'Born To Be Wild' is More Than Just a Theme for the EPC Homecoming

Buck's Barn Hosts CCEDC Golf Outing

Tee it up fore the CCEDC 3rd Annual Golf Outing

For a beautiful fall day on the golf course, join the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation for its 3rd Annual Carroll County EDC Golf Outing. The event is set for Saturday, September 27, 2008 at Buck's Barn and Golf Resort, 5020 IL Rte 84, Thomson, IL.

This is the first year that Buck's Barn & Golf Resort will host the CCEDC's fund-raising Golf Outing, a 4-person best-ball, which features an 8 a.m. shotgun tee off, Continental Breakfast, and awards luncheon following golf.

Entry fees are $85 per golfer, or $340 for a foursome. The fee includes green fees and carts. Registration forms are printed in the brochure, and are available at the CCEDC office, Buck's Barn & Golf Resort, Carroll County banking facilities, and from any CCEDC board member. Brochures are also available by E-mail at TKocal@pacc-news.com . You may also register by calling the CCEDC office at 815-273-1153, or on-line at www.carrollcountyedc.org .Event sponsorships are a great way to not only promote your business, but also to support the CCEDC in its goal to retain and create business in Carroll County, while sustaining the positive qualities of rural life. Tee sponsorships are $50, Hole sponsors $100, Gift Bag sponsors are $250, and Meal sponsors are $500, and include signage with full color company logo if desired. The sponsorship form is printed in the brochure as well. Deadline to submit your sponsorship is Friday, Sept. 12, to allow time to produce sponsor signs.Please return the form with your check or money order to:Carroll Co. Economic Development Corp.9317 IL Rt. 84 Suite B Savanna, IL 61074For any questions about the Golf Outing, call 815-273-1153.The CCEDC strives to provide professional services that will attract, create, retain and expand business opportunities in Carroll County. As a 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation, the CCEDC relies on both the public and private sectors for financial support.Individuals utilizing the services of the CCEDC are assured the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality on all projects and proposals.For questions about services offered by the CCEDC, E-mail them at director@carrollcountyedc.org .

Leuer Graduates from Basic Training

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Ryan J. Leuer has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Curtis Leuer of Third St., Dewitt, Iowa, and Charlene Leuer of U.S. Highway 52, Savanna, Ill.

Leuer graduated in 2004 from Central Community High School, Dewitt, and received an associate degree in 2006 from Clinton Community College, Iowa.

Aid For Ike Victims

The American Red Cross Northwest Illinois Chapter volunteers are preparing to aid in disaster relief in Texas in the wake of Hurricane Ike, even after lengthy assignments, some still ongoing, in Gulf states. The chapter still has two volunteers assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana.

"Eight of our 11 volunteers who responded to Hurricane Gustav are home and regrouping and will likely be sent out on the next round of requests from Red Cross National Headquarters. This will occur after the hurricane has made landfall, done its damage, and dissipates," said Frank Bruscato, director of emergency services for the American Red Cross Northwest Illinois Chapter. "Right now they're packed and ready to go," Bruscato said.

While volunteers from the Northwest Chapter, located at 224 W. Galena Ave., Freeport, were still manning Louisiana and Florida, officials from Red Cross National Texas Operations Headquarters were recruiting other Red Cross volunteers for Texas, Bruscato said.

Red Cross Headquarters has issued the following information:

· We are moving more than 100 mobile feeding trucks into Texas

· More than a million shelf-stable meals are in the state

· We are moving more than 1,200 disaster workers into Texas

· We are ready to open shelters and support the shelter hub system in Texas

· We are planning for a total capacity of 500,000 meals a day

· We have tens of thousands of cots, blankets and comfort kits in Texas

· We are moving additional units of blood into North Texas in anticipation of Hurricane Ike.

Financial Need Great

The financial need of the American Red Cross is great $100 million. There are several ways to help; donating online is one, at www.redcross.org, or a check made payable to Hurricanes of 2008 delivered to the Northwest Illinois Chapter is the other, said Chapter Executive Director, Diana Roemer.

