More Important News

The 2012 Eastland homecoming king & queen were crowned Thursday, Sept. 20th at the public pep assembly in Pearl City. The king is Austin Young, son of Amy Snyder & Jeff Young. The queen is Laura Kniss, daughter of Renee Kniss & Jon Kniss.

West Carroll FFA Students Attend Fall Harvest Safety Camp

Ninety-four (94) West Carroll FFA freshmen and sophomore agriculture students attended the “Fall Harvest Safety Days” camp on September 12 at the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) on the campus of Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta, Iowa.

The students were divided into groups and trained on the topics of “Safe Operation of Farm Combines”, “Prevention of Grain Entrapment and Suffocation”, and “Tractor Safety and Rural Roadway Safety”.

A lunch provided by NECAS included hot dogs, potato chips, cookies, ice cream and milk.

Presenters at the camp included Paul Mausser and Ric Jones on “Safe Operation of Farm Combines”; Dan Neenan, and Thatcher Block on “Prevention of Grain Entrapment and Suffocation”; and Charlotte Halverson and Carolyn Olberding on “Tractor Safety & Rural Roadway Safety”. A session on “Skid Steer Operation Safety” was presented by Dan Neenan and Bill Klein to the whole group to all groups first thing in the morning.

As agriculture continues to rank as one of the most dangerous occupations in North America and across the globe, the National Safety Council will put the spotlight on farming, ranching and the related health and safety issues. National Farm Safety Week is September 16-22, 2012.

West Carroll FFA advisors Dan Hartman and Don Mathey chaperoned the trip.

$360,000 goal surpassed by CGH Health Foundation

CGH Health Foundation donors celebrated reaching and exceeding the $360,000 campaign goal during Thursday’s 25th anniversary Annual Appeal reception. Retiring CGH Medical Center CEO Ed Andersen was also given special recognition during the annual event.

Incorporated Sept. 15, 1987, the Foundation has enjoyed 23 years of successful fund drives, according to Foundation Chair Tim Zollinger, who announced contributions totaling $384,586. Highlight of the evening were remarks made in tribute to Mr. Andersen by a Foundation trustee, physician, businessman and CGH Board member. Fifty-three individuals, businesses and groups were also honored during the special Tree of Life dedication ceremony.

Feature project this year is the new Love on a Leash Dog Therapy Program. A few of the canine volunteers and their owners were on hand. Ten dogs have passed temperament testing and are now visiting patients on the hospital Medical Floor. Pet visits have been shown to have many benefits, including decreased pain medication use, increased socialization and communication.

Seven Pine Cones and 46 Leaves were dedicated on the Tree of Life donor wall. Donors, their families and friends took part in the dedication in the CGH Lobby. Honorees included: Pine Cone ($10,000 or more cumulative: Arthur’s Garden Deli, Candlelight Inn, City of Sterling, Drs. Chester and Yolanda DelaCruz, Dr. Terry and Cheryl Donat, Dr. Joseph and Carolyn Gaziano, and Dr. Rob and Liz Whittaker; and Leaf ($1,000 or more cumulative): Marvin and Beverly Albrecht, American Legion Auxiliary Post 902, Rock Falls, Kenny and Dawn Arndt, Keith and Mary Benson, Nancy Blackert, Dolly and Bill Blair, Barb and Philip Bruketta, Janis Card Family, County Market/Dixon, Dick and Audrey Cox, DeJonge Tax and Accounting, Inc., Omer and Joyce Deets, Dixon Elks Lodge, Ed and Kathyrn Ebersohl, Edward Jones/Jim McPherson, Dr. Ranjit Gowda, Gina and Mike Grennan, Dr. John Hahn, Cathy Hawkins, Heat-Co Mechanical, Inc., Susan Jones, Beth Krug, George Logan, Marla and Rich Lund, Bill Manfield, Thomas Michel, Brandon Miller, Theresa and Fred Murray, Helen Nelson, Parkway Center/Dick Prescott, Peoples National Bank of Kewanee/Tampico, Perri Plog, Betty Pratt, Pat and Ginny Propheter, Dawn Reavley, Rock River Cartage, ServiceMaster Clean, Carolyn Spencer, Dr. Paul and Lisa Steinke, Stewart Beverage, Konnie Swanson, Winter Construction, Mark Witherspoon, Dr. Eyas Youssef and Dr. Muna Kilani.

