More Important News

River Town Rhythms

The Savanna Historical Society is happy to announce an upcoming concert with a river theme featuring Matt Atherton, Juliene McCormick, Mark Miller, & Gloria Miner. This foursome performed one year ago with “Dueling Keyboards” to a standing room only audience. The audience was enthusiastically appreciative and has been requesting another concert by this group.

“River Town Rhythms” will be Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 7 p.m. Gloria and Mark will perform piano solos and duets. Juliene & Matt will sing solos and duets.

“River Town Rhythms” will be performed at the Savanna Museum & Cultural Center at 406 Main in Savanna. There will be two surprise guests to be announced in the next two weeks. Admission is free but a $5 donation would be greatly appreciated.

Chadwick-Milledgeville Annual FFA Chapter Banquet

The Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA celebrated their annual chapter banquet on Wednesday April 18th at Milledgeville High School. The banquet consisted of the chapter advisor ,Mrs. Cindy Feltmeyer, awarding Chapter Awards and all around recognition of the member’s CDE’s and SAE’s they have involved themselves in throughout the

2011-2012 school year, along with the induction of the 2012-2013 officers.

Many members received awards.

To complete the banquet, Mrs. Feltmeyer announced the 2011-2012 officers. Next year’s officers will be: President Lauren Hackbarth, Vice President Courtney Swalve, Secretary Alex Fink, Reporter Emily Kleckler, Treasurer Nick Nelson, Sentinel Alan Osterhaus, Historian Becca Alexander and Chaplin Baily Queckboerner.

Congratulations to all members who received awards and all newly inducted officers.

An Evening with Coach Bret Bielema

Prophetstown native Bret Bielema, currently of Wisconsin University in Madison, will be speaking in Morrison, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 about his journey as a graduate from a small Midwestern high school, to leader of the successful Big Ten Badgers.

After his high school graduation, Mr. Bielema moved to Iowa City where he played football as an Iowa Hawkeye under the guidance of Coach Hayden Fry for whom he also worked after graduation, prior to his move to Wisconsin. Under his guidance at Wisconsin, they have enjoyed many successful outings, earning many honors and titles.

This program will take place at the Morrison High School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. and will be preceded by food in the cafeteria made available by the Morrison Boosters. You will be able to enjoy hamburger or grilled pork chop sandwich, salad, drink, and light dessert beginning at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 6:45 p.m. The auditorium doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the event benefit the American Family Children’s Hospital and service projects of the Morrison Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets may be purchased at the Morrison Chamber Office, Morrison Community State Bank, Morrison DQ Grill and Chill and in Prophetstown at the Farmers National Bank and the Prophetstown Main Street Office. If purchased prior to the event, the tickets are $10.00 for the presentation and $5.00 for the meal, but if purchased at the door the general admission will be $15.00 and $7.00 for the food stand. Get your tickets early as there are a limited number of seats available.

EMS 4th Graders Surpass IXL Record - 100,000 Questions Answered

It has been an exciting year for Eastland fourth grade math students! When the 2011-2012 school year started, they set an original goal of answering 65,000 IXL math problems by the end of this year. However, this goal was met way back in January and their math teacher, Heidi Calzavara, treated them with homemade brownies and whip cream.

IXL is a comprehensive math website that offers 2000 topics for students to practice math in a fun environment. The Eastland School district purchased the use of IXL so students could practice their math skills at school and at home. Students can take on challenges that help them master the skills necessary to perform up to their state’s standards.

Since reaching the 65,000 IXL goal, Randy Hasken, Eastland School Board President, and his wife Kathy proposed a new challenge. If they were to reach 100,000 problems, the Haskens would personally treat the entire fourth grade class to a pizza party.

The Haskens thought they were safe when students seemed to be “slacking” for a while on 75,000. However, students began advancing 5,000 problems every week and won the “Hasken Challenge,” meeting their goal of answering 100,000 IXL problems this year.

Everyone was screaming and jumping up and down with excitement when Mr. & Mrs. Hasken presented them with a large-sized check for Casey’s pizza on April 23, 2012.

"Our students not only achieved their goal but significantly improved their math skills this year," said Calzavara. "Way to go fourth grade families!"

Books for Babies

Cora Collins, 2nd grade, and Sadie Collins, Kindergarten, are shown with their new twin sisters, Emylia and Kinsey Miller. The twins were born February 3. They are the daughters of Shannon Roberts of Mt. Carroll. The babies were presented with a special “Read to me” baby bib along with a baby board book and a card of tips about reading to young children. The Books for Babies project is funded by the West Carroll Education Foundation.

Senior Give Back Day 2012

The Eastland High School senior class participated in a “Give Back Day” on April 25th as a thank you to area communities for the continuing support provided to our schools. While the underclassmen were testing, the seniors went out into the communities to complete various tasks.

