TKocal@prairie-advocate-news.com
MT. CARROLL - A proposed amendment to the Whiteside-Carroll Enterprise Zone was approved during the Thursday, Sept. 20 Carroll County Board meeting. The proposal, approved by the State's Attorney/Finance committee and brought to the board for approval, will add three new projects.
The first project, in Carroll County, is Carroll Industrial Molds in Milledgeville, a project expected to add 20 new jobs. The other two in Whiteside County is for the expansion of a Rock Falls dental clinic (10 jobs) and a new retail development in Sterling (100 jobs). The Whiteside-Carroll Enterprise Zone encompasses contiguous portions of the cities and villages of Sterling, Rock Falls, Morrison, Fulton, Prophetstown, and Lyndon in Whiteside County, and Savanna, Thomson and Mt. Carroll in Carroll County.
The board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the intention of requesting Public Transportation Financial Assistance from the Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT). This will make funds available to help offset certain operating deficits and administrative expenses for "public transit service in non-urbanized areas," according to the resolution. The county will apply for $40,000/year for three years.
Board member Chuck Wemstrom (D-2), as a board representative to the Carroll County Senior Services Organization (CCSSO), researched the Capital Assistance funding request. "Funds received will need to be utilized within three years," he said. "They will need to be transfered to a third-party public transportation company - which is unlikely - or they could go to a county entity, such as the CCSSO toward the Senior Bus fund."
Wemstrom added that the worse-case scenario would be to return the money to IDOT after 3 years. He said the CCSSO bus service has some dialysis patients that could use the bus, but the CCSSO can't afford to pay a driver to wait for the 4-hour treatment, which would also tie up bus usage during that time. "More funding would definitely allow CCSSO to offer more services, too, such as extra trips to stores and doctor visits.
Jerry Bork (D-2) suggested that the funds could also be used for the county Veterans Assistance programs' transportation needs.
A County Administrator's salary of $75,000 was added to the budget at the request of Board Chairman Sharon Hook The subject generated a few questions, such as: Why an administrator was needed? Doesn't the county run just fine without one? Does a small county like Carroll need that kind of overhead? Grants are available - why no look into it? None of the questions were answered, as more research into the issue is currently being conducted.
Wemstrom asked to clarify a comment reported in another paper about whether or not it was possible that funding for the Carroll County Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC) could be cut in lieu of the administrator position. The county had previously funded the CCEDC $80,000 in 2006 and 2007, and agreed in principle to a third year of funding. Hook stated that that was not a consideration.
Bork then asked why the GIS position was being considered as a permanent job. "I thought it was only part-time to assist in the Assessor's office."
Rod Fritz (D-3) said that in the future, a GIS person will be needed as the web site will be developed, utilized, and interfaced with GIS maps of the county for updated data searches.
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the request of Tom Messer of South Savanna Development Inc. to rezone the site of the former Gould property south of Savanna in Savanna Township from I-1 (light industry) to I-2 (heavy industry). The issue was brought to the full board to approve.
Edie Block (D-3) said Messer told her that the property "would be more marketable if more uses were possible." I-2 zoning would allow for uses such as chemical plants, fertilizer plants, trucking companies, warehousing and shipping, commercial storage, retail sales of ag fertilizers and chemicals directly to the end ag user, and other similar uses which are of heavy industrial nature. The board unanimously approved the measure.
Twenty-one building permits were issued in August with fees of $1560 collected. That brings the total for 2007 up to 193.
- Carroll County Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) participated in the creation of the District Comprehensive Economic Development plan, and the county board formally adopted the Annual Report of the plan for the six-county region;
-Approved the transfer of $3059.50 from the social security fund and $4515.50 from the IMRF fund to to the health dept. fund, as established in the budget;
- Agreed to share GIS boundaries data with Jo Daviess county;
- Approved out-of-state travel funding to Des Moines, IA for appraisal training for the Supervisor of Assessments;
- Approved adding a line item to the budget for "Court House Improvement," and allocated $52,000 to allow for tuck pointing on portions of the building, gutters, painting, and tree work next year. As part of the Mt. Carroll Beautification project, volunteers will paint 15 light poles, and repair lawn erosion by this fall;
- After surveying salaries for other GIS personnel, and at the request of Supervisor of Assessments Vivian Eaton, the GIS salary will remain at $36,500.
Jo-Carroll Energy enters the power generation business
TKocal@prairie-advocate-news.com
Carroll County will be the home of an 80 megawatt, biomass-fueled, renewable energy electric power plant. The announcement was made Tuesday, September 18, by Jo-Carroll Energy at a press conference at Buck's Barn Resort, just north of the site of the proposed facility.
Michael Hastings, President and CEO of the member-owned energy cooperative, said the 60-acre site is located directly south of the Danisco plant on IL Route 84 between Thomson and Savanna. Hastings was joined by Carroll County and area community and civic leaders, several local elected officials, and Jo-Carroll Energy Board of Directors.
"Jo-Carroll Energy has looked at power supply options since the successful service territory acquisition earlier this year that transformed the cooperative into this region's premier energy provider," Hastings said. "Throughout that process, we told our members that a stronger Jo-Carroll Energy would be the best way to ensure long-term rate stability for the people of northwestern Illinois. Today, we have taken a major step toward delivering on that promise."
The state-of-the-art power generating facility will be the first of its kind in Illinois. The plant will be fueled by various types of "renewable" biomass, such as clean waste wood, corn stover and switch grass. The power plant will create carbon dioxide during the burning process. But because the facility will be using fuel stocks that were once living plants that removed carbon dioxide from the air, the power plant will have a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional coal-fired power plants, eliminating the potential for emitting harmful chemicals into the environment, such as mercury and sulfur dioxide. Plus, unlike fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, biomass can re-grow quickly, in many cases in less than a year. Fossil fuels take millions of years to make.
"After many months of careful research with a variety of experts, Jo-Carroll Energy decided that this project would be the best way to accomplish our goal of providing safe and reliable electric service at the lowest practical price for our member-owners."
Ed Smith, with 30 years experience in the energy business, is Jo-Carroll's consultant on this project. He said that much of the 800,000 tons of biomass that will be burned in this plant will come from tree trimming, landscaping, sawdust from sawmills, wood product manufacturers, and construction lumber.
"As long as it's clean," Smith said. "Any wood that is not contaminated with chemicals, like creosote and paint, will be a good supply source." Smith estimated that the plant will use about 80% wood and a 20% mix of corn stover, switch grass, and other biomass.
He added that it will take approximately 12 months to obtain all of the required Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits. Emissions from the facility will be scrubbed to meet or exceed all applicable EPA regulations.
"Northwestern Illinois is our home," Hastings said. "Our children breathe this air. We are committed to building a project that meets our growing energy needs, creating good paying jobs, adds to the local tax base, and supports local agriculture in a sustainable, environmentally responsible fashion - all of which will promote long-term energy rate stability."
Jo-Carroll Energy plans to begin construction of the $140 million facility in 2009, with the plant going on-line in 2012. It will employ up to 250 construction workers, and 30 full-time employees with a medium wage of $70,000 per year once the plant is up and running, Smith said. Most of the full-time jobs will be union jobs.
Carroll County Supervisor of Assessments Vivian Eaton said it was still too early in the process to calculate the property tax generated from a project of this magnitude. Eaton did say that she did not expect the project to have a negative impact on residential land values in the area near the development. "I haven't seen any loss of home sale prices in that part of the county. There is quite a lot of land there with nothing on it. The 60 acre site is located between the Danisco Plant and the Thomson Correctional Center," she added. "Even the prison has not had a negative impact on home values there. Plus, they are not taking good farm land out of production. It is really sandy soil."
Julie Yuswak, Carroll County Zoning Officer, confirmed that the land is not zoned Industrial yet. "That particular parcel is still zoned Ag-1," she said. Yuswak also confirmed that a representative from Jo-Carroll Energy had recently inquired about the land in that area and how it was zoned. She added that the synergy between Danisco and the energy plant "sounds like an environmental win-win situation."
Laurie Gungel, Executive Director of the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation, said "I am very excited about this project. This can be the beginning of development that we already see coming to Carroll County.
"This project underlines the importance of updating the Comprehensive Plan for Carroll County," Gungel added. "The development of the energy plant is going to bring more development with it."
Gungel, as well as many other county officials, think the proposed site is the best place for this type of project. The parcel is close to the Mississippi River, the Burlington Northern rail line, and IL Rt. 84, allowing for highly efficient transportation of fuel power to the plant. The facility will be built in an area that already has other industrial uses, minimizing the impact on the rural area. The site is also close to an existing high-voltage transmission line. Finally, the location will allow the power plant to sell excess steam to Danisco for use in their industrial processes, creating additional energy efficiencies.
Craig Myers, Danisco Plant Manager, is pleased with the potential benefits. "By using steam produced in a biomass energy production facility right next door to us, Danisco can increase production efficiency, reducing our energy consumption in the process."
Currently, Danisco uses two efficient natural gas-fired steam boilers in their production processes. "We will continue to make our products the same way," Myers said. "But we believe that using steam from Jo-Carroll Energy will be more favorably priced and less volatile than natural gas, and even more environmentally friendly."
With the project still in the early planning stage, there are many unresolved questions, the largest being the funding package. "We are exploring every possible funding scenario for the plant," Hastings said. "We are talking to other utilities and cooperatives about potential equity partnerships, but no agreements have been reached yet."
Another important component of the funding package will be various economic development and renewable energy incentives offered by local, state, and federal agencies. "We will work closely with officials from all of these organizations to aggressively pursue grants and other financial incentives that are essential to make a project of this magnitude become a reality," Hastings added.
Historically, Jo-Carroll Energy has been a distribution cooperative that purchased power from other power suppliers. The proposed 80 megawatt plant is modest in size compared to Dairyland Power's 400 megawatt facility in Alma, Wisconsin, one of Jo-Carroll Energy's current power supplier. The JCE plant will produce enough energy to power more than 10,000 homes. By comparison, JCE's total system load on the hottest day of the year is nearly 100 megawatts. How much of the power generated by this plant that will be utilized in JCE territory will depend on which utilities and cooperatives they eventually partner with, and how the cost of purchasing power compares to the cost of producing it. Hastings reiterated that JCE's goal as a cooperative is to provide power at the lowest possible cost.
JCE Chairman of the Board Joe Mattingly said the cooperative will seek feedback from civic, business and community leaders throughout the development process. "We will hold public forums as appropriate to share information and solicit feedback. We will work with the community to ensure that our new facility is a good neighbor," Mattingly said. "As the details of our plan come in to focus, we will be sure to keep stakeholders abreast of developments."
"There are still a lot of details that must be resolved before we move ahead," Hastings said. "But we know one thing for sure: This project makes too much sense on too many levels for Jo-Carroll Energy to not step up and try to do something positive for the people of our region."
Passenger train service returned to Carroll County briefly Monday morning, Sept. 24.
On Sunday, Sept. 16, a special train traveling from Chicago to Rock Island via the CSX and Iowa Interstate began its journey to the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners in Omaha. The route passed through LaSalle Peru, Bureau, Annawan, Atkinson, Geneseo and the Illinois Quad Cities before it crossed the Crescent Bridge and headed up the Iowa side.
