More Important News

West Carroll FFA Members Wins Section #1 FFA Proficiency Awards

The West Carroll FFA Chapter won 14 FFA Proficiency Award areas at the Section #1 FFA Proficiency Awards CDE held on February 13 at Pearl City High School.

To compete for an FFA Proficiency Award each FFA member must complete at least one SAE Record book, type an evaluation form, and interview in front of a panel of judges. The judges select the winner by combining the scores of the SAE record books and the interview.

Special thank you to West Carroll judges Don Metz, Fred Tipton and Andrew Durward for volunteering their time to help judge at the CDE.

The winners of each SAE area now advance to the District I FFA Proficiency Awards held at Geneseo High School on March 13.

Carroll County Leadership Roundtable

A diverse group of individuals gathered at the Lake Carroll Clubhouse for a retreat to kick off the 2013 Carroll County Leadership Roundtable sponsored by Highland Community College and Tri-County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA). Some of the costs have also been covered by a USDA grant.

The group consisted of people who live and work in the county: Elizabeth Chambers, Photography By Elly, Mt. Carroll; Angie Field, Mirror-Democrat, Mt. Carroll; John Huggins, Carroll County CEDS Chairman, Lanark; Patricia Johnson, Johnson Creek Hardwoods, Mt. Carroll; Bruce Lally, Driftless Area Stillroom, Mt. Carroll; Craig Mathers, Superintendent, West Carroll School District; Paul Skoog, Compliance Sign, Chadwick; Mathew Toland, Campbell Center, Mt. Carroll; and Cyndi Wiersema, Treasurer, City of Mt. Carroll.

The roundtable is being facilitated by Tim Hood, VP, Academic Services at Highland Community College and Russ Simpson, Director of Community Development for Jo-Carroll Energy.

During the two day retreat the participants learned about each other and the communities they represented. They learn some principal skills of good leadership. The group also brainstormed some of the key issues affecting the communities and the county as a whole.

The roundtable will meet monthly for the rest of the year. Each meeting will be held in a different community and the discussion will focus on issues of that community.

Winners in the drawing for the 39 in. and 19 in. HD LCD flat screen TV’s at Lincoln Highway Gifts, located at 104 East Main, Morrison, are Kendra Vittitow (L) who won the 39” TV, and Jane Ann Ardapple, shown with her new 19” TV. (Courtesy of Susan Schuler)

Valentine’s Day Lunch

On Valentine’s Day, Big Meadows Nursing Home hosted a special Valentine’s Day Lunch open to couples married over 40 years. Ten couples attended this event, and one special couple, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Falls attended and celebrated their 60th anniversary with us! The longest married couple reside at Big Meadows and have been married over 65 years. Couples were treated to a special lunch inspired by the movie “Lady and the Tramp” of tossed salad, spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Couples were given candy and flowers to take with them. We would like to thank all the couples that attended this event and wish them many more happy and healthy years together.

Red Gate Embroidery Ribbon Cutting

Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce members gathered with owners, employees, and friends to celebrate a Ribbon Cutting Celebration for the Official Grand Opening and Anniversary for business owner, Karen Davis of Red Gate Embroidery on Friday, February 15th.

Red Gate Embroidery is a full service commercial embroidery shop for everything you need to promote your business, school or event. Advertising and promotional products with your logo or design, and personalized gift times for all occasions. Incorporating integrity in every stitch. Owner Karen Davis: 815-243-GATE (4283) inforge@redgateembroidery.com.

In attendance at the Red Gate Embroidery ribbon cutting is (L to R) Bob Hatheway Mount Carroll Chamber President and Catherine Pokropinski Mount Carroll Chamber Secretary (Holding the ribbon) with Randy Remrey, Jean Hutchison, DeeAnn Wilczynski, Vince Wilczynski, Amy Reeves, Owner Karen Davis with husband Jeff Davis, Laura Miller DeSpain Mount Carroll Marketing & Events Coordinator, FayEllen Sanetra, Ann Crouse, and John Pokropinski. (PA photo A. Williamson)

Chadwick FPD Appreciation Dinner

The Chadwick Fire Protection District held their Annual Firefigher’s Appreciation Dinner on Sat., Feb. 16th in Sterling.

