Search Underway For Illinois' Outstanding Older Worker

The nomination deadline for Illinois' 2008 Outstanding Older Worker is May 31, 2008. Now in its 11th year, the contest sponsored by Experience Works, Inc., is designed to recognize and celebrate older workers and the contributions they make to the workforce. Nominees must be residents of Illinois, at least 65 years of age, and employed at least 20 hours a week in Illinois. Current Experience Works participants or those affiliated with any government-funded senior employment program are not eligible for the award.

Six finalists will be selected from across the state, and the winner will be announced in July. Along with local recognition, the person selected as Illinois' Outstanding Worker will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. in late September to join other outstanding workers from across the United States and Puerto Rico for Experience Works Prime Time Awards. The week-long event will feature many activities including a news conference, meetings with legislator's and a recognition luncheon. Last year's winner was 66 year old David Thompson from Granville.

The Illinois Outstanding Older Worker Contest is sponsored by Experience Works, Inc., a national, charitable organization that provides training and employment opportunities to help individuals 55 and over update their job skills and return to the workforce.

For more information or to receive a nomination form, contact Susan Jackson-Falls, Experience Works, 800.368.7569 or susan_jackson-falls@experienceworks.org. Or, nominate online at www.experienceworks.org

Economic Development Summit

The North Central Illinois Council of Governments is holding the 2nd Annual Economic Development Summit on Thursday May 22, 2008 at Celebrations 150, LaSalle. The summit is for local elected officials, economic development professionals and those interested in economic development for the region. The Economic Development Summit will be from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Site selector Robert Ady of Ady International will speak on changes that have taken place in site selection practices and what they are looking for when they commit to a community. Bob's areas of expertise include corporate site selection and incentive negotiations for companies wishing to expand or relocate their business. Other session topics include the business retention and expansion programs, entreprenurial leadership in the school system and workforce issues. This summit is being sponsored by our Gold Level Sponsors: Ameren and ComEd and Silver Level Sponsor: Citizens First National Bank.

There is a fee for those attending which includes a continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. A registration form, preliminary program and additional details for the day are available at www.ncicg.org or NCICG can be contacted at 815/875-3396. Registration for the summit is required by May 16th.

From the Fields

Prepared by: Jim Morrison, Extension Educator, Crop Systems

Rockford Extension Center, University of Illinois

Phone 815-397-7714 Email morrison@uiuc.edu

Delayed corn planting, storm fronts, and actively growing weeds are indicators that black cutworms could be more of a widespread problem this year than in the past few years.

Storm fronts carry adult black cutworm moths to Illinois. Female moths "drop out" of these storm fronts and seek attractive egg laying sites, such as winter annuals and perennial weeds. As planting is delayed, black cutworm larvae (worm) will hatch and begin feeding on the weeds. As the weeds are killed, the cutworms need additional food and will be large enough to cut corn plants as seedlings emerge from the soil.

Black cutworm moths have been caught in pheromone traps in Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties. Intense captures (nine or more moths captured in one or two days) have been reported in Ogle County on April 17 and 18.

Degree-days can be an effective tool to help determine when to start scouting for black cutworm larvae. Black cutworm larvae are expected to begin cutting corn with the accumulation of approximately 300 degree-days, base 50 degrees F, after an intense capture occurs. Cutting dates for your area can be predicted by using the Degree-Day Calculator at the University of Illinois IPM (www.ipm.uiuc.edu/degreedays/) and WARM (www.sws.uiuc.edu/warm/pestdata) web sites.

Early signs of cutworm feeding are pinholes in the leaves of newly emerged seedlings. This initial damage is not economic and can occur before 300 degree-days have accumulated. But, it is a precursor to stand-reducing cutting damage.

If tillage or herbicides eliminate weeds one to two weeks before planting, black cutworms that had been present probably starve to death. The presence of weeds only a few days before planting increases the likelihood of cutworm damage if larvae are present in the field.

Early season scouting for black cutworms is essential, even if products for control have been used. Cut, missing, or wilted corn plants are typical symptoms of black cutworm larvae damage. Feeding mainly at night, larvae will move up the row as they feed. On average, one larva may cut three or four plants in its lifetime.

Postemergence rescue treatment is suggested when 3 to 5 percent or more of the plants are cut and larvae present. One should also consider the location of the cutting (above or below the growing point), size of the cutworm, and soil moisture conditions.

Rescue treatments for black cutworms are listed in the 2008 Illinois Agricultural Pest Management Handbook. Be sure to read and follow label directions.

Further information on this pest is available at this University of Illinois website: http://www.ipm.uiuc.edu/fieldcrops/ insects/black_cutworm/index.html , or contact your local Extension office.

Hackbarth-Lotz

Pam Hackbarth and Dave Lotz were united in marriage September 15, 2007 at St. Mark's Lutheran church, Polo. Pastor Terrie Wilder (Dyer) officiated at the double ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Larry and Elsie Hackbarth, Polo and the groom is the son of Dennis and Wilma Lotz, Lanark.

