More Important News

A ribbon cutting was held on Tuesday, May 14th for Green’s Motor Company. In attendance: Owner, Operator Gene Green, Kathy Green and grandson Dylan Green, along with members of the Forreston Area Business Association, friends and guests. Green’s Motor Company is located at 301 N. Walnut Ave., Forreston, IL., www.greensmotorcompany.com. (Photo courtesy of Lori Walker)

Burkholder & Sons Celebrate 40 Years in Business

Burkholder & Son, Inc. celebrates 40 years in business at a community party on Saturday, June 8. It also happened to be owner Roger Burkholder’s birthday (standing, top). Hundreds of guests enjoyed food and lively conversation.

(R) A huge concrete birthday cake was created specially for the birthday celebration.

(PA photos/Tom Kocal)

Mathey Selected NJCAA Softball All-American

Kaiti Mathey was selected a NJCAA Softball All-American for the 2013 Softball season. The All-American honor is based on athletic and academic success.

Mathey, who was a walk-on to the Sauk Valley Skyhawks softball program in 2012, is Sauk’s 1st softball All-American. The Skyhawks second baseman batted .500 for the regular season, tying for 21st in the nation, while earning a 3.76 GPA. She received the Arrowhead Athletic Conference Academic Excellence Award and All-Conference 1st team infielder. In addition, Mathey was named to the All-Region 1st team, All-Regional Tournament team, and selected 2013 Skyhawk Co-offensive MVP.

She is the daughter of Don and Barb Mathey of Thomson, and a 2011 graduate of West Carroll High School. Mathey will be attending St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in the fall pursuing a BSN degree. She will be concentrating on neo-natal care.

4-H’ers participate in Shotgun Competition - Two Carroll County 4-H’ers participated in a 4-H Shotgun Shooting Sports Competition in Colona, IL. Alex York of Lanark and Tommy Dyson of Chadwick. Alex placed first in the Junior Trap Division and Tommy placed third in the Junior Sporting Clays Division.

Dave Shaulis presenting recent Eastland graduates, Ben Thomas and Dordell Guentner, with $500 college scholarships from the Exchange State Bank, Lanark. Thomas will attend Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and Guentner will attend Highland Community College in Freeport.

Local Attendees at the Premier 20 Leadership Conference

Mary Francque and Dena Harridge recently completed the 2013 Illinois Farm Bureau & Affiliates Premier 20

Leadership Conference, in Bloomington, Ill.

Mary and Dena, along with other outstanding 4-H and FFA members participated in various leadership and personal development sessions provided by Illinois Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies. Courses included leadership management, college to career success, working with the media, understanding and dealing with diversity, as well as knowing one’s values and discovering passion.
While at the conference, participants also attended a half day communication and team building session at the Challenger Learning Center at Heartland Community College and volunteered at the Midwest Food Bank.
Mary and Dena were invited to participate in the conference through the 4-H Premier LCP award program. The purpose of the award is to reward members exhibiting outstanding leadership, citizenship, cooperation, and professionalism during the past 4-H program year.

Both the award and the conference are sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau, GROWMARK, Inc., COUNTRY Financial, Prairie Farms Dairy, and the IAA Credit Union.

Chadwick Junior High Graduation

Caroll Service Manager Ray Woessner presented scholarship awards to Chase Stoddard and Katie Gustafson - both of Byron, along with Seth Blair and Levi Shellhause of Eastland, based on essays about future plans to study agriculture. students were chosen for Carroll Service Company scholarships.

Lindenman Graduates from Leadership Institute

Citizens State Bank is proud to announce that Janet Lindenman has graduated from the Highland Community College Leadership Institute.

Janet has a long career in the financial services industry, with experience in the fields of banking, trust and brokerage spanning more than three decades. A graduate of Lena-Winslow High School, she earned her Associates of Business Administration and an Associates of Science degree from Highland Community College. She has also graduated from the Illinois Bankers Association Trust & Investment School, as well as the American Bankers Association National Graduate Trust School.

