More Important News

Andresen Farms 2009 Ag Scholarships

Harold and Kay Anresen od rural Chadwick have announced the scholarship recipients of the Andresen Farms Ag Scholarship given each year to graduating seniors in Carroll County. A $1,000 scholarship is given to students who are enrolled or accepted at an accredited college, university, community college or a technical school and major in Ag-related courses. The scholarship is based upon scholastic ability, financial need, moral character, leadership qualities, and motivation. There were seven scholarships given in 2009.

This year's recipients are the following individuals:

Travis Morhardt of West Carroll, the son of Dennis and Debbra Morhardt of rural Savanna. Travis has plans to attend the University of Wisconsin at Stephens Point for a career in wildlife ecology management.

Kirk Engelkens of Milledgeville, son of Keith and Jody Engelkens of Milledgeville. Kirk is planning to attend Illinois State University in Normal to major in agriculture and mathematics secondary education.

Brock Swalve of Milledgeville, son of Mark and Penny Swalve of rural Chadwick. Brock plans to attend Highland Community College Freeport and later transfer to the University of Wisconsin Platteville majoring in agriculture.

David Williams of Milledgeville, son of Jeff and Sue Williams of Milledgeville. David is planning to attend the University of Nebraska, Lincoln majoring in Agribusiness and Animal Science.

Haylee Endress of Eastland, daughter of James and Deborah Endress of Shannon. Haylee is planning to attend Highland Community College Freeport and later the University of Illinois to pursue an animal science-pre-vet major.

Sarah Anderson of Eastland, daughter of Gib and Kathy Anderson of Lanark. Sarah has plans to attend DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana to major in biology and English.

Michael Rose of Eastland, son of Paul and Deanne Rose of rural Shannon. Michael plans to attend Highland Community College and later transfer to the University of Wisconsin Platteville majoring in crop science.

Phelps Wins National Art Contest

Shain Phelps, 7 years old, recently won a national art contest for children, sponsored by the Churches of God, General Conference.

Shain drew an eagle, which was printed in the Churches of God, General Conference Gem, their national Sunday School paper. Shain also received a letter, a certificate and $25.

Shain is the son of Sophia Phelps, Mt. Carroll, and Rick Phelps, Lanark. He attends Berreman Church of God, which his Grandpa Phelps pastors. Shain shared with his Sunday School teacher, Faye Signer, that he liked to draw eagles because his dad likes eagles. Another eagle he drew and colored has been transferred to T-shirts, pot holders, cups and other articles. Shain says he wants to be an artist, like his dad, and a chef when he grows up.

Outrageous Comedy Hits the Stage as Timber Lake Playhouse Presents Lend Me A Tenor

Artistic Director Brad Lyons and Timber Lake Playhouse are excited about our second production of the season, Lend Me A Tenor, running June 18 - 27. Winner of 3 Tony Awards and 4 Drama Desk Awards, Lend Me A Tenor will be directed by Chuck Smith, a Resident Director at Chicago's renowned Goodman Theatre. Mr. Smith has directed previous TLP hits including Smokey Joe's Café, Ain't Misbehavin' and last years' wild comedy, The Foreigner.

In Lend Me A Tenor, the Cleveland Grand Opera Company is preparing to welcome the world famous Tito Merelli to appear for one night only as Othello. Through a series of hilarious mishaps, the star is given a double dose of tranquilizers, passes out, and is assumed to be dead. In a frantic attempt to salvage the evening, Max, a bumbling assistant, gets into the Othello costume in order to fool the audience into thinking he's Merelli. Once Merelli recovers, there are two Othellos running around, and mix-ups and mayhem ensue while the future of the opera company hangs in the balance. A sensation on Broadway and in London's West End, this madcap, screwball comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter.

TLP's 48th season is turning out to be one of its brightest, featuring a combination of recent Broadway triumphs and engaging classics. Next up is the full-scale production of Broadway's musical comedy smash The Wedding Singer, based on the Adam Sandler movie. It will be followed by the nail-biting thriller, Wait Until Dark, and the area premiere of the uproarious new musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Timber Lake Playhouse will wrap up its 2009 season with the international rock 'n' roll sensation, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.

