More Important News

Carroll County Crime Stoppers

Carroll County Crime Stoppers is requesting your help in solving the following crime. Information leading to an arrest could earn the caller a reward of up to $1,000.00 and the identity of any caller will be kept strictly confidential.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshall's Office are investigating a suspicious fire to a residence that was reported at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. The fire occurred at 5336 Sunshine Road in rural Milledgeville. Once the fire was extinguished by the fire department, the homeowner reported that some property was missing. It is believed that a burglary to the residence occurred just prior to the fire.

Persons having information about this crime, or the location of a wanted felon should contact Crime Stoppers at 244-STOP (244-7867).

Young Leader Harvest for All Benefits Local Food Pantries

Mount Carroll, IL ­ The Carroll County Farm Bureau® Young Leaders will be hosting their 5th Annual Harvest for All on Saturday, July 11th. In the past five years, through the generosity of the farmers in Carroll County, the Young Leaders were able to donate $49,243 to the four food pantries which serve Carroll County.

"The Young Leaders used five semis last year to collect any corn a farmer was willing to donate for the program," said Chastity Welch, CCFB Manager. "The corn was then sold to Carroll Service and the proceeds were split between the food banks. This year, the goal is to raise more as our food pantries continue to need supplies. We will be contacting farmers for corn donations in the next few weeks with July 11th set as the day to collect the corn."

If you do not have corn to donate but would like to help, the Young Leaders will also take monetary donations. Following the event, the names of all farmers who donated will be published. Any farmer who would be willing to donate to this cause, can contact the Farm Bureau at 815-244-3001.

Fritz Featured at CC Republican Women's Club

Carroll County Board Chairman Rod Fritz (D-3) will be the featured speaker at the Carroll County Republican Women meeting scheduled for Friday, June 26. Oakville Country Club is the site, and Mt. Carroll members of the CCRW will host the luncheon preceding the meeting.

The CCRW Scholarship winner will also be presented. All women of Carroll County are welcome. Reservations may be made with your town chairman, or contact Marilyn Getz at 815-244-3785.

See 'Jersey Boys' With TLP

How did four blue collar kids become one of the greatest successes in pop music history? Join Timber Lake Playhouse Saturday, September 26 as we journey to Chicago's Bank of America Theatre to see the story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, "Jersey Boys."

The Tony Award-wining Best Musical of 2006 takes you up the charts, across the country and behind the music of one of the world's greatest rock and roll groups. Discover the secret of a 40-year friendship: four blue collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom. Experience electrifying performances of the hits that took these guys all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "My Eyes Adored You," and more! As the New York Times says, "The crowd goes wild!"

Tickets for this event are only $130. Seating is limited. The bus will leave from The Land of Oz in Mt. Carroll at 8:00 am on Saturday, September 26. You will arrive in Chicago around 11:30 a.m. Lunch is on your own. Show time is 2:00 p.m. We should arrive back in Mt. Carroll around 8:30 p.m.

For tickets call 815-244-2035. MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

TLP Announces 2nd Annual Gala Event

First State Bank of Shannon and Timber Lake Playhouse will hold it's "Second Annual Gala Evening" at the Lake Carroll Clubhouse on Saturday, July 18. The event is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m.

"Timber Lake Playhouse continues to receive bad news from the Illinois Arts Council. This year, the Playhouse only received about half of the operating funds it normally receives from the Illinois Arts Council, and next year, 2010, we will be receiving a 50% reduction again." said Richard Hall, TLP General Manager.

First State Bank of Shannon and its president, Omar Wilhelms, decided that they would sponsor a Second Gala Evening to help raise additional funds for the Playhouse.

"Buying tickets to this fund raising event will be very much appreciated," Hall said. "If you cannot attend but would like to make a contribution, no matter how small, we thank you for helping keep TLP alive and well during this serious financial time. We are also looking for live and silent auction items.

During the event TLP's 2010 season will be announced. Other events include an array of specialty tastings. Entertainment will be provided by the Playhouse's 2009 cast and a live and silent auction will be held. The auctions will feature overnight stays in Chicago, golf packages, a 2009 Chicago Bears team autographed football and more. Plus a special announcement! The evening will conclude with dessert and dancing. A cash bar will be available.