The train traveled through Carroll County via the IC&E rail line on its way back to Chicago on Monday. Railroad aficionado's were seen at most of the railroad crossings photographing the 15 antique railcars as they travelled through, waving at passengers. These photos were taken at the Center Rd. crossing east of Lanark.
Expressing a desire to represent all of northwest Illinois, Marty Mulcahey announced today that he will run for State Senator in the 45th District. Mulcahey, son of former State Representative Dick Mulcahey, announced his decision after being contacted by prominent party officials in northwestern Illinois.
"At the urging of Democratic County Party Chairmen in the 45th Senate District, and the encouragement, and support of many community leaders, I am announcing my intention to run for the Illinois Senate," Mulcahey said. "I have taken the time to speak with family, friends and supporters, all of whom have stated that this is the right thing to do. It is an opportunity to represent all of northwest Illinois."
Mulcahey said in the two decades his father served in the General Assembly, family dinner discussions centered on issues affecting the families, business and communities of northwestern Illinois.
"At a young age and through my teens, I listened to the issues that are important to our neighbors and friends. I saw firsthand the progress that can be made from strong leadership and a sense of duty toward helping others."
Mulcahey said with the recent retirement of Senator Todd Sieben of Geneseo, voters in northwestern Illinois will be selecting a new Senator who can work with the House and the Senate on both sides of the aisle and the Governor, regardless of party, to ensure the progress needed in northwestern Illinois.
"I am extremely confident that I can work with leaders in Springfield in the spirit of cooperation, with Senators on both sides of the aisle in a non-confrontational manner to bring about positive new changes in our corner of the state" Mulcahey added. "Projects like the expansion of US Highway 20 from Freeport to Galena, the redevelopment of the Savanna Army Depot, AMTRAK services from Chicago to Dubuque and from Chicago to the Quad Cities, and a high speed fiber optic telecommunications pipeline throughout northwestern Illinois are four attainable projects to draw business and jobs to the area."
Mulcahey previously announced his intentions of running for the Illinois House of Representatives in late April but today has made a shift to the Senate race at the urging of party leaders, community leaders, neighbors and friends."I would not have run against Senator Todd Sieben because I respect his work and admire the job he has done as our Senator.He is a real decent guy," Mulcahey concluded. "His retirement, however, offers an opportunity to continue the good work he has begun and build on his achievements."
Mulcahey, 43, is employed with the Illinois Secretary of State's office under Jesse White and resides in Galena with his two children.
Ad grant program for Illinois Farmers Markets
New program designed to expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the state's specialty crop industry
A new grant program to promote Illinois farmers markets and increase demand for fresh, Illinois-grown produce was introduced last week. The Illinois Farmers Market Advertising Grant Program will provide farmers markets up to $7,500 to help with advertising and promotional expenses during the 2008 season. The funds were awarded to the Illinois Department of Agriculture through the federal specialty crop program and will be distributed as part of Opportunity Returns, a comprehensive economic development strategy designed to spur more economic growth and create jobs across Illinois. More than $175,000 in total is available.
"Farmers markets are good for local economies, good for consumers and, ultimately, good for our entire state," Gov. Blagojevich said. "Communities that sponsor farmers markets benefit from increased tourism, and consumers benefit from wholesome, locally-grown food. These grants will help support and expand the state's agricultural economy."
Through Opportunity Returns, the Illinois Department of Agriculture has invested nearly $400,000 the past three years to expand the state's specialty crop industry. In addition to promotional materials and advertising, specialty crop grant funds have been used to develop an "Illinois, Where Fresh Is" marketing campaign that brands Illinois food products and encourages consumers to buy local and buy fresh. Illinois farmers and specialty crop companies are eligible to use the "Illinois, Where Fresh Is" logo to help consumers quickly and easily identify their specialty crops at farmers markets and grocery stores.
"Illinois' fertile soil and favorable climate are good for growing a wide variety of crops," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. "While most people know Illinois ranks second in the production of corn and soybeans, many don't realize Illinois is the nation's largest producer of pumpkins and ranks among the top ten states in the production of such specialty crops as asparagus, cauliflower, fresh cut herbs, peas, lima beans and mustard greens. These grants will help expand markets for this produce and increase the competitiveness of our specialty crop industry."
More than 220 farmers markets currently operate throughout the state, up from 97 in 1999. According to a 2003 Illinois Specialty Crop Survey, more than 117,000 acres of farmland is devoted to growing specialty crops, producing nearly $137 million in sales for Illinois farmers.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture will accept applications for the funds through Nov. 7, 2007. Application forms can be obtained on the department's website at www.agr.state.il.us or by calling Kim Janssen at (217) 785-5848. Grants will be awarded by Feb. 1, 2008.
Gov. Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating
jobs in Illinois' history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn't work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions
each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about
tangible,
specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about
upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs.
Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its
economic potential.
There are plans for a foreign language class to be added to the first and second grade curriculum. The topic was discussed at the Eastland School Board meeting last week.
If implemented, the program could go into effect starting with the 2008-2009 school year. An additional 40 minutes of learning would be added to end of the school day two days a week. A small fee may be charged to cover the cost of books and materials. A survey was taken and 50% of parents with children currently in kindergarten and first grade said they would "definitely enroll" their children in the program next year. However students will not be required to take part in the program.
There is also discussion to lower the enrollment age of keyboarding classes from the sixth grade to fourth grade. This program should not cost any extra money to the parents. The approval of both programs will be voted on at next month's school board meeting.
The school's website committee reported on the improvements of the school's website. Superintendent Hansen thanked the Citizens Advisory Committee for the input and ideas. Eric Hann, the district's network technician, has done most of the work. Improvements made to www.eastland308.com have been done to make the website more functional for students, parents, and staff.
Eastland High School Principal Jay Ritchie highlighted the achievements of two former Eastland High graduates: Eric Taylor, who has been recently published in a medical magazine and will receive a doctorate degree from the University of Illinois Medical School of Chicago; and Kara Priewe, who has been accepted to the University of Illinois Veterinary School.
Summer work projects are almost complete in the Lanark City Park. The washrooms have to be roofed and other minor work is still unfinished, but all work for this year will be completed this fall. A sidewalk leading to the washrooms will be constructed next spring. The new washrooms in the southwest corner of the park are being built with the volunteer assistance of the Lanark Community Club.
Discussion is ongoing for the style of a skateboard park being planned for construction in the park.
The fire hydrant replacement project is going well with most work being completed. The two hydrants by the school will be done over Columbus Day weekend. The hydrants on Leland Street may have to be done at night while usage is reduced.
- Kara Brinkmeier
When people think about staying fit, they generally think from the neck down. But the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, and playing even sleeping.
The good news is that we now know there's a lot you can do to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.
Simple lifestyle modifications also would have an enormous impact on our nation's public health and the cost of healthcare. If you make brain-healthy lifestyle changes and take action by getting involved, we could realize a future without Alzheimer's disease.
Like other part of your body, your brain may lose some agility as you get older. It can deteriorate even more if you don't take care of it. Science is unlocking many of the mysteries of the brain, but we don't have all the answers yet. You can do everything "right" and still not prevent Alzheimer's disease. What's offered here is the best and most up-to-date information available so that you can make your own decisions about your health.
Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells.
Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells.
Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells. It also can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Research suggests that high cholesterol may contribute to stroke and brain cell damage. A low fat, low cholesterol diet is advisable. And there is growing evidence that a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants, may help protect brain cells.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia brain disorders that affect your ability to function effectively in daily living. Well-established risk factors for Alzheimer's disease are genetics and aging (10 percent of those over age 65 and 50 percent of those over 85 have Alzheimer's). Unfortunately, aging and genetics are two risk factors you can't control.
It's not known what causes Alzheimer's disease or what role genetics plays in most cases of Alzheimer's, though having parents or siblings
with the disease increases your risk. A small percentage of cases is known to be caused by inherited mutated genes. In other cases, variants of specific
genes increase risk, but even people who inherit such variants from both parents still may not get the disease. These risk factors that you cannot change will
set a starting point for you, but there is hope that adopting the Maintain Your Brain® life habits might delay or prevent the appearance of
Alzheimer's
disease.
The Alzheimer's Association 2007 Carroll County Memory Walk takes place on Saturday, October 6 at Old Mill Park Savanna. Registration begins at 8:30 AM, followed by an opening ceremony and Walk at 9:00 AM. All the money raised supports local programs and services for families in Carroll County impacted by Alzheimer's disease and other related disorders. Carroll County Memory Walk is one of several hundreds walks taking place throughout the United States this fall to raise funds and awareness about Alzheimer's disease.
To register or make a donation, call 1-800-272-3900. Online registrations and donations can be made at www.alz.org by clicking on the Memory Walk logo. Locally you may contact JoEllen, Julie or Hali at Big Meadows 273-2238 to register. This annual event generates funds through donations given to support walkers.
Sciatica, of all the nerve
Actually, I didn't know what the phrase "sciatic nerve" meant until I had some experience with the thing. Oh, I may have heard the term as it hung in the air
above some netted blue hairs as they clucked about their latest aches and pains. Or perhaps some great aunt who was so fascinated with ill health and the latest diagnosis of the state of her intestines that she couldn't digest anything put before her on the table.
Come to think of it, a hypochondriac high school friend may have used the term in search for the latest and rarest disease that she could come up with to avoid showing up for home room.
Ailment terms never interested me. I have never had time for them or any inclination toward illness. My theory is that the medical profession will have to come get me for the diagnosis that is, the fatal diagnosis that defines the end of life. Even then, I will express my disdain for lying around and wasting a perfectly good day. Sciatica? How boring.
Then I couldn't get out of bed one morning. Oh, drat, I thought. It must be some dreaded flu virus or some deranged cootie that invaded my life. With memories of how debilitating the Hong Kong flu was across the nation, I knew that I didn't have time to throw myself into a minor coma for some months until I could be somewhat lucid.
But why would a dysfunctional virus settle only in my right leg? Then my foot went numb, and it was time to go.
I limped into ER with all the poise of a car with a flat tire, threw my insurance card at the nurse and lay prone in the waiting area. There was no sitting or leaning. Quickly, they transferred me to lay behind a curtain, lest I be removed from the waiting area like a homeless indigent.
That's when I heard the word "sciatic." I learned that it is the nerve that delivers insults to injury by not letting you sit in the car unless you raise your rear end about a foot upward. Or request to stand in the theatre because you can't sit without moaning.
OK, so give me drugs and I have a busy schedule, thank you. "Bed rest" was the next somber advice. I requested a different disorder, the kind that you can fix quickly and move on.
After a week lying around on ice, my body temperature was reduced to that of a cadaver. My brain capacity could only grasp the surrounding sheets and pillows. I imbedded my self with several books, gardening magazines and knitting projects, though I was most irritated that yarn kept falling from above into my eyes. I memorized the cracks in the ceiling and the 24-hr TV guide schedule.
The new love of my life was my chiropractor. Becoming more handsome each day, he was there like any good bartender to listen to my predictions of gloom and doom. I was at the bargaining stage of dying at each visit. The deal was that if he could align my spine or find a more convenient location for my sciatic nerve, then I would promise to be a Good Sue.