There were approximately 45 in attendance. Following the meal, Chief Brad Aude made a presentation for the “Outstanding Volunteer Award”. This year’s recipient was Chadwick Manufacturing LTD. owned by Alan & Jake Smith in gratitude for allowing their employees to leave work for fire and ambulance calls as well as their support throughout the years.

A second plaque was awarded to Jake Smith in recognition of his years served as a trustee on the board. Jake has also served on the fire department for 36 years. Thank you, Jake!

Morrison Rotary Students of the Month

Morrison Rotary welcomed to their February 6 meeting Travis Keller and Madison Cromwell as February Students of the Month.

Madison is the daughter of Kerry and Erika Cromwell. Madison has participated in scholastic bowl and track as well as Key Club. She enjoys photography, art (drawing, sculpture), and dance (jazz, ballet, modern). She plans to attend a four year college with an emphasis in chemistry and biology and then to Medical School.

Travis is the son of Ritch Keller and Liz Hamilton. He plays football, basketball and baseball. He enjoys almost any sport, lifting weights, and hanging out with friends. He plans to attend Northern Illinois Univ. and major in Pre-law with his sights set on becoming a lawyer. (Courtesy of Morrison Rotary)

Keep your Friends Safe

West Carroll High School (WCHS) Operation Teen Safe Driving (OTSD) celebrated Valentines’ Day encouraging students to take the Friend’s Pledge. Pictured are Kelly Speaker, Kevin Atherton, and Natalie Comeau with one of the sheets of “Friends Pledges.”

Students pledge to drive safely so none of their friends will get hurt or die in a car crash. When they are a passenger, they pledge to speak up and defy peer pressure. Then they take their circle of friendship to the 10th power and get 10 friends to pledge too. Approximately 50 students signed pledges.

The OTSD grant is done through Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and is sponsored by WCHS and the Carroll County Substance Education Coalition (CCSEC).

Valentine’s Day with FLPL - Grand Opening Set for March 8-9

The Friends of the Lanark Public Library visited the residents of Good Samaritan Society in Mount Carroll on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2013. This is the second year for this event. Each resident received a gift of a quality book from their bookstore Twice-Sold Sales and a valentine. Adding to the festivities, there was a raffle, and Mary Sichta won a basket full of goodies including chocolate and a lottery ticket.

“I wish we had more Large Print Books,“ said Carol Kruzek, Vice President of the Friends and Co-Chair of Twice-Sold Tales. “We are told if their eyesight is bad they enjoy being read to or giving the books as gifts.”

Twice-Sold Tales recently moved and will have a Grand Opening on Friday, March 8th from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday, March 9th from 9 am to noon. It is now located in Special Touch/Unique Mall, 504 W. IL Rt. 64 in Lanark.

Carroll County Tax-Aide Program Going Strong

The Carroll County Senior Center is once again sponsoring the Tax-Aide program in Carroll County. There will be weekly tax sessions on Wednesday and Friday mornings until April 12. For an appointment, contact the Senior Center at 815-244-1800 or 866-214-1959 (toll-free). Taxpayers should bring all tax documents, proof of identity as well as a 2011 return. Property owners will need to show the amount of property tax paid as well as the Property ID number to receive credit on their Illinois return.

Tax-Aide begins the year with six new HP laptop computers. These were purchased through the contributions of Savanna Thomson State Bank, JoCarroll Energy, Mount Carroll Rotary Club, Joyce Morgan, Lester and Rita Mitchell, Jr., Herb Weinand, Casey’s General Stores, Mary Ann Hutchison, Michael and Patricia Johnson, Judy Scribner, Arthur Donart, Barbara Anderson, Carroll County Review, Mirror Democrat, Prairie Advocate News/www.pacc-news.com and the Savanna Times Journal.

Tax-Aide also welcomes several new volunteers. They include: Louise Kallemeyn, Lewis Lehnhardt, Judson Smith, Patsy Lehnhardt and Susan White.

Tax-Aide Counselors make every effort to assist taxpayers. This year they are able to assist Spanish speaking clients with the assistance of a bi-lingual counselor. Some situations are considered Out of Scope and will need a Paid Preparer. Such situations include business depreciation, rental income and expenses, complex capital gain/loss issues, trusts and farms.

AARP Tax-Aide program provides free tax assistance and preparation throughout the country to low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to seniors, age 60 and older. The Carroll County Senior Center joins the Internal Revenue Service and the AARP Foundation in offering this free tax assistance to the local community.

