More Important News

Correction

In the May 20 issue, the article re: the Savanna City Council Meeting contained a misprint.

"Initiating a new tradition for the council, Pastor Michael White led a prayer shortly before the opening of the meeting." Pastor Michael Wey led the prayer.

The Prairie Advocate apologizes for the error.

Zemke-Kennedy Wed

On a 3 hour cruise, leaving from New Port Beach, California, the captain married Michael Zemke, formerly of Milledgeville and Carrie Kennedy of Kenosha, Wisconsin. The wedding took place on April 11, 2009 with immediate family joining in the celebration. Breck Kennedy, the bride's son, was ring bearer. Parents of the groom are Marion and Beverly Zemke of Milledgeville. Parents of the bride are Larry and Rose Goff of Kenosha, Wisconsin. On April 18th a reception was held in Kenosha in their honor.

Altfillisch Recipient of IEC Memorial Scholarship

Matthew Altfillisch of Elizabeth is one of seven winners of this year's Illinois Electric Cooperatives (IEC) Memorial Scholarship. Altfillisch's family receives electricity from Jo-Carroll Energy. Altfillisch is a senior at River Ridge High School.

Altfillisch competed for the scholarship with a record number of 262 other students from across the state. The $1,250 awards are given each year to six sons or daughters of electric co-op members, and one to the son or daughter of a co-op employee or director.

Candidates were judged on grade-point average, college entrance exam scores, work and volunteer experience, school and civic activities and a short essay demonstrating their knowledge of energy cooperatives.

Michael Hastings, president/CEO of Jo-Carroll Energy, said, "The employees and board members of Jo-Carroll Energy have always been involved in our local schools and communities. We live here too and, like our members, have a vested interest in the future of our children. This scholarship is just one small way we can help make a difference for a student like Matthew."

Jo-Carroll Energy has reliably served its member-owners in northwestern Illinois since 1939. Jo-Carroll Energy is a not-for-profit distribution cooperative owned and controlled by the members it serves. The cooperative currently serves nearly 26,000 electric and natural gas accounts in Jo Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside Counties. For more information on Jo-Carroll Energy, visit the cooperative's Web site at www.jocarroll.com.

West Carroll Intermediate - Accelerated Reader

Joseph Kleckner has earned 175 points in the Accelerated Reader program at the West Carroll Intermediate School. He is a fourth grader in Mrs. Watts classroom. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer McGinnis)

Milledgeville Elementary Cookie Sale

The third graders at Milledgeville Elementary School decided to do a Cookie Sale for Troy Kendall, brother of third grader Kyle Kendall. He has had a lot of medical expenses.This project was held before the Saturday, May 16th Benefit for Troy.Posters were made with Troy's picture on them and hung around the school.

"Our goal was to make $100," said teacher Jody Engelkens. "On Thursday, May 14, 2009, the third graders used the Home Ec room to shape the cookie dough and bake the cookies.The cafeteria ovens were also used. There was a total of36 dozen cookies and all cookies were sold to the elementary kids before the high school students could be offered any!"

Engelkens said that many students donated money for the cause. "The students also made and wrote thank you cards to the people who helped with the project. We went way beyond our goal and made $660!"

In the top photo, Grandma Barb Martz, Rachel Scidmore, and Cade Schave bake cookies.

At right, Kyle Kendall and other 3rd graders collect and count the proceeds.

(Courtesy of Jody Engelkens)

Girl Scouts

On May 3, 2009 Girl Scouts from Chadwick & Milledgeville gathered at the White Pines State Park to celebrate bridging. Each troop provided an update on the activities enjoyed during this membership year, along with some entertainment for their parents.

Girl Scout Daiseys sang a song about becoming a Brownie. Brownies participated in a father/daughter dance and an overnight at camp that included canoeing. Juniors are learning about running a business. All of the Girl Scouts participated in a food drive, an Earth Day project, and a winter fun day. Carroll Partnership Girl Scouts organized a one day camp at Camp Far Horizons.

After the awards were presented, the girls and their families enjoyed refreshments. Everyone was invited to go roller skating.

