Outstanding Agritourism Business of the Year

Learn Great Foods, an agri-culinary tour and retreat experience based in Mount Carroll, IL, has been named the Outstanding Agritourism Business of the Year by the Agriculture and Tourism Partners (ATPI).

The award was presented to Ann Dougherty, President of Learn Great Foods, during the Agriculture Day luncheon and award ceremony at the Illinois State Fair on August 12, 2008. Numerous farm families and farm-related businesses were recognized for their excellence in the agricultural fields.

Learn Great Foods offers day tours and weekend retreats that teach about the natural link that exists between sustainable farming, great cooking, and the environment. Privately guided tours of local farms, cooking classes, food chemistry workshops, and dining are all a part of the experience. Tour locations include Northwest Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Northern Michigan and are offered during the months of April ­ November. To get more information, view a schedule, or register for a tour please visit www.learngreatfoods.com or call (815) 244-5602.

ATPI is an association of tourism and agriculture organizations and businesses working to encourage, foster, support, and stimulate tourism development, especially Agritourism, in Illinois through support of existing businesses and development of new businesses. For more information on ATPI, visit www.agfun.com or call (217) 525-7980.

Jim Sacia, State Representative from the 89th District, brought his "mobile office" van to Milledgeville Friday, Sept. 19. Sacia speaks with Mary Ann Janssen of Lanark (rt) with Janet Koett of Milledgeville listening in on the conversation.

Janet Koett and Village President Bill Ritenour welcome Sacia to Milledgeville. Sacia, from Pecatonica, has been the Representative for the 89th District since 2003. He currently serves on several committees, and is the Republican Spokesperson on the Agriculture & Conservation, and Prison Reform committees. His weekly column about state and district issues can be found in the Prairie Advocate and at www.pacc-news.com. (PA photos/Tom Kocal)

(l-r) Lonnie Prowant, owner of Prowant Construction, Zelma McNeal, Chadwick village trustee, Dan O'Brien, President of Sewer Equipment Company and John Wichmann, General Manager for Sewer Equipment Company break ground for a new addition to begin construction in a couple of weeks. The new office space will be 2,580 square feet and is scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2009. The Village will be contributing to the company by helping finance the utilities for the new office space. The village wants to encourage business growth and the company wants to help improve the area's business growth. (PA photo/Craig Lang)

Members of the Lanark Lightning Bugs 4-H Club, all residents of the Gordon Jones Home in Lanark, are displaying baby caps that 4-H Leaders Linda Davis and Nancy Dittmar crocheted and donated on behalf of the Lightning Bugs to the 4-H Jr. Ambassadors baby cap project. The group donated 38 caps to the Jr. Ambassadors to be given to the neo-natal unit at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Pictured are: (1st row) Kim Pues, Alison Miche, (2nd row) Del Pyse, Jeanne Strautz, Kay James, Tracy Rood, Ed Pokorny, (3rd row) Chuck Runge, Kelly Johnson, Suzanne Suess, Ernie Elgin, John French. Absent from photo: Jeff Schuler, Becky Schuler, Janet Lott, Mary Troutman. (Photo courtesy Lightening Bugs 4-H)

Lanark Library Events For EPC Homecoming

In celebration of EPC/Eastland Homecoming the Lanark Public Library is sponsoring a full slate of events for Thursday, October 2.

Calling all bakers! Enter a cookie contest, with the categories of My Favorite Classic (Chocolate chip, oatmeal, molasses & etc), Decorated Cut Outs, Bar Cookies and Most original (dried cranberry, green tea and etc). Each entry should contain 13 cookies (a baker's dozen) on a disposable plate with your name, address and phone number attached.

First prize in each category will be $10 Lanark Chamber Bucks awarded by the Lanark Chamber of Commerce. All cookies will be sold at the Chamber Tailgate Food Stand to benefit the Library Vision for the Future to fund and purchase Spanish books for grades K-2. Cookies can be delivered to the Library between 11am and 2pm on October 2. Entry forms can be picked up at the Library, Exchange State Bank, Lanark Food Center and Express Lane.