Carroll County Humane Society February Meeting

The Humane Society of Carroll County held its monthly meeting Wed the 13th of Feb. The group set up the budget for the year to come. As a group that tries to help with needs of the animals in Carroll County, they have several fundraisers in the making for the months to come. They are selling 2 year planner calendars, going to participate in a garage sale at the community house in Mount Carroll, will be selling gourmet lollipops, and will be doing an event at the bowling alley in Mount Carroll. They are also working on a pet cookbook for a later date. Also they woud like to have a cuties pet contest. The group meets once a month and welcome guests to the meetings. They meet the second Wed of the month at the house behind Century Pines Apts in Mount Carroll at 7 PM. If you would like to become a member, please call the Humane Society at 815-273-5331 and leave a message.

Humane Society of Carroll County Board Member,
Mary Green

Grant Group Blocks Local Fox Stations From Dish Customers

Despite steady efforts by DISH to negotiate a new deal with Grant Group, DISH customers in four cities learned this morning that Grant has blocked their local Fox TV channels. Due to Grant’s excessive price demands, DISH customers are not able to view WZDX in Huntsville, Ala.; WFXR in Roanoke, Va.; WLAX in La Crosse, Wis.; KLJB in Davenport, Iowa. The action by Grant also affects the CW channels WWCW in Roanoke and KGCW in Davenport.

Grant is demanding more than three times the amount DISH paid just over a year ago; and without a signed contract from Grant, DISH has no legal right to carry those local channels.

“We are disappointed that Grant has chosen to be unreasonable in its demands, as many DISH customers in the Grant markets enjoy their Fox programming,” said Sruta Vootukuru, DISH director of programming. “Grant’s request that DISH pay three times what it paid just over a year ago is well beyond market rates, and we hope Grant will become more reasonable so we can make these channels available to our customers.”

DISH has reached deals with hundreds of local broadcasting companies, and DISH hopes Grant eventually will agree to similar terms in line with market standards.

Last year, broadcasting companies across the country blacked out 91 channels on various pay-TV companies at various times; and an industry watchdog group, the American Television Alliance, has called for the U.S. Congress to “revamp the out-of-date rules” that favor those blackouts.

To learn more about DISH’s negotiations with Grant, visit www.DISHValuePledge.com.

Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA Competes

On February 6th, the Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA attended the Section 2 SAE Record book competition at Amboy high School. The following FFA members completed and placed in these areas: Courtney Swalve 1st in Beef Placement, Alex Fink 1st in Grain Crop production, Alan Osterhaus 1st in Dairy Entrepreneurship and 2nd in Dairy Placement. These three students will attend District contest at Geneseo High School on March 13th.

Also competing and place for Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA were: Baily Queckboerner 3rd in Beef entrepreneurship, Becca Alexander in 3rd in Equine entrepreneurship, Lauren Hackbarth 2nd in Turf grass and Noah Hibbard 2nd in Ag Service.

All of these students did a great job and worked all year for this success. They were required to complete a record of activities on a job or agriculture related venture that they completed. At Amboy High school all the students had to interview to place in their area. Great job to all the students that took part in this contest. Good luck to Alex, Courtney, and Alan at Districts.

St. Ambrose Students on Fall Dean’s List

The following full-time students, who achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have been named to the St. Ambrose University Dean’s List for the Fall 2012 term.

Freeport: Michelle Gogel, Chelsea Sands, Fulton: Brennan Leonard, Julie Wiersema, Hanover: Kristen Kennedy, Lanark: Christine Glomb, Milledgeville: Taylor Kent, and Morrison: Erin Stansifer.

Dean’s List Announced for University of Wisconsin-Platteville

University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced its 2012 fall semester Dean’s List. Students receive this academic honor in the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Education must achieve a 3.75 grade point average and students in the College of Engineering, Math and Science must earn a 3.5 grade point average.

