More Important News

It's a Bloomin' Blimp!

The Outback Steakhouse "Bloomin' Onion I" Airship was spotting flying across the eastern part of Carroll County Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1. This photo was taken just north of Shannon. The Airship, or "blimp," was in Nebraska where it provided the official aerial broadcast coverage on ABC for the Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska game on Sept. 27. The Airship was on its way to Madison, WI to broadcast Ohio State and Wisconsin battling it out at Camp Randall Stadium on October 4. The Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion I Airship is 130 feet long, 38 feet wide and 45 feet tall. It contains 68,000 cubic feet of helium, weighs 4,400 pounds, and can carry three passengers and one pilot in its 14 foot long gondola. Two Limbach L2000 engines, each developing 68 horsepower help the Airship cruise at 35 mph, with a maximum speed of 55 mph. Bloomin' Onion can climb 1,600 feet per minute up to a cruising altitude of 1,500 feet and a maximum altitude of 5,000 feet. The Airship is constructed of laminated polyester synthetic fabric and plastic film. (PA photo/Tom Kocal)

From The Lanark Fire Protection District

Why such a large percentage increase in taxation this year?

Why now? To be able to continue to provide you with timely 24-hour ambulance service you deserve and have come to expect.

What have we been doing? Relying on volunteers to operate our ambulance for over 50 years. But, for the past five years we have had to hire one paid EMT-I to be at the fire station Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This past year we found that we needed to add a second EMT during the week and recently we found it necessary to hire weekend help as well.

Why? State law requires that two EMT's must be on each ambulance call. To provide the level of care at an Intermediate level, one EMT must have attained special training to be able to administer IV solutions, certain drugs and intubations. Since we have a minimum of 30 minutes of transport time once the patient is loaded in the ambulance to the nearest hospital, this extra level of care can be of great help in stabilizing the patient. This past year we have been given permission by the State to operate at a lower level with only two EMT-Basics, but we are still very short of personnel. This waiver expires January 1. 2009.

What do we have for volunteers? Currently we only have five I-level volunteer EMT's. One of these people must ride on each call. Additionally we are down to four EMT Basics. All have other jobs and many work out of town. With family and work restrictions, we are hard pressed to cover all of the calls.

First, we lost our pool of volunteers. There are no jobs in small communities, most of our volunteers work outside the city of Lanark. Young people raising families in our community have greater commitments at home, both parents working, time with children when they do get home is limited and more activities require more family time. The job of a volunteer requires a great deal of time away from these responsibilities. Economic conditions dictate that some employers are unwilling to allow volunteers to leave the workplace during working hours to respond to these emergencies.

Second, is the enormous amount of training and the requirements of the state to maintain the needed license. Six months of classes are required to pass state mandated test, then the continuing credits, 120 hours of continuing education for the volunteers. This training often required leaving Lanark several nights a week for a full semester. We are currently housing a class at our fire station two nights a week, four hours a night, that is taught by Swedish American Hospital. This is a difficult class with a great deal of study time needed in addition to attending classes. In order to complete the class, time must be spent in the emergency room and hospital to learn the practical/hands-on training.

What else could we do? We have interviewed several outside private services which would cost us about $240,000.00 each year. Neighboring departments have contracted with some of these private services. These people would not be your neighbor or friend but would be here to provide you with medical care and transport you to the hospital. The cost of operating and purchasing an ambulance would still be the responsibility of the Lanark Fire Protection District and would need to be funded by your tax dollars.

Are we alone in this crisis? Many volunteer departments around the state are facing the same problem. Without this vital service, the rural area would be receiving ambulance service from an outside private ambulance responding from a longer distance away. This will cost a great deal more and the lack of a timely response could cost you your life.

Rationalization. Your taxes previously supported this entire service. August 1, 2008 we began to bill for our services, as do all other departments in the County. We were the last to charge for this service. Cost of billing, bookkeeping and collection is a part of the fee. We have not realized any payments to date but once we can rely on this income, we may be able to reduce our tax levy. Until that time, we must pay our bills.

We want to continue to provide you with the excellent emergency care you deserve and in order to do so, we need to pay the employees a reasonable wage and be able to reward the volunteers with stipends.

