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

Armyworm damage to corn was recently observed. This pest can also infest wheat and pasture. The armyworm moth enters the state on the same prevailing winds and storm fronts that bring black cutworm moths.

Armyworm moths seek rank grass on which to lay eggs. Thus, wheat fields and corn planted into a grass cover crop or into grassy weeds are prime candidates for armyworm feeding. Corn planted no-till into rye is especially prone to armyworm infestation.

Young larvae are pale green in color, although longitudinal stripes are apparent, and the head is yellow-brown. Older larvae are green-brown and more prominently striped. A narrow, broken stripe along the center of the back and three stripes along each side of the body can usually be seen. The tan head is mottled with dark brown and each proleg (the false, peglike legs on the abdomen of a caterpillar) has a dark band.

You can track the development (by accumulation of degree-days) of armyworm at www.ipm.uiuc.edu/degreedays Click on "degree day calculator" in the upper right corner of the page to begin.

As mentioned above, armyworms can defoliate corn and pasture, and cut wheat heads. Suggested treatment thresholds and insecticides are listed in the 2008 Illinois Agricultural Pest Management Handbook at www.ipm.uiuc.edu/pubs/iapmh/01chapter.pdf. Your local University of Illinois Extension office can also help you get a copy.

When monitoring corn, wheat, and pasture, check for their presence-don't let armyworms surprise you in 2008!

Seventeen new Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem volunteers recently graduated from the CASA­­-15th Judicial Circuit training program and were sworn in by The Honorable Judge Kathleen Kauffmann on May 27, 2008.  These new volunteers will serve children in Lee, Ogle and Carroll Counties. (Photo courtesy of CASA)

Fencing and Watering Options for Grazing Workshop and Tour

A workshop and pasture tour designed to help those who have experience managing pastures for maximum livestock production as well as those just starting a grazing operation in northwestern Illinois will be conducted July 9th. Fencing and watering options will be the topics emphasized at this workshop at the Hesse Beef Farm at 6209 Derinda Road, Elizabeth, IL. Other topics about pasture management and grazing that will be discussed include grass and legume species selection, EQIP options, fence law, the Clean Water Act as well as establishing and managing an intensive grazing plan for your operation.

The workshop and tour will be held Wednesday, July 9th at a local grazing operation. Dennis Hesse and Terry Beyer of Hesse Beef Farms will be the hosts. The day begins with registration at 2:15 pm. Fencing and watering planning basics will be addressed from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm followed by a pasture walk, where grass and legume selection will be the focus of the presentation.

There will be a beef ribeye sandwich dinner prepared by the Jo Daviess County Beef Association at 4:30 pm and a welcome and farm overview will start at 5:00 pm. From 5:15 pm to 5:45 pm several short presentations on various topics will take place. From 5:45 pm to 8:00 pm watering and fencing systems will be discussed in detail with Brett Gee, Agricultural Engineer with NRCS and Jay Solomon, Extension Educator, Engineering Technology, U of I Extension presenting the latest advances in technology in this area. Adjournment will be at 8:00 pm.

The Hesse farm is located nine miles west of Stockton on Route 20 and then south on S. Derinda Road about three miles. There is a fee for the day. To register, or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call the Jo-Carroll U of I Extension Office at (815) 858-2273. You may also register on line at http://jdc.extension.uiuc.edu . Click on the Grazing Workshop icon. Contact your local NRCS, Soil and Water Conservation District, or U of I Extension office for a brochure or more details. 2.5 hours of Soil and Water Management and one-half hour of Crop Management CEU's for Certified Crop Advisors have been applied for.

Sponsors for the event are Northwestern Illinois Grazing Workgroup Blackhawk Hills RC&D, Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson NRCS/SWCD, Illinois Forage and Grasslands Council, Illinois Grasslands Conservation Initiative, NW Illinois Forage and Grasslands Council, University of Illinois Extension and USDA Risk Management Agency.

Eagle Scout John Coulson (left) receives a Special Recognition trophy from Lanark Lions member Don Hart at John's home in Lanark. Coulson's recently-completed Eagle Scout project was collecting stuffed animals, which he donated to the Illinois State Police for use with traumatized children involved in accidents, child abuse cases, etc. Coulson is a "lone scout," not directly affiliated with any specific troop. "He's a great kid," said Lion Jeannine Kaylor. "He's done this all on his own." (PA photo/Craig Lang)

Recycle Electronics & Appliances

Bring your outdated, working or nonworking, electronics and other household appliances to the electronics recycling collection, Saturday, June 28 at the Elizabeth Community Building, 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This collection event is open to both residents and businesses in northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Also, consider a visit to Green Fair 2008 which will be next door at Highland Community College West. There is a small admission fee for adults.

