10th Amendment Center

Course: Tenther 101

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Message to Morrison - Extra-Curricular Fees

The Morrison Community Unit School District #6 Board of Education has long wanted to reduce the fees charged for participation in extra curricular activities. The District increased these fees in 2003 to their current levels. Because of the reduction in funding for Illinois Schools, it has not been possible to reduce these fees and maintain our extra- curricular programs.

The good news is that in working with the Morrison Athletic Boosters, students now have a way to pay for those fees without parents or families incurring any additional expenses. This year, the boosters began using a “Scrip” program. With this program, an individual purchases a card - that looks like a gift card – to use when purchasing items they would already be purchasing. The company then gives the organization a percentage of the value of the card. There is no additional cost to the individual for purchasing the Scrip card.

The booster organization has decided to split the profit from each card sold so that the student would get credit for half of the profit and the boosters would retain the other half. There are cards for local gas, grocery, restaurant, and other businesses in Morrison. You can also purchase cards for national chains or even iTunes. A complete list of participating businesses and the order form can be found on the District website. The percent that a business will give the Boosters varies from 1.5% to 30% of the value of the card. The program will be more fully explained at Meet the Players on March 9th and cards will be available for purchase at the event.

An example of the way the scrip program will work follows.

• An individual decides they plan to rent a movie and get a carry out pizza from Movie Magic,

• The person goes on line and prints out the scrip form and fills it out for Movie Magic and lists the name of the student who should get credit,

• The individual or student brings the form and cash or check to the Morrison High School office,

• The individual or student receives a Movie Magic card to use, as they would cash, at Movie Magic.

• Movie Magic gives the boosters 30% of the value of the card. This means that if the card is for $15, boosters get $2.25 and the student would get $2.25 toward extra curricular fees.

The total sales credit for each student will be calculated three times each year, August 1st, November 1st, and February 15th. This total will then be credited to their account toward any extra curricular fees owed by the student. Any extra funds will be carried over to the next season or may be shared with a sibling.

By teaming with the Boosters, the District hopes to help families reduce the financial burden of participation in extra curricular activities. In these tough economic times, the District will continue to search for ways to continue offering excellent programs but reduce the financial stress on families. Thank you to the Morrison Athletic Boosters for their support and cooperation in this opportunity. My door is always open and I look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to call me at or e-mail me at .

Sincerely,
Suellen Girard, Superintendent,
Morrison Schools

It’s a Red Affair

March is Red Cross Month in recognition of the work done by the American Red Cross in communities across the country and around the globe.

Thanks to support from individuals, organizations and businesses here in Northwest Illinois, the American Red Cross is able to respond to disasters both large and small; help members of the military, veterans and their families; provide blood for those in need; and teach life-saving skills.

Around the nation, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. We provide 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families, collect and distribute more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and train more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.

During fiscal year 2011, the Northwest Illinois Chapter assisted 272 community members affected by fires and other local disasters; provided services to 43 military members, veterans and families, including emergency communications; 4,270 individuals in our region learned critical skills through Red Cross courses; 1,998 enrolled in first aid/CPR/AED classes and 2,237 enrolled in water safety/aquatics classes. In Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Carroll counties, our blood chapters collected nearly 1,300 pints of blood which were distributed to 80 hospitals.

Locally, Red Cross Month will kick off with a Proclamation by Freeport Mayor George Gaulrapp at the March 5 Council meeting. Later in the month, on March 22, the Chapter is hosting a blood drive at the 524 building, where City Hall is now located. On March 24, our Chapter presents its 5th annual gala fundraiser, “It’s a Red Affair” at the Freeport Country Club. On March 27, Culver’s in Galena will be sponsoring a fundraiser for the Chapter, and on March 29, Chapter staff and volunteers will hold a meeting for interested people who want to become a part of our mission-related services. Finally, on March 31 the Chapter offers its regular monthly CPR class.

Red Cross Month is the perfect time for people to become a part of our mission and help people in need by making a donation, volunteering, giving blood or taking a class.

Sincerely,
Diana Roemer,
Executive Director
American Red Cross Northwest Illinois Chapter

Wood’s Morrison City Council Notes

The Morrison City Council met on Feb. 27, 2012 at the County Board Room. All aldermen except Pat Zuidema were present with a full house of concerned residents. My head is still spinning! I don’t know how we can rationalize some of the spending! Supposedly, last meeting we were told by CA Wise that the city of Morrison is in fine shape according to our budget. We had about $35,000 to spare. Well, from what was said last night, the Administer is counting on raising some fees so that we will maybe increase our income by a LARGE SUM OF AT LEAST- $12,000 TO $15,000. Oh, my, what will we do with all that extra generated income?

