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Zumdahl Attends Graduate School of Banking

Matthew P. Zumdahl, Assistant Vice President at Exchange State Bank, Lanark,IL, attended the 68th annual session of the prestigious Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin- Madison held August 12-24, 2012.

The school, sponsored by the 18 state bankers associations comprising the Central States Conference of Bankers Associations, and the University of

Wisconsin-Madison, was established in 1945 to provide bankers with an opportunity for advanced study and research in banking, economics and

leadership. Instruction at the Graduate School of Banking takes place during two-week resident sessions for three consecutive summers, along with comprehensive study between summer resident sessions. The curriculum focuses on the management of strategic issues faced by banking executives and financial services industry professionals.

The Graduate School of Banking enrolls approximately 550 US and international professionals each year. Over 85 esteemed academicians, economists, government officials and industry professionals comprise the school’s faculty.

You can reach Matt for all your banking needs at Exchange State Bank, 126 N. Broad St, in downtown Lanark, or call 815-493-2631.

PAL members who painted this year’s progressive door prize: Judy Bowling, Lois Lamz, Kay Moore, Sandy Dunlap, Andrea Streets, Florence Russell, Fayellen Sanetra, and Judy Gentile. This 16x20 acrylic painting will be given away Oct. 21 at the Fall Show. The Annual Palisades Art League Fall Show and Sale will be held this weekend at the West Carroll Primary School on Wacker Road in Savanna. The show will be open for public viewing without charge from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 and from noon until 3:30 p.m on Sunday Oct. 21. At that time, Lois Lamz, PAL president, will award Best of Show honors for both the artistic and photographic divisions along with the PAL Peer Award medal for the favorite PAL member’s work.

The Answer Fitness Treads for Great River Outreach

As of this October 15, 2012, THE ANSWER has started TREADING FOR FAMILIES. The staff and members of THE ANSWER will be walking on a treadmill outside of the gym 24 hours a day until we can raise $500. All donations will be then given to The Great River Outreach (The Table). So please stop down today! If you have any questions or would like to donate or help walk please call us 815-273-3747

Mary Ann Hutchison and Vicky Trager of the Carroll County Senior Center Tax Aide program explained how the program works and provides this service to the senior citizens of Carroll County. The Senior Center is located in Mt. Carroll. A group of volunteers provide tax preparation services at no charge. The Mt. Carroll Rotary Club has purchased new computers and updated AARP software in the past two years. (L to R) Mary Ann Hutchison, Rotarian Lou Schau, Vicky Trager.

The Fulton Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on October 10, 2012, for Digital Butlers located at 901 1st Street, Fulton, IL. Digital Butlers, owned by Mark Van Kampen, provides repair and customer support service for iPods, iPads, iPhones, desktops, laptops, printers, game consuls, graphic design and home/office networking. (L to R) Marsha Norman (Fulton Chamber), Nathan Green, Greg Naftzger (Fulton Chamber), Carl Gunther, Mark Van Kampen (owner), Matt Radenslaben, Chuck Dykstra (Fulton Chamber) and Jami Smith (Fulton Chamber). Alderman Charles Dykstra presented a city clock to Van Kampen. (Courtesy of Heather Bennett)

Farm Bureau Volunteers Jason & Claire Johns (at right) visit with the Spoerlein’s after lunch that the Johns’ delivered as part of the Quality of Life Action Team’s Meals in the Field program. Bill Spoerlein was one of four members who won a drawing for the lunch. (Courtesy of Chastity Welch)

The West Carroll FFA chapter placed 2nd in this year’s section soil judging contest in Pecatonica Illinois on October 4 ,2012. The JV team included (Back to Front) Jacob Carey, Thomas Watson, Trelawney Baisden, Clare O’Connor, Chloe Carson, Demi Hess, Josh Sullivan, Dylan Williams, Brandon Anderson, Karley Metz, and Tessa Sibley. Though the JV scores did not count it gave them preparation for next years contest. The Varsity team included Seth Bradley, Janelle Dykstra, Kaylee Vos, Ieshia Larson, and Roman Timm. The team placed second. Roman Timm, Janelle Dykstra, and Kaylee Vos respectively placed 2nd, 6th, and 9th individually.
(Courtesy of Don Mathey)