The newly improved Good Sue would faithfully exercise, eat spinach and even balance the check book more often. The Good Sue would reform her edgy ways and think kinder and gentler thoughts toward co-workers and maybe bake cookies once and awhile. The Good Sue might start a smiley-faced campaign where being nice matters, with exceptions, of course, when a smart mouth is necessary.
But the Sciatica Sue was most offended by the inconvenience and saw the worst-case scenario, of all the nerve.Can you relate? If you would like to comment on Hot Flashes, Sue can be reached via E-mail at thewritehag@yahoo.com, or pa@prairie-advocate-news.com.
'We Don't Serve Teens'
"We Don't Serve Teens" is a national campaign to reduce underage drinking by focusing on the social sources that may provide teens with access to alcohol. The West Carroll Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Coalition (EUDL) is the local sponsor and fully supports this effort.
Local retailers will be participating by wearing "We Don't Serve Teens" pins and displaying posters showing they check ID's before selling any type of liquor to anyone who looks under 30 years old.
Most teens who drink get their alcohol from "social sources" parents of other teens, older siblings, and other relatives and friends. In Carroll County, according to the IL Youth Survey, 51% of 8th graders who have drunk alcohol in the past year say they have been in either their own home or someone else's home. 70% of 10th graders and 80% of 12th graders say the same.
Drinking alcohol can cause serious health and safety consequences for youth - as well as legal consequences for the person providing the alcohol. Studies show adults strongly support the law mandating a person be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol.
According to West Carroll EUDL Site Coordinator, Freddie Preston, retailers in Western Carroll County are very responsible. Retailers in Mt. Carroll, Savanna and Thomson have a 90% compliance in ID checking when selling to someone who looks young.
"The compliance surveys conducted by the IL State Police prove this," Preston said. "Everyone involved with the EUDL project and our local substance abuse education coalition is very proud of our retailers."
The West Carroll EUDL Coalition reminds everyone: Don't serve alcohol to teens. It's unsafe. It's illegal. It's irresponsible.
For more information on stopping teens' easy access to alcohol, practical tips on talking to kids about alcohol and alcohol advertising, and what to say to friends and neighbors about serving alcohol to teens, visit www.dontserveteens.gov.
To contact the WC EUDL coalition for a program or any information on alcohol and teens, contact Freddie Preston at the Mt. Carroll Sinnissippi Office at 815/244-9758.
Basic Combat Training
Army National Guard Pvt. Caleb R. Eller has graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
He is the son of Virginia Alden of Meadowlark Lane, Stillman Valley, Ill., and Jimmy Eller of Grandview Road, Milledgeville, Ill.
Eller is currently attending Stillman Valley High School.
Jessica Synder, a member of the Eastland Horse Judging Team, placed 10th in the state at the State FFA Horse Judging Career Development Event held recently at Blackhawk Community College at Kewanee. Seventy One school participated in Non Reasons part of the contest. Jessica received a 'superior' rating and a purple ribbon for her achievement. Other team members included: Shelby Corey, Jordan Price, and Lisa Rodda. Eastland FFA team place a red rating at the contest.
The Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA participated in the Section 2 Leadership Training School at Amboy High School on September 18, 2007. As part of the activities the Green Hand Quiz Bowl team placed 5th out of 10 teams participating. Team members include the following: Tom Nelson, Dakota Smith, and Jacob Toms. Also in attendance were Rachel and Darrin Rahn. Upcoming events include Soil Judging on October 2, 2007, and FFA National Convention on October 23-27.
Reporter-Nic VanderVinne
IDOR encourages taxpayers to use electronic filing to receive refunds quickly
The Illinois Department of Revenue today reminded taxpayers who utilized an extension on their 2006 individual income tax return to file by the extended deadline, Oct. 15, 2007. By filing these returns electronically, taxpayers awaiting tax refunds can look forward to receiving that refund in about a week.
"We encourage E-Filing at the Department of Revenue because it makes the process more efficient for both the taxpayers and the Department," said IDOR Director Brian Hamer. "Taxpayers make fewer errors and omissions with electronic edits and they typically receive their refund in a week. IDOR is also able to save taxpayer money with E-Filed returns by automating several steps in the process."
The Oct. 15 deadline for taxpayers who file for an extension can often be overlooked by those who are used to the frenzy around the April deadline (which occurred on April 17 this year). Illinois has allowed E-Filing for the extended deadline since 2003, and an increasing number of taxpayers have done so each year. Since the extension period began on April 18 this year, 90,000 taxpayers have filed electronically, which is an increase of 5 percent over the same period last year.
The department will pay accurately filed electronic refunds in about a week, while it will take much longer to process the paper tax returns filed at the last minute.
Taxpayers who are still waiting for information to be able to file their returns, often in order to file the complex federal return that must be completed before the Illinois return, can take advantage of the extended deadline to file. They are required to pay any tax due by the April deadline in order to avoid penalty.
Get help with your wooded acreage
NRCS's EQIP Forest Landowner's Opportunity
As a landowner, do you have wooded acreage? Have you ever wondered what your forest resource might be worth? Thought of how you might better manage it? Ever considered allowing a timber buyer to perform a harvest? Have your real estate taxes increased 500% since you made the purchase? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should give strong consideration to getting a Forest Management Plan developed for your wooded acreage.
A Forest Management Plan is comprised of an inventory of the wooded resource by tree species and size. It further identifies or outlines future management options for a landowner to consider while using their woods for wildlife, possible timber sales or just recreational use. Once the plan is developed, it is up to the landowner if they desire to implement any portion of a plan.
There are several benefits of having a Forest Management Plan. Real Estate taxes might be reduced or stay close to the current levels. It provides an inventory of all the tree resources within the wood lot, and outlines future management options for a landowner to consider. The plan may result in potential income from sale of trees identified as mature and ready for harvest.
A wood lot owner can receive a cost-share grant of $400 to complete the plan, and possibly qualify for future funding to implement portions of the plan.
The cost to have a consulting Forester develop a Forest Management Plan for your wooded acres is approximately $6 to $15 per acre. A smaller woodlot of 20 acres and less might cost $15 per acre while a larger woodlot of say 120 acres or greater will be closer to the $6 per acre.
Through the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) the USDA provides landowners a flat-rate of $400 to secure the services of a consulting Forester to help develop the plan for their wooded acres.
For more information or to sign-up for the financial support, contact the Carroll County NRCS office at (815) 244-8732, Ext #3. The first sign-up deadline is October 19, 2007.
Mark your calendars, Missile fans. Homecoming activities start in two weeks.
On Thursday, Oct. 4, the Homecoming parade kicks off the fun, with Step-Off starting at 5:15 P.M. from the High School. Homecoming
Skit-
Night follows the Parade.
Friday night Homecoming football on Oct. 5 features the Missles versus Ashton-Franklin Center, with kick-off at 7:00 p.m.
The Class of 1987, celebrating their 20th Reunion, is specially invited to join the festivites this Homecoming and will be recognized.
For more information, contact Milledgeville High School.
Manzullo announces federal grant for Pearl City Fire Department
Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced the Pearl City Fire Department has received a $209,000 federal grant for a new fire engine. The grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security helps local fire departments, rescue squads and ambulance services purchase the vehicles they need to help protect the health and safety of the public.
Pearl City fire officials plan to use the funds to purchase a new Custom Cab Pumper Engine to replace a 1978 truck. The new vehicle is a 6-person cab with air pak seats.
"I want to congratulate Chief Brent Schneider and his employees for their efforts to win this extremely competitive grant," Manzullo said. "These funds will go a long way to help the brave Pearl City firefighters better protect the residents of the community."
The next Blackhawk Hills Entrepreneur and Inventors Club meeting will be Thursday September 27, 6:00 PM at the Heritage Center, 106 S. Broad St. in Lanark.
Guest speaker this month is Mike Dinderman of Blackhawk Attachment Lifts, a member of the BHEIC. Check out his website: www.blackhawkattachmentlifts.com.
Starting this month, and running through February, raffle tickets will be given to any club member that brings along a friend that is new to the club. You get one ticket per person that you bring. The "Bring a Friend" drawing will be at the February meeting. "So, bring a friend, bring a student, bring your grandparents!" says BHEIC coordinator John Huggins.
A door prize will be given away to one lucky participant at Thursday's meeting. Refreshments will be served.
"Take advantage of the networking," added Huggins. "Find resources to help you start your business, grow your business, and take that invention from the cocktail napkin to reality."
For more information, contact John Huggins, Coordinator, Blackhawk Hills Entrepreneur & Inventors Club, at (815)541-0557, Fax (877)693-9653, or e-mail jhuggins@errantwolf.com.
The loss of an unborn child can be a devastating spiritual and emotional experience for parents and families. To assist those families in the natural grieving process, Monroe Clinic is offering a Perinatal Loss Memorial Service on Saturday, October 6 at 10 a.m.
This fifth annual Service of Remembrance and Sharing will be held in Calvary Cemetery, located at 1907 29th Avenue in Monroe. Services will be provided by Newcomer Funeral Home. All are welcome to attend.
The Memorial Service will honor babies born this past year by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or stillbirth. It is a service that connects families and gives them a chance to honor and remember their babies. It is also a way to form common bonds among parents who have lost their infants. Above all, the Memorial Service helps parents who have lost a child to know they are not alone.
For more information, contact Tom Chopp, M.Div. of Monroe Clinic's Pastoral Care Department at (608) 324-1466 or Monroe Clinic's Family Birth Center at 608-324-1291, or go to www.monroeclinic.org.
Extension Educator, Crop Systems
Rockford Extension Center, University of Illinois
Phone 815-397-7714,
Email morrison@uiuc.edu
A recent inquiry concerned the use of gypsum in field crops. The material has been used to improve crop production in some parts of the United States. Here are a few facts about gypsum.
\Gypsum is calcium sulfate (CaSO4) and thus is a source of calcium and sulfur. When added to the soil it dissolves to form calcium and sulfate-sulfur (the sulfur form that plants can readily use if the nutrient is needed). Gypsum is not the only fertilizer source of sulfur. Soil organic matter, rainfall, and certain other fertilizers are also sources of sulfur.
In northern Illinois it is very unusual to have a calcium deficiency. If soil pH is maintained at levels for optimum crop production, calcium deficiency will be extremely rare.
\When gypsum is added to the soil it becomes a neutral salt. There is no carbonate or bicarbonate associated with the calcium and it does not release hydrogen when added to the soil. Thus, gypsum has no effect on soil pH and is not a liming material. Nor does it acidify the soil.
\Elemental sulfur (S) applied to the soil will reduce soil pH, but the practice is too expensive for large-scale agronomic field crop situations.
Gypsum is beneficial in reclaiming sodic or high sodium soils. When added to the soil, calcium from the gypsum replaces the sodium on the soil clay particles and with sufficient water movement through the root zone, the displaced sodium is flushed from the soil profile. Sodic soils are very uncommon in Illinois. These soils are typically found in arid climates.
Field studies in the Midwest show that gypsum does not affect soil compaction-soil tilth and that a particular calcium-to-magnesium ratio is not critical to crop production.