Students went to Good Samaritan Society Center in Mt. Carroll to help paint, pull weeds, and make window boxes. They also went to Provena Living Center in Freeport to visit with residents. Several students went to Eastland Middle School to help tutor students and give band lessons. The Lanark Fire Department had students wash their trucks. Some of the seniors helped out the Shannon Chamber of Commerce by weeding and planting flowers downtown. A group helped out residents of Lanark by raking, weeding, and moving mulch. Another group assisted at the Lanark Library. Three students even drove to Savanna to help at the Carroll County Help Center Thrift Shop.

It was a successful day of community service as the seniors were able to give a valuable contribution to the people of Carroll and Stephenson counties.

The Chadwick-Milledgeville Thumbs Up Winners for Week 26: from left to right in front row are Zachary Pauley, Rylan Shenefelt, Bryce Aude, Olivia Schurman, Hailey Druien and in back row are Madison Tarbill, Ashlyn Hendrick, Briana Wilkinson, Kieren Harris, and Catherine Brown.

The Carroll County Kids 4-H group learned about Emergency Services at their meeting on April 29th held at the Mount Carroll United Methodist Church. Tony Croffoot (Mt.Carroll Fire) and Paul Forth (Mt.Carroll Ambulance) spoke to the group about what each service offers to the public. A fire truck and ambulance were on hand for the kids to inspect and learn about. (PA photo/Lynnette Forth)

Kilgus Presents
at Morrison Community Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Morrison Community Federal Credit Union was held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 2 p.m. The location of the meeting at the O’Dell Public Library Community Room located at 307 South Madison Street in Morrison.

Following a short business meeting, author Walter Kilgus graciously agreed to share his story of writing and publishing children’s books. Mr. Kilgus was available signing his books. His stories are inspired by his grandchildren through life circumstances and situations. His first book “Emma,” named after his granddaughter, is a children’s story in rhyme, which tells how a little girl’s courage and kindness saved Christmas for the animals in the Great Woods.

(PA photo/A. Williamson)

Carroll County 4-H Jr. Horse Bowl Team Competes at State

The Carroll Co. 4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology participants had a great day at the State Contest held in Champaign. Horse Bowl is a three or four person team like Quiz Bowl and the contest is conducted like Quiz Bowl, but in this contest all the questions are equine related. The Hippology Contest is individual testing on horse judging, oral question and a written test.

In the Hippology Contest – Junior Division:  Katie Hoffman of the Savanna Smiles 4-H Club placed 23rd out of 39 participants. Intermediate Division: Natalie Shaw, Savanna Smiles 4-H Club placed 6th out of 32 participants. Megan Poole, Ogle County 4-H placed 19th overall. In the Senior Division: Mary Francque, Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club placed 4th overall Senior Hippology.

Horse Bowl Participants were: Natalie Shaw, Kaiti Collins, Katie Hoffman, and Megan Poole were the 4th place junior team overall out of eleven participating teams in the state.  Individual Scores for answering questions:  Megan Poole 14th overall, Katie Hoffman 10th Overall, Natalie Shaw 13th overall, Kaiti Collins 35 overall out of 47 participants.

In the Public Speaking Sr. Division – Mary Francque placed 2nd with her Horse Illustrated Speech, “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo”.

The Jr team is coached by Bryan Hollewell of Milledgeville.

Quilt Show Cancelled

The Friends of the Mt. Carroll Library have cancelled the 2012 Quilt Show scheduled for May 4th & 5th. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused. It is our hope to have this event in 2013.

The Friends are still selling tickets for the quilt raffle which will be held later this year. Tickets are available at the library or from any Friends member. We appreciate the continued support that has been shown to the library.

Rand McNally and USA Today Announce Search for Rally Team Drivers for Best of the Road^®

Calling All Road Warriors to Seek out America’s Best Towns and Attractions

Rand McNally and USA Today announce the search for five adventure seeking teams to participate in the Best of the Road coast-to-coast rally; teams have until May 15, 2012 to upload applications. Civic boosters and CVBs have already nominated nearly 300 towns to compete for a spot on the route exploring the 30 finalists in five categories, and voting continues until May 15.

The Best Of The Road Rally

Five teams of intrepid travelers will depart from Washington D.C. on June 15 en route to Seattle, Washington to seek out the Most Fun, Most Patriotic, Most Beautiful, Best for Food or Friendliest town in America before the big finish on July 15.

They will travel scenic routes and back roads to leave no landmark unturned and no local secrets undiscovered. Teams will be selected by Rand McNally and USA Today.

Previous road warriors, The McNavigators discovered the Most Beautiful town, Sandpoint, ID; Captain and Clark found the Most Patriotic stop along the way in Rapid City, SD; Gone with the Wynn’s mingled with the Friendliest town in Walla Walla, WA; TravelingJules and TravelingJoan rustled up the Most Fun in Glenwood Springs, CO; and The Fun Finders sank their teeth into Lafayette, LA, Best for Food. You could be next to take the wheel.

This year, the teams will have a new roster of towns in their assigned categories, while fans can follow their progress through videos, photos, blogs and reviews on bestoftheroad.com, Facebook and Twitter. Additional coverage starting on

May 25 will appear in USA Today and on travel.usatoday.com.