Each Leaf or Pine Cone is engraved with an inscription of the donor’s choice. For more information on how to support the CGH Health Foundation, call Executive Director Joan Hermes at , ext. 5672 or email .

Love and Gore

Sweetest Day is October 20th. Twice-Sold Tales has what women are always asking for: Romance. From October 1 to 20, romance novels are on sale 20 for $2 and they come in a rose scented bag so all you need to add is chocolate.

Watch out for gore, blood and monsters as we “scare up a good read” from October 22 to 31.

Snowbirds, we keep getting new donations every week so stock up before leaving town.

Twice-Sold Tales will participate in the Great Route 64/84 Shop Hop and will be open 10am to 5pm on November 2, 3, 9 and 10. More information is available at www.bwcvb.com/shophop and at all participating shops where you see our Kangaroo Logo.

Also, for the hard to shop for, Gift Certificates are available.

Twice Sold Tales located at 100 S. Broad Street, Suite B, the “used books and more” store is the nonprofit used bookstore run by the Friends of the Lanark Public Library. The store is open Monday from 3 to 6 pm, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. Also at the Lanark Famers Market on Tuesday 3 to 6 pm until October 16 weather permitting. For more information visit our website at http://lanarklibraryfriends.org or like us on Facebook.

A large group was in attendance at a Hunter Safety program this past weekend at the VanBuskirk farm in rural Lanark. Participants learned about the many aspects of how a gun works, ammunition, and ultimately, safety. With deer season around the corner, this is vital information to ensure a safe season. (PA photo/Lynnette Forth)

Rally Day at Berreman Church Planned

Please come: Berreman Church of God will be hosting the Men in Accord on Sunday, October 7th, at 1:30 PM. All are invited to Rally Day. Morning worship - 9:45, S.S. 10:35, potluck 12:15, Men in Accord 1:30. Join us for the whole day or part of the day. For directions or more information contact Pastor Phelps or Betty Hook at .

Men in Accord is a talented musical quartet with a wide range of musical backgrounds. Joining together from the Pearl City and Lena areas to bring harmony and accord to audiences throughout northeastern Illinois are Steve Sheffey, Mark Gassman, Jim Werkheiser, and Dave Carr. The group performs a variety of music with quartet numbers, solos and duets, both ‘a cappella’ and with instrumental enhancement, managed by Steve’s wife Janis. The group was formed in 2004 and has been enjoyed at many local hometown celebrations.

The congregation of Berreman Church is eager for this harmonious day and is hoping you will join them in celebrating this Rally Day.

Book And Bake Sale At Odell

Saturday, October 6th from 9:00-3:00 is the date and time for a bargain in books and baked goods. Come and Browse at 307 South Madison Street, Morrison, Illinois.

The Community Room of the Library complex will be filled with books, and all for the low price of 25-50 cents!! Filled as a warehouse, the books will be divided into mysteries, romances, best sellers, non-fiction, children’s books, videos, and old 33rpm records. Popular authors will be grouped together for the consumer’s convenience. Looking for Nora Roberts, James Patterson, Danielle Steele, Clive Cussler, David Baldacci, Maeve Binchy?? WE HAVE IT and MORE!!

Not only will there be books, but also tables full of tempting baked good: brownies, pies, cakes, rolls, cookies, bars and more, all from the kitchens of Morrison’s talented bakers.

What a “sweet” deal: a good book and a mouth-watering cookie!! All proceeds will benefit your community library‘s book budget.

Let’s Read, Morrison!

Land Lease Forum

Come join Carroll-Lee-Whiteside County Extension and Dr. Gary Schnitkey, University of Illinois Farm Management Extension Specialist on October 4, 2012 for an informative and in depth look at determining cash rents. Other alternatives like crop share, flexible cash rent and custom farming will also be discussed. The October 4 forum will be held at Sauk Valley Community College from 6-9pm in room 1K4.

