Ashford Comes to Aid of Student, Replaces Damaged Textbooks
When Adam Ferguson and his family were assessing the damage to their home caused by the Mississippi River flooding in late July, they realized the flood waters had ruined Ferguson’s recently purchased college textbooks.
Ferguson is set to begin classes later this month at Ashford University in Clinton, IA. He participated in the university’s new student orientation on July 17-18 and, while on campus, purchased textbooks for the fall semester. A week later, the river, fed by heavy rains, overflowed its banks, causing extensive damage to more than 50 homes in the Savanna, Illinois area. The damage to the Ferguson home was so great that the family has had to re-locate to a rental home. Ferguson lost most of his personal possessions, including his car, in the flood.
Meeting just a few days after the flood, Ashford University’s Social Responsibility Committee heard a presentation asking for help for families affected by the situation. The Committee began making plans to help relief efforts, collecting clothes, appliances and furniture, as well as cash donations. That’s when the university learned of Adam Ferguson’s plight from the family itself.
On Friday, Aug. 6, Ferguson, who will be studying physical education, made another trip to the Ashford Bookstore and left with another new set of textbooks. But this time, the textbooks were provided free of charge.
“Ashford is glad we were able to help Adam by replacing his books for the semester,” said Waunita Sullivan, director of Student Success. “Most of us cannot imagine what it would be like to go through a disaster like this. Hopefully, Adam and his family will have one less thing to worry about now.”
Morrison Schools Foundation’s Fun Day
Courtesy of City1.com
The Morrison Schools Foundation’s Fun Day was held Saturday, July 31 at Prairie Ridge Golf Course. The morning Golf Scramble awarded 72 prizes to 16 men. Ona and Scott Allison donated all the awards except four certificates for plants from Roger and Sue Meiers, K & R Greenhouse.
Best Score--69: Team Houzenga (Abe Houzenga, Greg Hanson, Brad Huizenga, and Todd Workman)
Highest Score--72: Team Have You Seen My Ball? (Matt, Phil, and Brad Tichler and Aaron Wiersema)
The remaining two teams tied for the Blind Draw with a score of 70. Fudd’s Doghouse won the coin toss against Team Renkes (Dalbert Wiebenga, Scott Allison, Keith Wiersema, and Steve VanOsdol)
Longest Drive on #2: Abe Houzenga
Closest to the Pin on #8: Zach Houzenga
Closest to the Pin on #14: chosen by random drawing, Brad Tichler
Longest Putt on #18: Todd Workman
An ever-popular carnival attraction was the dinosaur-themed bounce house. Its use was a generous loan from First Presbyterian Church in Morrison. Best Pets contributed lots of bowls of fish as prizes.
The yen to shop--and support the Morrison Early Learning Program--was satisfied by 25 varied items in the Silent Auction. The event raised $875. People bid on everything from a musical hobby horse, to two quarts of Dairy Queen ice cream, Irish Creme and chocolates, and original artwork. There were a few bidding wars before the dust settled, or rather, the sun set. Following are the top money-makers:
Four hours of “handy work” by Principal Joe Robbins; Four hours at a MHS cheerleading clinic for 5 girls; Opportunity to be a Mustang (sit on the team bench) or play catch with one; Nerf football; MHS basket of two season passes, windbreaker, umbrella, fleece throw, USB flash drive, and more; One hour photo session with Amanda Olson Cook.
The musical entertainment was provided at no charge to MSF. Musicians from “Smokin’ Roaches” included Rob Fulton, Eric Schroeder, Dan Scott, and Kevin Tessendorf. Their sound man was Tommy Jenkins. His young son, Tyler, nicknamed “Junior Roach,” stepped in on guitar. Mike Ziegler, guitarist, was a special guest musician; Wally Burgess, Steve Payne, and Rick Stoudt, from several groups, joined the “Smokin’ Roaches.”
Free Concert In Lena
The public is invited to enjoy a FREE concert on the lawn hosted by Lena Living Center located at 1008 South Logan Street in Lena on Wednesday, August 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be available for sale. Overflow parking is available at Sullivan’s Food Store located directly across the street. The featured entertainment is the popular Free Fall Band. Grab your lawn chairs or blanket and join your friends and neighbors for a wonderful summer evening.