How To Enter

To apply for the Best of the Road, interested teams of two (minimum age of 25) are asked to upload a video one-minute in length or less showcasing their skills as a cross-country traveler to bestoftheroad.com between April 23 and May 15, 2012. Best of the Road Rally contestants will be announced on May 24, 2012.

No purchase necessary. legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 25 years and older who did not purchase any equipment for purposes of entering the contest. void where prohibited. Enter Contest by May 15, 2012. For Official Rules and prize descriptions, visit www.bestoftheroad.com. Sponsor: RM Acquisition, LLC. d/b/a Rand McNally, 9855 Woods Drive, Skokie, IL 60077.

About the Best of the Road® – Rand McNally has earned the reputation as a trusted source in maps, directions and travel content with its best-selling Road Atlas and annual Best of the Road online guide. Its celebration of the Great American Road Trip has given way to an online guide of the Best of the Road and features top attractions in more than 20 categories --- from the Best Beach to the Best BBQ. This year, Rand McNally is revving up, in collaboration with USA Today, for an all-new the Best of the Road search with content created by travelers online and published in the 2014 Rand McNally Road Atlas. For more information about the Best of the Road, visit www.bestoftheroad.com.

Get Your Head in the Game

As part of the CGH Sports Concussion Program, Dr. Michael DeFranco, CGH Sports Medicine Specialist, will be holding several public education seminars about sports concussions.

“As a regional leader in health care, CGH has a long tradition of providing programs to the community that benefit its health and safety,” said Dr. DeFranco. “As part of our commitment to providing the highest quality care to local athletes, we will be holding these seminars to help educate athletes, parents, and coaches about preventing, diagnosing, and treating concussions.” Seminars will be held:

· Monday, April 30 (Open to the Public) from 6 - 7 p.m. in CGH Classroom 1

· Monday, May 14 (Open to the Public) from 6 - 7 p.m. in CGH Classroom 1

· Wednesday, May 16 (for Coaches Only) from 6 - 7 p.m. in the CGH Ryberg Auditorium

To RSVP for these FREE seminars, please register online at www.cghmc.com/bump or call 888-721-BUMP (2867).

CGH Changing Lives Through Tissue Donation

CGH Medical Center, Sterling, was recently recognized by the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF) for its exceptional efforts with its tissue donation program. “Because of the support and care that donor families receive at CGH, recipients like Katrina Steffes can live full and rewarding lives,” stated Jerri Harding, MTF Donor Development Coordinator.

Tissue recipient Katrina Steffes experienced a Giant Cell tumor that destroyed her entire right shoulder. Rather than opting for a full prosthetic, she chose to have an Allograft, which included a prosthetic shoulder attached to a rod through the allograft that attaches to the “good” bone lower in her arm.

“CGH is remarkable in that each year, they consistently make the best of each tissue donation potential,” added Harding. “They have one of the most committed group of nurses I have had the pleasure of working with. CGH truly helps to change lives through tissue donation.”

During the past 25 years, MTF, the nation’s leading tissue bank, has been instrumental in providing high quality tissue allografts to clinicians, hospitals and surgeons. Bone, tendons and ligaments are used to repair or replace tissue lost to cancer, trauma, joint disease, arthritis and more. Patients with damaged knee ligaments are often treated using a donated Achilles tendon, hamstring or patellar tendon. Donated skin is a lifeline for severe burn patients. It is also used for breast reconstruction following mastectomy and for abdominal wall reinforcement. In 2011, MRT provided more than 450,000 tissue grafts to hospitals, clinics and surgery centers throughout the United States and in more than 50 countries.

Inspect Your Well and Septic Systems

Once again spring has arrived. Douglas Lieb, Environmental Health Associate at the Carroll County Health Department (CCHD) recommends that homeowners inspect your well and septic systems to assure optimum performance throughout the upcoming year.

Lieb says private wells are the water source for nearly all homes and businesses outside of city limits. Recommended maintenance for water systems are:

1. Make sure all well caps are secured and vented.

2. Make sure wiring is enclosed with conduit.

3. Assure surface water is diverted from well casing.

4. Water testing completed by an Illinois State certified lab

* Bacteria testing should be completed annually

* Nitrate and Nitrite should be tested every 2-3 years

Private septic systems are present outside of city limits. Lieb suggests that you follow these rules to maintain a safe, healthy system:

- Do not drive or park on your drainfield.

- Avoid flushing chemicals or unknowns down the toilet.

- Do not allow surface water to pond on the drainfield.

- If so equipped, clean the effluent filter routinely.

- Do not plant deep rooted trees or shrubs on drainfield.

- Call your septic contractor with questions or problems.

For more information, please contact the CCHD at , or email www.ccphd.org. The office is located at 822 S. Mill St. in Mount Carroll, IL.

Stephenson County Ag Breakfast

The 27th annual Stephenson County Ag Breakfast will be held Saturday, June 23, at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds in Freeport, IL. The breakfast, which runs from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., will showcase a variety of agricultural products produced in Stephenson County, including whole hog sausage, beef bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, coffee cake, ice cream, and milk. Local agricultural-related organizations will be on hand to provide information and entertainment and activities for all ages will happen throughout the morning.