Other than computer monitors, televisions, and large appliances, most items may be dropped off for free. Computer monitors and televisions have a $5 fee and large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers, window air conditioners, and hot water heaters have a fee of $10.00 each. Console type televisions and radios or large screen televisions have a higher cost.

A partial list of items accepted include: hard drives, monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, telephones, cell phones, fax machines, photocopiers, calculators, TVs, radios, stereos, boom boxes, VCRs, DVD players, used CDs, microwaves, blenders, toasters, fans and window air conditioners.

The collections are sponsored by the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency and University of Illinois Extension. Please direct questions regarding this recycling event or the Green Fair to Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling & Conservation Programs Coordinator, at 815-244-9444.

For other events in Elizabeth that weekend, see the website www.appleriverfort.org. For Jo Daviess County visitor information, call 877-444-5850 or check www.galena.org.

Stephen Santeramo (left) and Joseph Quinn, had a strong finish to the 2007-2008 school year. The two young men earned 175 points in the Accelerated Reader Program at the West Carroll Intermediate School. Both are students in Mrs. Ostrum’s fourth grade classroom. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer McGinnis)

Beth Diener, 5th grade teacher at West Carroll Intermediate School, recently wrote a grant to supply her classroom with 30 scientific calculators for her math class.  Her students proudly display their new calculators received through the grant. "DonorsChoose.org is a simple way to provide students in need with resources that our public schools often lack," Diener said. At this not-for-profit web site, teachers submit project proposals for materials or experiences their students need to learn. These ideas become classroom reality when concerned individuals, called "Citizen Philanthropists," choose projects to fund.  (Photo courtesy of Christie Grim)

Clues To Your Family Photographs

The old black and white photos you inherited are great, but you don't know much about them. If this scenario applies to you, then this program is for you.

On Sunday, June 22, the Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies, 203 E. Seminary, Mount Carroll, will host a community program entitled Clues in your Family Photographs. The program will teach participants how to date family & historic photographs through clothing style, photographic types and markings.

The program will be presented by Linda Eppich and Sharon Welton. Linda is a textile conservator from Newport, Rhode Island who is currently employed as an archivist with the Preservation Society of Newport County, the organization that oversees the famous Newport Mansions including the Breakers and Marble House. She has a M.S. in clothing and textiles and in textile history and American history and has been in the museums field for 30 years. Sharon is the Program Director at the Campbell Center. Both have completed the Campbell Center courses on identifying and preserving historic photographs.

Eppich will talk about fashion trends from 1840-1920 and how recognizing these specific trends in fashion can help date when a photo was taken. Welton will talk about clues in the photograph's size, style, markings, etc. The program will also cover how to care for your priceless family photos to insure they will be around for future generations.

Attendees may bring two photos for inspection and help with dating. The event begins at 1 pm in the Campbell Center auditorium, located in Metcalf Hall (the building with the bell tower on top.) There is a small admission fee. All proceeds go directly to Campbell Center restoration projects. For more information call the Campbell Center office at 815-244-1173, or send an email to director@campbellcenter.org.

Give a Little of Yourself this Summer and Donate Blood

School is out for the year, and many regular blood donors are enjoying summer activities and vacations. The need for blood, however, doesn't take a vacation. To ensure that patients in the area and around the nation have the blood they need, the American Red Cross is asking the eligible blood donors to give a little of themselves this summer and remember to make time to give blood.

Please take the time to help save a life and give blood this summer. It only takes about an hour and can make a real difference in someone's life. When you give blood to the Red Cross, you can change a life, starting with your own.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunity

Date: Friday June 20, 2008

Time: 12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Place: Lanark Methodist Church

Appointment Contact: Yvonne Nelson @ 815-493-2957

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required to check in. Donors must be at least 17 years old, 16 years old with a signed parental/guardian consent form in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri, and must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Combined Outdoor Worship

Hosted by Faith on June 22, 2008 at the Lanark City Park.

Food: PotluckPlease bring 2 dishes to pass, Faith provides the coffee, community provides the cold drink, meal at 11:30 am and the program begins at 1 pm-Men of Calvary from Sabula, IA with a kid-point devotional and offering. The Men of Calvary are a group of gospel singers from Calvary Lutheran Church in Sabula, Iowa. The group members are: Tom Papke, Dick Wall, Larry Melaas and Craig Hatteberg. They are accompanied on the piano by Marty Krueger. The Men of Calvary have shared their message in song and scripture at church and community events in eastern Iowa and Illinois. They have also done the entire Sunday worship service in a variety of churches. Singing in churches and at other events has given them the chance to meet new people and touch many hearts with their songs and message.

FHN at Senior Center

Sara Wise from FHN will offer several services on Tuesday June 17, 2008 at the Carroll County Senior Services Center, 306 N. Main Street in Mt. Carroll. Beginning at 9:00 am blood pressure will be taken. At 9:30 am-11:00am the diabetes 101 support group will meet. Anyone may attend these meetings. Just walk in or phone 815-244-1800 if you'd like more information.