Julie Katzenberger (Rotarian & West Carroll Middle School Principal) receives a donation from the Mount Carroll and Savanna Rotary clubs for electronic readers to be used at West Carroll Middle School in Mt. Carroll. (L to R) Rotarian Michael Doty, Julie Katzenberger, and Rotarian Ken Alexander. Along with a matching grant from Rotary District 6420, $6000 will be spent on this project.

Savanna Rotary Club President Bryan McCaskey is pictured with Rotary District 6420 Governor Bob Hammond. The District Governor made his official club visit and presented Savanna President with a District 6420 Banner and the theme banner for the current year entitled Peace through Service.

Beggar’s Night at Heritage Canyon

Come join the fun at the 4th Annual Beggar’s Night, where the Early American Crafters transform Heritage Canyon into a world of ghosts and goblins to delight the young trick-or-treaters.

The Early American Crafters strive to make the trick-or-treat event a safe environment for the young and very young to enjoy. Adults, as well as the children, are encouraged to wear their finest Halloween costumes.

This event is also a great spectator event where adults may come early, bring a chair and set and watch the children in their costumes pass by.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 2012, starting at 4:00pm and ending at 8:00pm. The Canyon will be lit up with lanterns and candles, but we suggest that you bring a flashlight to help light your way as you trick-or-treat from building to building.

There is no admission charge for this event, but donations are gratefully excepted and help plan next year’s events.

A large group of well-wishers were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 11, 2012 to celebrate with Don & Jackie Jevne and True Value employees their big move to 104 S. Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL. Open 7 days a week, the store stocks supplies for all of your hardware needs including paint, electrical, tools, housewares, lawn & garden, automotive, plumbing, keys, and framing. Attending the celebration were front row l-r: Luke Sandrock, The Cornerstone Agency; Sandi Crouse, Friend of the Chamber; Linda Brandon, True Value; True Value Owners Jackie & Don Jevne; Angie Gorzny, True Value; Lisa Lewis, True Value; and Laura Frederick, True Value. Back Row l-r: Jennifer Belanger, Wells Fargo Bank; Jan Roggy, State Farm Insurance; Suellen Girard, MCUD #6; Sarah Thorndike, City of Morrison; Bart Smith, DQ Grill & Chill; Marti Wood, City of Morrison; Susan Gomez, Wells Fargo Bank; Abbi Bush, Angie VanderVinne Agency; Stephanie Vavra, thecity1.com; Louise Clark, RE/MAX Property Associates; Vickie Vigen, Madison Street Spa; and Kathy Schmidt, One-Stop Marketing.

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on October 12, 2012 for Security Plus Wireless U.S. Cellular, 604 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, to welcome them as a new business and new member of Chamber. Security Plus is a U.S. Cellular authorized agent ready to assist you with all of your cell phone needs. Attending the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration were knelling l-r: U.S. Cellular employees Marcel Roggy, Nickie Benters, & Rebecca Hunter. Front row l-r: Frank Stocker & Margaret Stocker, parents of owner Scott Stocker; Stephanie Stocker & Kyle Stocker, Scott’s wife and son; Jan Roggy, State Farm Insurance; Owner Scott Stocker; Norma Nelson, THE National Bank; Stephanie Vavra, thecity1.com; Vickie Vigen, Madison Street Spa; Louise Clark, RE/MAX Property Associates. Back row l-r: Tonya Nichol, U.S. Cellular; Bart Smith, DQ Grill & Chill; Solomon Filer, U.S. Cellular Sales & Development Manager; friends Ron & Mary Ann Hood; Marti Wood, City of Morrison; Jennifer White, THE National Bank; Kathy Schmidt, One-Stop Marketing; Susan Gomez, Wells Fargo Bank; Christopher Morris & Justin Morris, Open Hand Self Defense; and Kelly Smith, Community State Bank.