"If you deliver it to us, we'll get it to Washington," Roemer said. "Donations given to hurricane relief through our Chapter give us a chance to show our headquarters the strong support this region gives Red Cross volunteer work," she said.

How Your Donation Works

Fully 91 cents of every dollar donated to the American Red Cross goes directly to disaster relief efforts, she said.

Nine cents of each dollar is used to cover the "management and general" expenses - training, legal services, technology support, public information and stewardship costs, such as audit fees and fundraising expenses - required to operate the Red Cross nationwideput simply, the overhead that allows our volunteers to provide services to affected families.

Take a Walk With a Horse

A horse farm program and pasture walk will be held Saturday, September 20, at the Aby Breed Horse Farm, 11804 E. Wilson Road, Stockton, IL.

Featured speakers at the event include Dr. Matt Caldwell, Milledgeville Veterinary Clinic, talking about horse health and nutritional needs of horses on pasture; and Jim Morrison, Pasture and Crops Educator, University of Illinois Extension, Rockford Center, who will talk about pasture management and pasture species.

The Breed Farm includes pasture and pasture-timber combinations covering over twenty-five acres. Five acres of the pasture is dedicated to switch grass for habitat diversity and erosion control. A new farm feature includes a horse barn under construction and scheduled for completion this fall.

Their is a program fee for adults, and reduced fees for children. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. with the program concluding by 2:00 p.m. A light lunch and refreshments are included.

To get to the farm, travel Rt. 78 south out of Stockton or north out of Mt. Carroll turning east on Willow Road at the Pleasant Valley Township Building. Travel one mile on Willow turning right on Bruner Road. At the T in the road, turn left (Wilson Road) traveling to the second farmstead entrance on the left side of the road. To register for the program, contact Jo Daviess County Extension at 815-858-2273.

Representative Jim Sacia Names Summer Reading Program Winners

State Representative Jim Sacia (center) with Indiana (rt.) who volunteered to pull the winners names from a hat, culminating the Summer Reading Program he sponsored through the public libraries in the 89th district. The event took place Saturday, August 23, at the Stephenson County Fair. Cassidy Loberg (left), of Shannon, was one of the winners of a $50 savings bond.

The other winners selected for the $50.00 savings bonds are Kis'hana Collins, Freeport; Lydia Groezinger, Elizabeth; and Easia Morris, Freeport.

Jacob Bechtold, Freeport; Jordan Cone, Byron; Nolan Lentz, Freeport; Riley Wolter, Hanover; and Colbe Yoder, Freeport were the winners of a $10.00 gift certificate from Book World donated by the Lena Community District Library.

Representative Sacia was very pleased with the participation in the program with almost 150 kids from kindergarten through sixth grade reading at least eight books.

"I hope everyone plans to participate again next summer," Rep. Sacia said. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Jim Sacia)

Members of Jo-Carroll Energy elected board representatives, voted on bylaw changes, and learned of the co-op's work to improve reliability and adjust to increasing energy costs at the 69th annual meeting held on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the West Carroll Middle School in Mt. Carroll. After the meeting President and CEO Michael Hastings (left to right) met with re-elected board members David Senn of Mount Carroll, Tom Lundy of Savanna, John "Jack" Janssen of Chadwick and Marcia Stanger of Apple River. (Photo courtesy of JCE)

Andrew Williamson (left) Marketing Consultant with The Prairie Advocate News - www.pacc-news.com, attended the NWILbusiness.com business card exchange event in Stockton on Thursday, Aug. 14. He won the drawing of the meeting's proceeds, which goes to the charity of his choice, the Red Cross. Receiving the check is Diana Roemer, executive director of the Freeport, IL American Red Cross Northwestern Illinois Chapter.For more information, call Jeanne Byers Spraetz at 815-541-1857 (cell) or 815-273-4354.