“During her career with Citizens State Bank, Janet has been an invaluable member of the bank’s leadership team,” said Citizens State Bank President Fritz Kuhlmeier. “We are incredibly proud of her, both for her accomplishment and for her commitment and dedication to the customers and communities we serve.”

The Leadership Institute is part of a leadership development program at Highland Community College which provides opportunities to all segments of the college community to learn more about leadership fundamentals.

Don’t Miss The Adventures of Robin Hood!

Merry Men, adventure, and heart; it’s all in the Northwest Illinois Theater Coalition production of The Adventures of Robin Hood by Michele L. Vacca.

A change from the usual, this production, directed by Peter Woodruff, is a play for and with the youth of the community. Woodruff’s experience as director, as well as on stage, makes him a great choice to “lead” Robin Hood and his Merry Men in their daring, dashing deeds.

Show times are at 7:30 pm Thursday and Friday, July 11 and12 in Stockton on the Plum River Players stage at Christ Lutheran Church. The Back Street Players will put on their show in Hanover at the Township Hall, 111 Monroe Street, at 7:30 pm on Saturday, July 13 and at 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 14. And finally, The Mighty Richland Players in Orangeville will host their usual dessert show at 203 High St., 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, and at 2:00pm Sunday, July 21.

For ticket information at Mighty Richland Theater, call The Monroe Arts Center at . Tickets for Back Street Players can be purchased by calling . Plum River Playhouse tickets are on sale at Stockton Banking Center in Stockton by calling .

Local Students Graduate

Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., held commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 19. lllinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride delivered the commencement speech, and 522 students graduated.

Among the graduates: Jennesa Miller, from Savanna, Ill., graduated with a major in biology. Katelyn Sedig, from Morrison, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders. Nathan White, from Polo, Ill., graduated with a major in geology.

Carroll County Dog Obedience Sessions Scheduled

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

All 4-H’ers are invited to take advantage of dog obedience classes now being offered. The classes will be held June 24, & July 8 & 22 at the 4-H Fair exhibit building at the Milledgeville Fairgrounds. Time of the classes is 6:30-7:30 p.m. each session. All youth must be accompanied by a parent.

You will learn what you can and cannot do in the ring while you are being judged. Learn hand placement, correct foot work and the pattern that the judge will be asking you to do. Every participant will need to bring with them their dog, proof of rabies vaccination (required), a choke collar, a 6 ft. leash, water bowl, bags and paper towels to clean up and dog treats.

To register by June 6 or for more information contact Leanne Rahn at Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Service at 244-9444 or e-mail . There is no cost to 4-H’ers for this program.

4-H Speed Horse Fun Show

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

A 4-H Speed Horse Fun Show sponsored by the Carroll County Boots ‘N Spurs 4-H club will be held June 15, at the Milledgeville Fairgrounds, 4-H Horse Arena.

Speed classes start at 10:00 a.m. with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. Class feed are $5 per rider per horse or $20 per rider per horse for all class participation.

This show is open to all youth 8 – 18 years old as of September 1, 2012, from Carroll and surrounding counties. There will be eleven classes with ten of them each being at speed level and then at trot level. Helmets must be worn and Coggins papers shown. For more information or a flyer contact the Carroll County Extension Office at or or a member of the Boot’s ‘N Spurs 4-H Club or visit our website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw.

Carroll County 4-H’ers Coordinate Spring Clean Up

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

Carroll County 4-H Jr. Ambassadors invite all community members and fellow 4-H families to help clean up Savanna parks. The group will meet at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28th, at Marquette Park in Savanna and paint picnic tables and benches. From there the group will go to 6th Street Park and Helle Park and do the same thing. With enough help, the group hopes to be done by 2:00 p.m.

All participants should bring their own paint brushes, paint clothes and sack lunch and drinks. Rain date for the spring clean-up day is Saturday, June 29th. To register to attend or if you have any questions, contact the Carroll County Extension Office at or e-mail Leanne Rahn at by June 26th.