Is there a role for gypsum in agriculture? Yes, but it is limited.
FREEPORT Monroe Clinic is pleased to welcome new family practice physician Judd Pulley, M.D. to Monroe Clinic-Freeport.
As a board-certified family practice physician, Dr. Pulley provides comprehensive health care to all members of the family. He diagnoses
and treats illnesses, injuries, and diseases for patients of all ages. Dr. Pulley received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of
Medicine
in Rockford. He completed his family practice residency at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, where he was a chief resident in
2004-2005.
In 2007, Dr. Pulley completed a sports medicine fellowship in Billings, Montana. He has extensive sports medicine training and experience to help patients stay active, to treat sports injuries, and to keep athletes on the top of their game.
"I spend time talking with patients about their conditions, in addition to emphasizing preventive care and health education," said Dr. Pulley.
To make an appointment with Dr. Pulley, please call Monroe Clinic-Freeport at 815-235-1406.
Alzheimers's disease affects more than 5 million American's of every race, gender, and culture. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's and other dementias amount tot more than $148 billion annually. Unless we find a way to change the course, as many as 16 million Americans could have the disease by 2050.Did you know that the annual cost to businesses as a result of Alzheimer's disease is $61 billion? Of this cost, $36.4 billion is a result of workers who are caregivers, due to absenteeism, productivity losses, continuing insurance, worker replacements, fees and EAPs. These costs are expected to grow as the baby boom generation ages over the next 30 years. Fortunately, the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer's Association go a long way in reducing these costs.
The Memory Walk is a non-competitive fundraising walk designed to support the mission of the Alzheimer's Association. Each year, participants sign up as a team or individuals, and collect pledges from their friends, family, co-workers and others to raise as many dollars as possible, to help make Alzheimer's obsolete.
You too can help make this a reality by joining in our Annual Alzheimer's Memory Walk at Old Mill Park in Savanna at 9 a.m. October 6 with registration at 8:30. Sign up as a walker, join a team, or make a donation. All money raised by this walk stays in our area to help those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Contact JoEllen, Hali or Julie at Big Meadows (815) 273-2238 for more information or for any questions you many have.
Buck's Barn Golf Resort held its Club Championship tournament on Sept. 8 and 9. It was 2-day event. There were three flights, Championship Flight, A Flight and B Flight with two divisions, gross and net.
Winners for the B Flight Gross Division were: 1st place Jim Balk from Fulton; and 2nd place went to Verne Pessman from Fulton. B Flight Net Division winners were: 1st place Tom Swamberger from Clinton, IA; and 2nd place was Bob Aubrey from Clinton, IA. Winners for the A Flight Gross Division were: 1st place Leroy Michalesen, from Thomson; and 2nd place Jack Prymek from Savanna. Winners for the A Flight Net Division were: 1st place Phil Despain from Savanna; and 2nd place Chuck McGowan from Fulton. Winners for the Championship Flight Net Division were: 1st place went to Roger Lessard from Clinton, IA; and 2nd place Gary Hunt from Mt. Carroll. And the Championship Flight Gross Division 2nd place winner was Roy Tucker from Clinton, IA and the Club Champion went to Brandon Eads from Prophetstown. Congratulations to all.
Eldred McCreery of Clinton, IA got a Hole in One at Buck's Barn Golf Resort in Thomson on Sept. 5. He scored his ace on hole #6 using a 3 hybrid from 174 yards.
Witnessing this event was George Kyarsgaard from Camanche, IA, Don Rogers from Chadwick and Marty Chavez from Sterling.
Dan and Linda Davis of Lanark announce the engagement of their daughter, Michelle Lynn Davis to Donald Henry Zdan, son of John Zdan and Sheri Zdan of Omaha, Nebraska.
The bride elect is a 1999 graduate of Eastland High School and served 4 years in the Army. She is working toward her degree for physical therapy assistant at the College of Dupage while employed by M & M Orthopedics in Naperville.
Her fiancé us a 1998 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Council Bluffs, Iowa, served 8 years in the Army and is employed at Morse Communications in Elmhurst.
An October 6, 2007 wedding at Hope Methodist Church at Chadwick is planned.
Carroll County can better serve veterans
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director L. Tammy Duckworth today announced Carroll County now has an itinerant Veteran Service Office located at 409 Main Street in Savanna. The office will assist the over 1,900 Veterans who live in Carroll County this year in applying for benefits from both the state and federal governments.
"The Veteran Service Offices are great resources for our Veterans to receive one-on-one assistance and to learn about what state and federal benefits are available to them. We want to make sure our service men and women know about the benefits that they are entitled to when they return home to Illinois," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth explained.
The Carroll County Veteran Service Office houses one of the state's 73 Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) every third Wednesday of the month. The VSOs offer help to Veterans in applying for and receiving compensation and other benefits from the federal Veterans' Administration and make them aware of the state resources that are available. Their primary job responsibilities are assisting in applying for nearly $400 million in federal money that goes unclaimed each year by the 26.4 million Veterans across the country, and serve as a liaison between the state and the federal VA.
VSOs serve as sign-up locations and informational hubs for the state's program benefits, including the following: G-I Loan for Heroes; Veterans Care; TBI and PTSD Program; Veteran's Cash; Hunting and Fishing Licenses and Camping Permits for disabled Veterans; and Veterans' Job Tax Credit.
Veterans can receive assistance at the Carroll County office every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or call 815-273-7090. A full list of Veteran Service Offices can be found on IDVA's website: www.state.il.us/agency/dva.
The Great River Outreach (GRO) is an organization consisting of churches, social service agencies, law enforcement, business people and individuals who are concerned about a gap in services for those in need.
Free - The Great River Outreach is providing a "dining facility" where everyone is welcome. Businesses, families, social organizations are invited to drop by and have a meal with them. Everyone is welcome. There is a large dining room with hot meals served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday Friday.
The GROwing table is in need of numerous items and supplies. They are currently receiving food and produce from Sullivans Foods and McGinnis Produce, and are hoping others may step up and donate. They are also asking any local gardeners with extra produce to bring those items to the GROwing Table from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Transportation is available to those in need for the weekday lunches. Interested persons can make arrangements by calling New Unity Deliverance and Worship Center at 815-273-2277 or Church on a Hill at 815-273-7061.
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director L. Tammy Duckworth today announced Carroll County now has an itinerant Veteran Service Office located at 409 Main Street in Savanna. The office will assist the over 1,900 Veterans who live in Carroll County this year in applying for benefits from both the state and federal governments.
"The Veteran Service Offices are great resources for our Veterans to receive one-on-one assistance and to learn about what state and federal benefits are available to them. We want to make sure our service men and women know about the benefits that they are entitled to when they return home to Illinois," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth explained.
The Carroll County Veteran Service Office houses one of the state's 73 Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) every third Wednesday of the month. The VSOs offer help to Veterans in applying for and receiving compensation and other benefits from the federal Veterans' Administration and make them aware of the state resources that are available. Their primary job responsibilities are assisting in applying for nearly $400 million in federal money that goes unclaimed each year by the 26.4 million Veterans across the country, and serve as a liaison between the state and the federal VA.
VSOs serve as sign-up locations and informational hubs for the state's program benefits, including the following: G-I Loan for Heroes; Veterans Care; TBI and PTSD Program; Veteran's Cash; Hunting and Fishing Licenses and Camping Permits for disabled Veterans; and Veterans' Job Tax Credit.
Veterans can receive assistance at the Carroll County office every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or call 815-273-7090. A full list of Veteran Service Offices can be found on IDVA's website: www.state.il.us/agency/dva.
With the cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000 many transplant patients are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure. The Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-needy patients. In Rock Falls, volunteers are raising funds for transplant patients like local child Tanner Raab.
Born on May 11, 2001 Tanner was diagnosed with Heptablastoma, and doctors at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, performed a life-saving liver transplant June 19, 2007. Rock Falls area volunteers are raising an estimated $40,000.
Tanner is the son of Steven and Pam Raab and the brother of Ryan and Allison Raab. His grandparents are Arlyn and Judy Cain and Jan Wiersema.
Volunteer are needed to assist with fundraising activities. Individuals and groups interested in more information can contact Campaign Coordinator Lori Walker at 815-441-7782.
Donations may be made in person at any Amcore Bank branch location using account number 0981360480 or mailed to the Children's Organ Transplant Association, 2501 COTA Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403. Checks or money orders should be made payable To COTA, with "In Honor of Tanner Raab" written on the memo line of the check. Secure credit card donations are also accepted online at www.cota.org.
Tanner's family has asked for assistance from the Children's Organ Transplant Association. The organization's priority is to assure that no child is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to lack of funds. One hundred percent of all funds raised are used for patients' transplant-related expenses.
SPRINGFIELD Northwestern Illinois lawmakers will meet on Sept. 24 at a regional budget hearing to discuss how the Governor's budget vetoes will affect local municipalities and the citizens they serve, according to Assistant Senate Republican Leader Todd Sieben (R-Geneseo).
The meeting is scheduled at 6:00 p.m., Sept. 24, at the County Building in Rock Island, in the County Board Room.
Sen. Sieben says the discussion will focus on the Governor's politically motivated budget cuts $463 million from a state budget that passed with bipartisan legislative support.
"Despite a record-setting legislative overtime plagued by political infighting, this Governor continues to dig in his heels and rather obstinately insist that he get his own way, regardless of how local communities are affected. Lawmakers have not approved his repeated attempts at universal healthcare, so he cuts funding for local projects which he calls 'pork' and tries to use that money for healthcare," Sieben said. "What he fails to understand is that this funding is important for many local schools, roads and bridges, nursing homes and hospitals."
Sen. Sieben says the Governor is trying to avoid the General Assembly and implement his universal healthcare program through expanding and changing current programs, which would require the approval of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR). He says it is rather ironic that the Governor did not cut funding for projects in the districts of lawmakers who serve on JCAR.
ELIZABETH - The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation invites the public to visit our newest conservation project and enjoy the first event in our "Link to the Land" series. Join us at 1 p.m. Oct. 14 to tour the Casper Bluff property and meet the former owners, Dave and Pat Casper.
Come one, come all and get the first sneak peek of this beautiful spot. Walk a Mississippi River bluff, explore Native American history, and
learn about our restoration plans for this special land that will be opened for public recreation in the coming years. State archaeologist, Phil Millhouse, will
be there to talk about the Indian groups that once inhabited this area and the importance of the Indian mounds located on this site. Hike around 52 acres
of
oak savanna and hill prairie with our staff guides and learn about this unique habitat while enjoying the spectacular scenery of Jo Daviess County.
This area, known as the Driftless Area, offers many exciting natural communities, including the "globally imperiled" oak savanna. Oak savanna is often described as an open, park-like ecosystem, characterized by open, sprawling oaks and a prairie-grassland understory. These savannas enjoy exceptional diversity as transitional habitats usable by both prairie and woodland species. A savanna provides ideal habitat for everything from Barn Owls and Red-headed Woodpeckers to Bobolinks and Field Sparrows.
