Mike Bond Presentation at Church on a Hill

The public is invited to hear Mike Bond, President, and founder of Global Radio Outreach will be speaking at Church On A Hill, 926 Viaduct Rd, Savanna, IL on Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:30 PM.

Mike Bond is a missionary of 30 years and the Founder and President of Global Radio Outreach. G.R.O. is a Christian mission dedicated to reaching Muslims worldwide using radio, satellite and the Internet. The ministry has a daily potential listening audience of over 500 million. They receive letters from listeners in 52 nations and growing.

There will be a food fellowship at 5:30 PM for anyone wishing to attend, and then Mike will be speaking to several different churches in the sanctuary at Church On A Hill starting at 6:30 PM, preceded by praise and worship.

The public is invited to hear Mike Bond, President, and founder of Global Radio Outreach will be speaking at Church On A Hill, 926 Viaduct Rd, Savanna, IL on Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:30 PM.

WIU Local Graduates

More than 550 students earned degrees after the 2008 summer semester at Western Illinois University.

Bachelor's degrees were awarded to more than 420 students, including more than 50 students who were awarded Western's Board of Trustees-Bachelor of Arts degree (BOT-BA) designed for nontraditional students. The majority of BOT-BA students were from Illinois and Iowa, but graduates also included students from Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and South Dakota.

Area students graduating are: Jacob D Shuman of Lanark, Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science & Fitness; David Paul Hamling of Savanna, Bachelor of Science, Law Enforcement & Justice Administration; and Candice M Mcdermott of Polo, Bachelor of Science, Law Enforcement & Justice Administration.

Kid's Corps Starts in Savanna

The Savanna Kid's Corps will be starting up it's 2008 program on September 8th. They will be meeting right after school each Monday. Bus passes will be handed out to the kids that attend to remind them where they need to be after school.

Snacks, games and life lessons that children can earn badges for, are only some of the activities that the children enjoy.

"We hope that the new time will help working parents and children who might other wise be home for a short period before their parents return," said leader Karen Carvell. "Also, we can still meet during day light hours."

All children will be transported home afterwards. If your child is allowed to walk, please add that to the permission slip.

Savanna Kid's Corps is a community effort. It meets at 926 Viaduct Rd. (The old Chestnut School) The leaders all go through background checks and training through the Salvation Army.The Salvation Army has provided the registration fees and all the materials needed for the Character building program. Children 4-5 are called Moonbeams. Girls 1st-fifth grade are Sunbeams. Boys are Explorers and Rangers.

"The Salvation Army has also provide our kids with a free summer camp program," Carvell added.

The leaders are Karen Carvell, Joshua Eagle, Sara Eagle, Lillian Rogers, Tory Eagle, and Marlin Jones. Bob and Gerri Piper and Kathy Ehredt help with snacks.

"Thank you Mr. FrankGrove for helping with transportation and thank you to the school bus drivers for their cooperation," Carvell said.

If you have questions, please call Karen (The Salvation Army Service Extension Rep.) at 815-273-7062

Beginning Genealogy Workshop Offered

If you would like to compile a family history, but are uncertain where to start, attend the Beginning Genealogy Workshop on Wednesday evening, Sept. 10, at the Elizabeth Community Building.

The workshop starts at 7:00 p.m. and is designed for anyone that would like to begin or has just begun to compile a family history. Sandra Beyer will share with the group what she has learned through years of researching her own genealogy. But be forewarned, her passion for family history is contagious.

"The workshop will cover the basics of family group sheets, pedigree charts and research logs," Beyer said. "There will also be a discussion on the types of records, both primary and secondary, that are available to search for additional information."

"This is a hands-on class that will teach by doing," Beyer added. "You do not need to bring anything. The required forms will be provided.

"The workshop is designed to get you started, so that you will be able to continue on your own," Beyer said.

The workshop; is open to the public. Pre-registration is required and may be made by calling 815-858-2273 by Monday, Sept. 8. There is a charge to cover the cost of handouts for non-HCE members.

The program is hosted by the Jo Daviess County Association for Home and Community Education (HCE) and University of Illinois Extension. If you need reasonable accommodations to attend this program, please mention it when pre-registering.

