More Important News

MC Rotary & Shelterbox

Mt. Carroll Rotary Club members Bev Atherton and Mark Harkness (R) present a check to Sycamore Rotary President and Rotary District coordinator for Shelterbox, Brian Adams (L) at the Mt. Carroll meeting on Aug. 4. This is the second year the Mt Carroll club has contributed $1000 for the purchase of one box. Shelterbox works directly with local organizations in countries where disasters have occurred, in partnership with other aid agencies, and through the international Rotary network. The shelterbox is a tough, green plastic box containing a 10 person tent and ancillary equipment designed to enable a familyof up to ten people survive for at least six months. For details, visit www.shelterboxusa.org. The Mt. Carroll Rotary Club meets every Tuesday from noon-1:00 at the Land of Oz conference room. Rotary President is Paul Tobin. (Photo courtesy of Barb Brierton)

Josh & Renea Engagement

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hubbard of Lanark are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Renea, to Joshua Noordhoff of Shannon, son of Mr. John Noordhoff of Lanark and Mrs. Desirée Ozburn of Lena. Renea and Josh are graduates of Lanark High School. Renea is employed by Southtown Terrace in Milledgeville. Josh is employed by Union Pacific Railroad in Clinton, IA. A fall wedding is planned at the Polo Wedding Chapel. The couple will reside in Shannon.

Peggy Mader (left) presents to Elizabeth Sweitzer the $200 Grace Krejci Memorial Art Scholarship. Elizabeth is a 2009 graduate of West Carroll High School. She will be attending Highland Community College this fall pursuing a degree in art. She is the daughter of Cynthia Sweitzer of Mt. Carroll and Chris Sweitzer of Shannon. (Photo courtesy of P. Mader)

Fuel 24 Gets Facelift

Downtown Lanark's newest business, Bella Pizza, held a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday in advance of their official Grand Opening Thursday, Aug. 13. Enjoy free canoles and soda, while supply lasts. (L to R) John Huggins, Lanark Chamber of Commerce Vice President/AmeriCorps-VISTA Volunteer; Mimmo Maniscalco, Louie Venezia, and Joe Venezia, co-owners; Paolo Maniscalco, Joey Venezia, Lanark Mayor Ed Stern, and Lanark Chamber President Bill Piper. (PA photo/Tom Kocal)

Spencer-Benham's 113th Consecutive Reunion Held

On June 28, 2009, the 113th Reunion of the descendants of Naaman and Diantha Benham Spencer gathered together on a very windy, but warm day at the Causeway in Thomson, Illinois. There were 57 members and 2 guests in attendance.

Receiving the gift for the oldest, "Most Cherished" member present for the 3rd time in a row went to Harold "Teen" spencer, 81 years of age, son of Floyd and Myrtle Spencer Spencer. Myrtle was the daughter of Adelbert & Bertha Johnson Spencer. "Teen" is the 4th generation of Naaman & Diantha.

Harold "Teen" presented the annual Baby Spoon to the youngest baby present, Jaykob robert Lehman, born June 2, 2009, son of Justin & Lindsey Doan Lehman. Justin is the son of Robert & Darla Keefer Lehman, Darla, the daughter of Merle and Lois Jean Spencer Keefer Jacobs. Lois Jean, daughter of Halie "Red" and Stella Kauffman Spencer. "Red" was the son of Adelbert & Bertha Johnson Spencer. Adelbert was the grandson of Naaman and Diantha.

The gift to the member traveling the farthest went to ronald Spencer, traveling from Stover, MO 430 miles, son of Floyd and Myrtle Spencer.

The election of officers was held and all were re-elected and are as follows: Co-Presidents Dan Witt, Mt. Prospect, IL and his mother, Judy Bruns Witt, Dixon, IL; Vice-President 12 year old Alexandra Desparois from Circle Pines, MN (the youngest member ever elected to an office in our reunion); Treasurer Lois Jean Spencer Jacobs, Rock Falls, IL; Secretary-Historian Vada Spencer4 Waites, Galena, IL and Assistant Historian Cheryl Scykes, Rock Falls, IL.