Casper Bluff is a pastured dry oak savanna and upland forest with remnant loess hill prairie vegetation found along the bluff face of the Mississippi River. The property provides significant habitat for critical species in the Upper Mississippi River U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge. In particular, migratory birds need floodplain forest, grasslands, and savanna habitats. The crest of the bluff face contains the Aiken Group archaeological site consisting of 40 burial mounds, 30 of which are located on the Casper property.
This marks the first event of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation's (JDCF) Link to the Land series. These outings to JDCF projects will give members and the general public the opportunity to visit these extraordinary properties with knowledgeable guides. When a hiker at one of our Link to the Land events wants to know "What bird is that?" or "Is that flower native to this area?", we hope to have the answer. Thanks to partnerships and with the help of knowledgeable volunteers, Link to the Land guides will lend an experienced birder's, botanist's, geologist's or archeologist's eye and ear to each of the events that will be held throughout the next year. We hope that you can attend one of these hikes to see the great things that are happening in land conservation because of your support for the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. If you do, your links to the land will feel even stronger!
To register for this free event, call Barb at 815-858-9100 or for more information, also visit the website www.jdcf.org.
Carroll County Pheasants Forever would like to invite youth to participate in two upcoming events. CCPF is active in many areas of wildlife habitat restoration, providing equipment and youth education, and this year is no exception. The CC Chapter has supplied seed and equipment to restore or enhance over 450 acres of prairie plantings. The chapter also provides three specialty drills, burn equipment, 2 quad runners with spraying or mowing capabilities, and two trailers for hauling the equipment.
This year youth education program involves three areas of emphasis. Hunters education classes were held at Vanbuskirks on Sept. 22 and 23. Youth received their hunter's safety card, which will allow them to obtain a hunting license.
The second event will offer youth sporting clays from the CCPF at Sweitzer's Rack & Wing, with lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 7 and the day will conclude with shooting sporting clays. There is no cost to the participant and shells and lunch will be provided. Contact Dan Hartman at 815-273-7715 ex. (134), evening at 815-244-3489. This activity is for Carroll County residents and PF members.
The last activity will be the youth duck hunt on the Mississippi River Oct. 13 and 14. An experienced guide will take youth under 16 on the Mississippi River. Sign up as early as possible due to the huge popularity of this event. Participants will supply their own shells, gun, and hunting license. Youth 16-18 and still in school can hunt pheasants. We will meet at Sweitzer's Rack & Wing for lunch. Contact Dan Hartman at the above numbers to reserve your spot. I hope that we see a large number of young people that are interested in the conservation activities mentioned above.
Dear Editor,
This year the state Legislature has certainly been faced with its share of challenges. While our state economic outlook is rebounding, lawmakers worked together in a bipartisan manner to pass a state budget that meets the needs of Illinois' schoolchildren, seniors and persons with disabilities without shouldering residents with greater burdens like higher taxes.
In passing a state budget, I fought to include several projects important to our communities, such as funding to assist with the construction of
a new library and support for road and sewer improvements and other infrastructure repairs.
These projects were part of an overall budget agreement that gained the support of overwhelming majorities of the House and Senate.
However, in a blatant political move, Gov. Rod Blagojevich chose to ignore our local needs by cutting these projects from the budget in order to advance his own agenda. He then had the audacity to call these projects "pork." Contrary to what the governor believes, funding to ensure that our communities have things as basic as safe roads and clean water is necessary to the health and prosperity of our region.
We have had enough of the governor's constant stream of talking points in defense of the indefensible. It's time for the victims of Gov. Blagojevich's budget cuts to be heard. I hosted a hearing on Mon., Sept. 24 in the Rock Island County Board Room, Rock Island to hear from local communities, organizations and educators about the impact the governor's budget cuts will have on them.
I encourage anyone who is disturbed by the governor's apparent lack of concern with our region and would like to share their thoughts, contact me at my office 309-736-3360. If we are going to succeed in overriding the governor's nearsighted vetoes, our voices and numbers must be strong.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Boland, State Representative 71st District
A view7from t31 Illinois Senate Republican Press Office
Sept. 17-21, 2007
SPRINGFIELD, IL The Illinois Senate returned to Springfield Sept. 17 and 18 to approve the state's first capital construction bill since 1999, according to State Sen. Todd Sieben (R-Geneseo).
Also during the week, hearings continued around the state to review the impact that the Governor's changes to the state budget would have on local communities.
The capital construction plan would include an investment in Illinois schools, roads and the economy totaling $25.4 billion in state, local, and federal funds. Roads and bridges would receive $15.6 billion in funding over six years. Illinois interstates, highways, and streets would be expanded and repaved in order to maintain the state's economic competitiveness. Special considerations are being given to bridges that may be structurally deficient.
Schools would benefit from an additional $3.5 billion in funding over three years to pay for new construction and renovations to existing facilities. In addition, schools would receive an additional $304 million for Fiscal Year 2008 for classroom programs.
The proposed capital construction plan now goes to the House of Representatives. If approved by the House, it must also be signed by the Governor before it can take effect. Two new casino licenses, an additional Chicago casino, and expanded gaming positions at existing river boats would pay for the Bob Miller Memorial
On Saturday, September 1, 2007, the 3rd Annual Bob Miller Memorial 5K race to benefit Scholarships for Eastland and Aquin Schools took place in Shannon. Thank you to all who participated, either running or walking, you made it a huge success.
Thank you to everyone who gave donations.This year especially was inundated with donations. We are going to be able to give two Scholarships to each school, as well as help the Shannon Homecoming committee.
The event would not have taken place without the help of our sponsors: The Bob Miller Family; Scot Miller/Garst; First State Bank Shannon/Polo/Lake Carroll; Eastland Feed & Grain; Casey's and FHN. Also, a special thank you to the Shannon Fire Department/EMT for being a part of the race in case of medical emergency. Next, to all of the people that volunteered: making food, registration, setting up the course, providing help at the water stations, timers and results. I apologize if I have inadvertently left out anyone, but want you to know I appreciate everything you did to help.
Finally, to the Miller family, thank you for allowing us to affix Bob's name to an event that we hope will continue to grow every year.
Sincerely,
Amy Snyder
Friends of TLP
Dear Prairie Advocate,
On behalf of Friends of Timber Lake Playhouse I want to thank you for your faithful publicity this year. We are a volunteer group that promotes and supports Timber Lake Playhouse. Without your help our job would have been very difficult. Thanks to your efforts our group has grown in size and has been able to provide more fundraisers than ever before. This, of course, means more money given to TLP. We are blessed to have a fantastic summer theatre playhouse in our midst and want to do whatever possible to keep it alive and growing. Thank you for doing your part to keep the theatre a reality for all of us enjoy.
Karen Hewitson,
Publicity Chair
Friends of Timber Lake Playhouse
improvements in Illinois infrastructure and educational facilities.
Other highlights of the $25.4 billion capital improvement plan include:
* $230 million in economic development;
* $304 million for early childhood education and general state aid;
* $150 million in school maintenance grants - $50,000 in matching grants will be provided to every school district in the state;
* $550 million to public universities for capital improvements;
* $250 million to community colleges for capital improvements;
* $155 million over three years to cover flood control, dam repair, underground storage tank control, and Brownfield clean-up programs;
* $500 million for alternate energy development;
* $90 million in technology investment;
* $425 million over three years for public transportation.
In other action, Senate Republicans have continued to participate in the bipartisan hearings being held in communities such as Aurora, Crystal Lake, Cicero, and Rockford, to learn how those communities, individuals and groups would be impacted by budget changes pushed by the Governor. The House of Representatives will meet in a special "Committee of the Whole" on Oct. 1 to discuss the impact of the Governor's vetoes of funding for health care, education and local projects.
Senators will return to Springfield during the first two weeks of October for veto session.
Legislation signed into law by the Governor during the week of Sept. 17-21 includes:
Condominium associations (SB 528) Establishes that garage units that are owned by a tenant cannot be used in apportioning votes for the condo association.
Employment safety (HB 1911) Changes the Safety Inspection and Education Act to ensure that the health and safety of public employees in Illinois are protected by a program at least as effective as the federal OSHA program.
Septic tanks (HB 3729) Allows for private sewage systems that are designed by a licensed professional engineer or environmental health practitioner to be used in Illinois if approved by the Department of Public Health on a case-by-case basis.
Senior citizens ombudsman (HB 1301) Requires the rules of the Office of Longterm Care Ombudsman to include the option to serve residents younger than 60.
Sex offenders (HB 1979) Creates the offense of luring a child and increases penalties for impersonating officers of the court and government officials.
Vehicle abandonment (HB 841) Requires the clerk of the court to notify the Secretary of State when a resident fails to pay any fine, charge, or cost imposed for the unlawful act of abandoning a motor vehicle.
LANARK - Eastland defended its homecourt in successful fashion last Wednesday (Sept. 19) when East Dubuque visited for a varsity volleyball match. East Dubuque fell behind and never recovered in each of the two games. Eastland prevailed 2-0, winning 25-13, 25-20.
Defensively, Courtney Blair carried the Cougars. Blair, one of the area's leading prep volleyball players, finished the match with six blocks and 11 digs.
Taylor Bates paced the Cougars in kills, ending the match with 11. Blair added three kills for the Eastland team.
West Carroll
rolls Warren
At Savanna last Wednesday, West Carroll managed to pull off a win over a longtime rival. The Thunder defeated Warren 2-0, winning 25-18, 29-27. The Thunder pulled away and won convincingly in the opening game. West Carroll faced more of a test in the second game before posting the win in close fashion.
Missles
torch Aquin
MILLEDGEVILLE Visiting Aquin didn't pose much of a threat Friday night for the Milledgeville Missiles. Showing the signs of a strong high school football team, Milledgeville rolled past Aquin, winning 55-6.
The Missiles made all the right moves in the high school football matchup. Milledgeville produced a pair of touchdowns on special teams. The Missiles went out in front early on and forced Aquin to have to play from behind.
The versatile Kirk Engelkens scored Milledgeville's first touchdown on a 69-yard punt return. Engelkens also had a hand in on Milledgeville's second touchdown, finding teammate Ethan Morgan on a 34-yard scoring strike less than four minutes into the game. Milledgeville owned a two-touchdown lead at the 8:31 mark of the opening quarter.
Aquin scored its lone touchdown in the first quarter when Chase York hit paydirt on a 15-yard run.
Morgan returned the kickoff following Aquin's touchdown 82 yards for a score. Milledgeville had three touchdowns on the scoreboard with 6:01 remaining in the opening quarter.
Jake Workman was a workhorse for Milledgeville, scoring four rushing touchdowns. Workman helped the Missiles out to a 35-6 halftime lead with touchdown runs of 74 and 15 yards, respectively.
Following a lightning delay in the third quarter, Workman returned to the endzone on a 54-yard touchdown run. He had another 15-yard scoring run with 1:40 remaining in the third quarter.
Workman was Milledgeville's leading rusher with 201 yards and four touchdowns on just 12 carries.
Dakota
downs E-PC
DAKOTA Host Dakota took care of business on its homefield Friday night. Unfortunately for many local fans, Dakota's win came at the expense at the Eastland/Pearl City Wildcats. Dakota, the second-ranked team in Class 1A, jumped out in front early and rolled, winning 35-15.
