The First United Methodist Church of Savanna is proud to introduce their newest members. "Let us rejoice in their journey and decision to belong to Christ Jesus," said Joe Belander, Administrative Assistant at the First UMC.(L to R) Tony & Chrystal Garcia, Susan Jepsen, Chris Falk, Rev. Larry Thomson, Robert Bauer, and Vivian & Jim Eaton. (Photo courtesy of FUMC) Josh Riley

Friends Meet at Chadwick Library

"Even if you have never attended a meeting of the Friends, please feel welcome to do so next Wednesday," says Jo Nell Castellani, Director. The Friends of the Chadwick Library will meet on Wednesday, July 16, at 2:00 p.m. at the library, 110 Main St. in downtown Chadwick.

New members and ideas are always welcome. For further information, call the library at 815-684-5215.

Rahn Named To ISU Dean's List

More than 4,732 Iowa State University undergraduates have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the 2008 spring semester Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

Congratulations to Correy Evan Rahn, a senior from rural Mt. Carroll. Correy attends the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, studying Agricultural Business. He is the son of Elmer and Annette Rahn, and is a graduate of Milledgeville High School.

How Valuable is Your Farmland?

How valuable is your soil? Has the assessed value of your agricultural land or timberland increased in recent years? Have you ever wondered how your farmland may be appraised? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, make plans now to visit your local University of Illinois Extension office on July 24, 2008.

Dr. Kenneth R. Olson, Professor of Soil Science at University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, will present a telenet and training session on July 24, 2008 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Topics will include: Illinois soils, average soil productivity ratings (PI's) for Illinois soils, Illinois farm land assessment using average soil productivity ratings, prime farmland identification and land appraisal, and timber yields of Illinois soils and Illinois Timberland Assessment.

This telenet is part of the Local Government Information and Education Network and Natural Resources Management Team telenet series. There is a minimal cost per 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.

Area Girls Learn About Alternative Energy

The third annual Advanced Science Siesta for middle school girls was recently held on the University of Illinois campus at Champaign. This year's event focused on the research being done to explore and utilize alternative energy sources. Twenty-seven participants from Northwest Illinois were able to meet with science and engineering professors and students to see how they are working to find economical and environmentally friendly sources of energy for homes, business, and transportation.

Participants from the JoDaviess/Carroll Unit were Eva Folks, Michelle Ludwig, Diamond Merboth, Megan Mrozek, Alyssa Nelson, and Katie Woessner.

Advanced Science Siesta is the second component in a program designed by the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development staff to promote science and engineering interests and careers. Research has shown that girls typically begin to shy away from science and math during upper elementary and middle school years. Science Siesta was created seven years ago to engage upper elementary girls in fun science activities with female scientists. Advanced Science Siesta was designed for middle school girls who have had past involvement in the Science Siesta program.

Day one of this two-day event focused on wind energy. The girls visited the Twin Groves Wind Farm near Bloomington, Illinois. Here they learned about the 240 wind turbines which have been put into operation in the last 18 months. These turbines can generate enough power to meet the annual electricity needs of 118,000 homes.

After visiting the wind farm, the girls were challenged by University of Illinois College of Engineering staff to create their own miniature wind turbine and harness its energy to lift a small load. By taking common supplies of paper, pencils, tape, paper clips, string, and paper cups the girls were able to use the power of moving air to lift up to fifty pennies a height of three feet. Key elements to success were persistence and a willingness to alter their design.

The girls spent day two learning about a variety of alternative energy sources. The campus organization Engineers Without Boarders demonstrated a toy train powered by a solar panel and a Lego-sized model car powered by a hydrogen battery. The girls created tiny battery cells using raspberry juice and then measured the energy output.

With gasoline prices at record level, everyone was interested in renewable fuel options. Participants toured a field plot where Crop Sciences students explained the research they are doing with switch grass and miscanthus as ethanol sources. The girls discovered that the perennial grass miscanthus can grow over 12 feet in a year. The Crop Sciences Department is using the energy from miscanthus to heat the farm house next to the field plot. Each girl dug a miscanthus root to take home. Expect to see small clumps of really tall grass in participants' back yards.

