Walk to cure Alzheimer's

You can help raise funds to cure a debilitating illness by joining the Carroll County Alzheimer's Memory Walk. The event will be held on October 6, 2007 at Old Mill Park in Savanna, Illinois. Registration begins at 8:30 am with the walk beginning at 9 am. Help to change these Alzheimer's Facts and Figures:

- There are now more that 5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer's.

- Every 72 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's.

- The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's and other dementias amount to more than $148 billion annually (facts from the new report, Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures).

- How many people are affected by Alzheimer's? One in 10 persons over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 have Alzheimer's disease. An estimated.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. Unless a cure or prevention is found, that number will jump to 14 million by 2050. Caregivers are affected by this disease too. In a national survey, 19 million Americans said they have a family member with Alzheimer's disease, and 37 million said they knew someone with the disease. Clearly, Alzheimer's disease must be our number one health priority.

- Isn't memory loss a natural part of aging? Yes and no. Many healthy individuals are less able to remember certain kinds of information as they get older. But Alzheimer's disease is more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer's experience difficulties in communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning that can have a profound impact on a person's work and family life. Alzheimer's is a disease that destroys brain cells- that is not a normal part of aging.

- Does Alzheimer's run in the family? The evidence isn't clear. Cases where several members of a single family have been diagnoses with Alzheimer's are rare (except in families who have a history early-onset Alzheimer's, a form that typically strikes middle-aged members of the same family). Much more common is the situation where a single-family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease late in life.

- Is there anything I can do today to lessen my chance of getting Alzheimer's? Several studies have shown that there is a lot you can do to help keep your brain healthier as you age. Find out more on how to Maintain Your Brain here.

- Aluminum and Alzheimer's; Based on current research, getting rid of aluminum cans, pots, and pans will not protect you from Alzheimer's disease. The exact role (if any) of aluminum in Alzheimer's disease is still being researched and debated. However, most researchers believe that not enough evidence exists to consider aluminum a risk factor for Alzheimer's or a cause of dementia.

To learn more about Alzheimer's Disease and how you can help join the Carroll County Alzheimer's Memory Walk on October 6, 2007 at Old Mill Park in Savanna. Registration forms are available at Big Meadows Nursing Home and many other area businesses. You may also register online at www.alz.org/greateriowa.com.

For more information please contact Julie, Hali or JoEllen at Big Meadows Nursing Home, 815-273-2238.

Friends of TLP have new officers

Friends of Timber Lake Playhouse, a volunteer group that promotes and supports Timber Lake Playhouse, recently elected new officers for 2008. President, Rita Mitchell (Thomson); Vice President, Angie Mader (Lanark); Secretary, Kathy Fossett (Mt. Carroll); Treasurer, Dawn Lucas (Mt. Carroll).

"You will want to be part of this active group already planning ways to raise funds for the 2008 Summer Theatre in Mt. Carroll," said new president Rita Mitchell.

For more information about the group or to volunteer to help, call Diane Heath at 815-244-1187.

From the Fields

Prepared by: Jim Morrison

Extension Educator, Crop Systems - Rockford Extension Center, University of Illinois

Phone 815-397-7714, Email morrison@uiuc.edu

Proper use of limestone is one of the most important management strategies in crop production. Limestone should be the first soil amendment considered in cropping systems.

Don't try to guess what your soil lime needs are. A soil test every 4 years is the best way to monitor the need for limestone. The measurement of soil pH tells if limestone is needed, but not how much.

In a cash-grain system a pH of at least 6.0 to 6.5 would be suggested. With alfalfa and clover in the rotation, the pH needs to be at least 6.5, preferably closer to 7.0.

Remember the pH scale is in logarithmic terms, so each unit change in pH means a tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity. Thus, lime needs increase rapidly as pH drops.

The benefits of a liming program are many. Limestone can lower the soil solution concentration of aluminum and manganese, which can be toxic to plants. An increase in soil microbial activity is noted as soil acidity is decreased. Liming enhances nitrogen fixation and may improve soil structure and tilth. The availability of mineral elements (for example phosphorus and molybdenum) to plants can be increased by proper liming.