Easy as Pie Friends of Timber Lake Fundraiser
The Friends of Timber Lake Playhouse are again selling Pies. Do your Holiday baking the easy way. We are selling the “Easy as Pie “ from Fulton Illinois again. These are the same delicious pies we have at the Ice Cream Socials. The sale is through the end of September.
If you do not know any of the Friends Group and want to order, call 815-244-1118 and we can find someone in your area to help you. Besides the pies we have cookie dough, Strudel and Dutch letters. Thank you for helping us as we donate the money back to the Playhouse.
Talent, Talent, Who’s Got Talent?
Do you have talent? Shannon is looking for local talent for the Shannon Homecoming Sesquicentennial Labor Day Celebration, September 3 to 6. If you are ready to have fun and share your talent, call Jane at 815-864-2643.
Artisans & Crafters Needed for Fulton Fall Festival
Fulton Fall Festival is set for Saturday, October 2, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Fulton. The third annual arts & crafts show will be part of the event. Cost to rent a 10’ x 10’ outdoor booth space is $25.00. A vendor application with complete details can be found at www.cityoffulton.us under the event listings or you may contact the Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 815-589-4545 orchamber@cityoffulton.us. Deadline to participate is September 1, 2010.
Benefit Concert For Mike Damhoff Family
Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E Morris, Morrison, invites the area to attend an inspirational benefit concert, performed by popular contemporary Christian recording artist Rich Criss and special friends to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 28. This promises to be an exciting evening of music which includes the vocal and piano talents of Criss who will be joined by his wife and daughters, Lynelle, Brittany and Allysa as well as special friends Mike McCoy on trumpet and vocalists Heather McIlrath and Ed Pruis. This concert will be given for a love offering which will benefit the Mike Damhoff family for expenses incurred during his recent illness and kidney transplant. A taco and dessert supper will be served from 5:00 until 6:30 in the Christ Center for a donation. Proceeds from this meal will also benefit the Damhoff family.
For more information on this concert, please contact the church office at 815-772-3890 or visit http://www.emmanuelreformedchurch.org.
Health Care Council of Illinois Commends Congress for Extending Medicaid Relief
On behalf of the 100,000 nursing home professionals and caregivers serving more than 80,000 residents in the 650 Illinois nursing homes we represent, the Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) commends the members of Illinois’ Congressional Delegation who voted to approve the six-month extension of critical increased federal Medicaid funding (FMAP) to states. This funding will support the continued health, safety and well-being of the thousands of seniors currently served in Illinois nursing homes by protecting the jobs of thousands of caregivers and ensuring quality care.
HCCI Executive Director Pat Comstock also applauded Governor Pat Quinn for his tireless lobbying in Washington on behalf of the extended federal Medicaid relief.
“We thank Governor Quinn for his continued commitment to Illinois’ seniors,” Comstock said. “His work on behalf of this FMAP extension was essential to its approval. We urge him and the state legislature to continue their commitment to nursing home residents by allocating these funds quickly and appropriately.”
The passage of H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, means an extra $550 million in Medicaid funding for Illinois. The majority of nursing home residents in Illinois rely on Medicaid for their care, making the extension of the increased FMAP vital. In past years, the state of Illinois has struggled with long payment cycles (up to 180 days) and low Medicaid rates – a statewide average of nearly $30 per resident per day less than the cost of care. The prompt payment requirements the federal government put on the increased FMAP have helped to ease this burden with regular payments every 30 days.
In addition to praising Gov. Quinn’s leadership, Comstock thanked Senators Durbin and Burris and Representatives Rush, Jackson, Lipinski, Gutierrez, Quigley, Davis, Bean, Schakowsky, Halvorson, Costello, Foster, and Hare.
“These senators and representatives proved their commitment to the residents we serve,” said Comstock. “We thank them for taking this important vote.”
While the extension of the increased FMAP is essential to the continued care of Illinois aging population, more work remains to be done.”