Among those who made the Dean’s List were:

Garrett Badtke, a Soil & Crop Science major from Mount Carroll; Alyssa Barnett, a Biology/Chemistry/Psychology major from Morrison; MacKenzie Byers, a Business Administration major from Shannon; Calvin Cassens, a General Engineering major from Lanark, ILl Benjamen Delp, a Agribusiness major from Mt Carroll; Randall Denekas, a Agribusiness major from Forreston; Keith Folkers, a Industrial Tech Management major from Polo; Patrick Fritz, a General Engineering major from Mount Carroll; Jenna Mathew, a Psychology and Criminal Justice major from Shannon; Sarah Mathew, a Music major from Shannon; Josiah Michael, a General Engineering major from Lanark; Allen Piper, a General Engineering major from Mount Carroll; Katie Ritchie, a Elementary Education major from Savanna; Megan Schmidt, a Media Studies major from Mount Morris; Anna Smith, a Elementary Education major from Hanover; andJacob Sweeney, a Social Science major from Savanna.

DeVries Named to the Saint Francis University Dean’s List

Ketarah DeVries, a Marketing major and resident of Forreston, IL was among more than 620 students from Saint Francis University who made the Fall 2012 Dean’s List.

To achieve Dean’s List at Saint Francis University, the requirements are that the students must have full-time status and must attain a quality point average of at least 3.5 for the given semester.

Informational Meeting on CONTACT Training

CONTACT of Northern Illinois will be offering training class for both Helpline Volunteers and Teen Line Volunteers. Training classes prepare volunteers to assist troubled callers by listening, providing referrals and intervening in crisis. Classes are informative and interesting and are held in a welcoming and fun atmosphere. Upon completion of the class and internship hours, volunteers will receive 3 credit hours from Highland Community College that can be converted to CPDU’s for teachers.

Our next informational meeting on becoming a CONTACT Volunteer will be held on February 25, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. In the Board Room at Eilerts, 1100 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport. Remaining class times will be determined during the first class. Training topics include but are not limited to: Communication skills, Marriage and Family, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Loneliness and Grief, Self Care, Crisis Intervention and Domestic Violence. For more information, please call CONTACT at 815-233-4357 and ask for Pam.

Audubon Society to Host Evening Walk in the Woods

On Tuesday, February 26th you can join the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society for a night hike. Experience the wonder of the night while walking through the woods. A guide will lead you on the trails while you learn about the night adaptations and listen for owls. You may even get to hear more than one type of owl. Participants will meet at the Mogle Center at Oakdale Nature Preserve which is located three miles south of Freeport on Baileyville Road. Come prepared for walking outdoors. The hike is free and open to the public. Contact Richard at 815-865-5279 if you have questions about the hike.

Audubon Society to Host Program on Lawn to Lake Project

On Tuesday, March 5, Northwest Illinois Audubon Society will be offering a program on the “Lawn to Lake Project”

The Lawn to Lake program is an education and training program targeted at preventing pollution runoff from entering our local waters by promoting natural lawn care and other sustainable landscape practices. You will hear about the hidden costs of current common lawn care practices and learn how to become more sustainable with your own lawn care methods.

Our speaker, Margaret Schneemann, is a water resource economist, a position that is part of a partnership between Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG), the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), and the University of Illinois Extension. In addition, Ms. Schneemann leads projects supporting implementation of sustainable water supply planning in the northeastern Illinois region, including the Lawn to Lake Program. Schneemann also teaches courses in sustainable development and economics, and holds a master’s degree in resource economics and policy from the University of Maine.

The Audubon meeting will begin at 7:00 PM, followed by the program at 7:30 PM at St. John United Church of Christ on Church Street in Freeport. Refreshments will be served after the program. The program is free and open to the community. Contact Eve at 815-821-1886 if you have questions about this event.

Audubon Society Seeking Local Growers for 2013 Local Foods Brochure

Each year the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension Stephenson County offer a local foods brochure that provides people in northwest Illinois with a resource that can be used to identify farmers and growers who sell their food items directly to the consumer. The brochure helps to connect local buyers with local growers.

Buying food items from the local grower has many advantages. Buying local keeps money within the local populace so that small communities can continue to survive and maintain a healthy economic status. Buying locally is healthy for our environment as well, because less carbon energy is used to transport the food to the consumer.

The 2012 brochure had 42 growers listed and included growers with maple syrup cheese, honey, eggs, poultry, vegetables, flowers, fruit, wine, and meat.

If you are interested in having your contact information listed in the 2013 local foods brochure you can contact Teresa at 815-835-5109.

Audubon Society Annual Banquet

You will not want to miss the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society 32nd annual banquet and program which is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10th in Freeport, IL. This year’s program titled “Seeing 748 Birds in One Year” will feature Sanford Komito, played by Owen Wilson in the movie The Big Year. Sanford actually had his big year in 1998 when he spotted 748 birds species from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31. He will talk about the history of the American Birding Association’s Big Year and share pictures of the highlights of his Big Year.

