More Important News

A special thank you to these gentlemen for many years of service, and dedication to the Carroll County Fair. The Illinois Department of Agriculture recognizes (L to R) Fred Hutchison, 30 years of service, Bill Schell, 30 years of service, and Jerry Jacobs, 20 years of service. All have donated numerous hours to keep our fair going year after year. See you at the 61st Annual Carroll County Fair in 2013.
(PA photo/Andrew Williamson)

Section FFA Officers Attend Star Conference

On Tuesday, Spetember 4th, 2012 the Section 1 FFA Officer team joined the four other section officer teams (2,3,4 & 5) that make up District 1 at Black Hawk College’s East Campus near Galva, IL for the annual District 1 Star Conference. State FFA Vice President Dalton Heavner and State Secretary Joel Limestall facilitated this year’s conference.

Throughout the day-long conference the officers learned about what the responsibilities and expectations of their respective offices would be. They learned the characteristics needed to be a leader and an officer. As part of the training, each officer participated in a personality test and learned about the way different personalities come together to make a team successful. Heavner and Limestall also shared with the section officers some ice breakers to bring back to their perspective sections to kick off their Leadership Training Seminars (LTS) and Chapter visits. The section officers also received instruction on how to correctly write thank you letters and reviewed the importance of presenting themselves in ways that promote a to positive perspectives from the general public. Time was also spent reviewing the section activities that have been scheduled throughout the 2012 – 2013 school year. Each section also met and brainstormed ideas for increasing and maintaining membership numbers.

The twelve FFA Chapters of Section 1 were represented by: President, Cory Snetcher (Eastland); Vice President, Briana Bendorf (Forreston); Reporter, Brooke Krippendorf (Stockton); Secretary, Landon Baumgartner (Orangeville); and Sentinel, Kody Miller (Dakota). For more information about FFA visit illinoisffa.org, ffa.org, or talk to your local Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor.

Business After Hours at the L & M Motel in Savanna, “A nice place to stay while you’re away,” was held September 4, hosted by Louis Hunsaker (Owner) and Savanna Chamber Executive Director Pam Brown. Learn what’s happening in your community. Business After Hours is a great networking opportunity. For more information please contact the Savanna Chamber of Commerce at 815-273-2722 www.savannail.com
(PA photo/A. Williamson)

The Milledgeville Elementary Week 1 Thumbs Up Winners. From left to right in the front row are: Johnathon Brearton, Taylor Sarber, Presley Nellish, Skyler Hartman, Sarah Frint. In the back row are: Izaac Toms-Smith, Matthew Lapp, Catherine Brown, Kassie Britt, Carlynn Hackbarth.

The Milledgeville Elementary Week 2 Thumbs Up Winners. From left to right n the front row are: Kailyn Hutchison, Maliah Grenoble, Kohle Bradley, Jace Urish, Wyatt House. In the back row are: Payton Sarber, Rylee Matthews, Lydia Faulkner, Kloey Dowse, Eric Ebersole.

Celebrate Constitution Day with Free Education Resources

On September 17, 2012, the Bill of Rights Institute will celebrate Constitution Day with engaging educational games, videos, and activities for people of all ages, and classroom lesson plans for teachers across the country.

The Bill of Rights Institute’s newest resource, a set of constitutional principle videos, explore the constitutional principles of separation of powers, limited government, representative government, and the rule of law. Exciting visuals from current events, an engaging historical narrative, brief scholar interviews, familiar music, and memorable quotes make these short videos perfect for use on Constitution Day! Viewing guides are also available.

Another engaging resource for Constitution Day, the Constitution Duel, is a 15-question quiz that challenges you to defend your constitutional honor. Individuals will be asked 15 multiple-choice questions from four categories; the Constitution, primary source documents, landmark Supreme Court cases, and historic people. Take the quiz as an individual, or as a team - even challenge another classroom, family, or workplace to a Constitution knowledge duel!

Additional activities include Life Without the Bill of Rights? which explores how life would change without our constitutionally-protected rights and Madison’s Notes are Missing, which allows you to “travel through time” to converse with the Founders and report on the Constitutional Convention.

All materials and more resources can be found at http://BillofRightsInstitute.org/constitution-day-resources/.

Got Your Library Card?