It is so sad that Administer Wise has time to play games on working on the fiscal year 2012-13 budget. The bogus budget that was presented to the city council was a waste of valuable time and paper! Ron Kallemyn and myself want the council to work with the administrator to present a budget that is thought out, acceptable, accurate and in the best interest for residents of Morrison. CA Wise is adamant on working on it himself and presenting it to the council at the next scheduled meeting for the council to go over. (More wasted tax dollar by paying the lawyer for time sitting through discussions.)

I cannot believe we need an ordinance to have non-profits prove they are a nonprofit group in order to reserve the Community room for no fee. What was wrong with the reservation form the city already possesses? Does the cost of creating an ordinance pay for itself-it is for the people who don’t have to pay the fees? We are spending so much on making new ordinances (laws) this fiscal year! We have been presented at least nine since January of this year. We had to move $25,000 to add to our already budgeted $25,000 attorney fees to keep up the lawyer fees this year. The city has spent over $39,000 this fiscal year on legal fees to Ward, Murray, Pace and Johnson PC. That does not include the legal fees we pay for Baxter and Woodman, Chen Nelson Roberts LTD, etc.

Public comment: Luke Vanderbleek would like to see the present Historic Preservation ordinance repealed since the mapped area was not legitimate because the property owners were not notified properly nor did they get written notice for the Public Hearing. (no proper notice for the Jan. 31, 2912 public hearing either). The City needs to start over and do the entire process properly with 51% of the owners behind historic preservation.

Public comment: Harvey Zuidema asked about the library insurance. Since the new insurance took over, the library was not notified of an increase. Connie sent a check for $4,000 to CA Wise-he rejected it and billed the library for $5,000 with no explanation. She wanted a copy of the insurance coverage and how it is being billed – NO INFO, NO ANSWERS FROM CA WISE.

Corrine Bender, Economic Development Director, researched other communities and most of them do not charge an application fee for a new liquor license—CA Wise is proposing a $5,000 application fee for ALL new liquor licenses with a 1.8% mandated increase yearly .After much discussion about liquor licenses and other fees, Michael Blean suggested postponing voting on the proposed fee schedule until the Morrison Business Advisory Group has a chance to review it.

A line of credit has been established for $500,000 (half a million dollars) with the National Bank to use for emergency funding-not earmarked for infrastructure, so I hope we don’t have to use any of it.

CA Wise stated we have a grant for $75,000 to use for improvement on the ComEd lot on Market Street. He asked to go forward on trying to purchase the property for $25,600 (the grant money CANNOT be used toward purchasing the property). He wants action to be taken at the March 12, 2012 meeting.

Other items for consideration: Marti Wood, on the advice of the auditors, requested a new line item be added for the Sports Complex revenue named “sale of material” to use for funds we receive for product we purchase and resell to other complexes or groups (in order to be more accountable). After the meeting, CA Wise stated he contacted the auditors after the meeting, then contacted me and said the line item should be named “miscellaneous revenues”. I contacted the auditor Feb. 29 and was told-with larger amounts of money, this leaves a lot of room to bury information and I am all for transparency- it needs specification! I also asked if Theresa Ferrell was still running the recreation program. Her budget is moved to the Sports Complex in the proposed budget – no one has discussed any of this with her or the council.

The next Morrison City Council meeting will be March 12, 2012 at the County Board Room. Please come, contact city hall and your alderman with any questions, concerns and compliments. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!

A Morrison Taxpayer
Marti Wood

What is Happening at Our City Council Meetings???

Did you know that it has been proposed that the Morrison water tower be rejuvenated from inside and out for $430,000? Our water tower does have water leakage and has not been refurbished for much longer time then the 5 years recommended to maintain water quality safeguards. The repair and maintenance is necessary and important. But, also, included in this large price tag is the repainting of the exterior of the tower to include the addition of a new, large logo along with the City’s name. How much of this nearly 1/2 of a $1,000,000 is for a bright and showy exterior? And, do we have the finances to support this total overhaul of the water tower at this time?

Did you know that the cost of our newest community well now being dug is over 1/2 of a $1,000,000? The cost of this newest project is $674,660. Due to a problem that was first recognized in December, 2011, the well has had to be dug to a greater depth then originally planned for safe water. If, you put these two projects together then we are well over a $1,000,000 of expenditures into our new 2012. Can we afford this as a small community that is trying to move passed the $385,000 empty building on Main Street and the $5,000,000+ Sports Complex that is now defined by the City Administrator and Sports Complex Director as a “not-for-profit” business for the City of Morrison.

