More Important News

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 19, 2012 to celebrate the opening of Relax Therapeutic Massage, located at 209 ½ E. Wall Street, Morrison, IL. Owner Christina Wetzell, a licensed massage therapist, offers Swedish massage, therapeutic deep tissue massage, and hot stone massage for both relaxation and relief of chronic health conditions. Call for an appointment at (815) 772-9944. Joining Christina (pictured with scissors) in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony were family and chamber members pictured front row l-r: Louise Clark, RE/MAX Property Associates; Danielle Vance, Pleasant View Rehabilitation & Health Care Center; Stephanie Vavra, thecity1.com; Julia Walters; Sarah Wetzell; Byron Wetzell holding Amelia Wetzell; and Pat Zuidema, City of Morrison. Back row l-r: Vickie Vigen, Madison Street Spa; Ed Stuart; Carol Attig; Linda Wetzell; and Jeff Wetzell. (Courtesy of Corinne Bender)

Mount Carroll Chief of Police officer Fred Cass gave a demonstration to the Carroll County Kids 4-H group on Sunday, July 22 at Point Rock Park. Cass and his dog Scout demonstrated how the K9 can sniff out drugs and human scent. Scout is 5 1/2 years old and came from Hungary. (PA photo/L. Forth)

Final Summer Night Event Set

The final Fulton Summer Night Event of 2012 will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2012, near the windmill area from 6pm to 8 pm. The event is sponsored by the Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Fulton Kiwanis Club.

Activities for the evening include a classic car cruise-in, concert by Coupe De Ville, a bounce house, sprinkler and several games. Food will be provided for a nominal charge by the Fulton Meat Market and Corner Treasures & Treats. The event is free.

Classic car participants are asked to park along 1st Street between 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the west gymnasium at Fulton High School. Limited seating will be available; attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

For more information visit www.cityoffulton.us or call 815-589-4545.

Preserving at its Best

Before freezers and refrigerators were around the only way to preserve food was to salt, smoke, bottle, store live or air-dry. These methods are still used today, in conjunction with our freezers and refrigerators.

The most ancient and highly reliable method for preserving food is drying. Since before recorded history people have dried herbs, meats, fruits and vegetables to store them for use at a later date. Historians have even credited the ability to store foods in this way with allowing the first advances toward civilization. Another ancient method of preservation (especially popular in the extreme Northern Latitudes) is freezing. The traditional way to preserve your garden gains is canning. This involves heating up both jars and produce to kill germs and then sealing the produce within the jars.

On Saturday, July 28th, from 1:00pm until 2:30pm, local expert Jolene Foat will share her knowledge of food preservation in its many forms. From drying, pickling, freezing and fermentation, she will have tips and advice, as well as a few recipes. Jolene will demonstrate open kettle canning and how to use a pressure cooker. She will also delve into the sweet and savory world of jams and jellies.

This program will be held at the 1876 Banwarth House & Museum is located at 408 E. Sycamore St. in Elizabeth, IL next to the Apple River Fort Interpretive Center. The fee for Preserving at its Best is $3.00 or free for PSF members.

For more information please call Diane Sipiera at 815-858-2014 or check out the 1876 Banwarth House & Museum on Facebook for additional programing.

Football Camp for WCYFA Players

West Carroll High School Head Football Coach Mike Bicksler, his staff, and members of the 2012 WCHS Football teams will be conducting a free football camp for students who will be members of the 2012 West Carroll Youth Football Association football teams. The camp will be Monday July 30th to Thursday August 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The camp will be held at West Carroll High School. Coaches suggest that players should wear light colored shirts, shorts, and football cleats if they have them. Players can bring water or Gatorade if they like and the water fountains will be working at the school.

The camp will consist of working on basic fundamentals, developing the skills to be a better player, and getting an understanding of the base offense and defense that will be used in the upcoming season.