Helping Celebrate Co-op Month At Member Appreciation Days

In October, Jo-Carroll Energy was celebrating the cooperative difference in honor of Co-op Month and the International Year of Cooperatives in 2012.

Lunch was on them as Jo-Carroll kicked off the week with a Member Appreciation event at their Elizabeth headquarters on Monday, Oct. 8. A light lunch was served featuring grilled hot dogs along with chips, and beverages. Guided tours of the Jo-Carroll Energy facilities was offered during the event, which included drawings for a $25 bill credit and a special gift basket for their younger members.

October is also the month for the American Red Cross Blood Drive, sponsored by Jo-Carroll Energy at the Elizabeth office.

The celebration moved on to their Savanna office on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving again a delicious lunch for their members.

WCHS Drama Dept. Presents ‘Billy St. John’s Figments’

The West Carroll High School Drama Department proudly presents Billy St. John’s Figments, a comedy in two-acts, in the West Carroll Pre-School Gymnasium (in Thomson, Illinois), on Friday, October 26, Saturday, October 27, both at 7:00 PM, and Sunday, October 28, at 2:00 PM.

The Story:  Rick Jacobs is a playwright with a wild imagination - perhaps too wild! As he attempts to overcome a massive case of writer’s block, the audience sees four figments of his imagination play out the opening scene of his next murder mystery. He and they are interrupted by the arrival of his neighbor, Loni, with whom Rick is secretly, and helplessly, in love. As Loni tells Rick about Matt, the man she is dating, and his attempts to speed the relationship toward the bedroom, the writer imagines the man as an eight-armed, human spider. Rick also conjures up doubles for himself and Loni, saying to each other the words he’d like them to exchange. The source of Rick’s trouble with women, his domineering mother, arrives on the scene (along with her imagined double) carrying a burial urn with Mr. Jacobs’ ashes inside. Pop pops in and out of Rick’s thoughts to comment on his life with Mama and on the hereafter. Even the image of Rick’s former ladylove, Sarah, comes around to encourage him to cut the old apron strings. As Rick’s thoughts bounce between his frustrating love life and his play, the real people and the figments of Rick’s imagination clash riotously with the fictional characters in his play. They enact their scenes tipsy when Rick has one too many, hung over like Rick the morning after, and even act out the scene as Mama would write it. If you’ve ever wondered what goes through a playwright’s mind, this farcical comedy reveals all hilariously.

Cast members include: Tommy Losch as Rick Jacobs, Liesl Meador as Loni Wagner, Leah Bark as Beatrice “Mama” Jacobs, and Collin Wilkinson as Matt Santori. The figments of Rick’s imagination include: Maria Hartsell as Veronica, Robert Lopez as David, Matt Brooke as Winston, Natalie Comeau as Louise, Allison Barr as Loni 2, Quinn Rumler as Rick 2, Brittany Cooper as Matt 2, Dani Densmore as Mama 2, Chloe Lyttles as Pop, and Kaylee Jones as Sarah. Shantae Smith is the cast understudy/student helper. The play is directed by Scott D. Mattison, Drama & Choir Director at WCHS, Tech Director is Michael Von Hollen of Dubuque, Iowa. Production Assistants include Michael Strauch-Stage Manager, Tre Baisden-House Manager, Kaylee Vos-Sound, and Ieshia Larson-Lights, along with the West Carroll High School Drama Club.

Tickets are available at the door. Admission is $6.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Students and Senior Citizens, and $2.00 for Pre-school age children.

Youth Group Hosts Baileyville 5K Run/walk

The high school youth group of the Baileyville Reformed Church is sponsoring its 8th annual 5K run/walk on Saturday, October 20 At 9:00 a.m. The race starts and finishes at the church with and out and back route. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. @ the church located at 400 W. Center St. Baileyville, IL 61007.