To reserve tickets for Lend Me A Tenor or any other performance, call the Box Office today between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at (815) 244-2035. Adult tickets are $20 and all children and students are $11. Five-pack subscriptions are also available for only $85, allowing you to see all five of our remaining shows at a savings of $15. Ask about special group rates for groups of 12 or more. Visit our website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org for a list of specific show dates and times.

Eastland Elementary Accelerated Reader Awards

Eastland Elementary Second Grade classes held their Accelerated Reader Awards Program. Head Boys Basketball Coach Tony Dunlap talked to students about the importance of reading and keeping their grades up.(right) He made a special presentation to Kaden Henze for his outstanding performance in Accelerated Reading.Kaden read 1,592,943 words this year earning 340 Accelerated Reading points by reading 476 books. Kaden received two basketball t-shirts autographed by Coach Dunlap and the varsity basketball team, as well asa letter written to him by Coach Dunlap.

Kaden is a second grade student in Mrs. Kaczmarski's class. He is the son of Karl and Colleen Henze of Shannon. (Photo courtesy of Deb Kaczmarski)

Amanda Smith Graduates Summa Cum Laude

Amanda Smith, daughter of Robert and Francine Smith of Morrison graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from Western
Illinois University. She was also an Honor Scholar. She was a member of the W.I.U. Swim Team for four years and captain of her Junior and Senior year. She broke records in her 50 Freestyle and 200 Freestyle also pool records were broken. She will be attending the University of Illinois this fall in Veterinary medicine.

She is the granddaughter of Merle and Grace Smith, Dick and Janet Gruhn; great-grandparents of Paul and Blanche Diffenderfer, all of Lanark.

Little & Imel Wed

Darci Little and Eric Imel were married on March 14, 2009 at Abiding Word Church in Sterling. Rev. Scott Porter officiated the ceremony.

Parents of the bride are Dennis Little of Rockford and Jamie Long of Mendota. Parents of the groom are Duane and Barb Imel of Chadwick.

Serving as maid of honor was Stacy Imel, sister of the groom. Bridesmaids were Theresa Shore, friend of the groom, Amanda Jacobi, friend of the bride, and Janet Nehring, friend of the bride. Flower girl was Kaylen Blumhoff, daughter of the bride.

Serving as Best Man was Alex Segnari, friend of the groom. Groomsmen were Dave Buhle, Terry Fuger and Erik Zink, all friends of the groom. Ring bearer was Brayden Blumhoff, son of the bride.

Ushers were Joel Drozda, Chris Baar and Ben Baar, all friends of the groom. Special music was played and sung by Daniel Little, the bride's brother.

A reception followed the ceremony at Kapps in Rock Falls.

The bride is an insurance agent for Aflac Insurance. The groom is employed at Plews/Edelmunn in Dixon. The couple is residing in Dixon.

Friends of TLP Grill

The Friends of Timber Lake Playhouse hosted a Grill held on June 6th at Sullivan's Foods in Savanna. (Lt. to Rt.) Velma Krueder, Becky Titus, Shirley Ritchie and Joe Titus. "We want to thank those who attended our fundraiser," Velma said. "The proceeds are donated back to Timber Lake Playhouse." The next Grill will be July 18th from 10 AM to 1PM at Sullivan's Foods in Savanna. (Photo courtesy of Judy Stevens)

Eastland Teachers Retire

Two teachers recently retired from the Eastland School District. Linda Ludwig (left) has coached, taught physical education, computers, and math for 33 years in the Lanark and Eastland School Districts. Marla Nesmith (right) has taught Special Education and Music in the Eastland School District for 16 years. Both teachers were honored at a reception held at Eastland Middle School in Shannon on Monday, June 1. (Photo courtesy of EMS)

American Indian Folklore and Settler's Astronomy Scheduled For Apple River Fort From June Through October

Native American stories about the stars, and the viewing of the stars themselves, will be featured during special evenings from June through October at Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois. The events, sponsored by the Apple River Fort and the Planetary Studies Foundation, are free and open to the public. American Indian Folklore and Settler's Astronomy will be held Saturday evenings of June 27, July 25, August 29, September 26 and October 17 beginning at sundown at the reconstructed fort itself just north of the visitor center. The evenings will begin with American Indian folklore of the evening skies.