“This is a tremendous win for our state’s most frail and vulnerable residents,” says Comstock. “However, the fight is not over. We ask our leaders to continue their commitment to Illinois’ seniors by protecting Medicaid funding in the months to come.”
In the Service
Army Pvt. Brittany L. Hartman
Army Pvt. Brittany L. Hartman has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
She is the daughter of Christopher Hartman of Chicago Ave., Savanna, Ill., and Andrea Johnson of E. Locust St., Lanark, Ill.
Hartman graduated in 2008 from West Carroll High School, Savanna.
Air Force Airman Roger M. Blais
Air Force Airman Roger M. Blais graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Michael and Aurora Blais of Milwaukee St., Savanna, Ill.
Blais is a 2009 graduate of West Carroll High School, Savanna.
Be Creative in Summer Adult Art Classes
The Freeport Art Museum is offering adult art classes in Portraiture in Oils and Watercolor Painting this summer. The portraiture class is on August 16th, 18th, 23rd and 25th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Freeport Art Museum education classroom. The instructor will be Janet Checker of the Galena Artist Guild; this class for the novice or immediate artist is designed to help the individual develop confidence in their own ability and to gain expertise in the use and technique of oil painting. This class is also being offered as CPDU credit for educators.
The Watercolor Painting class will be offered on August 17th to September 2nd from 6:30–9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students will start with learning basic composition skills and also gain the knowledge to matte and frame their own work. The instructor for these classes is Roger Goodspeed of the Momentum Art Guild in Freeport. This class will also be offered as CPDU class for educators. Watercolor classes are always a popular choice for a summer art class, only 12 spots are available, so sign up early!
If you have any questions about any of these classes, to sign up, or to request a supply list please contact Ashley Mokros at the Freeport Art Museum by calling 815-235-9755 or emailing: education@freeportartmuseum.org
FHN to Offer Three $1,000 Healthcare Scholarships
FHN is looking for students interested in healthcare careers – and the reward is $1,000.
FHN will award $1,000 scholarships to three area students pursuing healthcare careers. Applications will be accepted from any student currently enrolled in an undergraduate program of study involving the following healthcare careers: medical technology/CLS, pharmacy, nursing (RN), respiratory therapy, and rehabilitation services (PT, OT, PTA, COTA, SP). Benefit-eligible FHN employees may not apply.
To apply, eligible students must:
·Complete an application form, providing evidence of a current GPA of 3.0 or better
·Submit a typed, approximately 500 word essay responding to both of the following questions: “Why did you choose your career path and what have you done to support it? How do your strengths and personal goals support the healthcare needs of FHN’s service area?” All entries will become the property of FHN and will not be returned
Participate in an interview, if selected as a finalist.
The submissions must be post marked by Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. Finalists will be interviewed through October and November and winners will be announced in December. The funds will be dispersed to the winners’ colleges or universities to be applied toward the winter term in 2011.
Obtain an application on the FHN website at www.fhn.org\scholarship. For more information, call the FHN Learning Center at 815-599-6234 or e-mail kkryder1@fhn.org
Lodging & Restaurant Expo at the StephCo Visitors Center
The Freeport / Stephenson County Visitors Center’s current Expo is “Your Table is Ready...Your Mint is on the Pillow” which features displays from local lodging facilities and restaurants. Hotels, a bed and breakfast, camping and numerous restaurants are included in the exhibit.
As part of the Expo, local restaurants are providing samples of their specialties for tasting. On Saturday, August 21, Lena Mercantile in Lena will provide mini-muffins from 11 am to 1 pm. Plus visitors can check their fortunes every day with the fortune cookies provided by Imperial Palace.
The Expo will be the Center’s featured exhibit through September 6.
The Visitors Center, located at 4596 US Highway 20 east of Freeport, is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm. Funded by private donations, the center is designed to promote economic growth in Freeport and Stephenson County. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Visitors Center at 233-1357.
Good Samaritan Society-Mt. Carroll Celebrates Founder’s Day & 40th Anniversary
The Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll is joining Good Samaritan Society locations across the nation in celebrating the beginnings of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society.