“Volatile” and “Uncertain” are two words that might best describe grain prices and input costs for row crop production heading into the 2013 planting season. The drought has only made matters worse. With this increased volatility and uncertainty, risk increases for producers and more uncertainty arises about the amount of cash rent to pay. On the other side of the negotiating table, landowners, seeing higher profitability in recent years for commodity crops, are possibly seeking higher cash rents. So, just what is that “most equitable” cash rent amount and how can it be maintained from year to year or contract to contract?

Tax implications will also be discussed during the workshop by Gary Hoff, Extension Specialist, in Taxation. Register online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw or by calling (815) 835-2070. Pre-registration deadline is Oct 1. Cost is $15 per person.

University of Illinois Extension is committed to providing residents in Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties with high quality education services and programs focusing on agriculture, parenting, community and economic development, horticulture and youth development. To learn more visit us on the web at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please call .

GROWMARK System to Celebrate Cooperative Month

GROWMARK, FS, and other cooperatives across the United States will celebrate cooperative enterprise and the contributions cooperatives make to social and economic development this October as part of National Co-op Month.

In addition to National Co-op Month, the GROWMARK System is also celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2012, and participating in the year-long International Year of Cooperatives as designated by the United Nations.

The theme of Co-op Month, and the International Year of Cooperatives, is “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World,” which reflects the contributions cooperatives make to their members and communities.

Nearly 3,000 farmer cooperatives, like GROWMARK, FS, and grain member cooperatives, account for as many as 300,000 jobs worldwide and a total payroll of more than $8 billion.

Cooperatives operate under a set of guidelines known as the cooperative principles. Doing business with the values of voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, members’ economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training, and information, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community sets cooperatives apart and inspires loyalty and commitment from their member owners.

More than 29,000 cooperatives operate in every sector of the economy and in every congressional district; Americans hold more than 350 million co-op memberships. Further, U.S. cooperatives generate 2 million jobs and make a substantial contribution to the U.S. economy with annual sales of $652 billion and possess assets of $3 trillion.

The GROWMARK System is comprised of FS and grain member cooperatives and subsidiaries, and employs more than 7,000 people who, in turn, serve more than 250,000 customers. More information is available at www.growmark.com

Free Clothes at the ‘Hot Spot’

“The Hot Spot,” located in the Yellow Creek Church, 12606 W. Dublin Road, Pearl City, IL has FREE CLOTHES the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until 12 Noon. Donations are welcome. Call or with questions.

NOTE: The November Saturday date has been changed to the 2nd Saturday of the month due to schedule conflict. Thank you.

Do the Time Warp at Timber Lake Playhouse

On Saturday, October 27th at 9:00 pm, Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) will present a one-night-only interactive viewing of the classic 1975 film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Several TLP stars return to Mount Carroll to lead the interactive sing-a-long while the movie plays in the background. The movie is RATED R- Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Run time for the movie is approximately two hours.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a musical parody of B-movie, science fiction and horror films of the late 1940s through early 1970s. The film stars Tim Curry and features Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick along with cast members from the original London stage production. Still in limited release 36 years after its premiere, it has the longest-running theatrical release in film history. It gained notoriety as a midnight movie in 1977 when audiences began participating with the film in theatres.

In addition to the screening, TLP will also have a costume contest and themed concessions as a part of the festivities. The costume contest will have first, second and third place prizes. Audiences have the opportunity to purchase a “Rocky Horror Prop Bag” for only $10 that includes props to use during the film, as well as an interactive guide. The interactive guide is a script that shows audience members what to say and when to use the props during the show.

Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or by calling .

It’s Not Too Late to Become a Member

The River Bend Senior Center & Transit Facility accepts memberships all year. $10 for individual and $15 for a couple. The membership year runs from May to May. Benefits include discounted trips and classes. Get out of the house and come see us Monday through Friday from 10am until 2pm.

