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Register Now For Tournament Action at Thomson Melon DaysGet your team ready and sign up now for two tournaments scheduled for Thomson Melon Days, Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Co-Ed Mud VoilleyballThe annual Co-Ed Mud Volleyball tournament will take place on Saturday, Aug. 30 during the Melon Days festivities. "All teams must be pre-registered this year," said Melon Days coordinator Tiffany Williams. Entry fee is $75 per team, and Melon Days badges must be purchased in order to enter the festival grounds and activities. Badges are $3 in advance, or $4 at the gate. The volleyball format will start with round-robin pool play beginning at 9 a.m. Once pool play is complete, each team will be placed in the tournament bracket which will be the best out of 3 games, single elimination. Prize money will be determined by the number of entries. Women's SoftballSunday, Aug. 31 is the day for the Melon Days Women's Softball Tournament. "The tourney is limited to six (6) teams, so all teams must be pre-registered to participate in the softball tournament," Williams added. It is a double-elimination tournament, starting at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $75 per team, and Melon Days badges must be purchased in order to enter the festival grounds and activities. Prize money will be determined by the number of entries. For a registration form or more information for either of the tournaments, contact Tiffany Williams at 815-718-1162, or e-mail tifferoo33@yahoo.com. West Carroll 2008-2009 FFA Officers Enjoy Planning RetreatThe West Carroll FFA Officer Team recently held an officer retreat on August 17, 2008 for planning meetings and activities for the 2008-2009 school year. The retreat was a riverboat cruise complete with chapter planning, fishing and swimming activities on the Mississippi River north of Savanna. Chapter officers planned out the school year with FFA activities and set goals for the chapter. Meeting agendas were also mapped out. West Carroll FFA chapter officers attending were President, Travis Morhardt; Vice President, Richard Houzenga; Secretary, Kara Durward; Treasurer, Ethan Baisden; Reporter, John Getz and Rachel Bork, Sentinel. The West Carroll FFA advisors are Dan Hartman and Don Mathey. Thanks to Jay Zickau for the use of his pontoon boat used on the retreat. The first major activity for the chapter will be the FFA Food Stand at Melon Days in Thomson August 30 & 31. Along with the milk mustache contest there was fun and educational information about the 3-A-Day Dairy program for kids and their parents to take home. The hope is that through the fun approach of the milk mustache contest it encourages families to implement the 3-A-Day Dairy program in their homes. TCC Names Toppert Employee of the MonthThomson Correctional Center is proud to announce that the Employee of Month for August 2008 is Dietary Manager James Toppert. Toppert began his career with IDOC as the Dietary Manager at the Thomson Correctional Center on August 1, 2006. "Mr. Toppert has proven himself time after time as an asset to the Thomson Correctional Center," said Warden Frank Shaw in a news release. "He always has a very positive attitude and goes one step further when dealing with Dietary issues and is quick to lend a helping hand to other departments. Mr. Toppert has adapted to Corrections with an open mind. He works well with other departments, coordinating needs of the facility. When tasked with obstacles, he easily resolves them quickly." Toppert's positive attitude was also recognized by Shaw. "He displays a 'team work' approach to his leadership in the Dietary Department by getting involved in all aspects of his job from helping during institutional feeds, performing daily Safety and Sanitation checks, equipment/supervisory inspections/reports/tool and key control, ordering food, and quarterly food surveys. He is consistently seeking new methods to improve the security, safety, and sanitation of the Dietary Department." Toppert is currently a member of the Internal Audit Team, Hooch/Weapons Free Environment Committee, and a certified Drug Tester. He has volunteered on numerous occasions with different functions at the facility including preparing for the Volunteer Banquet Meal, to cookouts for staff during C/O Week, and EBF fundraisers. Toppert has maintained a high degree of leadership and upbeat professional attitude throughout the opening of the facility. He has developed an excellent rapport with staff and offenders alike, showing that he is genuinely concerned with the development of his subordinates. As Employee of the Month for August 2008, Toppert will receive a certificate, a check in the amount of $25.00 and two complimentary shoe shine certificates. Illinois Waterfowl Hunting Seasons AnnouncedIllinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recommendations for a 60-day duck hunting season statewide along with 85-day Canada goose seasons in the North and Central zones and a 66-day Canada goose season in the South Zone have been approved