Many thanks to the volunteers who help make Girl Scouts possible in Chadwick and Milledgeville. For more information about joining Girl Scouts, call Lisa Cheeseman, 815-225-7725 or the Girl Scout office 815-235-8777. (Courtesy of Lisa Cheeseman)

Lanark City Tree Board

The Lanark City Tree Board,has acted on the recommendation by the Department of Natural Resources, drawing focuses on conserving and enhancing the native urban forest, by increasing the variety of native trees planted in Lanark. Native species are more likely to thrive than most introduced species, particularly in more challenging conditions. The genetic makeup of locally grown native trees and shrubs ensures that they are better adapted to local conditions. Front, l to r: Paul Muchie, owner, Jon Kelly and Mike Colb of Native Arbor Nursery, Inc. of Hanover are assisted by (back row) Lanark Maintenance Dept. manager Les Guenzler, and Brian Ferry. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Libberton)

Mayfest Photos

	Kids had a blast dancing, swinging and running during Saturday's Mayfest performance by the River City 6 swing and jazz band. The Memorial Day weekend music and arts festival in Mt. Carroll featured lots oflive music, great food, and fun for all. (PA photo/Tom Kocal)
	The name says it all. The River City Dixie, Racing, Marching Society Good Time Brass Band played on stage as well as all over the Campbell Center grounds, marching for the crowds and playing some good times music. Mayfest in Mt. Carroll ran May 22,23 and 24. (PA photo/Tom Kocal)

Sacia Announces General Assembly Scholarship Winners

FREEPORT - State Representative Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica) has announced the 89th House District Illinois General Assembly College Scholarship winners for the upcoming school year. These scholarship winners will be granted waivers of tuition for one year.

"It is such a privilege to be able to award state scholarships to deserving young people who otherwise might not have the financial wherewithal to forward their education," Rep, Sacia said.

Winner's names, addresses and the college they will attend as well as their parents are as follows:

- Eric J. Turman from Dakota High School - University of Illinois - Son of Jefre and Margo Turman

- Danielle Flack from Freeport High School - Illinois State University ­ Daughter of Shane and Stacey Flack

- Kevin Bradt from River Ridge High School - Western Illinois University - Son of Allen and Mary Bradt

- Kelsey E. Osterloo from Forreston High School - University of Illinois - Daughter of Dennis and Evelyn Osterloo

- Kirk Engelkens from Milledgeville High School - Illinois State University - Son of Keith and Jody Engelkens

- Katherine Castree from Pecatonica High School - University of Illinois - Daughter of John and Linda Castree

- Michelle Tregloan from Freeport High School - University of Illinois - Daughter of Terry and Mary Tregloan

- Mathew J. Murphy from Galena High School ­ University of Illinois ­ Son of Michael and Beth Murphy

"The winners are selected by my education committee, who reviewed carefully, all of the 48 applications received by my office. The committee expressed how impressed they were with the exceptionally high quality of students seeking these scholarships," Sacia stated.

Mount Carroll Business Receives DCEO Challenge Grant

The Northwest Region Entrepreneurship Center will present a $5,000 Challenge Grant to Dust Cloud Media Works of Mount Carroll, as part of the Illinois Opportunity Returns Program. This award, matched by the company, will be used for a marketing project to expand the company's business. The award presentation will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the offices of the Tri-County Economic Development Alliance, 9317 IL Route 84, Savanna, IL 61074.

Dust Cloud Media partners with individuals and companies to tell their stories with words, sounds and images. Projects consist of oral history interviews, photography, writing, and audio production in order to create books, multimedia exhibits, CDs, and DVDs. Dust Cloud Media's motto is "where the past meets the present and is preserved for the future." Founder Abbie Reese believes there is intrinsic value in documenting history and in narrative storytelling placing a story in context and fixing it in a tangible and permanent art form. For companies, Dust Cloud Media's productions also serve a marketing function. For individuals, the projects can provide an opportunity to leave a legacy for loved ones.

The Challenge Grant funding is determined based upon the potential for successful achievement of a significant business milestone and a reasonable plan for continuous growth and job creation. This award project has been a joint effort between the Northwest Region Entrepreneurship Center and the Tri-County Economic Development Corporation Alliance.

Both the Tri-County Economic Development Alliance and The Northwest Region Entrepreneurship Center will continue to work closely with the company to help provide the best possible chance to succeed as they meet the challenges faced by a growing Entrepreneurial business.

Volunteer Hospice of NW Illinois Community Education Meeting

STOCKTON - Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois invites you to their next Community Education Meeting at the Stockton Park House at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. Blythe Hamilton, massage therapist, will present a program on the Benefits of Massage. The public is invited to join us at this informative program. There is no cost, and the Stockton Park House is handicapped accessible.