Any player or cheerleader that did not get signed up at the Early Registration for the upcoming 2012 season in April for WCYFA will be able to sign up those nights. To sign-up your child you will need to pay the $60 registration fee, have proof of insurance, fill out a registration form, and if your son did not play last year then they will need a copy of their birth certificate. Equipment hand out for football will be Friday August 3rd from 6:00-8:00 at West Carroll Middle School with tentative start date for football being August 6th at 6:00.

Dean’s List at Monmouth College

The following local students made the Dean’s List at Monmouth College for the spring semester. Students must have had a 3.5 GPA or higher for the semester on a 4.0 scale.

Danielle Gordon, a junior business administration major, the daughter of Cindy and Gregory Gordon of Freeport.

Dennis Barr, a senior accounting major, the son of Robyn and Larry Kettler of Fulton.

Madeline Landherr, a senior topical studies major, the daughter of Marybeth and Lynn Landherr of Lanark.

Vincent Miles, a senior physical education major, the son of Karen and Jeff Miles of Lyndon.

Jacob Nysather, a senior biochemistry and chemistry major, the son of Charlene and Rod Nysather of Sterling.

River Ridge CUSD #210 2012-2013 Registration

Registration for the 2012-2013 school year at River Ridge CUSD #210, 4141 IL Rte 84 South, Hanover, IL will be Wednesday, August 8th, and Thursday, August 9th. Parents or guardians may register their children from noon – 8:00 pm either day. Students should not be sent to register themselves. Students in grades 6-12 are required to purchase a t-shirt for physical education class. Order forms will be available at registration.

Students registering will need the following:

- Completed Illinois physical exam form with proof of immunizations is required of new students to the district, Kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade.

- Completed vision exam is required of new students to the district and Kindergarten.

- Completed dental exam is required for Kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade students.

Families new to the area will need to fill out a “Proof of Residency” form. This form may be picked up at the District Office located at 4141 IL Rte 84 South, Hanover, IL if they wish to do so before the registration dates.

The Middle School “BACK-TO-SCHOOL Swim Party” will be Monday, August 20th for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Buses will leave the school parking lot at 5:45 pm and return at 8:15 pm.

Please call 815-858-9005 if you have any questions.

Donate Blood in Thomson

The Churches of Thomson are sponsoring a visit of the Red Cross Bloodmobile on Thursday, August 2, 2012, from 11:00-5:00 at the The Thomson United Methodist Church.

You can schedule an appointment by calling Jean Smith at 815-259-5687 or 815-275-0351, Karen Miller 815-276-7680 or call Red Cross at 800-GIVE.LIFE or visit www.givebloodgivelife.org If you have not made an appointment walk in anytime between 11:00 am and 4:45 pm.

Summer presents unique challenges for collecting blood as donors travel and engage in fun summer activities. And yet, the need for blood donors never goes away. The American Red Cross is asking eligible donors of all blood types to make an appointment today. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with written parental/guardian consent, contact Jean Smith or Karen Miller for consent form) and must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Voter Fraud Discussed at Sauk Valley Tea Party

The Sauk Valley Tea Party welcomes Marilyn Dent and Claire Van Horn, co-leaders of Honest Elections Illinois, to our July meeting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, July 24th at the Rock Falls Public Library, Rock Falls IL.

Voter fraud is an issue that all voters should be concerned about. Forty-six states have prosecuted and/or convicted people for voter fraud – four party officials in Indiana, a sheriff in West Virginia, 38 Virginians netted in a state police investigation, a political operative in Maryland. How often does this really occur and how often is it actually caught and stopped?

With the opposition to Voter ID, what can be done to ensure that your vote is counted properly and to keep those from voting who are not entitled to do so under the law?

Our meetings are always open to the public. Please join us at the Rock Falls Public Library to learn how you can help ensure integrity in our elections this November. It is sure to be a fascinating conversation!

