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More Important NewsIllinois Bluestem Program
These students are 3rd graders at WC Primary. They participated in the Illinois Bluestem Program, an Illinois State Award Program for students in grades 3, 4 and 5. In order to participate in the program, they were required to read 4 of the 20 nominated books. The students pictured were invited to a pizza party in the library with Mrs. McGinnis where they also voted on their favorite book and received a certificate of participation. The winning Bluestem book will be announced in April. The students’ favorite for the Primary was Hachiko Waits by Leslea Newman. Front row left to right: Greg Sims, Alice Coats, Grace Johnson, Caleb Sterbenz, and Ty Aljets. Back row left to right: Soleil Smith, Abby Rakowski, Jacob Spencer, Celia Hartman, and Scotty Anglin. (Courtesy of Jennifer McGinnis) Livestock Judging Contest
The 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging contest was held at the Carroll Co. Highway Building. 133 youth from seven counties judged nine rings of livestock and a questions class. Placing in the top ten overall were: L to R – front row - 1st place Zac Risley from Rochelle FFA; 2nd place Rebecca Eden Ogle Co. 4-H & Oregon FFA; 3rd place Brock Keltner, Stephenson Co. 4-H & Lena-Winslow FFA; 4th place Kyle Imel, Carroll Co. 4-H & Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA; L to R Back row – 6th place Joseph Ring, Ogle Co. 4-H; 7th place Jordan Flewellyn, Lee Co. 4-H; 8th place Hannah Wilmarth, Ogle Co. 4-H & Oregon FFA; 9th place Kevin Schabacker, Rochelle FFA; tied for 10th Kyle Hemmersbach Ogle Co. 4-H & Byron FFA; tied for 10th Skyler Barncord, Carroll Co. 4-H & Eastland FFA. Absent from the picture is 5th place Jacob Baker, Rock Island Co. 4-H & tied for 10th place Brandon Heiman, Lee Co. 4-H 4-H Promotes Teen Safe Driving
The Carroll County 4-H Federation’s March meeting formed a partnership between 4-H and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) to help demonstrate the dangers of drunk driving. Dena Harridge, a 4-H Ambassador, also a member of West Carroll SADD, enlisted the assistance of SADD sponsor, Freddie Preston to provide the Fatal Vision Goggles (DUI or beer goggles) along with Dena’s Mario Kart to simulate intoxicated driving to 4-H members. Each member was allowed to wear the DUI goggles and attempt to drive the Mario Kart course to see how intoxication impairs safe driving. Members also tried to “walk the line” wearing the goggles, just like a police officer would ask a subject to do if stopped for drunk driving. At right, Dena Harridge attempts to “walk the line” using the DUI goggles.
Members also attempted to drive and text with various crash results. According to the VA Driving Institute, you are 23 more times likely to have a crash if you are texting and driving. (Top) Nikki Nash wears the DUI goggles while attempting not to “crash” with the Mario Kart; 4-H members watching are Dan Schoeinger, Shelby Skiles, Donovan Harridge, Saphire Harris, and Izabelle Fredericks (seated on the floor). The Carroll County 4-H program is open to all youth 5-18 years of age. For more information contact University of Illinois Extension at 815-244-9444. SADD is part of the Carroll County Substance Coalition and has chapters in all 3 Carroll County high schools.
Meet Pickles
She is a beautiful dark tortie and is a young adult. She has been at the shelter a long time, and she would love a home of her own. She is a sweet, friendly girl and would make a great addition to your family. If you want to see Pickles and her friends, call today for an appointment to visit the shelter. 815-273-3183 or 815-244-6543
Dairy Judging Contest
The 4-H & FFA Dairy judging contest was held recently with 36 youth from three counties judging 7 rings of dairy animals and dairy goats. Placing in the top ten overall were: L to R – front row – 1st place Parker Ludeking, Dakota FFA; 2nd place Hayden Keltner, Stephenson Co. 4-H & Pearl City FFA; 3rd place Dustin Duggan, West Carroll FFA; 4th place Nathan Erbsen, Carroll Co. 4-H; 5th place Chloe Carson, West Carroll FFA L to R – back row – 6th place Donovan Harridge, Carroll Co. 4-H & West Carroll FFA; 7th place Pat Foley, Stephenson Co. 4-H & Lena-Winslow FFA; 8th place Brock Keltner, Stephenson Co. 4-H & Lena-Winslow FFA; 9th place Val Girot, JoDaviess Co. 4-H & River Ridge FFA; 10th place Payton Erbsen, Carroll Co. 4-H Teach Agriculture Day
Three Eastland FFA members will participate in Teach Agriculture Day on March 24th at Eastland High school. Jordan Price, Sara Runyan, and Dan Schoeninger all will teach a class that day in fill in as a normal classroom instructor to understand how a teacher prepares and teaches a class. Each student is allowed to choose their class and topic to teach. All three students participating have shown interest in pursuing careers in Agriculture Education.
