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Letters to the Editor

OMG! Illinois Got ‘Borked’

Ah yes, thank you 3 County Quinn, Speaker Madigan, outgoing Mike Boland, et al. You have thoroughly and completely “Borked” (verb – meaning attacked, systematically) Illinoisan’s with your lame duck, 11th hour. behind locked doors, in the middle of the night vote to increase our income and corporate taxes. Does anyone see a trend here? Have our own self-serving General Assembly members learned valuable lessons from the disingenuous democrats in Washington DC? Yes they did!

Are our resident democrats smarter than 5th graders? This constituent says NO! If they were “smarter than a 5th grader” they would have known that hiking up income and corporate taxes would only reduce the level of income to the State, thus increasing our deficit problems. Past experience has proved this, but once again, the mindset of our liberal, tax, spend and lie about it democrats was the order of the day (or should I say night?). Those outgoing members could not stick it to Illinois quick enough. How shameful? It is so shameful that Wisconsin’s new Governor and Attorney General have graciously invited Illinoisan’s and businesses into their lower taxed State and offered an additional 2 years of tax credits.

Thankfully, we have some newly elected/re-elected brave souls in our General Assembly that are already working on a repeal of HB 2505. Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) has sponsored SB 78 and on the House side we have Michael Connelly –(R-Naperville) sponsoring HB 175. I encourage all Illinoisan’s to get involved in the full repeal of HB 2505 by calling and showing your support to these fine men who care about the paychecks of the people of this state. Mr. Murphy can be reached at: Springfield or Palatine, and Mr. Connelly can be reached at: Springfield or Naperville.

Illinois faces a huge budget deficit thanks to our democratically controlled G.A. These corruptocrats have run our state into bankruptcy by pandering to the special interest lobbyists, and union thugs. What should be happening right now in Springfield is for our “leaders” to look at all spending and cut it in a dramatic way, namely unfunded pensions! What should be happening is a lot of hard work to bring Illinois back into a business friendly state of being, instead of being 47th out of 50. What they should be doing is voting to make Illinois a Right to Work state.

What they should be doing is joining the other 26 states that have filed lawsuits against the federal government declaring Obamacare unconstitutional and demanding that our state not be required to support and supply money to yet another unfunded mandate by the feds. They should be ordering Little Miss Lisa Madigan to lead the charge, drawing up the motions to challenge Obamacare.

Sadly, none of the above is happening, so for now we can support Matt Murphy and Michael Connelly in their efforts to repeal HB 2505. Then perhaps we can support them in filing the necessary paperwork to repeal 3 County Quinn. We voted to amend our Constitution, now it is up to us to make sure what we voted for works in Illinois’ favor.

Kathy Hood

Stephenson County Tea Party

From the Heart

In a scene from “The Blind Side” Michael informs the mom- who has just given him his own room in the family home- that this is the first time he has had his own bed. It may be hard to believe that many children do not have their own beds, but that does not make it less true. A former CASA client recently described his moves from foster home to foster home, until his CASA advocate interceded and he is now in a stable and permanent home.

The mission of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is to speak up in court on behalf of children who have been neglected or abused. Judges, advocates, family members all want children to be part of a loving family and strive to achieve that goal.

There is a continuing need for advocates – volunteers who review the case assigned them, consult with the child, family members, teachers, and any other person involved in the child’s life. After making the contacts, advocates prepare reports that are presented to the judge on the case. These reports assist the judge with his/her decision regarding the placement of the child.

Early this spring, CASA will offer a training class for persons who would like to become advocates. If you are interested please, call .

In the meantime, the annual Lee County CASA bowl-a-thon will be held Sunday, January 30, (noon – 3) at Plum Hollow Recreation Center in Dixon.

The Rochelle Rotary Club’s “From the Heart” event is on February 4. The committee has named Ogle County CASA as one of the 2011 beneficiaries.