Our family genealogist Steve Schack from Circle Pines, MN brought his laptop and gathered our family information entering it on his Root's Web of Ancestor Families and their Descendants.

It was voted to hold our next reunion again at the Causeway in Thomson the second Sunday in June 1010 and always the Sunday after Father's Day.

After the meeting an auction, a raffle and a cake walk ended the day of fun.

NW Illinois Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Meets

The committee for the Northwestern Illinois Chapter of Ducks Unlimited met on Thursday, July 30, at the VFW in Savanna, to plan its upcoming fall fundraiser. Chapter Chairman, Steve Whiting said, "The upcoming banquet is to be held on October 3 at Buck's Barn Resort." This will be the chapter's 37th Annual Banquet and Fundraiser. According to Whiting, the Chapter will also be present at the upcoming Mallard Fest, which is to be held in Hanover, IL on September 19, 2009.

Whiting said, "The planning and work that goes into hosting and supporting events takes a lot of work and time from local volunteers." He is encouraging anyone with an interest in supporting the chapter to contact him at 815-259-3858. The next meeting for volunteers is going to be Thursday, August 13 at Manny's Pizza in Savanna. The starting time is 7:00 p.m. Ducks Unlimited is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats for North American waterfowl, which also benefits other wildlife and people.

ENF Announces 2010 Bus Tours

APPLE RIVERThe Eagle Nature Foundation (ENF) has recently completed its plans for the Winter and Spring Bus Tours for 2010. all of the tours will leave from Stoney Creek Inn on Highway, on the West side of Glanea promptly at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the tour.

Once again ENF will be conducting Mr. Ingram's four hour bus tours of bald eagles wintering along the Mississippi River and environs. During these tours participants will be visiting five different communities of wintering bald eagles to see the eagles flying, fishing and perching and will observe four historic nesting sites and three historic severe weather winter roosts. Each of these tours will board prior to and leave at 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 16, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27. The cost for each of the four hour tours is $75 for adults and $50 for children under 17 years of age. These tours are co-sponsored by the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention Bureau. "For visitor information call (877-444-5850) or visit www.galena.org".

The four day Wildlife Historical Bus Tour will board prior to and leave at 8:00 a.m. on March 15 and will return by 6:00 p.m. on March 18. During the four days the participants will witness the magnificent Sandhill Crane and Snow Geese migrations and enjoy views of Bald Eagles, Canada and Blue Geese, Prairie Dogs, and Turkeys, as well as visit many historic sites including the Steamboat Bertrand, which sank in the missouri River in 1865, Fort Kearny on the Oregon Trail, Pioneer Village, Stuhr Pioneer Museum, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, DeSoto Wildlife Sanctuary and Rowe Sanctuary. The cost for this tour is $750 per person or $650 double occupancy.

For an informational brochure, or to make reservations for any of these tours, contact: Eagle Nature Foundation, 300 East Hickory St., Apple River, IL 61001. Phone 815-594-2306.

2009 Fall Eagle Fest Plans Announced

APPLE RIVERHas the hair on the back of your head ever stood up as a hawk, owl or even a turkey vulture flew just a few feet above your head? Do you know what it sounds and feels like to have this thrilling experience? Have you ever had your picture taken with a live bald eagle? If not, then the Eagle Nature Foundation's Fall Eagle Fest is just the place for you. These experiences are just a few of the thrills you will get when you come to enjoy ENF's Fall Eagle Fest at the University of Wisconsin/Platteville on Nov. 7. The event is being co-sponsored by the University of Wisconsin/Platteville Biology Club.

Three times that day at 10:00, 12:00 and 2:30, John and Dale Stokes from Trenton, Georgia, will be flying different birds right over the heads of the audience during their hour-long Bird of Prey Shows. As a fund raiser after each Bird of Prey Show they will have a live bald eagle so whoever wants to have one, may have their picture taken with this bald eagle.