This increase has been needed for the past few years, but we have been able to avoid the increase due to surpluses and increased assessed valuations, but there is no surplus. Additionally, we are proud to say there is no debt. This decision was made only after exploring and exhausting all possibilities. Please feel free to give us your input as we try to provide quality fire and emergency service to you the taxpayer.

Example of the increase on your tax bill. The Fire Protection District is allowed by law to tax at a rate of .30000 for fire protection and .30000 for ambulance; or a total of .60000. The proposed rate this year is .31870. The increase on a $107,000.00 home will go from .19510 last year or $59.73 (which is 2.55% of your tax bill) to $97.58 or an increase of $37.85. If assessed evaluations increase as they have the past five years, the percentage needed may be reduced.

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Knutti, President

Lanark Fire Protection Board of Trustees

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Myth and Facts

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the CHOICES Domestic Violence Program invites you to test your knowledge as we offer the facts about domestic violence.

Myth: The law doesn't protect people in same sex relationships.

Fact: The Illinois Domestic Violence Act does not require that people seeking Orders of Protection be in heterosexual relationships.

CHOICES offers free and confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and their children. For service information, call the 24 hour hotline in Jo Daviess County: 777-3680 or in Carroll County: 244-1320.

Flu Shots Benefit Community Parish Nurse Program

The Mount Carroll First Evangelical Lutheran Church will host a flu vaccination program on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The program will be in the back of the sanctuary of the church located at 301 S. Main St. in Mt. Carroll.

After your shot, enjoy a tasty brunch in the church basement. The meal includes fresh fruit, breakfast casseroles, rolls, muffins, juice, milk and coffee. A free-will offering is requested, with proceeds going to support the local Community Parish Nurse Program. You are invited to enjoy the brunch, whether or not you get vaccinated.

Flu vaccinations are provided by Freeport Health Network, for a fee. The vaccination is free if you present a Medicare card indicating Part B coverage. Many Medicare HMO's also cover the vaccination cost, so be sure to bring appropriate paperwork so that if your HMO covers the vaccine, it will be charged; if not, your Part B coverage will kick in.

First Lutheran's sanctuary and basement are handicapped accessible. All Carroll County residents are invited, and are welcome to join the congregation for their Sunday worship service preceding the brunch at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, call the MCFELC office at 815-244-8044 Monday through Friday between 8 to noon.

Sinnissippi Centers to Host Mental Wellness Screenings

The benefits of early detection are not only important in the physical health field; they are just as important when it comes to mental wellness as well. According to a 2007 Brandeis University study, screenings for mental health and substance abuse disorders can improve detection of behavioral health conditions and are the first step to receiving treatment.

On October 10, Sinnissippi Centers will sponsor no-cost mental wellness screenings at its five main office locations in Dixon, Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Rochelle and Sterling. The screenings will be available between 1:00 ­ 4:00 p.m.

"The early detection of a mental health disorder leads to early treatment which can improve the quality of life at any age." said Mary Scuffham, director of clinical services for Sinnissippi Centers. "It is our hope that these screenings will give participants the opportunity to investigate their concerns about mental health and at the same time provide education about the symptoms of mental illnesses," adds Scuffham. "We want folks to know that mental illnesses are treatable conditions much like diabetes and other medical conditions.

"The mental wellness screenings are open anyone who is concerned about their own mental health or that of a loved one," according to Scuffham, "and will give participants a chance to talk to a mental health professional and find out basic information on how to get help."

During the mental wellness screenings, individuals will complete a written screening form, receive educational materials and talk individually with a mental health professional. Referrals will be provided to those in need.

Screenings will be conducted for Depression, Bipolar Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants may take the screenings anytime between 1:00 and 4:00pm, no appointment is necessary.

Mental wellness screenings will be available at all main office locations of Sinnissippi Centers:

Dixon, 325 Illinois Route 2; Mt. Carroll, 1122 Healthcare Drive; Oregon, 125 South Fourth Street; Rochelle, 1321 North Seventh Street; and Sterling, 2611 Woodlawn Road.

For more information call Sinnissippi Centers at 1-800-242-7642 or visit www.sinnissippi.com. You can also visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org .