Need a ride or more information? Call Charlotte Combs-Shepherd at the River Bend Senior Center & Transit Facility, 912 4th Street, Fulton, Illinois 61252 - or to set up an appointment.

Taco Supper at Milledgeville High School

The Milledgeville Sophomore Class will be hosting a “Walking Taco/Taco Salad” dinner on Tuesday, October 9th from 4:30 – 7:00p.m. at the Milledgeville High School. The school address is 100 East 8th Street, Milledgeville.

The Lady Missiles will be playing a volleyball game against South Beloit that evening. Plan to come out and support your Lady Missiles. Give the cook in your home the evening off and enjoy a taco meal with the community.

The cost will be $6.00 and each meal will include a Walking Taco or Taco Salad, Nachos and Cheese, and a drink. To-go meals are available for those unable to attend in person. Additionally, a bake sale with homemade baked goods will be held in the cafeteria. All proceeds used to support the 2014 prom.

Tickets available from any Milledgeville sophomore or at the Milledgeville High School office. The high school telephone number is . Tickets are available at the door; however pre-sold tickets will be appreciated.

Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2012. On Saturday, October 13th the Lanark Fire Department will have an Open House from 1-3 p.m. and there will be free rides on the fire truck, refreshments and the fire posters that were completed in the 1st and 2nd grade Eastland Elementary art classes will be on display. Hope to see you there! For more information call (815) 493-2341.

2012 Trail Of Terror Back In Full Swing For Fall

The award winning Trail of Terror swings into action throughout Northwest Illinois during October with special events and haunted happenings. Fall festivals, haunted houses, cemetery walks, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, winery tours and more are what you’ll find on the 9 county Trail of Terror which is a full listing of fall activities covering Carroll, DeKalb, Henry, Jo Daviess, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties.

The Trail is a self-guided tour through Northwest Illinois with scary stops at such places as The Raven’s Grin Haunted House in Mt Carroll, Savanna’s Haunted Forest Festival, Terror on the Railroad in Union, The Old Haunted Mill in Orangeville, The Train of Terror in Freeport and the Rocky Horror Picture Show event at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt Carroll. O’Connell’s Haunted Barn & Cemetery in Amboy will thrill you, and the Egyptian Theater 6 level Haunted House in DeKalb features Amenti, the Egyptian goddess guarding the world of the dead.

For those wanting a less scary venue and a chance to get out in the crisp fall air the Trail of Terror takes you to Beggar’s Night at Heritage Canyon in Fulton, Historic Cemetery Walks in Dixon, Mt. Carroll, Rochelle & Sterling and the Stephenson County Fall Barn Tour.

Fall festivals are abundant throughout the region and include Fulton’s Fall Festival, Oregon’s Autumn on Parade and Sycamore’s Pumpkin Festival all featuring small town events at their best.

Pumpkin patches, orchards, corn mazes, winery tours and farmers markets brimming with fall produce are also a popular stop on the Trail and feature such activities as petting zoos, hayrides, campfires and, of course, pumpkin picking. The 2012 Trail features wine tasting stops at Hailey’s Winery in Byron & Galena Cellars in Galena and for that perfect pumpkin along with great activities for the kids be sure to stop at Selmi’s Pumpkin Patch in Rock Falls.

With all these attractions and events you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit Northwest Illinois and take a trip on the Trail of Terror. Some haunted happenings are scarier than others and we recommend calling first before taking small children.

To receive a brochure or get more information on the Trail of Terror call . You can also check out the Trail online at www.trail-of-terror.com.

Morrison Police Reminds Public of City Ordinances & Open Burning Changes

With autumn approaching, Morrison Police Chief Brian Melton reminds the citizens of Morrison of the Municipal Code addressing the disposal and/or burning of yard waste.

Open Burning

Open burning of landscape waste is permitted with the following restrictions: 1) Between the hours of 3:00 pm prevailing time and sunset on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week and between the hours of 9:00 am prevailing time and sunset on Saturdays unless either of those days falls on Halloween and/or days designated by the City Council for community-wide trick or treating, 2) On the premise where such waste is generated, 3) Open burning does not occur within six feet of any street or alley, on any street, sidewalk, alley or public ditch, 4) Open burning is constantly attended by a competent and responsible person until such burning is extinguished, and 5) When such burning does not create a visibility hazard on public streets, alleys, sidewalks, etc.