Also featured at the even will be a high school and grade school Science Fair, a school art show featuring the winners of ENF's high school and grade school Nature Art Contests, photographic displays and sales, nature stores, an award ceremony for the above mentioned Nature Art Contest and science fair, a fund raising auction, and an environmental address. The identity of the person presenting this address will be announced at a later date.

The event is open and free to the public and is an event that the whole family should enjoy. Everyone attending will be eligible for a door prize.

Legislation on Distracted Driving Signed Into Law

Bans text messaging while driving; bans cell phone use in school and construction zones

Legislation proposed by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to strengthen the laws on distracted driving was signed into law August 6, 2009 by Governor Pat Quinn.

House Bills 71 and 72, sponsored in the House by State Representatives John D'Amico (D-Chicago) and Bill Black (R-Danville), will strengthen Illinois laws on distracted driving. HB 71 bans text messaging while driving. HB 72 bans cell phone use while driving in school or construction zones. The measures were sponsored in the Senate by Senators Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero) and Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), respectively. Both laws go into effect January 1, 2010.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at least 25 percent of police-reported crashed involve some form of driver inattention.

"With the increased use of technological devices, distracted driving has become a serious problem in our state and in the nation," said Secretary of State Jesse White. "These laws are important and will make our roads safer. No driver has any business text messaging while they are driving. Additionally, school zones and construction zones require drivers to slow down and pay special attention to their surroundings and, as a result, they should not be using a cell phone."

the penalty for violating either of these measures results in a moving violation that will go on the motorist's driving record as well as accompanying fines and court costs to be determined by the judge.

The legislation is based on recommendations made by the state's Distracted Driving Task Force, which was chaired by White. The task force, created by Joint House Resolution 22, met three times last year to discuss and examine ways to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by distracted driving.

Distraction occurs when a driver is delayed in the recognition of information needed to safely accomplish the driving task, because something within or outside the vehicle draws his attention away from driving.

Keeping the Elderly Safe During Summer Heat Waves

When temperatures and humidity rise, Illinois nursing homes go on alert. Seniors are particularly susceptible to serious health complications from hot weather, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, sunburns and dehydration. The Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI), an association of nursing home professionals, offers valuable tips to the public on how to keep seniors safe and comfortable during this summer's heat wave. But remember, it is good advice for people of all ages.

"Many seniors are on medications such as diuretics that make them more prone to the burning rays of the sun, " said Susan Duda-Gardiner, director of clinical services speaking on behalf of HCCI. "Just a short period of time in the sun can cause some major health complications."

Based on the expertise nursing home professionals have gained in serving the elderly, the Health Care Council of Illinois recommends everyone take the following steps to protect seniors from extreme heat:

· Use an air conditioner to keep rooms cool. If air conditioning is unavailable, open windows on opposite ends of the house or building to cross-ventilate and increase air flow.

· Regularly attend to individuals who are most at risk for heat-related illnesses, including elderly with heart, circulatory and pulmonary conditions. Many medicines, including those used for heart conditions, depression and allergies, also can make a person more sensitive to heat stress.

· Ensure that seniors are wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that allows the body to release heat.

· A senior should always wear sun block when going outside, even if for a short period of time. Apply sunscreen one-half hour before heading outdoors. Not all clothes protect against sun exposure, so apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed areas, including under the sleeves and collar of a shirt or blouse.

· Wearing a hat that shades the face and covers the head is advised when spending time outdoors. Seniors who are sensitive to the sun should also cover their legs and refrain from wearing shorts.

· Seniors should always wear their sunglasses outdoors. Remember that the eyes of a senior take a longer time to adjust from light to dark. When going indoors, a senior should take off his or her sunglasses before entering the building to prevent an accident. It also is a good idea for a senior to pause for several moments once inside the door, so that his or her eyes will have time to adjust to the diminished light.

One of the most important pieces of advice is that seniors should drink plenty of liquids during the hot summer months to make up for the loss of fluids due to sweat. Dehydration is a dangerous problem that can easily lead to hospitalization and become life-threatening to an elderly person.