This annual event, now in its 27th year, is planned and coordinated by a dedicated committee of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, including retirees, farmers, town folk, agriculture business, 4-H members and leaders.

Handicap accessible parking is available.

The fairgrounds are located on the south side of Freeport at 2250 S. Walnut Road.

For more information on the breakfast, call Ardath DeWall, Ag Breakfast Committee Marketing Chairperson at . Agricultural-related businesses

and organizations who would like to have a table at the breakfast should call the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County.

Mayfest Buttons For Reduced Fee

From May 25th through the 27th, the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce will host the 31st annual Mayfest celebration. Top quality musical entertainment, great food, arts and crafts, a car show, children’s activities, sports activities and much more will be offered at the holiday weekend event held on the historic Campbell Center campus.

Repeating last year’s incentive the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce is making admittance buttons available for $6 until noon Friday, May 25, the first day of the festival.

Attendance buttons are required only inside the cordoned area at the north ends of the grounds. This area includes the performance stages and the Rotary Beer and Wine Garden.

There will only be one admittance gate and all who enter must have a button well displayed or purchase one at the gate for $8.00. Children 5 and under do not need a button.

Buttons may be purchased early for the reduced price at the following businesses:

Brick Street Coffee at Market Street Commons, Mount Carroll Bowling Center, dabluz boutique and shops @ glenview, Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll, Kallemezoo’s Land of Oz, Mirror-Democrat, Mount Carroll Banking Center, Mount Carroll Home Center, Mount Carroll Mobil, Pharmacy Center, Savanna-Thomson State Bank, Schneider House Furniture & Flooring, Shaw’s Market, Sievert’s Steak-n-Stuff, THE National Bank (both branches in Mount Carroll) and the Times-Journal office in Savanna.

For more information, visit www.mtcarrollil.org or call Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce at .

Timber Lake Playhouse Upcoming May Events

Timber Lake Playhouse is pleased to announce some events coming up in May. Mark your calendars, reserve your tickets and get ready for an exciting 2012 season!

Music and Magic in Savanna

Alan St. George will be presenting a new show with a cast of world class performers at The Alan and Adrianne St. George Center for the Arts. As with previous Music and Magic in Savanna shows, St. George is donating proceeds from the event to charitable groups, The Savanna Historical Society and Timber Lake Playhouse.

Please find the ad and article elsewhere in the PA.

TLP Magic Owl Theatre Production,
A Sword in the Stone

TLP gives you the unique page-to-stage experience with the story that makes up the first part of T. H. White’s tales of King Arthur he collected in his series of books, The Once and Future King. The source material has inspired countless other books, films, plays, television production and two Broadway musicals over the last 75 years.

Location: Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll, Illinois.

Date/Times: There will be twelve performances of The Sword in the Stone starting Tuesday, May 8 and running through Friday, May 11, 2012. Show times are 9:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Performances will be 45 minutes to one hour long.

Tickets: Admission is only $5.00 per person. Individuals may call to order tickets. Schools and organizations may download order forms and a preview guide for students at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

Auditions for Local Area Adults, Children and Teens

Auditions for non-resident adult character actors (Men & Women who can play mid 20s-60s) for Guys & Dolls and Footloose and area children and teens (ages 10 and up) for Footloose will be held at the theatre. Anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend regardless of experience! This season is going to be a lot of fun and Timber Lake Playhouse would love to see some new faces!

Location: Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll, Illinois.

Date/Time: Saturday, May 12th between noon and 3:30pm. Sign-in will begin at 11:30am.

Those interested in auditioning are encouraged to visit the audition page at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org for more information on what to prepare, guidelines and specific roles that are available.

4-H Wonders of Washington Families Host Drive-thru Supper

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker 4-H & Youth

The Carroll County 4-H Wonders of Washington Group will be going to Washington D.C. in April of 2014 to see our country’s memorials, monuments and stay in the National 4-H Center. Families that are a part of this group are hosting a drive thru supper fundraiser to earn money toward their trip. The supper will be Saturday, May 5, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Chadwick. Meal pick-up is in the parking lot behind the church. Just drive up and 4-H’ers will bring your meal to your car.

The meal will consist of Pork Roast Sandwich, Green Beans, Cheesy Potatoes and a Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar.

This meal is pre-order only. To purchase tickets contact Codee Miller 493-2324, Beth Wilkinson 684-5145 or Shirley Turnbaugh 244-9231 by May 4th.

Clever Clovers 4-H Club Hold Meeting

By Chase Scobee, Clever Clovers 4-H Club Reporter

The April meeting was our farm tour. We saw demonstrations and talks on archery, horses, cake decorating, dogs, dairy cattle and beef cattle. It was interesting to see the variety of projects our club is doing and the interests each person has. We are not having a May meeting so our next meeting will be in June 11 at the Heritage Center in Lanark.