(L to R) Alayna Woodard, Kelsey Hayen, Kyle Imel, Emily Bush, Samantha DeGraff, Ashley Peters of Chadwick-Milledgeville High School were recently inducted into the National Honor Society. 4-H Jr. Horse Bowl & Sr. Horse Hippology Members
The Carroll Co. Jr. Horse Bowl team placed 5th over all at the Regional 4-H Horse Bowl competition held at Kirkland. Individually, Natalie Shaw placed third overall for answering the most questions correctly; in Jr. Hippology division, Katie Collins placed 6th overall and in the Intermediate Hippology division Natalie Shaw placed 2nd. Both girls qualify to participate in the State Contest on April 16. In the Sr. Hippology division, Randi Marie placed 5th overall, Mary placed 2nd and Megan placed 1st overall in the contest. All three girls now qualify to participate in the State Contest in Champaign on April 16.
FFA International Agriculture Experience
Three Eastland FFA members attended an informational and educational international agriculture meeting at Northern Illinois University on March 17. Cayn Boeke, Jordan Price, and Dan Schoeninger met with nineteen agriculture and legislative representatives from China. Members shared information about the FFA organization in the United States and asked questions about culture and agriculture in China. Students were treated to food from China during the exchange of information. The students felt that this event was important in understanding the similarities and differences between the two countries.
First UMC Mission Team returns from Louisiana
Members of First United Methodist Church in Savanna recently returned from a mission trip to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in Baldwin, Louisiana. Their work included: sewing and packaging of relief supplies, building steps and a porch for a local resident’s mobile home, and assisting teachers at a local elementary school and at the Head Start program. Pictured from left to right are: Rev. Larry Thomson, John and Ginny Anderson, Jason Moore, Jim and Vivian Eaton, Jim White, and Burt Prins.
Thumbs Up Winners
Chadwick-Milledgeville Elementary Thumbs Up Winners for Week 20. Front Row, Left to Right: Rylee Matthews, Trent Miller, Peyton Urish. Back Row, Left to Right: Damon Miller, Tyler Atkinson, Olivia Sturrup, Marcus McKenna. Not Pictured: Lance Wren
Week 21 Thumbs Up Winners for Chadwick-Milledgeville. Front Row, Left to Right: Zachary Pauley, Wyatt Brame, Colton Stahl, Briana Wilkinson Back Row, Left to Right: Mason Phillips, Tessa Brubaker, Kobe Gabbard, Makenzie Sack Jump Rope for Heart at Chadwick Jr. High
Last year the Chadwick 4th and 5th graders exceeded their goal of $3,500 for the American Heart Association’s annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser and raised $4,089. This year we set a lofty goal of $4,800. The 4th and 5th grade, 7th and 8th Grade students of District 399 were not disappointed; they met their goal. With the support of family member, teachers and administrators, friends and neighbors the students raised $5,249.75. Great Job Streaks!!! Voices of Praise Concert
As part of the 2011 Concert Series of the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison, Emmanuel’s 85-voice “Voices of Praise” cordially invites the area to experience their fourth annual Spring cantata, “Marching to Zion!” which will be presented in three performances, Thursday, Friday and Sunday evenings, April 7, 8 & 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E Morris, Morrison. Doors will open at 6:00 each evening. Under the direction of ministry coordinator Rich Criss, “Voices of Praise” is the 85-voice outreach choir comprised of those from the 60-voice Sanctuary Choir of the Emmanuel Reformed Church as well as members of other churches in the area. A free shuttle bus will be provided for one hour prior to and following all three performances. This shuttle bus will pick up from Ebenezer Reformed Church’s parking lot just two blocks south of Emmanuel’s campus dropping you off at the curb in front of Emmanuel. This convenient service will aid in your parking ease. A staffed nursery will be provided for the very young and a fellowship time will follow each concert. For more information, please visit the church’s web site at www.emmanuelreformedchurch.org and click on the “Voices of Praise” button. West Carroll Education Foundation
Kim Lawfer (L) and Lisa Jones (R) Board members of the West Carroll Education Foundation, presented the March 22 program of the Mt. Carroll Rotary Club. Rotarion Melissa Parsons(center) presents $1000 annual donation from the club. The Mt. Carroll Rotary has been making this donation since 1993 to the Mt.Carroll and then West Carroll Education Foundation. The West Carroll Education Foundation will hold their annual Radiothon on Friday April 1 from 8:00 am-Noon at West Carroll High School in Savanna. The Radiothon will again be broadcast live on WCCI 100.3 FM/Savanna. Pledges can be made in person or called into 815 273-9273. (Courtesy of Terrie Miller) Manzullo, State Legislators Call on Gov. Quinn to Halt Wasteful Spending on Hot Air-port in PeotoneBy Tom Kocal, Publishertkocal@pacc-news.comwww.pacc-news.com