The Society, founded by the Rev. August “Dad” Hoeger, was incorporated on Sept. 29, 1922, and opened its first home, a six-room rented house, on March 1, 1923, in Arthur, N.D.
In addition to commemorating Founder’s Day, Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll is also celebrating its 40th Anniversary of providing service to our community with a special celebration on Saturday, August 28, 2010.
Special events include: 1K and 2K Walk/Run at 8:00 a.m., Pig Roast lunch, Auxiliary dessert booth, entertainment with Peter Smith on guitar at 11:00 a.m. and the Main Avenue Jazz Band sponsored by the City of Mount Carroll at Noon, Free Bounce House and games for children, face painting, Puppets for Praise, wagon rides, silent auction, and raffle.
A special program at 1:30 p.m. will include: Presentation of the colors by American Legion Post #67, Invocation by Chaplain Bob Ziebarth, Candle Lighting Ceremony with Sandy Wilkinson, Resident Council, Welcome by Jennifer Dunk, Administrator, Keynote address by David J. Horazdovsky, President & CEO of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, and Benediction by Rev. Elizabeth Mascal.
“Founder’s Day is a wonderful way to reflect on our heritage and celebrate the many achievements of our residents and staff members,” says Jennifer Dunk, Administrator. “It is also a wonderful time to visit a family member or other loved one who calls our center home.”
The Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll is part of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, a not-for-profit organization that owns and operates more than 240 long-term care centers and retirement living centers across the country. The Good Samaritan Society’s mission is to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that “In Christ’s Love, Everyone is Someone.”
For more information, please contact Anna Gray, Resource Development Coordinator at 815-244-7715, or email agray1@good-sam.com.
Tyler’s 2nd Annual Family Fun Fest
Tyler’s Justice Center for Children will host the 2nd Annual Family Fun Fest on Saturday, August 21st in Mount Carroll on the Courthouse lawn. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and will conclude at 6:00 p.m. Carnival games and crafts will be provided for children ages 3-8. Admission to participate in all games and crafts is $8 and includes; duck pond, bean bag throw, treasure chest, bottle toss, face painting and art/craft projects. All games have guaranteed prizes. There will be a free demonstration from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit. Raffle Baskets with values over $100 will be available for adults costing $2 for 1 chance or $5 for 3 chances. The raffles are made up of items donated from local businesses. For more information contact Tyler’s at 815-947-6030 or mailto:tylerscenter@aeroinc.net.
Current & Upcoming Recycling Opportunities
Many of us are taking advantage of curbside and drop-off recycling for materials such as newspapers, plastic containers, cardboard, metals, and more. Most of our towns in Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties offer pickup of those items at our homes and our rural residents can make use of recycling drop-off locations operated by, Montgomery Trucking Transfer Station near Elizabeth, Moring Disposal Transfer Station east of Lanark, and the Savanna Transfer Station.
But often we have other waste materials that require special handling. Household batteries, fluorescent lights, used oil, electronics, appliances, and paint are a few of those materials. Ongoing collections for fluorescent lights, rechargeable batteries, and cell phones exist locally.
The mercury in fluorescent lights should be recovered to protect human health and our environment. Compact fluorescents are accepted through a Jo-Carroll Energy program. They have collection buckets in many locations. The Jo Daviess and Carroll Extension offices accept fluorescent tube lights for a fee. Rechargeable batteries and cell phones are accepted for free and recycled by the Jo Daviess and Carroll County Extension offices for free; many stores that sell batteries and cell phones will also accept them.
To recycle electronics, large appliances, all types of batteries, and latex paint, please put the date of September 25th on your calendar! Those materials will be accepted for recovery on that date, in Galena, in conjunction with Green Fair 2010. Electronics and batteries will be free. The fee for large appliances will be $10.00. That collection will be sponsored by Montgomery Trucking. Latex paint will be accepted for reuse at a per gallon fee.
More details will be published prior to the Green Fair. Green Fair 2010: Small Steps Lead to Big Changes and the associated recycling event are sponsored by the Green Fair Alliance, Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency, and University of Illinois Extension. For recycling information, contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling and Conservation Program Coordinator at 815-244-9444 or by email, mfrieden@illinois.edu.