4-H Cat Workshop to be Held

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Program Coordinator 4-H & Youth

All 4-H’ers are invited to attend a cat workshop on Saturday, May 5th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Extension Office Meeting room in Mt. Carroll. What to bring with you: pen/pencil & paper for note taking, any questions on grooming, care, and showing. The presenter for the workshop is Patsy Unger. She will cover grooming, care, drying after bath, tips for fur management, cutting toe nails, how to make cat toys and will hand outs for the 4-H’ers.

Pre-register is due to the Extension Office by May 3. If you have any questions or to register by May 3, please call the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at or e-mail Leanne Rahn at .

Pitter-Patter Pantry Shower to be Held

The public is invited to a community baby shower for the Pitter Patter Pantry! The event will be held on May 5th, 2012 at 10 A.M until noon at the Wysox Township Library in Milledgeville, Illinois.

The shower is being held by the Country Clovers 4-H group to benefit the Pitter Patter Pantry. Donations of new or gently used baby items sizes preemie to 6X will be accepted. The club will have baked goods for sale, and visitors can help tie some fleece blankets that will be donated by the club.

The Wysox Township Library is located at 18 W. 5th street in Milledgeville, Illinois.

Emerald Ash Borer Program Coming To Stockton Library

The Jo Daviess County Extension will be hosting a program on the risks and dangers of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in northern Illinois. The program will be held on Thursday, May 17th from 6:30 – 8:00pm at the Stockton Library (basement).

The EAB species has been destroying local ash trees in communities as close as Rockford and Freeport, and is moving west through the state. There are ways to inhibit the spread of this destructive insect to prevent the death of ash trees and the danger of those trees falling on houses, roadways and power lines.

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, Mike Gratti will be speaking on:

· how to identify ash trees,

· how to determine the difference between EAB and other “look alike” species,

· the physical signs of infestation on the bark and within the trunks of actual ash trees,

· ways to control this issue in our community, and in our own backyard,

· the current situation in neighboring counties, and the outlook for Jo Daviess County.

To register, call or go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw/.

The cost is $5.00 per person. Pre-registration is requested, but not required.

Highland Foundation Annual Golf Tournament

The 16th annual Highland Leadership Golf Tournament will be hosted by the Highland Community College Foundation on Monday, June 4, at Freeport Country Club. Registration begins at 11 a.m.

The annual golf outing, which supports Highland’s Leadership programs in Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties, will feature a lunch buffet at 11:30 a.m. and shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Beverages and special treats will be served on the course. After the tournament, heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert will accompany a silent auction and prize giveaways beginning at 6 p.m.

The fee for golf, cart and food is $150 per person. To register for golf, or to inquire about sponsorships, contact HCC Foundation Executive Director Jim Berberet at or .

Sauer-Danfoss Contributes to HCC Foundation Major Gift Campaign

Sauer-Danfoss, a Freeport-based global manufacturer, recently announced a $50,000 donation to Highland Community College Foundation’s “Growing for tomorrow…Changing lives today” major gift campaign in support of the Ray and Betty Stamm Health Science Nursing Wing and the Wind Turbine Technology Center.

As a result of the donation, the HCC Board of Trustees approved the naming of the CNC machining room and the CAD/drafting room in the Technology Center as the “Sauer-Danfoss Manufacturing Technology Center” during their regular session meeting in April.

The announcement was made by Bert Lohr, director, Freeport operations. According to Lohr, Sauer-Danfoss made this significant commitment to the on-going major gift campaign because of a long-term partnership with HCC.

“Highland has for many years worked with us to train our employees in three core areas — CNC machine training, computer skills and manufacturing processes,” said Lohr. “Highland has delivered these courses in our facility and on-campus during three shifts.”

For over 20 years, Highland has conducted training for engineering, maintenance operators and office personnel in courses such as print reading, machine set-up and operation, Microsoft Office program, and Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing concepts.

Dean of Business and Technology Scott Anderson said the donations, including CNC equipment and even internships, have been much appreciated by the students for many years. Anderson looks forward to a continued working relationship with the local employer, a sentiment also held by Highland President Dr. Joe M. Kanosky.

“This is definitely a win-win situation for Highland, Sauer-Danfoss, and let’s not forget the men and women who received training that qualified them for good jobs,” said Kanosky.

As a major employer in the area, Sauer-Danfoss, with approximately 290 employees in Freeport, focuses on fulfilling the needs of off-highway vehicle and OEM manufacturers with engineered hydraulic and electronic components.

Pitter Patter Pantry Celebrates Anniversary, Seeks Donations

Pitter Patter Pantry in Mount Carroll will soon be celebrating its fifth anniversary. The pantry, which provides a wide variety of baby and childcare items to qualifying mothers, was founded in 2007 by caring local volunteers and currently serves more than 360 families throughout Carroll County.

Mothers enrolled in Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a state-funded program, earn “Baby Bucks” by attending childcare classes, ensuring their children receive regular wellness check-ups, volunteering at the pantry, and other approved activities. They can then spend their Baby Bucks on pantry items ranging from diapers and bottles to cribs and strollers.