The annual banquet is a fundraiser for Northwest Illinois Audubon society and includes a meal featuring locally grown foods including pasture raised roasted turkey from Arnold’s farm, sweet corn from Drake’s farm and homemade desserts made by Audubon members. The cost of the banquet and program for adults is $15 or $3 for just the program. Kids under 12 can attend the banquet and program for free. The banquet will be at Embury United Methodist Church, 515 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, IL. Come to see the silent auction items at 5:30 PM. The meal will be served at 6:00 with program following at 7:30 PM.

The deadline for registering for the program is April 3. The registration form can be found at www.nwilaudubon.org ( click on the News tab) or you can request a registration form by calling Teresa at 815-835-5109. If you are a member of Northwest Illinois Audubon Society you will find a copy of the registration form in your mailbox early in March.

w/photos if we need for space - but there are soooo many!

2013 DAR Good Citizens

The Carroll JoDaviess Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is honored to name this year’s nine DAR Good Citizens. The DAR Good Citizens program encourages and rewards the qualities of Good citizenship among high school seniors. The qualities are: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The chapter’s annual recognition day luncheon to honor these DAR Good Citizens will be Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the Heritage Center in Lanark.

DAR is a women’s service organization with the following objectives: promotion of education, historic preservation and patriotism. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. If you are interested in learning more, please contact: Connie Foster, Regent at 815-684-5519 or Gwen Smith, Registrar at 815-275-7362.

Crystal Beschen is the DAR Good Citizen from East Dubuque High School. Her parents are Dean and Brenda Beschen of East Dubuque. She plays volleyball, serves on the Student Council and is on the Yearbook Staff. She is secretary of the Leo?? Club and is member of the NEW Club. She is a lifeguard and teaches swimming. She is planning to major in nursing with a goal of becoming an OB/GYN nurse. Crystal expresses the following about service: “Service is a great quality to have because it shows that you are willing to help others out and do good things for people other than yourself.”

Matthew Keppen is the DAR Good Citizen from Eastland High School. His parents are Jon and Lori Keppen of Chadwick. He is President of the local FFA Chapter, class president, servant leader, basketball announcer and quiz bowl captain. He has been a member of the Clever Clover 4-H Club and is currently president. Matthew would like to study statistics. His dream job is to work for Sports Center or keeping stats for a professional sports team. Matthew expressed the following about leadership: “Baseball is also another activity that requires me to be a quiet leader. Too much star power and bragging doesn’t win championships.”

Zachary Gronewold is the DAR Good Citizen from Galena High School. His parents are Gerald Gronewold and Linda Kern. He is President of the Student Council, Youth Representative of Lord of Love Church Council, President of the National Honor Society and District Representative for the Northern Illinois Synod Lutheran Youth Council. He is musically inclined by participating in the concert

band, marching band, pep band and jazz band. He is a nursery attendant at Murphy’s Garden and he did mission work in New Orleans and Costa Rica. He is planning to obtain a degree in psychology while focusing on law and eventually obtaining a law degree. Zachary wrote the following: “The qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism are values that are fundamental to the person I am and who I hope to be.”

Emily Bush is the DAR Good Citizen from Milledgeville High School, Milledgeville, IL. She is the daughter of Karmin and Drew Bush of Chadwick. She is currently Class President and Student Council treasurer. Her extracurricular activities include: Yearbook staff, softball and performing in school plays. At home, she likes to dance, scrapbooking and spending time with family. She helps out at McGinnis Melons in Thomson. At this time, she is undecided about her future but she would like a career that she would help people in some way. Emily wrote the following about leadership: “If you can encourage and lead others to accomplish good deeds, you can really make a difference.”

Taylor Finn is the DAR Good Citizen from River Ridge High School. Her parents are Jeff and Amy Finn of Elizabeth. She is Student Council President, Math Club Vice President, Servant Leader, and Yearbook Staff. She is on the Boomerang Team in which teaches Character Education to 5th and 6th grade students. She volunteers at Arena of Dream which is a therapeutic horse farm. She has tutored a second grade student and works at the local pool. She is planning to attend Iowa State University to double major in Spanish and International Business with hopes to attend law school to be an environmental lawyer. Taylor expresses herself this way: “I have grown up in a loving family that puts a lot of emphasis on working hard and using your talents to help others.”