Two plays into Friday night's game, action was halted due to lightening in the area. When the game resumed, Dakota wasted little time in going out in front. The Indians took a 22-0 lead out of the opening quarter. Dakota produced its first touchdown on a two-yard run from Curt
Daughenbaugh. The opening touchdown capped a 79-yard drive.
Eastland/Pearl City only had one first down in the opening half. The Wildcats struggled offensively on the ground, rushing for minus -10 yards on six carries.
Starting quarterback Jared Shellhause was back in action for Eastland/Pearl City after missing two weeks with an injury. Dakota put plenty of pressure on the entire Eastland/Pearl City offensive unit.
The Wildcats scored their two touchdowns after trailing 35-0. Backup quarterback Carson Walker had a hand in on both of Eastland/Pearl City's touchdowns. Walker scored on a rushing touchdown and passed for another. Each of Eastland/Pearl City's touchdowns came late in the second half.
The Randy Asche-coached Eastland/Pearl City football team will look to regroup this week following the loss. Eastland/Pearl City will hit the road this week and travel to Pecatonica. The Wildcats will tote a 2-2 record into the matchup.
Thunder F/S rain down on SoBo's
SAVANNA On a stormy Friday night the West Carroll F/S team electrified the homecoming crowd by defeating the South Beloit Sobos 58-20. The offensive line of Roger Stoddard, Richard Houzenga, Colby Lemm, Tripper Carey, Aaron Brooks, and Nathaniel Law dominated the line of scrimmage.
The Thunder started the game with a 60 yard touchdown drive. The West Carroll defense was as stingy as it has been all year, by shutting down the wide open offense of South Beloit. The Thunder offense scored two more times in the second quarter to set the score at 20 to 0. With 1:20 left in the half the Thunder offense was driving again when South Beloit picked off a tipped pass and sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown.
With the fans getting ready to hit the concessions stand the Thunder lit up the night with a scoring fury. In the following possession Ethan Baisden threw a 49 yard touchdown pass to Adam Ferguson with 15 seconds left on the clock. During the kick-off the Thunder recovered an arrant kick. On the next play Baisden found Herman Lewis on a skinny post. Lewis then scampered 51 yards in to the end zone with 5 seconds remaining in the half. Baisden ended the game with over 200 yards of offense, 2 rushing touchdowns, 2 passing TD's and 2 passing PAT's.
The defense was lead by inside linebackers Colby Lemm, Tyler Stricker, and Tripper Carey with 7, 6, and 5 tackles each. Adam Ferguson,
Matt LaShelle, Herman Lewis, and Nick Warren each added 4 tackles a piece. South Beloit did not score an offensive touchdown until there was 2:28 left
in the third quarter and again with the final horn sounding to end the game. Carey had an outstanding defensive game. Three of his tackles were for a
loss,
two were quarter back sacks, one pass break-up and a forced fumble. A second offensive line of Matt Strauch, Tre Enloe, Gerry Cavanagh,
Sam Wilkenson, and Aaron Geesey stepped in to lead the Thunder to two more scores to finish the game.
Scoring for the Thunder were Baisden, Herman Lewis with a touchdown and 2 PAT receptions, David Walter rushing for a touchdown and 2 PAT's, Adam Ferguson, Matt LaShelle, Jake McGovern, and Tyler Stricker each had a rushing touchdown and Tripper Carey added a rushing PAT.
The Fresh/Soph team will play CICS Longwood this Thursday at 4:15 in Savanna.
HCC places 2
2nd in tourney
FREEPORT The Highland Community College boys' golf team placed 22nd out of 25 over the weekend. Brad Stuckey fired an 81 on Friday and shot an 80 Saturday en route to a 161 total. Matt Moyer also shot 161 for the Cougars. Dan Polhill shot a 162 for Highland. Andrew Hartman fired a 178 and Jason Heinrich shot a 179 for the Cougars.
HCC volleyball takes it on the chin
At Richey, Fla., Highland fell to Pasco Hernando in the Pasco Hernando Tournament. Pasco Hernando defeated Highland in straight games, 30-16, 30-20, 30-21. Palm Beach defeated the Cougars 30-27, 20-30, 21-30, 12-30.
South Florida beat Highland 30-16, 30-15, 30-20. Manatee College managed to defeat Highland 30-17. 28-30. 30-22, 30-11.
Sportsmen Against Hunger accepting donations for 2007 deer season
More than 1.4 million meals provided to needy families thanks to hunters donating deer
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is again encouraging deer hunters in Illinois to consider donating whole deer to the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger (ISAH) program in 2007. ISAH coordinates the donation and processing of venison providing meals to food banks, food pantries and charitable organizations throughout the state. Started in 1989, the ISAH program has coordinated the donation of more than 359,000 pounds of venison, providing more than 1.4 million meals for those in need.
"We appreciate the thousands of deer hunters in Illinois who have made a habit over the years of donating deer they harvest to help feed needy people in the state," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Acting Director Sam Flood. "The Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger Program really does make a difference, helping turn the abundance of deer in Illinois into a bounty for food for less fortunate families."
The IDNR and the Illinois Conservation Foundation encourage hunters to donate deer and a tax-deductible $50 contribution through the ICF to help cover the cost of processing the deer into ground venison.
The IDNR also earmarks $100,000 from the state Wildlife and Fish Fund to assist in covering the costs of processing venison for the ISAH program from deer taken by hunters in areas of the state with growing deer populations. The additional funding is provided through non-resident archery deer permit fees.
"Illinois food banks and food assistance programs served more than 4 million meals last year in Illinois," said Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. "Partnering with IDNR and local organizations to receive food donations helps us achieve our goal of providing people in need with a balanced diet."
"We hope this additional funding for deer meat processing through the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program will encourage hunters and landowners to obtain additional antlerless deer permits to assist in our deer herd management effort while helping feed hundreds of children and their families," Flood added.
Illinois Archery Deer Season: Oct. 1-Jan. 17.
Firearm Deer Season: Nov. 16-18 and Nov. 29-Dec. 2.
Muzzleloader-only Deer Season: Dec. 7-9.
Late Winter Antlerless-only Deer Season: Jan. 18-20, 2008.
Monetary donations to Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger can be made to the Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271.
The funds help cover the costs of processing venison by nearly 50 participating meat processors throughout the state.
For a list of meat processors handling venison for the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger Program, check the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/legislation/isah/.
For further information about Illinois Sportsmen against Hunger, contact Tracy Shafer, ISAH program coordinator, at 217/785-5091 or by e-mail at Tracy.Shafer@Illinois.gov.
Sept. 21
EPC 0 0 8 1 - 15
Dakota 22 6 7 0 - 35
1st Quarter
D: 2 yd. run by Daughenbaugh (2 pt. conv. good)
D: 16 yd. blocked punt return by Rumage (kick failed)
D: 22 yd. pass from Daughenbaugh to Meinert (2 pt. conv. good)
2nd Quarter
D: 9 yd. pass from Schurch to Meinert (2 pt. conv. failed)
3rd Quarter
D: 24 yd. run by Wegner (kick good)
E: 2 yd. run by Walker (2 pt. conv. good)
4th Quarter
E: 29 yd. pass from Walker to Dunlap (kick good)
F. Aquin 6 0 0 0 - 6
Milledgeville 28 7 14 6 - 55
1st Quarter
M: 70 yd. punt return by Engelkens (kick good)
M: 47 yd. pass from Engelkens to Morgan (kick good)
A: 15 yd. run by York (kick failed)
M: 82 yd. kickoff return by Morgan (kick good)
M: 74 yd. run by Workman (kick good)
2nd Quarter
M: 18 yd. run by Workman (kick good)
3rd Quarter
M: 45 yd. run by Workman (kick good)
M: 16 yd. run by Workman (kick good)
4th Quarter
M: 23 yd. run by Hunter (kick failed)
W. Carroll 14 28 3 7 - 52
S. Beloit 6 0 14 16 - 36
1st Quarter
WC: 33 yd. pass from Anderson to Ferguson (kick failed)
SB: 83 yd. punt return by Henderson (2 pt. conv. failed)
WC: 17 yd. run by Vandendooren (2 pt. conv. good)
2nd Quarter
WC: 45 yd. run by Anderson (kick good)
WC: 28 yd. int. return by Anderson (kick good)
WC: 50 yd. punt return by Anderson (2 pt. conv. good)
WC: 19 yd. run by Schneider (kick failed)
3rd Quaarter
SB: 9 yd. pass from Flores to Alfredsson (2 pt. conv. good)
WC: 25 yd. FG by Hubble
SB: 30 yd. pass from Flores to Little (2 pt. conv. failed)
4th Quarter
SB: 12 yd. run by Henderson (2 pt. conv. good)
SB: 30 yd. pass from Flores to Seiler (2 pt. conv. good)
WC: 48 yd. run by Anderson (kick good)
F/S Score: W. Carroll 58 S. Beloit 20
Sept. 21
Forreston 26 Warren-R.Ridge 20
Le-Win 46 Durand 0
Polo 28 Stockton 14
Galena 44 Orangeville 14
Morrison 43 Amboy 8
Bureau Valley 20 Fulton 13 (OT)
E. Dubuque 55 AFC 14
Oregon 20 Byron 15
Sterling 14 Geneseo 3
Rock Falls 34 Princeton 7
S. Newman 62 River Valley 0
Peru St. Bede 40 Erie-P'town 0
Riverdale 34 Ottawa Marquette 12
Sept. 28
EPC at Pecatonica
Milledgeville at Galena
F. Aquin at Polo
Dakota at Warren-RR
S. Beloit at Le-Win
Durand at Stockton
E. Dubuque at Orangeville
R. Hononegah at Freeport
Byron at Stillman Valley
Oregon at Winnebago
Amboy at S. Newman
Erie-P'town at Fulton
Morrison at Bureau Valley
Peru St. Bede at P. Byron-R'dale
Sterling at Dixon
Rock Falls at IVC
AFC at Forreston
Sept. 17
(V) Pearl City 2 Stockton 0 (25-14, 25-19)
Sept. 18
(F) Milledgeville 2 Forreston 0 (21-10, 21-13)
(F/S) Milledgeville 2 Forreston 0 (27-25, 25-15)
(V) Forreston 2 Milledgeville 0 (25-19, 25-23)
(V) Warren 2 Pearl City 1 (24-26, 25-8, 25-22)
Sept. 19
(F) Eastland 2 E. Dubuque 0 (21-14, 21-18)
(F/S) Eastland 2 E. Dubuque 0 (25-10, 25-10)
(V) Eastland 2 E. Dubuque 0 (25-13, 25-20)
(F/S) W. Carroll 2 Warren 0 (25-15, 25-7)
(V) W. Carroll 2 Warren 0 (25-18, 29-27)
(V) Pearl City 2 River Ridge 0 (25-23, 25-13)
Sept. 20
(F) Orangeville 2 Milledgeville 1 (21-8, 19-21, 15-13)
(F/S) Orangeville 2 Milledgeville 0 (27-25), 25-15)
(V) Orangeville 2 Milledgeville 0 (25-16, 26-24)
Sept. 25
Eastland at Warren
Milledgeville at Pecatonica
W. Carroll at Scales Mound
Sept. 26
S. Mound at Eastland
E. Dubuque at Pearl City
Sept. 27
Durand at Milledgeville
River Ridge at W. Carroll
Sept. 29
Milledgeville at Westwood Tourney
Pearl City at R.Ridge Tourney
Oct. 1
Eastland at W. Carroll
Philip Newell Townsend
Philip Newell Townsend, age 91, of Hanover died Thursday, September 13, 2007, at Grandview Estates Assisted Living in Elizabeth. He died peacefully, surrounded by family members.
