Renewable and alternative energies focus of Economic Summit

The Jo Daviess County Office of Economic Development announces its upcoming economic summit to be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at Woodbine Bend, 3500 E. Center Road, Woodbine, IL. Highlighting the event is a panel discussion entitled "Economic Development in a Post-Petroleum World", which will feature speakers from renewable and alternative energy producers in the region.

"We're very excited about hosting this first economic summit," states Economic Development Director Pat Leitzen Fye. "The topic of how we function as a local and regional economy in the face of global changes that impact our petroleum usage ­ especially in an agricultural county like ours ­ is both fascinating and timely." The summit is designed, Leitzen Fye states, to serve as both a forum for educating residents about the renewable energy efforts in the Northwest Illinois region and how those efforts will change our economy, but also as an opportunity to learn about the activities taking place in economic development in the county over the past couple of years.

"We've been busy!" says Leitzen Fye, adding that the county board is eager to inform county residents about efforts taking place from East Dubuque to Stockton, Scales Mound to Hanover. "Across the entire county, I've been fortunate to work with motivated, concerned elected officials, staff and volunteers all with the same purpose ­ to grow and diversify our economy. I'm looking forward to sharing our efforts and progress with attendees."

The panel discussion, to be moderated by the Jo Daviess Leadership Forum Director and Highland College faculty member Alan Wenzel, will be followed by a keynote address over lunch, from John Diesch, President of Rentech Energy Midwest. Panelists will include representatives from Rentech, Adkins Energy (ethanol), Blackhawk Bio-Fuels (bio-diesel), Eco-Energy (wind), and Jo-Carroll Energy. In addition, the panel will include Bob Skurla of Freeport Area Economic Development Foundation and Lee Trotter from the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to discuss incentives and government support, and Steve Simpson, Highland College Science instructor who will address questions of science and the environment.

Check-in for the summit begins at 8:00 a.m. with coffee & rolls. Program begins at 8:30 a.m. Keynote address will follow the main program at noon. Cost of the summit is $20 which includes all refreshments, lunch and materials. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited to the first 100 to register. Please call 815.777.6557 (Jo Daviess County Administrator) or 815.233.1350 (Freeport Area Economic Development Foundation) for more information or to register. The brochure and registration form will also be available online at www.jodaviess.org/economicdevelopment.

"This is a an event that is sure to be of interest to everyone who lives, works, drives or farms in Jo Daviess County. We all depend on energy and we all need to learn what the future of renewable energy brings." Leitzen Fye said.

Post-harvest agronomy update

Are you wondering what rate of Nitrogen to use for next year's corn or wheat crop? Did your corn hybrids and soybean varieties stack up with others in the area? Are you pondering which crop insurance products to use? Which insect and disease pests might you need to scout for next year? Will soybean rust be a problem next year? If you are asking yourself these or other questions about next year's crops you should attend the "Northern Illinois Agronomy Update" at Oregon in the Ogle County Farm Bureau Auditorium on the morning of November 15. Registration will begin at 8:15 AM and the seminar will run from 8:30 AM-Noon.

University of Illinois Extension Educators Jim Morrison, Dave Feltes, and Jim Endress along with Unit Educators Greg Clark and Bill Lindenmier will present recent research to help you with these decisions. This half-day seminar is packed with information for producers as well as Certified Crop Advisors and ag related business people. Two and one-half CCA continuing education units have been applied for.

The Ogle County Farm Bureau building is located at 421 W. Pines Road on the south side of Oregon. There is a fee to cover handouts. Call U of I Extension (815) 732-2191 or e-mail Bill Lindenmier at lindenb@uiuc.edu for a brochure, more information or to register.

From the Fields

Prepared by: Jim Morrison , Extension Educator, Crop Systems, Rockford Extension Center, University of Illinois

Phone 815-397-7714, Email morrison@uiuc.edu

Surface topdressing or cap-off application of an insecticide is an option for insect control in stored corn. If the grain mass has not been treated, this type of application of a protectant insecticide is effective against insects that feed at the grain surface. Actellic, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Diacon II, and diatomaceous earth may be applied to corn and incorporated into the top 4 to 6 inches of the grain mass by raking. Actellic, Diacon II, and diatomaceous earth are labeled for use against all of the insects that infest stored grain. Bt products are effective against Indianmeal moth larvae (worm stage). Dichlorvos resin strips may be hung in the bin headspace as a further deterrent to Indianmeal moth infestation. Diacon II contains an insect-growth regulator and it prevents the normal growth and maturation of immature insects. However, it does not kill adult insects and, therefore, may not be as effective as needed in many situations. Diatomaceous earth is an abrasive and slightly sorptive dust that damages an insect's body covering. Death is caused by dehydration. Annual rotation of stored corn, shipping out old corn and replacing it with the new crop each year, helps avoid buildup of insect infestations. Where annual rotation is practiced, topdress application of Bt (for Indianmeal moth) or Actellic applied in April or May usually provides adequate control without treating the entire grain mass.