The cost for this event is just $50 per person and tickets can be purchased at any First State Bank of Shannon location, the TLP box office. You can call 815-244-2035 to make your reservation.

Retirement Dinner Planned for Stralow's

An event to commemorate the retirements of Pastor Jim and JoAnn Stralow is being planned for August 16, 2009, at Forreston Reformed Church.

Pastor Jim and JoAnn's final Sunday at Forreston Reformed Church will blend the morning worship service with a program of recognition from 11:30am­1pm, followed by a pork-chop dinner and open-house from 1pm­4pm.

The community is invited to attend and celebrate the Stralow's 27 years of service at Forreston Reformed Church and their lifetime of Christian ministry.

No Fireworks Allowed on the "Upper Miss" Refuge

The 4th of July is just around the corner. If you are heading to the Mississippi River for a boating or camping trip, just a reminder ­ no fireworks are allowed on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

If you are not sure if you will be within the Refuge please call the Refuge office at (815) 273-2732. Enjoy your holiday on the Refuge and be safe.

Scenes of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge Photography Contest

Stewards of the "Upper Miss" River Refuge 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. Photographs must be the original work of the person submitting; therefore no computer composites will be accepted.

Youth 18 years old and younger are eligible for the Youth Division.

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, 2009. If photos are digital please provide a CD in addition to the entry.

All photos will be on display from August 6th ­ August 21st at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. Office hours are Monday ­ Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Categories

· 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)

Entrants can either bring or mail 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.

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.

Kit's Club Teaches Youth Great Depression History

Youth ages nine and up will once again have the opportunity to learn about history through hands-on activities at the popular "American Girl" clubs sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. This year, the featured character is Kit, whose story takes place during the Great Depression of the 1930's.

Kit's Club will be held at Lanark's Heritage Center July 8-10, Savanna Public Library July 13-15, Thomson's York Township Library July 16, 23, 30, and Milledgeville's Wysox Township Library July 20-22. Registration forms are available at the libraries in each town, at dabluz Boutique in Mt. Carroll, or may be obtained by calling the University of Illinois Extension office at 815-244-9444. Early registration is encouraged, as space and group size is limited at each site.

Master Naturalist Training Offered

The Jo-Carroll Extension Unit is pleased to announce the formation of the Northwest Illinois Master Naturalist Program. This program will offer interested participants training by local and regional natural resource instructors and train individuals about the natural communities found in Northwest Illinois.

Participants will be trained weekly over the course of three months from August through October. Once training is completed, participants are expected to complete a volunteer service project to become a certified Master Naturalist. Once certified, the Master Naturalists are expected to annually conduct some level of volunteer stewardship and continuing training to maintain their certification.

The curriculum will cover topics ranging from natural history, understanding the natural world, communicating with nature, and environmental ethics & philosophy. The course will also teach people about the natural communities ranging from aquatics, grassland, forestry, special communities, agricultural and urban communities. Also covered will be ecosystems management, archaeology, and volunteer service projects opportunities.

Interested participants are encouraged to contact the Jo Daviess Extension Office at 815-858-2273 for details about program information and costs. Space is limited and will be based upon paid participants on a first come first serve basis.

Amazing Race Camp for Youth

Taste, paste and race around the world. Kids will learn facts and figures from around the world and then complete tasks and challenges at this year's Amazing Race.

This camp is for kids entering Kindergarten through 8th grades, June 30 & July 1&2 from 12:30-3:30pm at Helle Park in Savanna. To register your child or to learn more about other "Fun in the Park" programs, call the Carroll County Extension office at 815-244-9444. Program sponsors include the Savanna Park District and University of Illinois Extension.

Free Fun Night

Mark your calendar for Fun in the Park's second free family fun night at the Savanna Swimming Pool on Tuesday night July 7th from 5-8 pm. Swimming, games and treats will be provided for the entire family. All children must be accompanied by an adult and no registration is necessary for this family fun night. Take this opportunity to sign up your child for the Fun in the Park Camps that will be held throughout the summer.