Open burning of landscape waste only shall be permitted. Landscape waste means dry leaves and untreated wood and branches smaller than two (2) inches in diameter but does not include noxious weeds or grass clippings.

Open burning of any garbage, waste, refuse, rubbish or substance of any kind other than landscape waster is prohibited.

Pollution of Water & Streets

According to city ordinance, no person shall throw, place, or deposit or cause to be deposited any yard waste (including but not limited to grass clippings, leaves, other yard waste and substances, garbage, etc.) upon any street, alley, ditch or public grounds, or upon any property of another within the limits of the city.

Penalty

Any person convicted of any violation of these ordinances may be fined not less than $25 nor more than $500 for each day a violation occurs.

Weekly Yard Waste Collection

The City of Morrison provides for the collection of yard waste each Monday from April through November of each year. During the months of October and November, yard waste collection will be twice weekly; on Mondays and Fridays. Waste must be placed curbside in approved containers or tied in bundles not exceeding 48 inches in length and 50 pounds in weight. Yard waste shall not be mixed with household refuse/garbage.

The City of Morrison would like to remind the public to be conscientious of your neighbors and the general public when considering lawful open burning. Due to allergies, asthma, and other health issues, some individuals must alter their everyday activities to avoid their exposure to outside air conditions because of open burning especially during this time of year. Weekly yard waste collection is one (of several) great alternatives to open burning.

For more information about these and other city ordinances, please contact city hall at .

Bruce Van Natta Presents ‘Saved by Angels at Polo Church

Van Natta will tell his story and pray for the sick on Sat., Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Polo Church of the Open Bible.

He was literally cut in half when a logging truck fell on him and is the only person known to survive such injuries. He left his body and saw two angels lay their hands on his injuries at the time of the accident. His body later regenerated enough for him to survive.

The public is invited to attend. For more information call .

4-H Wonders of Washington Families Host Drive-thru Supper

The Carroll County 4-H Wonders of Washington Group will be going to Washington D.C. in April of 2014 to see our country’s memorials, monuments and stay in the National 4-H Center. Families that are a part of this group are hosting a drive thru supper fundraiser to earn money toward their trip. The supper will be Saturday, October 20, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Meal pick-up sites are: the First Lutheran Church in Chadwick in the parking lot behind the church; Mt. Carroll, Naaman Diehl Auditorium and in Lanark at the Heritage Center in the alley behind the Center. Just drive up and 4-H’ers will bring your meal to your car.

The meal will consist of Pulled Pork Sandwich, Green Beans, Cheesy Potatoes and a Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar. Cost is $7.00 for a one sandwich meal and $8 for a two sandwich meal.

This meal is pre-order only. To purchase tickets contact any Wonders of Washington 4-H Family or the Carroll County Extension Office at . Tickets are on sale until October 9.

Kreider Services Awarded Grant for Autism

Kreider Services announced today that the agency has been awarded a Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant which is funded through the Office of Rural Health Policy. This grant award will support the development of a network of care for youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The focus will be on improving the diagnostic and subsequent delivery services to children and youth with ASD. The ultimate goal will be to construct a comprehensive plan for ASD education/training for local professionals and the community, as well as, the coordination and communication of services for children and youth with an ASD.

A board of directors, a network group, and a parent family forum group will be established. The Board of Directors and Network Group will consist of core partners from community agencies that currently provide services in Lee and Ogle Counties and who have a vested interest in improving the current delivery system.

The role of the board of directors will be to take the administrative role in the planning process with the end goal of the development of a sustainable network of care for youth with ASD. The Network Group will formulate a strategic implementation plan with input from the board and the Parent Family Forum.

The Parent Family Forum will be a crucial part of a successful plan providing input from parents and family members of a child who has been diagnosed with ASD. The forum will be developed by and under the direction of The Autism Program staff at Kreider Services - Dixon.

