March Country Clover 4-H Meeting

By Olivia Zimmerman, Country Clover 4-H Club Reporter

The Country Clover 4-H group met on March 9, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. at Community Baptist Church. They opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the club pledge. The role call was then taken by Alayna Farmer, and the treasurers' report was read.

In new business it was said that if the group could get a grant, they would purchase car seats and make fleece blankets for the Pitter Patter Pantry. A motion was then made by Bailey Fisch to adjourn the meeting and a second was made by Olivia Zimmerman.

Talks and Demonstrations were given by:

Katryna Farmer, How to Make a Fruity Shake; Olivia Zimmerman, How to Make a Frog Puppet; Bailey Fisch, How to Make a Fruit Pizza; and Lizabeth Ash, Plants and Soil.

When the Country Clover 4-H meeting ended, the group agreed to meet again on April 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Brill home.

Area Methodists on Mission Trip to Louisiana

Nineteen persons from Carroll and JoDaviess counties went on a mission trip to Baldwin, Louisiana, this month. Baldwin is the poorest parish (county) in the second poorest state. Located there is The United Methodist Committee on Relief Depot where material resources are processed for worldwide relief and national disaster response. From buckets of cleaning supplies to blankets for newborns, from health kits to school kits, the depot dispatches tons of supplies worth millions of dollars to paints around the U.S. and the world.

Other work that the team did included rehabbing two mobile homes, sewing bags for school kits, and painting a transitional home for a woman's shelter. The trip was organized by members of First United Methodist Church in Savanna, and Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton.

Have a 'Nose to Beak' Experience

The public is invited to attend the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation's Annual Meeting to be held Friday, March 27th at the Ramada Inn just west of downtown Galena. The evening will begin at 5:30 pm with a cash bar, followed by a buffet dinner and presentation by the National Eagle Center featuring a live eagle! The ? hour presentation will highlight facts about the American Bald Eagle and will be followed by an opportunity for audience members to have their picture taken with the guest eagle. Please bring your cameras and lots of batteries and take as many pictures as you like.

Guests have their choice of an Iowa stuffed pork chop or chicken marsalla with salad, rosemary potatoes, & medley of roasted red peppers, yellow squash, and green beans for dinner. Vegetarian lasagna is available by request. Those interested may call (815) 858-9100 to make reservations with VISA or MasterCard.

The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is a local non profit dedicated to protecting the natural wonders of the Jo Daviess County area. In addition, JDCF owns Schurmeier Teaching Forest in Elizabeth and the Buehler Preserve and Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve in Galena, each of which are open to the public for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The Wapello Land & Water Reserve in Hanover and Keough Effigy Preserve in Galena are also owned by JDCF and will be open for public use in the future.

For more information, visit their office at 126 N Main Street in Elizabeth, IL, call 815.858.9100, or find them online at www.jdcf.org.

Ashford Phi Beta Lambda Chapter Recognized for Membership Increase

Members of AU's Phi Beta Lambda brought home several honors from the 2009 State Leadership Conference held March 6-7, 2009.Attending the Conference were: front row: Macklin Larsen, Michael Rosselli, Kelsay McCausland, Cassie Broderick, Kyle Mantick and Nate Billany; back row: David Ward (advisor), Keegan Maxwell, Tim Farmer, Christina Justice, Eduardo Garza, Keith Caldwell and Diane Cornilsen (advisor). (Courtesy of Ashford U.)

