160 Years of Fellowship

The Mt. Carroll Church of God is celebrating 160 years of bringing the Word of God to people in northwestern Illinois. The anniversary celebration is planned for Sunday, October 26th. There will be special worship services at 8:45 and 11:00 with Sunday School hour at 10:00 am. After the 11:00 service, a potluck meal will be shared in the fellowship hall. At 1:15 pm there will be an anniversary celebration which will include a video on the history of the church.

In 1848 George U. Harn came to northwestern Illinois as a missionary and organized the Church of God.The first church building was built in September, 1860 on Washington Street in the eastern part of Mt Carroll. In 1866 it was moved to a location on Main Street.

Between 1951 and 1971 several improvements were made to the building including an addition of a bell tower, a basement, stained glass windows, aluminum siding, additional classrooms and a study for the pastor.

In 1981, the congregation was faced with the need for additional space and decided to relocate. Approximately 12 acres of land of the former Shimer College was purchased from Blendon and Herb Law. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 12, 1982 for the educational portion of the building. On Sunday morning, October 16, 1983 the congregation marched from the old church building on Main Street to the multi-purpose room of the new church building for the first worship service.

Planning for the sanctuary began in August of 1988 with groundbreaking held on March 28, 1989. The sanctuary was dedicated on Palm Sunday, April 8, 1990. It consists of 7,250 square feet of floor space, a baptistery, a 16' x 18' faceted art glass window on the south, the life of Christ ministries in leaded art glass on the side windows and a seating capacity of 410 with overflow room for 100 people.

Forty-six pastors have served the congregation. The Reverend Rick Zickefoose has been serving the congregation since August 2001 and Pastor Ron Abbott as associate pastor since January 2008.

Community Economic Development Specialist

Joins MSA Professional Services

Galena, IL - Steven M. Haring has joined the Galena office of MSA Professional Services, Inc. (MSA) as an Economic Development Specialist. He has 10 years of economic development experience which includes working with public and private clients to provide community visioning & strategic planning, grant writing, support for business retention and expansion opportunities, and infrastructure improvement initiatives.

"The addition of Steve Haring to our MSA team brings specialized economic development experience to this region," said Patrick Ready, P.E., MSA Vice President. "He understands the economic climate in the region and will be able to work with clients to achieve successful project outcomes."

Before joining MSA, Haring was Economic Development Director for Blackhawk Hills Economic Development District serving six counties in Northwest Illinois. He also has served as Executive Director of the Jo-Carroll Depot Local Redevelopment Authority, overseeing the reuse of the closed Savanna Army Depot installation.

Haring was a recipient of the Blackhawk Hills Resource Conservation & Development Area Carson DeJarnatt Economic Development Award for outstanding performance and dedication to the redevelopment efforts of the Savanna Army Depot.

MSA is a full service consulting firm with 300 professionals and support personnel, including engineers, architects, planners, surveyors, GIS specialists, and environmental scientists. Clients are served from 14 offices in the Midwest. (Photo courtesy of MSA)

No Boos Around Here

Area youth are invited for an evening of pizza, pop, dancing and costumes on Halloween, Friday, October 31st at Manny's in Savanna. This year the annual event is jointly sponsored by the Carroll County D.A.R.E. Student Board and the Carroll County Substance Education Coalition (CCSEC).

The fun begins at 6pm with Pizza and dancing. The costume contest for 6th grade and under will be held at 7pm; costume contest for 7th ­ 12th grades will be held at 9pm.

The $8 admission covers all the pizza and pop a kid can eat and music provided by Deuces Wild DJ Service.

Door prizes are donated by local merchants. "The event is mostly a "break- even" event for our group after expenses," stated Freddie Preston, one of the organizers. Preston continued, "Each year we have asked local businesses and individuals to contribute funds for the costume contest. The entire amount collected goes back to the kids in the form of costume prize money. Our objective is to provide a safe, drug and alcohol free evening for local youth."