This pretty cat deserves the name she was given. Her name is Sugar, and she is one sweet cat. She came to the shelter with her two sons. They are grown now, and Sugar would like to leave the shelter and find a home of her own.She is an affectionate adult cat looking for a nice lap to snuggle on this fall and winter.Come see Sugar and her friends at Heartland Pet Welfare, 2400 Wacker Rd., Savanna. Call 815-273-3049. (Photo courtesy of Penny Kreusch)

A group of 37 from Carroll County recently experienced the best of Alaska and the Yukon during a 14-day tour, sponsored by the First State Bank of Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll. The excursion took them to Anchorage, Denali National Park, Whitehorse, historic Dawson City, Skagway, and a cruise of Glacier Bay National Park. (Top photo) Curt and Marsha Merchant of Lanark pan for gold in Tok, site of Gold Dredge No. 8, a National Historic Site. (Photo courtesy of FSB)

Future Plans Announced at JCE Annual Meeting

ELIZABETH Members of Jo-Carroll Energy elected board representatives, voted on bylaw changes, and learned of the co-op's future plans at the 69th annual meeting held on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the West Carroll Middle School in Mount Carroll.

Members re-elected board members Marcia Stanger of Apple River, Tom Lundy of Savanna, David Senn of Mount Carroll and John "Jack" Janssen of Chadwick. Members also approved two minor bylaw changes so that they are consistent with state law on meeting notification. One change increases the meeting notification from not more than 40 days to not more than 60 days. The other change increases the time frame for appointing a nominating committee from not less than 60 days to 90 days before the meeting.

Jo-Carroll Energy's Board Chairman Joe Mattingley of Scales Mound said the cooperative spirit is alive and well at the local electric cooperative. "Our employees dealt with ice storms and a huge August wind storm and two of our linemen are just now returning from helping restore power to hurricane damaged co-op areas in Louisiana. We are still a non-profit business where rates are based solely on our cost. And we have the best form of regulation through a democratically controlled and member elected board of directors. We are accountable to you."

Mattingley encouraged co-op members to get involved in the national energy debate during this election year. He said that although improving energy efficiency and increasing our use of renewable energy will help, it won't fully meet our need for new energy capacity. "We need our federal government to exercise true leadership on this energy issue," he said.

"Here's what you can do," said Mattingley. "We are trying start a dialogue with our elected representatives and asking some very basic questions. What are they doing to make sure we will have the power we need in the future? What are they doing to fully fund the research required for affordable clean energy? You can go to www.ourenergy.coop and send an e-mail to our senators and representatives that asks these energy questions."

Jo-Carroll Energy's President and CEO Michael Hastings reported on the progress of the co-op's assimilation of Alliant Energy's territory the co-op acquired 18 months ago. The local co-op welcomed approximately 18,000 new members to the co-op after the acquisition, nearly tripling the size of the co-op.

Hastings said, "The transition is going well but there are challenges left." One challenge he said is catching up with right of way clearing in the Alliant territory. Hastings said that trees in the right of way were the main cause of outages during two ice storms and the August windstorm. An aggressive tree-trimming program will help improve service, he said.

Because the co-op's and Alliant's electric system are at different voltages the co-op will be working on standardizing the two systems.

The co-op is also purchasing a mobile substation to insure reliability. Two substations were damaged by lightning in 2007 causing wide spread extended outages. Hastings said that it takes one year to order and receive a new substation transformer, but a mobile substation can be put in service in a few hours.

The co-op also took over full operation of Alliant's natural gas business in May. Local service was improved in the Savanna area with a satellite office and employees were added to provide personal service.

Hastings also outlined the energy crisis facing our country, what the co-op is doing, and what members can do.

"This is a huge issue," said Hastings. "No one is talking about how in the next 15 years a lot of older power plants will be retired. At the same time we are all adding to the demand for new power with things like new plasma TVs that use three times more electricity. Our country is going to need 30 percent more power plants by 2030 to meet the increase in demand. In northwest Illinois we could run out of our capacity margins by 2010. England is already there and brownouts could be next."