Leah Holland is the DAR Good Citizen from Scales Mound High School. Her parents are Terrence and Virginia Holland of Scales Mound. She is FFA Vice President, class treasurer, Highland Servant Leader, Scholastic Bowl and volleyball player. Outside of school, she is president of her 4-H club, served as an election judge and is organist at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She works as a babysitter, works on family farm and Scales Mound Memorial Garden keeper. Leah is planning attending Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH to major in nursing with a focus on obstetrics and hopes to return to Scales Mound to take over the family farm when her parents retire. Leah expresses by showing patriotism by: “I have shown patriotism by traveling to Washington DC in 2009 to attend my Uncle Marty’s promotion to Colonel in the United States Army at the Pentagon and by planting and caring for the Scales Mound Veteran’s Memorial Garden.”

Grace White is the DAR Good Citizen from Stockton High School. Her parents are Miles and Colleen White of Stockton and the late Jane White. She is a ski racing athlete at Chestnut Mountain Resort. She is the historian of the local FFA Chapter. She is also involved in track, academic bowl and is Student Council treasurer. Outside of school is a camp counselor, organized blood drives and collected trash after football games. Grace is hoping to pursue a career in the medical field and would like to study abroad. Grace wrote this about being a leader: “Through my leadership efforts, as well as in day to day life, I have tried to be dependable, for without dependability a leader and worker could not accomplish much.”

Daniel Blair is the DAR Good Citizen from Warren High School. His parents are Bill Blair and Debbie Blair. He is weight room supervisor at the high school. He plans on attending Highland Community College to receive associate’s degree in business and accounting. He would a career in banking. He is the member of the Tech Trek at Highland Community College. He works at Hartzell’s IGA grocery store. He volunteered to help the village clear trees and laying rock bed at one of Warren’s community buildings. In his spare time, he plays the guitar and the piano. Daniel expresses his patriotism this way: “The flag is an especially important symbol to me, and during the Pledge of Allegiance I stand out of respect.”

Benjamin Rogers is the DAR Good Citizen from West Carroll High School. His mother is Linda Rogers of Savanna. He is captain of the quiz bowl team, President of the National Honor Society and servant leader. He participates in band, choir, drama club and Spanish club. He plays in the Highland Community College band and in the Sauk Valley Community College band. He is planning to attend Western Illinois University and major in music education and would like to teach in a high school. Benjamin expresses his patriotism this way: “I display my patriotism often because whenever I see a veteran, I thank them for his/her services he/she has done for our country.”

Caregiver Support Group

Big Meadows Nursing Home located at 1000 Longmoor Ave in Savanna, IL will be hosting a Caregiver Support Group on February 28 at noon. This is open to everyone and lunch is included. The new program director for the Alzheimer’s Association will be here for you to meet and answer questions. Please RSVP by February 26 with Julie Johnson at 815-273-2238.

Local Angus Breeder Recognized In Pathfinder Report

Tyler James Gruhn, Lanark, Illinois, has been recognized nationally by the American Angus Association® for having 1 registered Angus cow included in the Association’s 2013 Pathfinder® Report.

Only 1,992 of the more than 25,000 American Angus Association members are represented in this year’s report, according to Bill Bowman, chief operating officer and director of performance programs of the Association with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo.

The Pathfinder program identifies superior Angus cows based upon recorded performance traits economically important to efficient beef production. These traits include early and regular calving and heavy weaning weights, Bowman says. Over 2 million eligible dams with more than 6.8 million weaning records were examined to determine Pathfinder status. All registered Angus cows that meet the strict Pathfinder standards are listed, along with their owners, in the Pathfinder Report that is published annually by the Association.

Conservation for Mississippi River Health

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the investment of $59 million this year from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the health of the Mississippi River basin, making a total of approximately $289 million for the initiative that reduces nutrient and sediment run-off.

“The Mississippi River basin is an example of how voluntary conservation practices in small watersheds can help improve a larger system,” said Vilsack. “This initiative provides an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to voluntarily do their part and get recognized for it, while also continuing to build on the success of our producers, partners, and other state and federal agencies whose combined efforts have made significant progress toward reducing nitrogen and sediment runoff in the Mississippi River Basin.”