“We are always in need of volunteers and donations,” said Leigh Anne Piper, one of the pantry’s organizers. “We are providing a much-needed and much-appreciated service for families in our area.”

To date, participants have earned more than $80,000 in Baby Bucks. The Pitter Patter Pantry has distributed over 2,300 packages of diapers, 1,500 packages of baby wipes, dozens of cribs and mattresses, and countless clothing items. Participants have also used Baby Bucks to buy strollers, high chairs, books, lotions, shampoos, shoes, bibs, and blankets.

In the pantry’s first five years, volunteers have spent over 1,500 hours stocking and staffing the facility which is located at the Land of Oz in Mt. Carroll.

Pitter Patter Pantry organizers seek donations from every community in Carroll County. Some churches and organizations have been creative in their approach. For example, the Carroll County members of the Highland Community College Servant Leadership program selected the pantry as a project recipient this past winter and collected hundreds of items to help stock the pantry shelves. Items needed include:

Diapers and wipes

Bottles and sippy cups

Baby soap, lotion, and powder

New or gently used clothing, shoes, hats, and coats

New or gently used bedding and blankets

If you would like to donate money or items to Pitter Patter Pantry, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact Leigh Anne Piper at (815) 493-6255.

MCH Auxiliary Spring Tea

The MCH Auxiliary Spring Tea will be held on Thursday, May 3rd at 1:30 pm at the United Methodist Church in Morrison. The Auxiliary Spring Tea is an annual, fun-filled event where members gather together to socialize, share information, and enjoy refreshments. The tea is also a way to inform potential new auxiliary members about the benefits of joining.

This year’s guest speaker will be Judy Naftzger of Albany, Illinois. Her presentation is called Tea and Timeless Treasures. Please feel free to bring a hat or select one from her beautiful collection upon arrival. Also, homemade and delicious treats will be provided by the MCH Dietary Department (The Meet & Eat Café).

Throughout the year the MCH Auxiliary offers many fundraising opportunities. The money raised from their efforts goes into a scholarship fund designated for local graduating students whom are going into the healthcare industry. Also, money is donated back to the hospital for needed hospital equipment and facility improvements.

The auxiliary has 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, storage bins for the Purchasing Department, a flat screen television for the front lobby and funds to purchase new items for the MCH Dietary Department.

To learn more about the MCH Auxiliary and how you can make a difference, please call . “A $5 annual membership fee and a little time can go a long way,” said Vi Parkinson, President of the MCH Auxiliary. “We are always looking for new members who would like to help our efforts.”

Expectations for the 2012 to 2013 Corn-marketing Year

The steady decline in prices over the past few months reflects, in part, expectations for a large 2012 U.S. corn crop and some rebuilding of inventories during the year ahead, according to University of Illinois agricultural economist Darrel Good.

Good reported that the December 2012 corn futures reached a high of $6.735 on Aug. 31, 2011, declined to a low of $5.23 on March 30, 2012, and are currently trading near $5.40.

“Prospects for a large increase in corn acreage support expectations for more abundant stocks next year, but opinions about the magnitude of the build-up vary considerably,” Good said. “Since the end of the 2012-13 marketing year is 16 months away, uncertainty will abound for several more months.”

Expectations for the 2012-13 marketing year begin with the likely size of the 2012 crop, Good said. Producers have reported intentions to plant 95.864 million acres of corn, 3.943 million more than planted in 2011, pointing to acreage harvested for grain of about 88.8 million acres.

“That would be nearly 4.8 million more than harvested last year,” Good said. “Producers will be resurveyed in June to identify actual planted acreage and likely acreage for harvest. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some acreage intended for corn will be planted to soybeans due to the shift in price relationships following the March survey. On the other hand, an early start to corn planting and the potential that total crop acreage will exceed intentions supports ideas that corn acreage could still reach intentions. The deviation from March intentions should be small, with a projection of 88 million acres harvested for grain used here,” he said.

According to Good, yield expectations for 2012 also vary considerably, reflecting differences of opinion about the magnitude of the trend yield for 2012, the likely impact of early planting, and likely summer weather conditions.

“The long-term trend for the U.S. average yield in 2012 is between 160 and 161 bushels,” Good said. “Prospects for a smaller-than-average portion of the 2012 crop to be planted after optimum dates for maximum yield potential add about two bushels to the average yield expectation. That impact can be thought of as more or less permanent. That is, whatever the average yield turns out to be, it might be about two bushels higher than if an average amount of the crop had been planted late,” he said.

Good predicted that, in the end, summer weather will be the largest determinant of the average yield. A yield expectation of about 162.5 bushels seems most reasonable at this time, pointing to a crop of 14.3 billion bushels.

Good added that consumption of U.S. corn during the year ahead is also subject to a lot of uncertainty due to the unknowns surrounding a wide array of factors that include crop production in the rest of the world, U.S. biofuels policy, and domestic and world economic conditions. He said the starting point in making consumption projections is the expected level of use during the current year.

“As pointed out last week, however, the likely level of consumption this year is not yet settled,” Good said. “For ethanol, the rapidly approaching blend wall for E10 and the delays in implementing E15 suggest a plateauing of corn use in that category near the 5 billion bushels expected for this year.