From the Fields

By Jim Morrison

The number of soybean aphids has increased dramatically during the past week in certain northern Illinois soybean fields. If not done previously, now is the time to sample or monitor fields to determine aphid population. Don't let potential rapid increases in soybean aphid numbers go unnoticed. The continued moderate temperatures and a relative lack of natural enemies currently in soybean fields will benefit population growth of soybean aphids, notes Kevin Steffey, Extension entomologist.

The insect, first discovered in Wisconsin in 2000, is yellow and about one-sixteenth inch long. Colonies of soybean aphid can be found on the stem and young leaves of growing plants and on the undersides of older plants. They have a very complicated life cycle and buckthorn serves as the overwintering host.

Insecticides applied too early may kill early-season predators, allowing soybean aphid populations to increase later. Entomologists feel that weather and natural enemies play a big role in regulating soybean aphid populations. High temperatures and many predators will suppress soybean aphids. Cooler temperatures (low 70's to mid 80's) and low numbers of predation establish the potential for soybean aphid problems. Soybean aphid populations can double within two to four days, if temperatures are between 70 and 86 degrees F.

Extension entomologists in the north central region indicate an action threshold of 250 or more soybean aphids per plant at the R1 (beginning flowering) through R5 (beginning seed) stage of development, 80 percent of the plants are infested, and natural predators are not suppressing aphid population. According to Steffey, this threshold incorporates an approximate seven day lead-time between scouting and treatment to make insecticide application arrangements and handle weather delays.

Soybean aphid numbers from weekly samples in 26 commercial fields from Woodford County to Stephenson County can be found at this University of Illinois web site, www.ipm.uiuc.edu/bulletin/soyaphid/index.php

Recycle Electronics Equipment & Appliances

Two opportunities are being offered to recycle your outdated, working or nonworking, electronics and other household appliances. The first collection will be in Mt. Carroll at the University of Illinois Extension parking lot Friday, September 26, Noon to 3:00 p.m. The second collection is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, in Freeport at the Southwest Plaza Shopping Center, 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. That is the site of the former Eagle Grocery store and located just southeast of the intersection of South Street and Rt. 26. These collection events are open to both residents and businesses in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties.

Many items may be dropped off for free, such as: hard drives, keyboards, printers, scanners, telephones, cell phones, fax machines, photocopiers, calculators, radios, stereos, boom boxes, VCRs, DVD players, microwaves, blenders, toasters, fans, electric heaters, and various other small appliances. Computer monitors and televisions, including flat screens, have a $5 fee apiece. Large appliances have a $10 fee, and include refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers, window air conditioners, de-humidifiers, and hot water heaters. Large screen televisions, and console cabinet televisions or radios have a higher cost.

The collections are sponsored by the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency, and Stephenson and Jo-Carroll Extension Units. Please direct questions regarding the event to Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling & Conservation Programs Coordinator, at 815-244-9444 or Nikki Keltner, Program Coordinator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 815-235-4125.

Tree Identification & Planting Telenet Offered

University of Illinois Extension Jo-Carroll Unit will offer Tree Identification & Planting. Trees can offer a beautiful and long lasting addition to any landscape. Choosing the right tree for your yard and properly planting is the key to ensuring your new tree will be around for years to come. Come join Kari Houle, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, as she guides you through the basics of identifying 8 trees that do well in Illinois landscapes, and the basics of proper planting for new trees.

The program will be held at the Mt. Carroll Extension Office Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 at 1:00 pm. or Thursday, September 18th, 2008 at 7:00 pm or in the Elizabeth Extension Office Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 at 1:00 pm. This "telenet" program will feature color power point slides accompanied by the live voice of the instructor as people from all over the state participate at once. You will have the chance to ask questions at the end of the program. Other topics in the fall series include Going Green with Evergreens, set for September 30 and October 2, and Backyard Composting on October 14 and 16.

There is a cost per session. 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.