For information on the Sauk Valley Tea Party or more details on Tuesday’s meeting, please visit our website, SaukValleyTeaParty.com or email us at SaukValleyTeaParty@live.com.

‘Classic Tractor Drive’ Planned

The third annual “Classic Tractor Drive” will take place on Saturday August 25, sponsored by the Stephenson and Jo Daviess County Farm Bureaus. The drive will depart from the Gary & Troy Mahon farm near Winslow and travel a route through northwest Stephenson and northeast Jo Daviess counties, returning to the Mahon farm for a cookout lunch around noon. Cost is $20 which includes continental breakfast, snack bag, lunch and door prizes.
Registration details are available at www.stephensoncfb.org or at the SCFB office, 210 W. Spring Street in Freeport. For more information, contact Bruce Johnson at 815-232-3186 or 815-499-9387.

If you have never been on a drive, see this week’s “Carroll County Farm Bureau Tractor Drive” photos in this week’s Prairie Advocate, and see the slide show and video at www.pacc-news.com. It will be a memorable experience.

Whiteside County Fair

The Whiteside County Fair Board is proud to announce Morrison Blacktop, Inc. - The Stralow Family as the “2012 Friend of the Fair” honoree. Since 1989, the board has sought to honor those who have made an extra effort to support and make the annual Fair as much fun as possible for all those who participate and attend the many shows and events. This year, the board offers its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many years of friendship with the Stralow’s and for everything they have done for the Whiteside County Fair.

The Grandstand entertainment starts with the demolition derby on Tuesday, August 14th at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 15th the Draft Horse Halter Judging starts at 1:00 p.m., and Next-Level Pro-Bull Riding Productions will entertain the crowd as the featured entertainment and at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 16th at 8:00 a.m. the (preliminary) Draft Horse Hitches will be judged, and at 5:00 p.m. the Twilight Harness Races will begin. After the races you will get to see the final of the Draft Horse Hitches & Western Speed Events. Five classes of souped-up tractors and trucks will take over the grandstand on Friday, August 17th at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 18th at 1:00 p.m. the Lawn Mower Racing will return for their second year at the fair and at 6:30 p.m. the second demolition derby will finish off the fair’s five-day evening grandstand events.

For those with a sweet tooth, chances will be sold at a nominal cost to test entrants’ luck at winning a tasty treat in the “cake walks” and “pie parades” held Tuesday through Friday at 4:00 p.m. at the culinary department in the large exhibition hall north of the secretary’s office.

Harness racing takes over the racetrack Thursday at 5:00 p.m. with track records up for grabs. Friday the action starts at 1:00 p.m. Children’s pedal pulls are scheduled on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday at 11:00 a.m., with six divisions for youngsters ages 4 through 12. Grandpa Cratchet will once again be joining us at the fair to entertain the kids, and there will be a bicycle given away each day of the fair.

Bingo is back again this year thanks to Pearl City Lions Club that will be open every week night of the fair from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Over $115,500 in premiums will be offered in prize money to the winners in over 1,500 different classes. The 60-page premium books are available at banks throughout the county or on line directly from the fair website.

Wilson Family Shows will entertain the kids and adults again this year with their outstanding carnival and midway attractions, providing a festive and fun time for everyone.

As always, the fair board strives to provide something for everyone, young and old alike.

For more information, please visit us at www.whitesidecountyfair.org

Emergency Haying and Grazing of CRP Acres

Alan Flikkema, Chairman of the Carroll County Farm Service Agency County Committee announced that, due to the fact that Carroll County has been rated as severe, on the U.S. Drought Monitor, it is now eligible for Emergency Haying and Grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres. Flikkema stressed that no haying and grazing may occur before August 2, 2012 which is the end of the primary nesting and brood rearing season in Illinois.

Flikkema said, “producer are required to visit their local FSA office prior to haying and grazing CRP to review the current rules for Emergency Haying and Grazing, identify the fields to be hayed and grazed and fill out the necessary forms.” He went on to say that there will be a 10% CRP payment reduction based on the number of acres actually hayed or grazed. He urged producer with questions on this emergency release of CRP acres and with questions on other FSA programs to contact their local FSA office.