The featured stories will be from the Sauk/Fox, Navajo, Shoshone, Blackfoot and Algonquin tribes, along with an explanation of how these tribes used the constellations. Visitors will be exposed to 19^th century astronomy that settlers used for practical purposes. Each evening will conclude with modern telescope viewing, depending on night viewing conditions. Telescopes will not be provided, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own to use and share with others. The viewing will end at 10 pm.m. during June, July and August, and 9 p.m. during September and October. Since these activities will all be held outdoors, the Indian Stories and stargazing programs will not be held if it rains.

Northern Illinois University Announces Spring 2009 Graduates

Northern Illinois University announces the awarding of graduate degrees Friday, May 8, and undergraduate degrees Saturday, May 9, at commencement ceremonies held on its DeKalb campus. New graduates include: Ryan Martz of Lanark, undergraduate degree in economics; Tammy Vanover of Savanna, undergraduate degree in organizational management and Travis Gendreau of Savanna, graduate degree in business administration

Dairy Month at the Lanark Public Library

Kids, come celebrate National Dairy Month at the Lanark Public Library on Wednesday, June 24 at 11 a.m. The Carroll County Farm Bureau and the library will be hosting a story followed by a hands-on Ag in the Classroom Activity.

The program is open to all children ages 4-8. Advanced reservations are requested by calling the Lanark Public Library 493-2166.

So kids, grab your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, or anyone else and join us in the reading of "Hooray for Dairy Farming" and making ice cream in a bag.

Stephenson County Ag Breakfast Showcases Locally Produced Food

The 24th annual Stephenson County Ag Breakfast will be held Saturday, June 27, at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds in Freeport, Ill. The breakfast, which runs from 6:00 to 10 a.m., will showcase a variety of agricultural products produced in Stephenson County, including whole hog sausage, beef bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, coffee cake, and milk.

Visitors will be entertained by Dave Ruter Ministries from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and by Steve Sheffey and family from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. At 9 a.m. there will be a short programming highlighting local businesses that supply the ingredients for the delicious breakfast.

The first Pedal Tractor Pull of the season will be held with registration at 8:45 a.m. and the pull at 9 a.m. Also, a petting zoo, barnyard bowling, an antique and modern tractor display, wagon rides, silent auction and arts and crafts show will provide a busy morning for all attendees. Educational booths featuring agricultural organizations and products will also be on display. Any agricultural related organization or agribusiness who would like a booth should call University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County to request space.

This annual event is planned and coordinated by a dedicated committee of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, including retirees, farmers, town folk, ag business and 4-H members and leaders.

A donation includes breakfast, ice cream and all entertainment. Children 5 and under are free. Handicap parking is available.

The fairgrounds are located on the south side of Freeport at 2250 S. Walnut Road. For more information on the breakfast, call Ardath DeWall at 815-864-2561 or Diana Ethridge at 815-232-8323. For information on the craft show, call Cindy Rackow at 815-789-3113. Contact Barb Curry, volunteers, at 815-235-4125, and Margaret Larson, local foods initiative and booths, at 815-235-4125.

A Day At Camp Benson

Enjoy a day of hiking, cave exploring, and river fun all at YMCA Camp Benson in Mt. Carroll. For kids entering first grade and up, June 29th from 9:00-3:00pm. Come dressed in river duds and bring a change of clothing and a sack lunch.

You can register by calling the Carroll County Extension office at 815-244-9444. Program sponsors include Camp Benson, The Savanna Park District and University of Illinois Extension.