Please call the Hospice Office at 815-947-3260 if you plan to attend, as seating is limited. This event is also sponsored by the Stephenson County Senior Center.

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

From the Fields

by Jim Morrison

Extension Educator, Crop Systems

Rockford Extension Center, U of I

Are soybeans affected by delayed planting similar to corn? The rainy weather has prompted that question from several northern Illinois producers.

The question can be addressed from recent soybean yield response to planting date trials at the University of Illinois Agronomy Research Centers near DeKalb and Monmouth. In these studies, yields decreased by 0.10, 0.23, 0.36, and 0.54 bushels per day of delay for the May 1-10, May 11-20, May 21-30, and June 1-10 periods, respectively. These results were similar to studies conducted in Indiana.

Another way to evaluate the importance of planting date is to consider the statewide average annual yields in relation to dates of planted soybean acreage, notes Vince Davis, University of Illinois Extension soybean specialist. Over the last 14 years, there has been a loss of approximately 5 bushels per acre for statewide yield averages as the date of planting is delayed from the second week of May to the middle of June.

According to the Illinois Agricultural Statistics Service, average state yields were 50, 46.5, 48, 43.5, and 47 bushels per acre for 2004 through 2008. Davis notes that only 50 percent of Illinois soybean acres were planted before mid-May and 80 percent before the end of May, during that same time period. As soybean producers try to improve yield, one strategy is to target planting for early to mid-May suggests Davis. Obviously, Mother Nature has the final say.

Further details on the above-mentioned study can be found in the May 1, 2009 issue of the University of Illinois Pest Management & Crop Development Bulletin, http://ipm.illinois.edu/bulletin/article.php?id=1107

Lena Farmers Market Returns

Fresh Rhubarb! Just Picked Lettuce! Homemade Treats! The Downtown Lena Farmers Market will kick off the growing season on Saturday, May 30. Open from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., the Market will be held in the Downtown Lena Parking Lot featuring 8 different farmers with a variety of offerings.

The Downtown Lena Farmers Market will feature locally grown produce, locally made food, organic butter made from local organic milk, locally raised beef, handmade soap, wool products, and locally grown plants. Some early season crops will be lettuce, rhubarb, spinach, radishes and more.

The Market will run every Saturday through October 10. Plan your weekend around the fun and food at the Downtown Lena Farmers Market. If you'd like to learn more about the Market call Nikki Keltner at the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County (815) 599-3524.

Sabbath Center Hosts Open House & Pig Roast

The Sabbath Center will host an open house and pig roast Saturday, May 30th from noon to 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Sabbath Center's website at www.sabbathcenter.com, or call Rev. Steven Myers at 815-656-4905.

The Sabbath Center is a retreat and conference center located at 22782 Short Road in Lanark, next to Lake Carroll. The Sabbath Center began as a vision of Steven R. Myers while he was Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, IL. In 1989, he purchased 10 acres with a house, barn and several other outbuildings. Throughout the 1990's he retreated there with his family and friends.

He began to receive a vision and a sense of calling to develop the property into a retreat center for others to experience the peace and presence of God that he experienced there. His initial vision was to promote the importance of Sabbath-keeping for ministerial health and wholeness. In 1999 he began serving Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett, IL as a part-time Assistant Pastor, and several members of the co9ngregation volunteered to help the vision become reality. Since then, the 100+ year old barn has been remodeled into a lodge with beds for 20 in a bunk room and 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, meeting place for 30 and a resource center.

The Sabbath Center hosts retreats for a variety of church groups. Joe Young, Director for Community Development Services ELCA ­ Church in Society, who led a retreat at the Sabbath Center in 2008, challenged Sabbath Center Ministries to broaden its vision to include social ministries of justice and peace. SCM accepted the challenge and has now become affiliated with the ELCA as a social ministry organization. SCM has also become members of Lutheran Services in America ­ a network of organizations who have been called to serve their neighbors in love.

SCM was incorporated in the State of Illinois as a Not For Profit Corporation in 2006anmmd received 501(c)(3) status as a religious organization in 2007. The Sabbath Center Ministries welcomes other congregations, organizations and individuals to share our mission and ministry as we continue to grow by grace through faith.