Advanced Science Siesta was sponsored by University of Illinois College of ACES and Illinois 4-H Foundation. University of Illinois Extension offices in DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, Whiteside, Stephenson, JoDaviess, and Carroll Counties organized the event. For more information about the Science Siesta programs, contact Sara Hankemeier, 4-H Youth Development Educator, at 815 244-9444.

Floods, Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV), which is carried by some mosquitoes and can be transmitted to humans, has become a common summer time issue in northern Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health and local health departments have started the annual monitoring and testing for its presence by checking for the disease in birds. Typically, incidences increase later in the summer, but now is a good time to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites to help control the population. "Since mosquitoes that carry west nile virus do not travel far from their hatching site, it is helpful to eliminate egg-laying sites in your own backyard," says John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Rockford. They often only travel within one-half mile of their hatching site, so individuals can often help their situation by acting on their own property.

There are several varieties of mosquitoes in Illinois. Not all of them carry WNV. The Northern House mosquito, which carries WNV, lays eggs in standing water in places such as ditches, catch basins and other locations, such as water filled containers. Recent research information from the Illinois Department of Public Health indicates that as much as 70% of the breeding sites for the Northern House mosquito are in stormwater catch basins. Other attractive breeding sites in urbanizing areas include construction site tracks and ruts or new basement foundations that hold water. Clogged roof gutters can also provide breeding sites. Reducing the incidence of these problem sites will help reduce egg-laying and hatch.

Persons should eliminate any unnecessary water holding areas and containers, such as old tires. Sites such as wading pools, birdbaths, or pet watering dishes should be cleaned and freshened with new water often. Cutting tall grass and weeds can help reduce populations near the home, since it is a favorite hiding place during the day. Homeowners can reduce favorable sites for mosquitoes' life cycle before the peak of the mosquito season. Entomologists at the University of Illinois and Purdue indicate that the entire life cycle of a mosquito can be completed in about seven to ten days. Anything that interrupts the cycle, such as reducing water availability within that time, is helpful.

The floodwater mosquito, which is one of the most common nuisance mosquitoes especially in wet years like this one, does not carry WNV. Their eggs are laid in muddy, temporary pool areas and hatch when flooded by rain or runoff water. Young mosquitoes live as larvae in water, but they are rarely found in deep water such as lakes or in flowing streams or rivers. Shallow, ponded areas are the most preferred sites. However, wetlands with a balanced diversity of wildlife can actually confine the mosquito population in that area and use it as a food source.

For individuals, remember that dark colored clothing tends to attract mosquitoes. They are often hungriest and most active at dusk and dawn, so less outside activity at that time can reduce biting. The peak biting time for the northern house mosquito is about 8:00 pm to midnight. Keep pets inside during those high feeding times and out of tall grassy areas, since they can also be bitten. Apply insect repellents to exposed skin when going outside and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Potters Marsh Blind Drawing Is July 26

The Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that the Potter's Marsh (Mississippi River Pool 13) drawing for duck blinds will be held on Saturday, July 26, at the House of Events in Savanna IL. The House of Events is located in downtown Savanna at 108 Main Street, across from City Hall. Applications will be accepted from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the drawing to be held at 2:00 p.m. You must apply in person and must be present at the drawing. When your ticket is drawn in the lottery, you will select your choice from the 39 available blinds. A $10 application fee is required. A $100 non-refundable blind fee is charged for each applicant that receives a blind.

Applicants are required to show the following information: photo identification, 2008 Hunting or Sportsmans License, 2008 Federal waterfowl stamp, 2008 State duck stamp and a Firearm Owners Identification Card (IL residents only). Residents under 21 do not need the FOID but must be accompanied by an adult (21 or older) who has a valid card. Non-residents can provide a current year license and state stamp from their resident state. Applicants must be a minimum 16 years old.

2008 is the phase-out year for permanent blinds in Pool 13 including Potter's Marsh. The Refuge will allow hunters to hunt from a boat blind or a boat hide at Potters Marsh in 2008 instead of requiring the construction of a permanent blind. Flood waters have removed many of the permanent blinds used last year so this option for a boat blind or boat hide is available to those who want to save the time, money and effort that it will take to construct and then have to remove a permanent blind at the end of the hunting season.