If anyone would like to volunteer to help at the event, contribute towards the costume contest, or donate a door prize, they can contact Ron or Freddie Preston at 815/244-9758. Donations can be made to Carroll County D.A.R.E. and mailed to PO Box 72, Savanna IL 61074.

Fall Eagle Fest in Galena

Tom Davis, Chief of the Environmental Bureau of the Springfield Office of the Illinois Attorney General will present the Environmental Address at 1:30 pm during Eagle Nature Foundation's Fall Eagle Fest, Nov. 1 at the Galena Convention Center. His speech will be presented right after the finalists in the junior and senior high school Bald Eagle Essay Contests have orally presented their essays for final judging, which occurs at 1:00 pm.

The title of Mr. Davis' speech will be "Environmental Prosecution." The Attorney General's office has been suing environmental polluters since 1970. Mr. Davis has been involved with these issues within the Attorney General's Office since 1988. There are many ways that citizens can become involved in their local issues through the Freedom of Information Act, etc. Mr. Davis will address how and when the Attorney General's Office becomes a player in such issues, such as other governmental agencies wrongfully issuing permits for strip mines and mega-dairies. The present Attorney General's Office is a strong advocate for a clean environment and works to ensure that the laws protecting that environment are enforced.

The Eagle Nature Foundation is trying to make it easy for people to attend Eagle Fest by furnishing a free trolley to Eagle Fest from across the street in front of the post office. There are many other activities to see and do at Eagle Fest. There are displays of the finalists in the school Nature Art Contest to enjoy, a farmer's market, photographic displays, commercial booths, including a food booth, three live bird of prey shows, a fundraising auction and an opportunity to have your picture taken with a live bald eagle after each bird of prey show.

This Fall Eagle Festival is co©sponsored by the Galena/JoDaviess County Convention

Bureau. For visitor information call (877-444-5850) or visit www.galena.org.

For more information contact: Terrence N. Ingram, Executive Director, Eagle

Nature Foundation, 300 East Hickory St., Apple River, IL 61001 Phone 815-594-2306

Chadwick Achievers 4-H Club Meet

On October 8, 2008 the Chadwick Achievers held their meeting at the Hope United Methodists Church. The first order of business was to elect officers. The newly elected officers are President Ryan Imel, Vice President Drew Davidson, Treasurer David Williams, Reporter Douglas Williams, and Secretary Becca Alexander.

Next, our leader handed out wreath sales that are due to our leader by November 1. Finally, Becca Alexander did a talk on the parts of a horse. Then the meeting was adjourned.

- Reporter Douglas Williams

Savanna Smiles 4-H Club Holds Meeting

The Savanna Smiles 4H club met on Sunday Oct 12th at the Community Church in Savanna. They were informed that the club won 1st place in the window display contest for most original-1 dimensional.

A reminder on getting enrollment forms back to our leader as soon as possible. Also to turn in money and order forms for the fall wreath fundraiser by Nov 2nd to our leader. If anyone had ordered a club t-shirt, they should be in by the 14th of October.

If you are an officer there is a training coming up on Nov 6th that would be good to attend to help learn more about your duties. Dena Harridge gave a federation report, and for our next meeting, we will be going to Gordon Jones to make flower pens with the resident.

Achievement night is Nov 9th and we have the ice cream bar which we need to set up and man. We are to think about applying for a grant to purchase trees to plant at the fair grounds where several trees was lost this last year during a bad storm.

Sidney Harris gave a talk on his Arts and Craft project. After the meeting we had a Halloween party and treats.

- Sidney Harris, Savanna Smiles 4-H Club Reporter

Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club Meet

Milledgeville Hotshots met on October 8, 2008 at the Milledgeville State Bank. The club had 2 new members join. Nineteen of the 31 members were present at meeting.