As persons age, their sense of thirst decreases and by the time an elderly person feels thirsty, he or she may already be dehydrated. Common symptoms of dehydration include confusion, poor skin elasticity, cracked lips, a dry mouth and a furrowed tongue.

The best form of hydration is drinking water. Stay away from drinks with caffeine because these beverages dehydrate the body. Seniors should consider carrying water bottles with them, such as those used by athletes, while spending time outdoors. On a regular basis, be sure to refill this bottle with water or a favorite non-caffeinated beverage to stay healthy. Seniors should always check with their physician to ensure that an increase in fluids is not medically contraindicated.

Sometimes seniors need reminders from family members, friends and caregivers to help them stay well-hydrated. Be sure to offer a variety of delicious beverages throughout the day to protect the health of a loved one, including offering a full glass of water to a senior when taking medications.

Additionally, all seniors and their caregivers should be aware of this season's very dangerous heat-related illnesses, including:

· Heat Exhaustion is produced by the loss of normal fluids and salts in the body and results from exposure to heat, either indoors or outdoors. Some of the common symptoms of heat exhaustion include cool, clammy skin; a body temperature of up to 103 degrees; weak, rapid pulse; shallow and quiet respirations; and muscles that may be tense or contracted.

Treatment includes keeping the individual quiet, resting in a cool place and increasing intake of cool, non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated fluids. Consult a physician immediately if you believe an elder may be suffering from heat exhaustion.

· Heatstroke is a more serious heat-related illness resulting from direct exposure to high temperatures or the sun. Heatstroke commonly affects individuals who are debilitated or fatigued. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, nausea, spots before the eyes, ringing in the ears, bright red dry skin, rapid, strong pulse, and a body temperature of more than 103 degrees.

Treatment may include cooling off the individual, removing clothing, applying cool cloths, and giving him or her a sponge bath. Direct the individual to the nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible, if you notice any of these symptoms.

Ag Department Grants CC Farm Centennial Status

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture has designated the farm in Lanark, Illinois owned by Leona M. Graig and Terry L. Sturtz of Lanark as a Centennial Farm. To qualify as a Centennial Farm, a straight or collateral line of descendants must own the agrigultural propery for at least 100 years. The Sturtz family received the historical distinction to their farm after their application for designation as a Centennial Farm was approved.

"I am pleased to be able to recognize the Sturtz family," said Agriculture Director Thomas E. Jennings. "This designation honors them today and their ancestors of yesterday who labored through prosperity and adversity to maintain their family farm. The Centennial Farm program helps to reinforce that family farming remains a viable entity in Illinois agriculture."

The Illinois Centennial Farms program has recognized more than 8,700 farms since its inception in the early 1970's. Centennial Farm owners receive outdoor display signage and a certificate signed by the Governor and the Director of Agriculture.

Application information may be requested by writing to the Illinois Centennial / Sesquicentennial Farm Program, Illinois Department of Agriculture, P. O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281, by phone at (217) 524-5960 or email delayne.reeves@illinois.gov.

CGH Medical Center 1st in Sauk Valley to Implant New Wireless Pacemaker

Sterling, IL (August 4, 2009) - CGH Medical Center is the first hospital in the Sauk Valley to implant a new pacemaker equipped with wireless technology that can notify physicians of changes in their patients' device or condition. The latest technology was developed by St. Jude Medical to improve patient care and make device follow-up more efficient and convenient for both patients and physicians.

Dr. Thomas Kurian, FACC, Interventional Cardiologist at CGH Medical Center, implanted the Accent RF pacemaker to monitor the patient's heart and provide electronic stimulation when the heart beats too slowly.

The Accent RF pacemaker enables CGH cardiologists to monitor their patients' devices from the patients' home. On scheduled check-up dates, data from the pacemaker is wirelessly sent to the physician ­ in a hands free manner, with no patient interaction required, typically while the patient sleeps ­ and becomes available to the physician for viewing via the Merlin.net® Patient Care Network.