As you lay in your warm bed tonight, be mindful that there are people, especially children-that may not be in their own beds. Be grateful for the professionals and volunteers who work to have children living with families who love them and provide their basic needs. Please consider what you might do to help.

Judy Truckenbrod

CASA – 15th Judicial Circuit

Board of Directors

Give Blood Today

As a strong supporter of the American Red Cross and the hospitals and patients it serves, I would like your readers to be aware of the effect that severe winter weather throughout much of the country has had on the blood supply.

More than 14,000 blood and platelet donations have been cancelled by the inclement weather since January 1. As a national system, the Red Cross was able to move blood products from unaffected areas to ensure patient needs could be met. But now the blood supply needs to be replenished by all eligible donors.

There is a critical need for donors now. All blood types are needed, especially type O negative. Type O negative is always in high demand because it can be transfused to any patient, regardless of their blood type, especially in emergency situations.

The Red Cross urges all eligible donors in unaffected areas to make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the coming days, and those in affected areas as soon as travel is safe, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-) or visiting redcrossblood.org. For those of you in the Freeport area, our next local blood drive is February 4, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church on Pearl City Road just west of Freeport. To sign up, call our Blood Services Representative, Bev Kruse, at (815) 443-2304.

The need for blood is constant. Approximately every two seconds a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Please give.

Sincerely,

Diana Roemer

Executive Director

American Red Cross | Northwest Illinois Chapter

Lanark’s 150th Committee Says ‘Thanks’

Dear Lanark Community,

Many Lanark area people will long remember how they celebrated New Year’s Eve 2010. The Lanark Fire Department and the Sesquicentennial committee hosted a very special evening with the sponsorship and help of businesses, clubs, individuals and many willing workers.

Events for the evening included a soup and BBQ supper served by the Fire Dept Cadets and FFA. A silent auction supported the Fire Department and a raffle of 2 half hogs donated by Chris Lower. Thanks to Chief Dan Shaulis, and committee for all your hard work on behalf of the department to revive an old tradition.

The Sesquicentennial committee hosted a table of commemorative collectibles for sale and sold raffle tickets for the one-of-kind hand-made quilt created by the Lake Carroll Quilters Club. Raffle tickets are still available for $1.00 each or 6 for $5 at the Special Touch and Public Library. The winner will be announced on Sunday June 26. Crocks, potholders, toothpick holders, banks, mouse pads and bookmarks are just a few items offered at the present time in a display at the Special Touch.

Lanark’s Got Talent kicked off the entertainment events with hosts being Jeannine Kaylor, Lance Leverton and Andrew Williamson. Highlighting the evening was the introduction of the Lanark Fire Department. A hearty round of applause thanked the men and women who serve and protect our community. Live entertainment featuring Just Jamz with Amy Milby providing music for dancing.

Just before the stroke of midnight the crowd adjourned to the Eastland parking lot to enjoy the Ball Drop sponsored by the Lanark Community Club and Meador Ag Service at the parking lot of Eastland Motor Sports. Thanks to the generous support of Exchange State Bank and Eastland Fabrication for sponsorship of the great midnight fireworks! What a bang up way to start off the 150th celebration.

The Sesquicentennial steering committee continues to work on the soon to be published cookbook titled Lanark’s 150th~A Celebration of People, Partnerships and Progress. Recipe forms are still available at the Lanark Library. Make sure your family is represented in this cookbook that will include Lanark history by our town historian Caralee Aschenbrenner. February 15th is the deadline to submit your recipes from the past or present. Comments are encouraged about your family heritage, business ownership and fond stories about Lanark events or people.

Another item of business the steering committee will address at the February 3, 5:30pm meeting in the fireplace room of the Methodist Church is the publication of a historical book. Your photographs, diaries, memorabilia and Lanark ephemeral items will be valuable contributions to this project. E-mail to offer your help or documents.