Illinois Camping Fees Increased

Due to significant increases in utilities and other operating costs, the IDNR has implemented an increase in the utility fee assessed at state-managed campgrounds. The previous utility fee of $5 per day has been increased to $10 per day for each campsite where electricity is provided.

The base camping rate for all campsites has not changed except for a $10 per day increase in campsite fees for Class AA, Class A, and Class A Premium campsites for the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day holiday weekends only.

Those campers with reservations for upcoming holiday weekends who do not wish to retain those reservations should contact that campground's site office for refund information. Senior citizen, disabled person, former prisoner of war and special armed forces discounts still apply to the base camping rates.

For more information on all IDNR camping fees, go to the website at http://dnr.state.il.us and click on the Camping link on the home page.

Get Your Non-Resident Archery Deer Permits

Non-resident archery deer hunting permits for the 2008-09 Illinois Archery Deer season are now available through the DNR Direct online and by phone. Non-residents can purchase combination archery permits via DNR Direct Online License Sales at http://dnr.state.il.us (Click on DNR Direct on the home page) or by phone at 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648). Non-residents are allowed to purchase one combination archery permit (one either-sex/one antlerless only) at a cost of $400.

There are 25,000 non-resident combination tags available for the 2008-09 archery deer season, which is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2008 through Jan. 15, 2009. The combination tags will be available through DNR Direct through June 30. Antlerless only permits for $15.50 will be available throughout the season over the counter at local license agents, as well as through DNR Direct online or by phone.

Dove Hunter Advisory

Due to persistent wet and cool weather this spring, hunters are advised of a change in habitat conditions for the upcoming dove season at the IDNR-managed Gabaret Island dove fields, a unit of Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County). The extremely wet and cool weather conditions have precluded the scheduled planting and maturation of sunflowers. As a result, the managed dove hunting fields at Gabaret Island will be planted to dove proso millet as soon as conditions allow.

For more information on the dove program and likely habitat conditions at Gabaret Island for the dove season that opens Sept. 1, contact Horseshoe Lake State Park at 618/931-0270.

Performing Arts School at 'Next Picture Show'

The Next Picture Show is launching a performing arts school that will include music and theatre for children birth through high school. A Kindermusik program, summer camps for both theatre and music, and a master concert piano camp round out the schedule. All the classes will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 221 W. Third St., Dixon.

"As a community arts center, we have been looking for ways to reach out to people of different ages and with different mediums," said Bonnie Kime, executive director of the nonprofit organization. "The new programs we have will offer more opportunities to children in our area. With the variety of offerings, we think many kids will find something that appeals to them. These programs offer a nice option for summer activities. I encourage anyone with questions to contact me at the gallery," Kime added. "We have several needs-based scholarships available."

For more information, please go to the website: www.TheNextPictureShow.org, email nps@grics.net, phone (815) 285-4924, or stop by the gallery at 113 W. First St. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Portraits Benefit Relay For Life

It's all about friends helping friends in their time of need.

The idea of taking portraits with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life came about when Beth Wiersema of Fulton, IL wanted to help the person who helped her when she was stricken with cancer in 2001. Norm Criss is Beth's relative, neighbor, and friend who is now having his second struggle with cancer after a 5-year suspension in his treatments.

Today Beth is a cancer survivor who wants to help the friend who helped give her moral support in her time of need. Norm is the Relay for Life honorary chairman of Clinton County who in the past few years has helped raise $45,000 for the worthy cause.

With assistance from fellow Muddy River Camera Club members of Clinton, Beth conceived of the idea of dedicated, award-winning area amateur photographers offering portrait packages for sale of individuals, families, or pets for a nominal fee with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

The volunteers from the camera club are Ron Blatchley, Linda Blount, Patty Bird, Bill and Linda Cornelius, Anni Johnson, Cecil Johnson, and Al Westphal. Beth's friend, Pat Pessman will also be helping out.

Weather permitting, portraits will be taken on the beautiful grounds at the Fulton windmill or at DenBesten Park adjoining the windmill on Tuesday, June 17 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. and again Saturday, June 21 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. In case of rain, photos will be taken inside the Drives office building across from DenBesten Park. Portrait Family and individual packages and additional individual pictures are also available.

Anyone wishing to include special props or pets in their sitting are encouraged to bring them along.

The Stormin' Norman Portraits volunteers are hoping area residents will support this charitable fund raiser and enjoy the portraits of their families, children, grandchildren, and/or pets.

For more information and to set up an appointment for either June 17 or June 2l, Beth can be reached in Fulton at 815-589-2496, Ron in Camanche at 563-259-1272, or Bill and Linda in Clinton at 563-242-9947.

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