Organic Valley Farm Speaker at Green Fair ‘Fare’
On September 11, 2010, there will be a dinner to raise awareness and funds for Green Fair activities. This year’s dinner, Green Fair Fare, will be held at Chestnut Mountain Resort with a cocktail hour starting at 5:30 p.m. A local foods dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and, following dinner, there will be a presentation by Organic Valley Founding Farmer Greg Welsh. The cost of the dinner is $30 through September 1, 2010, and $40 after that time. Please make advanced reservations by visiting the Jo Daviess-Carroll County Extension website at www.web.extension.illinois.edu/jdc/.
Additional information about Green Fair 2010 and Green Fair Fare can be found at www.nwil-greenfair.com. Organizations and businesses wishing to exhibit can contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling and Conservation Programs Coordinator, at 815-244-9444, or mfrieden@illinois.edu for details. Green Fair is an activity planned and promoted by Green Fair Alliance, a collaborative group representing many environmentally minded organizations and individuals. The event is facilitated by the University of Illinois Extension.
For Jo Daviess County visitor information please call 877-444-5850 or visit www.galena.org
Vermicomposting Basics Seminar
Many people are looking for ways to improve their garden and landscape soils. University of Extension Educator Peggy Doty says “whether you want to create rich soil or simply throw less waste in the land fill, composting may be a viable option. Some living situations, however, do not make it easy to compost. Vermicomposting, or the use of red worms to compost material, allows anyone to compost leftovers and many other random things right in their home. It is easy to do and provides a great winter composting option.”
A presentation on the basics of vermicomposting will be held on September 9 at the Mt. Carroll or Elizabeth Extension Offices at 1:30 pm. Listen to Peggy as she discusses the vermicomposting process, how to build a vermicompost bin, what worms to use, and what materials can be composted.
Cost is $5. 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.
Winners of the 2010 Carroll County 4-H Fair
Congratulations to the following Carroll County General Projects 4-H winners at the Carroll County 4-H Fair. The 2010 4-H Fair was held from July 31 to August 7 in conjunction with the Carroll County Fair in Milledgeville.
Hannah Knight, Mount Carroll, Champion Advanced Foods; Katie Woessner, Shannon, Champion Advanced Foods; Dani Sheddan, Chadwick, Champion Animal Sciences; Dylan Alexander, Chadwick, Champion Beginning Foods; Thomas Knight, Mount Carroll, Champion Beginning Foods; Bailey Fisch, Milledgeville, Champion Cake Decorating I, II, & III; Dena Harridge, Mount Carroll, Champion Child Development II & III;,Beth Brill, Sterling, Champion Citizenship;,Rebecca Alexander, Chadwick, Champion Clothing Decisions I & II; Riley Getz, Mount Carroll, Champion Clover Buds; and Alyssa Miller, Lanark, Champion Clover Buds.
Natalie O’Connor, Mount Carroll, Champion Collections; Matt Keppen, Chadwick, Champion Crops;
Samuel Woessner, Shannon, Champion Electricity; Hannah Brill, Sterling, Champion Entomolgy/Beekeeping; Mary Francque, Dixon, Champion Fashion Revue; Elizabeth Rath, Mount Carroll, Champion Floriculture; Rebecca Alexander, Chadwick, Champion Health; Kimberly Pues, Edward Pokorny, & Kay James, Lanark, Champion Horticulture; Greta Augsburger, Lanark, Champion Intercultural; and Anna Badtke, Mount Carroll, Champion Intermediate Foods.