Further information on insect pest management for stored grain can be found in the 2007 Illinois Agricultural Pest Management Handbook. Local University of Illinois Extension offices can facilitate you getting a copy.

Identify and Remove Buckthorn Now

Season to remove unwanted plants

Fall can be a good time to identify and remove buckthorn plants, since they tend to stay green later in the fall than many similar shrubs. It also is a good time for removal since the areas they tend to prefer to grow in may be easier to maneuver in and around while other plants are dormant. Non-native buckthorn plants have been known to be a problem in wooded and other natural areas for a number of years, due to their competitive nature.

"In the past few years, it also has been found to be an alternate host to the soybean aphid, a field crop pest," says John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Natural Resources in Rockford. The aphids feed on soybean plants and can cause stunting and reduce pod set, which means lower yields. It has been determined that at least two types of the exotic buckthorn plants are overwintering hosts for the aphids. Researchers are continuing research on the types of buckthorn that act as hosts and their typical distribution. Buckthorn plants themselves do not invade soybean fields, but can be common around field edges.

In natural areas, exotic buckthorn species shade or crowd out native vegetation. When desirable plants are lost, bare soil is often exposed and susceptible to excessive erosion, especially on slopes and near streams and rivers. The competitive plants can choke out shrubs, which can reduce food supplies for wildlife and create dense barriers for humans and animals to travel through.

Mechanical removal where plants are sparse, such as individual plants along field edges, is the most expedient and environmentally friendly method. Dig, pull or chop the plants out of the ground. Buckthorn pulls out most easily up to 3/8 inch diameter. Buckthorn doesn't re-sprout from underground roots, however, cut stumps re-sprout. Foliage on re-sprouting stumps can be treated with foliar sprays or with fire for several growing seasons. Plants that are cut can also have the stump treated with herbicide, which has provided successful control. Researchers at the Illinois Natural History Survey indicate that regular prescribed burning may be especially helpful for areas with abundant numbers of plants. Proper burning permits and safety control measures should be in place before burning.

For further information on control, identification or related topics on buckthorn or the soybean aphid, contact the local University of Illinois Extension office. Related websites include www.ipm.uiuc.edu/fieldcrops/insects/soybean_aphids, www.glifwc.org/invasives, and www.inhs.uiuc.edu/chf/outreach/VMG/buckthorn.html.

Boland helps to raise wages for homecare workers

SPRINGFILED ­ State Rep. Mile Boland (D-East Moline) and the Illinois House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill this month that would provide higher wages and health care coverage to workers who provide services to the sick, elderly and disabled at their homes.

"Our homecare workers deserve to be well compensated for the important services they provide," said Boland, a co-sponsor of the bill. "These are skilled workers who take care of our friends and family members. As the baby-boomer generation ages, homecare workers will be come even more essential in our state. We should start working now to attract and retain qualified workers by offering higher wages and better health care options."

Under House Bill 4144, the Department on Aging would receive $64,200,000 for the purpose of improving the wages of homecare workers and providing them with health insurance coverage options. The appropriation will fund a $1 increase in the workers hourly wage rate, which currently averages around $7.80 per hour. Also included in the appropriation is an increase of $1.33 per hour for each worker to be distributed to homecare venders so they are better able to provide health insurance coverage to their employees.

HB 4144 is expected to raise the wages of almost 18,000 homecare workers in Illinois. Studies conducted by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) have shown that higher wages and improved health insurance benefits will help the homecare vendors reduce employee turnover and held retain the experienced and skilled workers they greatly need.

"I am proud that through this bill we were able to make real progress in providing health care to more hardworking Illinoisans," Boland said. "It makes no sense not to provide health coverage to the very people that ensure the health and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our community. I urge the governor to show his commitment to this issue by signing this bill into law as soon as possible.