Several factors determine the type of liming program, with the crop to be grown probably the most important. Soil texture, organic matter, and method and depth of tillage are other critical items. The timing and frequency of lime applications are also important. For example, with leguminous crops, lime should be applied at least 6 months before seeding on very acid soils. If applied just before seeding, the lime will not have adequate time to react with the soil.

Limestone quality is measured by two factors-the effective neutralizing value and the degree of fineness. The acid-neutralizing ability of the material is indicated by the calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE). The higher the CCE value, the greater the limestone's ability to neutralize soil acidity. Pure calcium carbonate (CCE of 100) is the standard against which all liming materials are measured. The CCE level is inherent in the material, it can not be changed.

The second factor is particle size or fineness of grind. The rate of reaction depends on the surface area of the liming material in contact with the soil. The finer the limestone is ground, the faster it will neutralize soil acidity. Limestone too coarsely ground will be very slow in raising the soil pH. Lime particle size is based on the percentage of materials that pass through 8-, 30-, and 60-mesh screens.

Those applying limestone are encouraged to obtain a copy of the "Illinois Voluntary Limestone Program Producer Information" booklet. The booklet, produced every August by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Department of Transportation, indexes limestone samples from quarries that wish to participate in the Illinois Voluntary Limestone Program. Analyses of CCE, fineness scores, magnesium percent, and correction factors are included. It's available at University of Illinois Extension Offices and at http://www.agr.state.il.us/news/pub/Limestonebooklet.html

Scenes of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge Photography Contest

The Palisades Chapter of the Friends of the Upper Miss. Refuges is seeking entries from photographers of all ages. All photos must be taken in or around the Refuge from the Chippewa River at Wabasha, MN downstream to Princeton, IA.

All entries must be mounted on matting board, with a minimum photo size of 8x10 and maximum of 11x 14. Please do not use frames. Entrants can bring their labeled photos to the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. The Center is located at 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL. Please call 815-273-2732 for your entry form.

Entries are limited to three photos per person for each category. Photo must be received no later than 4:00 pm October 18, 2007.

All photos will be on display from October 22 through November 9 at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. Office hours are Monday ­ Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Categories are Refuge Landscape ­ water, sunset, sunrise, forest, etc; People on Refuges ­ Fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, boating, etc; Refuge Wildlife ­ birds, fish mammals, insects, snakes, etc.; and Plants ­ any flower or vegetation.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minn. to Rock Island, Ill., protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of
other wildlife. This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924.

IDNR invites educators, students to participate in spider study

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in partnership with Northwestern University's Collaboratory Project and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, invites all fourth, fifth and sixth grade teachers and their students to participate in the IDNR Biodiversity Spider Study. In this year-long project, students across Illinois will collect data in and around their school on the life cycle and activities of targeted spider populations: grass spiders; triangulate cob web spiders; and bridge spiders.

"Even though there are more than 600 types of spiders living in habitats throughout the state, much information remains to be discovered about them.This is a great way for children to take an active role in learning more about the creatures they live with by collecting data that will actually be used by scientists," said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood.

All information is accessed through and posted to the Collaboratory Project, an online learning forum hosted by Northwestern University. Students will work with the Cybrary, an online reference tool, the Data Collection Survey and an Interactive Illinois map. They will also be part of a Research Community to create, share and discuss observations made in online research journals. An online symposium will be the culminating activity for the year.

There is no cost to participate. Teachers who participate in the workshop will be able to share experiences and best practices. Fifteen Continuing Professional Development Units are available as well.