SCFB Donates Books to PASS Program

Stephenson County Farm Bureau recently donated 25 copies of "The Tiny Seed" for inclusion in a backpack sharing program through the PASS program. PASS stands for "Preschool Active Steps to Success" and works with over 300 preschool students at Taylor Park, Jones Farrar, and Amity preschools in Freeport as well as preschools in Dakota, Orangeville, and Pearl City. L to R are Lynden Endress, SCFB Education Task Force chair, PASS representative Fran Phillippon, and SCFB president Ryan Keltner. (Courtesy of SCFB)

PBL Members Receive Awards at State Conference

Ashford University's Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) organization has been recognized for the largest percentage increase (90%) in local chapter members during the 2009 PBL State Leadership Conference. Ashford students also received several awards during the conference held on March 6 and 7 at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

PBL members from around the state ­ representing nine colleges and universities ­ gathered for a social at the UNI Wellness Center on Friday evening and competed in objective tests, written reports and oral presentations during the two day conference. Participants also heard from a motivational speaker about "creating opportunities in this tough economic environment" and attended an awards banquet on Saturday evening.

Phi Beta Lambda is a national organization for students interested in pursuing a business career; however, membership is not exclusive to business majors.

Attending the conference from Ashford University were students Nate Billany, Cottingham, UK; Tim Farmer, LeMont, IL; Macklin Larsen, Rockford, IL; Kelsey McCausland, Camanche, IA; Cassie Broderick, Davenport, IA; Eduardo Garza, Rockford, IL; Kyle Mantick, Peoria, IL; Mike Rosselli, Bartelso, IL; Keegan Maxwell, Monroe Center, IL; Keith Caldwell, Garden Prairie, IL and Christina Justice, Morrison, IL, as well as advisors Diane Cornilsen and David Ward.

Winning first place awards were Cassie Broderick and Kelsey McCausland for Community Service Written Report/Presentation and Keegan Maxwell for Network Concepts.

Taking second place awards were Macklin Larsen for Business Law, Kyle Mantick for Contemporary Sports Issues, and Eduardo Garza and Mac Larsen for Human Resources. Mike Rosselli had two second place finishes in Cyber Security and Justice Administration.

In addition, Christina Justice placed third in Word Processing, while Keith Caldwell placed fourth in Justice Administration. Keegan Maxwell also took home a fifth place finish in Financial Analysis and Decision.

Downpayment Plus^® Affordable Housing Program

Savanna-Thomson State Bank announced today that it is participating in a statewide affordable housing program, known as Downpayment Plus, that focuses on providing financial assistance to qualified low income home buyers in Illinois that need help in meeting the downpayment
requirements and closing costs associated with buying a home.

Julie Hansen, Residential Real Estate Lender of Savanna-Thomson State Bank, said that qualified home buyers aspiring to purchase a home but lacking sufficient funds to pay the downpayment and closing costs may qualify for a grant designed specifically to address this issue.

To qualify for grant consideration, an applicant's aggregate annual household income must be 80 percent or less than the area median family income, adjusted for family size. For example, to qualify the annual household income of a family of four seeking to purchase a home in Carroll County cannot exceed $44,900. "The program's income limits vary by household size, thus, interested parties should contact us for income limit details", said Hansen.

Downpayment Plus grants are funded by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. The program is administered by the Illinois League of Financial Institutions.

Qualified families needing downpayment and closing cost assistance must apply for home financing at Savanna-Thomson State Bank and meet the institution's loan underwriting criteria.

A qualified household will be eligible to receive up to $4,000 in subsidized assistance for the acquisition of a owner-occupied one or two family dwelling. A home buyer must make a cash contribution of at least $750 towards the purchase of the home.

Savanna-Thomson State Bank will apply for the grants on behalf of its borrowers. Borrowers may not apply for grants directly. Borrowers must receive home ownership education to help ensure that they understand the home buying process as well as the financial responsibilities of home ownership.

Hansen said that this program will help many Illinois families overcome one of the major obstacles to realizing the dream of home ownership ­ the inability to afford the downpayment and closing costs. The Downpayment Plus program uses funds set aside from earnings of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago for the purpose of assisting low income families.

"We are delighted to be able to participate in this program and look forward to expanding the home ownership opportunities of low income home buyers in our area", said Hansen.

Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club Meets

By Shaunte' Padilla, Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club Reporter

Milledgeville Hotshots met on March 11, at 7:06 p.m. at the Milledgeville State Bank. The pledge of allegiance was led by Matt Keppen. The 4-H pledge was led by Brett LaCroix. There were 3 visitors.

Tory Kronenberg gave the Federation Report, saying the Federation's next meeting will be on March 28. Following the meeting, they will tour the Mississippi River Museum. Mary Francque, Alex Kronenberg, and Anna Marie Petry gave the Junior Ambassador report. Evan Hollewell gave the Horse Committee report.

The club will be participating in the Carroll County Relay for Life on June 27, 2009. Kay Ferris gave the leader's report. Tory Kronenberg, Katie Kronenberg, Nick Kronenberg, Alex Kronenberg, Savannah Bragg, Ethan Nash, and Shaunte' Padilla all gave speeches. The Ven Huizens and Nelson family provided refreshments.

The next scheduled meeting will be April 8, 2009.

Long Spurs Trap Shooting Program Continues

Carroll County Pheasants Forever Chapter will host an informational meeting for parents and students in grades 4 through 12, who are interested in participating in the national Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). SCTP is a nationwide shooting competition that gives young adults the opportunity to compete in trap shooting for state and national titles, plus college scholarships and prizes. Students from the Carroll County as well as the surrounding counties are invited to attend. Two meetings will be hosted for convenience of scheduling. You do not have to attend both meetings.

The first meeting will be held in the cafeteria of the West Carroll Middle School, 633 East St. Mt Carroll on April 1st. at 6:00 PM. The second meeting will be held at the Mississippi Flyway Sportsman Club on Sunday April 5 at 2:00 PM. The club is located on the east side of Rt. 84, ? mile south of 3 Mile Road in Thomson.

In 2008, the Long Spurs sent 2 teams to the Illinois State Shoot and the National Shoot. The intermediate team placed 2nd in the State and took 7th place at the National Shoot. The JV High School team finished 6th in the State and placed 28th at the National Shoot. "We had an incredibly successful year in 2008," said Jim Wackerlin, Coach of the Long Spurs. "We are very excited to continue working with our young shooters again this year and welcome new shooters to join us."

The Scholastic Clay Target Program provides school-age young adults with the opportunity to showcase their competitive shooting skills and earn state and national recognition. The program is designed to instill in participants safe firearms handling, commitment, responsibility, leadership and teamwork.

The Scholastic Clay Target Program is a cooperative effort between the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the firearms industry's largest and most diverse trade association with 3.600 members, and the governing bodies for trapshooting, skeet shooting and sporting clays shooting, as well as the governing body for Olympic trap and International skeet ­ the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) and USA Shooting (USAS), respectively.

Parents interested in learning more about the program in the Carroll County Area can contact Jim Wackerlin at 815-598-3198 or at jwackerlin@hotmail.com. For more information on the Scholastic Clay Target Program, visit www.nssf.org/SCTP or contact the National Shooting Sports Foundation at (203) 426-1320.

High School Students:

So you want to be a Journalist?

Aspiring journalism students can now apply for an all-expense-paid, two-week camp July 5-18 at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston. Participants will hear practical advice from seasoned professionals, intern briefly at a newspaper and then put their experience to work writing and producing a newspaper.

The Illinois Press Foundation and the Sun-Times Media Group are the major sponsors of the camp. The Project for Ethics and Excellence, the Pulitzer Foundation and other organizations also have contributed to the camp. Covered expenses include housing, meals, tuition, field trips and, if necessary, transportation to the camp.

Students must have completed their sophomore year in high school, write a 500-word essay and submit writing samples and letters of recommendation.

Previous participants have called the camp "phenomenal," "fun" and "a great program."

Denise Drebes said she wasn't sure she wanted to be a journalist until she attended the camp. "After spending two weeks in a hands-on situation, doing a mini internship with a paper, capturing the story, producing a paper, etc., I am certain that I want to be a journalist," she wrote.