All registrants will receive a t-shirt and goody bag. There will be door prizes, awards and refreshments following the run in the church basement. All proceeds from the race benefit the high school youth group and their growing interest in summer mission trips. All ages are welcome to participate.

You can email coach13miller@hotmail.com for more information you may call 815-275-7115.

Amy Barnes Attends the Illinois Association of REALTORS^® Fall Conference & Expo

Incoming board president of the REALTOR Association of Northwestern Illinois, Amy Barnes of Isenhart Realty, attended the Illinois Association of REALTORS® (IAR) Fall Conference and Expo at the Pheasant Run Resort, Oct. 2-4, 2012, in St. Charles.

The Conference featured sessions on viral marketing, tools for setting the right price, trends in short sales, tips for putting trends and fads into context and information on choosing the right mobile device. Featured presenters included top-producing REALTORS^® Brian Copeland, Trulia’s Head of Industry Relations Matt Dollinger, Illinois short sale attorney Dennis R. Bordyn, futurist David Zach and mobile technology trainer G. William James.

“Illinois real estate professionals learned about the latest educational and training strategies that they can use in their local markets, while also building referral networks and seeing the newest marketing, technology and other business tools that will help them serve their clients,” said IAR President Michael D. Oldenettel.

Conference attendees also had the opportunity to attend two continuing education classes. Real estate tax attorney and instructor Anastasia Poulopoulos and instructor Eric Westberg outlined the purpose of real estate property taxes in Illinois and the process for appealing taxes in the course, “Real Estate Property Tax Reduction in Illinois.” Industry trainer Lynn Madison reviewed the proper representation of landlords and tenants in residential leasing transactions in her course, “Legal Issues: Residential Leasing.”

A trade expo featured some of the real estate industry’s top vendors including marketing and insurance providers, banking and mortgage services and business technology providers.

The Conference also included an Inaugural Gala for the 2013 officers of the association.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® is a voluntary trade association whose 41,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, the Illinois Association of REALTORS® works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation that safeguards and advances the rights of real property ownership.

Residue Management Tool Available

Before you do any fall tillage, think about what these crops have gone through this past summer. With drought related reductions in crop yields comes reduced crop residue. Shorter corn stalks make for shorter residue levels. Review your conservation farm plan to see what level of ground cover is required to protect your land from erosion, when it does rain again. Most conservation farm plans call for leaving some crop residue as mulch to protect the soil from erosion. With the lower amount of residue behind the combine you can’t expect the same amount of ground cover if you use the same tillage as in years past.

The Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District has a residue management tool available for rent by county farmers this fall. The Salford Residue Tillage Specialist is a tillage tool that can be used in farm fields with lower residue levels. The Salford’s 38 coulters cut the residue into manageable sized pieces across its entire 22 foot width. The spring tine harrow and rolling basket distributes crop residue evenly across the field. The result is even erosion control across the entire field. The tool is designed for high speed and low maintenance. The implement requires a 150 horse power tractor for operation.

The Salford will be available for rent in at $9.00 per acre, $8.00 per acre for over 100 acres. Producers may sign up now for rental. Contact the Carroll County SWCD at 815-244-8732 ext. #3.

University of Dubuque Fall Jazz Ensemble Features Shannon’s Bunyer

The University of Dubuque Jazz Ensemble, directed by William Encke, will perform a program of jazz masterworks at a concert to be held in Blades Hall at the University of Dubuque at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. The concert is free and is open to the public.

The Ensemble includes Shannon’s own Megan Bunyer, saxophone; Carter Albrecht, drums/percussion, Kaukauna, WI; Sam Fosse, guitar, Iowa City, IA; Noah Kachelski, bass, Verona, WI; Tiffiney Kavars, trumpet, Elkader, IA; Joshua Michelson-King, trumpet, West Oneonta, NY; Charles Northrup, guitar, Boston, MA; Melissa Olivares, trumpet, Dubuque, IA; Ellie Snaith, saxophone, Dubuque, IA; Joe Spencer, keyboards, Kansas City, MO; Brandon Winter, trombone I, Clinton, IA.

