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Morrison Halloween Parade and Fun Fair

It's that time of year again when hundreds of children dressed as Ghouls, Goblins, Princesses, Witches, Super Heroes and more converge on downtown Morrison. The Morrison Chamber of Commerce and Cottonwood 4-H Club are proud to announce plans for the Annual Morrison Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 31. Line-up for the parade begins at 1:00 pm at Community State Bank and the parade will proceed, starting at 1:30 pm, down Main Street to the Post Office. Because of the generous donations from local businesses, treat bags will be distributed to the first 300 children and as an added bonus this year, some lucky recipients will receive special prizes placed in random treat bags. Trophies will be awarded for Most Original Costume, Cutest Costume, and Funniest Costume in 0-3, 4-7, and 8-12 years age groups.

New this year, in addition to the Halloween Parade is a Fun Fair, where children will be treated to many free, fun-filled games such as a cake walk, duck pond, bean bag toss, spin a prize, and a lollipop tree. Main Street will be closed off until 4:00 pm, from Base Street to Orange Street to accommodate the fairgoers. Morrison High School Key Club will be assisting the Chamber and Cottonwood with the fair activities.

Sponsors of this year's parade and fun fair are Maurits & Jost, Inc., D Q Grill & Chill, Community State Bank, Hardee's, Movie Magic, Lincoln Highway Gifts, Blackhawk Lumber, The City1.com, Norwest Surveying Services, Sullivan's, Advantage One Credit Union, Fusion Fitness, Happy Joe's, Hunter Body Shop & Towing, Mary Kay Cosmetics ­ Susan Decker Consultant, Morrison Community Federal Credit Union, Prairie Ridge Golf Course, State Farm Insurance, Sterling Federal Bank, Workman Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Bosma-Renkes, Fat Boys, Fitzgerald's Pharmacy, K J's Bar & Grill, Mickley Insurance, Morrison Police Department, Morrison Tire Center, Rock River Lumber & Grain, Shell Express, Super Wash, THE National Bank, and Whiteside County Extension. For more information call the Chamber Office at (815) 772-3757 or visit them online at morrisonchamber.com.

Mount Carroll Rotary Club Literacy Project

Mt. Carroll Rotary club members deliverd 53 dictionaries to the Eastland third graders on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the Eastland Middle School in Shannon. This is part of the club's Literacy Project Initiative in conjunction with The Dictionary Project (www.dictionaryproject.org) which is a nonprofit organization that partners with many Rotary Clubs around the world. Pictured are 3rd grade students (front. l to r) Shay Groezinger, Andrew Stengel, Jake Thede, Dalton Quinn and Victoria Schreiner, and Mt. Carroll Rotarians Scott Parker, Mike Risko, Paul Tobin, Mark Harkness, and Barb Brierton. (Photo courtesy of MC Rotary)

Brian Free and Assurance

Continuing with its 2009-2010 concert series, Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E Morris Street, Morrison, IL welcomes one of Southern Gospel music's most exciting all-male quartets, "Brian Free and Assurance" in concert on Friday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. No tickets are needed, a free-will love offering will be received. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are invited to come early, as a delicious spaghetti supper, sponsored by Emmanuel's Youth Fellowship, will be served prior to the concert from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Christ Center for a donation. For more information, please check out the Emmanuel website at www.emmanuelreformedchurch.com and click on the "concert series" button. The church if fully accessible.

The Men of A-Chord

The United Methodist Church of Morrison invites the community to a special concert featuring "The Men of A-Chord," a 32-voiced male choir from the Chicago suburbs. Beginning at 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 1st, the concert repertoire will include a wide variety of music, including: sacred, spirituals, contemporary, and old familiar hymns. Presented by New Visions: New Directions program, this is the only concert "The Men of A-Chord" will do in this area. There is no charge for the performance; however, a free-will offering will be taken for the ministry and mission of the church. A time of fellowship will follow the concert featuring a light supper of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. The UMC of Morrison is located at 200 E. Lincolnway. For details, call 815-772-4030. (Photo courtesy of UMCofM)

