Vendors Wanted For Garden Walk

The 5th Annual Mt. Carroll Garden Walk sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Saturday, July 12 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Vendors are invited to set up booths on the Carroll County Courthouse square in downtown Mt. Carroll. There is no charge for the booth.

"Each year the Garden Walk has grown and this past summer we had record attendance with nearly 200 people purchasing tickets," said Pam Sorg, Garden Walk chairman. "Many local restaurants and shops have special sales and offerings to coincide with the Walk and it has always been a very successful community event. Our very popular Farmers' Market will also be in progress the entire morning."

Interested parties may contact Pam Sorg at 815-244-9246 for more information.

2nd Annual Carroll County Tractor Drive

Carroll County Farm Bureau and the Carroll County Fair Association had such success with last year's drive that we are co-sponsoring the second annual "Antique Tractor Drive" on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Participants will have the opportunity to share the day with other antique tractor enthusiasts as they travel through eastern and central Carroll County.

We will start the day at the Carroll County Fairgrounds in Milledgeville, head north to Shannon, then west to Lake Carroll were lunch will be served at the Clubhouse. We will then head south to Lanark before ending the day back at the fairgrounds.

Pre-registration is required by July 31 and is limited to the first 75 tractors. Tractors must be a 1975 model or older. The registration fee of $35 includes refreshments throughout the day, lunch, and a season pass to the Carroll County Fair. If you would like more information, you may contact the Carroll County Farm Bureau at (815) 244-3001 or download an application at www.carrollcfb.org

Gallatin River Adopts CenturyTel Name

Gallatin River Communications has officially taken the name of its parent company, CenturyTel, Inc. CenturyTel acquired Gallatin River last year, along with three other companies, when it purchased Madison River Communications Corp.

"We are excited to transition Gallatin River Communications to the CenturyTel identity and name," said Terry Beeler, CenturyTel region vice president. "Both companies are dedicated to providing quality customer service and the best voice, high-speed Internet and entertainment services available. We look forward to further integrating into the new communities we serve."

With this acquisition, Gallatin River customers gained access to the technology network and expertise that CenturyTel has built over the past 75 years. In turn, CenturyTel welcomes about 56,000 new customers in Galesburg, Pekin, Dixon and the surrounding area.

"For customers, the name change will be seamless," said Ty Lemaster, general manager of CenturyTel's Galesburg operation. "Customers will continue to receive the personal service they've become accustomed to from Gallatin River Communications. And we hope to improve and offer news services over time."

Since the acquisition a year ago, Gallatin River Communications has used the phrase "A CenturyTel Company" as an appendix to its logo. But that ended as of June 1, when Gallatin River began using the CenturyTel name and logo.

With this acquisition of Madison River Communications Corp., CenturyTel added about 158,000 access lines in new markets with attractive growth prospects in Illinois, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina. Last year, CenturyTel had $2.7 billion in operating revenue and $418 million in net income.

CenturyTel (NYSE: CTL) is a leading provider of communications, high-speed Internet and entertainment services in small- to mid-size cities through our broadband and fiber transport networks. Included in the S&P 500 Index, CenturyTel delivers advanced communications with a personal touch to customers in 25 states. Visit us at www.centurytel.com.

Scenes of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge Photography Contest

Stewards of the Upper Miss. River Refuge (formerly know as Palisades Chapter) is seeking entries from photographers of all ages. All photos must be taken in or around the Refuge from the Chippewa River at Wabasha, MN downstream to Princeton, IA. All entries shall be 8" x 10" and matted to the size of 11"x14" using either a black or white mat. Please do not use glass frames. Entrants can bring their labeled photos to the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. The Center is located at 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL. Please call 815-273-2732 for your entry form.

New this year is the Junior Division. Entrants for this division are for youth 18 years old and younger.

Entries are limited to three photos per person for each category. Photos and release form must be received no later than 4:00 pm July 31, 2008. If photos are digital please provide a CD in addition to the entry.

All photos will be on display from August 5th ­ August 18th at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. Office hours are Monday ­ Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Categories are:

- Scenic Views of the Refuge

- Birds of the Refuge

- Other Refuge Wildlife

- Aritistic Photos of the Refuge ( Images that don't fit the other categories but were taken on the Refuge)

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minn. to Rock Island, Ill., protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife. This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924.