School supplies come to mind when September rolls around, but few lists mention a most important item—a library card. The American Library Association hopes to remedy this lapse by promoting Library Card Sign-up Month throughout September. Working in partnership with the Lanark Public Library, Twice-Sold Tales is offering a free paperback book to every customer who presents a valid library card at time of purchase. In addition, a special offer is available to those who have a card number lower than 100. Valid cards from any library will be honored. (Offer excludes Crème de la Crème books.) Now is the perfect time to register for a new card or renew an old one and to provide access to all of the library’s resources for yourself and your family. Get your library card at the Lanark Public Library at 110 W. Carroll St. in Lanark, and show your valid library card at Twice-Sold Tales, 100 S. Broad St., Lanark, for a free paperback book. Such a deal—complete your list, open a world of information, and get a free book!

- Denise Krysiak

Carroll County Democrats Meeting

The Carroll County Democrats will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the York Township Library, 1005 West Main Street in Thomson, IL. Plans will be discussed on our Annual Fall Supper in October. Raffle tickets, bumper stickers and yard signs will be available. For more information, call Gerald Bork at 815-244-8975.

Important Election Notice

Carroll County Clerk, Brian Woessner, wishes to remind disabled and elderly voters of the many aids and provisions for assistance in voting at the upcoming election. Woessner said that his office welcomes inquiries by anyone who feels they may wish to take advantage of these aids at the November 6, 2012 General Election.

Woessner reminds all Carroll County citizens who are not registered voters, that they may register on line at www.election.state.il.us and mail the form into our office. Also, there are many Deputy Voter Registrars throughout the County. Contact our office at 815-244-0221 or email at ccclerk1@carroll-county.net for more information. For voters convenience, Saturday, October, 6th from 9 a.m. till 12 noon his office will be open for voters registration. The last day for voters registration is Tuesday, October 9, 2012.

Woessner stated voters may vote by absentee ballot. No reason is necessary to vote absentee. They need merely contact his office to request an application. After filing the application with his office, the ballot will be mailed to the voter at home, or wherever he or she may be at the time, along with complete instructions for voting and returning the voted ballot. Voters may apply for an absentee ballot forty days prior to the election. The last day to apply is five days before the election. Early voting is also available at the Courthouse in Mt. Carroll at 301 N. Main St., beginning on Monday, October 22, 2012 through Saturday, November 3, 2012 .

Also (if requested in advance), the Judges of Election are permitted to deliver a ballot to any voter who cannot get into the polling place. These judges may deliver the ballot to the voter at the point at which he or she is unable to continue toward the polling place as long as this point is within 50 feet of the polling place entrance. Any voter who desires to have the ballot delivered must have first filed an application with the County Clerk’s office prior to Election Day.

He also stated that all polling places in the County are handicapped accessible. In addition, all polling places are equipped with the voting device for the handicapped.

Woessner urges everyone to take advantage of their right to vote at this very important Election, and to feel free to request assistance from the Election Judges on Election Day. They are specifically trained to give assistance and welcome the opportunity to be of help.

For further information on elections, voter registration, and the available assistance to elderly and disabled voters, contact the Carroll County Clerk’s office. You can contact his office at 815-244-0221 and the office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

Food Co-op to Hold Informational Meeting

The Northwest Illinois Food Co-op planning committee will hold an informational meeting at the Elizabeth Community Building on September 19 at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting will be to give an update on progress and provide information as to what kind of products will be offered. The committee will be ready to answer any questions.

The Community Building is west of downtown Elizabeth on Highway 20. Light refreshments will be served.

The planning committee wants to provide information about the store, the events that are being planned, the bulk food aisle, the interesting mix of local wine and beer, the wide variety of Wisconsin cheese, local eggs, local beef, pork, chicken, turkey and lamb. The co-op plans to carry locally roasted, organic fair trade coffee.

The committee wants to bring folks up-to-date on the wonderful local produce from early spring to the late fall that will be available. In addition to carrying local fresh produce daily, the store will also be a CSA drop-off point. And the store will also carry a variety of other local products all year round. The store will have a mix of natural food products and conventional foods. There will be just the right blend of sustainable organic local foods, more traditional foods and international products.

According to spokesperson Chuck Wemstrom, the committee hopes that the store will become a destination—more than just a place to buy groceries. Planned are cooking demos, health classes, organic bedding plants in the spring, pumpkin painting for the kids, apple cider pressing, the battle of brats, local Christmas trees, a corn boil: the list keeps growing.

Wemstrom said that the key is people have to realize is that if they take a “wait-and-see” approach, if they want to see the store up and running before they commit to buying a membership, the committee can’t make it. Wemstrom said, “Without folks’ membership dollars up front, our dream and a dream that is shared by many will never become a reality.”