The 4-H Jr. Ambassadors have coordinated this service learning project and is working with the Savanna Park District to implement it. Don’t miss out. Help us to spruce up Savanna for summer.

Carroll County 4-H Foundation To Meet

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

The next meeting of the Carroll County 4-H Foundation will be Tuesday, June 25 p.m. at 6:30 p.m. in the Extension office meeting room in Mt. Carroll.

Anyone that would like to work with this group in support of the 4-H Program is welcome to attend.

For more information contact University of Illinois Carroll Co. Extension Office at or Leanne Rahn at .

Carroll County 4-H Fair Entries Due

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

All Carroll County 4-H Fair entries are due into the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office by 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 2. If any 4-H member has not gotten their copy of the fair book yet, you need to contact your 4-H leader immediately.

The Carroll County 4-H Fair will be held August 3, (General Projects, Foods & Clothing) thru August 10, at the Milledgeville fair grounds. The 4-H Dog show will be held at 9:00 a.m. and 4-H Clothing Judging and Style Show will be at 2:00 p.m. on July 27, at the Milledgeville fair grounds. For more information, contact Leanne Rahn at Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at or .

Illinois State Fair Jr. Entries Due

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

Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock, Horse Show and General Entry fair books and entry forms are now available on the Illinois State Fair website.

Any 4-H member wanting to exhibit in the State Fair Jr. Livestock area – beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry – needs to return their completed forms to the Extension office no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26. This is also the deadline for 4-H families to order their car and people passes for state fair for the animal shows through the Extension Office.

For more information stop by or call Leanne Rahn at University of Illinois Extension Service at 244-9444 or .

Ag Olympics Event to be Held at Fair

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

The Carroll County 4-H Program and the Carroll County Farm Bureau Young Leaders will be hosting an “Ag Olympics ‘13” at the Carroll Co. Fair on Thursday night August 8 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in front of the grandstand. Check-in will be on the stage.

Teams will play a maximum of 6 zany games each. Games may be wet and messy, so participants are encouraged to dress for a mess! Each game will be a timed event. The top three teams in each age division will be awarded a prize.

Age divisions are 8-11 yr olds; 12-14 yr olds; 15-19 yr olds and 20 yr olds & up. Each team is made up of four individuals. The age of the oldest team member determines the team’s age division.

Registrations are due to the Farm Bureau or Carroll Co. Extension Office by July 29. Registration forms can be picked up at either office, can be found in the Carroll County fair book, 4-H fair book and on line at the county fair and Extension websites. Participation fee is $10 per team.

For more information contact the Carroll Co. Extension Office at or at .

Medicare Diabetes Supplier List Drops from Over 900 to 26

Diabetics on Medicare Need to Respond by July 1, 2013 - Just 21 Days

“It has come to our attention that the government put out a competitive bid that may drastically effect a benefit for people that are diabetic and use their Medicare Insurance to help receive supplies for testing their blood sugar levels and staying healthy,” said John White, The National Association of Conservative Seniors (NAOCS) founder and president. “Our goal is to provide them information that will enhance these years, making it easier for them to focus on the things that matter most to them: their health, family, friends, faith and country.”

NAOCS offers American senior adults a conservative alternative for collective political influence, insurance and healthcare discounts, travel benefits and timely information for those that depend on Medicare as their primary insurance. At NAOCS, seniors gain information and membership benefits while working together to protect conservative American values.

“A great many diabetics use mail order companies to deliver their supplies directly to their homes. These companies provide a much-needed service that seems to work very well by making it easier for these people to manage their health. These reliable firms take care of everything, from providing the supplies to billing Medicare for reimbursement. In our opinion, this process provides patients with an easier life style and less stress on their families,” said White. One resource for details about these services is at www.Medicare.gov.