Milledgeville Hotshots attended the Milledgeville homecoming parade with their decorated float on October 2, 2008. Junior Horse Bowl practice will start @ 7:30 p.m. at the Hollowell's Barn on October 17, 2008. Tory Kronenberg will give a speech on October 14th at the Quarterhorse Congress in Columbus, Ohio. We are selling wreathes for the 4-H fundraiser. The forms are due at the November meeting.

The Hotshots will meet together for Halloween to trick or treat for canned goods as a community service project.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt For Shannon Food Pantry

The Cub Scout Pack 61 Shannon/Lanark will hold a Holiday Scavenger Hunt on Monday, November 3rd in Lanark & Shannon.

"For one hour, we are gathering items for the Shannon Food Pantry for the holiday season," said Stacie Eichenberger, one of the food drive coordinators. "If you would like to help us out on our Scavenger Hunt, we are looking for the following items: Jell-o, Pudding, Stuffing Mix, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mix, Marshmallows, Cake Mix, Pie Filling, Frosting-Instant or Powdered, Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruit, Canned Olives, Pickles, Cranberries, Bread, Muffin or Corn Bread Mix, Kleenex, Paper Towels, Hand Soap, Dish Soap and Toothpaste.

"If you don't not have any of these items and would like to contribute another non-perishable item, that would be fine," added Lori Schoeny. "Thank you so much for your help in our Holiday Season Scavenger Hunt."

- Food drive coordinators: Stacie Eichenberger and Lori Schoeny, Cub Scouts, Pack 61.

COUNTRY Client Service Ranks Best With Illinois Policyholders

COUNTRY Financial ranked No. 1 for the eighth time in nine years with the lowest ratio of auto complaints in 2007 among Illinois insurance companies, according to the state Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"We are proud of the excellent and consistent customer service we provide our clients," says John Blackburn, COUNTRY Chief Executive Officer. "Our knowledgeable financial representatives build lifelong relationships with clients. Earning the lowest complaint ratios illustrates the strong commitment we have to serve our clients."

The recently released report showed COUNTRY had .07 complaints for every $1 million in auto premiums. COUNTRY also ranked first among Illinois life insurance companies with .24 complaints for every 10,000 polices in force. The ratios ranked lowest among 35 Illinois auto insurance companies and 12 insurance companies providing life coverage.

COUNTRY ranked second among 11 insurance companies providing home coverage with .18 complaints per $1 million in home premiums. 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.

EHS 'Grocery Goblins' Food Drive

The Eastland FCCLA and Student Council will once again be canvassing the city of Lanark for non-perishable food items on Sunday, October 26th from 3:00-5:00. This tradition has been going on for several years and is known as "Grocery Goblins".

The students plan the drive the Sunday before Halloween and often dress up in costumes as they collect the food. The items collected are donated to the Eastland Council of Churches who then supplies the food to deserving families in the area at Thanksgiving time.

If you see high school students approaching your door on the 26, don't be scared, but please give generously!

Rain Gardens Seminar

When the rain comes down, much of it falls on surfaces that can't soak up water. Roofs and driveways create runoff, which ends up in storm drains. "Experts estimate that water from these areas can increase stream flow by up to 5 times," says Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator. "Instead of letting all of this water uselessly drain away, we can create a rain garden to allow the water to soak back into the ground, away from the house."

A rain garden is a planted depression that usually includes native perennial plants. The garden can be a visually pleasing addition to the landscape as it works to reduce runoff.

You can learn more about this functional gardening technique by attending the Rain Garden Basics seminar at the Mt. Carroll and Elizabeth Extension Offices Monday, November 3rd, 2008 from 1:30-3:00 pm. This "telenet" program will feature color power point slides accompanied by the live voice of the instructor as people from all over the state participate at once. You will have the chance to ask questions at the end of the program.

There is a minimal cost per session. 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.

Local 4th Graders Offered America Recycles Day Contest

All 4th grade classes in Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties are encouraged to enter the America Recycles Day contest sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency. The challenge to the 4th grade classes is to write a short commercial spot to be read on the air on WCCI. The winning commercials will be read by a 4th grade student.