Triana Mayers, Milledgeville, Champion Photo Editing; Anna Badtke, Mount Carroll, Champion Photography; Rachel Badtke, Mount Carroll, Champion Photography II & III; Samuel Woessner, Shannon, Champion Robotics; Sarah Belander, Thomson, Champion Scrapbooking; Abbygail Merema, Chadwick, Champion Sewing & Textiles I; Greta Augsburger, Lanark, Champion Sewing & Textiles II & III; Garrett Kness, Chadwick, Champion Tractor; Rebecca Alexander, Chadwick, Champion Visual Arts - 3 Dimensional; Betty Nicklaus, Sterling, Champion Visual Arts - Advanced; Dena Harridge, Mount Carroll, Champion Visual Arts - Clay; Garrett Kness, Chadwick, Champion Visual Arts - Computer Generated Art; Ethan Nash, Sterling, Champion Visual Arts - Fiber; Katie Woessner, Shannon, Champion Visual Arts - Glass/Plastic; and Shelby Skiles, Savanna, Champion Visual Arts - Heritage Arts.
Kreative Rentals Ltd. to Open August 30
Courtesy of City1.com
In the late 1800’s, Morrison, IL, was known as “The City of Friendly Enterprise.” It was a worthy slogan then and is having a resurgence in 2010. Two Morrison residents have relocated their Fulton, IL, business, Kreative Rentals Ltd., to 115 E. Main Street, Morrison. Audrey Kooi and Kris Muur are the owners of this new enterprise. Both owners are certified wedding planners and designers as well as event decorators.
Kreative Rentals Ltd. displays will focus on the four seasons all year long. This illustrates for clients concepts for future events along with current ones. The website offers gorgeous examples of their work: www.kreativerentals.com.
Their services include event planning, designing, decorating, rental of various decor items, and bridal accessories.
They purchased the 1889 building and have spent weeks preparing the interior for an Open House Monday, August 30, 2010, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Morrison Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 5:30 for these new members. It will be an occasion for the public to welcome Kooi and Muur into their “new” old space.
Muur stated, “I love the detail in here! Mark (Kooi, who has done the majority of the preparation) is a perfectionist, but it is an 1889 building.” She discussed the signs of past wear, registered on gouges in the 8” high mopboards, for example. There is a story there. “It gives (the building) character.” Muur’s husband, Randy, is a big help, also. She regretted not being able to maintain the original brick wall on the south side of the building, but it was not possible; soon, it will disappear from view.
Period pendant lighting gives a soft glow to the sage-green walls and taupe painted woodwork. The original beadboard ceiling was painted white. Modern pendants light the bay windows; halogen spots will make the glassware on future shelving sparkle. Soon, the original upper windows will be exposed, the transom above the door may be made functional again, and the exterior will be completely refaced. A desk will reside in the middle of the room, with display tables positioned around the interior.
Muur felt the pressure to complete these transformations quickly. Monday, August 9, was moving day for the women. They packed and moved the items in their Fulton showroom, plus all materials previously housed in a large, Fulton storage unit, into the new address. Their first appointment is Friday, August 20, so shelves must be installed for storage and display. Additionally, they have two weddings to decorate and a rental of glassware to prepare, all on Saturday, September 18!
Fortunately, there are several staff in place. Fulton employees Deb Letcher and daughter Nikki will transfer to the new location. Muur’s daughter, Lindsey, sister, Kim Straight, and cousin, Becky White, will be employed. Morrison dance instructor LeAnn Schaefer was recently hired.
The kitchen area, to be built in the back, left corner of the building, is where they will wash glassware or fill vases. It will include a 10’ x 7’ counter. Silver, open, glass shelves will line the mirrored wall at the front. At the west side of the room Mark Kooi built an L-shaped divider to serve as accessible storage for a wide range of boxed decorative supplies. In the area in front of this structure, Muur envisions tall cabinets. She mused that it would be a convenient place to display linens, which they rent.
Grand Squares to Dance at Morrison’s Heritage Museum
Are you looking for some unique, lively, and colorful local entertainment? Morrison Historical Society has what you are seeking. The organization will host the newest Illinois square dancing club--Grand Squares of Morrison, IL--on Sunday, August 22, 2010. Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL opens at 1:00 p.m. The dancing excitement will begin--outside--at 1:30. The Grand Squares will dance a 30-to 60-minute program using a sound system they provide, using CD’s.
Bring a lawn chair for comfortable seating. In case of rain, the dancing will take place at the Odell Public Library Community Room, 307 S. Madison Street.