"Managing disease progression is particularly important for patients with heart failure," said Dr. Kurian and Dr. Paul A. Maxwell, Jr., FSCAI, both Interventional Cardiologists at CGH. Until recently, patients with implanted cardiac devices were typically required to visit doctors' offices several times per year to have their device performance checked. With the advent of transmitters capable of downloading and transmitting device data over telephone lines, patients are now able to initiate and perform many of these follow-ups in their own homes.

In addition to regular device follow-up appointments, the wireless communication also enables the device to automatically alert physicians to important changes with the device or the patient's heart rhythm, in between scheduled device checks. "Not only will patients realize greater convenience when they don't have to come into the office for routine device checks," said Dr. Kurian, "but the alert function reassures them that we will be notified if something has changed with their device or if their condition is worsening."

The Merlin.net PCN also allows physicians to compile a more complete patient record, by easily transferring cardiac device data into electronic health records. This allows the physician to view all patient information side-by-side in a secure, easy to access location.

"We are very excited to bring this technology to the Sauk Valley," said Ed Andersen, CEO and President of CGH Medical Center. "CGH prides itself on providing quality healthcare to our communities through clinical excellence, progressive technology, patient safety and efficiency. The availability of the wireless pacemaker signifies an amazing advancement in the treatment options we are able to offer our patients."

Cardiac pacemakers are used to treat bradycardia, which is a heart rate that is too slow. These devices monitor the heart and provide electrical stimulation when the heart beats too slowly for each patient's specific physiological requirements. For more information about the cardiac services available at CGH Medical Center, please visit www.cghmc.com/heartservices or call (815) 625-0400 ext. 4800.

Pamida Announces Resignation Of CEO

OMAHA, Neb. (August 6, 2009) ­ Pamida Stores Operating Co., LLC ("Pamida"), a regional retailer operating general merchandise stores and pharmacies, today announced the resignation of its President and Chief Executive Officer, Paul E. Rothamel. Rothamel will be leaving his position effective August 29, 2009 to accept another employment opportunity.

Rothamel joined Pamida in 1999 as its Senior Vice President of Operations and served in that capacity until his promotion to President and CEO in March 2008. As CEO for the past 17 months, Rothamel has provided outstanding leadership and ensured the stability of the company during an exceptionally challenging time for most retailers.

Ken Seipel, Pamida's chief merchant and strategy consultant, has been named interim CEO, and will assume those duties on August 30, 2009. Prior to joining Pamida, Seipel served as Executive Vice President for Stores, Store Design, and Operations for Old Navy. With more than 25 years of retail industry experience, Seipel has also held executive and merchandising positions with ShopKo Stores, Target, and JC Penney.

Pamida is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. ("Sun Capital"), a leading private investment firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in market-leading companies. T. Scott King, a Managing Director for Sun Capital, said, "I'm grateful for Paul Rothamel's many contributions to Pamida over the years and his steady leadership during a difficult period. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. As Paul departs, we are fortunate to have Ken Seipel serve as interim CEO and continue to build on the solid foundation that Paul established."

About Pamida Stores Operating Co., LLC

Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Pamida operates 207 stores located in smaller communities throughout 17 Midwest, North Central, and Rocky Mountain states. Pamida stores carry a wide variety of merchandise including apparel, home electronics, domestics, seasonal items, toys, housewares, and groceries from top brand names. Pamida also operates 142 pharmacies offering a 24-hour automated prescription refill phone line, free blood pressure checks, and free prescription mail-out service. Pamida is closely engaged in its communities through support of local businesses and organizations. For more information, please visit www.pamida.com.

About Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in market-leading companies that can benefit from its in-house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital affiliates have invested in and managed more than 200 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $40.0 billion since Sun Capital's inception in 1995. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as affiliates with offices in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. For more information, please visit www.SunCapPart.com.

2009 SWCD Conservation Tour & Annual Meeting

The Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District will be hosting an Annual Meeting & Conservation Tour on August 27, 2009. The event will be held at the Brad and Brett Woessner Farm in rural Shannon.