This initial planning grant project period runs from September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2013. The cost of the total project is $98,000.00 with 66.5 % of total project financed by Federal grant dollars (i.e. $65,600.00), while 33.5% of the project is financed by non governmental agencies (i.e. $33,342.00).

For more information about the benefits of this grant or The Autism program at Kreider Services, please contact: Laura Watters 815 . 288 . 6691 x. 226 or .

First Baptist Church Movie Night

The First Baptist Church of Mount Carroll is happy to announce it’s Movie Night series beginning this Sunday, October 7th at 5:00 pm. Each Sunday the public is invited to join us for popcorn and a movie, free of charge.

This first week we will present “Facing The Giants.” This is the story about a Christian High School football team and it’s Coach who struggle to achieve success on the football field. It is a heart warming movie full of inspiration and entertainment. This movie is suitable for all ages.

“Facing The Giants” is the second of four movies produced thus far by brothers Alex and Stephen Kendricks. Their last film, “Courageous,” has enjoyed international success and has received many film awards and recognition, especially in the Christian community.

The First Baptist Church of Mount Carroll is located at 201 S Main Street. If you have any questions please contact John McConnel Jr at .

1972 to 2012 - Rite-Way Furniture Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance, located in the beautiful historic downtown Freeport, continues to be the area’s largest furniture and appliance store. For 40 years, Rite-Way has offered a wide selection of brand name furniture such as Ashley, Best Chair, Flexsteel, Eagle, England, La-Z-Boy, Serta, and King Koil.

Prior to 1972, Ridgeway Appliance on Galena St. was owned by Chuck Hirsbrunner. In 1972, Ridgeway became Rite-Way Appliance, operating from 217 W. Stephenson St., and was owned by Stan & Margaret Lott until 1978.

In 1978 Rite-Way moved into the J.C. Penney’s  &  Montgomery Ward’s building, and its current location, 20 E.  Stephenson St. Through 1991, the Lott’s operated as Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance Mart Inc.

Cal Wescott purchased Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance Mart Inc. in 1991, and is the current owner.

“We also offer a great line of appliances with GE, Maytag, Frigidaire, Amana, Samsung, and Crosley,” Wescott said. “At Rite-Way, we are continually expanding, and updating our current product lines. Our 37,000 square foot building is always well stocked with great priced living room, dining room, and bedroom sets, mattress sets, carpets and rugs, appliances, and many more of your home furnishing needs. At Rite-Way, we also offer a low price guarantee.”

Wescott reminds customers that excellent financing is available through Wells Fargo, helping to make purchases into affordable monthly payments. “We also offer a free layaway plan, and we accept all major credit cards.”

Delivery is available with free set-up and removal of the old product. Wescott adds that you can count on Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance to help you from selection to delivery. “And it is always a great benefit of purchasing locally!”

For your next home furnishings purchase, think Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance, Your Name Brand Discount Furniture and Appliance Store, located at 20 E. Stephenson St. In Historic Downtown Freeport.

Fulton Fall Festival - From the River’s Edge

The Fulton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce plans for the Fulton Fall Festival on Saturday, October 6 in downtown Fulton and October 6 & 7 at Heritage Canyon. Most activities in downtown Fulton are from 10am to 4pm. Events at Heritage Canyon are 10am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday.

In conjunction with the city’s 2012 tourism theme, River Connections, the Fall Festival committee has chosen the theme “From the River’s Edge.” Two programs have been added to this year’s schedule of events to compliment the river theme. A presentation by Living Lands and Waters is scheduled for 2:15pm and a wildlife program by Clinton County Conservation at 3:00pm. Both presentations will be held at the Masonic Lodge in downtown Fulton.

Activities for the entire family will be held all day long and include inflatable rides, petting zoo, train rides, pumpkin painting, games, clowns/balloon artists, a hay bale maze, make n’ take crafts and other children’s activities. Food will be offered by a few vendors and many downtown restaurants will be open. The Fulton Fire Department will be providing a cook-out and Friends for Charity will be selling BBQ pork sandwiches. The Rosebud Mission Team and River Bend Athletic Boosters will also be sponsoring bake sales.