"I learned far more than I thought I was going to," wrote Kevin Maras, "and came back much more knowledgeable about what it takes to be a journalist."

Deadline to apply is May 4. More information and an application can be found online at www.illinoispress.org, or one may contact Sally Turner at seturner@eiu.edu.

RR Masons Host Dinner Meeting

Rock River Masonic Lodge #612 of Sterling hosted a dinner/meeting on March 20, 2009 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Sterling, IL. Thomas Lewis, Sr. prepared a meal for more than 100 members and guests representing nineteen area Masonic Lodges. Vernon "Bub" Kness as District Deputy Grand Master Sixth Northern, Orville Shoemaker as District Deputy Grand Master Seventh Northern, Roger Larson as District Deputy Grand Master Tenth Northern and John Bracken as Area Deputy were in attendance.

Appreciation certificates were awarded to thirteen Worshipful Masters: John "Jack" Janssen, Chadwick; Steven Morris, Lee Center; Steven Duncan, Mt. Morris; Byron Bowers, Polo; Charles Mongan, Oregon; Owen Nye, Milledgeville; Dana Barlow, Amboy; Thomas Bond, Dixon; Paul Pack, Rock Falls; Thomas Lewis, Sr., Rock Falls; Robert Schambaugh, Morrison; Darrel Drennen, Prophetstown; and Lynn Stoker, Fulton; were recognized for the time, effort and work they put in to help make their lodges successful.

The speaker for the evening was Anthony R. Cracco, W. Senior Grand Deacon. He discussed Masonic programs, Grand Lodge sessions, and Grand Lodge legislation.

Dennis W. Hayes of Dixon, IL was awarded the Daniel Carter Beard (Masonic Scouter Award). Dennis was a boy scout leader, assistant leader, kept the ideals of the Masons, did service projects, and hosted the 100th Boy Scout Anniversary Camporee on his farm. He and his brother helped 14 boys become Eagle Scouts in Stewart, IL.

The Masons also sponsor an Outreach Program in Illinois. This is a place that Masons can go to find the proper resources to enhance the quality of life. They also aid the Student Assistant Program where teachers are trained to spot "at risk" (drugs/alcohol use, schooling /family problems, etc.) children. The Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl is hosted in the winter to provide positive recognition for academic excellence for high school students.

On March 28, 2009 these three districts of Masons will be at Sauk Valley Community College from 9:00 am to 12 noon for the IL-CHIP program. Each child will be DNA swabbed, weighed, fingerprinted and will receive a videodisc of themselves. This information could help identify lost or kidnapped children and is used by the Amber Alert program. This service is free to the public.

Greening Our Communities Conference

Interested individuals, business leaders, and government and organization representatives are invited to attend the Greening Our Communities: Resources, Ideas, and Collaboration conference to be held on April 23, 2009, at Buck's Barn Restaurant, Thomson, IL. The conference will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and feature Mr. Douglas P. Scott, Director, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, as the keynote speaker.

There will be 6 other presentations including a representative from Smart Energy Design Assistance Center. The fee for the day includes a continental breakfast and a full buffet lunch. Please contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling and Conservation Programs Coordinator, at 815-244-9444, or email her at mfrieden@illinois.edu. The program is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension and the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency.

Refuge Sees Increase in Waterfowl Use During Fall Migration

The fall waterfowl use numbers have been analyzed and there was a substantial increase in waterfowl use on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Biologist Lisa Reid commented, "If you were lucky enough to be out on the refuge on October 28, 2008 you would have seen rafts of canvasbacks to the tune of 369,000 birds ­ one of the highest on record. We counted 270,000 just on Pool 9 alone."

Each fall the Refuge conducts weekly aerial waterfowl surveys during migration. "Last year we began September 30, prior to the opening of the duck hunting season, and ended December 10, shortly after freeze-up in the backwaters," she said.