“The USDA projects feed and residual use of corn during the current year at a modest 4.6 billion bushels,” Good said. “While use during the first half of the year suggests consumption could exceed the projection, declining cattle numbers, increased wheat feeding, and more new-crop corn feeding point to a slowing of use during the last half of the year. Some modest expansion in livestock production other than beef, less wheat feeding next summer, a lack of increase in distillers grain production, some new crop corn feeding in August, and lower corn prices support prospects for more corn feeding next year. Feed and residual use might be near 5 billion bushels,” he said.

Good said that U.S. corn exports during the current year are projected at a relatively low level of 1.7 billion bushels, reflecting in part competition from the large world grain crop of last year. Prospects for less competition from Argentina and perhaps from the Black Sea region next year, along with larger imports by China, point to a rebound in exports to near the long term average of 1.9 billion bushels.

With food, seed and industrial use (excluding ethanol) near 1.425 billion bushels, total consumption next year might be near 13.325 billion bushels. With beginning stocks of 800 million bushels and imports of 15 million bushels, stocks at the end of the 2012-13 marketing year would be near 1.79 billion bushels. Stocks at that level would represent a stocks-to-use ratio of 13.4 percent. Under this scenario, the 2012-13 marketing year average price would be expected to be in the $4.50 to $5.00 range.

The USDA’s May 10 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report will contain a forecast of the 2012-13 supply and demand balance for corn.

“A larger production estimate than used here will likely be reflected in that forecast as March acreage intentions, and probably a higher yield forecast, will be used,” Good said.

2012 Illinois Forage Expo to be Held July 10

The 2012 Illinois Forage Expo will be held on Tuesday, July 10, hosted by Owen Brown, GFC Bale Band-It, 34273 210th Avenue, Pittsfield, Ill., located in Pike County. The Forage Expo will include field demonstrations of forage-harvesting equipment and commercial displays of forage-related products and equipment as well as educational sessions focusing on forage management.

In addition, producers can enter 2012 harvested bales and haylage in the Quality Hay & Haylage Contest. Entries must be delivered on site from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. There is no entry fee, and NIRS analysis will be provided free of charge. Four hay classes and one haylage class will be available, and class winners will receive a certificate. Bales weighing over 100 pounds will need an official scale weigh ticket. For further information concerning the Quality Hay/Haylage Contest, contact Ron Atherton, IFGC board member at ,

The Expo will start at 9 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m. The site can be reached by going west and then south of Pittsfield on Route 54 for about five miles, then east for one mile on 1100 N Road. Additional information about the Illinois Forage Expo is available at http://www.illinoisforage.org/.

For information about exhibiting a commercial display, contact Dave Gentry, GROWMARK, Inc., P.O. Box 2500, Bloomington, Ill., 61702-2500, phone or email at .

The Forage Expo is co-sponsored by the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, University of Illinois Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Sudden Death Syndrome a Risk When Planting Soybeans Early into Cool Soils

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) caused by the fungus Fusarium virguliforme has plagued soybean growers in Illinois since the 1980s according to University of Illinois plant pathologist Carl Bradley.

In Illinois, the disease first appeared in the southern part of the state but has since spread across the entire state. The fungus infects soybean roots very soon after planting.

The typical SDS symptoms occur on the leaves, generally when the plants are flowering. The symptoms are caused by a toxin produced by the fungus in the roots that moves through the plant up to the leaves.

The first signs of the disease are yellow splotches on the leaves that develop into interveinal chlorosis (yellow leaf tissue between veins that remain green) and then interveinal necrosis (dead leaf tissue between veins that remain green). The fungus also can cause root rot.

SDS does the most damage to susceptible soybean varieties that are planted into cool soils, particularly when there is frequent rainfall after planting. With the early start on corn planting and mild spring weather this year, much of the corn has been planted, and some farmers have begun and many others soon will begin planting soybeans.

“When planting soybeans early during a time when soil temperatures are still relatively cool, farmers should consider the risk of SDS,” said Bradley.

“In fields where SDS has been a historical problem, it is best to plant soybean varieties that have a high level of resistance to SDS. In addition, consider planting these fields with a history of SDS last,” he advised.

Most seed companies provide ratings for SDS resistance. The U of I and Southern Illinois University have also screened some varieties for resistance to SDS. The results from these university research trials are available at www.vipsoybeans.org and www.scnresearch.info.

No in-season options are available for SDS management, and currently-registered fungicide seed treatments are not effective in preventing development of SDS. Thus, it is important that the most resistant varieties are planted when the conditions favor SDS.

For more information on SDS, go to the Plant Health Initiative website (www.planthealth.info).

Farm to School Program Becomes Part of University of Illinois Extension

It should be easy to bring food grown in Illinois to the plates of children in Illinois schools. Moreover, most consumers like the idea of eating local food.

However, less than 5 percent of the food consumed in Illinois is produced locally. Transportation costs account for 10 to 20 percent of what people pay for food.