Live music, arts & crafts show, car cruise, and more will entertain you for two full days this weekend. For complete details about the event or to become a vendor, visit www.cityoffulton.us or call .

WQPT To Hold Auditions For Televised ’It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play’

WQPT and WVIK are teaming up to produce “It’s a Wonderful Life: a Radio Play” set in 1946. The radio play tells the classic story of George Bailey and his friend, Clarence who helps him through his darkest hour.

Auditions for the production will take place at the District Theatre in downtown Rock Island on September 22 and 23 from 3 pm to 5 pm. People auditioning will be asked to read from the script and 16 bars of music of their choice. “This piece has a 1940’s sensibility so I am looking for actors who can create that kind of feeling” said director and WQPT Marketing Director, Lora Adams.

The production will rehearse November 12, 13, 14 with a dress on the 15th and a 7:30 pm performance on November 16th and two performances (2:00 and 7:30 pm) on Saturday the 17th. Performances will take place in Potter Hall on the campus of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. The performances will be taped and air on WQPT and WVIK during the month of December as a holiday special.

“The author Joe Landry and Kevin Connors, who created the music, granted us the rights to air it on television and radio once during the holiday season,” said Adams. The production is done as a radio play so the actors will need to be familiar with the script but are not required to memorize it.

Proceeds from the production will be used to support local programming for both WQPT and WVIK who are producing the show along with Augustana College.

Please bring a photo and resume to the audition. Please direct questions to Lora Adams at or call .

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University located in Moline, Illinois.

42nd Annual Aquin Flea Market & More Begins October 7th

The 42nd Annual Flea Market & More will begin on October 7th in the Aquin High School gym at 1419 S. Galena in Freeport. Since 1970, vendors have set up shop at Aquin on the first Sunday of every month from October through May. This season’s events will be held on October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd, January 6th, February 3rd, March 3rd, April 7th and May 5th. The show hours are from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm and there is always something for everyone, including antiques, collectibles, crafts, coins, stamps and much more. Admission to the public is only $1 and dealer spaces begin at only $12. For more information, contact Jessi Curry at (815) 235-4012.

NW IL DU Announces Upcoming Banquet

Steve Whiting, chairman of the NW IL Ducks Unlimited Chapter said, ”This year’s banquet and fundraiser is a very special one, as it is the local chapters 40th year and also, the Ducks Unlimited National Chapters 75th year anniversary. Whiting said that plans for this year’s banquet are coming together with the current committee working hard to make the event successful. This year’s event will be held at the House of Events in Savanna, on Saturday evening, October 6, 2012. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. with a buffet style dinner served at 7:00 p.m.

According to Whiting, the featured gun this year is the 75th Anniversary DU gun, which is a beautiful Browning Maxus, 12 ga. Shot Gun. There will also be other guns available the night of the banquet, in addition to decoys, prints and other works of art. Of particular interest, a 10 week old male, black Labrador retriever puppy, from the famed Barn Ridge Kennels will also be available on the live auction. Tickets for 1 person, which includes dinner and a DU membership are $50.00, a couple is $70.00 a Greenwing, which is a youth 15 and under is $25.00 and members from other chapters can attend for $15.00. Additionally, people can upgrade to a Sponsor for $270.00 and receive an unframed print and 2 dinners, or go the extra step and become a Chapter Sponsor for $350.00 and receive a framed print, 2 dinners and a chance for the “pick of the auction” raffle. Whiting invites anyone that would like to help plan the upcoming event, would like ticket information, or would like to get advance tickets, to contact Henry Gehant at .

Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North American waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Since its founding in 1937, DU has raised nearly $3.5 billion, which has contributed to the conservation of 12.7 million acres of prime wildlife habitat in all 50 states, each of the Canadian provinces, and key areas of Mexico. In the United States alone, DU has helped conserve more than 4 million acres of waterfowl habitat. Some 900 species of wildlife live and flourish on DU projects, including many threatened or endangered species.