America Recycles Day is November 15 and has been celebrated for 10 years. It is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. ARD is a chance for all of us to become better informed about the importance of daily recycling.

Kids and adults can take the recycling pledge at www.illinoisrecycles.org to recycle, be an example in your community, and to care for our environment by recycling.

A fun interactive computer game is "The Conversionator" at www.nrc-recycle.org/americarecycles.aspx. The Conversionator is a National Recycling Coalition online program that let's you recycle an aluminum can, glass jar, a newspaper, or a plastic bottle and discover what it becomes after recycling and how each recycling effort saves our environment. For example, did you know that recycling 5 plastic soda bottles per week can make enough fiber to make fifty-two t-shirts? Did you know that plastic bottles could become carpet and other textile products?

All fourth grade teachers have been sent ARD contest rules and entry forms. For questions about this competition or about recycling, contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling and Conservation Programs Coordinator, at 815-244-9444. Maggie represents the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency and University of Illinois Extension.

photo: week 6:

Congratulations to the Chadwick/Milledgeville Elementary Thumbs Up Winners for Week 6. Front row l-r: Hannah Smith, Damon Miller, Jack Munz, and Kenley Meier. Back row: Hailey Smith, Jasmine Wriht, Jocelyn Folkers, Montana Mull, and Sydney Pauley. (Photo courtesy of April Tarbill)

Congratulations to the Chadwick/Milledgeville Elementary Thumbs Up Winners for Week 7. Front row l-r: Max Phillips, Tessa Brubaker, Megan Schave, and Tyler Diehl. Back row l-r is: Alexis Dublo, Andrea Feary, Logan Rahorn, Allison Coverdill , and Alex Brall. (Photo courtesy of April Tarbill)

DeWall-Ekvall Marriage

A warm and sunny summer afternoon at the First Brethren Church in Lanark was the setting for the July 26 wedding of Brooke Ashley
DeWall and Ryan Stuart Ekvall. The Rev. Ellis Boughton officiated the exchange of vows and rings at the church as the couple was surrounded by proud family and friends.

The ceremony took place between bouquets of roses, lilies and fugi mums, and included a sand ceremony. The mother of the groom, Paula Dezzutti, was the soloist. The bride wore a V-neck Winnie Couture charmouse gown with beading on the straps and gathering in the back. The gown was designed with a pleated waistband and sash gathered in the back that flowed into the train.

The bride and her attendants carried green fugi mums, white calla lilies and spring roses accented by green ivy. The bride's sister, Angie Remrey of Lanark, was the matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Katrina Linnemann of Dekalb, Robin Ekvall of Connecticut and Renee Wihlborg of Rockford. Junior bridesmaids included Rachyl and Ryah Dezzutti of Connecticut. The flower girl was Kalista Heeren of Shannon, niece of the bride. The bridesmaids wore floor length clover V-neck gowns designed with a gathered waistline and a flowing sash down the side. The groomsmen wore matching clover vests and ties.

Andre Williams of Connecticut was the best man. Groomsmen were Randy Ekvall and Remy Ekvall, both of Connecticut, and Dale Lunan of New York. Junior groomsmen included Robert Ekvall of Pennsylvania and Deven Heeren of Lake Carroll. The ring bearer was Braeden Heeren of Lake Carroll, nephew of the bride. Ushering were Bryan, Aaron, and Andrew Remrey and Kevin Heeren, all of Shannon. Host and hostess were Scott and Therica Heeren of Lake Carroll.

A cocktail, hors d-oeuvres, and dinner reception was held at the Brandywine Inn in Dixon, Illinois following the ceremony. The wedding couple did a choreographed rendition of the "Dirty Dancing" song "I've Had The Time Of My Life" for their first dance.