A Funeral Service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2007 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Hanover. Burial was in the
Evergreen Cemetery in Hanover. Military rites were accorded by the Hanover VFW. A visitation was held at 5-7 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2007 at the
funeral home. Memorials in Phil's memory may be given to Grandview Estates, 540 Pleasant St., Elizabeth, IL 61028 or F.H.N. Hospice, 773 W.
Lincoln
Blvd., Freeport, IL 61032. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.
Phil was born in Shullsburg, WI on January 27, 1916, the son of Frank and Anna (McCarty) Townsend. He graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1933. After working in the Civilian Conservation Corps, Phil served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He married Ruth Blyth of Aurora on December 11, 1944 in Elkton, MD. Phil moved to Hanover in 1946 and worked at the Savanna Army Depot as a Production Controller Specialist for thirty years until retiring in 1976.
Phil was an outstanding multi-sport athlete as a youth in Shullsburg and later played for baseball teams in Hanover in the 1940's. He managed the Hanover Little League during the 1950's and 1960's. He was an avid Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Chicago Cubs fan all of his life. He enjoyed traveling and loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be fondly remembered as a true gentleman by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Phil is survived by six sons, Vance (Barbara) Townsend of Fort Collins, CO; Ward (Julie) Townsend of Tucson, AZ, Frank (Mary) Townsend of Hanover, Andrew (Cindy) Townsend of Salisbury, MD, Russell (Cindy) Townsend of Freeport, and Ernest (Jeneen) Townsend of St. Charles; one daughter, Amber (Robert) Palm of Tucson, AZ; eleven grandchildren, Sarah, Andrew, Melanie, Wesley, Jeffrey, Mark, Tracey, Ashlee, Allison, Kathleen and Elyse; one brother, Bergen (Gert) Townsend and one sister, Kathleen Davison, both of Shullsburg, WI; and one brother-in-law, William Reed of Monroe, WI.
His wife, Ruth on February 17, 1971 in Hanover; two brothers, James Edwin Townsend and Lyle Townsend; and four sisters, Avene Townsend, Evelyn Bradt, Gen Gile and Marge Reed, precede Phil in death.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff and residents of Grandview Estates Assisted Living, Elizabeth Nursing Home, Freeport Hospice Program, and the many area residents who have visited Phil over the past several years.
Carlos Rubio
Carlos Rubio, age 76, of Savanna died Monday, September 17, 2007 at University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa.
Cremation has been accorded and a Memorial Service was held at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 21 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. A visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, September 21 at the Funeral Home prior to the service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.
Carlos was born on February 11, 1931 in Orchard, Idaho, the son of Agapito and Irene (Gonzalos) Rubio. Carlos attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Savanna. He was a Foreman at Everlot Screw Factory in Chicago. Carlos enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends.
Carlos will be dearly missed by his special companion, Theresa Baran of Savanna; four daughters, Angie Deavila of Rock Falls, Theresa Coronado of Sterling, Julie Rubio and Tina Rubio both of Richmond, Texas; three grandchildren; a brother, Jose "Joe" Rubio of LasVegas, Nevada; a sister, JoAnn Perez of Hawthorne, Nevada.
Both parents and a sister, Mary Rice, precede Carlos in death.
Stanley A. Young
Stanley A. Young, age 60, of Savanna formerly of Hanover died Wednesday, September 19, 2007, suddenly in Oklahoma.
A Funeral Service was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at Hanover Law-Jones Funeral Home, Hanover. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover. A visitation was held from 47 p.m. on Monday, September 24, 2007 at the Hanover Law-Jones funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to a charity of your choice in Stanley's memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.
Stanley was born on May 27, 1947 in Savanna, the son of Alvin and Betty (Reifsteck) Young. He attended Hanover schools through High School. He was in the Air Force for four years during the Vietnam Conflict. He was married to Sara Abbott, and later married Leah Ross on November 26, 2000 in Washington Township (near the Savanna Army Depot).
Stanley operated the Mill City Tap for twenty-five years in Hanover. Stanley was an over the road truck driver for Crete Trucking, serving Walmart stores. Stanley was a Die Hard Chicago Cubs Baseball fan, he played and ran pool tournaments and he also enjoyed spending his free time fishing.
Stanley will be dearly missed by his wife, Leah, of Savanna; one son, Andrew Young of Idaho; one daughter, Molly (Greg) Schwebach of Madison, Wisconsin; three sisters, Sandra Niles of Port Byron, Sally Doran of Moline and Sharon (Wayne) Wilson of Baileyville; a sister in-law, Laura (Dr. Joe) Roscoe of Webster, New York; two brother in-laws, Melvin (Cathy) Birch of North Pole, Alaska and Daniel (Sue) Birch of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Both parents precede Stanley in death.
Leona Stover
Leona Stover entered into eternal rest on Friday Sept. 21, 2007. She was a resident of The Good Samaritan Home in Mt. Carroll. She was 98 years old.
She was born June 9, 1909 to Fred and Bertha (Hoffman) Schreiner in rural Chadwick. She spent her early years in Carroll and Whiteside counties and attended Whiteside County Schools. She worked several years for Dr. Fitzgerald in Morrison and then owned and operated a restaurant in Chadwick with her cousin, Ester Handel for 12 years.
She married Howard Stover on Jan. 27, 1934. They farmed in the Milledgeville area for 47 years, retiring in 1981 and moving to Milledgeville. She was a longtime member of the Dutchtown Church of The Brethren. Her church and her family were always foremost in her life, a life that was rich in love and compassion. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and crocheting.
Survivors include one daughter, Norma Jane (Ken) Workman of Auburn, IN; one son, Dr. Arman Stover, Lanark; one brother, Merlyn (Marion) Schreiner, Chadwick; along with five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one step great grandson.
Her parents; husband; one brother, Wilbur Schreiner; and an infant sister, Alberta, precede Leona in death.
Services were held on Monday, Sept. 24, 2007 at 11 A.M. at the Dutchtown Church of the Brethren near Milledgeville with Pastor Rick
Koch officiating. Visitations were from 10 A.M. until time of service at the church. Interment was at the Lanark Cemetery. A memorial has been
established
in her memory.
Russell-Frank Funeral Home assisted with Arrangements.
Mon., Oct. 1 Turkey Pot Pie (Mixed Vegetables), Coleslaw, Cookie
Tues., Oct. 2 Spanish Rice, Broccoli, Hot Peaches, Cookie
Wed., Oct. 3 Ham Tettrazine, Carrots, Apple-sauce, Jell-O
Thurs., Oct. 4 Hot Dog/Bun, Ranch Whipped Potatoes, Green Beans, Cake
Fri., Oct. 5 Tuna Noodle Casserole, Peas, Salad
Mon., Oct. 8 Chili Con Carne, Coleslaw, Diced Pears, Corn Bread
Tues., Oct. 9 Sausage Alfredo with Linguini, Broccoli, Salad
Wed., Oct. 10 Pork Chop, Parslied Potatoes, Spinach
Thurs., Oct. 11 Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Pie
Fri., Oct. 12 Polka Dot Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, Lettuce Salad
Mon., Oct. 15 Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Green Beans, Coleslaw, Garlic Bread, Jello with Fruit
Tues., Oct. 16 Salisbury Steak/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Cookies
Wed., Oct. 17 Brat, Sauerkraut, Whipped Potatoes, Bun, Cake
Thurs., Oct. 18 Pork Cutlet/Gravy, Oven Potatoes, Carrots, Pie
Fri., Oct. 19 Chop Suey, Rice, Peas, Fresh Fruit, Cookie
Mon., Oct. 22 Bar B Que on Bun, Oven Potatoes, Fruit Salad
Tues., Oct. 23 Meat Lasagna, Green Beans, Hot Applesauce
Wed., Oct. 24 Hearty Ham & Beans, Cornbread, Coleslaw, Peach Crisp
Thurs., Oct. 25 Sliced Turkey in Gravy, Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli
Fri., Oct. 26 Baked Fish in Lemon Butter, Seasoned Potato Chunks, Baked Beans
Mon., Oct. 29 Turkey Pot Pie (Mixed Vegetables), Coleslaw, Cookie
Tues., Oct. 30 Spanish Rice, Broccoli, Hot Peaches, Cookie
Wed., Oct. 31 Ham Tettrazine, Carrots, Apple-sauce, Jell-O
All meals served with bread, milk and dessert. Meal sites are located in Freeport, Hanover, Lanark, Lena, Milledgeville, Savanna, Stockton and a new site Chadwick. Menu subject to change. Phone 815-232-8896.
Free Calendar items are for Non-Profit Organizations. When submitting information provide Who, What, When, Where and a Contact Number, so more can be listed each week. Send calendar information to TMiller@prairie-advocate-news.com
Visit this very special museum, Gelwick's Nature Center at Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. Displays include the natural history of plants and animals in the Midwest. Call 815-235-6114 ext 107 for more information.
The Mount Carroll Farmers Market featuring locally grown produce, baked items and crafts, is held on Saturdays, 7 a.m.-Noon, starting May 5 through October in downtown Mount Carroll along the courthouse square. Sponsored by the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce. New vendors welcome. Call 815-244-2255 for more information.
The University of Illinois Extension Carroll and Jo Daviess County Master Gardeners are ready to help you with your home horticulture and gardening questions. Both counties help desk hours began April 30.
Carroll County hours will be Mondays and Thursdays in Mt. Carroll from 1-2 p.m., for more information call 815-244-9444. Jo Daviess County hours will be Monday and Thursdays in Elizabeth from 9-10 a.m., for information call 815-858-2273.
The Carroll County Veterans Assistance Commission (located in the Carroll County Courthouse), is open 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The first and third Wednesday of the month, an IDES veterans employment representative is available to help with veterans' employment needs.
For additional information, contact John Helms at 815-244-0226.
Twin City Indoor Farmers Market at 106 Avenue A, Sterling (behind Sauk Valley Chamber), open 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday . If you have any questions, call 815-535-0509.
Community Coordinated Child Care is offering "Board Games" a workshop for child care providers. Are you looking for new ways to utilize the same old board games? This workshop will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Nash Recreation Center in Oregon. This workshop is Free, but registration is Required. Call Kim 815-758-8149 ext 226 or 800-848-8727 ext 226.
Shannon Community Night will be held at 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month (Sept. 27) at the Shannon Fire Station. For more
information,
contact Bonnie Foust at 815-864-2577.
Meet from from 12 noon-1 p.m.on the fourth Thursday of every month (Sept. 27), at the Hospice of the Rock River Valley, 264 IL Route 2, Dixon. Bring your own lunch and join us! For more information, call 815-288-3673 of (800) 646-9242.
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, Mt Carroll.