'You Can't Take It With You'

Timber Lake Playhouse presents the Classic Comedy Artistic Director Brad Lyons and Timber Lake Playhouse are excited about their second production of the season, "You Can't Take It With You", running June 19 - 28. Lyons will direct this classic Kaufman & Hart story, one of the most popular and successful comedies of modern times. A "normal" day with the happy yet eccentric Sycamore family includes xylophone-playing, fireworks in the basement, a ballerina, a playwriting mother and a Russian Duchess who works as a waitress. Can a simple girl from such a crazy family ever find love? Playing the role of "Grandpa" will be TLP veteran actor Robert Maher. Mr. Maher returns to Timber Lake Playhouse after his portrayalof Cladwell in the '06 production of Urinetown. He has previously performed inTLP's How to Succeed , The Woman in Black, God's Favorite, Ragtime, Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 and more. He just completed a benefit performance of Gurney's Love Letters withEmmy winning actress Michael Learned. Robert brings nearly50 years of experience to the stage and has appeared in morethan 140 productions.

You Can't Take It with You opened in New York in December of 1936 to instant critical and popular acclaim. This depiction of a delightfully eccentric family, the third collaboration by playwrights George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, proved to be their most successful and longest-running work. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1936, the comedy went on to run 837 performances on Broadway. Kaufman and Hart sold the film rights to Columbia Pictures for a record-setting amount, and the 1938 film won an Academy Award for best picture.

TLP's 47th season promises to be one of its brightest, featuring a combination of recent Broadway hits and engaging classics. Still to come this season include the area premiere of the new "Elvis" musical comedy, All Shook Up, and a full-scale production of Mel Brooks' comedy smash The Producers, which holds the record for winning more Tony Awards than any other show in Broadway history. The comedy The Foreigner, will be directed by Chuck Smith, the Resident Director from Chicago's famed Goodman Theatre who staged last year's sizzling production of Smokey Joe's Café. The season will close with a celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there, in the new musical comedy Church Basement Ladies. This new show has been playing to sold-out houses across the country, so make your reservations today!

To reserve tickets, call the Timber Lake Playhouse 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. 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.

From the Fields

Prepared by: Jim Morrison, Extension Educator, Crop Systems, Rockford Extension Center, University of Illinois

Phone 815-397-7714, Email morrison@uiuc.edu

Need to have a plant problem diagnosed? The University of Illinois Plant Clinic at Urbana is open for the 33rd year to diagnose field crop and horticultural plant problems.

The Plant Clinic, open through September 15, specializes in identifying disease problems, nematodes, insects and insect injury, and weeds. Chemical residue testing is not available.

The lab can culture plant parts to test for fungal and bacterial pathogens. Depending upon the organism, this may take anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days. The Plant Clinic offers nematode assays on roots and soil.

Insect and weed identification is a fairly quick process so the turnaround time is normally short. Herbicide injury diagnoses are based on samples, symptoms, and the facts presented. The Plant Clinic is not equipped to assay soil or plants for chemical residues.

The Plant Clinic web site, http://plantclinic.cropsci.uiuc.edu/, provides information on how to submit a sample, sample fees, specimen data forms (to accompany samples), clinic services, and links to other sites. Responses and how to manage the problem will be returned to clients by US mail and electronically. General diagnosis is $12.50 per sample. Specialty tests require more time and equipment, and thus the charge is higher. Payment must accompany the sample.

The clinic can also diagnose and monitor sudden oak death, soybean rust, legume viruses, Emerald ash borer, giant hogweed, and other plant pathogens and pests that might be exotic invasive concerns in Illinois. The Plant Clinic processed 2,318 samples in 2007. Field crops comprised 78 percent of the samples, and 17 percent were ornamental plants.

The mailing address is: Plant Clinic, 1401 W. St. Mary's Road, Urbana, IL 61802. The phone number is 217-333-0519.

Further information is available at University of Illinois Extension offices.

Summer Gardening Series Starts With Roses

Have you dreamed about beautiful roses and never been able to make that dream a reality? Growing roses does not have to be hard, you just need to know some basics.

University of Illinois Extension is offering "Roses", a look at the basics you need to know. Join Sharon Yiesla, Horticulture Educator, as she explores good rose growing. The "Roses" program will look at the many types of roses available today, how to select the right one, the proper way to plant and care for roses, and some of the pests that may be encountered in the rose garden.

The program will be held at the Mt. Carroll Extension Office Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:00 pm. or Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 7:00 pm or in the Elizabeth Extension Office Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:00 pm. This "telenet" program will feature color power point slides accompanied by the live voice of the instructor as people from all over the state participate at once. You will have the chance to ask questions at the end of the program.