To enroll in the IDNR Illinois Biodiversity Spider Study, interested teachers should email the following information to Valerie Keener at valerie.keener@illinois.gov: your name; school email address; school name; school city; school phone number; and the grade(s) that you teach. It's not too late to enroll, but data collection can begin immediately

Wettest August & wettest summer on record

Rainfall amounts in northeastern Illinois established this as the wettest August and wettest summer since regional records began in 1895. Rainfall for northeastern Illinois (including those counties from Boone to LaSalle and eastward) averaged 11.47 inches, 7.33 inches above normal, and eclipsed the 1987 record of 11.02 inches. June-August totals thus far in this area averaged 20.05 inches, 8.02 inches above normal, and beat the 1972 record of 19.26 inches.

Northwestern Illinois received 8.45 inches in August, 4.05 inches above normal and the 5th wettest on record. Its June-August total was 19.18 inches, 6.69 inches above normal and the 4th wettest on record.

"Many individual stations also set all-time August records, noteworthy because climate records for these locations go back more than 50 years," said State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey (http://www.sws.uiuc.edu), a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The list includes Elgin (15.12 inches), Peotone (14.00 inches), Rockford (13.82 inches), Peru (13.48 inches), Freeport (12.09 inches), Morris (11.94 inches), Antioch (11.41 inches), and Joliet (10.53 inches). Several other stations with much shorter records also reported impressive rainfall totals, including Genoa (15.71 inches), McHenry (12.65 inches), Chicago Botanic Garden (12.61 inches), Streamwood (11.62 inches), and Yorkville (11.17 inches).

Parts of southern and west-central Illinois, however, struggled with a lack of rainfall in August and still are classified as either abnormally dry or in moderate drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Far southern Illinois south of I-64 received only 1.40 inches, 1.91 inches below normal.

August was unusually warm as well with a statewide temperature of 78.3 degrees, 4.6 degrees above normal and the 6th warmest on record.

"The contrast in rainfall between northern and southern Illinois was one of the strongest I have ever seen," said Angel. "The combination of dry conditions and hot weather really stressed crops in parts of southern and central Illinois.

The first 10 days of September reflect a continuation of this warm weather with a statewide temperature of 74.2 degrees, 3.6 degrees above normal. More promising is a shift in the rainfall pattern to less rainfall in northern Illinois and more in southern Illinois. The National Weather Service expects cooler and drier conditions to prevail over the next two weeks.

Note: Data used for all statistics provided herein are from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center and are based on preliminary data.

Savanna K of C Tootsie Roll Drive

Savanna Knights of Columbus #890 will participate in the 38th annual drive to raise funds for the mentally handicapped on Sept. 21 and 22. This statewide drive involves over 330 councils in Illinois. Last year the Illinois members of the Knights raised about $1.9 million dollars to benefit mentally handicapped citizens in this state. Members of the local council will be out in force in Savanna in an attempt to raise over $2400.00 per chairman Ed Rogers. Since Illinois started this program 38 years ago, the K of C members in 48 other states have started raising funds for Gods special people.

Last year, just over $2500.00 was raised in Savanna with 90% of the monies to be spent based on local council designation. The Illinois State Council keeps 10% of the gross proceeds for major program started a few years ago. State Council Officers work with the Illinois Department of Mental Health on a funding program to help obtain new and remodeled group homes for the developmentally disabled. In the last 27 years over $4.4 millions dollars has been granted by the Knights as interest free mortgages for building or renovating these homes. The homes must be owned by a nonprofit group and approved by the State for funding of operational expenses. As the organization repays the mortgage, additional monies are made available for new mortgages.

Locally checks in excess of $2200.00 were given to Rolling Hills Progress Center. In the last 38 years, the local Knights of Columbus have distributed over $49,449.42 to benefit the local handicapped citizens thanks to the community's support of their fundraising activities.

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and Mayor William C. Lease have signed petitions designation Sept 21 and 22 as "Help Mentally Handicapped Citizens Days." Won't you please help by taking a tootsie roll and putting a dime, quarter, or a dollar in the canister of members collecting on these 2 days? You can't miss them in their bright yellow aprons and their friendly smiles thru out the town.

If you have any question, call Ed Rogers at 815-273-2440.