for the 2008-09 waterfowl season by the Service Regulations Committee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).Final approval from the USFWS is expected in September. While approving Illinois' proposed waterfowl seasons, the USFWS has decided to close hunting for canvasbacks and allow for an increase in the daily bag limit for wood ducks from two to three birds.Illinois has also selected an option to vary the daily limit for scaup (daily limit of one for 40 days and two for 20 days, as follows). Illinois Duck Seasons for 2008-09: The USFWS is again allowing a 60-day duck season with a daily bag limit of six ducks.This marks the 12th consecutive year in which hunters in Illinois have been offered a 60-day duck season. The Illinois duck season dates are as follows: North Zone - Saturday, Oct. 18 - Tuesday, Dec. 16; Central Zone - Saturday, Oct. 25 - Tuesday, Dec. 23; South Zone - Thursday, Nov. 27 - Sunday, Jan. 25. The daily limit of six ducks may include no more than four mallards (two hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, one black duck, and one pintail. Canvasback season is closed statewide for 2008-09. The daily limit for scaup in each zone will vary during the season (limit of one for 40 days and two for 20 days) as follows: North Zone scaup limits Oct. 18-Nov. 3 and Nov. 24-Dec. 16 daily limit of one; Nov. 4-Nov. 23 daily limit of two; Central Zone scaup limits Oct. 25-Nov. 10 and Dec. 1-Dec. 23 daily limit of one; Nov. 11-Nov. 30 daily limit of two; South Zone scaup limits Nov. 27-Dec. 16 daily limit of two; Dec.17-Jan. 25 daily limit of one. The daily bag limit for mergansers is five, only two of which may be hooded mergansers. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits. For more information on Illinois waterfowl seasons, check the 2009-09 Illinois Digest of Waterfowl Hunting Regulations available in September. Results From USFWS Annual Duck SurveyThe USFWS annual survey of key nesting areas indicated 37.3 million breeding ducks, 9 percent lower than last year's 41.2 million birds, and 11 percent above the 1955-2007 long-term average.In 2006 there were 32.6 million ducks and in 2005 there were 31.7 million ducks. More details on specific duck species follow: Mallards - The mid-continent mallard fall flight forecast is 9.2 million.The fall flight index predicts 1.3 million young mallards will fly south this year compared to two million last year.Young mallards are generally twice as vulnerable to hunting as adults. Pintails -The northern pintail population of 2.6 million was 22 percent lower than last year. Pintails remain 36 percent below their long-term average, but the population this year was above the threshold of 2.5 million, again justifying a full season length according to the USFWS interim pintail harvest strategy. Canvasbacks - The canvasback population dropped 44 percent from last year's record population to 489,000 and was 14 percent below the long-term average. Based upon this population estimate, the canvasback harvest strategy does not allow a nationwide canvasback season this year. As a result, the USFWS has closed the season on canvasbacks.Based on the harvest estimate from last year's seasons, it is clear that harvest alone is not responsible for the drop.Canvasback estimates typically have higher variation than for many other species. Although it is possible that the large change in the population estimate is the result of normal sampling variation, the USFWS has no data to suggest this year's population estimate is not accurate. Scaup - Scaup population estimates of 3.74 million increased 8 percent over last year, but are still 27 percent below the long-term average. There is no strong evidence indicating that hunting is the primary cause of scaup declines and many agencies continue to conduct research to understand reasons for the population decline. This year, the USFWS offered the Mississippi Flyway three options which would result in a reduction of scaup harvest. In the Flyway and Illinois, a decision has been made to allow two scaup to be taken daily during 20 consecutive days of the 60-day season. During the remaining 40 days, one scaup will be allowed daily.Illinois seasons were set to allow two scaup daily during the 20 days when past aerial survey data indicated that the most scaup would likely be present in Illinois in each zone. Wood Ducks - The USFWS has worked with the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways during the past decade to assess harvest potential of wood ducks in eastern North America.A model-based approach was used to predict population responses to increased harvest.Results indicate that wood ducks can support more harvest pressure and the two eastern Flyways are being allowed to increase the wood duck bag limit from two to three birds daily this year.The USFWS and Flyway Councils will monitor wood duck harvest rates to ensure that bag limits remain in line with the harvest level that the population can support. The preliminary 2007-08 Illinois duck harvest estimate of 464,366 was 8 percent lower than in 2006 (507,464) and was the sixth highest harvest since state estimates began in 1981.The harvest was 33 percent above the long term average (348,654). The North Zone harvested an estimated 81,338 ducks, while the Central took 224,200 and the South took 153,404 last year. Preliminary mallard harvest was 265,369, the sixth highest since 1981.According to federal estimates, Illinois hunters took more scaup (14,416) than any other state in the Mississippi Flyway last season.Harvest of teal during the 2007 September season was 29,800 compared to 28,016 in 2006. The quality of habitat for breeding waterfowl in the U.S. and Canada was not as good as last year due to drought in parts of the traditional surveyed area.The estimate of May ponds for the northern U.S. and Prairie Canada was 4.4 million, which is 37 percent less than last year and 10 percent below the long term average.In Prairie Canada, there were 3.1 million ponds compared to 5 million last year. Green-winged teal are the third most harvested duck in Illinois after mallards and gadwalls.Green-winged teal populations again increased to the second highest level since 1955. Blue-winged teal were at their fourth highest level recorded. Redheads again reached a record population. Gadwalls decreased 19 percent from last year but were still 56 percent above the long term average. American wigeon populations decreased 11 percent and were 5 percent below the long term average. Experienced duck hunters know that individual hunter success is much more dependent on the weather during migration and on local water and food conditions at refuges and hunting areas. Many Illinois waterfowl areas along the Illinois River and at Lake Shelbyville and Carlyle Lake had high summer water levels which will likely cause poor duck food production. This could hurt hunting success on these areas this season.Rend Lake water levels have declined, which may result in decent moist-soil production. September Teal Season for 2008: The statewide 16-day teal season is Sept. 6-21 from sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit is four teal with a possession limit of eight. For more information on Illinois waterfowl seasons, check the 2009-09 Illinois Digest of Waterfowl Hunting Regulations available in September. Illinois Goose Seasons for 2008-09The Canada goose season dates in Illinois are: North Zone (85 days) Saturday, Oct. 18 - Saturday, Jan. 10; Central Zone (85 days) Saturday, Oct. 25 Sunday, Nov. 9 and Monday, Nov. 24 - Saturday, Jan. 31; South Zone (66 days) Thursday, Nov. 27 - Saturday, Jan. 31. During the regular Canada goose season in Illinois, the statewide daily bag limit will be two geese with a possession limit of four geese. Spring was late on the Mississippi Valley Population (MVP) breeding grounds for Canada geese, resulting in poor breeding conditions and low production is expected. Early June aerial surveys found 305,190 breeding MVP Canada geese, down from 2007 and 17 percent below the 1989-2007 average. However, the total spring population estimate (breeding and non-breeding adults) was 626,358, larger than in 2007 (574,383) and about 4 percent above average. This indicates the MVP Canada geese from the last two years of good reproduction will be in the fall flight. Poor nesting conditions in 2008 will result in fewer young of the year in the flight.MVP Canada geese comprise about 51 percent of the Illinois harvest during the regular waterfowl season. Giant Canada geese produced in Illinois (23 percent), Wisconsin (8 percent) and Minnesota (8 percent) and other states and provinces provide 39 percent of the harvest in Illinois.Production of giant Canada geese is in these areas is expected to be normal. A higher percentage of young geese in the flock often indicates better hunting. The preliminary Canada goose harvest estimate for Illinois during the regular season in 2007-08 of 141,205 was the highest recorded since state records began in 1981.The previous record of 128,387 was set in 2000.In 2007, North Zone hunters took 46,530 geese compared to 70,034 in the Central Zone and 21,163 in the South Zone.During the September 2007 season, hunters took an estimated 16,207 Canada geese in Illinois. September Canada Goose Season for 2008: The statewide September Canada goose season in all zones will be Sept. 1-15. During the September season only, Illinois retains a Northeast Illinois Canada Goose Zone that includes Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. During the September season only, the daily harvest bag limit for the Northeast Zone is five geese (possession limit is 10).For the first time, Illinois is extending the five-goose daily bag limit for the September season to the North and Central zones (possession limit is 10). The September season daily bag limit is two geese (possession limit of four geese) in the South Zone. White-fronted Goose Season 2008-09: North Zone Friday, Oct. 31 - Saturday, Jan. 10; Central Zone Friday, Nov. 21 - Saturday, Jan. 31; South Zone Thursday, Nov. 27 - Saturday, Jan. 31. During the Fall 2007 survey in Saskatchewan and Alberta, biologists