Estate Planning Workshop For the Family

To help families understand estate planning as well as to learn about keeping the land in the family and the assests in hand, the Northwestern Illinois Land and Farm Preservation Coalition has put together an Estate Workshop set for June 29 at Naaman Diehl Auditorium, Mt. Carroll, IL. Check-in for the workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Guest speakers for the workshop include Jim Endress, Farm Business Management and Certified Financial Planner, U of I Extension and Dave Schockey, Attorney at Law, Schockey & Cox LTD, Freeport. Jim Endress will touch base on Understanding Estate Planning: Importance, Terminology and Purpose, Property Ownership Forms, Minimizing the Estate Taxation Burden and Meeting Estate Settlement Costs. Topics for Dave Schockey will include Revocable Living Trusts and Additional Estate Planning Tools. There will be time for discussion at the end of the workshop.

To register or to obtain more information on the workshop, contact the Carroll County Extension Office at 815-244-9444. On-line registration can also be done via the Jo-Carroll Unit website at http://jdc.extension.uiuc.edu.

If unable to attend this workshop two similar workshop opportunites will take place in July: one on July 8th at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau from 7-9pm contact 815-235-4125 for more information and the second on July 29th at the Winnebago Extension office from 10-3pm contact 815-986-4357 for more information.

River Ridge Honor Rolls

River Ridge Middle School 4th Quarter Honor Rolls:

3.00-3.499 Daniyal Ahmed, Andrew Ertmer, Alexander Fairbanks, Chelsie Locke, Amy Pettera, Brandi Smith, Katelyn Toot, Samuel Veltkamp, Jacklyn Beck, Zacharey Ford, Riley Hepperly, Hannah Jackson, Ian Kelly, Kelley Koester, Katelyn Mapes, Morgan Smith, Austin Thorsen, Kayla Brotzman, Brenden Dauphin, Dale Gerlich, Stephanie Gilmore, Delaney Kelly, Finnian Kelly, Jessica Larson, Tayler Meneguin, Abigail Mulholland, Kristofer Pettera, Dylan Sadler, Britnea Toot, Garrison Trueblood, Vanessa Urban, Carissa Williams.

3.50-3.999 Brett Brown, Makenzie Brown, Ben Freed, Anna Green, Anthony Hernandez, Jacob Kelzer, Steven Knockel, Jacob Krug, Cody Landwer, Amanda Nobis, Alexandra Parr, Shannon Speer, Rachel Streight, Ashley Andersen, Kelsey Finn, Codie Geisz, Neil Girot, Paige Grube, Erin Heidenreich, Ryan McLane, Katlyn Roberts, Katie Schnitzler, Margaret Shanks, Corey Wachter, Kelly Weede, Abigail Green, Katherine Groezinger, Matthew Klippert, Samuel Merkle, Erica Pleau, Caroline Sipiera, Kourtney Speer, Mollie Steele, Nicole Ties, Louisa Williams.

4.00+ Matthew Carroll, Hannah Davidson, Taylor Finn, Garrett Harkness, Taegen Ertmer, Lauren Haas, Morgan Wheelwright.

River Ridge High School 4th Quarter Honor Rolls:

3.00-3.499 Robert Basten, Thomas Basten, Devon Douvikas, Kimberly Oellerich, David Ortiz, Kristina Brubaker, Michael Dauphin, Charles Deneen, Amanda Lieb, Paige Plath, Michael Carroll, Rebecca Eilers, Alex Ertmer, Adam Krug, Neil Lisk, Christian Roberts, Trevor Ruback, Michele Sprecher, John Feuerhelm, Nicholas Haskin, Megan Homb, Brian Honerbaum, Jerry Monk III, Jessica Sadler, Logan Smith, Austin Wachter.