MVHS Homecoming Court

The Milledgeville High School Homecoming 2009 Court are (l to r): Carli Hunter, Nick Nelson (Freshmen Attendants), Brianna Herin, Tyler Wagenknecht (Junior Attendants), Chelsey Eads, Kurt Landis (Senior Attendants), Keali Engelkens, Carrigan Hunter (Queen and King), Andrea Herin, Tanner Neuschwanger (Senior Attendants), and Brandi Gelwicks, Ian Fredericks (Sophomore Attendants). (Photo courtesy of Nancy Jean-Paige Jogerst)

Lanark Lions Candy Days

(L to R) Lions Club District Governor Judy Shaw joins Lanark Lions Candy Days co-chairmen Rick Eisenbise and Jeff Hoak, along with the Candy Lion, in announcing Candy Days in Lanark, Held this Wed., Thurs. and Fri., October 21-22-23, in downtown Lanark. Proceeds go directly toward Lions Club projects. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Hoak)

Eastland FFA Competes

Eastland FFA members competed at the Section 1 Sales Contest on October 15th at Freeport High School. Freeport FFA and Alumni hosted the event. Eastland FFA placed 2nd overall as a team close behind Dakota FFA. The Sales Contest consists of several practicums where students present to judges their knowledge of salesmanship. Students also take a written test and work together for a team event project. Members judging for Eastland were (L to R) Dan Schoeninger, Jacey Strohecker, Justin Santacruz, Renee Palmer, and Jordan Price. Other teams competing were River ridge ­ 3rd overall, Orangeville ­ 4th overall, Pecatonica ­ 5th overall. (Photo courtesy of Stan Toepfer, Ag Instr/FFA Advisor)

Libertarian Party Forms Chapter in Carroll County

The Carroll County Chapter of the Libertarian party has recently formed. They meet the second Monday of the month in the conference room at the Carroll County Courthouse at 7 pm.

"There was a groundswell of support, when we talked about forming a chapter in Carroll County." said Steven Kruzek, Chairman of the Chapter. "People are looking for change and they know that is what we represent. I feel our numbers will grow in the coming months."

"There is such excitement, as not only do we have local and county elections next year, but the statewide elections, too." said David Davies, Vice Charmin of the Chapter. "People are tired of the same old ineffective government and they know we represent a real change.

"Look at the Governor. When it comes to corruption, apparently there's no difference between Republican and Democrat," Davies said.

The Libertarian Party of Carroll County feels they provide a voice for those who are unhappy with the state of the County and the State.

Additional information can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lpofcc or by calling (815) 493-4214.

Rules Of The Road

A representative from the office of the Illinois Secretary of State will present a class on the Rules of the Road, for those who need to renew their driver's licenses. It will take place on Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Carroll County Senior Center, 306 North Main Street, Mt. Carroll, at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There is no charge. No reservations are necessary.

Restoration Advisory Board Vacancy

The Savanna Army Depot Activity Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) is a body of 12 local community members and 3 government representatives from the Army, US EPA, and Illinois EPA. Its purpose is to advise the depot BRAC Cleanup Team (BCT) on cleanup initiatives based upon the opinions they hear in their respective communities.

The Board is currently looking to fill one vacancy. If you are a citizen interested in being involved with the cleanup of the Savanna Army Depot Activity, the RAB leadership encourages you to apply. The board will review applications with the successful candidate being recommended to the depot commander's representative for appointment.

All applications will be maintained in a pool for future consideration. RAB community members serve on a volunteer basis and usually dedicate less than 5 hours per month to RAB activities. For an application, please contact Mr. John Clarke, Government Co-Chair at 815-273-8312.

Republican Women's Club

Carroll County Republican Women will meet at 12:30 p.m. Friday, October 23rd at the First Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll. Board members will host the salad bar luncheon preceding the meeting. The town chairs will take the reservations. Bring a friend. The program will be by Diane Powers, Carroll County Treasurer. All women of the county are welcome to attend.