Hastings said dozens of factors are converging to create an energy crisis that will continue to drive prices higher. Some of the factors he outlined included the cost of railroad transportation of coal, world-wide demand for coal, the price of cost of steel for new power plants, the unknown cost of global warming legislation and even the fuel to run the co-op's line trucks.

Hastings said the co-ops are fighting the railroad price gouging issue with legislation and filing complaints. Locally the co-op's power suppliers Dairyland Power Cooperative and Alliant Energy are developing new wind, biogas and landfill gas generating plants. Hastings said that Jo-Carroll Energy is also moving forward with its plans for an 80-megawatt biomass-fueled renewable energy power plant that will provide enough power for 10,000 homes and provide steam to the adjacent Danisco plant.

To help members Hastings said the co-op is planning a series of home energy auditing workshops in communities throughout the co-op's service territory during the next two months. "Electric co-ops have been preaching energy efficiency for years. Now we are jumping up and down and waving our arms. Look for more information about these workshops in your area in your local paper."

Jo-Carroll Energy has reliably served its member-owners in northwestern Illinois since 1939. Jo-Carroll Energy is a not-for-profit distribution cooperative owned and controlled by the members it serves. The cooperative currently serves nearly 26,000 electric and natural gas accounts in Jo-Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside Counties. For more information on Jo-Carroll Energy, visit the cooperative's Web site at www.jocarroll.com.

August Rainfall in Carroll & Jo Daviess Counties

The volunteer rain recorders for University of Illinois Extension have submitted their reports of August totals.

In Carroll County:

Mt. Carroll: Richard Fuller, 2.88; Nancy Gable, 2.80; Les Grim, 3.40; Maynard Kehl, 3.40; Kenneth Rahn, 2.80; Mary Rapp, 3.40; and Tom Tuite, 3.50.

Savanna: Allen Beyer, 3.00; Leroy Getz, 2.95; Keith Rath, 2.73; and Paul Rath, 4.10.

Chadwick: Tim Adolph, 2.90; Raymond Henningsen, 2.30; and George Weber, 3.00.

Milledgeville: Shirley Cheeseman, 1.10; Frank Fogel, 3.10; and Phyllis Wagenknecht, 1.50.

Lanark: Edna Beattie, 2.40; Kris Lauritzen, 3.40; and Robert Michael, 1.90.

Shannon: Jim Endress, 2.90; Eileen Kent, 2.40; Mary LaShelle Mantle, 2.05.

Douglas Kalec, Thomson 2.60.

In Jo Daviess County:

Galena: Dwight Bischel, 1.91; Mary Dittmar, 1.90; Wayne Dyrke, 1.68; Darlene Farrey, 1.75; Pete Peterson, 2.00; and Catherine Winslow, 2.95.

Scales Mound: John Diedrich, 3.25; James Huilman, 1.82; David Fernstaedt, 2.48; Herbert Hill, 2.56; Ronald Lubick, 3.22 ; David Marcure, 3.50; and Arlo Paxton, 4.10.

Don Terry, Apple River 2.45; Greg Haas, Elizabeth 3.44; Edwin Kuhle, East Dubuque (Menominee) 1.40; Todd VanOstrand, East Dubuque 2.50; Raymond & Riley Wolter, Hanover 2.20; and Virginia Niemeier, Lena 3.20.

Voluntary Limestone Program Producer Info Available

The application of limestone to Illinois croplands is a time tested method of controlling soil acidity. It can help maintain optimum nutrient availability and consequently, crop production. However, variations in limestone quality from the many sources available to farmers can make consistent and economical application difficult.

The Illinois Voluntary Limestone Program Producer Information 2008 publication is available at the University of Illinois Extension offices in Mt. Carroll and Elizabeth. This publication indexes many Illinois sources of ag limestone as a function of their effective neutralizing value. Calcium Carbonate Equivalents and Fineness Efficiency of the different limestones have all been figured for the producer.