Docking Facilities Grants Deadline Set

Local governments, privately-owned marinas and boatyards have until Oct. 15 to apply for grants available to provide temporary docking facilities for large boats.Funds for the program come from federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels through the Sport Fishing and Boating Safety program, and can provide up to 75 percent of an approved project's cost.

The program is intended to enhance boating for transient, non-trailerable recreational boats ­ those 26 feet long or longer. The applicant must provide the other 25 percent of a project's cost. Eligible facilities must accommodate boats of 26 feet or longer, must be used by transient boaters who do not stay more than 10 consecutive days, and must be open to the public. Projects could include boat slips, mooring buoys, navigational aids, safe harbors, and initial dredging to provide transient boats with safe channel depths.

All proposals must be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through IDNR. The administering unit of the IDNR is the Federal Aid/Special Funds Section of the Office of Resource Conservation. For additional information, call the Federal Aid/Special Funds Section at 217/782-2602, TDD 217/782-9175.

IDNR Offers Hunters a New Way to "Get Smart"

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding hunters that spending a few minutes online before heading into the field could be the difference between life and death. Safety education courses are the best way to refresh the minds of even the most seasoned hunters.

This year, the IDNR is offering hunters a new way to reeducate themselves on treestand safety before heading into the field. HunterExam.com and the Treestand Manufactures Association (TMA) are offering a free online safety course which is available through the IDNR website at www.dnr.state.il.us under the "What's New" section.

"It's quick, it's easy and it might save your life," said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood. "Every year in Illinois hunters are injured or killed in the field and most accidents are preventable if the proper precautions are taken."

Last year there were 28 reported hunting incidents in Illinois, of which 12 involved falls from treestands. Many of those falls resulted from the failure by the hunter to wear a fall restraint harness.

"Treestands have evolved over the years and so has treestand safety education. What used to be considered safe five to ten years ago is not considered safe today," said IDNR Safety Education Coordinator Jeff Hopkins. "By reviewing the narrated safety tips a hunter, new or experienced, can learn about the latest Treestand Manufacturers Association safety standards and guidelines."

The IDNR offers free hunting safety courses to the public. The courses are taught by volunteer safety instructors and include instruction on hunting regulations, hunter ethics and responsibility, archery, firearms, ammunition, first aid, wildlife identification and conservation. A minimum of 10 hours of instruction is involved.

Illinois law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1980 must successfully complete a hunter safety course before a regular Illinois hunting license is issued. Those who complete the course and pass the final exam receive a certificate of competency. Last year, nearly 17,000 students completed the course.

For more information on hunter safety education courses and the complete schedule of IDNR safety education programs, call 1-800/832-2599 or check the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/safety/

Jo-Carroll Energy plans 4-H Day

Jo-Carroll Energy will host a 4-H Day on Monday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at the cooperative's headquarters in Elizabeth.

Activities are planned for 4-H'ers of all ages. After a welcome and hotline demonstration, the youth will tour the co-op facility and then take part in an assortment of activities. 4-H'ers 11 and under will watch the "Louie the Lightning Bug Video" while those 12 and up will be able to job shadow co-op employees in various departments. Electricity project participants can take part in an electricity workshop.

Attendance prizes will be presented and those participating should bring a sack lunch for a picnic. Drinks and popsicles will be provided.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Electricity project participants are encouraged to bring their projects.

To register a 4-H club or 4-H'er, contact Heidi Weber at (800) 858-5522, ext. 208, or by email at hweber@jocarroll.com.

Local Libraries Assist in Domestic Violence Outreach

The CHOICES Domestic Violence Program of Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties would like to announce that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In honor of this special month, area libraries have domestic violence literature on display for the public. The display includes local statistics, CHOICES brochures and two books entitled When Violence Begins at Home and When Dad Hurts Mom. Although the display only runs through October, the books have been donated to the participating libraries and are available for check out. These libraries include: East Dubuque, Galena, Warren, Stockton, and Savanna.