A variety of composers will be highlighted during the concert, including Jimmy Forrest, Billy Strayhorn, Emilio Castillo, Stephen Kupka, Ken Kessie, Scotty Morris, Hoagy Carmichael, Nat Adderly, Seth Macfarlane, Ben Bernie, Cole Porter, and Freddie Hubbard.

HCC Foundation Announces 2012-2013 Scholarship Recipients

The Highland Community College Foundation distributed approximately $300,000 to Highland students for the 2012-2013 academic year with over 300 people in attendance at its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on September 30. Approximately $5.7 million has been distributed to Highland students since the Foundation was formed. Some scholarships are based on merit and financial need; others are awarded to students based on where they attended high school and what major they are studying.

The following scholarship recipients in The Prairie Advocate coverage area were recognized:

Baileyville: Emily Bardell, Clarence W. Chapman

Elizabeth: Donna Marcotte, Betty and Ray Stamm; Matthew Steele, Wid Hance Automotive; Austin Wachter, Harold Lee Offenheiser Ecology-Biology

Forreston: Matthew Gors, H.G. Kable Memorial

German Valley: Samantha Bender, Joey Stott and Leonard C. Ferguson Memorial; Hannah Curry, Kutz Family; Skyler Hayunga, James Schneiderman Memorial; Laurie Vincent, Joey Stott

Lanark: Abbey Grisham, Whitetails Unlimited; Samantha Kane, Harold D. Walkup; Jenna Simpson, Steve Mihina Mathematics-Science; Megan Woolcock, Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Wurtzel

Lena: Jenny Farmer, Betty J. and Lyle F. Gillespie Memorial-Business, Charles Endress Memorial, Dr. and Mrs. Spencer K. Phillips; Tyler Huttenlocher, Sarah (Sally) Dupee Memorial; Brittany Rothenbuehler, Joey Stott; Adam Troxell, Betty J. and Lyle F. Gillespie Memorial-Computer Science

Mt. Carroll: Ryan Kerr, James A. Davis Memorial

Pearl City: Stephanie Ferguson, Louis Fauser/Bankers Mutual Life; Lydia Graves, Fehr-Graham & Associates; Katlyn Heinrich, Betty and Ray Stamm

Savanna: Jelena Runions, American Business Women’s Assoc.-TLC Chapter

Shannon: Brittany Barr, Betty J. And Lyle F. Gillespie Memorial-Nursing; Faith Stoner, Harold Lee Offenheiser Ecology-Biology

Stockton: Jacob Eden, Dr. Neal and Flo Chapin Wind Turbine Technology; Alesha Norton, Irma Dittmar Ames Memorial; Makenzie Finn, Ada Mook Memorial; Keeley Schulz, Betty and Roger Dornink Memorial.

113th Annual Christmas Bird Count.

Northwest Illinois Audubon Society will be hosting a program on Tuesday, Nov 6th at St. John United Church of Christ in Freeport. All are welcome at the meeting. Keith Blackmore will present a program designed to highlight the history of the Christmas Bird Count, and streamline Northwest Illinois Audubon member’s birding skills in preparation for the event. “Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. National Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations — and to help guide conservation action. “ This program will get you ready to be counting up a storm. Participants will learn about what is needed to participate in the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count as a backyard feeder counter and as a field counter.

Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. for chapter announcements; program begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by refreshments. Contact Eve at 815-821-1886 if you have questions about this event.

WC FFA Help Thomson CROP Walk

Five West Carroll FFA members and FFA Advisor Don Mathey recently collected donations for the Thomson CROP Walk which was held on October 7, 2012. The members raised $524 towards the CROP Walk in which nearly $3600 was raised for the total. Collecting donations for the West Carroll FFA were Rachel Badtke, Kristen Houzenga, Brianna Kampmeier, Cassie Johnson, Jenessa Larson, and FFA Advisor Don Mathey.

Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will be used locally for the Thomson Children’s Christmas Program, Fulton Food Pantry and Great River Outreach.