The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in St. Lucia at an all-inclusive Caribbean resort. The bride is the daughter of Larry and Deb DeWall of Lanark. Robert and Celi Ekvall of Pennsylvania and Paula and John Dezzutti of Connecticut are the parents of the groom. The bride has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rockford College and is currently a 7th grade Language Arts teacher in the Forestville Valley school district. Her husband is currently working towards his degree in Finance and Accounting through Columbia University. They recently purchased their first home in Freeport, Illinois.

Energizer And The International Association Of Fire Chiefs Remind Families To Change Your Clock Change Your Battery^® November 2

(St. Louis, Missouri) ­ We all need reminders from time to time. Some can mean the difference between life and death. For the 21^st year in a row, Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have teamed together to support Change Your Clock Change Your Battery®. This campaign encourages families to take action in preventing accidental deaths caused by home fires by changing the battery in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Serving as a reminder since 1987, the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program began as a pilot program in St. Louis and Atlanta, and now incorporates more than 6,100 fire departments. This year, on November 2, Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs will encourage families to use Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to change the battery in their smoke detectors when changing their clocks back to Standard Time.

"Hundreds of fatalities occur every year when individuals neglect to ensure their smoke detectors have fresh batteries. The habit of changing batteries during this campaign is a simple step that can help save the lives of so many families each year," says Chief Larry J. Grorud, CFO, MIFireE, and president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

The IAFC reports that while 96 percent of American homes have at least one smoke alarm, 19 percent of those detectors are not working, mostly due to missing or dead batteries. On average, home fires kill 540 children, 14 and under each year.*

Why this program is lifesaving:

A working smoke detector can provide crucial extra seconds to escape a burning home. Eighty percent of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms. By encouraging the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program, hopefully more families adopt this simple habit to help them stay safe.

Keep Safe. Keep Going®

Taking further action this year, Energizer is announcing a newly expanded family safety program,

Keep Safe. Keep Going®

The new initiative incorporates both fire safety knowledge and information on how to prepare for natural disasters that typically occur during the spring and summer months. The spring program, called Power Through It All encourages families to use battery-operated devices, such as flashlights and lanterns, in place of candles when the power goes out.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs, www.iafc.org, headquartered in Fairfax, Va., represents the leadership of over 1.2 million firefighters and emergency responders. The organization champions fire safety and prevention through efforts such as Change Your Clock Change Your Battery®. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. The IAFC?s mission is to provide leadership to career and volunteer chiefs, chief fire officers, company officersand managers of emergency service organizations throughout the international community through vision, information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities.

Energizer Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: ENR], www.energizer.com, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world?s largest manufacturers of primary batteries, battery-powered devices and flashlights. Energizer, a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power geared toward the new digital age, offers a full portfolio of products including the Energizer_® MAX_® premium alkaline brand; Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium; Energizer_® Advanced Lithium and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable batteries and chargers.

The Energizer product line also includes specialty batteries for hearing aids and medical devices, health and fitness devices, as well as for keyless remote entry systems, watches and other uses. Through its flashlight and lighting products unit, Energizer helps bring consumer insight and innovation to these important household devices. Energizer continues its role as a technology leader for on-the-go lifestyles with its Energizer_® Energi To Go_® line of portable battery-driven power packs for cell phones and for use with iPod devices.

*Statistics provided by the National Fire Prevention Association

Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® Fact Sheet

Fire Facts

· Ninety-six percent of American homes have at least one smoke alarm, but 19 percent do not have at least one smoke alarm that works, primarily due to missing or dead batteries.

· Nuisance activations were the leading cause of disabled smoke alarms. Cooking fumes and steam can cause a smoke alarm to sound. Nuisance alarms can be prevented by moving the smoke alarm farther from kitchens or bathrooms.

· On average, home fires kill 540 children ages 14 and under each year.

· Children, ages 5 and under, are one and one-half times more likely than the population, as a whole, to die in home fires.