counted 764,300 Mid-continent Population white-fronted geese, similar to the previous year.Production is expected to be improved from last year and near average.White-fronted geese were again abundant in the Central Zone last January and another record harvest of 4,882 white-fronts was taken statewide in Illinois, compared to the old record of 4,684 set in 2006. Aerial survey data indicates that white-front populations usually peaked in January in the Central Zone. Since Illinois gets only 72 days to hunt white-fronts, the season in the Central Zone will be open during the last 69 days of Canada goose season. Because of the split Canada goose season, white-fronted goose season will actually be open during three days when Canada goose season is still in the first closed period in the Central Zone. Snow Goose and Brant Season 2008-09: North Zone Saturday, Oct. 18 - Saturday, Jan. 10; Central Zone Saturday, Oct. 25 - Saturday, Jan. 31; South Zone Thursday, Nov. 27 - Saturday, Jan. 31. The bag limit is 20 snow geese with no possession limit and one brant in all zones with a possession limit of two. Conservation Order Snow Goose Season - 2009: North Zone Sunday, Jan. 11 - Tuesday, March 31; Central Zone Sunday, Feb. 1 Tuesday, March 31; South Zone Sunday, Feb. 1 - Tuesday, March 31. During the Conservation Order snow goose season, there is no bag limit. Hunters may use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls.The legal hunting hours extend to one-half hour after sunset. During the 2008 Midwinter Survey, biologists counted 2,455,100 light geese (snow, blue and Ross' geese), 16 percent fewer than in 2007.A normal spring occurred on the high Arctic where snow, Ross' and cackling (were called small Canada geese until recently) geese breed.Production is expected to be average and better than last year.During last year's regular snow goose season, hunters in Illinois took an estimated 6,700 snow geese.An estimated 52,314 snow geese were harvested during the 2007 Conservation Order snow goose season in Illinois. This represents a 30 percent decrease from the 2006 estimated harvest of 74,268 snow geese. The South Zone accounted for 63 percent of the harvest in the state.Most of the harvest in the state occurred in February. For more information on Illinois waterfowl seasons, check the 2009-09 Illinois Digest of Waterfowl Hunting Regulations available in September. Illinois Youth Hunt Seasons For 2008The Youth Waterfowl Hunt seasons for 2008 are listed below for each zone. (Bag limits are the same as during regular seasons for all species of waterfowl and coots): North Zone Saturday, Oct. 11 - Sunday, Oct. 12; Central Zone Saturday, Oct. 18 - Sunday, Oct. 19; South Zone Saturday, Nov. 15- Sunday, Nov. 16. Waterfowlers are encouraged to take qualifying young people hunting during the Youth Waterfowl Season.During the 2007 season, an estimated 8,981 youths shot 9,141 ducks, 1,701 geese and 850 coots during the youth hunt weekends. For more information on Illinois waterfowl seasons, check the 2009-09 Illinois Digest of Waterfowl Hunting Regulations available in September. All hunters are reminded to register with the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) prior to heading to the field.The program is designed to produce more accurate federal waterfowl harvest estimates. Hunters should include the free HIP certification when they purchase their hunting license or sportsmen's combination license. Hunters can also register for HIP online through DNR Direct (http://dnr.state.il.us) or by phone toll-free at 1-888-6PERMIT (a convenience fee will be charged). Registration each year with HIP is mandatory. Shannon Labor Day Celebration Features Corn Hole TournamentAs part of the 2008 Labor Day Weekend celebration, Shannon will hold its 3rd Annual Corn Hole Tournament on Saturday, August 30, with competition beginning at 11:30 a.m. The tournament features 3 categories for ages 12 through adult. Cash prizes will be awarded in the double elimination competition and early registrations will receive a chance to win a free overnight stay at Hickory Hideaway (www.hickoryhideaway.com). The game, best known as Cornhole but also called Bags or Baggo, has become a craze in the Midwest where it originated more than 50 years ago as a backyard diversion, and has more recently grown popular in large cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis and Milwaukee. In the game, typically played two-on-two, players score three points each time they toss a 1-pound bag traditionally filled with corn kernels into a round hole cut into a slanted board about 30 feet away. A shot that misses the hole but stays on the board scores one point. Foes can knock each other's bags off the board to negate a point. The first team to reach 21 wins. Competitions have become commonplace at community festivals, church picnics and tailgate parties but have also become nationwide with traveling teams and an association with 20,000 members. For more details and registration information call Sherry Vidinich at 815-864-2099. Slicks celebrate 50th AnniversaryLarry