Hole in One

Austin Young, 11 years old of Shannon had his first hole-in-one on #8 at Lake Carroll Golf Course on April 24, witnessed by Casey Fritz of Lake Carroll. Austin is a 6th grader at Eastland Middle School in Shannon.

Queckboerner-Francis

Mr. and Mrs. Bart and Cindy Ottens of Chadwick announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Queckboerner; also the daughter of Doug Queckboerner, to Kurt Francis, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce and Roxanne Francis of Milledgeville.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Milledgeville High School and Capri College of Cosmetology in Davenport. She is employed by Shear Madness Salon in Polo, IL.

Her fiancé is a graduate of Milledgeville High School and Morrison Institute of Technology. He is employed by JSP Mold in Milledgeville.

The couple is planning a July 14, 2007 wedding at the First Lutheran Church of Chadwick.

Queckboerner-Francis

Mr. and Mrs. Bart and Cindy Ottens of Chadwick announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Queckboerner; also the daughter of Doug Queckboerner, to Kurt Francis, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce and Roxanne Francis of Milledgeville.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Milledgeville High School and Capri College of Cosmetology in Davenport. She is employed by Shear Madness Salon in Polo, IL.

Her fiancé is a graduate of Milledgeville High School and Morrison Institute of Technology. He is employed by JSP Mold in Milledgeville.

The couple is planning a July 14, 2007 wedding at the First Lutheran Church of Chadwick.

Pilgrims celebrate 50th

Curtis and Anna (Dona) Pilgrim of Thomson will be honored at an open house to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 24, 2007. Friends and relatives are invited to a reception and light lunch at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chadwick from 2-4 p.m. The couple requests that gifts be omitted.

Curt and Anna were married on June 23, 1957 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lost Nation, Iowa. After teaching in Sheffield, Iowa for four years, they moved to a farm near Thomson where they still reside, and are semi-retired from farming.

The couple's children are, David (Naddene) Pilgrim of Fairbury, Janice (Mark) Winkler of Cottage Grove, Minnesota and William C. Pilgrim at their "Mayflower Farms" near Thomson. Their grandchildren are, Amanda and Jordan Pilgrim, and Nicole and Benjamin Winkler.

Mills graduates law school

Chicago-Kent Law School of Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago is proud to announce that Robin Mills of McAlester, Oklahoma graduated Cum Laude May 20, 2007 during commencement at McCormick Place Arie Crown Theater with a Juris Doctorate.

Robin's legal studies included a summer of international law, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany. In addition, Robin was selected to participation in two Judicial Externships. The first externship was with the Circuit Court of Cook County and the second being with the Illinois Appellate court. Ms. Mills was a volunteer to Chicago-Kent College of Law in the Lower Income Taxpayer Clinic and CARPLS that provide legal advice, information to clients referring them to the appropriate legal, governmental or social program. Ms. Mills will take the Illinois Bar examination in July. Robin also has the distinction of being the youngest member of the 2007 graduating class.

Robin received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from Loyola University Chicago in May 2004 graduating Cum Laude, having spent a semester of studies abroad in Rome, Italy with studies in comparative economics. Robin is a 2001 McAlester High School graduate where she was a member of National Honor Society, Oklahoma High School Honor Society and designated as an Oklahoma Academic Scholar. Robin attended the Savanna Public School and moved with her family when the Defense Ammunition Center was transferred to Oklahoma. Robin is the daughter of Peter E. Mills, McAlester, Oklahoma and the granddaughter of Charlotte Mills and the late Robert Mills of Savanna.

Meier double majors

Brittany Meier, of Chadwick, recently graduated from the College of LiberalArts and Sciences atNorthern Illinois University. The commencement ceremony took place on May 12.

Throughout her four years of study, she accomplished a double major with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, emphasizingin Public Relations, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, emphasizing in Organizational/Corporate Communication.

Throughout her college career, she received many awards from serving on various executive board committeeswithin the department's organizations and she participated in the University Honors program.

Doran accepts check from Eastland FFA for K-9 project

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Eagles Landing becomes Savanna Depot Business, Industry and Technology Park

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SIUE Dean's List

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has announced the names of students qualifying for the Dean's List for Spring 2007 Semester.

To qualify, a student must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better and have 12 hours calculated (B is equivalent to 3.0; A to 4.0).

