Customer Appreciation Day at Advantage One

Advantage One Credit Union in Morrison hosted their Customer Appreciation Day Saturday, June 26. New to the event was the “Cash Cube” (bot-right). Three-year-old Tristan Ohlsen grabs some cash with his little hands, with Susan Bentley, Advantage One Credit Union Business Development Coordinator helping out.

Staff at Advantage One Credit Union served up lots of good food, DQ ice cream, and helped customers of all ages enjoy the “Kidz Korner.”

 

A scene at the rehearsal of “Greased Lightening” from the upcoming Summerset 37 production of “GREASE!”. The actors, from left to right, are Carl Peterson, Barrick Tormohlen, Chad Sabin, Andrew Reid, Adam Murley, Brandon Bull, Andrew Dorsey and Joe Schemel.

Windmill Cultural Center

“Having Fun in the Netherlands” is the theme for July for the temporary exhibit at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton. Activities for the July exhibit center on bicycling, mud walking, boating, ice skating, and eating. Ron Medenblik contributed the Dutch bicycle (right) his family brought with them when they immigrated to Fulton in 1949. A trifold display of Judy Holesinger and daughter on their wadlopen (mud walking) experience, photos of boating in Sneek, ice skating in Hindeloopen, buying olibolen in Maastricht, snacking at a tearoom/tax house in Groningen, and Pam Swanson of Fulton’s cross stitched map of the Netherlands highlight other activities. The Windmill Cultural Center is open seven days a week and admission is free. It is handicap accessible.

Darron Hubbard, a 2006 graduate of Milledgeville High School was recently commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Darron completed Army ROTC training with the Gateway Battalion earning the award of Distinguished Military Graduate. Darron also recently graduated with honors from Washington University in St Louis with a degree in Political Science. Lieutenant Hubbard was granted a delay in his military service to pursue a law degree. He will attend DePaul Law School in Chicago this fall. Darron is the son of Don and Denise Hubbard of Milledgeville.

Make Teal Real Benefit

From left to right: Sandy Grau, Julie Nicklaus, Diane Workman, Maggie Jones, Joyce Hogue, Amy Nicklaus and Sandy Wilkens.

The Fourth Annual Ovarian Cancer Benefit was held on June 26, 2010 at the Cross Creek Golf Course in Morrison, Illinois. The activities for the day included golfing, a live and silent auction, several raffles, a dove release in honor of those who have had ovarian cancer or who are currently fighting this disease, a dinner and a comedian.

The Make Teal Real Organization was responsible for the planning of this benefit. The goals of this benefit are threefold: to raise money for ovarian cancer awareness and to educate women about the silent symptoms associated with ovarian cancer; to donate money to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to hopefully find a speedy cure for ovarian cancer; and, to provide assistance to local women and their families who have been touched by this disease.

The first annual ovarian cancer benefit was started by Jan Snyder, a Morrison resident, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four years ago. With the help of her family and friends, over $40,000 has been raised over the past four years and has been directed towards Jan’s wishes that all women would become aware of the disease and the silent symptoms.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death among women in the United States. If you would like to learn more about ovarian cancer and the symptoms, visit www.ocrf.org.

 

Sara Sorensen is greeted by one of the residents at the Heartland Pet Welfare Open House, held Sunday, July 11. (PA photo/Michael Miller)

Faust-Bashaw Welcome Daughter

Melissa Faust and Jesse Bashaw of Lanark announce the birth of their daughter, Kensley Anne, born July 10th at the Monroe Clinic, Monroe, WI.

Grandparents are Mendy Walrath of Lanark and Jason Walrath of Chadwick, Randy Faust of Pearl City, Julie and Dave Wright of Lanark, Ray and Debbie Bashaw of Lincoln Park, MI and the late Lori Faust. Great grandparents include Mary and Elmer Bleile of Dubuque, IA; John and Joyce Heldt of Lanark, Bonnie Kunde of Sterling, Bev Kent of Lanark and Bev and Gordon Hurst of Southgate, MI.

Stoners Welcome New Son

Ryan and Shelley Stoner of Lanark are proud parents of new son Carson Ryley, born July 10th at the Monroe Clinic, Monroe, WI. Carson joins sister Jenica, age 4 and Perry, age 2 at home.