Book Signing

On October 20 from 10 am -2 pm Deena Nehring will be at the Big Meadows Nursing Home Fall Festival at 1000 Longmoor Ave in Savanna signing her book “A Warrior Awakens: A Single Mother’s Journey Through Advanced Breast Cancer.” In this poignant and candid true-life tale, cancer survivor Deena Nehring unveils the journal she kept as she reveals her innermost thoughts, fears and struggles, while faced with the staggering diagnosis of Stage III-B Advanced Breast Cancer at only 38 years of age. As a single (divorced) mom, Deena shares how she navigated her way through the challenging landscape of cancer patient to survivorship, and everything in between—all while juggling a household, raising three kids, and simultaneously coping with the raw pain of knowing her mother was losing her own battle with cancer itself.

Sawmill Fundraiser

An event to raise funds to purchase the Paltrok Sawmill currently on loan at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton was deemed an overwhelming success.

The event was held Friday, September 28, 2012, at Rastrelli’s Tuscany Event Center. The goal was to raise $6,800 to pay the remaining balance on the sawmill designed by Henk & June Hielema. The evening’s events included both a silent and live auction, live music and a wide assortment of appetizers and desserts from 10 European Countries. Sponsorships to help support the event were sold ahead of time.

The event raised a little over $8,000. The remaining funds will be deposited in the Windmill Area Endowment Fund. A special thank you to fundraising committee members Heather Bennett, Gaile Brinkman, Joyce Daehler and Joy Van Zuiden; as well as all those who attended the event and participated in the silent and live auctions.

Granny Rose ‘Fur Ball’ Coming Soon

On November 3, 2012, Granny Rose Animal Shelter will be hosting the 11th Annual Fur Ball at Brandywine, 441 Illinois Route 2, Dixon, Illinois. This is an evening of silent auctions, music, food, fun and more to benefit the stray and homeless animals at the Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon, Illinois.

One of the evening’s highlights is the annual dessert auction. Some of the best desserts, from some of the finest bakeries and bakers in the area, are auctioned off to raise additional funds for the Shelter.

Limited seating is available for this event. Advanced reservations are required and must be purchased by 10/29/12. Tickets are $40 per person and may be purchased at Granny Rose Animal Shelter, 613 River Lane, Dixon, Illinois. Call the Granny Rose Animal Shelter at 815-288-PETS (7387) for more details.

Cocktails and silent auction begin at 6:30 pm with buffet style dinner beginning at 7:30 pm.

“Attire for this event can be anything from Levis to Lace,” said Mark Knie, President of the Granny Rose Animal Shelter. “Just come and have a good time!”

Granny Rose Animal Shelter is a 501 (c) (3) not-for profit organization. It receives NO FUNDING from city, county, state or any other Government agency. The Granny Rose Animal Shelter relies on local charitable giving and fundraisers, such as this, to raise the funds necessary to provide shelter, health care and find new loving homes for the stray and abandoned cats and dogs in the Lee, Ogle and Whiteside County area.

November Haiti Mission Project Trivia Night

One hundred new questions –10 questions from 10 categories – are ready to test the knowledge of teams at the Carroll County Haiti Mission Project’s twelfth Trivia Night fund raiser on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Manny’s Pizza, Savanna. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top two teams.

Registration fee is $10 per person. Teams of 4-8 can register online at http://cchmp-022008a.tripod.com/trivia.html, by sending their team information to larry.libberton@gmail.com, by calling Larry Libberton at 815-244-1357 or on the night of the event. It is recommended that teams register prior to the event. Libberton said that teams that register online will receive one free trivia answer with their registration confirmation.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the competition set to begin at 7 p.m. Competition will consist of 10 rounds of 10 questions from 10 categories.

All of the money raised during the event will help fund the group’s mission work in Haiti.  Formed in 2001, CCHMP teams travel to Haiti several times each year. The group’s projects include continued work on its medical/dental clinic, support of several schools and a new water purification program.

For more information on CCHMP, visit the group’s website: http://cchmp.tripod.com.

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