Area students qualifying for the 2007 spring term Dean's List: Lanark ­ Anna Elizabeth Johnson, daughter of Jeff and Sally Hoak of Lanark and Mark and Andrea Johnson of Lanark; and Freeport ­ Tyler Miles Miller, son of Mike and Tammy Miller of Lanark and Andy and Tina Sieferman of Freeport.

Merchant named to Dean's List

Eight hundred sixty students have been named to the spring term Dean's List at Augustana College for the 2006-2007 academic year. Students receiving this honor have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for courses taken during the 2007 spring term.

An area student named is Jessica L. Merchant, a sophomore majoring in art. She is the daughter of Mr. David and Mrs. Sara Merchant of Lanark.

Founded in 1860, Augustana is an independent, selective college of the liberal arts and sciences. Recognized nationally for academic excellence, Augustana is related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Area students make Ashford's Dean's List

Ashford University has announced its Dean's List for the Spring 2007 semester. The Dean's List recognizes campus-based students who took six or more credits and received a grade point average of 3.50 or above during the semester.

Named to the Dean's List were the following area Ashford students: Polo ­ Colin M. Hayes and Heather M. Hayes; Savanna ­ Laurie R. Messmer and Jessica R. Moldenhauer

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is a coeducational institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas.

IWU announces Dean's List

The following students were named to the Dean's List for the spring semester of the 2006-07 academic year at Illinois Wesleyan University.

The Dean's List, which was announced by Associate Provost Roger Schnaitter, includes 868 students from 24 states and 16 countries. To be on the Dean's List, a student must have a grade-point average of 3.50 or better during the semester, based on 4.0 for straight A's.

Area students listed: Chadwick ­ Paul Meiste; Lanark ­ Emilee Bocker; Milledgeville ­ Lindsey Deets; and Mount Carroll ­ Becky Wiersema.

Area NIU students on Dean's List

Northern Illinois University announces its Spring 2007 Dean's List students.

Carroll County students are: Chadwick ­ Micah John Isaacson; Lanark ­ Lindsay Rae McWorthy and Emily Elizabeth Schultz; and Savanna ­ Martin Lee Messmer and Tammy Lynne Vanover.

NIU academic colleges according to varying criteria compile the Dean's List. The Colleges of Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, and Health and Human Sciences use a minimum semester grade point average of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale.

Freshmen and sophomores in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology must meet a minimum semester grade point average of 3.5, while juniors, seniors and postgraduate students are selected from the top ten percent of their classes.

Area students graduate from Monmouth

Two local students were among the more than 200 seniors who were awarded degrees May 20 at Monmouth College's 150th commencement exercises.

The Carroll County students are:

Jessica Walendukanis of Lake Carroll graduated with a degree in public relations. She is the daughter of Richard and Dorothy Walendukanis of Lake Carroll.

Katie Hamilton of Savanna graduated with a degree in physical education. She is the daughter of Raymond and Julie Skiles of Savanna.

Monmouth College President Mauri A. Ditzler presented the degrees. Rocket scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Gerald Marxman delivered the commencement address.

Among those honored were students who graduated summa cum laude, having earned cumulative grade-point averages of 3.9 or higher on a four-point scale; magna cum laude, 3.75 to 3.89; and cum laude 3.5 to 3.74.

Also recognized were those students receiving departmental honors in their major fields. That honor is granted by the faculty of each department according to criteria established by the department.

Eckburg graduates with B.A.

Troy Eckburg graduated from Bob Jones University located in Greenville, SC with a B.A. in counseling May 5, 2007. He is the son of James and Lana Eckberg and graduated from Eastland High School in 2004.

The degree is a four-year degree but he was able to complete the degree in three years allowing him to graduate a year early. Troy has plans to further his education at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in Lansdale, PA starting in the fall. While at Calvary he will purse a Masters of Divinity, which will require an additional three to five years of education. This summer he will be at Calvary Baptist Church in Lansdale, PA for a ten-week internship.

Troy's future goals are to be a counselor in some type of local church ministry and hold conferences dealing with practical Christian living.

Reitz graduates Air Force course

Air Force Airman 1st Class Daniel R. Reitz graduated from the Avionics Systems Apprentice, Instrument and Flight Control Systems Course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas.