Interested hunters may contact the Refuge Office at 815-273-2732 for an application and blind regulations or stop in the office. Information can also be obtained at www.midwest.fws.gov/UpperMississippiRiver website. The Refuge Office is located at 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, IL (approximately 4 miles south of Savanna off of Hwy 84, behind Metform).

Illinois Biodiversity Squirrel Study Announced

The Illinois Biodiversity Squirrel Study offers teachers and their K-12 students the opportunity to participate in a statewide, year-long study of three Illinois squirrel species: the fox squirrel, gray squirrel, and red squirrel. Students will observe and collect data about squirrels at their

school, then record and analyze the results as well as communicate with other classes in the state who are also collecting data. IDNR scientists will monitor the results and interact with classes as needed.

This cooperative program is sponsored by the IDNR Division of Education and Northwestern University's Collaboratory Project. Enrollment began July 1.If you are a K-12 teacher interested in participating, go to the Collaboratory Project Web site at http://collaboratory.nunet.net and click the "Participate" button (if you do not already have an account).

Remarkable State Record Fish Caught

The IDNR Division of Fisheries salutes Aurora teenagers Andrew and John Chione for their catches of state-record fish this spring. The accomplishments of the Chione brothers are even more remarkable in that the record-setting catches occurred on consecutive days in generally the same area on the Fox River in Kane County.

Thirteen-year-old John Chione landed a 6.71 pound silver redhorse the morning of Thursday, April 24 while fishing the Fox with his brother and family friend William Walsh.After the anglers weighed and documented the fish, IDNR fisheries biologist Vic Santucci inspected and certified the new state-record fish.

On Friday, April 25, the Chione brothers and Walsh met again to fish the Fox.Fifteen-year-old Andrew Chione caught a 3.74 pound shorthead redhorse.Sensing another possible record, the anglers repeated the weighing and documenting of Andrew Chione's shorthead redhorse and biologist Vic Santucci certified the second state record in as many days.

The previous state record silver redhorse was 5 pounds 10 ounces, caught in the Fox River in Kendall Co. in 2003.The previous state record shorthead redhorse was caught in the Spoon River in Fulton County in 2003 and weighed in at 2 pounds 2.56 ounces.

Guenzler's Observe 40 Years

Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Guenzler of Chadwick will celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary on July 20, 2008 at a Surprise Open House hosted by family and friends.

The Open House will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Hope United Methodist Church located at 79 Snow Ave. in Chadwick, Illinois.

Sherman Guenzler and Betty Goodell Turner were married June 15, 1968 in Sterling, Illinois. Together they have eight children: Jerry (Colleen) Turner and Glenn Turner of Manchester, New Hampshire; Joy Turner, wife of Guy (deceased), Davenport, IA (formerly of Savanna); Tina (Eric) Sigel of Lanark; Jeff (Beth) Guenzler of Aurora; Michael (Rina) Guenzler of Port Orchards, WA; Brian (Amy) Guenzler of Nauvoo, AL; fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The couple requests gift be omitted.

July NARFE Meeting

Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their monthly meeting at 12 noon Thursday July 17, 2008, at the House of Events in Savanna, Illinois. A luncheon buffet will be available at noon for those who wish to eat. The business meeting and program will follow at 1 p.m. Join us and be involved in protecting your future! All active and retired federal employees, spouses and survivors, are cordially invited.

Carroll Co. Summer League All-Star Games

The Carroll County summer league all-star games are scheduled to be played in Mt. Carroll at Point Rock Park on Saturday July 12th. Games will be played on two diamonds with Pee Wee boys and Tiny Miss games beginning at 9 a.m. Small Fry Boys and Little Miss games at 11 a.m. Junior Boys and Junior Miss games at 1 p.m. and Senior Boys and Senior Miss at 3 p.m. There will also be a home run derby for small fry boys, junior boys and senior boys to be held at the West Carroll Middle school diamond. Prizes will be awarded and the rain date for this event is set for Sunday July 13th.

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