The calendar is going to be packed with great events all year long so mark these dates so you are available: May 14-Quilt Show at Heritage Center by the Lake Carroll Quilters Club, June 23-Taste of Lanark, June 24-26-Old Settlers Days, August 19-21-Lanark Thresher Days.

Many many more events are planned so keep watching the Prairie Advocate News and www,pacc-news.com, proud sponsors of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

A successful year long celebration takes many willing workers, so volunteer today to make the 150th birthday of Lanark truly a memorable year.

Sincerely,

Lanark Sesquicentennial Steering Committee

Can You Hear Me Now?

When I heard the State of the Union speech, I’m pretty sure I detected a lot of references to “investment”, which is code-speak for “spending”. While I heard the President’s speech clearly, it seems he did not hear the American people. So, we will say, once more, with feeling: “STOP SPENDING!” If President Obama can find ways to improve education while cutting education spending, I’ll be right at his side. If his energy research will reduce the current boondoggle energy spending, I’ll be right at his side. In fact, I’ll be with the President on any spending cuts, but I thought we spoke pretty clearly: spending “freezes” are totally unacceptable, and spending increases are “Dead On Arrival” in the House. How must we phrase it for President Obama to understand?

My granddaughter was born owing $43,407, with time payments for an additional $355,969. (Old numbers, see http://usdebtclock.org/ for the current numbers.) Our generation created this debt, and we WILL NOT pass it on. Can you hear us now?

Although I liked the President’s reference to salmon (I recently spent a day as a government-regulated salmon – another story!), in general, I thought Paul Ryan’s speech was vastly better at actually addressing the nation’s problems. It was not an eloquent speech, delivered from a rather drab committee room, and Congressman Ryan was discussing subjects some apparently don’t think need to be discussed, but his speech pretty clearly illustrated his knowledge and grasp of complex issues, as well as his acute hearing. He heard us.

I think Mr. Ryan will do well as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, and look forward to two years of angry non-cooperation, as no big spenders (including the President) will be able to spend one thin dime without Ryan’s input. Madison and the boys did good with that whole thing about spending originating in the House. Is it possible they heard us 200 years before we spoke? Or could it be that finally, through the mists of time, we hear them now?

“I, however, place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared.” - Thomas Jefferson, 1816.

Terry Smith

Lanark

Morrison, Keep On Coming!

Keep on coming! I was glad to see another “full house” at the Morrison City Council Meeting on Jan. 24, 2011. With 5 council members present there was a quorum (enough to hold the meeting).

Bills payable were ONLY $48,973.58!!!! That was quite a drop from last month! The Sport Complex electric bill was $1,073.03-Yowzer! US Bank received $3,601.74 for an interest payment from Series 208 Debt Certificate. Deerview Condominium Association got $837.02 for a 12 month reimbursement-I think for street lighting. Since the credit card for the city got cancelled when Tim Long left, $250 was reimbursed to Mayor Drey because he paid for publishing ads for new city administrator. New credit cards are being issued-I am not sure who gets a city credit card-but will try to find out.

Gary Tresenriter asked the Council to think about purchasing a used 1996 Vactor (used for cleaning sewers, sewer backups, manholes, catch basins and during water main repair) from Rock Falls for $35,000. He stated the one Morrison has needs to be replaced. If Morrison passes this one up at this price they may pay much more at a later date. It will be voted on at the next council meeting.

The Revolving Loan Fund is in the “BIG POT” called General Funds. Wouldn’t it make sense to separate it out of the big pot into its own bowl to have the funds accessible to Morrison businesses now? The Mayor is waiting on direction from the DCEO on how to handle the fund and how to track it.

Sarah Thorndike is working with the building code committee. She said it is hard work. They are responsible for setting new fees for building permits, dealing with safety requirements and much more.

The committee is asking for one set of the International Building Code books (they are very expensive) since the set they were using was Pete Whiting’s and it left with him.