The course is designed to train students to perform avionic systems maintenance on some of the most respected aircraft in the Air Force, using the most up-to-date electronic test equipment. Airmen are trained to troubleshoot, inspect, remove, install and check out aviation electronic systems and devices that provide pilots accurate and complete information on their aircraft's maneuverability during flight.

Reitz is the son of David H. and Cheryl I. Reitz of Hanover. The airman is a 2005 graduate of River Ridge High School, Hanover.

Franks named Worker of the Month

Rolling Hills Progress Center, Lanark staff has selected June Franks, Chadwick as May's Worker of the Month.

June's selection is based on many areas of fine performance. This includes: perfect attendance during the month; a very thorough worker ­ June does an excellent job on detailed and multi-step tasks; always has a pleasant personality; and June is a mature and responsible individual who sets a great example for everyone.

In recognition of being named the May Worker of the Month, June receives a $25 check, a Worker of the Month certificate and will have her name and picture posted in Rolling Hills main hallway.

Vintage Base Ball game in Polo

Polo will be the site of a Vintage Base Ball Game (yes, it was two words back then!) between the Oregon Ganymedes and the Polo Home Team. The game will be played on the south lawn of Polo High School across from the Polo Rehabilitation Center at 6:30 p.m. June 20. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets!

Are you a fan of the 18 karat? Experience the thrill of the national pastime as it was originally played before the Civil War! Join the hurler, the behind, and the other hands of our team as they juggle the spheroid.

Yell huzzah! as a striker knocks the apple out of the orchard.

The base ball rules of 1858 will be strictly enforced, and they include the proper attire, underhand pitching, one bounce outs, and no stealing, sliding or the use of gloves or catcher's gear.

This was a time when men were men and gloves were for sissies! Learn to cheer and jeer in proper Victorian fashion!

At the same time, you can relax and listen to a strolling barbershop quartet. An Ice Cream Social provides your refreshments.

Visit Polo's website at www.poloil.net for a complete schedule of events. You may also call Betty at 815-946-4142 or 815-946-3544 with questions.

Civil War Reenactment in Polo

Polo, with the assistance of Battery G: 2nd Illinois Light Artillery, will be hosting a Civil War Reenactment June 23rd and 24th.

Over 300 reenactors are expected and will perform a mock battle of the "Struggle for the Oostenaula Bridge at Resaca, Ga." In addition to the battle, spectators can enjoy Infantry and Cavalry drills, a cannon Night Firing, a Civil War Pasture Ball, a Vintage Band, Civil War music and songs, a Ladies' Fashion Show, Victorian High Tea, First Person Presentations, a Pie Auction, Medical Scenarios, a Civil War Period Church Service and much more.

Max Daniels will return to Polo as President Abraham Lincoln to give his "Lincoln Address." Max and Donna Daniels have been portraying President and Mrs. Lincoln professionally since 1988. They were featured on C-Span during the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Series in 1994. They take great pride in "bringing history to life" for audiences of all ages.

Watch for more information or visit Polo's website at www.poloil.net for a complete schedule of events. You may also call Betty at815-946-4142 or 815-946-3544 with questions.

2007 Polo Fireworks to be best ever!

Polo Town & Country Days will once again begin the festival with its fabulous Fireworks Display. Since the first show in 2000, the fireworks have been a crowd favorite. Each year the fireworks get better and better, and this year is no exception.

In honor of Polo's Sesquicentennial, the fireworks budget has been doubled! There will be more shells fired in different combinations to give the effect of 16 inch shells or bigger. In addition, watch for the all new ground show as a special salute to the 150th.

More fireworks within the same 30-minute show will make this a show to remember! It promises to be stupendous, astounding and out of this world! Come to the Football Field so you don't miss a single minute of this year's brilliant and explosive display!

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join us on the Football Field. We'll listen to WLLT's musical simulcast and enjoy the best view of the all new Ground Show. This will be a show to remember!

Before the fireworks, come to the Festival Tent. The Little Miss & Mister contest begins at 6 p.m. Enjoy a slice of Polo's 150th birthday cake which will be lit at 7 p.m. Then watch the Polo Chamber's version of TV-land's "The Match Game." Chamber members will be "in costume and in character" as the celebrity panelists. Audience members will be chosen to compete. There are some very talented Chamber members, so this should be a "hoot!"