Robin Wilhelms Saar Attends LPL Financial Services Conference

Robin Wilhelms Saar, CSFP, Financial Advisor, Executive Vice President, and Director, First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll, attended the LPL Financial Services Conference held in Chicago's McCormick Place, August 11-14. The conference is the nation's leading conference for financial institution-based advisors.

The week began with a Focus on Women and Money followed by breakout sessions specializing in Retirement Income Planning and Income Distribution During Retirement. Special speakers were: Ted Koppel, Discovery Channel; Ron Insana, CNBC; Nassim Taleb, Author of The Black Swan; James Surowiecki, Author of The Wisdom of Crowds; and Lawrence A. Bossidy, former Chairman of the Board of Honeywell. Evening sessions included performances by Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt.

Robin is a licensed Financial Advisor and also holds Life, Accident & Health, Long Term Care Insurance and Variable Annuity licenses. She offers a full spectrum of investment products and services including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, Individual Retirement Accounts, 401K Rollovers, Life Insurance, Long Term Care, College Savings Plans, and much more. Contact her in Shannon at 815-864-2111, in Polo at 815-946-2777, and in Lake Carroll at 815-864-2125.

HCC Adult Education Program Seeks Volunteer Tutors

Highland Community College's Adult Education Program is seeking volunteers to tutor adults in Carroll and JoDaviess Counties. Volunteers tutor math, reading, writing, or English as a Second Language students. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend a tutor information meeting on Friday, September 5th from 10:00 A.M. until noon at the First United Methodist Church of Savanna (2100 Chicago Avenue).

The information meeting will address questions such as:

- What does a volunteer tutor do?

- How much time does it take?

- What experience do I need?

The support and encouragement that tutors provide is a key influence in the lives of students. In fact, the students show a greater amount of achievement when they have one-on-one instruction. Just by volunteering an hour or two a week, tutors are a source of inspiration. But the rewards are not only for the students.

This program is rewarding for volunteers as well. Tutors help their communities by improving the lives of residents, one person at a time. Volunteers tutor when it is convenient and in an academic subject that they enjoy.

For more information about this information meeting, please contact Linda Jachino at 815-273-4760 or e-mail at linda.jachino@highland.edu.

And The Winners Are . . .

Names were drawn during the closing show Sunday afternoon, Aug. 24, at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, IL, for three great Raffles sponsored by Friends of Timber Lake Playhouse.

The lucky winners are Norine Urban of Morrison, IL, who won two 2009 TLP Season Tickets, and Mindy Holesinger of Fulton, IL. She won an overnight stay at Timber Lake Resort.

Milledgeville School goes Green

If you have been past the Milledgeville School recently, you have probably noticed the new installation above the front doorway. Although small, this solar panel array generates free electricity for the school.

The Chadwick-Milledgeville School District will feature a dedication ceremony at the Milledgeville school building as part of their Open House on September 3. The dedication will begin at 6:15 p.m. Weather permitting; the dedication will be outside in front of the school. The eight solar panels were installed on July 30, as the result of a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. The foundation assists local communities across the state to tap wind and solar power, including small-scale solar electric systems for schools. In return the school will use resources available through the foundation which teach students at all levels about renewable energy and ways to utilize these resources in the future. The community benefits through greater awareness of sustainable technology.

Please plan to come support this educational venture and learn more about the application of renewable energy.

Mt. Carroll Celebrates Founder's Day

The Good Samaritan Society-Mt. 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.

Over the years, the Society has grown from serving a handful of residents to being the nation's largest not-for-profit provider of senior care and services.

On Saturday Sept. 13, 2008 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. the God Samaritan Society-Mt. Carroll, 1006 N. Lowden Road, Mt. Carroll, plans to celebrate Founder's Day with a special program. At 2:30 p.m. Rev. David Vidler will lead the invocation and the American Legion Post 67 will conduct a flag ceremony. Also part of the event: Silent Auction, Quilt Raffle, Pie & Ice Cream Social fundraiser by the Good Samaritan Society Auxiliary, music by J.T. Nolan, 4-H Children's Corner and balloon release. "Founder's Day is a wonderful way to reflect on our heritage and celebrate the many achievements of our residents and staff members," says administrator Jennifer Dunk. "It is also a wonderful time to visit a family member or other loved one who calls our center home." The Good Samaritan Society-Mt. 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 the "In Christ's Love, Everyone Is Someone."

