions.net). Friday features the superb local talents of Main Avenue Jazz Band, oldies and bluegrass from Ray Rose & The End of the Road Band, the soft rock, acoustic sounds of Warren Franklin, and concludes with the rocking Abigail's Fury.

Saturday kicks off with more big band, swing and polkas from the Main Avenue Jazz Band,

followed by Haley Dorsch (Acoustic Rock/Blues/Gospel), Evan Atherton (Acoustic Rock), then ending the weekends entertainment with the rocking sounds of Merlin and Agigail's Fury.

For more information, visit www.mtcarrollil.org and click on the Calendar, visit www.PACC-News.com, or call 800-244-9594.

COUNTRY Client Service Ranks Best With Illinois Policyholders

COUNTRY Financial ranked No. 1 with the lowest ratio of auto and home complaints in 2008 among Illinois insurance companies, according to the state Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"This ranking attests to the consistently high level of customer service our employees and financial representatives provide our clients," says John Blackburn, COUNTRY Chief Executive Officer. "Our clients know and trust our financial representatives, who are backed by a team of professionals. Together, we help people achieve financial security no matter where they're starting from."

COUNTRY had the lowest ratio of auto complaints for the ninth time in 10 years and the lowest home ratio for the eighth time in 10 years.

The recently released report showed COUNTRY had .08 complaints for every $1 million in auto premium ­ the lowest ratio among 37 Illinois auto insurance companies. COUNTRY had .16 complaints for every $1 million in home premium with the lowest ratio among nine Illinois home insurers.

COUNTRY received less than 10 complaints for individual life and health, and group life and health insurance policies, so it does not appear on the IDFPR listing. The state agency defines a complaint as a written expression of grievance.

COUNTRY Financial (http://www.countryfinancial.com) and its alliances serve about one million households and businesses throughout the United States. Founded in 1925, COUNTRY has more than 2,000 exclusive financial representatives in 14 Midwestern and Western states who help clients protect what they have, build for a comfortable future and achieve financial security. COUNTRY offers auto, home and life insurance to retirement planning services, college savings plans and investment management.

FHN Gives Back to Eastland High School

FHN's series of sports physical clinics, held throughout the spring and summer, helped save time and hassle for many area parents. The proceeds from the $20 physicals have been donated back to the schools by FHN.

A total of 24 sports physical clinics were held at FHN satellite offices across northwest Illinois. Physicians performed 1,064 physicals through the program, raising $21,280 to donate back to 17 area schools.

At FHN Family Healthcare Center ­ Lanark, 55 students had their physicals completed through this program, which ultimately gave $1,100 back to Eastland High School. Also, FHN Family Healthcare Center ­ Highland View Drive, 64 students had their physicals completed, which gave $1,280 back to Pearl City schools

These physicals meet IHSA eligibility requirements for sports but do not meet the requirement for 9th grade school physicals or for new students from out-of-state. The physicals are offered every year in the area during the summer months.

FHN, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 1,400 employees, is an award-winning regional healthcare system committed to the health and well-being of the people of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin.Named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals® for 2007 by Thomson Healthcare, FHN has also been honored by VHA with a Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence in its treatment of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) in 2008, and a Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence for its treatment of cardiac patients in 2006. Organized in 1995 as an integrated healthcare delivery system, FHN is comprised of FHN Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center, 13 family healthcare centers offering primary and specialty medical care, Hospice, occupational and chiropractic health services, dental care and outpatient mental health services. An average of 1,700 people come to FHN daily for their healthcare needs. For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org.

150 Years - Lanark United Methodist Church

As part of the 150 Year Anniversary Celebration (1859-20090, the Lanark United Methodist Church Women are publishing a Special Edition Cookbook. Titled "Led By God - Made With Love: Families, Friendship and Faith," the cookbook will feature 900 recipes in an easel binder. Included are tidbits of history with many favorite recipes from family gatherings, special occasions, and long-ago Rose Luncheons and bazaars.

Shop early for Christmas, special friends, and family. For an additional small fee, the church ladies will gift wrap, enclose a card, and mail the gift for you. Cookbooks will be available soon for pick up at the Lanark UM Church at 405 E. Locust St. To place your order, or for more information, call 815-493-6300.

MCUMC Hosting Annual Craft Fair

The Mount Carroll United Methodist Church will be hosting it's Second Annual Craft and Vendor Fair on Saturday, October 24th at 216 South Main St. The doors will open at 8 am and run to 2 pm.

Admission is $2. Each person will receive a coupon for $1 off any item with any vendor at the fair. Each person will also get a ticket for the door prize drawing. Each vendor will have an item donated that you can choose from for the drawing.

Visit the bake sale table with many fresh, tasty treats being sold by the Youth Group.

After your shopping is done, visit the United Methodist Women for lunch with barbeque and chips.

Some of the types of items include: Doll Clothes for American Girl, Cabbage Patch, and Bitty Baby, Avon, Kat's Coffee, Rada Cutlery, Scrubbies, Church bulletin necklaces, Garden pavers, cards, jewelery, Cards, Uppercase Living, boutique items, fabric boxes, table toppers, kitchen towels, soap, Candles, Tupperware, Celebrate Home and chair massages by Healing Touch, plus more.

Booth space is limited, so call 815-244-3769 or Email susanharkness@grics.net for more information.

Tyler's Family Fun Fest at Old Mill Park

Tyler's Justice Center for Children will host its 1st Annual Family Fun Fest at Old Mill Park in Savanna on Saturday, October 17th. The day
will be filled with events for the whole family to enjoy.

- 9:30a.m. Registration: Fun Run Races for children ages 4-12. The fee for the race is just $1 and every child will receive a prize. Races will begin at 10:15a.m.

- 9:30a.m. also begins raffle and 50/50 chance. Raffles include baskets for men, women, boys and girls! Something for everyone!

- 11:00a.m. the activities begin with a demonstration by the Carroll County K-9 Unit

- Illinois Chip Program available by the Mississippi Lodge #385

- Free Balloons, Jo Jo the Clown, and Car Seat Safety Checks with Baby Bucks available.

- 12:00p.m. Cook-Off Competition. The Teams include West Carroll Primary School Staff, West Carroll Intermediate School Staff, Savanna Police Department, Savanna Fire Department and Carroll County Health Department. Each team will have one dish available for taste test. Taste each dish and vote on your favorite for only $2!

- 12:00p.m. Lunch for $4 a plate. Lunch will consist of BBQ pork sandwiches, potato chips courtesy of Neumiller Farms and cookies courtesy of Savanna Subway.

- 1:15 winners will be announced for the cook-off, raffles and 50/50.

- 1:00p.m. Bean Bag Tournament. The entry fee is $20 for a team of two. Bags and boards will be supplied. Winners will receive large and locally donated prize packages ranging from $250-$50 in value.

For more information or to sign up for the bags tournament please call Ashley at 815-947-6030 or tylerscenter@aeroinc.net.

FILLER . . .

S.P. of Morrison Loves 'The Amish Cook' in The Prairie Advocate . . .

". . .Thank you for the WONDERFUL newspaper! I read it thoroughly each week and appreciate your news.I particularly enjoy the Amish Cook since I am originally from the Amish part of Northern Indiana and am a transplant to Illinois. Although I am not Amish ­ nor ever was ­ I strongly identify with them and learned to cook from some Amish women . . .

Thank you again for your message and for the wonderful service to our communities."

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