He encouraged folks to come to the meeting and Join the Journey.

For more information contact Chuck Wemstrom @ 815-244-1289 or visit the food co-op’s webpage: www.northwestillinoisfoodcoop.org

Free Child Care Business Training

4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care is presenting a free workshop for individuals interested in offering child care services in their home. “How To Start A Successful Child Care Business” will be held at the YWCA of Sauk Valley, 412 First Street, Sterling, IL on Monday September 24th, 2012 from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. To register, please call 800-848-8727 ext. 230.

The workshop will cover information on legal child care, professional business practices, and resources and supports available through 4-C. Presenter Gloria Davis is an experienced family child care provider, and the owner and operator of Quality Child Care in Mt. Carroll. She has achieved a quality rating through the Quality Counts Quality Rating System (QRS). Child care programs participating in QRS have been independently assessed and have met recognized quality standards. QRS is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Celebrate The U.S. Constitution

The Sauk Valley Tea Party will be holding a rally Sunday, September 16th from 3-5pm on the Dixon Riverfront to celebrate Constitution Day.

Join us for an inspirational celebration of the documents that framed this nation of freedom and opportunity. Spend the afternoon with other freedom-loving folks as we listen to what the Constitution means to each of us. Bring your family and friends for an exciting and uplifting presentation.

As we head into November, it is important to remember the foundation of our system of government. We welcome everyone who values the Constitution of the United States of America and the principles of liberty and honor which built this nation.

For more information, please email SaukValleyTeaParty@live.com

Health Fair Planned for September 15

The Stephenson County Farm Bureau is hosting a “Healthy Lifestyles Fair” on Saturday September 15 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Farm Bureau building, 210 W. Spring Street in Freeport. Flu shots will be offered with a discount for FB members, and there will be free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, free hearing screenings and consultation, mobility and accessibility information, and numerous displays and information. Refreshments and door prizes will also be included, and there is no cost to attend. Contact the Farm Bureau at (815) 232-3186 for more information.

Super Recycling Event – September 29

Northwest Illinois residents and businesses are invited to participate in the upcoming Super Recycling Event collection set for Saturday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The recycling collection will be conducted at the Elizabeth Community Building parking lot, just off US Route 20, at 111 East Myrtle Street, Elizabeth, Illinois.

Free recycling categories include electronics such as computers, monitors, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, printers, keyboards, mice, laptops, cords, cables, phones, radios, speakers, copiers, cell phones, and more.

Small household electronic items are also accepted at no charge and include microwaves, vacuum cleaners, coffee and bread makers, toaster ovens, small saws, drills, holiday lights, hair dryers and more.

Batteries are also accepted for free and include all types of alkaline, lithium, rechargeable, and large lead-acid vehicle and machinery batteries.

Bulky metal items are also accepted for free and include bicycles, swing sets, metal shelving, metal cabinets, lawn and garden tractors, lawn mowers, snow blowers, metal patio furniture, outdoor grills, metal bed frames, steel posts, metal fencing, and more.

Additional recycling items will be accepted that involve a small fee. Large household appliances will be accepted for $10 per item and include refrigerators, dish washers, stoves, air conditioners, etc. Latex paint will be accepted for a charge with a quart container costing $1.50 each, a one gallon at $2.50 each and five gallon containers at $8.00 each. Compact and large fluorescent bulbs will also be accepted for a charge with bulbs four feet and under costing $1.00 each and bulbs over four feet costing $2.00 each. Paper and document shredding including DVD disposal is also offered and will cost $2 per participating household or business.

The event is sponsored by the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency. For questions, please contact Mark Maidak, event coordinator, at 815-541-8183, or via e-mail at jocarrollswa@yahoo.com.

NAMI Sauk Valley Meets September 25

NAMI Sauk Valley will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 25, at the Sinnissippi Centers, 325 IL Rt. 2, Dixon. This meeting provides education as well as support to families struggling with a diagnosis of mental illness in a relative or friend. The upcoming NAMI Illinois Educational Conference will be discussed that evening.

NAMI Sauk Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and NAMI Illinois, serving the residents of Ogle, Lee, Carroll and Whiteside Counties. For more information about NAMI Sauk Valley or the Educational Conference, contact Mary Ann Hutchison (815-244-1405), or Lorna Engwall (815-778-3662) or e-mail namisaukvalley@gmail.com

DNR Hunter Education Class

Area residents will have an opportunity to learn basic principles of safe hunting at a Department of Natural Resources hunter safety course scheduled for later this month at Van’s Country Sports Store, 9452 VanBuskirk Rd., Mount Carroll.