3.50-3.999 Matthew Altfillisch, Danesa Boehm, Julie Coe, Aarica Orth, Blake Potter, Jeff Steele, Peter Zito, Kiresten Bauer, Molly Francomb, Benjamin Headlee, Amber Parisi, Derek Pease, Cody Schnitzler, Brandy Stadel, Darcy Steffes, Brooke Wheelwright, Terry Wiltshire, Lauren Bohnsack, Kairee Graves, Kristen Kennedy, Raymond Knockel, Keven Larson, Allison McLane, Cory Potter, Emily Shanks, Jacob Weede, Sophia Ahmed, Megan Altfillisch, Megan Dauphin, Emily Lieb, Ryan Merkle, Kaitlyn Pleau, Sandra Shaw, Jennifer Thoren, Kurt Thorsen.

4.00+ Laura Albrecht, Sven Frohnwieser, Amy Graves, Gina Hernandez, Susan Larson, Kelsey Marks, Mattie Radke, Jenna Diestelmeier, Tori Ertmer, Anna Smith, William Weede, Jessica Albrecht, Andrew Graves, Tori Groezinger, Maggie Kelzer, Tara Slade, Victoria Soat.

River Ridge High School Semester 2 Honor Rolls:

3.00-3.499 Robert Basten, Kelsey Dascher, Devon Douvikas, Aarica Orth, Michael Dauphin, Kayla Kemp, Michael Carroll, Rebecca Eilers, Keven Larson, Allison McLane, Michele Sprecher, Destiny Valladares, John Feuerhelm, Nicholas Haskin, Megan Homb, Brian Honerbaum, Emily Lieb, Jerry Monk III, Brittany Roberts, Logan Smith, Austin Wachter.

3.50-3.999 Matthew Altfillish, Thomas Basten, Brandon Beyer, Danesa Boehm, Julie Coe, David Ortiz, Blake Potter, Jeff Steele, Peter Zito, Amber Parisi, Derek Pease, Paige Plath, Cody Schnitzler, Brandy Stadel, William Weede, Terry Wiltshire, Lauren Bohnsack, Andrew Graves, Kairee Graves, Tori Groezinger, Kristen Kennedy, Cory Potter, Emily Shanks, Jacob Weede, Sophia Ahmed, Megan Altfillisch, Megan Dauphin, Ryan Merkle, Kaitlyn Pleau, Sanda Shaw, Victoria Soat, Jennifer Thoren, Kurt Thorsen.

4.00+ Laura Albrecht, Sven Frohnwieser, Amy Graves, Gina Hernandez, Susan Larson, Kelsey Marks, Mattie Radke, Kiresten Bauer, Jenna Diestelmeier, Tori Ertmer, Molly Francomb, Benjamin Headlee, Anna Smith, Darcy Steffes, Brooke Wheelwright, Jessica Albrecht, Maggie Kelzer, Tara Slade.

May Was a Wet One

The volunteer rain recorders for University of Illinois Extension report their May totals. In Carroll County:

Richard Fuller, Mt. Carroll 5.03; Nancy Gable, Mt. Carroll 4.90; Les Grim, Mt. Carroll 6.40;

Maynard Kehl, Mt. Carroll 6.25; Kenneth Rahn, Mt. Carroll3.30; Mary Rapp, Mt. Carroll 5.78; Tom Tuite, Mt. Carroll 6.30; Allen Beyer, Savanna 6.60; Leroy Getz, Savanna 6.15; Keith Rath, Savanna 5.48; Paul Rath, Savanna 4.95; Douglas Kalec, Thomson 5.20; Tim Adolph, Chadwick 3.90; Raymond Henningsen, Chadwick 4.73; George Weber, Chadwick 4.60; Bob Yingling, Chadwick 3.80; Shirley Cheeseman, Milledgeville 3.50; Frank Fogel, Milledgeville 4.20; Phyllis Wagenknecht, Milledgeville 5.10; Edna Beattie, Lanark 5.30; Kris Lauritzen, Lanark 4.60; Robert Michael, Lanark 2.80; Jim Endress, Shannon 3.20; Eileen Kent, Shannon 4.17; Mary LaShelle Mantle, Shannon 4.01.