Master Gardener Program Seeks Applicants

The University of Illinois Extension is accepting applications to participate in the 2013 Master Gardener Training Program.  Those interested need to complete an application form and return it to their local county extension office.

Master Gardeners are individuals with an interest in horticulture willing to participate in 60 hours of classes taught by University of Illinois Educators. Then they agree to volunteer 60 hours of time through their local office to teach others about gardening. 

Each county has a variety of volunteer opportunities from answering horticulture telephone help lines to teaching young children how to garden.

Training classes will be held at the Stockton Township Library (140 W. Benton Ave. in Stockton, IL) beginning January 8th, 2013. Classes will be 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday through March 26th .

Class topics include botany, soils and fertilizer, trees and shrubs, vegetables, fruits, insects, turf grass management, disease control, pesticide safety and others.

Jo Daviess County residents can call the University of Illinois Extension Office at for more information or to receive an application form.  Forms can also be sent as a printable document via e-mail. Please contact Maggie Guenzler with questions:

Good Samaritan Society Celebrates Founder’s Day

The Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll is joining Good Samaritan Society locations across the nation in celebrating the 90th anniversary of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society.

The Good Samaritan Society, founded by the Rev. August “Dad” Hoeger, was incorporated on Sept. 29, 1922, and opened its first home, a six-room rented house, on March 1, 1923, in Arthur, N.D. Over the years, the Society has grown from serving a handful of residents to being the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior care and services.

“The Rev. August Hoeger championed new concepts of care and administration that have since been established in long-term care centers nationwide,” says David Boock, interim administrator. “This legacy of growth and innovation has continued to characterize the work we do at Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll.”

The Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll plans to celebrate their 42nd anniversary of service by inviting the community to a special celebration on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 2:00 p.m. The Glad Morning Gospel Singers will perform and the Good Samaritan Society Auxiliary will host an ice cream sundae fundraiser. A silent auction will also be held with all proceeds to benefit our residents.

The Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll is part of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, a not-for-profit organization that owns and operates more than 240 long-term care centers and retirement living centers across the country. The Good Samaritan Society’s mission is to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that “In Christ’s Love, Everyone Is Someone.” For more information, contact Anna Gray, resource development director, at .

- Anna Gray,
Resource Development Director

Whiteside Forum Kicks Off New Season

The Whiteside Forum will kick off a new season of guest speakers and important topics on Thursday Sep. 27, 2012 with a round-table discussion on “Think Global, Act Local: Volunteerism” to be held at 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Program Room of the Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison St. Morrison, IL. Any organization who uses volunteers is encouraged to attend and to share their mission, knowledge and perspective. People who are interested in volunteering, but not sure what opportunities exist in our local community or just interested in the topic are also welcome. You will hear more about The Whiteside Forum and the part we play in bringing a global focus to local problems in addition to representatives from such organizations as the Red Cross, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Churches and others. What is volunteerism? Why is it important or does it matter at all? How does it help us as individuals, a community or a global society?

Tentative plans for future Forum programs include:

“Think Global, Act Local: Education” with Morrison Schools Superintendent Suellen Girard, Thu. Oct. 25, 2012, 6:30-8:00pm at the Odell Library.

“Think Global, Act Local: Agriculture” speaker TBA, Thu. Jan. 24, 2013, 6:30-8:00pm at the Odell Library.

“Think Global, Act Local: Transportation” speaker TBA, Thu. Feb. 28, 2013, 6:30-8:00pm at the Odell Library.

“Think Global, Act Local: Work (Jobs) and the World Economy” Fri. April 19, 2013. Speakers, venue and time TBA.

Please join us for this and future programs. If you have ideas for programs or speakers you would like to hear here in Morrison please let us know. For more information, questions or comments please contact Marc Adami .

The Whiteside Forum is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit community group which sponsors presentations and discussions of issues of importance and interest to the public. Issues chosen for conferences have an international dimension as well as local interest and importance. The organization is supported entirely by individual, special and business contributions and all events are free and open to the public.