The two-day class will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30. Class size is limited and participants must pre-register by calling 815-493-2601. If there is no answer, those who wish to be registered must leave a message with their name and a call-back number.

State law requires that all hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, successfully complete the hunter education course before they can receive their first hunting license. In addition, people who wish to hunt in other states are often required to complete the course regardless of age. Participants completing the hunter education course receive a Hunter Education Certification card verifying that they have passed the course of instruction.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for hunters who need the course in order to qualify for their hunting license,” DNR Master Instructor Clark VanBuskirk said. “It can be beneficial for both beginning and advanced hunters, even those born before Jan. 1, 1980.”

The minimum ten hour course includes instruction in wildlife management, firearms safety, hunter ethics, game identification, first aid, survival techniques and regulations.

For more information, contact VanBuskirk at 815-493-2601.

Composting Science and Strategies

University of Illinois Extension invites horse owners, livestock producers, market gardeners and landscapers to attend Composting Science and Strategies on Friday, Sept 21 from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Highland Community College, West Campus, Elizabeth, Il. .

The regional workshop is geared toward small to mid-scale livestock operations that are looking for a way to turn organic waste into a valuable product, as well as toward market gardeners, crop producers and landscapers looking for a consistent and reliable source of high-quality compost.

Jay Solomon, Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator, and Ellen Phillips, Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, offer participants an in-depth introduction the science behind organic waste composting, composting techniques and strategies, Illinois rules and regulations regarding manure storage and composting, and much more.

“Composting provides horse and livestock operations an excellent option for manure management and returns important nutrients to the soil for reuse by plants. In addition, large vegetable growers and landscapers that install composting systems have greater control over compost quality, availability and cost,” says Solomon. “Creating good compost takes more than just putting organic material into piles. It requires the application of knowledge and management. Composting is part nature, part science, and part art. We can help you with the first two; the art is learned through experience.”

Program fee is your choice of $15 for the workshop only or $35 for the workshop plus a copy of the On-Farm Composting Handbook (a $25 value). More information can be found at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or by calling U of I Extension at 815-858-2273.

Picket Fence on Parade Contest at Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll

As part of the 42nd anniversary Founder’s Day activities, Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll is inviting community members to participate in a “Picket Fence on Parade Contest.” Families, youth groups, children and adults are encouraged to use their imagination and decorate pickets that will be displayed at the center.

If you would like to participate, please pick up a picket and registration form at Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll, 1006 N. Lowden Rd., during office hours. Decorate one side of the picket and turn in your picket-art by Thursday, Oct. 4th.

The “Pickets on Parade” will be displayed at Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll starting on Saturday, October 6 for the Founder’s Day celebration. A team of residents and Advisory Board members will judge the picket art-work and present ribbons and prizes for various categories. Contest winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 11th.

Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll will celebrate 42 years of service to our community on Founder’s Day, Saturday, October 6th. A special program will be held in the afternoon with music provided by the Glad Morning Gospel Singers and an ice cream sundae fundraiser hosted by Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll Auxiliary members. A Silent Auction is also part of the Founder’s Day activities with baskets and items generously donated by the center’s staff and community individuals.

For more information about the “Picket Fence on Parade Contest” or Founder’s Day activities, please contact Anna Gray, resource development director, at 815-244-7715.

Eagle Nature Foundation’s Fall Bird Seed Sale

November 3, the Eagle Nature Foundation will be sponsoring a Fall Bird Seed Sale from 9 am to 3 pm. All of the profits from this one day sale will be used to further the work ENF is doing to monitor and preserve our National Symbol, the bald eagle. To learn what are the seed prices, or to receive an order form for the seeds, please call ENF’s office, 815-594-2306. Many of the seeds may be purchased in various size bags, such as both types of sunflower seeds, thistle, mixed seed, safflower, and peanuts as well as cakes of suet.

An order form or letter with a check for the seeds ordered must be received by ENF on or before Oct. 26 2012. On the day of the seed sale the seeds must be picked up at 8384 North Broadway Road, Apple River, IL between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. During that time volunteers will be present to help load the bags of seeds purchased into a person’s vehicle. If for some reason a person would like to get some of these seeds, but cannot pick them up on that day, arrangements may be made to pick them up within a reasonable time thereafter.

When coming to pick up his or her seeds a person may stop at the office, look over and purchase one or more plants from the remaining plants that will be on display in the yard. A person may also stop at the Apple River Event Center to have lunch and visit ENF’s booth at the fund-raising craft show, which is being sponsored by the Apple River Presbyterian Church. While in the Event Center there will be over a dozen other craft booths to enjoy.