In Jo Daviess County:

Don Terry, Apple River 1.95; Edwin Kuhle, East Dubuque (Menominee) 2.50; Todd; VanOstrand, East Dubuque 3.10; Greg Haas, Elizabeth 3.20; Dwight Bischel, Galena 0.92;; Mary Dittmar, Galena 2.20; Wayne Dyrke, Galena 2.46; Darlene Farrey, Galena 2.75; Catherine Winslow, Galena 2.38; Ray & Riley Wolter, Hanover 3.80; Virginia Niemeier, Lena 3.40; John Diedrich, Scales Mound 2.35; James Huilman, Scales Mound 1.56; David; Fernstaedt, Stockton 2.55; Herbert Hill, Stockton 3.94; David Marcure, Stockton 3.92; Arlo Paxton, Stockton 6.30; Nancy Winter, Stockton 3.60.

NARFE Meeting

Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their monthly meeting at noon Thursday, June 18, at the House of Events, Savanna. A luncheon buffet will be available at noon for those who wish to eat. The business meeting will follow at 1:00. There will be a guest speaker of interest to everyone. Come and spend an early summer afternoon with your NARFE friends and neighbors. All active and retired federal employees, spouses and survivors, are cordially invited.

From the Fields

By Jim Morrison

Extension Educator, Crop Systems

Rockford Extension Center, U of I

Corn nematodes are the most frequently overlooked cause of corn disease because their injury symptoms are similar to damage caused by herbicides, soil compaction, nutrient deficiencies, and other problems. Incidence of this pest appears to be increasing due to changes in tillage, use of transgenic corn for insect control, and the changing chemistry of certain pesticides.

Since nematodes are microscopic, identification by the unaided eye is impossible. Thus, a soil-root sample needs to be submitted to a laboratory for diagnosis. According to surveys, limited sampling has been done for corn nematodes.

In order to determine "base line" corn nematode specie and population numbers in Illinois, a sampling project is being conducted. Up to eight corn fields, selected at random, will be sampled in each of approximately 80 counties. This random sampling is occurring the first three weeks of June. Sampling consists of taking soil samples representing a ten acre area within each field.

Information learned from the project will enable University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences faculty and Extension staff to further develop a corn nematode management plan for farmers, agriculture dealers, and consultants. The corn nematode sampling project is being conducted by University of Illinois Extension and Department of Crop Sciences personnel and is funded by a USDA-CSREES grant.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 21-27

By Gregory S. Miller

Carroll County Emergency Services Coordinator

There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year in the United States, nearly 650,000 of which occur in Illinois alone. Lightning can be fascinating to watch, but it is also extremely dangerous ­ it is the underrated killer. Few people really understand the dangers of lightning. Many people don't act promptly to protect their lives, property, and the lives of others. The first step in solving this potentially life threatening problem is through education.

Here are some Lightning Facts:

· On average, 62 people are killed by lightning in the United States each year. This is more than those killed by tornadoes (54) and hurricanes (49).

· It is estimated that more than 1,000 people are injured by lightning strikes in the United States each year.

· In 2008, 28 people were killed by lightning strikes in the United States. This is lower than the ten-year average of 42 fatalities.

· Ninety-nine people have been killed by lightning in Illinois in the past 48 years.

· In 2001, Illinois ranked SECOND among the 50 states for lightning fatalities.

· In 2008, 100% of lightning fatalities occurred outdoors. On average, about 67% of lightning fatalities and injuries occur outdoors at recreation events (baseball games, soccer games, lakes, and on golf courses), and under or near trees.

· No place outdoors is safe when a thunderstorm is near!

· The odds of an individual being a lightning casualty are about 280,000-to-one in any given year in the United States. The odds of winning the lottery are a HUNDRED times greater!

· Lightning results in an economic impact of about $5 Billion in the U.S. each year. It is also one of the leading causes of forest fires.