Grandparents are Dennis and Karen Schriner of Lanark and Darrell and Carol Stoner of Shannon. Great grandparents are Robert and Dorothy Stoner of Lanark, Don Schriner and the late Mildred Schriner of Lanark, the late Vernon and LaVeda Alexander of Chadwick and the late Gus and Irma Haas of Elizabeth.

Area students on UWP Chancellor’s List

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has announced the Chancellor’s List for the 2010 spring semester. The following acronyms represent the three colleges of the university:

BILSA — Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture

EMS — Engineering, Mathematics and Science

LAE — Liberal Arts and Education

Students on the Chancellor’s List must have grade point averages of 4.00 and have a minimum of 12 credits for the semester.

Christopher R Flikkema, BILSA, Lanark; Lindsey A Folgate, LAE, Lena; Lucas D Morhardt, LAE ,Lena; Matthew T Beschta, BILSA, Lena; Thomas J Prombo, BILSA, Morrison, Seth M Bausman, LAE, Mount Carroll; Whitney N Foltz, LAE, Mount Carroll; Gena L Gray, LAE, Pearl City; Daniel O’Brien, BILSA, Polo; and Meredith Davis, BILSA , Stockon.

Job Opportunities Through Illinois YES

Illinois YES is a statewide initiative aimed at stimulating the economy and local job market by creating thousands of job opportunities. This program provides temporary positions for eligible 16-24 year old, unemployed and underemployed, low-income parents and young adults through September 30, 2010.

Illinois YES program is being made available to local employers through a cooperative agreement between Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Economic Opportunities, Partners for Employment, and the Northwest Illinois Workforce Investment Board.

This program is being offered to area employers and those currently taking advantage of the program include Sterling High School, Sterling Code Enforcement, Sterling Public Works, Prophetstown Public Works, Freeport Downtown Development, Stephenson Senior Center, and Morrison Rockwood State Park. Employers responsibilities are minimal and following just a few easy steps, will allow you to participate in this program at no cost to you.

Employer Incentives Include:

- No wage expenses for employers.

- The opportunity to train new workers on your unique internal processes/procedures, at no cost to you, with the option to hire them.

- The chance to expand your business when you otherwise would not be able to.

Potential state and federal tax credits may be available.

Employer Responsibilities:

- Provide a meaningful work experience for eligible individuals

- Provide supervision

- Complete bi-weekly timecards and submit them to Partners for Employment so paychecks can be processed.

To participate, call (866) 625-3624 and tell them you want to participate in Illinois YES. After you have registered a job, a staff member from Partners for Employment will contact you to see if there are any special requirements for the positions you pledge. You will then be referred eligible workers to interview. Decide who you want to hire and notify staff from Partners for Employment. Partners for Employment staff will have you complete a Worksheet Agreement. Your new employee can then begin work.

For more information please call Kathy Day at (866) 625-3624 or email Kathy.day@highland.edu or contact the local Partners for Employment Representative, April Eshelman at (815) 631-3746. Visit Illinois YES website at http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/business/en/Resources/HiringYouth/ for further information. This program is not to be confused with the Put Illinois to Work Program.

From the Fields

By Jim Morrison

Ext. Educator, Crop Systems, Rockford Extension, U of I

With corn at or approaching silking and soybeans blooming, it is appropriate to comment on two insect pests that can cause damage.

Adult Japanese beetles feed on silks, interfering with the pollination process. Extensive silk clipping may lead to incomplete ear fill and yield loss. To protect pollination from silk clipping by Japanese beetles, an insecticide application may be warranted when there are 3 or more beetles per ear, pollination is not complete, and silk clipping is observed.

In soybean, Japanese beetles are one of several insects that can defoliate plants. An insecticide rescue treatment should be considered when defoliation reaches 30 percent before bloom and 20 percent between bloom and pod fill.

When scouting for this pest in corn and soybean move beyond the border rows (where populations are typically higher) into the field as considerable differences exist in beetle densities between the edge and interior of fields. An application of an insecticide to prevent infestation of Japanese beetles is not warranted.