Most importantly, on April 9 the government published a list of 26 mail order companies that were approved to make these supplies available. The “competitive bid” literally dropped the supplier list from over 900 to 26. Because of this serious cut in suppliers, on July 1, 2013, many Americans may not be receiving supplies as expected, and it is questionable if these 26 companies can provide uninterrupted service, know who all needs supplies, or be able to meet the demand.

NAOCS is initiating a call to action for all of its thousands of members and all seniors on Medicare to call their elected officials about this serious health matter. If the government can cut this important benefit, what’s next?

NAOCS has relationships with accredited suppliers that provide these diabetic products on a national level and have included a toll-free number for people to call to determine their continued delivery and eligibility.

”The government is saying that this process will save us all money, but in reality it will cost us more if these people cannot manage their heath and other more serious issues start to occur,” said White.

“We believe in America now, and we believe in America’s future. Together we can ensure that the values our nation is built upon will continue for our children, grandchildren and generations to come.”

Milledgeville Lady Missiles State Championship Noted in the U.S. Congressional Record

Thursday morning, June 6, 2013, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) submitted remarks congratulating the Milledgeville Missiles softball team on their recent 1A Illinois state softball championship into the Congressional Record.

Bustos’ remarks for the Congressional Record are as follows:

In Recgnition of the Milledgeville Missiles Softball Team

Hon. Cheri Bustos of Illinois in the House of Representatives

June 6, 2013

Ms. BUSTOS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding results achieved by the Milledgeville Missiles against the Toledo Cumberland Pirates in the 1A Illinois state softball championship game on June 1st, 2013.

The game was a back and forth battle between two worthy opponents, which ultimately ended in a 5-4 rain-shortened victory this past Saturday. The Missiles struck first with a three-run homerun in the bottom of the first inning, staking Milledgeville to a 3-0 lead. Toledo Cumberland battled back for a 4-3 advantage, but the Missiles were resilient and were able to retake the lead 5-4 for the final time.

I congratulate the Missiles for winning the Illinois 1A state championship. This hard fought victory by Milledgeville gives the school its first state title in school history. The school and the entire community should be extremely proud of the effort put forth by Milledgeville, which concluded the season with a record of 28-3.

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Milledgeville softball team, both on and off the field, and I am honored to salute them today.

Don’t Miss The Adventures of Robin Hood!

Merry Men, adventure, and heart; it’s all in the Northwest Illinois Theater Coalition production of The Adventures of Robin Hood

By Michele L. Vacca

A change from the usual, this production, directed by Peter Woodruff, is a play for and with the youth of the community. Woodruff’s experience as director, as well as on stage, makes him a great choice to “lead” Robin Hood and his Merry Men in their daring, dashing deeds.

Show times are at 7:30 pm Thursday and Friday, July 11 and12 in Stockton on the Plum River Players stage at Christ Lutheran Church. The Back Street Players will put on their show in Hanover at the Township Hall, 111 Monroe Street, at 7:30 pm on Saturday, July 13 and at 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 14. And finally, The Mighty Richland Players in Orangeville will host their usual dessert show at 203 High St., 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, and at 2:00pm Sunday, July 21.

For ticket information at Mighty Richland Theater, call The Monroe Arts Center at . Tickets for Back Street Players can be purchased by calling . Plum River Playhouse tickets are on sale at Stockton Banking Center in Stockton by calling .

Gardeners: The Benefits of a Rain Barrel

Are you a gardener looking for a way to lower your summer watering bill? Rain barrels are an easy and inexpensive way to reduce your water bill and help the environment by reducing run-off.

What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. These rain barrels are recycled 55 gallon drums with a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, and a screen grate to keep debris and insects out.

Why Would I Want a Rain Barrel?

Conserve water – A half inch of rain can fill a typical 50-55 gallon rain barrel, allowing homeowners to save hundreds of gallons of water during the growing season.

Save money and energy – Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer months. This decreased demand for treated tap water not only helps protect the environment, but also saves money and energy.