[March 22, 2011 - ROCKFORD] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) and a contingent of state legislators from northern Illinois today sent a letter to Governor Pat Quinn urging him to stop spending precious state resources on a proposed multi-billion dollar airport in Peotone that is unnecessary and unwanted by the major airlines. The legislators discussed the letter at a news conference today at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport. At a time when the State of Illinois faces unprecedented financial challenges, the Governor should cancel plans to spend another $100 million on Peotone as allocated under the state capital plan, the letter states. The deal announced last week by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to proceed with a major expansion of O’Hare International Airport further reduces the necessity for another Chicagoland airport. The letter is signed by U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, Illinois Senators Dave Syverson, Tim Bivins and Christine Johnson, and Illinois Reps. Joe Sosnowski, Dave Winters, Jim Sacia, and Robert Pritchard. Sen. Bivens was not in attendance, nor was local Rep. Chuck Jefferson, Democrat from the 67th District in Rockford, who was invited, but did not sign the letter. “We believe it is unconscionable for the State of Illinois to continue to waste precious taxpayer resources on this unnecessary project as the state struggles with record budget deficits and debt. In light of the major expansion of O’Hare International Airport, it is even more egregious and unnecessary for the state of Illinois to continue to spend scarce taxpayer dollars on the South Suburban airport that the airlines have said they do not want or need,” the letter states. “As an alternative to Peotone, the existing Chicago-Rockford International Airport (RFD) currently offers passenger air service and can ramp up quickly to accept even more passenger flights and relieve O’Hare without spending hordes of taxpayer’s money.” (The letter in its entirety may be viewed at www.pacc-news.com). The state has already spent over $63 million dollars on the Peotone airport project in Will County, hotly debated project that dates back to 1968. That money, plus the additional $100 million that Quinn plans to add to the state capital plan, is for the purchase of land only - and doesn’t even scratch the surface of the estimated $5+ billion that will be required to actually build it, decades down the road. The northern Illinois contingent of legislators want answers to some vital questions about this 43-year-old plan that was also a “pet project” of former IL Gov. George Ryan, now serving a 6-1/2 year term in federal prison. The charges included racketeering, bribery, extortion, money laundering and tax fraud. The indictment alleged that Ryan steered several state contracts to Warner and other friends; disbursed campaign funds to relatives and to pay personal expenses; and obstructed justice by attempting to end the state investigation of the license-for-bribes scandal. He was charged with lying to investigators and accepting cash, gifts and loans in return for his official actions as governor. A lack of vision, as well as the inability to get past the politics of “Chicago vs. the rest of Illinois,” seems to plague the Quinn administration. The Thomson Correctional Center has been vacated by the State of Illinois, with hopes of selling it to the federal Bureau of Prisons, after the state built it 10 years ago, but never used it - a project that cost “only” $145 million to build, and a few million just to watch it deteriorate. If the Peotone Airport project moves forward, after 43 years of planning and spending $63 million, how can the State of Illinois guarantee that it will eventually utilize the airport, when in fact, the state’s track record isn’t very good with projects over $150 million? A pet peeve of Rep. Sacia is the farm land being sold in Will County. Who owns this land to be purchased - or has it already been purchased by special interests? Why are bountiful, productive family farms - 34 square miles of prime farm land - being condemned by the State of Illinois, when the Chicago Rockford International Airport is already operating, and could be expanded at a fraction of the cost to taxpayers? U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., a Democrat from Chicago in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, has formed the Lincoln National Airport Commission. But Will County officials and the Lincoln Commission are already battling over control of the “hot air-port.” This power struggle seems to indicate that what is really at stake is revenue for the City of Chicago rather than how to best serve the public in the metropolitan area to the north and west, and the State of Illinois. The bulk of the population growth and new business development the past 2 decades is in this region, which is closer and more easily accessible to Rockford’s airport. Northern Illinois is home to several of the fastest-growing communities and counties in the state, namely Belvidere in Boone County, and McHenry County. Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-70, Hinckley), told the audience at Tuesday’s press conference that he was “glad to join (the group) in sounding a note of common sense so rarely heard in the halls of Springfield.” With that sentiment in mind, one must ask: Which of these 3 scenarios will occur first? Will these questions be answered, will the project continue down Boondoggle Road, or will logic prevail, ending this 43-year-old debacle? 4 Videos of event at www.pacc-news.com Lanark Fire Department’s Fish FryBy Andrew WilliamsonThe Prairie Advocate NewsThe Lanark Fire Department’s Annual Fish Fry was Saturday, March 26, and is their major fundraising event, held each spring. Proceeds to the volunteer Fire Department help the men and women of the department provide the best possible service. Proceeds go towards updating and improving equipment, purchasing new gear, maintaining existing fire and rescue apparatuses, and obtaining specialized equipment used in both fire and rescue services. The cost of adding and replacing aging equipment is absolutely necessary and important in continuing to provide the necessary training that keeps them ready when needed.
Fire Department Offers Cadet TrainingA program established in 2007 continues to be a success. The Cadet Training Program got off to a great start and continues to achieve its goal. Some members plan to train as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) cadets. A Cadet’s requirements are to complete training for the Firefighter II course, attending regular training meetings with other department personnel. Continual training and education are standard procedures at the LFD. The department is currently offering in-house EMT classes. Members are planning to attend several workshops and seminars geared toward firefighter safety and training techniques Chief Dan Shaulis said that the LFD is always seeking to increase their number of firefighters and EMT’s. “We can always use additional personnel, especially during the day.” Chief Shaulis added a special thanks to Lanark and area businesses that allow their employees who serve as volunteers on the LFD to leave work to answer calls. The Lanark Fire Department currently has 28 members on the roster. Officers are: Chief Dan Shaulis, Asst. Chief Dave Lotz, Asst. Chief Les Guenzler, Captain Jeff Lindsay, Capt. and President Tom Weber, Lt. Hunt Thomas, Vice President Brandon Reese, Secretary Amy Folk, Treasurer Chris Markley, and Chaplin John Sgro. Other LFD personnel include Corey Barnes, Keith Burkholder, Brett Farrell, Don Fehlhafer, Elaine Gallentine, David Hill, Jack Hill, Brett Hutchison, Robert Kalina, Stacy Kalina, Cody Kruse, Brian Murphy and Paul Murphy. Sheldon Phillips, Brandon Reese, Dave Smith, Kim Sturtevant, Hunt Thomas, Denny Wolbers, Randy Witt, and Tricia Poffenberger. EMT’s are: Elaine Gallentine, Chris Markley, Brian Murphy, Paul Murphy, Kim Sturtevant, PHRN Stacy Kalina, Tami Ingram and Michelle Atherton. Trustees are Jim Callaway, Connie Knutti, and Chris Lower. Chief Shaulis pays tribute to the Honorary Firemen who always help when needed. “Thank you, also, to all of the area fire departments for their mutual aid assistance.” Email Virus: Here you have it / Just for you / Here it isAnyone-using Internet mail such as Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL and so on. This information arrived this morning, Direct from both Microsoft and Norton. You may receive an apparently harmless e-mail titled Here you have it If you open the file, a message will appear on your screen saying: ‘It is too late now; your life is no longer beautiful.’ Subsequently you will lose everything in your PC, And the person who sent it to you will gain access to your Name, e-mail and password. This is a new virus which started to circulate on Saturday afternoon. AOL has already confirmed the severity, and the anti virus software’s are not capable of destroying it. The virus has been created by a hacker who calls himself ‘life owner’. This has been confirmed by Snopes. http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/hereyouhave.asp FOID Privacy Bill Gains Supermajority SponsorshipState Representative Rich Morthland’s firearm owners’ privacy legislation, House Bill 3500, received its 70th cosponsor this week. Morthland, who is the bill’s chief sponsor, said it is now poised to pass through the Illinois House with a veto-proof supermajority. House Bill 3500 adds an exemption to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) protecting personal information of Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) cardholders. The bill prohibits State and local governments from publicly releasing names or other private information of FOID cardholders or applicants. “I’ve been working very hard to round up co-sponsors for this bill and I’m grateful for the overwhelming, bipartisan support for this issue,” Morthland said. “Law abiding private citizens of Illinois will be glad to know the General Assembly is protecting their rights, privacy, and safety.” Morthland’s legislation is in response to a ruling by Attorney General Lisa Madigan that declared the names of FOID Card holders to be public information that must be disclosed in response to FOIA requests. The Illinois State Police, which oversees the program, opposes the Attorney General’s