From 3-5pm Robin Fisch, Family and Consumer Educator from University of Illinois Extension Services, will present "Thrifty Holiday Gifts," stretching your holiday budget with simple gifts in a jar for inexpensive giving for teachers, neighbors and friends.

Friends of the Lanark Public Library will sell Friends memberships, shirts, book tote bags, 2009 Book Lovers Calendars and Library Cookbooks from 3-5:30 at the Library. A free gift from the Library will be given to the first 150 visitors that stop by.

The Friends will sponsor the ever popular "Marble Chase" game at the Lanark Heritage Center, 106 S. Broad Street from 2:30 to 5. For an enjoyable afternoon, come play Marble Chase and then attend the parade and Tailgate Cookout.

Contact the Library at 815-493-2166 for more information during regular library hours:

Tues, Wed-Fri-Noon-5, Thurs Noon-7:30, Sat 10-3.

Highland College Trustees Approve 2009 Budget

FREEPORTHighland Community College Trustees held a budget work session on Tuesday, September 16 prior to adopting the fiscal year 2008-2009 budget during the regular meeting. The College operating budget totals $13.6 million, which reflects a $280,402 deficit for FY09. The shortfall will be offset by a fund balance of $372,909 from FY08.

"The budget maintains a fund balance in the Operational Funds of about 15% of expenditures, which is within the guidelines required. One of the most critical challenges we face is the continuing decline in state funding," said Vice President of Administrative Services Jill Janssen.

The College received a reduction in state funding of $133,000 from the amount received in FY 08. For FY 2009, state support will total 22% of the revenue while local taxes will account for 47%; Student tuition and fees accounts for approximately 28% of the remaining revenue.

Trustees continue to be concerned about decreasing state funding for community colleges. College President Dr. Joe Kanosky attended an Illinois Community College Board Budget and Finance Committee hearing inPeoria on September 8 to share testimony about the impact of the decline in state funding for community colleges.

In other business, Trustees approved:

· the submission of a new Wind Turbine Technician Certificate to the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).

· the submission of an application to the ICCB for a Protection, Health and Safety project for the installation of a campus-wide public address and intercom system.

· a partnership agreement with Western Illinois University, which will allow students to transfer up to 80 credit hours and complete their Board of Trustees/Bachelor of Arts program through online or independent study options.

· the appointment of Bob Wiederholtz as manager of Custodial Services. Wiederholtz had previously served as the College's Receiving/Shipping/Warehouse Clerk.

· The addition of vision care expense benefits to the College's Health Care Plan.

Weltzin Wins Scholarship

CHADWICKNathan Weltzin has been named recipient of a Faustin Pring Scholarship and a John Kayser Scholarship because of his achievements and academic record.

Nathan went to Huntsville, Alabama to present a prototype design to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Space Automation and Robotics.

He is the son of Terry and Julie Weltzin of Chadwick.

JCE Plans Energy Efficiency Workshops

Energy costs continue to rise, and future projections suggest more of the same. The best options for lowering monthly bills are to use less energy and to use any required energy as efficiently as possible.

Jo-Carroll Energy is committed to helping members reduce their energy costs. That is why the cooperative is sponsoring several Home Energy Efficiency Workshops that will focus primarily on low-cost and no-cost energy conservation and efficiency improvements that can be made in and around the home, as well as include information to help explain the forecasted high energy costs.

These free public seminars, to be held in all Jo-Carroll Energy service territory communities, will teach participants how to perform fundamental in-home energy audits to cost-effectively address energy conservation and efficiency. Topics will include weatherization affects, insulation and window upgrades, air leakage, lighting, EnergyStar® appliances, seasonal demand, upgrade financing and grants, and other pertinent issues. Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal will be discussed also.