Reduce water pollution – Rain barrels reduce storm water runoff, which can contain pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, bacteria, and nutrients.

Improve the health of your gardens, lawns, and trees by using a natural water source - Provides an ample supply of free “soft water” to homeowners, providing no chlorine, lime, or calcium making it ideal for gardens, flower beds, and car and window washing. Using harvested rain water offers a natural alternative to the chemicals and hard water that many of our municipal water systems can produce.

To teach and encourage others – You will help to spread the culture of rainwater collection and in turn, help our larger community and the environment.

The Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District sells rain barrels for $65.00 each. They come in Black, Gray, Blue or Terra Cotta. Diverters and pedestals for the rain barrels are also available.

Please visit our website at www.whitesidecountyswcd.com or stop in our office to order your rain barrel today!

Chadwick FPD Receives Grant from FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has awarded a $67,688 grant to the Chadwick Fire Department in Chadwick, Illinois for operations and safety. Today’s funding will help support and improve the capability of the department to respond to fires and other types of emergencies.

The funding is provided through the DHS’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program which seeks to strengthen the Nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire related hazards. Since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $5.25 billion in federal funding to first-responder organizations across the country to help purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, training, and vehicles. In Fiscal Year 2012, the program will award approximately $337.5 million nationwide.

Barnes Promotes Real Estate Industry and Private Property Rights

Amy Barnes of Isenhart Realty, and board president of the Realtor Association of Northwestern Illinois, attended the Illinois Association of REALTORS^® (IAR) 37th Annual Capitol Conference. Nearly 400 Illinois REALTORS^® convened in Springfield on April 16, 2013, to discuss with state lawmakers issues affecting homeowners and the real estate industry.

During the conference, Barnes had an opportunity to speak with Representative Jim Sacia and Senator Tim Bivins in regard to Realtor issues.

REALTORS^® spoke out against efforts to give non-home-rule units authority to impose landlord licensing and “crime-free housing” measures which can be unfair to tenants and landlords, legislation that would penalize homeowners who erroneously receive a homestead exemption even if the violation was unintentional and asked legislators not to add more fees and surcharges to the real estate transaction. REALTORS^® also reminded legislators of the important issue of property taxes and urged them to establish more fairness, predictability and transparency in the state’s property tax system.

“A strong housing market plays a vital role in the state and local economies,” Barnes said. “The annual IAR Capitol Conference is an opportunity for Illinois REALTORS^® to play a role in influencing legislation important to property owners and making sure their voices are heard.”

This year’s IAR Capitol Conference included an Illinois Housing Leaders Conference with special guests Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan on April 15. The event included panel discussions with Illinois REALTORS^® on the new housing economy and another with state housing officials on the latest housing regulatory issues and opportunities.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS^® is a voluntary trade association whose 41,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, the Illinois Association of REALTORS^® works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation that safeguards and advances the rights of real property ownership.

Highland Community College to Honor GED^® Completers

Highland Community College’s 40th annual General Education Development (GED^®) Recognition Ceremony honoring the 2012-2013 GED^® completers will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in the HCC Student/Conference Center, room H-201.

Students who have completed the requirements for the GED^®certificate as part of Highland’s Adult Education program will be invited, along with their friends and families, to participate in the celebration of the students’ accomplishment. The public is also invited to attend this ceremony.

HCC’s Director of Adult Education Mark Jansen will give the welcome and bestow the certificates to the completers. Staff and instructors of the Adult Education program, along with volunteers from the Adult Volunteer Literacy program, will be on hand to help facilitate the event.

Over 70 students from northwest Illinois have completed their GED^® requirements during the past year, and many will be honored at the Recognition Ceremony.

One of the highlights of the evening features a series of student speakers who have participated in the Adult Education program and received their GED^®. The speakers will relate some of their experiences and describe what this accomplishment means to each of them.

For additional information about Highland Community College’s GED^® program, call the Adult Education Department at .