Other topics in the summer series include Late Summer and Fall Blooming Perennials, set for July 8 and 10, and Summer and Fall Blooming Vines, Trees, and Shrubs on July 22 and 24.

Cost per session is $5.00/person. Advance registration is needed. Phone 815-244-9444 to attend in Mt. Carroll or 815-858-2273 to attend in Elizabeth. If you have disability needs, please indicate when registering.

Carroll and Jo Daviess May Rainfall

The volunteer rain recorders for University of Illinois Extension report their May totals:

From Mt. Carroll: Richard Fuller, 5.10; Nancy Gable, 4.65; Les Grim, 5.20; Maynard Kehl, 5.75; Kenneth Rahn, 5.60; Mary Rapp, 4.80; and Tom Tuite, 5.20.

Savanna: Allen Beyer, 6.00; Leroy Getz, 6.55; Keith Rath, 5.30; and Paul Rath, 5.80.

Chadwick: Tim Adolph, 5.50; Raymond Henningsen, 5.20; and George Weber, 5.70.

Milledgeville: Shirley Cheeseman, 2.10; Frank Fogel, 4.70; and Phyllis Wagenknecht, 5.20.

Lanark: Edna Beattie, 5.60; Kris Lauritzen, 5.40; and Robert Michael, 4.50.

Shannon: Jim Endress, 5.50; Eileen Kent, 4.47; and Mary LaShelle Mantle, 4.60.

Douglas Kalec, Thomson, 9.10; Don Terry, Apple River 5.69; Edwin Kuhle, East Dubuque (Menominee) 8.00; Todd VanOstrand, East Dubuque 8.20; Greg Haas, Elizabeth 6.63; Raymond & Riley Wolter, Hanover 6.10; Virginia Niemeier, Lena 5.20.

Scales Mound: John Diedrich, 7.05; and James Huilman, 7.60.

Galena: Dwight Bischel, 6.08; Mary Dittmar, 5.45; Wayne Dyrke, 5.24; Darlene Farrey, 4.75; Pete Peterson, 7.15; and Catherine Winslow, 6.46.

Stockton: David Fernstaedt, 5.30; Herbert Hill, 4.89; Ronald Lubick, 3.34 (partial month); David Marcure, 5.53; and Arlo Paxton, 6.50.

Ogle County Fair Book Cover Contest Winners

Ogle County Fair Association is pleased to announce the 2008 Fair Book Cover winners. "Thank you to everyone who sent in entries," said Christine Carter with the Ogle County Fair Committee. "We decided to include 3 top winning entries into 1 fair book cover page. It was decided that this was the best way to support our theme, 'Come Through Our Gate in 2008.'" The Ogle County Fair will be held July 30 through August 3, 2008.

The winners of this years Fair Book Cover Page are Traven Root , Oregon, IL, AshLee Griffin, Polo, IL and Colton Griffin of Polo. Each winner received $25 first place prize. You can see their artwork at www.Oglecountyfair.com web site and on all county fair book covers. You can view the fair book and enter for the county fair at this web site if you have not received a copy of the fair book. For more information, E-mail Oglefairfun@yahoo.com.

"Thank you again to everyone who entered," Carter added. "See you at the Fair!"

Local Blood Supply Impacted After Flooding Forces Cancellations

Blood Drives set for June 20 & 27

Since June 10, at least three American Red Cross Blood Drives have been canceled due to the widespread flooding that has devastated communities throughout Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. These cancellations have resulted in over 155 lost donations. Many donors in flood-affected areas are unable to get to blood drives or are in the middle of extensive clean-up operations.

Red Cross officials say that their Type O-negative blood supply has reached dangerously low levels with less than a one-day supply. Type O-negative can potentially be transfused to anyone, regardless of their blood type.

There are two upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives scheduled for Carroll County. The first will be held at the Lanark Methodist Church on Friday, June 20, from 12 noon to 6 pm. Please call Yvonne Nelson at 815-493-2957 to make an appointment.

The next drive is set for Friday, June 27, from 12 noon to 5 pm at the Mt. Carroll Community House. For an appointment, call 815-244-8044, and leave a message with your desired appointment time.

Please take the time to help save a life and give blood this summer. It only takes about an hour and can make a real difference in someone's life.

To find out how to help with ongoing disaster relief efforts, call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Old and New Work in Mount Carroll

The city of Mount Carroll is continuing several projects from last year and starting a few new projects this year.