ruling and is preparing a possible court challenge. The National Rifle Association also opposes releasing the names and addresses of FOID Card holders. “Our library checkout records are exempt from release under the FOIA statute,” Morthland said. “It’s only reasonable that personal information of FOID cardholders should remain private as well.” Mrs. Lincoln at Odell Public LibraryMary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, but few people know her real story. Now, actress Laura Keyes shares Mary’s story in an entertaining and educational program entitled, “Mrs. Lincoln.” Ms. Keyes’ meticulously researched program will focus on the life and losses of Mary Todd Lincoln. The Odell Public Library invites the community to this delightful and unique one-woman performance of “Mrs. Lincoln” set on the evening of April 14, 1865, and is 146 years to the day of the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln. This special program will begin at 7:30 PM and will be held at the Morrison United Methodist Church. Laura Keyes recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies and is a High School Library Director. She enjoys researching literary symbolism and has contracted to write a book on that subject. Ms. Keyes also is a wonderful baker and an accomplished vocalist. This program is a benefit for the Odell Public Library Foundation. In lieu of a ticket cost, donations will be gladly accepted for the continuing programs of the library and to secure the future of the library for many generations. Highland Hosts Annual Job FairNetworking for area businesses and job seekersThe Annual Highland Community College Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 13 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Current students, graduates, and area residents are invited and over 30 businesses in northern Illinois attend Highland’s Job Fair each year. This free event is an excellent networking opportunity for businesses and for job seekers. The 2011 Job Fair will be held in the Newell Room, located on the second floor of the Student/Conference Center on the HCC campus. Employment ForumsEmployment Forums will feature community guest speakers who will provide tips and strategies for a successful job search. These panelists will answer your questions and offer expert advice. These discussions will focus on effective resumes and cover letters, personal presentation skills, interviewing and job hunting. “Best Practices: Effective Strategies for Your Job Hunt” 6:00 p.m. - 6:50 p.m., Wednesday, April 13 9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m., Thursday, April 14 10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m., Thursday, April 14 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m., Thursday, April 14 Resume CritiquingBring a copy of your resume to receive free advice from “seasoned” resume critics. If you need assistance developing a resume, please inquire about appointments for this service. To register, call Amy Johnson at 815-599-3678. Students and the public are encouraged to make an impressive first impression at the Job Fair and to present a polished resume to potential employers. The HCC Career Center can advise job seekers how to prepare for the Job Fair. The Career Center also has informative literature on resume development, interviewing techniques, and job-hunting strategies. The Career Center is located on the first floor of the Student/Conference Center (H108). To request special accommodations for individuals with disabilities, call 815-599-3678 by Friday, April 8. Business RegistrationLocal businesses are welcome to showcase their employment opportunities at the 2011 Job Fair by contacting the Highland Community College Career Services at 815-599-3536 to make a reservation at the Job Fair. Response forms are available here. For more information regarding the 2011 Job Fair, please contact Amy Johnson at 815-599-3678. MCH Auxiliary Bed Sheet SaleMCH Auxiliary will be sponsoring a bed sheet sale, hosted by Luxury Bed Sheets, Inc.®. The sale will be held at the MCH front lobby on Tuesday, April 5th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoppers can stop in and select any size of bed sheets for only $20 + tax! The complete 6 piece sheet set includes 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet and 4 pillow cases. The 400 thread count fine imported Egyptian cotton sets are available in many brilliant long lasting colors. They will also be selling durable, stylish and affordable gym shoes for $15 + tax and fashionable women’s purses for $20 + tax. Please stop in and shop with us for this special one day event and support the MCH Auxiliary. Fundraising efforts by the MCH Auxiliary are important to the community because the proceeds are either donated to the Morrison Community Hospital for needed equipment and facility improvements or awarded to local students through the auxiliary scholarship program. Recently, the auxiliary donated funds to purchase new wheelchairs for the hospital, a utility cart for the maintenance department, a wheelchair weight scale for the Four Season’s Living Center, Tiger Straps for the EMS Department, a Nintendo Wii for the Rehabilitation