It takes three different flight crews to count refuge waterfowl. The Refuge crew covers Wabasha, MN to Genoa, WI, Wisconsin DNR covers from De Soto, WI to Dubuque, IA, and the Illinois Natural History Survey covers from Massey, IA to Albany, IL.

Each survey follows a set number of transects or lines that remain constant year to year. Reid commented, "These surveys are not all-inclusive counts, but rather indices of the number of birds present on the Refuge."

Refuge Manager Don Hultman remarked, "I'm always interested in what the numbers tell us. At 25% over the 15-year average, the 2008 numbers say the refuge is providing critical feeding and resting areas for waterfowl during migration, which bodes well for their health when they arrive on their wintering grounds."

"Tundra swans peaked at almost 32,000 birds with many of those concentrating near Brownsville, Minnesota. This is much higher than 2007, when we only had a peak of 23,000 birds," Reid said.

Diving ducks which include canvasbacks, scaup, and ring-necked ducks, made up 70% of the total waterfowl use on the refuge. A majority of the birds (60%) were found on the river stretch between Lansing, Iowa and Lynxville, Wisconsin (Pool 9). Other popular stretches included Pools 7, 8, and 13 accounting for 32% of diving duck use.

Puddle ducks which include mallards, gadwall, pintail, and blue-winged teal also concentrated in Pools 7, 8, 9, and 13. Reid commented, "Mallards typically make up more than half of the puddle duck use and this year was no different. For the past three years a quarter of the birds have been gadwalls."

Waterfowl numbers on the refuge can fluctuate widely from year to year due to a variety of reasons including food availability, habitat conditions, and weather.

Reid said, "This year we had good food and habitat, and the weather cooperated so we could capture the peak migration during the flights."

In addition to being the most visited refuge in the country, the "Upper Miss" Refuge has the added complexity of a major navigation system, including 11 locks and dams, within its boundary. It is also a world-class fish and wildlife area which harbors 306 species of birds; 119 species of fish; more than 200 active bald eagle nests; thousands of heron and egret nests; spectacular concentrations of canvasback ducks, tundra swans, and white pelicans; and several threatened or endangered species.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov.

Organic Weed and Pest Control Program Offered

Are you interested in growing your fruits and vegetables organically but do not know how to start? Are you curious about what "Certified Organic" really means? Then join us for "The Basics: Organic Weed and Pest Control for Vegetables and Small Fruits" hosted by the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County. The program will take place on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 W. Spring Street, Freeport.

This program will cover basic organic weed and pest control for vegetables and small fruits. The topics discussed are designed to be valuable to beginners as well as experienced producers and will include site selection, soil preparation and fertility, and pest management. "Certified Organic" and "Certified Naturally Grown" will also be discussed. Pestmanagement will include weed, insect and disease management along with the national list of allowed and prohibited substances used for management. Learn about Extension website resources that are available plus other credible sources of information.

Presenters are Bill Lindenmier, Unit Educator, Crop Systems from the U of I Extension-Ogle County and Andy Hazzard, Local Foods System Coordinator, U of I Extension-Winnebago County.To register for this program please call the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at (815) 235-4125 or register on-line at www.extension.uiuc.edu/stephenson

From the Fields

The following column is repeated from mid-December, but it is submitted again with the need to identify farmers for a study involving sulfur. On-farm cooperators across the state are needed to participate in a University of Illinois research trial measuring corn response to sulfur. Though not widespread, sulfur deficiency has increased in frequency, notes Fabián Fernández, University of Illinois Extension soil fertility specialist.

This increase in sulfur deficiency may be the result of less sulfur containing fertilizers being used, less atmospheric sulfur deposition, increasing grain yields, and fewer livestock operations resulting in less manure application.

While soils with fine texture and high organic matter will be included, priority will be given to low organic matter, coarse textured soils. Sites with suspect sulfur deficiency are particularly desirable, says Fernández. Field that have received manure or sulfur applications in the last five years will not be considered.