Monroe Clinic welcomes two new family practice physicians

(Monroe & Brodhead, WI) ­ Monroe Clinic is pleased to welcome new husband and wife family practice physicians to Monroe and Brodhead. Dr. CJ Smith and Dr. Lara Salyer provide full-service health care to all members of the family, ranging from newborns to geriatrics. They both received their Doctor of Osteopathy degrees from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000, and they completed their residencies at Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Dr. Smith served as a family practice physician in the U.S. Army for four years at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Missouri. He is currently a Major in Individual Ready Reserves and a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. For patients who have experienced musculoskeletal injuries, he can provide prolotherapy, an injection therapy. To make an appointment with Dr. Smith, please call Monroe Clinic's Family Practice Department at 608-324-2600.

Dr. Salyer's interests include women's and children's health as well as working with teenagers. She received the Community Service award from St. John's Clinic in 2005 for her involvement with youth in the area. Dr. Salyer also enjoys performing aesthetic procedures. To make an appointment with Dr. Salyer, please call Monroe Clinic-Brodhead at 608-897-2191.

Monroe Clinic is a not-for-profit, single hospital health system serving communities in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Sponsored by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, the system includes a multi-specialty physician practice with 70 employed providers, a 24-hour emergency room, a home care and hospice agency, and primary care sites offering preventive, acute and rehabilitative care. Monroe Clinic is a 2006 Solucient 100 Top Hospitals®: National Benchmarks for Success Recipient. For more information, go to www.monroeclinic.org.

Practice Director Kelleher joins Monroe Clinic

MONROE, WI ­ Monroe Clinic is pleased to announce Penny Kelleher, RN, BSN, MS, CNAA-BC, as the new Practice Director of Clinical Operations.

In her position as Practice Director, Kelleher will be responsible for providing leadership, assisting in encouraging positive physician relationships, and providing overall clinical and business operations for Monroe Clinic's medical practices.

"I am delighted to be a new member of Monroe Clinic's community. We have many opportunities ahead of us, and I am excited to make a difference," said Kelleher.

Before accepting her new role at Monroe Clinic, Kelleher spent 22 years of her professional life in a nursing leadership role in a variety of health care settings including acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, and a federally qualified health center. She has worked at the University of Chicago Hospitals, HCR Manor Care, the University of Illinois Hospital, and the Iowa Health System.

Kelleher received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing from North Park University in Chicago and her Master's degree in Healthcare Administration from the College of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, an international nursing honor society, and she is also certified in advanced nursing administration.

Monroe Clinic is a 2006 Solucient 100 Top Hospitals®: National Benchmarks for Success Recipient. For more information, go to www.monroeclinic.org.

EPC Homecoming 2007

This year's EPC High School Homecoming will take place the week of October 1st-6th. Once again, Eastland and Pearl City will be combining their Homecoming events. The main theme this year is "Headin' In the Right Direction".

Each of the individual classes has chosen a region of the United States, (North, South, East, West) as their "minor" theme within the main theme. For example, the Eastland seniors chose "South" as their region. The activities during the week will consist of dress-up days and class competitions during activity hour. Individual awards as well as class awards will be given for the best dressed. Each class will also decorate the lockers in their sections of the hallway, prepare a skit, and build floats related to the theme.

The homecoming parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. If you would like to participate in the parade, please let either student council know as soon as possible. Line up will be at Eastland High School beginning at 4:45 p.m. Following the parade will be a public pep assembly in the Eastland gym at 6:30 p.m. Events of the rally include skits, cheers, music, team presentations, and other festivities. The pep rally will conclude with the newly crowned king and queen from each school, leading the crowd out to the bonfire.

On Friday, the football game will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the EPC Fresh/Soph taking on the Lena-Winslow Panthers also at Eastland. The Varsity game will follow at 7:30 p.m. with the homecoming courts and bands being presented at half time. The week will end with the dance at Pearl City on Saturday night from 8-11 p.m. The Student Councils of Pearl City and Eastland have been working hard to make this year's Homecoming one to remember. If you have any questions, you may call Eastland High School at 815-493-6341.