No incumbents are running for the Morrison City Council April 5. These people are running: Ward 1: Michael Blean; Ward 2: Leo Sullivan and Nancy Riggen; Ward 3: Martha (Marti) Wood—that’s right-it’s me; Ward 4: Ronald Kallermeyn. There will be new faces and ideas brought to the table. I am hoping we can “Get Morrison back on track and in the black”. I know it won’t happen overnight. It will take a lot of work and thought on everyone’s part. I have been at City Hall doing my own research to get a grasp on things before I actually am on the council (since I am running unopposed). I am looking forward to working with the Mayor and Council members who are still on board. We will learn a lot from each other.

The next Morrison City Council meeting is February 14 at 7:00 pm at city hall. Let’s pack the house-know what is going on in “Your town” firsthand.

Quote of the week: The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket. (Author Unknown)

A Morrison Taxpayer

Marti Wood

Attention Hanover Residents

I am nearing the completion of a new book titled, “Who Was Who II of Hanover.” This book will contain short bios of everyone from Hanover who has died after February 1980. This is the date when the first “Who Was Who” was sent to the printers.

I have mailed out over 300 letters looking for information and I have received back many responses, but I still have some who have not returned any information. For those who have not had a chance to gather all of the information I had requested, I ask that you send back whatever information you may have in the SASE that I had enclosed. PLEASE help me, help you, make you family history more complete.

Anyone can view this work in progress by going to any search engine and typing in “Who Was Who II of Hanover, Illinois.” This should pull up a PDF file that contains about 240 pages of information. Or you can go to www.granthome.com, when that homepage appears, scroll down on the left hand side until you come to where it reads “Who Was Who II of Hanover, Illinois.”

My goal is to keep the memory alive of everyone from my hometown and to make this book as complete and error free as possible. So, PLEASE let me know of ANY errors or omissions. You can contact me at or Terry Miller, 117 Kelly Lane, Galena, Illinois 61036 or .

Terry Miller

Galena, IL

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

If you sent them money once, shame on them. If you’ve sent them money more than once, shame on you. You should have checked them out.

I’m referring to HSUS, the Humane Society of the United States. I’ve written of them before and the appeal they have for your money. Over the Christmas Holidays their ads were everywhere. Beaten down dogs, one eyed cats (and of course it was a big sad eye), and a lame, old, starved, and debilitated horse. And you, the concerned citizen, could fix all of this for a mere $19.00 per month sent to them to help care for these beaten, downtrodden animals.

Had you taken the time to do the research, you would have learned that the $19.00 per month translates to $228.00 per year and of that $228.00 total sum, $1.03 would have reached an actual hands-on animal shelter. By comparison, HSUS had 555 employees and paid them $37.8 million in 2008. This includes over $2.5 million contributed to employee pension plans. HSUS’ chief executive, Wayne Pacelle, made just over $251,000 in salary and benefits.

This agency just must receive closer scrutiny. Using Ohio as an example, “HSUS made zero donations to Ohio pet shelters in 2007 and 2008 and gave just $5,200 in 2006. This year, however, the organization is gearing up to spend millions of dollars in Ohio on the anti livestock farming ballot initiative.” (The Center for Consumer Freedom, not your local Humane Society, go to humane watch.org.)

My blood boils when I see you, the consumer, bilked out of your hard earned money by appealing to your sense of compassion and kindness. No one wants to see an animal starved and we all get a good feeling sending that money to such a noble cause. What a travesty!

The good news is the IRS has been investigating HSUS for over two years. Compounding the problem of completing their investigation, the IRS has never had to deal with allegations of tax fraud by a “public charity” as large and as complex as the HSUS.

You can help. Contact the United States Treasury Inspector General at (press 5) and respectfully request that case number 55-1005-0025-C be brought to conclusion.

Most importantly, give your money to shelters in your area and don’t ever be sucked in by these predators.

Community Forum

As always, you can reach me, Sally or Barb at or e-mail us at . You can also visit my website at www.jimsacia.com. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you.

 

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