· Seniors age 75 and older are three times more likely to die in a home fire.

· 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. are the peak alarm times for home fire deaths ­ people tend to be asleep and the house is likely to be dark.

· Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation.

· Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms.

· Only 23 percent of U.S. families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure they could escape quickly and safely. Developing a family emergency escape plan can be crucial to everyone's safety.

· Smoke alarms don't last forever. They should be replaced at least every 10 years.

Carbon Monoxide Facts

· Carbon monoxide is sometimes called the "the silent killer." It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Roughly 500 people in the United States die each year from unintentional non-fire carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Flashlight Facts

· Candles used for light in the absence of electrical power cause one-third of fatal home candle fires.

· Candles are the third leading cause of injuries from home fires, following cooking and heating.

· When your power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles.

· Use the time change to check the batteries in your flashlights.

Sources: International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Fire Protection Association, Sense of Smell Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Department of Health and Human Services

Change Your Clock Change Your Battery®

Simple Home Safety Tips:

1. Practice smoke alarm maintenance for a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths.

2. A simple reminder from the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Energizer® Batteries: When you turn back your clocks in November, be sure to change the batteries in your smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors. This can help save lives.

3. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to make sure they are working. Vacuum around your smoke detectors to be sure they are free of dust.

4. Have at least one working smoke alarm on each level of your home.

5. Install one carbon monoxide detector in a central location outside each separate sleeping area.

6. Plan, discuss and practice an escape route with your family for dangerous situations such as home fires, carbon monoxide leaks and natural disasters.

7. Do not rely on your sense of smell to alert you that you and/or your family are in danger of being trapped during a fire or from a carbon monoxide leak.

8. Be sure not to ignore the chirping sound your smoke alarm makes when maintenance is required.

9. Keep fire-starting materials away from children, including lighters, matches, cigarettes, cigars and pipes.

10. Use flashlights rather than candles to light your home during power outages.

11. Space heaters need space. Portable space heaters need a three-foot (one meter) clearance from anything that can burn and should always be turned off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

12. Never use your oven to heat your home.

13. Carbon monoxide detectors are NOT substitutes for smoke alarms.

Keep your family, friends and neighbors safe remind them to follow these simple tips and change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks back this fall.

Hubbard receives First Designer award

Educators of Beauty cosmetology/nail technology college in Sterling recently held their graduation on July 21, 2008 at the Coliseum in Sterling. There were 45 graduates in the 2007-2008 cosmetology graduating class. Reyna Hubbard from Lanark received the First Designer award based on her excellent performance as a cosmetology student at Educators of Beauty. She also received numerous certificates and diplomas. All graduates completed 1500 clock hours of instruction, maintained an 85% G.P.A., completed both written and practical technique exams besides studying such subject matter as Color, Sculpture, Texture, Beauty Care, Design, Business Management, Retailing, Communication Skills as well as the Science of Cosmetology. 95% of the graduating class are employed at various beauty salons in the area. Licensed cosmetologists are employed as nail technicians, hair designers and skin estheticians. Presenting the award to Reyna Hubbard (left) is Sue Aldred, the Director of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences I at Educators of Beauty.

Educators of Beauty Graduation Held

Educators of Beauty cosmetology/nail technology college in Sterling recently held their graduation on July 21, 2008 at the Coliseum in Sterling. There were 45 graduates in the 2007-2008 cosmetology/nail technology graduating class. 11 graduates received scholarships to further their training in cosmetology/nail technology education. The recipients were selected by the Educator of Beauty education division based on desire, potential, aptitude, need and performance in the field. Those receiving educator training scholarships were: (Front row l-r) Reyna Hubbard from Lanark, Monica Walsh from Rock Falls, Deanna Handel from Rock Falls, Ashley Sanden from Wyanet and Catherine Gross from Prophetstown. (Back row l-r) Katie Nehring from Amboy, Alyssa Von Holten from Milledgeville, Danae Forman from Dixon, Hilarie Abell from Annawan and Debbie Stevens of Forreston.