One of the projects from 2007 is the old Stone House on Route 78 at the north town entrance, which is being made into a park/rest area. Last year the ground and the spring was cleaned up and cleared of unwanted trash, trees, and debris. This year the fence is being looked at to see what parts of it can be reused, what needs to be repaired, and what needs to be completely rebuilt. The grass on the grounds is also going to be cut for the first time this year.

Another project started in 2007 is the remodeling of the Kraft Building. Some of last year's work included sealing walls, floor work, and electrical work. The next stage of reconstruction includes work on the west side of the building, and the upstairs flooring, which is going to be removed to install electrical wires and ceiling fans for the first floor. Work will also be done on the sidewalk in front of the building.

The harsh winter weather left Benton Street in a great state of disrepair. Construction was to begin last Wednesday, but once again the rainy weather changed the plans. Work is scheduled to begin as soon as possible. Construction is planned to take place one block at a time starting on the far east end of the street. Progress has also been made on the resurfacing of Route 52/64 in the past week and will be continuing through the summer.

Barnes, Seidemann Nuptials

Krista Barnes and Nicholas Seidemann, both of Mount Prospect, Illinois, will be celebrating their wedding on September 27 at Grace Episcopal Church in Freeport. The bride-elect is the daughter of Susan and Orville Snyder of Byron, Illinois and Keith Barnes of Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Lawrence and Teresa Seidemann of Freeport, Illinois are parents of the future bridegroom.

The bride-to-be graduated in 2004 from Highland Community College with an Associate's of Arts Degree and in 2006 from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Marketing. She is currently an Associate Product Manager for The Bradford Group in Niles, IL.

The prospective bridegroom graduated in 2003 from Highland Community College with an Associate's of Arts Degree and in 2005 from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Accounting. He is currently an auditor for the Chicago Board of Trade.

Johnson-Schubert exchange vows

Tina Johnson and Nathan Schubert were married May 10, 2008 at Eagle Point Park Lodge in Clinton, Iowa. Parent of the couple are John and Brenda Johnson of Savanna, Illinois and Dennis and Candy Schubert of Shannon, Illinois. Grandparents of the couple are Ralph and Laura Hansen of Clinton, Iowa; Dorothy Anders of Savanna, Illinois; Jan and Omar Wilhelms of Shannon, Illinois; and Neva Schubert of Kent, Illinois. The attendents were Kilannin Krysiak, Cassandra Martinez, Aaron Robbins and Brooks Schreiber. The ushers were Joseph Johnson brother of the bride and Justin Schubert brother of the groom. The flower girls were Talia Marks and Caylie Schubert. The ring bearer was Juulyn Rihtar. Officiants were Tabitha and Oliver Knuth cousins of the bride. Hostesses were Robin Saar and Cassandre Mlakar.

A honeymoon was taken to Niagra Falls, Ontario, Canada. The couple resides in Polo, Illinois. The bride is a 2001 graduate of Savanna High School and is employed with Quebecor World in Mt. Morris, Illinois. The groom is a 2002 graduate of Eastland High School and is employed with PNC Inc. in Polo, Illinois.

Kloepping Reunion set for June 22nd

SHANNONDescendants of William C. and Catherine Kloepping will gather for a family reunion at 12:30 p.m. on June 22nd at the Shannon Park.

Participants are asked to bring a dish to pass, beverage ad table service.

For more information, call (815) 493-2353

Hearing Solutions for Active Seniors

On Friday June 20th at 10:00a.m. the Carroll County Senior Center will host an informative seminar, "Hearing Solutions for Active Seniors" with Dr. Sherry Gaddis-Weldele and Ann Broughton, M.A. of Advanced Hearing Healthcare as guest speakers. This seminar will discuss the possible causes and the symptoms of hearing loss. The focus of the seminar will be on the advanced technology that has been developed to improve the lives of hearing impaired people and their families. After the seminar, participants will be invited to have their hearing screened and discuss any questions or concerns with Dr. Gaddis-Weldele and Ms. Broughton. All interested attendees are invited to RSVP to the Carroll County Senior Center at 815-244-1800 or toll-free at 866-214-1959. Refreshments will be served.

In addition, the staff at Advanced Hearing Healthcare, along with Dr. Shawn Shianna of Freeport Ear, Nose and Throat will be seeing area patients for ear, hearing, balance, allergy and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat, on the second Friday of every month at Big Meadows Residential Center in Savanna, Illinois. New and existing patients are invited to call 1-815-235-7673 to schedule an appointment.

Comment on these stories

Go back to Prairie Advocate Home Page