Volunteer farm cooperators will broadcast sulfur in strips using GPS to georeference the strip locations. Corn grain yields will be calculated using a yield monitor or weigh wagon.

Sulfur sources will be limited to ammonium sulfate, MicroEssentials sulfur, and elemental sulfur. One or two rates of sulfur will be applied in strips, each being replicated at least three times. If the sulfur source contains other accompanying nutrients, the corresponding rates will need to be applied to other treatment strips to avoid a differential response to nutrients other than sulfur advises Fernández.

Plant and soil samples will be taken by the researchers as they visit the plot during the growing season.

Farmers interested in hosting such a trial should contact Fabián Fernández, phone 217-333-4426, or email fernande@illinois.edu

Eastland March Art Show

The following students have art pieces in the March Art Show in the Eastland Art Gallery located in Mr. Hansen's office: K ­ Chloe Bouvia, Heidi Bouvia; 1 ­ Shelby Beyers, Jason & Heather Beyers; 2 ­ Jed Smith, David & Amber Smith; 3 ­ Dante Robbins, Tim & Ann Marie Robbins; 4 ­ Tyler Dambman, Curt & Shelly Dambman; 5 ­ Jameson Rush, Tom & Marion Rush; 6 ­ Joshua Jacobs, Jay Jacobs; 7 ­ Korina Freidag, Jonathan & Bonnie Freidag; 8 ­ Costello Davies, David Davies Sr.; HS ­ Scott Olson, Julie Olson; HS ­ Carissa Gruhn, Kirt & Cathy Gruhn; HS ­ Jameson Hazelbower, Stephanie Higley; HS ­ Jordan Weaver, Ken & Diane Weaver

Where Have All The Trees Gone At Thomson Prairie

The spring weather has brought out many hiking and bicycling enthusiasts to enjoy the Thomson Sand Prairie trail located in Thomson, IL. Trail users are noticing that the old limestone surface has been upgraded to asphalt and the rows of pine trees that once lined the southern part of the trail have been removed. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently completed a major rehabilitation project at the Thomson Sand Prairie that included upgrading the trail surface and improving the quality of grasslands. The deteriorated limestone surface had become a safety hazard and was replaced with an asphalt surface. In addition, hundreds of pine trees were removed from old fencerows to improve the quality of the grassland habitat. The pines were planted in the 1960's to control erosion in these former agricultural fields. Restored grassland now covers these fields and provides habitat that is important to several species of migratory birds, turtles, insects, and other wildlife. The Thomson Sand Prairie is one of the few remaining large prairies in Illinois, the "Prairie State". Over 99.9% of the prairies have been destroyed in Illinois. The two-mile long Thomson Bike Trail winds through the sand prairie and provides a scenic view of the grassland and the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail. The tree removal project resulted in a large amount of slash material being left that is visible from the trail. The slash material will be burned this spring but it will probably take a year or two before all materials are removed and re-seeding occurs. A sand ramp still remains across a 15-foot section of the trail that allowed heavy equipment access from one side of the trail to the other. Hikers/bikers will need to go around this sand blockade which will be removed as soon as the ground frost allows. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses 549 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas.

6000 Carroll and Stephenson County Households Surveyed

One in five homes in Carroll and Stephenson Counties will soon find an important envelope in their mailboxes, identifiable by a map of the two counties and the phrase "Help Us Learn about Local Needs." The survey sample was chosen randomly so that all homes had a chance of being chosen, except that portions of the City of Freeport were emphasized. Improving access to health care has been a priority of both Stephenson County 21st Century Healthy Community Partnership and the Carroll County Health Department IPLAN.

The survey is also supported by almost 30 agencies and organizations in the two counties. In September 2008, the Stephenson County Health Department received a Planning Grant from the Federal Health Clinic (FQHC) to serve the area.