Department, and funds to purchase new items for the MCH Dietary Department. To learn more about the Morrison Community Hospital Auxiliary please visit the MCH website at www.morrisonhospital.com. You may also contact Vi Parkinson, Auxiliary President, at 815-772-4436. The Morrison Community Hospital is located at 303 N. Jackson St. Morrison, IL. Good Agricultural Practices workshopFood safety issues highlight 2011 Good Agricultural Practices workshop Food safety begins with sound practices on the farm. University of Illinois Extension is presenting a Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) workshop at US Bank in Pecatonica on Wednesday, April 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop has benefits for all producers, retailers and wholesalers in supermarkets, Farmers’ Markets, and business owners in service industries. Workshop participants will learn about produce food safety, post-harvest produce handling, water quality and testing, soil management, manure management, worker health and hygiene, and auditing farms for GAPs and food safety. In particular, the GAPs workshop will equip producers with the knowledge to put together a written food safety plan. By becoming food-safety compliant, producers will stay competitive in the specialty produce business. Speakers include Extension Educators James Theuri, Peter Chege, Maurice Ogutu and Ellen Phillips. A USDA auditor will also share what to expect during an audit. “Recent outbreaks of food borne illnesses involving both fresh and processed food products have heightened public concern about food safety,” said Ellen Phillips, U of I Extension educator in Small Farms/Local Foods. “Increasingly more consumers want to know how their food is grown.” Many fresh-produce retailers are beginning to require that their producers have third-party audits to verify safe food production and handling practices on the farm. “The recently signed bill to overhaul food safety underscores the growing emphasis on food safety and the need for fresh-produce farmers to produce a safe product,” Phillips said. The cost is $30 per participant, which includes lunch, and $25 for each additional employee or family member (sharing the curriculum). To register, contact your Extension office as listed below: U of I Extension-Winnebago County - 815-986-4357, 1040 N Second St, Rockford, www.extension.illinois.edu/winnebago U of I Extension-Stephenson County - 815-235-4125, 2998 W Pearl City Rd, Freeport, www.extension.illinois.edu/stephenson Wanted: QuiltsA special event is being planned to continue the celebration of Lanark’s 150th year. The Lake Carroll quilters are organizing a quilt show to be held on Friday, May 14, 2011 at the Heritage Center. It will feature old and/or historical quilts. We need your help in locating these special quilts. We will accept completed quilts or pieced or appliquéd un-quilted tops. We hope you will be able to give some written information about the quilt; such as how old it is, who made it, was it for a special occasion or any other items of interest. If you have one of these treasures you would be willing to share, please call Nancy at 815-493-6087 or Phyllis at 815-541-6455. Thank you. Lanark Sesquicentennial Book Committee Needs Your MemorabiliaThe Lanark Sesquicentennial Commemorative Book Committee has been diligently seeking historical materials to include in the publication of a book celebrating Lanark’s 150 years. We are asking people to share: photographs and postcards, diaries, documents, Lanark history, personal memories, Centennial Farms historical information, Lanark advertising and memorabilia, scrapbooks and newspaper clippings, organization and business records, and business directories. Using modern technology, the committee members have the ability to come to your home and create images without the materials leaving your possession. The information and images will be properly credited. Some of the specific topics being researched include: history of Lanark, city offices and services, railroad, architecture, schools, churches, groups & organizations, farming and agriculture, people of our town, businesses past and present, and historical celebrations. Personal memories, whether written or recorded, regarding these topics are also of interest. Plans are to create a separate section of the book devoted to individual accounts of events and memories. Recognizing that there are restrictions to the amount of material that will fit into the book, the committee plans to make available a DVD that includes additional research and images. The committee intends to include the events of this year’s 150th celebration in the book, so it will be available at the conclusion of the year-long festivities. To contribute items, please contact Dave Shaulis or Doris Temple at the Exchange State Bank, Mrs. Gordon (Sue) Apple, Mrs. Larry (Ramona) Koning, John Huggins, or the Lanark Public Library. A deadline of May 3rd has been set for delivering the information and items. Your contributions will aid in creating a lasting historical tribute to our city. P.S. Still no word on the “lost” Lanark Centennial Time Capsule! Fifth Annual ATOD Project Sticker Shock EventThe fifth annual Project