This year's tour will focus on current issues related to livestock waste as well as cost effective solutions for producers to implement in their own operations. The tour will begin at 5:00p.m. A picnic style dinner will be provided following the tours. The meal, consisting of a rib eye steak sandwich, potato salad, baked beans, and beverage will be prepared by the Carroll County Livestock Feeders Association. Tickets are $8.00 each. Ticket reservations must be made by August 21, 2009.

Contact the Carroll County SWCD for ticket reservations, directions, and any other questions by calling (815) 244-8732 ext. 3. Tickets may also be obtained by contacting any of the Carroll County SWCD Board members: Curt Dambman, John Newcomer, Kris Lauritzen, Tom Block, Harlan Brunner, Brian Witt or Allen Derrer.

NARFE Holding Annual Picnic

Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their annual picnic at noon, August 20 at Old Mill Park in Savanna. For information and RSVP please call Kay at 815-273-4750 no later than August 16th.

Come and enjoy a catered picnic with your NARFE friends and neighbors. All active and retired federal employees, spouses and survivors, are cordially invited.

Blood Pressure Check & Caregiver Refresher

Sarajane Wise, RN, FHN Community Services, is offering a Caregiver Refresher on August 18 at 9:30, following the 9:00 Blood Pressure Screening. The Caregiver Refresher is an opportunity for persons caring for individuals with memory problems, dementia, Parkinson Disease, or Alzheimer Disease to meet and discuss care issues, share care giving hints and receive updates on information and resources.

Caring for such individuals can be a huge physical and emotional task for the family. If you are in need of help or advice, please join us that day right here at the Senior Center.

From the Fields

By Jim Morrison

Ext. Educator, Crop Systems

Rockford Extension Center U of I

The time for late-summer seeding (not fall seeding!) of perennial legumes in the northern quarter of Illinois is here. Let's review management suggestions for seeding.

Since alfalfa needs 6 to 8 weeks of growth, or be six to eight inches tall, prior to a killing frost, August 10-15 are the preferred seeding dates. For the central half of Illinois, the suggested dates are August 30 to September 4, and for the southern quarter September 5 to 10. Cool-season perennial grasses can be seeded one to two weeks later. Warm-season perennial grasses should not be seeded until the spring.

Planning ahead is critical for alfalfa and grass seedings. Be sure there is no residue carryover potential from previously applied herbicides. Have perennial weed problems been controlled? Soil tests should have been taken and any corrective limestone already applied. Fertilizer can be applied during seedbed preparation.

If there is not adequate soil moisture to establish the stand, seed should not be planted. It is very risky planting seeds into dry soil.

A firm seedbed is needed to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Follow the "footprint guide"- soil should be firm enough for a footprint to sink no deeper than one-half inch. A general rule of thumb is that seeds should not be planted deeper than five times their diameter. For most forage crops, the seeding depth should not exceed one-half inch on medium and heavy textured soils, and one-inch on sandy soils.

Tilling the seedbed may not be necessary, as no-till forage seedings can be successful. For example, seeding into small grain stubble once the straw is removed.

Do not seed alfalfa following an older established stand. Autotoxic compounds are released by the older alfalfa that inhibits the growth, development, and production of new alfalfa seedlings. If the alfalfa is more than one year of age, it is best to rotate to another crop before going back to alfalfa. If less than a year, alfalfa can be replanted.

Be sure to use high quality seed of adapted, tested varieties and use fresh inoculum of the proper Rhizobium bacteria for the legume seed. Seeding rates are the same as spring seeding, but a companion crop is not recommended. Since weeds are slow to germinate in the late-summer, a preplant herbicide is typically not required. A postemergence herbicide can be used if weed problems develop and become competitive.

Finally, late-summer seeded alfalfa and cool-season grass fields should not be harvested in the fall of the establishment year.

Further information is available in the newly revised Illinois Agronomy Handbook, 24th Edition available at the University of Illinois Publication Plus website, https://pubsplus.uiuc.edu/C1394.html (phone 1-800-345-6087), or contact your University of Illinois Extension office.

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