The household survey is one part of the study. The survey is being conducted by Health Systems Research at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, which will also analyze the results and report to the Advisory Committee overseeing the study. Craig Beintema,

Administrator of both Stephenson and Carroll County Health Departments, urges all citizens receiving a survey to fill out and return the survey to help in the planning of these health services. "We need complete participation from area residents in order to better serve the people who need these medical services the most," he said.

"As our economy worsens, more and more people will be eligible for FQHC healthcare, and it would be quite an accomplishment to have one here."

Surveys may be returned in the postage-paid envelope or dropped off at cooperating locations-the Stephenson County Health Department, 10 West Linden Street, Freeport; the Carroll County Health Department, 822 South Mill Street, Mt. Carroll; Freeport Township Office, 7 North Walnut Avenue, Freeport; Lanark Public Library, 110 West Carroll Street, Lanark; and Savanna Public Library, 326 Third Street, Savanna. Questions about the survey may be addressed to Health Systems Research toll-free at 800.854.4461.

West Carroll FFA Elects Officers

The West Carroll FFA, 5th hour, AG 1 recently had class elections for class officers. Kim Durward was elected class president. She is the daughter of Andrew and Janice Durward. August Ashby was elected class Vice president and Audrie Ashby was elected class Secretary. They are daughters of John Ashby and Kelley Kasbohm. Elizabeth Brunner was elected class Reporter, and is the daughter of Kurt and Cathy Brunner. Katie Starr was elected class Treasurer, and is the daughter of Randy and Linda Starr. Samantha Ritchie was elected Sentinel, and is the daughter of Joel and Sue Ritchie. These students will be honored at the FFA Chapter banquet.

Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois Monthly Community Education Meeting

Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois invites you to their next Community Education Meeting at the Stockton Park House at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009. Virginia Downs, fitness and conditioning instructor, and Vickie Cain (from the Stephenson County Senior Center) will present a program on Balance, Strengthening, Flexibility and Socialization.

The public is invited to join us at this informative program. There is no cost for this program, and the Stockton Park House is handicapped accessible. Please call the Hospice Office at 815-947-3260 if you plan to attend, as seating is limited.

This event is also sponsored by the Stephenson County Senior Center. Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois is an all volunteer, community based hospice providing educational, supportive and compassionate services to the terminally ill, chronically ill or disabled, and to those who are grieving. The monthly Volunteer Meetings are held as an educational opportunity for volunteers of the organization and the general public. Please feel free to contact the office if you have any questions about the services provided or other educational opportunities sponsored by Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois or email us at volhospice@aeroinc.net.

Buy-In Waiver Extension Approved For Disaster Assistance Programs

Charles Chadwell, Acting Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in Illinois announced that producers who did not obtain crop insurance or Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for 2008 can pay a buy-in fee through May 18, 2009, to become eligible for 2008 disaster assistance programs authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. "Producers have an additional opportunity to become eligible for several programs if they suffered 2008 agricultural losses due to natural disaster," said Chadwell. Producers who have not already taken the necessary steps to become eligible for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE), Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP), and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) are required to complete the following steps by May 18, 2009. Pay a $100 "buy-in" fee per crop. The maximum fee is $300 per county, per producer, not to exceed $900 for multi-county producers.

In the case of each insurable crop, excluding grazing land, agree to obtain a policy or plan of insurance for the next insurance year for which crop insurance is available; coverage level should equal 70 percent or more of the yield at 100 percent of the price. In the case of each non-insurable crop, agree to file the required paperwork and pay the applicable administrative NAP coverage fee by the applicable state application closing date for the next available year.

Producers who choose to "buy in" under this provision will be considered, for insured crops, to have obtained a policy or plan of insurance for the 2008 crop year at a level of coverage not to exceed 70 percent of the yield at 100 percent of the price. For non-insurable crops, producers will be considered to have a level of coverage equal to 70 percent of the yield. These levels of coverage will be used to calculate the 2008 SURE guarantee. Producers who meet the defi8nition of "Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource," or "Beginning Farmer or Rancher," are not required to pay the buy-in fee.