ENF 2014 Bus Tours Announced

The Eagle Nature Foundation (ENF) is pleased to announce its 2014 bus tour schedule. The schedule includes three 4-hour bus tours to enjoy bald eagles in the winter and a 4-day March Wildlife/Historical bus tour to Nebraska. Each of these tours leave from Stoney Creek Inn in Galena, IL. Four different motels in Galena offer reduced rates for anyone going on the eagle tours.

The 4-hour bald eagle bus tours will leave at 8:00 am on the Saturday mornings of Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and Feb. 22. The bus will visit four different historic wintering communities of bald eagles. For 4 hours participants will live with the eagles seeing bald eagles flying overhead, fishing and perching as well as bald eagle nests. Cameras, binoculars and warm clothing is recommended for anyone coming on one of these tours. The cost of each of the 4-hour tours is $70 for adults and $50 for children under 17 years of age, or for groups of 6 or more people, the rate is only $60 for adults and $40 for children under 17 years of age.

Dates for the 2014 Wildlife/Historical Bus Tour are March 16 to March 19. The tour leaves at 8:00 am Sunday, March 16, from the Stoney Creek Inn in Galena. There are many highlights of this tour. One of them is witnessing the migration stopover of about 500,000 Sandhill Cranes and thousands of Snow Geese. Participants will have the opportunity to see the cranes coming to their nighttime roosts on the islands of the Platte River. Much of the rest of the time will be spent in seeing and learning how the pioneers lived and traveled along the Oregon Trail. This includes a visit to Fort Kearny on the Oregon Trail, the Stuhr Pioneer Museum, Archway Monument and the Nebraska Prairie Museum, site of a World War II German Prisoner of War Camp. The cost for this 4-day tour is $895 per person or $795 pp double occupancy. For groups of at least 4 persons the rate is $795 pp, or $695 pp dbl. For 10 or more the rate is $695 pp, or $595 pp dbl. These rates cover all entry fees and costs for the four days, except for four meals. For a brochure write ENF, 300 East Hickory St., Apple River, IL 61001 or check out our website, eaglenature.com

Protect Your Home from Contractor Scams This Summer

There is always a possibility of severe weather during the summer months – weather that can and often does cause major damage to homes and businesses. Once the storm is over, Illinois homeowners are likely to face the arrival of unscrupulous contractors who seek to prey on desperate owners.

“When disaster strikes, a family’s first instinct is to get repairs underway as quickly as possible.  Unfortunately, predators understand that desire and take advantage of families trying to restore their homes,” said Manuel Flores, Acting Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).  “Using licensed professionals will help protect homeowners.”

A law signed by Governor Quinn in 2011 helps protect homeowners from contractors who prey on individuals following natural disasters. Unlicensed contractors travel to towns after natural disasters and target homeowners, especially elderly citizens, through home repair scams. These contractors misrepresent themselves in order to persuade homeowners to sign contracts for home repairs. If the work is done at all, it oftentimes must be redone due to its poor quality.

The law prohibits roofing contractors from allowing out of state roofing contractors to lease their license numbers for compensation. It also requires roofing contractors to include their license number on all contracts, bids and advertisements. Additionally, the law enables residents to cancel a contract and requires contractors to refund any payments within 10 days of the cancellation.

Finally, before hiring any roofing company, check IDFPR.com license lookup to make sure that a roofing company is licensed and in good standing with the State of Illinois. Consumers are highly encouraged to hire licensed roofing companies because they are required to hold insurance and perform work that meets minimum industry standards. A comprehensive list of licensed roofers, sorted by county is also available.

Licensed roofers are also required to have the name of their firm properly identified on their trucks and must use their license number on any advertising or marketing materials. General contractors are not permitted to provide roofing services unless they also have an active roofing contractor license. Finally, unlicensed roofing is a criminal offense and first offenders can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and be sentenced to up to 364 days in prison. Subsequent violations are Class 4 felonies.