Sticker Shock will be hosted Wednesday, April 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. by the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Task Force (ATOD), in conjunction with the Illinois Liquor Commission, Sterling and Rock Falls Police departments , Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department, and local high school youth groups. The event, begun first by the local ATOD Task Force, is now in its third year as a statewide activity through the Liquor Commission. The collaboration kicks off Alcohol Awareness Month and reminds individuals of both the consequences of purchasing alcohol for minors and of minors purchasing or buying alcohol. “Local liquor establishments and grocery stores are allowing us to place our bright yellow stickers and decals on their package goods, windows and coolers to help raise awareness about the risks associated with underage drinking,” said Kelly Wilhelmi, chair of the ATOD Task Force and sheriff of Whiteside County. Warning stickers, window decals, posters, and signs will be placed by youth from Sterling, Rock Falls and Newman high schools. All students will be chaperoned by Sterling/Rock Falls police officers and sheriff’s department as well as members of the ATOD Task Force. “We thank the Whiteside County Crimestoppers Board and Turnroth Signs for supporting our efforts this year,” said Wilhelmi. “They are funding four junior billboards in the county in April which warn about the consequences of purchasing alcohol for minors.” This local effort is just one of many being held throughout Illinois thanks to a wide-ranging partnership of statewide industry and prevention groups, including: Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (ABDI), Illinois Municipal League, Illinois Association of Police Chiefs, Illinois Sheriff’s Association, Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). “We realize the vast majority of liquor establishments are selling and serving responsibly,” said Wilhelmi. “We are also aware that family and friends are the primary source of alcohol for minor drinking.” Project Sticker Shock stickers carry the warning that “ Providing Alcohol to Minors is Illegal, Unhealthy & Unacceptable! It is illegal…To provide alcohol to a person under age 21…For a minor to use a fake ID.” Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club hold MeetingBy Matt KeppenMilledgeville Hotshots ReporterThe Milledgeville Hotshots held their monthly meeting on March 9, 2011. The club will donate quilt squares to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lanark. The club will also donate to the Relay for Life Foundation. The Hotshots will help out with the Special Olympics Training. Some members will be participating at the Livestock Judging Contest on March 19, 2011. The next meeting will be on April 13, 2011. We will be making Mother’s Day baskets, so feel free to come and participate. Carroll County 4-H Leaders Meeting To Be HeldBy Leanne Rahn, Community Worker, 4-H & YouthAll organizational, project and Junior 4-H leaders are invited to attend the meeting scheduled for Monday, April 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Board Room, Mt. Carroll. Upcoming events and activities will be discussed; plans for the 4-H Fair will be started; Mayfest; Volunteer Week and more will be agenda topics. For more information contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll Co. Extension Office at 815-244-9444 or lrahn@illinois.edu. Carroll County 4-H Federation to MeetBy Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker, 4-H & Youth The next monthly meeting of the Carroll County 4-H Federation will be Saturday, April 16. The 4-H will be taking a bus to the Niabi Zoo. All 4-H families are invited to attend. If you would like to attend the zoo outing, please send your registration form and money for the zoo tickets to the Extension Office by April 8th to pre-register.For more information contact Leanne Rahn at Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or e-mail at lrahn@illinois.edu. National 4-H Volunteer Week CelebratedBy Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker, 4-H & YouthApril 10-16, has been slated as National 4-H Volunteer Week. I can’t think of a better way to maintain a healthy and happy heart than by volunteering to help others, especially our young people. You’ve read this many times and you will see it many more times - “Volunteers are the backbone of the 4-H program.” And, as we celebrate National 4-H Volunteer Week, I want you each to know how important our 4-H volunteers are. Without the dedicated time and support of adults and teen volunteers our program would be severely limited. Because of volunteers we have a multiplier approach. If I train twenty club volunteers, and they organize twenty 4-H clubs of ten children each, then volunteers have helped our program to reach two hundred youth. And, chances are, each volunteer will train at least one other adult volunteer along the way. It takes this multiplier effect to make things happen. But it isn’t just club leaders who make our Carroll County 4-H program work. It is also parents and other adults who help transport, who open their homes for meetings and