Rose Receives 2009 DEKALB Ag Accomplishment Award

Michael Rose, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Paul Rose, received the award for excellence in academics, leadership and agricultural work experience. Rose is a student at Eastland High School. Rose's significant experience and accomplishments have included chapter proficiency winner in sheep production, earning State FFA degree and having been a chapter FFA officer. Stan Toepfer is Rose's agricultural education instructor at Eastland High School.

As the winner of the Award, Rose's name will be recorded on a permanent plaque displayed at Eastland High School.

This year, the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award celebrates its 62nd anniversary. Over these 62 years, more than 162,000 high school seniors from across the country have received the Award, which has become a symbol for excellence and the school's highest agricultural honor. In 2008, over 2,050 students from high schools in 48 states were recognized with the Award.

Monsanto, a long-time supporter of agricultural education, FFA, 4-H and other farm youth organizations and initiatives, has sponsored the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award, named for its brand of seed, since 1998. Monsanto is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

Flikkema Earns First Place Honors in National Soils Competition

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Collegiate Soil Team recently competed in the Soil Science Society of America's National Collegiate Soils Competition, hosted by Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. The competition is an intensive week-long field study of regional soils and landforms, where students describe and classify soil properties and qualities, and determine appropriate land-use practices according to rules and guidelines developed by university professors and professional soil scientists.

The students are scored by their ability to provide descriptions similar to those of contest officials who are practicing professionals in the Soil Science field. Approximately 120 students from 23 colleges and universities participated in the contest. UW-Platteville qualified for participation in this contest for the 36th straight year by placing second at the regional contest held in the fall of 2008.

Jeremy Flikkema, from Lanark, Illinois, a senior at UW-Platteville, majoring in Soil and Crop Science earned first place honors in the individual portion of the contest with a high score of 888 points. The UW-Platteville team placed 8th in overall score and 9th in the team-judging portion of the contest. Flikkema became the tenth UW-Platteville student to place first in the national individual competition in its 49-year history. Other local members of the UW-P Soils team that participated in the contest were: Drew Nesemeier from Milledgeville, Illinois. The team was coached by Dr. Chris Baxter, Associate Professor of Soil and Crop Science.

Carroll's Welcome New Son

Steve and Brooke Carroll of Lanark, Illinois welcomed a new son, Wyatt James Carroll, born Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Wyatt was born at 2:05 p.m. and weighed 7 lbs. 5 ox and is 21 inches long. He joins a sister, Haley Adams, age 5.

Maternal grandparents are Pat and Barb Tracey of Savanna, Illinois. Paternal grandparents are Mark and Nancy Carroll of Lanark and Patty Hiher and Kurt Krum of Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Maternal great-grandparents are John and Mary Jo Tracey of Savanna and Ramona and the late Ed Bradshaw of Thomson, Illinois. Paternal great-grandparents are Betty and the late James Carroll of Lanark and Betty and the late Alvin Dettman of Milledgeville, Illinois.

Carroll County Crime Stoppers

Carroll County Crime Stoppers is requesting your help in solving the following crime. Information leading to an arrest could earn the caller a reward of up to $1,000.00 and the identity of any caller will be kept strictly confidential.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of a flat boat from the Mississippi River bank near 4800 Riverview Road. The aluminum flat boat is mostly light green in color with blue spray paint used to cover scratches in the paint. Sometime between Monday, April 20 and Friday, April 24, unknown subjects backed a vehicle up to the top of the riverbank and after cutting the lock, pulled the boat up the riverbank. Value of the boat exceeds $300.00.

If you have knowledge of this crime, call Crime Stoppers. Remain anonymous and earn a reward. Call Crime Stoppers at 244- STOP (244-7867). Rewards are also paid for information leading to the arrest of wanted felons.

IDOT News

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that, weather permitting, construction work on IL 78 north of Mt. Carroll will begin on Monday, May 26, 2009. Civil Constructors will begin making improvements from the Carroll Creek bridge in Mt. Carroll to the JoDaviess County line. The $3 million project to resurface the seven mile section of IL 78 is scheduled to be completed by mid-October.

The contractor will be milling off sections of the existing bituminous surface, making pavement repairs, and resurfacing the roadway. Traffic will be restricted to one lane at the work locations and will be controlled by flaggers. Motorists should be prepared to stop for flaggers and be alert for slow moving construction vehicles. Drivers are reminded to slow down and drive carefully through all construction zones.