HB 4144 passed the House Representatives 105-0 and the Senate 56-1, and is waiting for approval from the governor. For more information, please contact Boland's constituent service office at 309-736-3360.

Miller named Work of the Month

Rolling Hills Staff has selected Vern Miller of Savanna as October's Worker of the Month.

Vern's selection is based on several qualities that make Vern stand out as this month's winner:

· Vern has demonstrated an excellent attendance record. He is present almost every day.

· Vern's production rate is steady and his work quality is always excellent.

· Everyone will attest that Vern is pleasant and cooperative.

· Vern is another great example of one working beyond retirement age. He's a good role model for staying active and energetic.

In recognition of being named October Work of the Month, Vern received a $25 check, a Worker of the Month certificate and will have his name and picture posted in the main hallways at plant #1 and #2.

DeGraffs 50th anniversary

Lew and Betty DeGraff celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family members on June 29, 2007 at the Forest Inn Supper Club, Morrison.

Lewis R. DeGraff and Betty J. Young were married June 16, 1957 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Forreston, by Rev. Fred Heckathorn.

They are the parents of Deborah (Steve) Edwards of Salisbury, MO and the late Darrell (Bobbi) DeGraff of Milledgeville. They have five grandchildren, Aaron, Cole and Megan Edwards of Salisbury, MO and Samantha and Justin DeGraff of Milledgeville.

Betty is retired from teaching after 30 years and Lew is still engaged in farming, breeding and raising Registered Angus Cattle now in his 52nd year. He is, also, an agent with the First Class Insurance Agency, Milledgeville.

West Carroll FFA recognized at convention

West Carroll FFA members Kaiti Mathey, Kayla Wilson, Megan Appel, Blaise Schaley, Beccah Yuswak, Danielle McIntyre, Richard Houzenga, Ryan Atherton, Cody Carson, and Jason Bogue recently attended the 80th National FFA Convention held this year from October 23 to October 27 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The theme of the convention was "Blue Jackets, Bright Futures." The group rode with other local FFA members on a Wiersema charter bus and stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Inn Northwest.

The week started out touring the Dow AgroSciences Research and Development Laboratory, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum, and the National FFA Center. The group attended many FFA convention related events: the agriculture booths for the FFA National Agricultural Career Show; listening to the keynote speaker, Rick Rigsby in the opening session; enjoying a concert by Danielle Peck and featured artist Montgomery Gentry; retiring addresses were given by Kacy Baugher, National FFA Secretary from Illinois, Janette Barnard, Western Region Vice President, and Jamie Cecil, Central Region Vice President. The final evening featured keynote speaker Henry Winkler, most notably the "Fonz," from the TV show "Happy Days."

The West Carroll FFA members were also recognized on stage for its 3-star National rating on its FFA Program of Activities for the previous year 2006-2007. And, before departing on Saturday they witnessed the American FFA Degree Pageant.

Coming events for the West Carroll FFA would be the Blood Drive from 9 am­3 pm November 2 in the High School gym where walk-ins were welcome, and the Section #1 FFA Crops Judging CDE scheduled to start at 5:30 pm November 7 at Eastland High School.

Veteran's honored in Thomson

The West Carroll Intermediate School will present their annual Veteran's Day program on November 9, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in the Intermediate school gymnasium in Thomson. The general public, Veterans, and all active duty and reserve military personnel are invited too attend the program. Admission is free.

The guest speaker for the program is Master Sergeant David Merriman of the National Guard 1644th Transportation Unit of Rock Falls. He and his unit are veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The students will be performing the theme song of each branch of the military, and student speakers will be presenting a short history of each military branch. A choir-chime ensemble will be performing "America the Beautiful" and will feature everyone in the audience and the school in a performance of "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin. The honor guards of the American Legion and VFW of Mount Carroll, Savanna, and Thomson will also be present to present our nation's colors during the National Anthem, "Pledge of Allegiance," and the honoring of the nation's fallen during a performance of "Taps."

If you need direction or have questions regarding the program you may contact WCIS music teacher Mr. Mark Bressler at 815-259-2736 ext. 142.

UWP's Chamber Choir to perform in Milledgeville

PLATTEVILLE ­ On Nov. 15 and 16, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Chamber Choir, directed by Robert Demaree, will be going on their yearly tour of high schools. This year, they will also be stopping to give a concert to the public in Milledgeville, at the Trinity Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15.