Other tips for dealing with storm damage

After a heavy thunder storm, tornado or other natural disaster, families and business owners should take additional care when hiring a contractor to repair any damage:

- Take immediate steps to prevent additional damage to buildings but do not get rid of damaged materials until after an insurance company assessment of damage.

- Make sure any damage is repaired by reputable contractors; check with local building departments or the Better Business Bureau for guidance.

- Make sure roofers are licensed and in good standing with IDFPR.

- Don’t rush into signing a contract. Collect a number of written estimates for the job.

- Notify the insurance company immediately and work with its representative to evaluate the damage and review your policies for coverage information.

If there is major damage due to storms or flooding in a community, the county may be eligible for disaster assistance. To learn more about that visit ready.illinois.gov

Torch Run

The Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois will be held on June 12, 2013 beginning at 1p.m. at the Illinois State Police Dist. 1 Headquarters, Sterling, IL. The run will leave the State Police and head west bound on Lynn Blvd. for approximately 4.2 miles and will end at Self Help Enterprises, Sterling, IL. Runners from several local law enforcement agencies will be participating in the run.

Please go to www.soill.org for more information or call the Whiteside County Sheriff’sOffice at 815-772- 5218.

FPRF to Meet

Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation (FPRF) monthly meeting on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 7:00 pm at The Rafter’s Restaurant, 9426 West Wagner Road, Lena, Illinois in the Cafe’ Dining Room. President Joe Ginger will be presiding. The FPRF will be discussing the continued work at Atten’s Landing, Preparing for the July 20 - Summer Flotilla and July 21 - Illinois Paddling Council Sanctioned River Races, plans for river development, maintenance, and recreation in Stephenson County. We will be reviewing equipment repair updates and discussing relocation of our equipment , plans for future meetings, activities and more. We are a fun and active 501 (c)3 Not-for-profit organization. Please come and join us. All are welcome.

Important Dates:

June 15, 2013–FPRF Fund Raiser at Cimino’s Little Italy - Picnic & Silent Auction

Freeport, IL (On the beltline) 10:00am-5:00pm. Call John Fritz

June 20, 2013–FPRF Meeting at The Rafter’s Restaurant–Lena, IL 7:00 pm

June 21, 2013–A River Gathering (www.fourriver.org) Paddle from McConnell to Damascus, IL Starts at 1:00 pm. 2 1/4 hour paddle. Call Roger Schamberger

June 22, 2013–A River Gathering (www.fourriver.org) Rockford, IL

July 20, 2013–FPRF Summer Flotilla Lena, IL Call Roger Schamberger

July 21, 2013–FPRF Canoe & Kayak Races 18.2 mile & 6.7 mile. Call Lee Butler

2013 Lanark Old Settlers Days ‘Rides Again!’

The Lanark Old Settlers Days committee is hard at work bringing you another fun-filled family weekend. The event will be held in the Lanark City Park Thursday, June 27 through Sunday, June 30. This year’s theme is “Old Settlers Rides Again” due to the fact that carnival rides will be available for the second year in a row.

Thursday evening kicks off the weekend with Open Mic Night in the park. The carnival rides will start that evening, too. Taste of Lanark has moved to Saturday afternoon.

Friday the food vendors open and the craft fair begins. The Raging Road Rally and Syl Mueller Fun Run kick things off. Kids are invited to the Outdoor Movie Night outside On The Move Fitness in the municipal parking lot. The Lanark Community Club’s Beer Tent opens featuring live music from the band “The Funnies.”

Saturday will be packed with things to do from morning til night. The craft fair starts things off at 9 a.m. The new Lanark Municipal Building, home of City Hall and the Lanark Public Library, will host an Open House all day. Don’t miss the parade at 11 a.m. The committee is excited to announce the 1st Annual OSD Bed Races following the parade. Carnival rides will be going all day. A magician will take the stage in the afternoon and then wander the park making balloon animals. There will be bags and horseshoe tournaments. ATV and garden tractor pulls will be held at Eastland Motor Sports. The Taste of Lanark cooking contest will start at 4 p.m. Two live bands will play Saturday with the all-ages show featuring the all-girl band “Serendipity” taking the main stage at 3 p.m. and the band “2 Guys 1 Cup” starting at 8 p.m.