Jo-Carroll Energy service territory communities include: Jo-Daviess County East Dubuque, Galena, Galena Territory, Elizabeth, Hanover and Apple Canyon Lake; Carroll County Savanna, Mt. Carroll, Chadwick and Thomson; and Whiteside County Fulton, Albany and Erie.

Home Energy Auditing Workshops

In Carroll County:

- Savanna, Wed., September 24, 6:00PM at House of Events, Co-sponsored by Savanna Chamber of Commerce.

- Mt. Carroll, Thurs., October 2, 7:00PM (6 PM Refreshments) at Kraft Building, Co-Sponsored with Mt. Carroll Chamber of Commerce.

- Thomson, Tues., October 7, 7:00PM at Bucks Barn, Co-sponsored by Thomson Chamber of Commerce.

- Chadwick, Wed., October 15, 6:00PM at Chadwick Legion Hall, Co-sponsored by Chadwick Community Boosters.

In JoDaviess County:

- Galena, Tues., September 30, 6:00PM at Country Inn & Suites, Co-sponsored by Galena Area Chamber of Commerce.

- Elizabeth, Mon., October 6, 6:00PM at Welcome Inn, Co-sponsored by Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce.

- East Dubuque, Galena Territory, Hanover, and Apple Canyon Lake - TBA.

For more information, contact Peggy Francomb, Communications Specialist, at 815-858-2207. For more information on Jo-Carroll Energy, visit the cooperative's web site at www.jocarroll.com.

Kuhse Named TCC Employee of the Month

Thomson Correctional Center is proud to announce that the Employee of Month for September 2008 is Correctional Officer Gary Kuhse.

C/O Kuhse began his career with IDOC as a Correctional Officer Trainee at the Pontiac Correctional Center on November 28, 1994. He was promoted to Correctional Officer on February 20, 1995 and to Correctional Sergeant on July 16, 2001. He transferred to the Thomson Correctional Center on December 16, 2007 as a Correctional Officer.

Currently assigned to the 11-7 Shift, Gary is a "Team Player" who can be counted on by his supervisors to take on any assignment given to him with enthusiasm. Gary is a veteran officer who is always more than willing to assist his fellow officers when called upon. He is a very security minded and vigilant officer. C/O Kuhse is a conscientious employee who pays strict attention to detail. He completes his assignments in a timely manner and always provides follow-up to his supervisors when necessary.

C/O Kuhse displays a professional demeanor when dealing with staff and offenders alike. In addition, Officer Kuhse is a member of the Thomson CC tactical team.

As Employee of the Month for September 2008 C/O Kuhse will receive a copy of this memorandum, a check in the amount of $25.00, and two complimentary car washes.

EHS Class of 2011 Going Green

The Eastland High School Class of 2011 has gone "Green" this fall. Selling trees from the Forest Keeling Nursery in Missouri is the classes fall fundraiser.

These trees have had their root systems engineered so that the trees grow quickly during the first 4-5 years. They then send down a tap root. This root engineering was originally designed to aid in erosion prevention along river banks. The trees are able to get established quickly and not be destroyed by yearly floods.

The Class of 2011 is able to offer trees that have a ? inch diameter and are 3-5 feet tall for the amazing price of $35 each.

The trees will be delivered at the end of October or early November, just in time for fall planting. They will come in 3 gallon containers and will only need a hole as big as the container for planting.

Available trees are Northern Red Oak, Bur Oak, Pin Oak, Iowa Red Bud, October Glory Maple (reddish fall leaves), Sun Valley Maple (bright red fall leaves) and Sugar Maple (orange/red fall leaves).

"This would be a great time to plant a tree in honor of a grandchild, wedding or other important happening in your life," said Bonnie Foust, coordinator of the EHS Class of 2011 fundraiser. "A tree could be planted in memory of a loved one, as a Christmas gift for those who 'have enough stuff,' or just to beautify your yard." If you are interested in a specific tree that is not offered, contact Foust to see if your need can be accommodated.

Contact a Sophomore from Eastland or contact Bonnie Foust at 815-864-2577 for ordering information.