For a copy of this publication contact the Extension Office in Mt. Carroll at 815-244-9444 or in Elizabeth at 815-858-2273 or it is available on-line at: www.agr.state.il.us/news/pub/Limestonebooklet.html.

Zemke receives Doctorates degree

Jeri E. Zemke, daughter of Marion and Beverly Zemke of Milledgeville, graduated on August 9, 2008 with Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Jeri is currently the Clinical Coordinator in the Athletic Training Education Program at the University of Alabama

9th Annual "Chukkers for Charity" Polo Event Scheduled

"Chukkers for Charity", a fundraiser for JoDaviess & Carroll County charities, will take place on Sunday September 21 at Camp Creek Ranch in rural Carroll County.

This exciting event begins at 2 pm and promises an afternoon of entertainment for the entire family featuring an exhibition polo match presented by professional players from around the globe. In fast paced, seven minute periods called Chukkers, players gallop from one end of the field to another swinging mallets in attempts to score goals as well as deflect the plays of the opposing team. There will be a foxhound demonstration, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and food and beverages available on site. Of course, feel free to pack your own basket for a tailgate party.

There is an admission charge for this event.

Please bring your lawn chairs and come rain or shine. Sustaining sponsors of this event include John Greene, Bryan & Christy Creesey, and the Cornwall Hounds Hunt Club. This year's corporate sponsors at T&T Iron & Metal recycling in East Dubuque, Wes Cocagne of Coldwell Banker Network Realty, and the Shenandoah Riding Center in Galena. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll County Haiti Mission Project, Choices Domestic Violence Program, DARE of Carroll County, and the JoDaviess Conservation Foundation. To reach Camp Creek, take Hwy 20 east through Elizabeth and turn right onto Derinda Road. Follow Derinda into Carroll County to Camp Creek Road on the left. Follow Camp Creek for approximately 1 3/4 miles to the polo grounds on the south side of the road. From Savanna, take Scenic Ridge Road north to Camp Creek on the right and follow to the event site. For more information, call (815) 777-4125 or email info@jdcf.org

ISU News

A total of 185 graduate students at Illinois State University have completed requirements for master's degrees with the close of the 2008 summer session. Announcement of those awarded degrees was made following certification of all records. One student awarded was from Carroll County. Rachel Katherine Smith from Lanark was awarded a Master of Science degree.

Lost Mound Deer Hunt Application Deadline Nears

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that a special managed deer hunt will be conducted on the Lost Mound Unit (former Savanna Army Depot) of Upper Miss Refuge for youth (October 11-12) and hunters with disabilities (November 22-23), 2008. District Manager Ed Britton advised "The second annual special deer hunt will be conducted within the Closed Areas of the Lost Mound Unit where public hunting has previously been restricted. The deer population in this area is high and should provide a great opportunity for youth and hunters with disabilities."

Regulations for this special managed hunt include:

Youth hunters must first obtain a JoDaviess County firearms youth hunt permit through the Illinois DNR. Hunters with disabilities do not need to obtain a JoDaviess County deer permit but do need to obtain required licenses for deer hunting. Hunters with disabilities must have a minimum P2a disability or equivalent if non-resident.

Lost Mound Unit site hunt applications are available from September 15-25 and must be received at the Savanna District Office, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, Illinois 61285 by 4:00 pm September 25. For additional information, call the Refuge office at 815-273-2732.

Fifteen hunt sites will be assigned in a random draw on September 26 at 10:00 am. All selected hunters are required to have an adult attendant capable of tracking and retrieving deer, a third non-hunting attendant is allowed for each hunter.

A mandatory orientation and safety training program for youth hunters and their attendants will be held at the Savanna District Office on October 4, 2008 from 9:00 am to noon. Hunters with disabilities and their attendants will have their mandatory orientation and safety training on November 22, from 9:00 am to noon or if more convenient they can attend the October 4th session.