Fall Into a New Habit - Visit the Lanark Library Weekly

Can you think of better way than to spend a cold dark evening than with a new book from the Lanark Public Library? The shelves are packed tight with titles for holiday crafts, decorating, cooking or just a cozy Christmas novel.

New adult fiction: The Christmas List-Evans, The Perfect Christmas- Macomber, The Spire-Patterson, R.N., 206 Bones-Reichs, Weight of Silence-Gudenkauf, The Fixer Upper-Andrews, Calligrapher's Daughter-Kim, Dark Slayer-Feehar, Little Bird of Heaven-Oates, Day After Night- Diamant, Smash Cut-Brown, The Year of the Flood-Atwood, 9 Dragons-Connelly, Spartan Gold-Cussler, When Will There Be God News-Atkinson, Alex Cross's Trial-Patterson, The Lost Symbol-Brown, Vision in White-Roberts, The Last Song-Sparks, Best Friends Forever-Weiner, Rain Gods, Burke, South of Broad-Conroy, Medusa-Cussler, Angel's Game-Zafon, The Apostle- Thor, Resurrecting Midnight-Dickey, Nothing But Trouble-Warren, Rhino Ranch-McMurtry, The Magicians-Grossman, Rules of Vengence-Reich, Blindman's Bluff-Kellerman, New Tricks-Rosenfelt, Homeland-Hambly.

Non-Fiction: The Battle for America-Balz, Have a Little Faith-Albom, The Time of My Life-Swayze, Christmas With Southern Living, Gooseberry Patch Christmas, Gooseberry Patch-All Through the Seasons, Taste of Home Holiday Celebrations, Creating the Happiest of Holidays-Leisure Arts, Christmas from the Heart-Better Homes and Gardens, The Hostapedia-Zilis, In Defense of Food-Pollan, Gameplan-Gibbs, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down-Fadiman, True Compass-Kennedy.

Recent generous gifts from community organizations have enabled the LPL to purchase many new titles. Lanark Lions Club money is being used for Books in Large Print, and Lake Carroll Women's Club for easy and picture books for children.

Wednesday, Oct 21 the Chamber of Commerce Tailgate cookout in the downtown plaza will donate profits for the purchase of non-fiction books. Hot dogs, brats and pork chops will be sold from 4 to 7 in celebration of EPC Homecoming. Take the night off from cooking, enjoy a sandwich and watch the parade at 5:30 pm.

Back by popular demand will be Pie Plus sponsored by the Friends of LPL as part of the Lanark/Mt. Carroll Holiday Shop Hop on November 13 and 14 at the United Methodist Church from 9 to 4.

Are you in the midst of fall house cleaning? The Friends welcome your gently used books, DVD's, etc to sell at their upcoming regifting sale. Donations can be dropped off at the Library before November 13.

100th Birthday Celebration for Schmaling Memorial Public Library

Join the residents of Fulton who will come together Oct. 24 and 25 to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Schmaling Memorial Public Library. Four events have been planned.

The first event is geared toward young readers. It will take place at the library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Entertainment will be provided by the Quad City Magic Guild and will include magicians and balloon artists. Free hot dogs and drinks will be served.

The second event on Saturday, a used book sale, will also be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Robert Fulton Commons, formerly the fire station, at 9112 4th St. The chairperson of the sale, Heidi Kolk, has estimated that thousands of books are available. Soft covers are priced at 25 cents and hard covers at 50 cents. VHS tapes are 25 cents. DVDs and CDs are 50 cents each. A special section of books, including those of local interest, author-signed books, or other specialty books, will be individually marked.

The two Sunday events are geared more toward adults. Andrew Bro and William Sparboe, impersonators from Mt. Carroll, IL, will present "An Informal Hour with Andrew Carnegie" from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the former Fulton Journal building, 408 10th Ave.

An open house in the library, 50l 10th Ave. will follow immediately. Displays of original Carnegie documents, blueprints of the 1909 building, and other documents which pertain to the Oct. 26, 1909 dedication will be on display in the upper story. A power-point presentation also will be shown. The lower story, the children's library, will feature a bulletin board of 79 items which tells the story of the theme, "Then and Now100 Years". Light refreshments will be served.