Sherry Johnson, Lake In The Hills, sister of the bride served as matron on honor. Bridesmaids were Julie Diffenderer, Winslow; Julia Shinault, Freeport, and Michelle Victum, Dixon; all friends of the bride.

Groomsmen were Dan Shaulis, Tim Foltz, John Lindsay and Jeff Lindsay, all from Lanark and friends of the groom. Serving as ushers were Mike Hackbarth, Chadwick, brother of the bride; Brent Kalka, Arlington Heights, brother-in-law of the groom; and Bob Kalina, Lanark, friend of the groom.

Sarah Johnson, niece of the bride, served as flower girl. Evan Kalka, nephew of the groom and Justin Hackbarth, nephew of the bride served as ring bearers.

Vocalist was Jamey Young, Mt. Morris, cousin of the bride.

The reception was held at the Freeport Moose with John and Tracy Becker, Shannon, serving as host and hostess.

The bride is a graduate of Milledgeville High School and Sauk Valley Community College. She is employed at Village of Progress, Oregon.

The groom is a graduate of Eastland High School, Lanark, and Highland Community College. He is employed at Rockford Memorial Hospital.

Following a trip to Door County, Wisconsin, the couple resides in Lanark.

Eastland Iditarod set

Eastland Middle School will host the 16th annual Eastland Elementary Iditarod on April 25th at 9:45 a.m. in Shannon. Rain date is set for May 2nd.

The Race will begin with this year's official starter, Coach Tony Dunlap starting our race and end with an awards ceremony in the school's gymnasium.

Third grade students have been learning about "The Last Great Race", the Alaskan Dog Sled Race in the classroom and in Physical Education class. Eastland's Great Race will consist of four dog sled teams trying to complete all the required tasks of this grueling half mile course, while displaying good sportsmanship and good teamwork.

Local Veterinarian, Allan Schroeder will be making sure all "dogs" receive excellent care and our school nurse, Stacy Kalina will be in attendance if anyone should need medical attention. The race also has many parent volunteers that man several checkpoints that the teams are required to stop at. Come join us for the Eastland Elementary Iditarod.

19th Annual Health Fair to be Held

The 19th annual Health Fair "Healthy Heart Rate in 2008" will be held Monday, May 5th, 8:30-11am at the Naaman Diehl Auditorium, Mt. Carroll. The $2.00 donation is payable at the door. Screenings provided by FHN Top 50 Program will be Blood Sugar (5 hours fasting required), Cholesterol, Body Fat Analysis and Blood Pressure. No pre-registration is required. Information booths will be set up by FHN, Farm Bureau, Carroll County Senior Center, American Cancer Association, University of Illinois Extension FNP Program, Country Financial and Carroll County Health Department.

Refreshments will be served and door prizes won throughout the morning. For more information call Linda Davis at 815-493-2265, Carroll County HCE Family Living Chairman.

Youth Gun Safety Lessons Offered

The United Sportsmen's Youth Foundation is sponsoring a learn to shoot and gun safety lessons for 8 Wednesdays, beginning May 7, and ending June 24, 6pm ­ dark. Beginners and kids shoot in a separate area without crowds in this fun, low-stress sport. Free instructors, t-shirt, hat, shells, and USYF membership to all who register. Kids 18 and under are encouraged to register. Loaner guns are available. The $100 fee goes to providing more programs like this to the youth of Northwest Illinois. Donations are graciously accepted by this non-profit Youth Foundation. Space is limited, so call for times and to register at 815-599-5690. Go to www.USYF.com for additional upcoming dates and events.

Bruckner Speaks at Rock Island County Republican Rally

Lawrence Bruckner, Republican candidate for State Representative in the 71st District, was one of several speakers addressing a capacity crowd at the Clubhouse at Arbor House in Moline last evening.

Bruckner, a restaurant owner and farm managerfrom Thomson, is challenging incumbent Mike Boland in the November election. Bruckner is running on the platform of providing astrong voice for western and northwestern Illinois.

Alsospeaking were Illinois House Republican leaderTom Cross, Republican Consultant and WLS Radio personality Dan Proft, State Senate candidate Mike Bertelsen, Rock Island Republican Chairman Susan Carpentier andVice-Chairman Bernie Thiergart, and Rock Island County Board candidate Rich Morthland.

Cross and Proft gave dynamic presentations on strengthening and re-invigorating the Republican Party.

CCSWCD Scholarship Winner

The directors of the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) are proud to announce their 2008 scholarship winner. Joshua McLuckie of West Carroll is the recipient of the $500 award. Mr. McLuckie has demonstrated outstanding academic ability as well as extra-curricular involvement in many organizations. Joshua will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the fall, majoring in environmental engineering. The directors and staff of the Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District would like to congratulate this outstanding young man and wish him the best of luck in all future endeavors.

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