At what time was this Complex ever defined to be a not-for-profit business. And, if, you want to defend it as a recreational area “for our children” then where are the safe bike paths to get to the Complex? Where is the safe access to this Complex for use throughout the year for our children of all ages and adults to make use of this large area for a variety of activities? It was first designed to be a regional source for multiple ball games during the summer for softball tournaments for Whiteside County and this sector of our state. It was to be a financially succesful and sustaining business. Now due to the lack of realistic plans for this huge community expenditure, we are left to accept it was always meant to be a “not-for-profit business of Morrison.” Wrong! It was never at any time since ground breaking defined for this purpose.

We have a major financial problem in Morrison. This is a problem that every citizen understands. We need a City Administrator and a City Council that admit we have made mistakes and we are moving ahead to address them “as a team.” However at this time in our current City Council Meetings, our elected Alderman are being intimidated by the City Administrator, Mr. Jim Wise. Our present Council has, at each meeting that I have attended since early January, questioned and asked the Administrator for their “right” to be a part of the policies that are being made for our community - not just told what items to vote upon and pass. They have to “request” from the City Administrator time to discuss city proposals and recommendations. Time needed in the agenda for a thorough discussion and/or to carry needed discussions into succeeding meetings, or workshop sessions. Time needed to arrive at the best possible solution for all City policies. City Council make the policies based upon City Administrator recommendations and only – after our Aldermen’s thorough discussion on all community issues. This is not a RIGHT that they should be permitted to use at each council meeting. This is their elected responsibility. And in the end, it must be a Team Effort.

Nance Johnson
Morrison, IL

To the Voters of Carroll County

I am requesting you re-elect Republican Scott Brinkmeier for State’s Attorney. I have had the opportunity to work with Scott as an officer with the Illinois State Police, concerned citizen, and Carroll County Board member. He has shown the ability to prosecute criminals effectively and ensure fair convictions, making Carroll County safer.

Scott and his office staff are dedicated to assisting crime victims and have secured grant funding to aid with these efforts. In addition, he and his staff make themselves available for questions and work hard finding answers. Though I understand his challenger is a good lawyer, Scott has demonstrated excellence throughout his many years of service to the public. I believe Scott deserves our continued support. Please vote for Scott!

Thank You,
Joseph Payette
Shannon, IL

For Brinkmeier

I am writing this letter to endorse Scott Brinkmeier for Carroll County State’s Attorney. Scott and I were classmates and have been friends since grade school. We have been working closer together since I became a county board member.

During these past two years I have seen that Scott is hard-working, honest and a true asset to the people of Carroll County. He brings experience and integrity to both his dealings with county legal matters and in prosecuting criminals in the court system. Whenever the county board has a question, Scott is quick to respond with an answer that clears up the issue. I feel confident that he will continue to do an excellent job for the county and ask for your support at the polls on March 20, 2012.

Darrell Stitzel
Carroll County Board, D-3

Elect Michelle Schurman - CC State’s Attorney

I am writing this letter in support of Michelle Schurman, candidate for Carroll County State’s Attorney. I have known Michelle for many years and she is a dedicated, hardworking woman.

Michelle has been active in the Republican party for a number of years, and is the current President of the Carroll County Republican Women.

Based on her years of experience practicing law, and her campaign platform regarding protection of victims’ rights, a reduction in plea bargains, and a better working relationship with Law Enforcement agencies, I feel she will be an excellent prosecutor for Carroll County.

I believe having a tough prosecutor in office is necessary to send a message to those who commit crimes so they understand there will be severe consequences to their actions in our County. Michelle has stated that this will be a priority for her as State’s Attorney.

I encourage voters to join me and cast your ballot on March 20, 2012 for Michelle Schurman, Republican candidate for State’s Attorney.

Sincerely,
Zelma McNeal
Mayor of Chadwick, IL

In Support of Schurman for State’s Attorney

I have lived in Carroll County all of my life and, of course, love our small town living.

There is a candidate by the name of Michelle Schurman running for Carroll County State’s Attorney. Michelle lives in Mount Carroll with her husband Tim and three children for the past 10 years. Her father still has relatives in Savanna, and Michelle has many memories of coming to Mount Carroll and Savanna often when her Mom and Dad moved to Morrison.