State legislators have recognized this as a serious problem and passed the Illinois Local Farm, Food and Jobs Act in 2009. The act mandates that, by 2020, 10 percent of the food served in schools should be from Illinois farms.

The Illinois Farm to School program, through its membership in the national Farm to School Network, is working toward meeting this challenge. The network was started in 1996 as a pilot project in California and Florida; today there are over 2,000 programs in eight regions covering all 50 states.

The network brings K-12 schools together with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing education, and supporting local and regional farmers. Local products are included in school meal breakfasts, lunches, and in after-school and classroom snacks.

As part of the ongoing commitment to “put knowledge to work,” U of I Extension has taken the Illinois Farm to School program under its umbrella, and in January 2012, hired Julia Govis as program coordinator. Govis has volunteered in the program for several years, working with individuals and organizations to foster a presence statewide.

Govis works with the State Board of Education, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Public Health as well as the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor. “I reach out to these agencies to address barriers or obstacles within our state that I’m made aware of as communities work toward creating their own unique programs,” said Govis.

“For instance, right now I’m working with the public health department to put together recommendations for school garden safety,” she added.

Govis also works with volunteers across Illinois to coordinate efforts that include “getting more locally grown, fresh produce into school cafeterias, establishing school gardens on school premises, or taking field trips to farms.”

More information about the Illinois Farm to School program is available at http://www.farmtoschool.org/state-home.php?id=35 .

Farmers who want to find nearby customers for their product, or schools looking for locally produced goods to find a grower, can go to the MarketMaker National Network website at http://www.marketmaker.uiuc.edu/reg/register

Retirement Dinner to Honor 10 at WC CUSD #314

The West Carroll Community Unit School District #314 is planning a Retirement Dinner in honor of Sandy Gabriel, Juliene McCormick, Susie Ostrum, Beth Diener, Kathy Warfield, Joe Titus, and Casey Gehant.

Tom Hoch, Jack Roemer, and Sharon Atherton are also retiring but will not be present.

Please send them your Happy Retirement wishes.

The recognition dinner will be held Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Manny’s Pizza Fiesta Room in Savanna, with 5:30 p.m.-- Cocktails, 6:00 p.m.-- Buffet Dinner, and 7:00 p.m.-- Program.

Price $17.00 (tax and tip included). Payable upon reservation with building secretaries. Reservations are needed by May 11 to West Carroll Schools offices.

If you have any questions, please contact Kris Yingling at WCPS .

Stay Safe on the Internet and Social Networks

We shop online, do our banking, make travel arrangements, buy movie tickets, pay our bills, update our social sites – the activities are as endless as the world-wide web itself. But when you send your confidential data or click on a link, how do you know your computer, and your data, will be safe?

“We know that it’s important to protect our children when they’re online,” says Kent Klima, General Manager, Frontier Communications. “But we sometimes forget that everyone, not just our kids, should be cautious when surfing the Internet and using social networks. It’s especially critical that we take precautions when we’re providing financial or other personal information.”

Consider these safety tips when using social networks and the Internet:

Passwords: Don’t choose a common password such as “123456.” Make your password personal, such as the name of your favorite sports team plus your favorite number, or your favorite teacher.

Information: Share as little personal information as possible. That might be difficult considering that’s exactly what you are doing most of the time on your Facebook page or Twitter site, but do not include any financial information, your birthday, address, e-mail address, phone number, etc.

Limit: The more social networks you are a member of, the greater your chances are of being attacked. Limit your social networking sites to two or three at most. Stick to the networks that are the most popular, such as Twitter and Facebook, because they are more credible and have more safety standards.

Safety: Update the privacy settings on your social networking pages. Limit which friends and followers see your content. For example on Facebook, you can control to whom your posts go by customizing the “Settings” icon of your profile page. On Twitter, you can make sure you receive a notification when someone new is following you who can view your content.

Know your Source: Never click on a link from someone you don’t know. Sometimes, even your friends can have a computer virus that will blast out to their contacts.

Look out for “Deals”: Many of us take advantage of various discount opportunities. Sometimes even these links have viruses. Be sure you’re opening a safe link even if the business is credible.

Search term mix ups: Sometimes a harmless Internet search can bring up websites that are likely laced with viruses. Be extra careful what you type in a search engine.

Security: Make sure your computer has the latest security software to protect your computer against attack from social media hackers, viruses, spyware and other Internet threats.

“We use the Internet because it’s convenient to shop, bank and stay in contact, but we need to guard against unwelcome computer intrusions and threats,” said Klima. Frontier Communications offers “ HYPERLINK “http://ww2.frontierhelp.com/products.aspx?product=product3” Frontier SecureSM,” leading-edge cyber security programs that give adults peace of mind about their Internet experience for themselves and their children. Frontier Secure guarantees the security of important images, personal documents and financial records, provides unlimited data back-up, Internet security/virus protection, file sharing and 24/7 U.S.-based tech support. To learn more about cyber security, visit Frontier SecureSM at http://ww2.frontierhelp.com/products.aspx?product=product3 or contact Frontier Communications at .