For more information contact: Terrence N. Ingram, Executive Director, Eagle Nature Foundation, 300 East Hickory St. , Apple River, IL 61001 Phone 815-594-2306

Stargazing at Apple River Fort

The Apple River Fort State Historic Site and the Planetary Studies Foundation continue their stargazing and public viewing on Saturday, September 15 at sunset approximately 7:00pm. The Apple River Fort State Historic Site is located in the Village of Elizabeth. If you are an outdoor lover or just want to spend some quality time with your family and friends, don’t miss this special event.

The evening will begin with an outdoor PowerPoint presentation from Diane Sipiera, executive/ educational director for the Planetary Studies Foundation based out of Galena. She will introduce participants with an educational slide show of the fall constellations Andromeda, Aquarius, Pisces and more, so that people who are present can learn some general knowledge.

Dr. Paul Sipiera, adjunct curator of meteorites at the Robert A. Pritzker Center for Meteoritics and Polar Studies at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, will give a brief presentation about meteorites. Samples of meteorites will be available for viewing. After their two programs, Chris Zirtzman from the Planetary Studies Foundation will have telescopes available to the public to view the heavens. If any local individuals would like to bring their telescopes in to share viewing, please do not hesitate to bring them.

Stargazing is offered free to the public. Please bring blankets or lawn chairs for your own comfort. The Apple River Fort State Historic Site is located at 311 E. Myrtle St. in Elizabeth, IL. For more information please contact the Apple River Fort at 815-858-2028.

Highland Foundation Seeking Nominations for Distinguished Alumni Awards

Highland Community College Foundation is seeking nominations for its 18th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony.

The Foundation is looking for persons who have demonstrated community leadership, professional achievement, made their start at Highland College and believe in the mission of the community college and higher education, according to Pat Dunn, coordinator of the Distinguished Alumni Awards program and director of operations. Nominees do not have to live in the Highland College district.

Since the award’s inception, the Foundation and Highland College have recognized 85 individuals as Distinguished Alumni. A listing of past award winners and nominations forms are available at highland.edu.

Deadline for submission of nomination forms is September 30.

For more information, contact Patricia Dunn at 815-599-3408 or pat.dunn@highland.edu.

CGH Health Foundation is hosting Craft/Bake Sale for 25th anniversary

In commemoration of the CGH Health Foundation’s 25th anniversary, CGH employees are hosting, “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” a Craft/Bake sale on Wednesday, September 19 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at CGH Medical Center. The festivities will be held in the CGH Ryberg Auditorium, Classrooms 1 and 2. There is no charge to attend.

“We’re opening our doors to the public to come and buy, but also to bring in their own craft donations and baked goods to help us raise funds,” said Dolly Blair and Perri Plog, event co-chairs. “We are excited to showcase the amazing employee support of Foundation community wellness programs. All proceeds go to twelve health initiatives sponsored by the Foundation, including the new Dog Therapy Program called Love on a Leash.”

In addition to the Craft/Bake Sale, the very popular Penny Raffle, where you can win great prizes, and the Big Raffle are two more fun features of the event. Other delights include: homemade truffles, caramels, breads, jams and anything else you can imagine to tempt your taste buds will be beautifully displayed for your enjoyment. Seasonal crafts will include Halloween and Christmas decorations, painted wine bottles, bird feeders, quilts, woolen scarves, to name a few.

In keeping with the New York theme, shoppers can stroll through “shops” called Epiphanies, Magical Square Garden, Grand Central Confection, and Holiday in Times Square.

“This will be a treat and we hope everyone can visit us that day,” said Dolly and Perri. “CGHers are putting a lot of effort into this. We can’t thank our fellow employees enough, who are not only talented professionally, but they are great bakers, candy makers, crafters, etc. and don’t mind pitching in to help for this great cause.”

Organizers hope to raise at least $5,000 to go towards the $360,000 Annual Appeal goal. If you’d like to make a donation of any kind, contact Dolly at 815-626-7657; Perri at 815-225-7202 or Joan Hermes, 815-625-0400, ext. 5672.

Celebrate Fall - 2 Days Left!