Recycle to reduce greenhouse gases

As the products that we buy are manufactured, greenhouse gases are also produced. And when we dispose of these items in a landfill or burn them, more atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases will occur. Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are referred to as greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. They are produced by both natural processes and human activities, including industry and agriculture. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the 2006 average annual temperature was the second hottest year on record for the contiguous U.S. and nearly identical to the record set in 1998. In addition, NOAA states a contributing factor is the long-term warming trend which has been linked to increases in greenhouse gases.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), waste prevention and recycling reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturing goods from recycled materials typically requires less energy than producing goods from raw materials. Plus, items kept out of the waste stream reduce emissions from landfills and incinerators. When paper and cardboard are recycled, it reduces pressure to harvest forests, which provide the important service of absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. Recycling basic items, like plastic and metal packaging, newspaper, and cardboard, is easy when it becomes part of the household routine. If you do not have curbside pickup of these items available, deliver them to one of three drop-off transfer stations that exist in the Jo-Carroll area: Montgomery Trucking, Rt. 20, Elizabeth; Moring Disposal, Rt. 64, Lanark, and Savanna Transfer Station, Portland Avenue, Savanna.

Waste prevention can be as easy as canceling an unwanted catalog or magazine subscription and buying products made from recycled material. Conserving energy also reduces carbon emissions. By planning our commuting and errands efficiently, replacing standard light bulbs with compact fluorescents, and replacing old appliances with Energy Star rated appliances; we can reduce our personal contribution to greenhouse gases. To rate your current emissions see the EPA website, www.epa.gov/climatechange/ to use their Personal Emissions Calculator (click on what you can do). That page also has a Climate Change Kids Site.

More recycling tips are available on that web site and in the Recycling Directory produced by the Jo-Carroll Extension unit. To receive the Recycling Guide contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling & Conservation Programs Coordinator, representing the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency and University of Illinois Extension, at 815-244-9444.

GOP Women, Fall luncheon

Carroll County Republican Women will begin their Fall schedule with a luncheon meeting at 12:30 p.m. Friday, September 28 at Oakville Country Club, a favorite place for the ladies. We will be dining on chicken breast with rice, green beans, "Fancy" Jell-O, rolls ice cream and cookies.

President Venita McConnel is excited about the beginning of the 2008 election cycle for County, State and Federal election in 2008. "Our Freedom is Free because of the brave," quoted Mrs. McConnel. We need to stand up for our Republican candidates.

Joan Palmer, Vice President has a program planned along the lines of next years' election.

Women are asked to bring one item of food, or paper product, or a donation for the Savanna/Mt. Carroll Food Pantry.

Everyone is invited. Call your Town Chairman with reservation(s) by Sunday night, September 23 or call Venita at 815-244-6534.

Gantz-Tornow

Denny and Kathy Gantz of Forreston announce the engagement of their daughter, Kristen Joy Gantz of Polo to James Eugene Tornow also of Polo. James is the son of Kenneth and Betty Tornow of Lanark.

The bride-to-be was home schooled and received her GED. She is employed at Express Lanes in Polo.

James is a 2001 graduate of Eastland High School in Lanark. He is employed at Allied Waste in Dixon as head groundskeeper.

The couple is planning an October 6, 2007 wedding at the home of the bride-to-be's parents in rural Forreston.

Training for parents of special education students

Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center is presenting trainings on "Learning To Let GO: Building Independence During Transition" and "Solving the Employment Puzzle for Youth With Disabilities." These trainings are co-sponsored by Family Matters PTIC and Freeport Transition Planning Committee.

Funding for this training is provided through a PTIC Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. Family Matters PTIC is 100% federally funded.

Both trainings are free of charge. The morning session: "Learning To Let Go: Building Independence During Transition" will be from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and the afternoon session: "Solving the Employment Puzzle for Youth With Disabilities" will be from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 13 at Highland Community College, Newell Room 201 B, Freeport. Light refreshments will be available, but if you prefer something more you are welcome to bring a sack lunch.