CHOICES provides free and confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic abuse and their children. For services call the 24 hour hotline in Carroll County: 244-5360 and in Jo Daviess: 777-3680. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

'Spirit's Harmony" at Chadwick's FLC

Come to "Pack The Place" Sunday, October 19th - 9:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Chadwick, 19 W. Third St. (located along Illinois Route 40.) Everyone is invited to come and hear the music ministry of "Spirit's Harmony", a Christian quartetfrom Oregon, IL

A free-will offering will be taken to cover their expenses. Everyone attending will receive a free gift and refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall following the service. Come and help us "Pack the Place!"

For more information, call the First Ev. Lutheran Church, at 815-684-5110.

Duck Stamps Support Wildlife Habitat

Duck stamps aren't just for duck hunters or stamp collectors. Wetlands that duck stamps buy aren't just for ducks. We all need duck stamps - more than people think.

Wetlands catch water, lessening the impact of floods and droughts. They naturally purify the water, allowing it to seep back into the soil, replenishing underground reservoirs.

Wetlands are for water-loving plants, wildlife and people. Since 1934, people who care about the environment have invested in wetland preservation by buying duck stamps. Nearly 690 million dollars of duck stamp revenue has been used over the past 70 years to buy or lease over five million acres of precious wetlands.

But that's not enough. Millions of acres of life-rich marshes, swamps and estuaries are still being destroyed each year. The next time you're in the post office or sporting goods store, buy a duck stamp. It won't mail a letter, but it will preserve a vital link in the chain of life.

You can also purchase a duck stamp at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, located at 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL 61270. Show your duck stamp and you will receive 10% off any purchase in the bookstore.

For more information, check out the website at www.fws.gov/duckstamps/2008contest.htm.

Safe, HealthyZone Heating Demo in Mt. Carroll

Be ready from the start this winter and cut your Heating Bills. Save money by heating the room you spend the most time in, don't heat your whole house to stay warm on one floor.

For one day only, Thursday, October 16, from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., a representative of Eden-Pure Infra Red Heating System will be on hand at The Mt. Carroll Home Center, 903 S. Clay St. in Mt. Carroll. A limited number of models will be available for purchase.

Eden-Pure rep's will show you how heaters will not reduce humidity or oxygen.Humidityis needed in the winter to help keep you healthy, and it helps maintain even heat from floor to ceiling.It takes more BTU to heat a dry home, and your main heating system andother space heaters willreduce humidity. The dryer your home becomes the more heat you will need to get the same results. Ever notice how your whole house becomes warmer when you boil water for spaghetti? That's because you just added moisture to the air.Also, the patented quartz infrared heating element never gets to a temperature that can ignite anything, unlike some electric and fuel-operated space heaters.

Contact Fred Paschke, Mt. Carroll Home Center, at 815.244.1566 for more information.

Benefit For Jackie

Jackie (Grobe) Slifer has been a resident of Polo more than 30 years. You often can see her observing a sporting event. She has always been active in her children and grandchildren's activities. She is the mother of 5 living children Jeff Grobe, Hank Grobe, Mark Grobe, Pam Mohr, and Mary Jensen and 2 deceased children Donnie Grobe Jr. and Cindy Grobe. Jackie also has 12 grandkids & 7 great grandkids.

In August of 2007 Jackie was diagnosed with B- Cell Lymphoma (cancer) and underwent many surgeries along with chemotherapy. Currently she is in remission. Due to the overwhelming cost of her medical care her family is holding a benefit in her honor to help cover the cost of her ongoing treatment.

A Brisket/Pork Chop Dinner and Silent Auction to benefit Jackie will be held Saturday, November 1st, 2008 at the Polo Town Hall from 4:00 ­ 6:00 p.m. There will also be live music, featuring the band "Lyle Grobe and Friends."

Tickets are also being sold for a Raffle that will be held at Jeff's Ref's from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1st, 2008. Tickets are 1 for $5.00 or 3 for $10.00. (need not be present to win). $2,000.00 in cash prizes will be awarded. A separate auction of items such as sports memorabilia, sports tickets, etc., will be held that evening as well.

All proceeds go directly to Jackie (Grobe) Slifer. An account has been set-up in her name at First State Bank Shannon/Polo for anyone wanting to make a donation.