For more information and a schedule of events, visit Polo's website at www.poloil.net or call 815-946-2293 or 815-946-3302.

Carter messes with your mind

Mike Faivre, President of Polo Town & Country Days, is pleased to announce that Christopher Carter will be returning to Polo for the annual festival. Carter performed recently at the Polo Lions' Farmer Appreciation Night and astounded the entire audience!

Christopher Carter is a mentalist and is one of the world's most skilled, creative and original thought-readers. He will be appearing at Polo's Town & Country Days Festival on June 17.

Believing that the mind is the last great unexplored frontier, he can cause a light bulb to explode simply through the powers of concentration. He knows details about his audience members that no one else can know. With his eyes blind-folded and duct taped shut, he will describe objects held by audience members.

He has won national recognition as the "Best Male Performer 2006", "College Entertainer of the Year 2005", "Best Novelty Performer 2005", "2005 Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year", and has performed on "The Martin Short Show" and "The Donny and Marie Show." He has become a favorite on college campuses, at corporate meetings and special events around the world. He is continually asked to make return engagements.

Do not miss his incredible performance. You will leave the tent wondering, "How does he do that?"

Carter is just one of many entertainment acts that will be appearing this year at Town & Country Days. There are many more events scheduled to help Polo celebrate its Sesquicentennial. For more information about the festival or to print a schedule of events or entry forms, visit Polo's website at www.poloil.net or call 815-946-2293 or 815-946-3302.

Hospice joins Birdies for Charity

Hospice of the Rock River Valley is a registered "Birdie" in the Birdies for Charity program. Birdies for Charity is held in conjunction with the John Deere Classic PGA Tournament event to be held at TPC at Deere Run in Silvis.

By participating in Birdies for Charity, HRRV is obtaining pledges of 1 cent or more for every "birdie" made during the 2007 John Deere Classic held July 9-15 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.

Birdies for Charity will then donate all money received by the Birdies for Charity program. ALL money collected and received by the Birdies for Charity program for HRRV will be returned to HRRV. John Deere pays all administrative and promotional costs of the program.

Additionally, each person making a pledge to Birdies for Charity has an opportunity to guess the exact number of birdies that will be made at the John Deere Classic. The one person who guesses the exact number will win a new Buick Enclave in 2007. Over 500 other great prizes also will be awarded.

If you are interested in contributing to HRRV through Birdies for Charity, call HRRV at (815) 288-3673 or 800-646-9242 to request a pledge form. Forms are also available for download at www.birdiesforcharity.com. Simply enter bird number 1366 for Hospice of the Rock River Valley.

All forms must be mailed to Birdies for Charity at the address listed on the pledge form by July 9. Pledge forms may also be dropped off at HRRV, 264 IL Route 2, Dixon (1 mile east of Sauk Valley Community College) by July 6.

Hospice of the Rock River Valley serves Lee, Ogle, Carroll, Bureau and Whiteside counties in Illinois. Hospice of the Rock River Valley is a United Way agency.

Celebrating 25 Years of Local Hospice Care to the Sauk Valley Area 1982-2007

West Carroll spring awards announced

West Carroll High School honored their spring athletes in softball, baseball and track.

Softball:

Most Valuable Player ­ Nia Calbreath; Most Improved Player ­ Megan Sipe; Hustle Award ­ Kate Wiersema; Most Steals ­ Kate Wiersema and Nia Calbreath (10); Most RBI's Date Wiersema and Brianna Cook (22); Best Batting Average ­ Brianna Cook .376; All Conference 1st Team ­ Brianna Cook and Nia Calbreath; All Conference 2nd Team ­ Tara Hartman, Tiffany Cole and Katie Wiersema; and All Aledo Team ­ Nia Calbreath, Brianna Cook and Katie Wiersema.

Baseball:

Most Valuable Pitcher ­ Luke Ingersoll; Most Improved Player ­ Andrew Russell; Most Valuable Offensive Player ­ Zach Brehm; Most Valuable defensive Player ­ Reid Yochem; All Conference 1st Team ­ Bryan LaShelle, Infield and Zach Brehm, Outfield; All Conference 2nd Team ­ Reid Yochem, Infield; and Honorable Mention Catcher ­ Tyler Vandendooren, Catcher and Anthony Houzenga, Infield.