project activities and who share their special talents through workshops and project clubs. The Carroll County 4-H program’s success also depends on other volunteers and council members who assist with needs assessment, plan and conduct programs and help secure funds for 4-H programs. Many young people also volunteer to help conduct 4-H programs. To everyone who works so hard to help build future leaders from the youth of today, we salute you this week and always. If you would like more information on how to become a Carroll County 4-H Volunteer, contact Leanne Rahn at University of Illinois Extension Office, 815-244-9444 or lrahn@illinois.edu Carroll County Safety Day For Families PlannedBy Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker, 4-H & YouthA Progressive Agriculture Safety Day will be held Saturday, May 7, at the Carroll Co. Fairgrounds near Milledgeville. This fun-filled morning is open to all youth 6 -13 years old and adults ages 14 and up. Planned activities include demonstrations, discussions and hands-on activities on safety-related topics. Participants will be divided into small groups to rotate through the safety sessions. Youth sessions offered will be First Aid, ATV Safety, Equipment safety, grain safety, chemical safety, animal safety and electricity safety. Adult sessions are first responder techniques, chemical safety, ATV safety, grain safety, tractor/pto safety, laws/requirements for operators, electrical safety. The Safety Day will be held from 8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Registrations deadline is April 18. A fee of $5 per person covers the cost of snacks, a T-shirt for children, speakers, and a take-home bag of materials. Families with 4 or more people pay a maximum of $20. Registration forms are available at the Carroll County Farm Bureau or University of Illinois Extension Office in Mt. Carroll. The Safety Day is being presented by Carroll County Farm Bureau Quality of Life Action Team, Carroll Co. University of Illinois Extension, COUNTRY Financial, FHN, 1st Farm Credit Services, Stateline Farm Rescue, and Jo-Carroll Electric. Carroll County 4-H Jr. Ambassador Group to MeetBy Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker, 4-H & YouthThe Jr. Ambassadors will be meeting Monday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Extension Office Meeting room in Mt. Carroll. They will continue with work and planning of their service learning project. Contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office for more information on how to join the Jr. Ambassador team. Please call 815-244-9444 or e-mail lrahn@illinois.edu. Bring a friend. District 1 Proficiency ContestMatt Keppen from the Eastland FFA placed 1st at the District FFA Proficiency Award contest held at Geneseo High School on March 16th. FFA members from over 80 schools and Five FFA Sections competed in forty eight areas to advance to the State Finals on April 2. Matt placed 1st in Dairy Placement and will compete with 4 other finalists for top in Illinois in that area. Matt is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jon Keppen of Lanark. Competing and placing 2nd in District competition was Sara Runyan in Specialty Animal. Other Eastland FFA members competing were William Murphy in Grain Production Placement and Dan Schoeninger in Small Animal production. Frederick Attends CIC InstituteKeith Frederick, owner of the Maurits & Jost Agency of Morrison, has successfully completed the annual continuing education requirement of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. To earn this prestigious designation, Frederick attended five courses covering all phases of the insurance business and passed five comprehensive examinations. Additionally, The National Alliance requires annual attendance in the program to maintain the designation. Frederick, a 35-year veteran of the industry, has been a CIC since 1995. Frederick believes the insurance profession is best served by those who acquire and maintain a high standard of professionalism by meeting the continuing requirements of the Certified Insurance Counselors Program. West Carroll Students Win FFA AwardsWest Carroll High School Superintendent Craig Mathers announced that five West Carroll FFA students have been selected as District 1 FFA Award winners at competition at Geneseo High School. Zach Whitebread, the son of Gary and Carla Whitebread won for Swine Production Placement, Kim Durward, the daughter of Janice and Andrew Durward won in Forage Production Entrepreneurship, Wayne Boyer, the son of Wayne and Deana Boyer won in Forestry Management, Kayla Wilson, the daughter of Jennifer Bennet won in Ag Sales Proficiency and Matthew Strauch, the son of Jim and Kendra Strauch won in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management. The five were selected in competition with five FFA members from District 1. District 1 is comprised of five agricultural education sections in northwest Illinois. The wins make the five students eligible to compete in the State FFA Awards competition to be held at Urbana on April 2, 2011. Dan Hartman is agriculture and FFA advisor at West Carroll High School.
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