Artist Cooperative Sets Fundraising Dinner

The Artists Cooperative of Savanna has announced that their annual fundraising dinner will be held on Saturday, October 31st this year. Chef Bill Lease will be in charge and the menu will feature prime Rib beef and Chicken Cordon Blue with all the trimmings, including dessert. The dinner will be served at the Moose Hall in Savanna from 4:30 to 7:30 pm with carryouts available for those who prefer to eat at home.

Tickets are available from the 321 Art Gallery (call 815-273-2781) or from any member at the rate of $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. A portion of this fee will go to the West Carroll Elementary Art Department.

"A special event of this dinner will be prizes awarded for the best costume," said Heather Houzenga, ACS President. "Costumes are optional, but any attendees wearing one will be considered eligible to win the prize for best costume, which is $50 for adults and half of the 50/50 raffle total for youths. We hope you will come out to eat with us and in so doing, support the creative Arts in your community."

Morrison Halloween Party

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce and Cottonwood 4-H Club are proud to announce plans for the Annual Morrison Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 31. Line-up for the parade begins at 1:00 pm at Community State Bank.

Because of the generous donations from local businesses, treat bags will be distributed to the first 300 children and as an added bonus this year, some lucky recipients will receive special prizes placed in random treat bags.Trophies will be awarded for Most Original Costume, Cutest Costume, and Funniest Costume in 0-3, 4-7, and 8-12 years age groups.

In the event of rain, the parade will go on; it will just be an umbrella parade.

New this year, in addition to the Halloween Parade is a Fun Fair, where children will be treated to many free, fun-filled games such as a cake walk, duck pond, bean bag toss, spin a prize, and a lollipop tree.

Main Street will be closed off until 4:00 pm, from Base Street to Orange Street to accommodate the fairgoers. Morrison High School Key Club will be assisting the Chamber and Cottonwood with the fair activities.

For more information call the Chamber Office at (815) 772-3757 or visit them online at morrisonchamber.com.

CHOICES Cookie Bake Off

Do you have a favorite cookie recipe or a secret ingredient that you would like to try out in a cookie baking contest? In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, CHOICES is hosting its Second Annual Cookie Bake-Off and Bake Sale, Saturday, October 24th, at the Land of Oz, Mt Carroll.

Submit your favorite cookies to be judged by 3 local celebrity judges at 9:00 am. The entry fee is $10, and you are asked to submit 3 cookies for judging and two dozen cookies (or more!) for the bake sale. Students can enter for free and a prize for the winner will be given.

If you would like to submit baked goods (all types) for the bake sale, please bring them to the Land of Oz after 8 am. The Bake Sale will run from 8 am ­ 1 pm on October 24th. CHOICES will also be selling Galena Dip mixes for $4.

For further information, call CHOICES at 815.244.5360. CHOICES provides free and confidential services to survivors of domestic abuse in Carroll and Jo Daviess counties.

Halloween Happenings in Savanna

On Saturday, October 31st, The Savanna Chamber of Commerce hosts The Spook Walk at Old Mill Park from 6 to 10 p.m. Ghouls, Ghosts, & The Plum River Creatures haunt The Old Mill Park Trail. A Terrifying Walk Through the Depths of the Haunted Woods ­ ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK! A donation of $3.00 per person will be collected at the Mennega Pavilion. Spooktacular Sponsors are the Ashford University, The Prairie Advocate News & www.PACC-News.com, Savanna Thomson State Bank, and THE National Bank.

The "Haunted Forest Event" is a five day festival on October 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31. Take a ride on the trail of terror, with new events added including a tunnel of terror, on a tractor pulled hay wagon through the forest. Unique and scary events have been designed to scare you and will occur without warning. Tickets for the event are on sale in back of Poopy's with a fee of $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 12 and under with a parent. Event sponsored by Savanna Fire Department and Savanna Train Car Museum Board. Proceeds from the event will be applied to acquiring fire equipment and maintaining the site and acquiring additional props and costumes for the event.