Hospice Volunteer Training Classes Offered

Do you have some extra time that you could use to help someone? Would you like to learn how to help others if only for your own personal growth? Do you wish to be trained to help others in your family or church? Let Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois help you by taking our volunteer training classes. The class will give you a better understanding of the needs of someone with a terminal illness and their caregiver and also the grieving process that people or you yourself experience. This does not obligate you to serve in a hospice client home after completion of training.

Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois requires that all volunteers in our organization take the classes if you want to work with patients, our bereavement or cancer support groups, perform clerical duties in the office or help with various fundraising events. Volunteer

Classes will be held starting on Thursday, May 21st at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena. The classes will meet from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. for seven weeks. There is no charge for the class. Please contact the Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois office at 815-947-3260 to sign up for the classes or for more details. Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois is an all volunteer, community based hospice providing educational, supportive and compassionate services to the terminally ill, chronically ill or disabled, and to those who are grieving. Our offices are located at 155 West Front Street, Stockton, Illinois and we can be reached at 815-947-3260 or via email at volhospice@aeroinc.net

DAR Community Service Award Winners

Carroll Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, honored two Carroll County residents as the 2009 community service award winners. Feted at a luncheon during the annual recognition day celebration in Lanark were Marie Teeter, Mt. Carroll and Ann Haliotis, Savanna.

Mrs. Teeter is an enthusiastic docent of the Owen Miles Historical Museum in Mt. Carroll, which is operated under the auspices of the Carroll County Historical Society. Since 1997 Mrs. Teeter has greeted and made welcome visitors to the museum sharing her knowledge of the area with all. She is also a volunteer at the Oakville complex which consists of a one room school, two historical cabins, a granary and a blacksmith shop recreated from the 1880's. She volunteers to maintain the financial records and the maintenance of the museum. "She is a major force in our success," says Susan Appel, President of the Carroll County Historical Society. Mrs. Teeter accepted her award accompanied by her granddaughter.

Anne Haliotis of Savanna was honored for her outstanding work with senior citizens at the Senior Citizen Center in Mt. Carroll. Bev Atherton, Director of the Carroll County Senior Services organization said, "The Center is very lucky to have such a wonderful, talented person."

Ms. Haliotis also is involved with the Carroll County Genealogical Society and currently heads it's website and newsletter. She has taken old pictures of the Savanna area and created postcards, helped in the transcription of church and cemetery record books and oversees the microfilming of Carroll County newspapers.

She serves on the Savanna City Library Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Carroll County Humane Society. Besides the above, Anne serves as organist for the UCB Church in Savanna.

The community service award winners of DAR first nominated by the local DAR chapter and then the process moves to the national level where each nominee is screened by the committee in Washington, D.C. Final approval is in the form of a pin and certificate from the national headquarters at 1776 D Street, Washington, D.C.

A chapter is allowed to present only two awards per year. Carroll Chapter has had a history of award winners and is pleased to participate in this program. For more information on the Daughters of the American Revolution, contact 815-259-3168.

Ludwig's Celebrate 50th

Mr. and Mrs. Verlyn Ludwig of Lanark, Illinois will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1:30 to 4:30 on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at the Candlelight Inn, 2907 Locust Street, Sterling, Illinois.

All friends and relatives are invited to attend. The joy of your presence is present enough. Verlyn Ludwig and Velma Renkes were married on March 27, 1959, at the Trinity Reformed Church in Fulton, Illinois.

They are the parents of Debra Pittman of Washington, Illinois, Mark (Susan) Ludwig of Lakewood, Illinois, Troy (Paula) Ludwig of Monroe, Wisconsin, Susan (Robert) Shetter of Sterling, Illinois. They have nine grandchildren and one great grandson.

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