For more information, please contact: Anna Gray, Resource Development Coordinator, 815-244-7715, Good Samaritan Society-Mt. Carroll, agray@good-sam.com

Learn about the Black Hawk War

Community education class offered Sept. 17-Oct. 22 at HCC West

Elizabeth, IL-The Black Hawk War, a significant episode in American History, will be the subject of a community education class offered Sept. 17 through Oct. 22 at Highland College-West in Elizabeth, Illinois.

The class will be taught by Allen Reed, a Black Hawk War era re-enactor and active volunteer at Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, the site of a key 1832 Black Hawk War engagement. He will be joined by a guest expert during each class session. There is a registration fee and those interested may visit www.highland.edu or call (815) 599-3612 to register. The class meets every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 17. Sessions during the six-week course include: "The Beginning," history of the conflict between the Sauk and settlers before April 1832, with Black Hawk State Historic Site's Beth Carvey-Stewart. "Who Were The Sauk?"

The culture of the Sauk and related tribes before the war, with Preston Duncan. "The War Starts," the crossing of the Mississippi River to the Battle of Stillman's Rub, with Ben McLaughlin. "The Life of the Settlers" with Daryl Watson. "Battle at Apple River," the battle at Apple River Fort and other nearby skirmishes, with Apple River Fort Historical Foundation President Skip Schwerdtfeger. "Final Battles and the Aftermath," the Battles of Wisconsin Heights and Bad Axe and the year of captivity for Black Hawk, with Pete Shrake. Apple River Fort State Historic Site and Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island are both administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

JDCF Welcomes New Executive Director

Sandi J. Helgerson has recently been hired as Executive Director of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation located in Elizabeth, Illinois. Sandi grew up in Dubuque and has enjoyed and taken advantage of all the rich resources that are available in the Tri-State area.

Currently, she resides on a 120 acre farm just south of the Dubuque airport. Her husband has worked for John Deere Dubuque Works for over 30 years. They have a 6 year old son who enjoys a number of outdoor activities with the family, especially horseback riding. She has a long history of working with non-profit organizations in human service and conservation fields such as the United Way, University of Iowa, the Girl Scouts, Dubuque Soil & Water Conservation District and, most recently, the St. Marks Community Center in Dubuque. Her main areas of focus with these different organizations have been in health promotion, program development, and fundraising activities.

"I am really looking forward to providing leadership for an organization that will serve to protect the land in our area that we cherish and value," states the new director who is getting her feet wet at JDCF's office in Elizabeth. JDCF is a 501c3 charitable educational organization founded for the purpose of protecting the natural heritage, spectacular scenery, and agricultural character of the Jo Daviess County area. JDCF also owns Schurmeier Teaching Forest in Elizabeth and the Buehler Preserve and Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve in Galena, all of which are open to the public for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The Wapello Land & Water Reserve in Hanover and Keough Effigy Preserve in Galena are other properties belonging to JDCF that will be open for public use in the future. For more information, visit their office at 126 N. Main Street in Elizabeth, Illinois, call 815-858-9100, or visit their website at www.jdcf.org

Fall Forest Walk Scheduled at Schurmeier Teaching Forest

The public is invited to celebrate the change of season by attending the annual Fall Forest Walk at Schurmeier Forest on Sunday September 14th at 1:00p.m. This free event is hosted by the JoDaviess Conservation Foundation. Expert staff members from the JDCF will identify unique native trees, wildflowers, and berries on an approximately 1 ? mile hike through the forest. The terrain is suitable for people of all ages making the walk an event the entire family can enjoy. Appropriate footwear is recommended! To reach Schurmeier Forest, take Hwy. 20 to Derinda Road just east of downtown Elizabeth. Travel a short distance to Tower Road, turn right and follow Reusch Road. Take a left on Reusch and drive 1 ? miles to the parking lot on the right side of the road. The entrance to the forest is on the left. The JoDaviess Conservation Foundation is a local non profit dedicated to protecting the many natural wonders of the JoDaviees County area.