On Saturday, October 31st, the Artist Cooperative of Savanna, NFP will hold their Autumn Prime Rib & Chicken Cordon Bleu benefit dinner at the Savanna Moose Lodge. Cost of the tickets is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 12. Costumes are optional though necessary to be considered for a prize. A portion of your ticket price goes to West Carroll Elementary Art Department. For tickets or more information, contact Heather Houzenga at 563-212-7155.

The Fire Department is also hosting the Halloween Parade on November 1, 2009 with lineup in the alley west of Main and Division. At 2 p.m. the parade starts down Main Street ending at the city parking lot south of the fire station. Trick or Treat will be from 3 to 6 p.m. in Savanna.

Long-Awaited Construction of the Great River Bike Trail Starts Oct 19

District Manager Ed Britton is pleased to announce that the long awaited Great River Bike Trail construction started on Monday, October 19th, 2009. The path will connect to the City of Savanna's portion of the trail, south of Savanna, and will travel through the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and link to Riverview Rd, north of Thomson, IL.

Cyclist and hikers will no longer have to travel Hwy 84, The Great River Road, and deal with the high volume of traffic. Watch The Prairie Advocate News/www.pacc-news.com for a dedication and an official opening of the path in June, 2010.

For more information please contact the refuge office at 815-273-2732. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses more than 542 national wildlife refuges.

The PA OnLine Gets Results, Too!

Stan Fritz from Mt. Carroll had a house for rent in Mt. Carroll. He ran a classified in the print version of the Prairie Advocate and its 15,800 homes and businesses, which is included at www.PACC-News.com for the same low price. Mr. Fritz rented it to someone from Colorado who saw the ad online!

For information on how our classifieds can work for you, call The PA office in Lanark, Monday thru Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm at 815-493-2560.

Women's Night Out Features Holiday Card Making

The women's night out program, sponsored by University of Illinois Extension starts in November with a three-part series. Learn a new art, enjoy a new flavor of coffee or just come out for an evening of socializing. The first topic in the series is Holiday Card Making offered at Naaman Diehl Auditorium in Mt. Carroll on Tuesday, November 10th from 6:30-8:30p.m.

Learn to make your own beautiful holiday cards using last year's recycled cards. Bring along last year's cards if possible and all other supplies will be provided. The cost of the program is $10 and class size is limited so sign up early. Other topics in the series include Edible Centerpieces on December 1st and Jewelry Making 101 with dabluz boutique on January 12th.

Advance registration is needed. Phone 815-244-9444 to attend or to receive more information. If you have disability needs, please indicate when registering.

Nancy Gmitro/Mt. Carroll Earns State Master Gardener's Highest Award

Nancy Gmitro of Mount Carroll was presented with the State's Top Master Gardener Award, the Sustained Excellence Plaque. Only 12 of these awards were presented. Criteria for the Sustained Excellence Award includes being active in the MG program for a minimum of four years and a minimum of 480 hours of volunteer service since receiving the State Outstanding Award which includes an additional 180 hours of volunteer service. Gmitro earned the Outstanding MG Award in 2007.

The award recipients were selected based on volunteer hours, dedication to the program's mission of "helping others learn to grow" and being active in more than one project. Her more recent activities have included countless hours working on the Carroll County Courthouse Square project, beautification of the downtown Mt. Carroll commercial district, and presenting numerous gardening presentations and demonstrations. She has served as the Carroll County Volunteer Coordinator since 2007.

Managing Forages After A Frost

The freeze which occurred during the weekend of October 10-11 in northern Illinois may seem early, but actually it was about average in terms of date, based on Illinois State Water Survey thirty-year data. It was a good reminder that livestock producers need to be prepared at this time of year to manage forage crops for the safety of the animals. Each fall there is some concern about being able to feed forages which have been frosted.