More than 640 small watersheds across 13 states are part of the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative, which is in its fourth year. Through cooperative conservation partnerships, NRCS works with hundreds of local organizations and conservation experts to focus funds to help the greater efforts of water quality improvements in the river.

By using a partnership approach, resources are targeting to the most vulnerable acres in the watershed with the most sediment and nutrient losses. Producers and landowners work with NRCS to begin voluntary conservation practices to improve water quality, restore wetlands, enhance wildlife habitat and sustain agricultural profitability in the basin.

Previous conservation on cropland in the upper river basin reduced edge-of-water sediment losses by about 61percent, nitrogen by 20 and phosphorus by 44, according to NRCS’ conservation effects assessment project, showing how effective conservation is for the basin’s health.

In addition to its vital role in providing drinking water, food, industry and recreation for millions of people, NRCS has identified the basin as a top priority due to water quality concerns, primarily related to the effects of nutrient loading on the health of local water bodies and, eventually, the Gulf of Mexico.

Relay For Life of Carroll County Hosting Kick-off Event

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Carroll County will hold its annual Kick-off event at 6 pm on Monday, March 11 Land of Oz (855 S. Mill St., Mt. Carroll). Friends, neighbors, cancer survivors, caregivers and anyone interested in learning more about Relay For Life are encouraged to attend.

The Kick-off event offers information about the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives faster by helping people stay well, helping people get well, finding cures and fighting back. Refreshments will be provided and guests will have the opportunity to win prizes and learn more about the exciting activities planned for this year’s Relay For Life.

Relay For Life is an overnight event where teams of local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and families build awareness and raise funds - prior to and at the event - to fight cancer. While the main objective of Relay For Life is to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients, the event helps spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, remember those who lost their lives to cancer and unite a community in the fight against cancer.

This year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Carroll County will be held June 22 at West Carroll Middle School. Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, secure community support, coordinate logistics, obtain refreshments and prizes, assist with publicity and plan entertainment activities for this exciting and energizing event.

For more information on the Relay For Life kick-off celebration, contact the American Cancer Society at 815-229-1287 or visit relayforlife.org/carrollil. Teams may register on-line anytime.

Think Global, Act Local: Transportation

The Whiteside Forum presents “Think Global, Act Local: Transportation” on Thursday Feb. 28, 2013 in the program room of the Odell Public Library at 6:30pm with guest speaker Gary Meden, Deputy for Programs and Project Management, Rock Island District, US Army Corps of Engineers. According to the Corps’ website: “the primary purpose of the Rock Island District is to partner with stakeholders in the management of the watersheds of the District in order to meet the national and regional needs of navigation, flood risk management, emergency management, ecosystem restoration and regulation, recreation, water supply, land management and national security.”

Gary is a graduate of the US Military Academy, West Point and has Masters degrees in Civil Engineering, Business Administration and Strategic Studies from the University of Illinois, Indiana University and the US Army War College. Don has been a designated Professional Engineer since 1986.

Please join us as we discover our connection to the economy, our environment and the world via our proximity to the Mississippi River. The Library is located at 307 S. Madison St., Morrison, IL and all Forum events are free and open to the public. If you are interested in discussing local and global issues, inviting and listening to experts for different points-of-view and want to share with your community, you are also encouraged to join our group. For more information or questions contact Marc Adami, 815-772-4949 or ardami@mchsi.com.

7th Annual Doll & Toy Show

This year’s 7th Annual Doll & Toy Show will have two guest exhibitors. The Polo Historical Society will have on display some of their recent acquisition – Antique Paper Dolls. Betty Obendorf will be on hand with information on this and other features of the Polo Museum.

The other guest exhibitor will be C.J. Remrey. She makes dolls that look like her family members. As always we will have doll artist Connie Zink, from Land of Oz Dolls in Savanna, and members from the Greater Rockford Area Doll Club. Membership information will be available.

The show has a new location: Rock River Senior Center in Oregon. This move has greatly enlarged the parking area, and has a ground level entrance.

Another new feature will be the free husband parking area. The food court will be separated from the show, and is open to the public. Both the Food court & the Polo exhibit will be free.

The show is March 3, 10 – 4 p.m., 810 so. 10th S St. Oregon IL. For more information: Joann’s Dolls 815- 234-8332 joannLG@comcast.net

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