Secondly, western corn rootworm adults may be observed in corn fields. As these adults become numerous, monitor plants for silk clipping to protect the pollination process. Consider a rescue treatment if there are 5 or more beetles per plant and pollination is not complete.

Be sure to read and follow the label directions when using any pesticide.

Organic Valley Farmers Present Benefits of Raising Organic Food

Learn how to Secure Financing for Your First Farm and How to Sell to Consumers

Learn how to make more money, start your first farm, and sell directly to consumers at Working the Soil: Sharing Thoughts on Agriculture from the Grassroots Up at the Elizabeth Community Center (near Highland West College Campus and the Fairgrounds) on US Rt. 20 in Elizabeth, IL on July 20, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

Organic Valley Farmers Delmar & Theresa Westaby and Jeff & Sheila Koester will be speaking about their experiences raising organic food and being part of a cooperative. Of particular interest to area residents will be the higher prices paid for organic products combined with cost saving from eliminating expensive fertilizers and pesticides.

Eric Reed, from the Illinois Finance Authority, will be making a special trip up to Jo Daviess County to explain innovative financing programs available through the state to provide low cost loans to first time farm owners. Learn how you can get money to buy land!

John Crabtree, from the Center for Rural Affairs in Nebraska, will wrap up the evening with a workshop for farmers. He will discuss how to raise healthy food to meet the growing demand from consumers for locally sourced meat and produce. He will also discuss methods to market your products directly to consumers.

This event is sponsored by the Organic Valley Family of Farms; a cooperative of over 1,650 farm families. Organic Valley will be providing samples of their milk and other products for people to enjoy during the evening.

The presentation will be hosted by HOMES. For more information call 815-745-9013.

Gardening Program to Highlight Native Prairie Wildflowers

The summer series of the Four Seasons Gardening program, from University of Illinois Extension, wraps up with a session called Native Prairie Wildflowers. The program is offered at the Mt. Carroll or Elizabeth Extension Offices Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 1:00 pm. or in the Mt. Carroll Extension Office on Thursday July 29, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

This class will cover the basics of gardening with native wildflowers and showcase several native prairie wildflowers. The seminar includes a color slide presentation accompanied by the voice of the instructor as people from all over the state participate.

Advance registration is needed. Phone 815-244-9444 to attend in Mt. Carroll or 815-858-2273 to attend in Elizabeth, and for cost details. If you have disability needs, please indicate when registering.

Taking Bids at the Whiteside County 4-H Show

The Whiteside County 4-H Show is here, and one of the highlights of the show is the Sale of Champions. This event is the conclusion of the 4-H member’s hard work. The public is invited to take part in this sale of champion and reserve champion animals and again this year some general projects will be sold.

Some of these champion animals include: Market Barrow; Market Gilt; Pen of Market Barrows; Pen of Market Gilts; Pen of Rabbits; Single Fryer; Market Wether; Market Ewe; and again back in to the lineup Market Animal and Rate of Gain Steer. Some of the general projects that could be sold are photography, visual arts, clothing and more.

The bidding for the animals will begin after a welcome and parade of champions which starts at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 15th in front of the grandstand at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison. These animals will go home with the highest bidder. If you wish to come and bid, as well as support your local 4-H program, then you are invited to come a few minutes before the auction starts, viewing of the projects will be available at 5:30 p.m. in the swine/sheep barn. Come and show your support of these 4-H’ers hard work and enjoy the fun.

If you would like more information, please call the Whiteside County Extension office at 815/772-4075.

Family Night Includes Food, Fun and 4-H

The Whiteside County 4-H Show is here again. The most exciting night of the show is the Pork Chop BBQ and Family Night. This year, these activities will take place on Thursday, July 15. You are invited on behalf of all Whiteside County 4-H’ers to come and share the fun.

The night begins with the Federation Pork Chop BBQ from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Prices are: one chop dinner, $7.00; and a two chop dinner, $9.00. The meal will be served at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds. The 4-H Federation is a county-wide teen group that focuses on leadership, community service and teamwork. The BBQ is the only fundraiser held by Federation throughout the year. Everyone is invited to come and support the 4-H Federation program.