To learn more about other "Fun in the Park" programs, call the Carroll County Extension office at 815-244-9444. Program sponsors include the Savanna Park District and University of Illinois Extension.

U of I Extension Gardening Program Continues

The Four Seasons Gardening program, from University of Illinois Extension, continues with the session titled Don't Blame the Plant. This program is offered at the Mt. Carroll or Elizabeth Extension Offices Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 1:00 pm. or in the Mt. Carroll Extension Office on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 7:00 pm.

This seminar focuses on things, other than pests, that affect the survivability of plants. The program includes a color slide presentation accompanied by the voice of the instructor as people from all over the state participate.

This is the second session of the summer series. The next program titled Landscaping on the Wild Side will be offered July 14 and 16. 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.

From the Fields

By Jim Morrison

Extension Educator, Crop Systems

Rockford Extension Center, U of I

Another growing season is here and it will soon be time to diagnose plant problems. Rapid diagnosis of pests and plant disorders enables producers of agricultural and horticultural crops to make timely decisions. University of Illinois Extension can help identify plant problems and offer recommendations.

One type of help is only a mouse click away using the Distance Diagnostics through Digital Imaging (DDDI) system available at local Extension offices.

Offices are equipped with a digital camera that is attached to a microscope. Digital images of the plant or pest are transmitted via computer and the Internet to Extension diagnosticians who can assess the problem and recommend a course of action. When the diagnosis is made, an email message is sent to the originator with the diagnosis, recommended treatment, and information on how to contact the diagnosticians if necessary.

Since the DDDI system began in 1999, nearly 8000 plant and pest samples have been processed. Last year, over 25% of the samples were diagnosed within 1 hour and the median response time was 9 hours.

Another way to have University of Illinois Extension identify plant problems is by sending a sample to the Plant Clinic. Located on the campus at Urbana-Champaign, it opened for the 34th year on May 1.

The University of Illinois Plant Clinic is meant to supplement field diagnosis and can identify pests, perform disease cultures, conduct nematode assay, and more. For details about laboratory services, sample submissions, fees and to obtain specimen forms (used when sending samples) visit the web site http://plantclinic.cropsci.illinois.edu/index.html or call 217-333-0519.

Both the DDDI system and the Plant Clinic are ready to screen and diagnose samples for soybean rust.

Accurate identification of pests and other causal factors is the first step in the correct diagnosis and management of plant problems. University of Illinois Extension can help in this identification effort.

Carroll County 4-H Fair Entries Due

All Carroll County 4-H Fair entries are due into the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, 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 1, (General Projects, Foods & Clothing) thru August 8th, at the Milledgeville fair grounds. For more information, contact Leanne Rahn at Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 815-244-9444 or lrahn@illinois.edu.

COUNTRY Honors Local Financial Representatives

Country Financial recently awarded one agency manager and two financial representative positions on the distinguished All American team.

Phil Hasz of Rochelle, Rhett Coatney of Lanark and Rick Wilson of Freeport received All American distinctions.

They are among a group of more than 300 top COUNTRY financial representatives and agency managers who qualified for the award. COUNTRY has more than 2,000 financial representatives and agency managers in 14 states.

All American is awarded each year by COUNTRY to financial representatives and agency managers who have excelled in identifying insurance products and financial solutions that fit the needs of their clients. Agency managers and financial representatives who receive the award provide outstanding service to their clients.

"The All American is among the highest honor a COUNTRY financial representative or agency manager can receive. Members of our agency force who earn this distinction are those who have shown a true commitment to customers' needs," says Doyle J. Williams, Chief Marketing Officer for COUNTRY.

This is the 13th time Hasz has been named an All American. Coatney has received the award three times. He also qualified for the COUNTRY Executive Club, whose members represent the top three percent of financial representatives and the top ten percent of agency managers for overall achievement. Wilson has been named an All American 19 times.

Hasz manages his agency from 811 South Clay in Mt. Carroll./ The office phone number is 815-244-1293.

Coatney's office is located at 105 S. Broad Street, Lanark. The office phone number is 815-493-2544.

Wilson serves clients from his office at 632 W. South St, Freeport. The office phone is 815-232-1001.

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