Sunday starts off with Church Under the Tent. The rides and craft fair will be continuing on Sunday as well. The Lanark Community Club has their annual pork chop lunch. Third Annual OSD Car Show moves back to its original location at Elkay Manufacturing. A tractor show and tractor pull will take place at Eastland Motor Sports. The kids will have a blast at the water fights at the fire station.

So, mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to the 2013 Lanark Old Settlers Days. Watch for brochures with a full list of events and times at Lanark businesses this week. For more information please contact Lance Leverton at .

OSD Parade Info

To enter the 2013 Old Settlers Days Parade on Saturday, June 29, please pick up your entry forms at Express Lane #5 (Shell Station), 403 N. Broad St. in Lanark, or contact Richard Delp, Lanark Lions Club Parade Chairman, at . This year’s theme is “OLD SETTLERS DAYS RIDES AGAIN!!” Line-up is at 10 am, and the Parade starts at 11 am.

Bed Race Info

“Make Your Bed” for the Old Settlers Days Bed Races on Saturday, June 29. Get your team together now. The race will be down Broad St. immediately after the parade. Sign-up will be at the Exchange State Bank’s ATM machine parking area east of the Lanark Fire Dept. Make your bed with one team member in bed at all times, then push your bed down two blocks to Franklin St., stop the bed, and re-make your bed! 3 or more members per team. The teams with the 3 fastest times will be awarded at the stage in the Big Tent at the Lanark City Park right before the afternoon programs begin.

All teams are invited to enter the Parade and show off your bed prior to the race, so the crowd can pick their winner! Please, no cots or gurneys.

Join in the fun in our “Bedroom Community”! The event is sponsored by the Exchange State Bank and the Old Settlers Days Committee.

Klayman expands Obama- NSA-Verizon Suit Into Class Action

Larry Klayman, the founder of Judicial Watch and now Freedom Watch and a former Justice Department prosecutor, announced June 11, 2013 that he has expanded his lawsuit against President Barack Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, the heads of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Verizon, the entities themselves, and the federal judge, Roger Vinson, who signed the warrant allowing for the alleged illegal violation of the constitutional rights of well over a hundred million subscribers and users, to be a class action lawsuit. The complaint, which can be found at www.freedomwatchusa.org, was amended yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. (Case No. 1:13-cv-OO851).

Importantly, and also yesterday on Fox News Sunday, Senator Rand Paul, a strict constitutionalist, expressed support for a class action lawsuit, obviously knowing that Klayman had already filed one since it has been widely reported.

“I applaud Senator Paul for effectively endorsing our lawsuit, and agree with him that it will serve as a vehicle to have tens and perhaps hundreds of millions of Americans rise up against government tyranny, which has grown to historic proportions. Even the New York Times has recently opined that the Obama administration has lost all credibility. For this venerable newspaper to make such a strong statement shows just how serious the Obama administration’s alleged violation of the constitutional rights of citizens has become.

“For the issue of the preservation of civil liberties is not a left or right issue, but one for all Americans to rise up and fight for. We cannot allow a ‘Big Brother’, Orwellian government spy on the American people to access their confidential communications to effectively turn ‘citizens into its prisoners.’ That is why this class action lawsuit, which all Verizon users are welcome to join, no matter what their political persuasion, will serve as the vehicle for a second American revolution, one that is carried out peacefully and legally – but also forcefully.

“It now falls on a ‘jury of our peers’ to make sure that justice is done to end this illegal and coercive power grab - before it, like a malignant cancerous tumor, destroys the body politic of our great nation. Our Founding Fathers would be proud,” stated Klayman.

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