and June Slick of Milledgeville will be celebrating their 50th anniversary on August 31, 2008. Larry Slick and June Andrews were united in marriage on August 31, 1958 by Dr. K.E. Irvin at St.Mark's Lutheran Church in Polo. They formerly owned and operated the Black Top Inn in Milledgeville. The couple currently reside on their farm at 4153 Eagle Rd. in Milledgeville. Parents of a son, Marvin, Byron, IL and two daughters Susan Slaughter and Deanna Espana, both of Arlington, Texas. Their grandchildren are: Thomas, Johnathon, Roy and Kimberly Slick of Byron and Melissa Slaughter, Emily and Molly Pena of Arlington Texas. Pearl City Community OutreachThe Pearl City Community Outreach will be open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 9-11a.m. The outreach is located in the lower level of the Pearl City United Methodist Church. The church is located on Rt. 73 in Pearl City. Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunity:August 22, 2008 from 1:30-6:30 pm at the Mount Carroll Church of God in Mount Carroll, Illinois. For more information contact: 815-244-4453 (Church Office, 5:30 am-3:30pm) or Elizabeth Hartman, 815-244-9618. Jesse White and the National President of MADD Tout Upcoming Innovative DUI LawSecretary of State Jesse White and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National President Laura Dean-Mooney joined forces to raise public awareness for a groundbreaking new DUI law set to take effect January 1,2009. The law requires all first-time DUI offenders who wish to obtain driving relief during the period of statutory summary suspension to install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). Motorists are required to blow into the BAIID, which measures their blood alcohol content levels. The device is designed to prevent DUI offenders from driving after having consumed alcohol. "This is a new and innovative approach to deal with a very serious traffic safety issue," said Secretary White. "Far too many people are killed and injured each year by drunk drivers. This law uses technology to target DUI offenders in an effort to make our roads safer, while posing no inconvenience to the vast majority of Illinoisans who are safe and responsible drivers." Statistics show breath alcohol ignition interlock devices are very effective in preventing subsequent DUI offences. New Mexico implemented a similar law two years ago and experienced in the first year a 12 percent reduction in alcohol related fatalities. Moreover, studies show BAIIDs are effective in reducing subsequent offenses by up to 90 percent while on the vehicle. "MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving includes interlocks for all offenders nationwide, upon first offense, because we know it will stop the revolving door on drunk driving," said Dean-Mooney. "We give special thanks to the leadership of Secretary White, Senator John Cullerton, Representative Robert Molaro, and Representative John D'Amico for passing legislation that will help make the roads of Illinois safer than before." In 2006 in Illinois, 444 people were killed by drunk drivers. Nationally, 13,470 people were killed by drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater. "I commend MADD and President Laura Dean-Mooney for their invaluable support on this initiative in Illinois, as well as their efforts to enact similar legislation throughout the country in an effort to prevent the senseless tragedies caused by drunk driving," said White. Despite the fact that the money appropriated by the General Assembly to fund implementation of the new BAIID law was cut by the governor, Secretary White reiterated his unwavering commitment to implementing this new program successfully. "We should do everything we can to fight drunk driving and make our highways safer," said White. "This new law will save countless lives, and you cannot put a dollar amount on that. As Secreatry of State, my office will continue to do everything within its power to make the roads of Illinois as safe as possible." The law also increases the length of the statutory summary suspension from three months to six months for those offenders that failed the breath alcohol test at time of arrest and from six months to twelve months for those offenders that refused the breath alcohol test at time of arrest. In addition, the law eliminates Judicial Driving Permits (JDPs) for first time DUI offenders, and instead requires those offenders who wish to drive to install BAIID before driving relief is granted. DUI offenders will be monitored by the Secretary of State's Office during the entire time the BAIID is installed in their vehicles. DUI offenders are responsible for all costs associated with the BAIDD device, which includes an installation fee of approximately $100 and rental and monitoring fees of about $110 per month. DUI offenders who cause death, great bodily hard, are under the age of 18 or have prior conviction of reckless homicide are ineligible for driving relief. The law is the result of joint efforts among MADD, Secretary White, and the legislation's sponsors: Senator John