"With care, forages can usually be safely used for livestock, but some change in feeding practices can be needed", says John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Rockford. The first concern is the type of forage being fed. One of the most common hay and pasture crops is alfalfa or alfalfa/grass mix. The grass presents no problem, but frost can increase the laxative affect of the alfalfa causing health problems or even death in severe cases. With alfalfa, producers should wait at least one-half day to a day before grazing the crop to allow the plants time to wilt down.

If the forage being used is in the sorghum family, there can be more lethal results from a frost or freeze. Sudangrass, sorghum-sudangrass hybrids, and sorghums can have a buildup of a toxic material called prussic acid after a frost. If fed or grazed, the results can be deadly to livestock. These crops can be safely fed if the plant tissue is allowed adequate time to dry after a frost; the crop was safe to feed prior to the frost; the plant is in the proper stage of growth and the proper feeding method is used.

Being safe prior to a frost is primarily a function of plant height. Agronomists recommend that sudangrass and sudangrass hybrids be at least 18 inches before feeding and sorghum- sudangrass hybrids be at least 24 inches high. Shorter plants can routinely have higher prussic acid content. After a frost, the foliage should be allowed to dry down for 3 to 5 days before feeding and following a freeze, the plant material should be allowed 8 to 10 days to thoroughly dry down before feeding or grazing. Also, shorter tiller growth after a killing frost can be high in prussic acid.

If there are questions on the safety of the feed, making silage is the best method. Ensiling substantially reduces any prussic acid content during the fermentation process. The least safe method of feeding is grazing, since after a frost new suckers and tillers can sprout from the base of the plants, which can have high concentrations of prussic acid. Green chopping can be safely done if the height guidelines are followed and there is little new growth included in the fresh chopped feed.

For further information, contact the University of Illinois Extension office.

Hay-Straw Auctions Set for Fall and Winter

The Northwestern Illinois Forage and Grassland Council will host their hay and straw auctions at the Orangeville Boco MiniMart parking lot, Route 26, on the 2nd and 4th Saturday's beginning at 11 am. The first auction is October 24.

Consignments should arrive by 10:30 am. It is preferred that hay lots have a certified scale ticket on the day of the auction. This will allow hay to be sold by the ton, rather than by the bale. Straw is typically not weighed and is sold by the bale.

Quality tested hay is encouraged, and a copy of the laboratory analysis indicating at least the crude protein and relative feed value (RFV) or relative forage quality (RFQ) be brought with the consignment. Hay analysis will not be provided on site. A list of forage testing laboratories is available at University of Illinois Extension offices.

B & M Hay Auctions will retain a 6% commission fee from the sale proceeds and 3% for no-sale lots. Non-members of the Northwestern Illinois Forage and Grassland Council (NWIFGC) will be charged a $10.00 consignment fee per lot that will be deducted from the payment check. Members of the NWIFGC will be charged no additional fees, other than the commission.

Sellers can outline their delivery terms as in the past. A skid loader will be available for reloading hay and straw at the sale site. Yearly dues ($30.00) to the organization for January through December 2010 can be paid at the auctions. Questions about the auctions can be directed to Jim McNeil, B & M Hay Auctions (608-938-4822 or 608-293-9999), or Sherry Heidenreich (815-865-5561).

WC Food Drive

The West Carroll Servant-Leadership Team will be holding a district-wide food drive in all four WC school buildings from Monday, October 26, through Friday, November 6, to support the Savanna Food Pantry. All grades K-12 will compete to bring the most canned goods and non-perishable food items to school during these two weeks. The winning grade will be treated to root beer floats.

The Servant-Leadership Program is based in Freeport at Highland Community College and includes a select number of juniors and seniors from 15 area high schools. They attend monthly training meetings at Highland where they learn how to use and develop their leadership potential in a way that serves and benefits the common good of the community.

Each member is also responsible for completing a minimum of four community service hours in addition to attending several team meetings to help plan the team's big regional project for the year.

The West Carroll Servant-Leadership Team is excited to continue serving the area and would appreciate the support of all students and parents. If you have any questions, call Mark Miller at (815) 541-8397.

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