· Lightning is most likely to happen in the spring and summer months, in the late afternoon or evening.

Outdoors

While no one can completely eliminate the risk of being struck by lightning, you can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a lightning casualty by following some basic rules.

· PLAN AHEAD! If thunderstorms are in the forecast, consider postponing outdoor activities. At the very least, have a portable NOAA Weather Radio that will alert you to changes in the weather.

· WATCH THE SKY! Make sure you, or someone in a group of people, monitor the weather conditions. This is especially important if you need time to get to a safe place. The static on an AM radio frequency can also alert you to approaching thunderstorms.

· COACHES & OFFICIALS NEED A SAFETY PLAN! Outdoor events are very susceptible to lightning strikes because these activities take place in open areas. If you, or your children, are involved in outdoor recreational activities, verify that scout leaders, coaches, umpires, referees, and camp counselors have guidelines for postponing outdoor events BEFORE thunderstorms approach. The safety of the participants and the spectators must be the number one priority!

· WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS! When you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning, even if it isn't raining! Get indoors immediately! Once indoors, stay there for 30 minutes after hearing the last rumble of thunder before resuming outdoor activities. REMEMBER: this is a guidelineand is not as useful if the thunderstorm is actually forming overhead. The first strike of lightning may occur very near you. You won't have the ability to "hear it coming". So remember to keep an "eye on the sky" if clouds begin to build and darken!

· GET AWAY FROM WATER! Stop activities in or near water, such as swimming, boating, fishing, and camping and seek a substantial shelter.

When you are outdoors this summer, remember these Safety Tips:

- The best shelter from lightning is inside a substantial building.

- Avoid car ports, porches, garages, sheds, tents, baseball dugouts, or under

bleachers.

- If no substantial shelter is available, seek refuge in a hard topped vehicle, with the windows up.

- Stay away from trees, electrical poles, or other tall objects.

- If your hair stands on end, or you experience a tingling sensation ­ lightning may strike soon! DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND! Crouch down on the balls of your feet to create the lowest profile.

Indoors

A house or other substantial building offers the best protection from lightning. Open shelters, carports, garages and sheds are designed to protect people and property from rain and sun ­ NOT lightning.

There are three main ways lightning enters a building:

1. A direct strike

2. Through wires or pipes that extend outside the building

3. Through the ground

Once in a structure, the current from a lightning strike can travel through electrical lines, plumbing, phone lines, and radio or TV reception systems. Lightning can also travel through any metal wiring or bars in concrete walls or flooring.

· AVOID CONTACT WITH CORDED PHaONES Phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States. Cordless phones are safe, as long as lightning does not strike while you are removing the phone from the charging cradle. Cell phones are the safest method of communication.

· STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR DOORS Windows and doors can provide a path for a direct strike to enter a home.

· STAY OFF OF PORCHES AND DECKS Even if a porch or deck is covered, it does not offer any protection from lightning strikes.

· AVOID CONTACT WITH ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OR CORDS Direct strikes and power surges due to lightning cause significant damage to personal property each year. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives. Do not forget to disconnect televisions and radios from outdoor antennas.

· STAY AWAY FROM PLUMBING AND PLUMBING APPLIANCES Avoid contact with pipes during a thunderstorm. Do not take a shower or bath. Avoid appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and electric hot water heaters, since they utilize both water and electricity.

· BE ALERT FOR DIRECT LIGHTNING STRIKES If your home, or a neighbor's home is directly struck by lightning, call the fire department immediately! Have the electrical wiring in your home inspected by a qualified electrical contractor as soon as possible.

Little Known Lightning Facts

· Many cloud-to-ground lightning flashes have "forked" or multiple attachment points to earth. Recent studies indicated that 50-70% of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes are forked.

· Lightning can spread out nearly 60 feet after striking the earth, depending on soil characteristics.

· Lightning can strike the same place twice!

· An increase in lightning activity, or a rapid change in lightning polarity can be a precursor to a severe thunderstorm or tornado.

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