Cooler weather, school has started, Fall is on the way! Come shop with us for all kinds of fun halloween and fall décor! Lynn and Julie are designing gorgeous fall wreaths, Rachel is painting funky pumpkin plates, and our new art friend, Tommy Healy, is making vintage Halloween framed textile art. Original and fun, you are sure to enjoy! And we have pumpkins, witches and ghosts, oh my!!! Plus the return of favorites, like Amy with her standout hair pieces, Cindy and Pat with fabric crafts, and the ever popular soaps and lotions from John and Cyndy.

Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 and 15 are the last 2 days. Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Picket-Fence/107429152667066

Picket Fence, 407 E. Franklin, Lanark, IL, 815-297-3576

Sip! Shop! Dine!

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 1st Annual Morrison Chamber of Commerce Girls’ Night Out. Held at Cross Creek Golf Course, 15523 Henry Road, Morrison, IL on Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, this event will pamper the ladies with special shopping deals, great samples, delicious food, and adult beverages. Participating vendors include: Madison Street Spa, Tastefully Simple, BeautiControl, ThirtyOne, Longaberger, V3, Uppercase Living, Bit O’ Bliss Candy, Lia Sophia, Diva Girl, PartyLite, Shaklee, Pampered Chef, Vault Denim, Eclipse Candles, Nerium International, Fusion Fitness, Jamberry Nails, Slumber Parties, Melaleuca, Scentsy, and Imprintable Memories.

Admission is $5, which includes food and a chance to win numerous door prizes, with winners not having to be present to win. Bring your mothers, sisters, daughters, girlfriends (whoever!) for this fun night to explore all things female.

10 Reasons to Re-Elect Bobby

Reason #2: An All-of-the-Above Energy Policy

The Bobby Schilling for Congress campaign has unveiled the second reason in their “10 Reasons to Re-Elect Bobby” series. The series focuses on the successful record of U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) and explains why one good term deserves another. The campaign plans to release one reason per week leading up to the election on November 6. This week, the campaign is focused on Schilling’s efforts to enact an inclusive, all-of-the-above energy policy.

Reason #2 to Re-Elect Bobby: An All-of-the-Above Energy Policy

Since taking office, Schilling has made repairing America’s broken energy policy a top priority.

“We need an all-of-the-above energy policy,” Schilling said. “Folks in the 17th District and across Illinois are demanding answers to skyrocketing gas prices and energy costs, and, frankly, so am I.”

Schilling reiterated the need for a functional, bipartisan approach to energy policy that increases America’s oil supply, modernizes our energy infrastructure, and puts us on a path to renewable energy.

“People are forced to choose between putting food on the table or filling up their gas tanks to get to work,” Schilling said. “That’s unacceptable. As elected leaders, we have a responsibility to find solutions to the problem.”

Since taking office, Schilling has advocated several important energy policies:

Supported the Keystone XL Pipeline...

Schilling was a major advocate for the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project that would have created more than 20,000 private sector jobs and served as a significant infrastructure improvement to help increase our energy independence. Despite overwhelming support from the public, this project was shot down by the Obama Administration and the U.S. Senate.

Worked to prevent a backdoor national energy tax...

Schilling supported H.R. 910 to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from instituting a backdoor national energy tax to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Schilling has argued this policy, known as “Cap and Trade,” would destroy industry and cost our country millions of jobs.

Wrote letter to President Obama seeking bipartisan energy solutions...

Schilling and Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) co-authored a letter to President Obama, taking him to task for his lack of cooperation with Congress on energy policy. Schilling and Duffy challenged the President to be more proactive on the issue of skyrocketing gas prices, insisting on a bipartisan compromise to get something done on the issue.

Fought against over-regulation of the coal industry...

Schilling voted for H.R. 2273 in an effort to ease over-regulation of the coal industry. When President Obama was still a candidate, he famously said he would “bankrupt” coal companies with his new regulations. Indeed, these burdensome new regulations have taken a huge toll on coal, and Schilling argues that this type of government overreach deserves no place in our nation’s energy policy.

Voted to end moratorium on offshore drilling...

Schilling voted to end President Obama’s needless moratorium on offshore drilling, pointing out that this ban has created a terrible supply problem that has led directly to higher gas prices and a stagnant economy.

Co-sponsored bills to increase oil supply and lower prices...

Schilling backed H.R. 49 and H.R. 3410 in an effort to increase oil supply and lower energy prices to help revitalize the economy. Schilling believes energy independence must be a priority, and that means we need to drill here at home as well as find new energy sources, rather than depend on volatile conditions in the Middle East.

That was Reason #2. Check out some of the other reasons to re-elect Bobby Schilling...

Reason #1 to Re-Elect Bobby Schilling: No Tax Hikes on Working Families

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