The first session will cover expectations and belief systems, least restrictive environment, partial participation, least dangerous assumption and transition ­ planning for life. The second session will focus on the definition and importance of self-determination, the career development process and workplace skills, roles of school, family and community service providers, transition in the IEP, adult service provider agencies, and work-based learning experiences.

2 CPDU's available for educators for each session.

For more information or to register, please phone Family Matters toll-free at 866-436-7842, ext. 107 or register online at fmptic.org by Sept. 28. Accommodations provided if requested by Sept. 28. For late registrations call the above Family Matters toll-free number.

National Farm Safety Week, Sept. 16-22

National Farm Safety Week is fast approaching. Here are some statistics and factoids regarding Illinois from Country Insurance & Financial Services for the period July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007:

· 22 ­ The number of farm related deaths. That's 10 fewer fatalities than the previous year.

· 9 ­ Number of 2006-07 deaths that were tractor-related. Nearly half of the deaths were caused by tractor rollovers. 23% were caused by collisions either with farm machinery, oncoming traffic, or farm animals. Almost two-thirds of deaths involved someone over the age of 50.

· 16 ­ The average number of annual tractor deaths in Illinois over the past decade.

Accidents involving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) accounted for 14 percent of Ag fatalities statewide.

The Iowa-based Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health estimates a third of all ATV-related fatalities from 1982-2002 were children under 16.

Farm Safety 4 Just Kids recommends ATV use only be riders 16 years or older, focusing on appropriate age and size relative to engine size and the need for personal protective equipment.

For more information, contact Chris Anderson of Country Insurance & Financial Services, 309-821-2031.

Thomson Correctional Center and Warden Frank Shaw are proud to announce that the Employee of the Month for September 2007 is Electrician Wesley Pettifer.

Mr. Pettifer began his employment as an Electrician at the Thomson Correctional Center in August 2006 and has proven himself to be an asset to the facility. From his initial assignment, Wes has been a "go getter" and approaches his assigned duties without hesitation. He is a responsive employee who has demonstrated a great ability to problem solve regardless of the complexity of the task. His troubleshooting skills have proven duly noted when approaching the simplest to the most complex tasks.

Wes consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, professional demeanor and is well respected by staff and offenders alike.

As Employee of the Month for September 2007, Mr. Pettifer will receive a certificate, a check in the amount of $25.00 and two complimentary car washes.

Harvest headaches

Farmers in Western Illinois and some southern regions recently started the task of attempting to harvest a once-promising corn crop that was devastated late last month by straight-line winds.

Some farmers were having better luck than others at reclaiming a crop that looked more like a woven rug than a cornfield at some locations.

"We've got a reel on (the corn head) and we've already bent three of the fingers on it," said Wendell Shauman, a farmer from Kirkwood and board member of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. "This is the third year of the last seven we've had downed corn and this is probably the flattest I've ever seen it."

Shauman estimated 90 percent of his corn acres were flattened by a violent storm that produced straight-line winds in a three- to five-mile swath
that stretched from the Henderson-Warren county line northeast into the Chicago suburbs.

Meanwhile, Illinois Department of agriculture (IDOA) officials and elevator operators are scrambling to make room for a projected record crop.

IDOA has received request to approve temporary and emergency storage at grain facilities across the state, according to Stu Jackson and Stuart Selinger, both with IDOA's bureau of warehouses.

As of Friday, IDOA had approved 2.82 million bushels of temporary storage. No emergency storage had received approval yet. More requests are anticipated.

Call IFB News Service at 309-557-2237 for updates and farmer interviews during the harvest season.

Cool it Till 50

Bob Hoeft doesn't mince words when warning farmers not to apply nitrogen fertilizer too early.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing before the third week of October no matter what the temperature, no matter where you live," says the university of Illinois crop sciences department heard.

The Illinois State Water Survey monitors and reports soil temperatures to help producers know when temperatures are cool enough to apply nitrogen. The information is online at: http://www.sws.uiuc.edu/warm/soiltemp.asp.