Cullerton (D_Chicago) and Representative Robert Molaro (D-Chicago). Pearl City Graduate NMS FinalistDakota Radford, a 2007 graduate of Pearl City High School, has been selected as a National Merit Scholarship finalist for her sophomore year at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she majors in Environmental Science. From the 50,000 highest scorers nationwide on the college SAT exam, 2,500 are selected as finalists and receive a $2,500 scholarship. Dakota is the daughter of Joe and Linda Radford of Pearl City and formerly a resident of Shannon. Give Blood and Help Change a LifeAs summer winds to a close the Red Cross would like to remind blood donors that the need for blood is constant. Each summer, the number of blood donations decreases, while the need for blood continues to rise. Just 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, and only a fraction of those actually donate. If every eligible blood donor gave two or more times, there would not be a blood shortage. "During the summer months, people travel and schools aren't in session", said Shelly Heiden, CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Service Region. "This makes it particularly difficult for us to collect enough blood to meet the constant needs to patients around the country." Help the Red Cross Meet the Need this summer and give blood. Eligible blood donors can give blood every 56 days, so if you gave earlier this summer, you might be eligible to give again. When you give blood to the Red Cross, you can change a life, starting with your own. July Rainfall Totals In Carroll & Jo Daviess CountiesThe volunteer rain recorders for University of Illinois Extension report their July totals. In Carroll County: Mt. Carroll: Richard Fuller, 6.85; Nancy Gable, 8.10; Les Grim, 8.70; Maynard Kehl, 8.80; Kenneth Rahn, 6.70; Mary Rapp, 7.02; and Tom Tuite, 7.60. Savanna: Allen Beyer, 7.50; Leroy Getz, 8.40; Keith Rath, 8.00; and Paul Rath, 7.75. Chadwick: Tim Adolph, 7.70; Raymond Henningsen, 6.13; George Weber, Chadwick 6.30; and Bob Yingling, 5.60. Milledgeville: Shirley Cheeseman, 7.35; Frank Fogel, 7.70; and Phyllis Wagenknecht, 6.50. Lanark: Edna Beattie, 6.90; Kris Lauritzen, 7.50; and Robert Michael, 6.40. Shannon: Jim Endress, 5.05; Eileen Kent, 6.27; and Mary LaShelle Mantle, 6.60. Thomson: Douglas Kalec, 6.80. In Jo Daviess County: Galena: Dwight Bischel, 6.02; Mary Dittmar, 4.85; Wayne Dyrke, 4.46; Darlene Farrey, 5.00; Pete Peterson, 6.00; and Catherine Winslow, 4.93. Stockton: David Fernstaedt, 4.60; Herbert Hill, 4.25; Ronald Lubick, 6.09 ; David Marcure, 4.81; and Arlo Paxton, 8.50. Scales Mound: John Diedrich, 6.20; and James Huilman, 4.16. Don Terry, Apple River 3.92; Edwin Kuhle, East Dubuque (Menominee) 4.70; Todd VanOstrand, East Dubuque 4.40; Greg Haas, Elizabeth 5.55; Raymond & Riley Wolter, Hanover 10.10; and Virginia Niemeier, Lena 6.60.
Horses Cart Through Loran ValleyThis weekend marked the first Loran Fest. The event was marked by a Horse Parade tour of Loran and the surrounding countryside in the valley. The parade started just north of the Salem Church at the corner of Loran and Kent Road, where many people gathered to watch. Then the group of about five to ten horse drawn wagons and five people on horseback rode south to Loran, turned around and returned north. The parade started at 1 pm and returned to Loran around 3pm. Horses and their owners came from all areas including as Loran, Pearl City, Kent, Mount Carroll, Stockton, and as far away as Leaf River and Germany Valley. Also part of Loran Fest was Corn Boil and pork chops at the Burp and Slurp Bar & Grill on Saturday afternoon, and games and live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. (PA story & Photo/Kara Brinkmeier)
Third Cruise Night Another Big HitSaturday, August 16th marked the third of this summer's four Cruise Nights in Mount Carroll, IL. Over ninety cars came to the event this month, many of them new to Cruise Night. Some of the vehicles at the show included a 1927 Ford Roadster 350 Chevy owned by Mike Mayfield of Propetstown (in photo), Ford Mustang Supercharged GT Champ car purchased for Kunes' Country Auto Group of Mount Carroll, a Viper RT/10, a Plymouth 3B Express Truck that has been owned by Rick and Cindy Freese of Pearl City since 1990, and a 2004 Lowrider Trike Model Gbh that was manufactured in Germany and shipped to the United States. Also included were a beautiful Ford Galaxie Skyliner Retractable Fliptop and a spectacular Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable Fliptop, both of award winning quality. Other vehicles included a 1951 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith Jalon, a 1959 Chevrolet 283 Impala, 1995 Junior Dragster, and a 2000 Plymouth Prowler, just to name a few. There will be a car show as part of Brick Street Days on Saturday, September 6th. The final Cruise Night for the season will take place on Saturday, September 20th. Watch The Prairie Advocate for details, or visit www.PACC-news.com. (PA story & photo/Kara Brinkmeier)
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