This year's tour will include six different schools in Illinois: River Ridge High School, Stockton High School, Milledgeville High School, Chadwick Middle School, Sterling High School and Moline High School. Repertoire for these concerts and the public performance includes a Bach motet, four pieces by Eric Whittacre, texts by Tony Silvestri and several spirituals.

Two students in the Chamber Choir have roots in Milledgeville: Heidi Weber and Tiffany Skinner.

"What's cool is being able to bring my whole choir 'home,'" says Weber. "I've become really close with a lot of these people, and now they'll be able to see what is such a big part of me: my hometown, my school and my farm. But what's even better is that my entire family will be able to come and hear us. My grandpa has never been able to come to my choir concerts, and now I have the opportunity to bring my choir to him. That in itself is probably the best present I could give him."

From a young age, Weber has been asked to sing for events in her hometown: from grand stand events at the county fair to weddings and funerals. Music seems to run in the family, too; Weber's mother, Margo, is the high school choir director of Milledgeville.

"She's an amazing pianist, and her choirs and ensembles have always been exceptional," says Weber.

Skinner is a member of both UWP's Coro d'Angeli and Chamber Choir. She also plays clarinet in Symphonic Wind Ensemble and tenor saxophone in the Pioneer Pep Band. When she first came to UWP, she was uncertain about joining any of the singing groups, but the support of several of her music professors changed her mind.

"With the encouragement of Greg Dennis and Bob Demaree, I had my placement hearing and ended up changing my major in the first week of school," says Skinner. "They have both been behind me 100 percent of the way, and without them I wouldn't be singing here at UWP."

Weber, the daughter of Bill and Margo Weber, is a communication technologies major with an emphasis in public relations, and minors in agribusiness and music. She anticipates graduating in December 2007.

Skinner, the daughter of Jim and Sandy Skinner, is a music business major with an emphasis in vocal music (non-teaching). She anticipates graduating in May 2010.

There will be a concert at 7 pm Nov. 15 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Milledgeville, it is free and open to the public.

(Article courtesy of Kym Bliven, UWP Public Relation)

Park and bluff area's closed during hunting season

Mississippi Palisades State Park and French Bluff Natural Area ­ Reminder: During the 2007 Firearm Deer Hunting Season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will close the hunting area, parking areas, trail heads, and roads leading into the hunting areas at Mississippi Palisades State Park and French Bluff Natural Area (Carroll County) to all

non-hunters on the following dates: Mississippi Palisades State Park ­ will close for the first segment of the firearm deer season - November 16, 17, 18.

French Bluff Natural Area ­ will close for three firearm deer segments: November 16, 17, 18; November 29, 30 and December 1, 2; and Muzzleloader season ­ December 7, 8, 9.

Hunting hours for both sites are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Stand-by hunting is not offered at Mississippi Palisades State Park. Fore additional information, contact the Mississippi Palisades State Park Office at: 815-273-2731.

No boos allowed

Manny's Pizza in Savanna was the backdrop October 26 as 105 youth enjoyed pizza, pop and dancing, all for a purpose: To provide a safe alcohol free activity for area teens. The vent was jointly sponsored by the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Coalition (EUDL) and the Carroll County Student Board.

"In addition to the pizza, 50 door prizes were donated from local businesses," said EUDL Site Coordinator Freddie Preston. "Local businesses were very generous and virtually all of them said yes when they were asked to contribute a door prize or donate a small sum towards the costume contest." Preston added, "Our local businesses are the best and I hope people remember that generosity and shop locally."

Park and bluff area's closed during hunting season

Mississippi Palisades State Park and French Bluff Natural Area ­ Reminder: During the 2007 Firearm Deer Hunting Season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will close the hunting area, parking areas, trail heads, and roads leading into the hunting areas at Mississippi Palisades State Park and French Bluff Natural Area (Carroll County) to all

non-hunters on the following dates: Mississippi Palisades State Park ­ will close for the first segment of the firearm deer season - November 16, 17, 18.

French Bluff Natural Area ­ will close for three firearm deer segments: November 16, 17, 18; November 29, 30 and December 1, 2; and Muzzleloader season ­ December 7, 8, 9.

Hunting hours for both sites are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Stand-by hunting is not offered at Mississippi Palisades State Park. Fore additional information, contact the Mississippi Palisades State Park Office at: 815-273-2731.

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