Statewide maps and information are updated daily ­ with soil temperatures displayed at 4- and 8-inch depths.

From the desk of State Representative Jim Sacia

September 13, 2007, Guest Column

Having the privilege of serving 105,000 citizens of northwestern Illinois is an honor that is difficult to express. When unpleasant things happen to you, my office is always here to help. The only frustration is when we simply can't.

Case in point, over the past several months, many of our older citizens have contacted me regarding money they have been scammed out of. It always frustrates me when people fall for the many, many tricks that are used to get your money. What bothers me most is that after 30 years in law enforcement dealing with many similar scams, I'm convinced that more often than not, little, if anything, can be done.

You've all had it happen to you. You are sitting at home in the evening and the call comes in. A very excited caller assures you that you have just won an amazing prize. After several minutes of talking with you and skillfully finding your "hot buttons," such as "Are you a Christian, Mrs. Jones?" You express a love for the Lord and you are immediately hooked. They will go on to tell you that they are a God-fearing Christian and the work they are doing has been a "calling." Now you are really hooked and you send off (via bank wire) several thousand dollars in order to gain your million-dollar prize. After all, a good Christian God-fearing man following his calling would never do you wrong, but the problem is that these scam artists are not God-fearing Christian men and women.

You've just been bilked. Here is what's really sad. They now know that they have a real fish. In one recent account right here in Northwestern Illinois, a couple sent several hundred thousand dollars to claim their millions until all their money was gone.

But then again, it was "a good Christian man" who kept calling them. At the banks, from the newest teller to the seasoned bank executive, someone should have had bells and whistles going off all over the place on such an obvious scam.

There isn't one of us who doesn't know that "if it's too good to be true," it's too good to be true. Throw away that card that tells you you've already won one of the five listed prizes and you just have to call 1 (800) I'm A Sap. Hang up on that scam artist pretending to be a good Christian man or woman that is following his or her calling and doing the Lord's work with a promise that you've just won millions.

In the near future, my office will be hosting a "Don't Be a Victim" Senior Safety and Identity Theft Seminar. Free and open to all, representatives from Illinois' law enforcement community, Attorney General's office, Treasurer's Office, and other state agencies and the FBI will be available to provide tips and information about ongoing scams and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity theft and financial scams.

I will have my mobile office in Winslow from noon until 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2007 and I will be at the Market House in Galena on Friday, September 28, 2007 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

As always, you can reach me, Sally or Barb at 815/232-0774 or e-mail us at jimsacia@aeroinc.net. You can also visit my website at www.jimsacia.com. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.

Senate Week In Review:

A view from the Illinois Senate Republican Press Office

Sept. 10-14, 2007

SPRINGFIELD ­ Illinois lawmakers will return to Springfield Sept. 17, following a week that saw hundreds of concerned Illinois residents voice their opposition to budget changes pushed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, according to State Sen. Todd Sieben (R-Geneseo).

A controversial plan by the Governor to give short-term help to the Chicago Transit Authority also topped legislative business during the week of Sept. 10-14.

Republican and Democrat lawmakers came together during the week to host a series of hearings focused on Gov. Blagojevich's plan to rearrange the state budget ­ cutting programs that many experts warn will have severe consequences for families, children and taxpayers throughout the state. Hundreds of concerned residents turned out to testify and witness the hearings, held in Decatur, Carterville, Kankakee and Pekin. Rather than fund local projects and basic services, the Governor wants to use about $470 million from the budget to expand health care services that would end up costing taxpayers more than $2 billion.

A wide array of testifiers showed up at the events. School superintendents and teachers expressed their opposition to cuts to mentoring programs, funding to help school districts cope with growing state mandates, fast growth grants to school districts experiencing rapidly increasing enrollments, as well as cuts to arts and foreign language programs. Higher education officials warned that the Governor's vetoes would cost more than $130 million in lost dollars to state universities and community colleges.