Following the BBQ, the annual Parade of Club Banners will kick off the fun and excitement of Family Fun Night activities. Highlights include Special Awards, New and Exciting activities that the 4-H’ers will be participating in, the Sale of Champions and the Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Silent Auction. Whiteside County 4-H families invite everyone to come and share the fun with local 4-H’ers.

2010 4-H Show is “To Make the Best Better”

One of the biggest events of the year for Whiteside County 4-H members, the

4-H Show, is happening at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison on July 12-15. The show gives 4-H’ers a chance to exhibit the work they have completed in projects this past year. The show is open to the public and you will be able to see 4-H’ers with their various 4-H projects including livestock, arts and crafts, science, gardening, photography, electricity, and much, much more.

On Wednesday beef, cat and dog shows take place throughout the day. Foods judging, swine, poultry and dairy shows take place during the day on Thursday. Thursday night is full of events, which include Family Night Activities, the Sale of Champions, Pork Chop BBQ, Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Silent Auction and the Parade of Banners. All events will be held at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison.

The 4-H show is the highlight of the year for the exhibitors and a good way to find out what 4-H is all about. Come to see 4-H in action in the at the Whiteside County 4-H Show.

Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Silent Auction

The Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Board will sponsor a silent auction during the 4-H Show. Jan Wiersema, board president, approached the 4-H leaders during their March meeting, and many of them pledged that their club would supply a basket of items for this fundraiser. Money raised from this event will go towards, achievement awards and scholarships available through the Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund.

All baskets for the auction will be at the Extension Office, where they will remain until the 4-H Show, available to be bid on at anytime. Pictures of the items can be viewed online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/whiteside. Just a few of the items available through the silent auction are gardening baskets, back to school baskets, family night fun, toy tractors, Candlelight chicken dinners and much, much more.

Winners of the silent auction will be announced after the Sale of Champions at the grandstand on Thursday evening, July 15. Winning bidders need not be present, but must pick up their baskets at the Extension Office. They will not be delivered.

Pictures of the baskets will be displayed throughout the whole 4-H Show with a bidding sheet with each one. Items will be available to be seen live on Thursday, July 15th during the BBQ in the brown building.

Live Trapping Hopes to Help Shannon Critter Problem

Due to many complaints about raccoons and skunks in the Village limits, the Village of Shannon is going to conduct a series of live trapping sessions to help eradicate the problem. Village President Bonnie Foust is asking for help from Shannon residents.

“We want your pets safe,” Foust said. “All residents of Shannon will need to abide by the local ordinances of keeping pets on leashes, within fences or in houses to avoid getting their animal trapped.”

According to Foust, the trapping will begin Monday, July 19. “Flyers with more information will be posted in the entry way of the Village Hall and at the Shannon Post Office,” Foust added.

The Village is hiring a trapper licensed by the Illinois Department of Conservation to conduct the trapping. Any resident that would like to give permission for trapping on their property please call Village President, Bonnie Foust at 815-864-2577.

Family Fun at the Pigeon Expo

Rock River Valley Racing Pigeon Club to Hold “Family Fun Pigeon Expo”

The Rock River Valley Racing Pigeon Club will be holding a “Family Fun Pigeon

Expo” on Saturday, July 17th at the Oppold Marina in Sterling, IL from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Festivities include: Kids Fishing Tournament for children under 16 years of age

with prizes. Free lunch will be provided by Arthur’s Garden Deli for all the kids in the fishing tournament. Fire trucks on site, the Illinois National Guard, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Marine Corp League, the American Legion, the Whiteside County Mounted Patrol, the Boy Scouts, the local 4-H and the Future Farmers of America will also have exhibits.

There will be pigeon races that spectators may participate in, and a release of 1,000 pigeons. There will also be a tribute to our military and veterans with the release of white birds of peace and the honor guard.

You can see an actual pigeon loft and take a class in “Pigeons 101”. You may send messages by pigeon to people special to you. Messages from attendees will also be sent by messenger pigeon to both Governor Quinn and President Obama.

Attend and watch, High School, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Police, Fireman, and

Community Races. For the really small children there will be an animal menagerie.

There will be fun for the whole family and it’s FREE.!!!

For more information, please call 815/284-2456 or 815/225-7399 or visit our website at: rrvpigeonclub.org . Proceeds will be used to fund Sauk Valley Youth Racing Pigeon Program.