Support DU at 36th Annual Banquet

The Northwestern Illinois Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will hold its 36th Annual Banquet on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. This family oriented event will be held at Buck's Barn, located 3 miles north of Thomson, IL on Rt. 84. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner at 7:00. It will be an enjoyable evening of fun for the whole family, while helping to preserve North American Waterfowl habitat.

The live auction, silent auction, raffles and drawings will feature a variety of artwork, decoys, guns and several other items of interest for the whole family. A Beretta Onyx 12 gauge shotgun is this year's featured gun.

As always, youth are encouraged to attend. There will be a special gun drawing for Greenwings (youth 17 and under).

Dinner tickets are priced at $45 for single, $65 for couples, $20 for youth 17 and under, and $20 for current DU members from other chapters. Anyone wishing to take the extra step for the ducks may become a "DU Sponsor" for $300, and will receive a beautiful DU print for their efforts.

For more information or to order your tickets, contact Steve Whiting at 815-259-3858.

Eastland FFA Elects New Officers

Eastland FFA recently elected Junior Officers for the 2008 ­ 09 school year. Elected to office were President, Katelyn Janssen; VP, Abbey Grisham; Reporter, Adam Zink; Secretary, Cory Snetcher; Treasurer, William Murphy; and Sentinel, Bryce Meinsma.

Members of the Eastland FFA were an active part of the Ag in the Classroom project held at the Carroll County Fairgrounds September 16 and 17. Toni Cline, Jordan Price, Renee Palmer, Sara Runyan, Dan Schoeninger, and Justin Santacruz, were involved in giving presentations to Carroll County grade school children during the two day event. The presentations were given in conjunction with sessions offered by the Carroll County Farm Bureau and Ogle/Carroll Ag Partners.

Eastland FFA will be hosting a Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 15 from 1:30 to 6:30 pm. The blood drive will be held at the Eastland High School Cafeteria. Rock River Valley Blood Center will be collecting, with the blood going to all local hospitals in Freeport and Rockford. Mark your calendar for this date. Your donation does make a difference in some's life.

Eastland FFA is making plans to attend the National FFA Convention at Indianapolis, Indiana in October. Eastland FFA earned a Gold Emblem ranking from the National FFA, and will be recognized at the convention for its achievement. The Gold Emblem ranking is the highest level a chapter can earn.

'Feasibility Study' SBDC Business Seminar

It is common knowledge that a large percentage of new businesses fail within the first year. The best way to ensure that yours will be one of the successful ones is to do a feasibility study before you dive in.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a new seminar for current and prospective business owners. "Feasibility Study" is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, October 7, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in Room H-210 at Highland Community College.

Completing the study will help you understand what you are facing and how prepared you are. Already in business? It's not too late to find out exactly where you stand. Discover what the three phases of the study are and how to work through those phases to determine whether your concept is viable.

Registration deadline is October 2. To register, please call the SBDC at 815/599-3654 or visit www.highland.edu and click on Business and Community Services, Business Institute.

Funding for the SBDC is provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities (DCEO), and the host institution, Highland Community College. SBDC counseling services are provided at little or no cost.

For cost of this valuable seminar and further information, please contact Brian Borger, SBDC

Highland Community College at 815/599-3654 or e-mail Brian.borger@highland.edu.

Riverport Railroad Hosts Prospective Clients

Last week, Riverport Railroad (RVPR) held at open house for selected prospective clients and showcased the completion of the first phase of what will ultimately be a multi-million dollar investment in facilities, track and rail infrastructure improvements at their Savanna Depot Park home. These investments are being undertaken to make the site a world class rail intermodal transportation center and an attractive home for any business that owns railcars or for whom rail and rail-served facilities are critical components of their global supply chain, bulk materials handling and storage requirements.

Over the last six months and at a cost of $1,500,000, RVPR has built a new engine house and heavy equipment storage facility, laid new track to that facility and has laid an additional 1.6 miles of track to begin creating a state-of-the-art purpose built 'transload' facility.