Carroll County office: 244-8732

Jo Daviess County office: 815-858-3418 ext 2

Ogle County office: 815-732-6127 ext 2

Stephenson County office: 815-235-2141 ext 2

Whiteside County office: 815-772-2124 ext 2

Beat the Heat with Four Seasons Gardening Programs

The Four Seasons Gardening program, sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, give gardeners a chance to beat the heat and look toward fall gardening with a four-part workshop series offered at various dates and times within the Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Unit.

Tea Gardens Sept 25 at 1 p.m. or Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.T he tradition of making and taking tea in the garden is steeped in English and Japanese garden history. Today we know that tea gardens also provide enchanting outdoor spaces that are soothing, productive, sustainable, and lovely to visit. For a new twist on local foods, learn how to create your own tea garden.

The first topic in the series is titled Tree Selection & Care—Beyond Ash & Maple, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. at Plum Creek Arboretum, Dixon or Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at SVCC. Exotic bugs and diseases attack our landscapes often targeting popular overplanted tree species.  Consider the Emerald ash borer and its destruction of Ash trees.  Dutch elm disease nearly wiped out the American elm.  Plant diversity is the answer but what choices are available? 

Selecting & Planting Blooming Bulbs is scheduled for Sept.11 at 1 p.m. at Plum Creek Arboretum, Dixon or Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at SVCC. Flowering bulbs add color to our gardens from early spring to late fall, blooming in many colors, shapes and sizes and at different heights. Learn tips on common and not so common bulbs and their allies including colors, planting, watering issues, and pointers on their use as cut flowers.

The third topic is Tea Gardens, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. at Plum Creek Arboretum, Dixon or Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at SVCC. The tradition of making and taking tea in the garden is steeped in English and Japanese garden history. Today we know that tea gardens also provide enchanting outdoor spaces that are soothing, productive, sustainable, and lovely to visit. For a new twist on local foods, learn how to create your own tea garden.

Coneflowers Gone Crazy is the last topic offered Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. at Plum Creek Arboretum, Dixon or Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at SVCC. Coneflowers have long been a popular garden perennial. Breeders discovered what could happen when cornflowers crossed and now we have so many to choose from – but how do we know which are the best? Trial gardens across the country have started to address this question and have trialed Echinacea species. This program will look at the simple facts – which ones perform the best in Illinois gardens.

Cost per session is $5 (free for active Master Gardeners). Advance registration is needed. Register online at http://web.extension.uiu.edu/clw or call (815) 835-2070 to register for the Plum Creek Arboretum or Sauk Valley Community College location. If you have disability needs, please indicate when registering.

All sessions for the workshops will also be offered at the Carroll County Extension Branch Office in Mt. Carroll. Register online or call Susan O’Connor at (815) 244-9444 to register at this location.

New Law Improves Transparency, Access to Public Meeting Information

As part of his ongoing efforts to increase government accountability and transparency, Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation to strengthen the Illinois Open Meetings Act July 19, 2012. The governor was joined at the ceremony, held in the DuPage County building council chambers, by local legislators and DuPage County Chairman Dan Cronin. Governor Quinn is committed to restoring integrity to Illinois government.

“This law gives the public greater access to information and activities that impact their lives,” Governor Quinn said. “Increasing government openness and accountability from the statewide level to the local level will make Illinois a stronger, more ethical state.”

House Bill 4687, sponsored by Rep. Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn) and Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), requires public bodies conducting a public meeting to ensure that a copy of the meeting notice and agenda is available to the public for the entire 48 hours preceding the meeting. The measure specifies that public bodies can satisfy this requirement by posting the meeting notice on the Internet. The law also ensures that meeting agendas provide the public with adequate information about the meeting’s actions.