She has practiced law for almost eighteen years and is well-known in the court in Mount Carroll for the many clients she has represented. She has experience in all areas of the law, including prosecutorial, criminal, and civil court law.

As State’s Attorney, Michelle would build a close relationship with all of our law enforcement agencies in Carroll County, being willing to accept calls in the middle of the night for problems, and will respond to all phone calls from the public. This attitude can assure us of a busy, active State’s Attorney.

I urge all to join me in voting for Michelle Schurman, Carroll County State’s Attorney, on March 20. We deserve to have the very best, and she can do the job!

Ruth Kelly
Savanna, IL

Supports Brinkmeier

I am writing this letter in support of Scott Brinkmeier for Carroll County States Attorney. One of the duties for the job of the States Attorney is to assist and advise the County Board. Scott has always worked well with the Carroll County Board during the last seven years that I have been a member of the board. He has always provided whatever services the board needs in a timely and professional manner.

If you ever pass through Mount Carroll by the Court House early in the morning or late at night as I often do, you would notice that Scott is at work contributing the extra time that is needed to fulfill the job of the States Attorney. His work ethics are second to none and are what the Citizens of Carroll County should be proud of. I know that I am impressed with Scott Brinkmeier and will be voting for him for Carroll County States Attorney.

Sincerely,
Rod Fritz
Carroll County Board, D-3

Just Say NO

Okay, I’m cold and politically incorrect, but I don’t give a rat’s behind if jobs are lost due to the government cutting subsidies for wind farms. We’re paying to put up those monstrosities with our tax money. Personally, I’d rather pay the workers welfare and not be subjected to the additional insult of being forced to pay to have my health and peace of mind destroyed.

Remember the old television series “Dragnet?”

“Just the facts, ma’am.” Well, I’m going to give you some - again:

Turbines must have wind to work. They can’t generate electricity when there is too much and they have to shut down – or, when there is none at all. Natural gas or coal-fueled plants must stay on line to pick up the slack. After twenty years of subsidies, wind energy has not replaced one traditional power plant.

They interfere with reception – not only television and radio, but radar. I wouldn’t want to be the weather person who must make the decision that the “interference” seen on the screen is caused by a turbine and not a tornado.

They are subject to lightening strikes. What kind of power surge would go through your house if that happens? They can leak oil, catch fire, throw ice or flaming debris up to 1500 feet (and our know-it-all “little panels” want them 1400 feet from our homes). How safe is it to farm land near them? They kill bats and birds by the thousands.

A Denmark, Wisconsin couple abandoned their home of 30 years because they couldn’t live with the low-frequency noise produced by a half-dozen 495-foot-high turbines – the closest was 3200 feet away. They experienced, “headaches, ear pain, nausea, blurred vision, anxiety, memory loss, and overall unsettledness.”

See www.akdart.com/wind.html for 150+ links to see why to “just say NO.”

Sue McGinn,
Tampico, IL

Make Your Vote Count

The Illinois primary election to be held March 20, 2012, is an open primary. This means any registered voter, independents included, can request either a Republican or Democratic ballot. While there may be a few contested races of lesser importance to consider, taking part in the selection of our next president would seem to have the highest priority.

There is no choice on the Democratic ballot, Only Obama and his delegates to vote for. The republican ballot, however, does give us a choice of six candidates. But only Romney, Paul and Santorum have corresponding, all important, convention delegates to select. Fortunately, among these 3 major candidates, we have a rare opportunity to vote for a man of unquestioned moral integrity and one who refuses to serve any powerful self-interest groups.

The last time I worked hard for a presidential candidate was in 1972, for Sen. George McGovern. He also was a man of unquestionable honesty and ability. His main campaign issue and promise was to bring that horrible 10-year Viet Nam war to a speedy end. Nixon had only expanded it during his first term, and showed little desire to end it. The result of the election was, to me, unbelievable. Nixon was reelected by one of the greatest margins in presidential election history.

During wartime, the American people seem to have an almost obsessive fear of voting for a man who promises a peaceful approach to settling foreign affairs. The 1952 election was a notable exception. Ron Paul may not have the physical presence of a man like Eisenhower, but he does possess the same patriotism, honesty, and aversion to senseless wars. Wars that only bring death and misery to millions, and billions in profits to a few.

Could not this money be better directed toward easing the many serious domestic problems we have, and maybe even helping to alleviate the massive humanitarian and environmental needs in the world today?

A vote for Romney, Santorum, or Obama is a vote for more of the same. They are all beating on the war drums again, this time with Iran as the target. And, again, as with Iraq, we are being pressured into it by our “can do no wrong ally”, Israel.