School Board Election

April 7, 2009

The Eastland Community Unit District #308 will have three (3) seats on the seven member Board of Education to be filled in the April 7, 2009 election. The candidates will serve four year terms expiring in 2013. Nominating petition forms for the April 7, 2009 school board election in Eastland School District will be available on and after October 20. Forms may be picked up in the Unit Office located at Eastland Elementary School, 200 South School Street on any business day between 8:00 a.m. and 3:50 p.m. October 28 is the first day that prospective candidates may circulate nominating petitions. A school board candidate's petition must be filed in the same office no earlier than 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday January 20 and no later than 5:00 p.m. Monday January 26, 2009. To be eligible to serve, a school board member must be, on the date of the election, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old, a resident of the State of Illinois and the school district for at least one year immediately preceding the election, and a registered voter. Elections are nonpartisan and board candidates do not indicate a political party affiliation. Candidates should be aware of financial conflict-of-interest limitations set forth in the School Code.

America Today

To my fellow confused, bamboozled, brainwashed, harassed, hard working, tax paying American citizens - I offer the following: It seems that every election cycle, politicians and pollsters ask some variant of this question: Do you think the country is headed in the right direction? To any thinking person the answer has to be an emphatic NO! If you're under 50 years old, you can't remember (as I can) when our country was a much different and better place; when our streets, homes and schools were safe; when most children including black children had both a father and a mother; when most families ate, played and prayed together and could be found in church on Sunday; when unborn babies were safe in their mothers wombs; when private property rights were protected; when our brave patriotic service men and women were universally supported and respected; when prison construction was not a growth industry; when most of the money you worked so hard for was yours to spend as you saw fit to provide for your family; and when our public schools were second to none in the world. Do you think this describes America today? If not, then what has happened? Who is to blame? What can we do to restore our nation to greatness? For me the answer is clear; we get the kind of government and society we deserve. We the electorate are to blame, and we the electorate must take the responsibility to repair the damage. Yes, if we as individuals are immoral, imprudent, slothful, selfish, cowardly and ignorant we will continue to elect and re-elect people to positions of power over our lives that mirror these same qualities. It is self evident that our precipitous decline can be traced to the 1960's when we embraced secular humanism as our state religion and our rejection of the Judeo-Christian ethic on which our republic was founded. If you have read this letter so far, you are most unusual! Unfortunately many Americans today pay scant attention to the serious issues confronting us. While we as a nation are in a fight for our very survival; threatened by not only radical Islam but our unwitting drift into Socialism a pernicious ideology which has already infected Europe, Russia, China and now threatens South and Latin America there are those who either don't vote at all or fall prey to the machinations of artful politicians who promise "cradle to grave care" in return for the sacrifice of your freedom. In a few days we will be asked to choose our leaders once again. Several of the players are known quantities; one conspicuously is not. Dick Durbin, no patriot in my view, is a man beneath contempt, a man who has spent his entire adult life in the Senate warring against America's traditional values. Joe Biden (in my opinion) is a relatively harmless ignoramus. But, Barack Hussein Obama poses another kind of concern; just who is this guy anyway?

What is his background? What accounts for his meteoric rise from his questionable activities in Chicago ward politics to contending for the leadership of the free world with virtually no record of achievement in the Illinois Legislature or in his several years as a freshman Senator in Washington during which time he has spent most of his time running for his parties nomination for President? There is sufficient disturbing evidence about this man to justify demanding answers about his religious faith, Christian or Muslim, his place of birth, Kenya or Africa or Hawaii (as claimed) about the sources of his funding, legal or illegal from outside the United States and about his personal friendships and business connections. Before you vote you might want to look into these matters very carefully! I already have; for me it's a no brainer, I'm voting for McCain, Palin and Sauerberg for the Senate.

Dave Miller

Sullivan, Illinois

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