Modern Western Square Dancing is fun, friendship, and fitness set to music. The dancers range in age across nine decades and include families, couples, and singles. Members dance for the fun of it and to keep in shape; dancing uses a lot of energy to perform the various moves. This wholesome entertainment is good for the body and mind and fun to watch.
Find out more about Grand Squares of Morrison on Facebook or check their website: www.squaredancemorrison.com. Contact Jim or Janet Winslow at 815-772-2785 for more information about this organization.
From the Fields
By Jim Morrison, Extension Educator, Crop Systems
Rockford Extension Center, U of I
Sudden death syndrome (SDS), a disease that varies year to year and among and within fields, has been observed in certain northern Illinois soybean fields.
The disease is caused by a soilborne Fusarium fungus that infects the soybean root system early in the growing season (while the plants are in the seedling stage), especially if weather conditions are cool and wet. The disease produces a toxin and it moves upward in the plant resulting in chlorosis (yellowing) and necrosis (death) of the interveinal tissue of leaves. These foliar symptoms typically appear in late July and August, usually visible after pods begin filling, notes Carl Bradley, Extension specialist.
The disease appears to be favored by high yield environment, early planting, compacted soil, poor drainage, and cool, wet conditions during the summer. There appears to be an interaction between SDS and soybean cyst nematode.
The name comes from the fact that even though the disease may need a few weeks to develop, the time from leaf defoliation to plant death is short. SDS can affect the entire field, but normally affects only scattered areas within a field.
What are the symptoms of SDS infected plants? Initial symptoms are usually scattered chlorotic spots that occur between the veins on leaves and the leaves may be cupped or curled. These spots enlarge between veins to become brown lesions surrounded by chlorotic areas. The process continues until only the midvein and major lateral veins remain green. Leaves often drop from the top of the plant, leaving the petiole (leaf stem) attached to the main stem. Severe foliar symptoms give affected field areas a brownish cast, whereas healthy plants remain green. Pod drop may also occur.
The effect on yield depends upon the growth stage at the time of initial symptom development and the speed and severity of foliar symptoms.
It is important to split the stem lengthwise and check the color of the pith to get a definitive diagnosis. Plants with SDS will have white pith with no discoloration or decay. There may be a slight gray-brown discoloration of the vascular system just inside the outer “bark” of the stem, but the pith remains white.
In addition to the above ground symptoms, SDS affected plants will have rotted roots and diseased plants may be easily pulled from the ground. This is due to the root rot phase of the disease initiated earlier in the growing season.
How does one prevent or manage the disease? No in-season control of SDS exists. Seed treatment and foliar fungicides do not affect SDS. But, management begins with proper identification.
Yield loss can be minimized by planting varieties with relatively high levels of tolerance or resistance. Currently, there are no varieties with complete resistance. Many seed companies provide resistance ratings for their varieties. Variety information is also shown at the Illinois Varietal Information Program for Soybeans web site www.vipsoybeans.org . If SDS is identified, one should also take soil samples to determine the presence of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and if it is detected, plant a variety that is also resistant to SCN.
To help reduce risk of SDS, consider the planting date. Early planting may predispose soybeans to SDS. Plant fields with no history of SDS first and those with a history of SDS last. Efforts to minimize soil compaction and improve drainage may help reduce disease severity.
Further information is available in The Bulletin, http://ipm.illinois.edu/bulletin , an online newsletter written by University of Illinois Extension specialists.
Publisher’s Note: Jim Morrison is officially retired as of August 15. This will be his last column. We wish him well in his new ventures, and thank him foe the many years of educational information supplied to our readers.
Help For Vets Benefits
So many veterans feel confused about benefits and services they’ve earned. There’s so much to know...and so many changes from one year to the next. That’s why the nonprofit Disabled American Veterans (D-A-V) offers help. The DAV Mobile Service Office will be at the following locations to personally provide the best counseling and claim filing assistance available. Like all D-A-V services, help from the Mobile Service Office is free to all veterans and members of their families.
September 2, 2010;
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.;
Rockford VA Clinic,
4940 East State Street,
Rockford, Illinois.
For further information, please contact NSO Steven Wolf at (312) 980-4242.