Many health care providers also appeared at the hearings to register their opposition to reductions in their field ­ and pointed to the irony of cutting services to some of the state's poorest residents in order to expand services to persons with higher incomes. Among the areas impacted by the Governor's veto: developmentally disabled and substance abuse providers who have struggled with rising costs in recent years with no additional state help, mental health service providers, autism services and support programs, and a center focused on the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Additionally, the Governor eliminated a $2.2 million expansion of the LaSalle Veterans' Home that would have allowed for 80 veterans to receive care, despite previous assurances he supported the funding.

Police officers, fire fighters and local community leaders also testified at the hearings to state their opposition to millions of dollars in cuts to projects that would have helped purchase new vehicles and communications equipment ­ items that public safety authorities need to keep residents safe from crime, natural disasters and acts of terror.

A key theme of the hearings was the seemingly political nature of the Governor's budgetary cuts. Projects located in some areas of the state were cut, while nearly identical projects in other areas were left alone. One of the most obvious examples of the political nature of the cuts was the Governor's decision to spare projects of lawmakers serving on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) ­ a bipartisan group that has the power to approve or disapprove the Governor's recent health care initiative.

In other news, the Governor during the week proposed a $91 million advance to temporarily bail out the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and other mass transit in northeastern Illinois. The CTA has warned cuts in services, as well as a sizeable fare hike, would be imposed unless assistance is forthcoming.

Many lawmakers and transportation officials warn the move is nothing but a short-term "payday loan," which appears to rely on using money from next year's budget to reach a quick-fix rather than a long-term solution to the crisis.

The Governor's bailout comes in the wake of a blistering federal report from the National Transportation Safety Board, which had been investigating a 2006 derailment and fire on the CTA's Blue Line which injured more than 150 passengers. The report criticized the CTA for its "ineffective management and oversight of its track inspection and maintenance program." Following the release of the report, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley called the crash a "disgrace" for the CTA.

Lanark Fire Dept. is grateful for softball support

Dear Editor,

Lanark Fire Department would like to thank everyone who helped make the 2nd Annual Day of Remembrance Softball Tournament so special. The event could not have taken place without the use of Eastland School District #308 softball diamonds. Thank you to Katie and Kari Raab for singing the National anthem and our Cub Scout support from Austin Poffenberger. The incredible T-shirt designs were created by Rachel Burkholder. Lifeline and TEACT helicopters provided added attractions by flying in and giving tours to children and adults. Bob Ruch donated the use of a tent. Thanks to Tim Foltz, David Hill and Pastor John Sgro for cooking for everyone.

A special huge thanks to all of our sponsors, these business truly support their hometown volunteers. The following businesses supported the day: Ag Tech of Mt. Carroll-Bob Kalina, Brinkmeier's Accounting, Brother's Inn Family Restaurant, Carla's Country Cuts, Carroll County Locker, Carroll Service Company, Circle T Construction, Clark Carroll Insurance Agency, Coca Cola, Country Insurance-Rhett Coatney, Curtis and Son's, Dave's Place, Dollinger Tree Farm, Eastland Fabrication, Eastland Veterinary Clinic, Exchange State Bank, Fischer Forreston-Lanark Ready Mix, The Fishing Hole Bait and Tackle, Hickory Hideaway, Kip E. Meyers-Attorney at Law, Kniss Trucking, Korner Kut, Lake Carroll Marina, Lamoreux Farms, Lanark Ag Center, Lanark Food Center, Lanark Mutual Insurance, LandMark Homes and Construction, Lower Farm's, Medallion Cabinetry, Miller Sporting Goods, Perdue Marine, Real Design Concrete, Shell Express Lane and Valspar.

Thank you to our teams that came out and played. 1st Place went to Stockton, 2nd and 3rd went to the two Lanark teams. Other Fire Departments and EMS systems that participated were Apple River, Winslow, Warren and CGH-sterling ambulance. Thank you for coming out and having fun with us. It is nice to get together when it is for fun and not in a tense life altering situation. Participation in events like these develops further strength for working together in stressful situations.

Thank you again,

Stacy Kalina

Comment on these stories

Go back to Prairie Advocate Home Page