Mount Carroll City Council Briefs

By Kara Brinkmeier

Prairie Advocate Reporter

The town is preparing of this year's Halloween Happenings. So far, planned events include a Teen Party to take place on Saturday, October 18 from 3-5 pm in Point Rock Park Band Shell. The event will be free. There will be music and food provided. The event will be chaperoned. Other events include two magic shows to be held on Saturday, October 25 at the Community House, and a hayrack ride around town to several historical sites.

Blacktopping on Benton Street should be completed this week, weather permitting, and sidewalk work will begin on Jackson Street the following week.

The Mount Carroll Police Department is receiving a new squad car in early November. The car is an early 2000 Ford Crown Victoria.

Elkay donated a new drinking fountain to be installed on the first floor of City Hall.

The town will be receiving a new backhoe and snow blower for the city cemetery.

Because of safety issues with the Old Stone House at the north edge of town, a permanent fence will be built around the remains of the building very soon if the construction of the fence has not already been completed.

Finally, a reminder that Fall Clean Day is Friday, October 10.

Dambman Service Recognized By Vermeer

Vermeer Corporation announced last week that one of the newer additions to the Vermeer family, Dambman Service Inc., of Milledgeville, IL, attended a Sales Meeting on September 5-6 and has taken the first steps to becoming a dealer with Vermeer Corporation, a Pella, IA based-agricultural and industrial equipment company.

Pictured from left to right are: Mark Core, VP of Vermeer Forage Solutions,Curt Dambman, and Rich Sargent of Dambman Service, Inc.

Vermeer celebrated its 60th Anniversary this year, and Dambman Service Inc. was recognized at the Anniversary Celebration by the son and daughter of Gary Vermeer, Bob Vermeer, Chairman and CEO, and Mary Andringa, President and CEO. (Photo courtesy of Vermeer Corp.)

22nd Annual "Northwest Sports Hall of Fame Banquet"

The 22nd annual "Northwest Sports Hall of Fame Banquet" will be held on Saturday October 18th at Buck's Barn, north of Thomson. The evening will begin with cocktails at 5:45 pm, dinner will be served at 6:30 pm, with the program to follow. 2008 inductees include the late Karen Benson of Forreston, the late Eric Ottens of Fulton, Galena's Don Curley, Duane Kloepping of Lanark, Rod Schrader of Le-Win, Milledgeville's Brian Rahn, Mitch Edlund of Morrison, Brian Reusch of Savanna, Savanna's John Shimp and Ryan Giedd of Shannon. Reservations for the banquet are a must, and may be made by calling Buck's Barn at 815-259-8278. This year's honor teams are the '86/'87 & '87/'88 Milledgeville volleyball teams and the 2002/2003 Mt. Carroll boy's basketball team that finished 32-2 as state runner-up in Class A.

Friends of Chadwick Library Meeting

The Friends of Chadwick Library will meet on Wednesday October 15th at 2 p.m. at the library. Even if you have never attended a meeting of the Friends, please feel welcome to do so this Wednesday. New members are always welcome. Phone the library at 815-684-5215 for further information.

NARFE Meeting Notice

Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their monthly meeting at noon Thursday October 18 at the House of Events in Savanna. A luncheon buffet will be available at noon for those who wish to eat. The business meeting and program will follow at 1:00. There will be a guest speaker of interest to everyone. Don't let the goblins keep you away! Come and get involved in your future-NARGE. All active and retired federal employees, spouses and survivors are cordially invited.

Living History at Apple River Fort compliments area craft fairs

People who are accompanying craft fair fans in northwestern Illinois can enjoy an added attraction this year with a Living History weekend being held Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12 at Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois. The event is free and open to the public, and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

The event invites adventurous visitors to go back in time with persons portraying 1830s settlers and to enjoy the fall colors around the Fort. An interpreter demonstrating gunsmithing is one of the new attractions this year.

"Visitors are welcome to enjoy a fall weekend in Elizabeth," said Apple River Fort Interim Site Manager Dan Tindell. "Join us in the 'past lane' as we look into our rich heritage, and experience a simpler time in history."

Apple River Fort Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (www.Illinois-History.gov), is a reconstruction of the 1830s civilian fort that was the site of a battle between Black Hawk's Sauk warriors and Apple River settlers during the Black Hawk War. It is located along U.S. Route 20 in Elizabeth, Illinois and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free public tours. For more information, call (815) 858-2028.