“I applaud Governor Quinn’s ongoing commitment to achieve more openness and greater transparency in Illinois government,” Chairman Cronin said. “By bridging the information gap between government and taxpayers, we make meaningful progress in the effort to restore the trust of our residents and the integrity of state government.”

“This new law will require all entities subject to the Open Meetings Act to provide a certain level of specificity when creating their agendas,” said Rep. Pihos.

“I’m happy we were able to work together in a bipartisan way to close a loophole that didn’t serve the public,” Sen. Dillard said. “This measure will help the public be better informed about what their local governments are doing.”

This legislation was inspired by a court case centered on an Illinois municipality that posted a meeting notice before the meeting but did so in a building that was locked on the weekends and not accessible to the public. This legislation closes that loophole by requiring online posting of meeting agendas that list meeting action items in such cases and which are continuously available. The law takes effect Jan. 1.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has made improving ethics and increasing government transparency and accountability a top priority. In 2011, the governor signed new laws that hold local governments more accountable by requiring them to provide information such as finances, contracts and non-compliances to County Boards. Governor Quinn also launched Appointments.Illinois.Gov, Accountability.Illinois.Gov and Data.Illinois.Gov to bring more transparency to state appointments, contracts and salary information and public data collected by state and federal agencies.

Teacher’s Workshop Features Hands-On Wildlife Training

The Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Education Foundation would like to invite Whiteside County teachers to a workshop on August 3rd from 8:30 to Noon, with a rain date of Monday August 6th. The goal of this workshop would be to give you a hands-on introduction to grassland birds, different wildlife habitats and wildlife in Whiteside County and resources to help you teach about these resources.

This event is qualified for CPDU’s.

We will be taking a ride or walk and view actual practices in the field where a discussion on instillation and reasons for each planting will be held. This class will be held in an informal setting which should allow time for questions.

Please respond by July 27th to the Whiteside County SWCD office at 815-772-2124 ext 3, or email Wendy at wendyromanswcd@hotmail.com. If we get enough interest, you will be contacted with more information.

Collins Named to Dean’s List

Austin Collins, a freshman history and english major at Hillsdale College, Michigan was named to the Dean’s List for the 2012 spring semester.

Austin is the son of Keith and Lynn Collins of Lanark and is a 2011 graduate of Aquin High School.

Hillsdale College is a private four-year liberal arts institution founded in 1844. The College is known for its stand against bureaucracy and for dedication to quality liberal arts education, free enterprise, limited government intervention, and the American heritage of individual self-determination. It proudly adheres to the non-discriminatory policy regarding race, religion, sex, and national or ethnic origin which it has maintained since 1844, long before governments found it necessary to regulate such matters.

Car Show Celebrates Lake Carroll’s 40th Anniversary

In celebration of Lake Carroll’s 40th Anniversary, a CAR SHOW is being held at the Lake Carroll Clubhouse, 29-11 Ironwood Blvd, Lake Carroll, IL, on Saturday, July 28, 2012.

Registration is open to the public and will be held from 9 am – 12pm the day of the even t. Awards will be presented at 3pm for “Best In Show,” as well as other trophies. To register please visit www.golakecarroll.com and click on the link on the homepage or stop by the LC Admin Office Mon-Sat, 8am-4:30pm.

Even if you don’t have a car to show, you’ll want to head out to Lake Carroll to enjoy the day seeing the variety of vehicles and poking your head under a couple hoods. The CAR SHOW begins at 11 am and will end after the award presentations. There will be live entertainment provided by Steve Scheffe, free spine screenings by Cornerstone Chiropractic (8 am-12 pm), LC 40th commemorative merchandise, LC “Bar Garden,” and the Clubhouse will provide food and beverage service both inside and out throughout the day.

Any businesses wishing to advertise via donations or if you have any questions regarding the LC CAR SHOW, please contact Chelsey Heckman at 815-493-8549 ext 10 or checkman@golakecarroll.com.

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