Freeport Marks 150th Anniversary of Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Lincoln and Douglas are coming to Freeport August 29-September 1.

Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas re-enactors will visit as part of "Reunion Tour 2008," the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Events are scheduled in the seven debate communities as close as possible to the dates in 1858 when Lincoln and Douglas debated the issues of the day in their race for Douglas' U.S. Senate seat. Douglas won the election, but the notoriety gained during the debates helped propel him to the Presidency in 1860. The Lincoln and Douglas re-enactors will meet in Freeport to reminisce, share their recollections and discuss some of the important issues that were at the heart of the contest. An accompanying naval officer in period clothing will moderate the discussion and invite local news media and audience members to ask questions of the candidates. Lincoln and Douglas will be portrayed by two Freeport actors-George Buss will play Abraham Lincoln and Tim Connor will play Stephen A. Douglas. Silas Terry, the accompanying naval aide, will be played by Ed Finch, who will introduce Lincoln and Douglas and serve as moderator for each local press conference.

Scheduled events in Freeport include: Friday August 29-Civil War music preview, Torchlight Parade and Abolitionist Rally, and the Winneshiek Players present "Mrs. Lincoln." Saturday August 30-All-day walking tours, Sesquicentennial Parade, First Brigade Band performance, Reunion Tour '08 Performance at Debate Square, Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square Dedication, Winneshiek Players present "Mrs. Lincoln," and the 1858 Grand Ball. Sunday August 31-Family Day Art in the Park; Community Duck Race; and "Lincoln's Life: A Thomas Edison Film," and "Young Abe Lincoln" at the Lindo Theatre. Monday September 1-Flavors of Lincoln's Freeport Food and Music Festival. The "Reunion Tour 2008" is the core of a weekend celebration in each debate community. August 22-23 in Ottawa; August 29-September 1 in Freeport; September 12-14 in Jonesboro; September 20-21 in Charleston; October 3-5 in Galesburg; October 11-13 in Quincy; and October 17-19 in Alton. For more information visit www.lincolndouglasreunion.com The Reunion Tour '08 project was organized by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, in conjunction with the debate communities, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the Illinois Bureau of Tourism and the Lincoln-Douglas Society. The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition manages the newly designed Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, preserving and promoting the Lincoln Legacy sires across Illinois.

New Law Gives Illinois Public Pension Retirees a Vote

Springfield, IL - August 25, 2008 - Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) retirees now have a voting voice on the group's independent Board of Trustees. Gov. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 1957 into law as Public Act 95-890 on Friday August 22, 2008, granting the retirees' representative, the annuitant trustee, a vote on any action that comes before the IMRF Board of Trustees. Formerly, the annuitant trustee was allowed to discuss pending action, but was the only one of the Board's eight members without voting rights.

IMRF provides death, disability and retirement benefits to Illinois municipal workers."It's historic, and it's an important moment for the 87,000 annuitants who are receiving pension checks each year," said Dixon, IL native Sharon Thompson, the current annuitant trustee. Thompson was Lee County Treasurer from 1974 through 1994 and has served as the IMRF annuitant trustee since 2001. The IMRF Board of Trustees serves a fundamental role in setting employer contribution rates based on sound actuarial principles-a factor critical to achieving the fund's 100 percent funding level in 2007. The Board consists of four executive trustees elected by IMRF employers, three employee trustees elected by IMRF active members and one annuitant trustee, elected by IMRF retirees. Public sector retirees are a vital part of both IMRF and the Illinois economy. Eighty-five percent of retired public sector workers stay in Illinois, and retirees spending their public pension benefits accounts for more than two percent of the state's economy. "The retirees make up a large part of what IMRF is about," Thompson said. "We work hard to make sure that when a worker retires, his or her pension is 100 percent funded. I look forward to representing fellow retirees on issues that are important to them." Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr. (D-57th District) and Reps. Thomas Holbrook (D-113th District) and Mike Boland (D-71st District) sponsored the bill.

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