"This is the first substantial development in new industrial facilities at the Depot since the beginning of the BRAC Base Closure process in 1996 and it's being undertaken for the all the right reasons" said Jack Koster, Managing Member of Riverport Railroad. Those reasons include the expansion of Rescar, a national railcar repair company, and accommodating new business like the transloading of steel billets for Sterling Steel. Rescar, a tenant of RVPR, is now the largest employer at the Depot with 25 well-paid jobs and has developed a state-of-the-art railcar repair facility in RVPR's former engine house.

"We can provide almost any environment and service for the storage and repair of railcars" said Koster "and now we are expanding our ability to receive, store and redistribute product from loaded rail cars with the long range goal of attracting manufacturers to the site who can use all these services and grow employment here".

The new engine house will allow Riverport Railroad's 'power' (both rail and the newly acquired bulk material handling equipment) to be stored out of the weather, kept in good repair and to be available at all times and in all conditions to effectively serve and support the growing railcar activity at the Depot. Investment in new and improved track will enable the site to safely handle the larger and heavier modern railcars and the job generating cargoes that they carry.

Riverport will be investing another $3,000,000 of its own money and from the proceeds from their FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) low interest loan over the next two years to reconfigure, expand and improve its rail infrastructure and rail-served facilities at Savanna Depot. There can be more federal money for the right projects and RVPR is looking for businesses whose commitment to the Depot they can support with this money and 'partner' with those clients to develop specific rail-served facilities that meet their current and long-term manufacturing and distribution requirements.

With contiguous, industrial zoned, developable property, a direct interchange to the main line Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad linking the west coast to Chicago and points south and east, Foreign Trade Zone status for the entire site; and a short line railroad, RVPR, with money to spend on selected development projects and on specific clients' needs - those partners may not be so hard to find.

Celebration of the successful "first phase" rail infrastructure improvements at Savanna Depot may be the beginning of the real rebirth of the Savanna Depot Park as a center for economic, business and rail development that the whole community can celebrate. Riverport Railroad's groundbreaking developments bode well for the Park and the wider community's economic future.

Carroll County Crime Stoppers

Carroll County Crime Stoppers is requesting your help in solving the following crime. Information leading to an arrest could earn the caller a reward of up to $1,000.00. The identity of any caller will be kept strictly confidential. The Carroll County Sheriff's Office is investigating the burglary of a machine shed in rural Lanark, Illinois. Some time between Saturday September 6, 2008 and Sunday September 7, 2008 unknown subjects entered the building and removed two motorcycles, power tools and a large quantity of copper wire. Loss exceeds $300.00. Persons having information about this crime or the location of a wanted felon should contact Crime Stoppers at 815-244-STOP (244-7867)

35th Anniversary observed by Milledgeville couple

Steve and Karen Bazzell of 949 Stover Avenue in Milledgeville will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary on October 7, 2008. Steve Bazzell and Karen Friedman were married October 7, 1973 in Cropsey, Illinois.

They are the parents of Angie (Mike) McHale of Byron and Jessie (Denny) Diduch of Baileyville. The joys of their life are granddaughters Shannon McHale and Cadence, Autumn and Rudy Diduch.

Bruckner Hosts Free Bike Safety Check

Join candidate for 71st District Illinois State Representative Lawrence Bruckner on Sunday, September 28 for a free bicycle safety inspection at the Thomson House Cafe, one mile north of Thomson on Rt. 84.

From there, a bicycle ride to the site of the still-unfinished Great River Trail Bicycle Path will take place to urge the Illinois legislature to fund the completion project of less than 2 miles. Bruckner will discuss several political issues facing the state with guests.

Mark your calendars for "Octoberfest," featuring free refreshments, music, and pumpkins. prizes will be awarded to the best decorated pumpkin.

For details and/or questions about these "fun-raisers," contact Lawrence Bruckner at 815-259-3168, or e-mail at bruck175@hotmail.com. Visit the Bruckner campaign web site at www.bruckner71.com.