Track:

Athlete of the Year ­ Lyndsey Schreiner; Most Valuable ­ Carmina Baltierra; Thunder Award ­ Jamie Storjohann; Most Improved ­ Amanda Saegar; Hardest Worker ­ Alex Pacas; Team Spirit Award ­ Logan Baisden; and Most Valuable ­ Seth Zickefoose.

CCFSA election announced

While the actual election will not take place until December, the current Carroll County FSA County Committee (COC) recently reviewed all the boundaries from which the 3 COC members are elected.

The LAA's for Carroll County are: LAA 1 ­ Fairhaven, Salem and York; LAA 2 ­ Cherry Grove, Shannon, Elkhorn Grove, Wysox, Lima and Rock Creek; and LAA 3 ­ Freedom, Mt. Carroll. Savanna, Washington and Woodland.

The election cycle is a staggered three-year term so that an election is normally held in an LAA every third year. Individuals are eligible to serve three consecutive terms. For the 2007 election cycle, LAA #1 is scheduled for the election process.

COC Chairman Lynn Bower is encouraging individuals interested in serving on the Carroll County Committee to contact the Carroll County FSA Office. Nominating information, petitions, and other COC election information are also available at www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/elections. The nominating period runs through August 1, 2007.

"County Committees play an important role in the local implementation and oversight of FSA programs." Bower urges all producers to participate in local County Committee elections.

Farmers who serve on county committees help to ensure FSA agricultural programs adequately serve the needs of local produces. Committees make decisions on county commodity price support loan eligibility, establishment of yields, conservation programs, disaster programs, employment and other issues. USDA is implementing an enhanced outreach program to encourage greater participation in the county election process by socially disadvantaged and minority farmers.

Any agricultural producer, who resides within the local administrative area from which a member of his or her county committee is being elected, which this year is LAA 1 may become a nominee. The following are specific examples of persons who may be eligible to participate in the elections process if they participate or cooperate in an FSA program: an owner, operator, tenant, or sharecropper; a spouse listed on the property deed; a partner in a general partnership or member of a joint venture that has an interest in a farm as an owner, operator, tenant, or sharecropper; and someone who is not of legal voting age, but who supervises and conducts the farming operations on an entire farm.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate. In addition, eligible candidates can be nominated by community-based organizations in the county or area before the close of the nomination period, especially groups representing socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. Nominations and elections are open to all eligible candidates and voters without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status or disability. FSA is committed to promoting diversity on its local county committees so all producers, including minority, female and other under-represented people, have a say in how the Agency's programs are administered locally.

Shannon meal delivery

Noon meals are available, Monday through Friday, to those in the Shannon community who are homebound or recently released from the hospital. Cost varies according to the food ordered.

Delivery is made by members of Bethel United Methodist Church. For more information call the church 815-864-2581 or Nancy Wagand 815-864-2226.

Emergency home response service for seniors

The service provides 24-hour monitoring for those in need of assistance at home with a home-monitoring service run by the Illinois Department of Aging (IDoA).

The service provides two-way voice pagers that automatically link seniors to a support center that can quickly send help in case of an emergency.

Interested persons can call the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 and sign up. This program is free for qualifying seniors.

To be eligible for Emergency Home Response, an individual must:

- Be an Illinois resident - 60 years of age or older.

- Have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less (this does not include home, vehicles or home furnishings).

- Have a signed physician's statement confirming need of such service.

- Have an assessed need for long-term care.

Cernetisch showing art gallery

A new show at the 321 Art Gallery will exhibit the artwork of Alescha Cernetisch of Albany from June 16 to July 21. It will feature creations and collages done with stamp art that presents this particular technique in a whole new light. Special display hours will be from 6 to 8 pm on the evening of the 16th and refreshments will be served.

Cernetisch is a Liturgical Artist who uses Rubber Stamps as her medium. She has been doing stamping for 21 years and collages for 11.

"Most people think of rubber stamping as a means of making greeting cards or scrapbooking" she said. " I have taken stamp art to an entirely new level. Working as a liturgical artist, one is free to discover the gifts of one's spirituality and creativity through art."

Cernetisch was Gallery Manager at Studio 412, Savanna Arts on Main, and is currently Director of Operations for the gallery sponsored by the Artist's Cooperative of Savanna.

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