I am voting for Ron Paul. Hopefully, the people of America will not pass up this rare opportunity to choose a president who has promised to take us off this current path of self-destruction.

John Wallanches
Hanover, IL

Straw Poll Results

On 26 February, candidates were provided the opportunity to speak during the “Candidate Forum” at the Sauk Valley Voter Information Fair (Dixon, IL). Bill Albracht was one who accepted this challenge.

This was a well attended event with voters coming from Whiteside, Lee, Ogle and other IL Counties. At the close of the Event, organizers conducted a straw poll. Here are the exciting and gratifying results:

For U.S. Congress (17th District): Bobby Schilling 54%

For Illinois House (71st District): Richard Morthland 70%

For Illinois Senate (36th District): Bill Albracht 73%

We feel that we are on the right track. In this case, the voters appear to agree!

Bill Albracht
Candidate for IL Senate
36th District

Lawless

“The General Assembly by law shall make appropriations for all expenditures of public funds by the State. Appropriations for a fiscal year shall not exceed funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available during that year.” Article VIII, Section 2 (b) of the Illinois Constitution is unambiguous and pretty easy to understand. It’s not a recommendation, suggestion, or guide, it’s the law.

Democrats have had total domination of both houses of the General Assembly for over a decade, and in each and every one of these years, Illinois’ debt has increased. We have now surpassed Spain’s debt-to-GDP ratio, and every citizen owes more than $10,000 in state debt.

In passing budgets which increase debt year after year, they are violating both their Oath of Office, and the Constitution itself. If you or I routinely broke the law, we would be called habitual criminals or repeat offenders, and would certainly be prosecuted, but don’t hold your breath waiting for state justice: it’s unlikely the Illinois Attorney General will indict her dad.

Springfield Democrats are, to put it politely, lawless.

Governor Quinn has crafted a temporarily balanced budget, balanced only on the back of the temporary 67% tax hike, but that’s not why I call the balance temporary. It’s temporary because the assembly will immediately start deleting any and all of the governor’s proposed spending cuts, without providing any offsets. What returns to his desk will be, once again, a lawless document.

Equally troubling is the broken promise to use the temporary tax hike revenue to pay down debt. Governor Quinn needs to know we won’t tacitly allow him to break his promise. Senator Bivins and Representative Sacia need to know they have our support for a truly balanced budget.

Legislator contact information is at www.stephensonteaparty.org on the “LINKS” page.

Terry Smith
Lanark, IL

Correction

In the article published in the Prairie Advocate on February 28th, regarding the service of Virgil McCue of Savanna, it was stated that Mr. McCue earned the Purple Heart after being shot through the hand. In actuality, Mr. McCue earned that honor after being shot through the upper right arm.

The Prairie Advocate regrets the error.

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

Never lose sight of the greatness of Illinois. Now more than ever, during our economic crisis, we simply must keep our focus, overcome the negativity, and work together to accomplish the best we can for our nearly thirteen million citizens.

Illinois, the bread basket of our nation, the crossroads of America, contains more fortune 500 companies than anywhere in the nation. There are 177 good folks in your Illinois legislature. I have no doubt that each wants the very best for his or her constituents. As a conservative, I often struggle to understand bills that I see as very counterproductive. Fair to say many of my learned colleagues see my efforts, brought to me by you, as counterproductive to their agenda.

All in all, it’s a cumbersome system, better than anywhere in the world, and in spite of its short comings, our system does work. It’s never fast enough for my satisfaction, but it does work.

I will never get my arms around hate. Fortunately, very few members of the General Assembly are possessed with it. They would never get elected if they were. Unfortunately some constituents are so consumed with it, they feel a hate filled email or call will change my opinion. You need to save your time, effort and ulcers, you will only strengthen my resolve. We can always agree to disagree. If you bring me an idea that you would like to see become a law, I will introduce it if it makes sense. That doesn’t mean it will ever come out of Rules Committee. It simply means your idea has been submitted for consideration. For those of you who choose to hate, not disagree, but downright hate, because an idea has been submitted as a bill, I truly feel sorry for you, life is simply way too short. My responsibility is to be responsive to all of you.

I will always listen to your point of view. I will never compromise my belief for rights of the unborn and my belief in the 2nd amendment and of course the right to concealed carry.

I’m pro agriculture and pro business. No, I don’t believe in something for nothing. If you get it free it comes from someone else, more than likely those mean old capitalists (they would be the ones who built this great country). If it comes from the government that means it comes from you and me.

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