Fun In The Park Kicks Off the Summer

Fun in the Park splashes into summer with a free family fun night at the Savanna Swimming Pool on Tuesday night June 9th from 5-7 pm. Swimming, games and treats will be provided for the entire family. All children must be accompanied by an adult and no registration is necessary for this family fun night.

Take this opportunity to sign up your child for the Fun in the Park Camps that will be held throughout the summer. The first camp to kick off the summer will be Camp Cupcake set for June 13th from 9a.m.-12p.m. at Old Mill Park, Savanna, IL. Participating youth will have the opportunity to learn the basics of cake decorating while working with cupcakes in this beginning class. Camp Cupcake is for youth entering grades 5th and up. There is a cost of $5.00 for this one day camp.

To register your child or to learn more about other "Fun in the Park" programs, call the Carroll County Extension office at 815-244-9444. Program sponsors include the Savanna Park District and University of Illinois Extension who have joined forces to provide several themed programs for the benefit of youth and families in Carroll County and Northwestern Illinois. Other upcoming camps include FunTastic Fitness Camp (June 15-18) and Tennis Camp (June 17, 24, July 1, 8).

Don't Panic Over Honey Bee Swarms

Bees and hornets can start to become a nuisance around homes at this time of year. However, remember that many of these insects are beneficial pollinators and care should be used before destroying them.

"Especially in the spring and early summer, honey bees may swarm in large groups and can look threatening to homeowners", says John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Rockford. "But, in reality, these beneficial bees are just searching for a new home."

U. of I. entomologists offer the following tips on bees and wasps.

Honeybees are amber or brown and black banded, hairy and about 1/2 inch long. They nest in hollow tree trunks and build colonies that may contain tens of thousands of individuals. When nests get congested, some of the bees will leave in swarms of several hundred looking for new nesting sites, usually in the spring. The bees often form a mass on a tree branch or other support for a few days until a permanent site is found. Control is usually not recommended or necessary, since most of these swarms leave on their own within a few days. Honeybees in swarms are usually docile and those with colonies in trees rarely attack, unless provoked.

Swarms that remain after a week may need to be removed by a beekeeper or professional pest control operator. Treating with an insecticide should be used only as a last resort. Also, swarms that start to invade structures may need to be controlled or removed, since the honey and wax can become a serious problem within walls or other void areas of a building.

Other types of bees and hornets also become more prevalent throughout the summer, such as the bald-faced hornets, which build football-sized and shaped paper nests in trees and shrubs. Again, unless the nest is in a "high-traffic" area for humans, it is best to just leave it alone.

Yellowjackets present the major nuisance for most people in the summer. They are 1/2-inch-long, black-and-yellow-banded wasps that many people call "bees." They build up in population throughout the summer and are attracted to food and drinks, which brings them into more contact with people. They live in underground nests, woodpiles, pile of brush, hollow tree or a hole in the wall of a house. Late in the summer, nests may contain several thousand wasps. Of the Illinois bees and wasps, this is probably the most likely to sting.

Bumblebees are 1/2-to one-inch-long, yellow and black, hairy, stout-bodied insects that nest underground. There are usually fewer than 60 individuals per nest, which is usually built in an old rodent burrow or similar opening. Unless they present a problem, the nest should be left undisturbed. They are excellent pollinators, too.

For further information, contact the local U. of I. Extension office or search the U. of I. Extension website at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/bugreview.

Persons with an interest in monitoring bees, can go to the University of Illinois website http://beespotter.mste.uiuc.edu to participate in a statewide volunteer monitoring and photo recording program.

Carroll County Artists and Crafters Meeting

Artists and crafters from the Carroll County area are invited to participate in a round-table discussion meeting. The gathering will be at Manny's Pizza (Fiesta Room) in Savanna on June 10, 2009 at 6:00 pm.

The main purpose will be to network with your peers and explore the possibility of an artist's association to promote art appreciation, expand marketing efforts, and increase awareness of the many talented individuals around Carroll County. Key topics discussed will include a web site and brochure showcasing all arts and crafts produced in the area, an arts and crafts tour, and other ways to save money and make more sales.

This meeting is being coordinated and facilitated by John Huggins, AmeriCorps VISTA member and coordinator for the Blackhawk Hills Entrepreneur & Inventors Club. For more information please contact John at jhuggins@bheic.com or 815-541-0557.

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