Everyone is invited. Call your Town Chairman with reservation(s) by Sunday night, September 23 or call Venita McConnel at 815-244-6534.
The Milledgeville United Methodist Church (MUMC) will be serving the Annual Roast Beef Dinner from 4:30-7 p.m. Sept. 29 in the church fellowship hall located at 321 N Holcomb. Tickets may be purchased from MUMC members. Chair lift entrance is on Fourth St. facing Ewers Garage. Carryouts for the Milledgeville area are available by calling the church at 815.225.7511.
Illinois residents and businesses are encouraged to bring their unwanted working or non-working electronics and appliances for recycling to Shannon from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 29 at the grocery store parking lot, formerly Heeren Foods Center, on the north side of Rt. 72. Most items may be dropped off for free, but there is a charge for larger appliances depending on the item.
The Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency and University of Illinois Extension sponsor the collections. Please direct questions regarding these events to Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling & Conservation Project Coordinator, at 815-244-9444.
The Milledgeville United Methodist Church (MUMC) will be serving the Annual Roast Beef Dinner on Sept. 29. Tickets may be purchased from MUMC members. Carry outs for the Milledgeville area are available by calling the church at 815.225.7511
Come and enjoy a wonderful home cooked meal in Fellowship Hall at the Milledgeville United Methodist Church located at 321 N Holcomb. Chair lift entrance is on Fourth toward Ewers Grarage.
Illinois residents and businesses are encouraged to bring their unwanted working or non-working electronics and appliances to the collection event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 29 in Shannon, at the grocery store parking lot, formerly Heeren Foods Center, on the north side of Rt. 72.
The Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency and University of Illinois Extension sponsor the collections. Please call, Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling & Conservation Project Coordinator, at 815-244-9444 with questions.
The Savanna Lions Club will commemorate its 80th anniversary from 12-2 p.m. Sept. 30 with a special Open House in the Plum Pavilion at Old Mill Park, Savanna. The public is cordially invited to attend this informal gathering, and light autumn inspired refreshments will be served. The Savanna Lions were chartered on Sept. 20, 1927, the second oldest club in the region. For more information, contact Brian Reusch at 815-273-7757.
The Carroll County Haiti Mission Project will have a luncheon at the Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church at 11:45 a.m. Sept. 30. CCHMP will send a crew to Haiti Oct. 4-9 to work on its medical-dental clinic in the village of Juampas and visit schools that the organization supports. This luncheon is open to the public.
St. John's Lutheran Church (ELCA), Pearl City will worship at 9 a.m. Sept. 30 with a Contemporary Worship Service led by the Good News Praise Band from Light of Christ Lutheran in Algonquin. Followed by Sunday school for all ages at 10 a.m.
Kitty Ganzel of Lake Carroll will be the guest speaker at the Lanark First Brethren Church. The worship service will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 30 and Sunday School starts at 9 a.m. For more information contact the church office at 815-493-2390.
Quilters and quilt appreciators welcome at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month (Oct. 1), at the Church of St. Mary, 112 E. Washington, Elizabeth.
Hospice of the Rock River Valley invites individuals to attend A Mother's Love. Any adult child who has lost a mother is invited to come share, laugh, communicate and heal from 4-5 p.m.every Monday (Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) at the Hospice of the Rock River Valley Office, 264 IL Route 2, Dixon. For more information call 800-646-9242 or view www.hospicerockriver.org.
The Helping Hands Food Pantry located in the Milledgeville United Methodist Church, at the corner of Holcomb Ave and 4th St., near
downtown
Milledgeville is open from 9-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday (Oct. 2) of every month.The Chadwick Milledgeville Ministerial
Association sponsors the pantry. For more information, call the Milledgeville United Methodist Church at 815-225-7511 or call815-684-5283.
The Northwest Illinois Audubon Society invites the public to a program presented by Rick Lawrence who is the Natural Land Institute's Blufflands Program Director. This program will be presented at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, business meeting begins at 7 p.m. and program to follow at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2.
The Freedom Unit of HCE will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at "The Land of OZ". The Lesson will be "Finding Sanity in Today's World-Decluttering Your Life," and Barb Springer will be the hostess.
Local celebrities will pull together on Oct. 3, to give golfers a special treat. And at the same time they'll be raising funds to build a new Tyler's Justice Center for Children. The 18-hole "best ball" golf outing will be at Woodbine Bend Championship Golf Course, 3500 E. Center Rd., Woodbine, off Hwy 20. For more information or to register a team, please call Shirley Rosenthal at U.S. Bank at 815-776-7165.
Ebenezer-Salem UCC of Pearl City is having a butterfly pork chop supper from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 13 at Pearl City School. Menu is 1 butterfly pork chop, cheesy potatoes, salads, roll, dessert and a beverage. For more information, call Jodi Nieman at 815-443-2325.
Hospice of the Rock River Valley invites individuals to attend "Always a Parent." They will meet from 10-11:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month (Oct. 3). Any parent who has lost a child of any age is invited to come share, laugh, communicate and heal. They will meet at the Hospice of the Rock River Valley office.
HRRV serves Lee, Whiteside, Bureau, Carroll, and Ogle counties. For more information call: 800-646-9242 or view www.hospicerockriver.org.
Come join the Lanark Library for an afternoon of Marble Chase Board game from 12:30-2 p.m. followed by refreshments. Free for all area seniors. Marbles will be played the first and third Wednesday's of the month (Oct. 3 and 17) afternoons at the Heritage Center.
Coming Soon . . . Barbara Santucci, author of Anna's Corn, Loon Summer, and Abby's Chairs. Barbara will present to parents, students, and community members from 67 p.m. Oct. 4 at West Carroll Primary School, Savanna. Please join us for this special presentation of our Author and Me Celebration.
Help support the Vision and Hearing Impaired on "Candy Days" with the Lanark Lions Club on Oct. 4 and 5.
Friends of the Lanark Public Library will have a Book Sale to help celebrate Hometown Days from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 4, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 5 and from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Oct. 6 at 111 S. Broad St., Lanark. WinnersRead!
The Lanark United Methodist Church Shawl Ministry invites anyone to come knit with us. We witness to God's love by knitting, blessing, and giving shawls to those in need of friendship, celebration, healing, and comfort. Knit 3, Purl 3 come share God's work with us, at 7 p.m.on the first and third Thursdays (Oct. 4 and 18), at Lanark United Methodist Church. Questions? Call Marcia Merchant, 815-493-6324.
The Lanark Class of 1977 will be holding it's 30 year class reunion at the Lanark Community Club at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6. For more information contact Clark Carroll at 815-493-2936, Don Merchant at 815-291-9303 or Ramona Latham at 815-443-2876.
The Memory Walk is a non-competitive fundraising walk designed to support the mission of the Alzheimer's Association. The Annual Alzheimer's Memory Walk will be at Old Mill Park in Savanna at 9 a.m. Oct. 6 with registration at 8:30. Sign up as a walker, join a team, or make a donation. Contact JoEllen, Hali or Julie at Big Meadows 815-273-2238 for more information or for any questions you many have.
Come and get it! Breakfast that is. The Men's Community Breakfast, hosted by Forreston Reformed Church, 501 Third Ave., will begin a new season of first-Saturday-of-the-month all-you-can-eat breakfasts. All men are invited to come at 7 a.m. Oct. 6 for great food and Christian fellowship. For more information contact the church at 815-938-2906.
"Rally for the Cure" Golf Outing at Oakville Country Club, Mt. Carroll with registration at 2:30 p.m., Shotgun start at 3 p.m. Oct. 7, Rain or Shine. Call for more information 815-684-5295.
The worship service at the Lanark First Brethren Church will begin at 10:30 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. Oct. 7. Sunday School will still begin at 9 a.m., followed by a Fellowship time at 10 a.m. until the worship service. Ken Renkes of Morrison will be the guest speaker for the worship service.
You may be eligible for Free help to Start or Expand your Small Business! Tri-County Opportunities Council (a United Way Agency) is sponsoring a Free Small Business workshop from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Oct. 8 at 405 Emmons Ave., Rock Ralls. Register now by calling Tri-County at 800-323-5434 or Vanessa Smith at 815-566-2672. Seating is limited.
The annual town meeting for Washington Township will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at the township building, Savanna Army Depot. For more information, contact Jesse Bundy, WT Supervisor.
The Freeport Area Camera Club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month (Oct. 9) at 7 p.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park Blvd., Freeport. "The F-Stops Here" is published monthly by the club.
For more information about the club, phone Larry Dawson, President, at 815-443-2856, or write to him at 597 S. Heitter Rd., Pearl City, Il 61062, or send email to ektachrome64@yahoo.com.
Support could be a means of beginning your journey through the grief brought about by the loss of your loved one or dear friend. Join the Volunteer Hospice of Northwest IL from 7-9 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (Oct. 9), in the Heritage Room at the Stockton Banking Center on Hwy 20 East, Stockton and is handicap accessible. For more information call 815-947-3260.
Friends of the Lanark Public Library, Annual Meeting and Dinner Celebration: social time 6:15 p.m., dinner buffet 6:45 p.m., and meeting 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Lake Carroll Clubhouse Restaurant, Lake Carroll. For reservations contact Kathy Diehl at the Exchange State Bank, Lanark. Everyone is welcome to attend. Reservations and checks must be received no later than Oct. 10. Call Kathy Weber with questions, 815-801-4663.
Joins us on the 2nd Wed. of the month (Oct. 10) for our monthly Lions Club meetings at Antl Hall, Savanna. For more information contact: Brian Reusch at 815-273-7757.
The Cancer Support Group of Northwest Illinois will hold their next meeting at 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at the First United Methodist Church of Elizabeth in the Fellowship Hall. For more information contact the Hospice office at 815-947-3260 or Carolyn at 815-858-2224.
You may be eligible for Free to Start or Expand you Small Business! Tri-County Opportunities Council (a United Way Agency) is sponsoring a Free Small business workshop from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Oct. 11 at the LaSalle Housing Authority, Centennial Courts, 2222 N. Tonti, LaSalle. To register, call Tri-County at 800-323-5434 or call Vanessa Smith at 815-566-2672. Seating is limited.
There will be an open microphone night for country music and folk songs, featuring guitars, banjos, mandolins and other instruments, from 7-11 p.m. every second Friday of the month (Oct. 12), at the Heritage Center, 106 S. Board St., Lanark.
There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted. For more information, contact Kenny Sweitzer at 815-493-6213.
The drawing for the Rolling Hills Foundation's 2nd Annual Raffle Fundraiser will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 14 during their Sausage and Pancake Breakfast. Prizes to be awarded: 1st 42" wide screen LCD TV; 2nd Roundtrip Airfare for 2 from Rockford Airport to Orland/Sanford Airport and 3 nights lodging; 3rd Dell Inspiron Notebook Computer; and more.
Tickets may be purchased at most of the banks, credit unions and grocery stores throughout Carroll County, or call Rolling Hills at 815-493-2321.
25th Anniversary Open House at Hospice of the Rock River Valley, 264 IL Route 2, Dixon, from 3-6 p.m. Oct. 15. You are invited to attend a fall open house in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Hospice of the Rock River Valley. For questions, call 815-288-3673 or email market@hospicerockriver.org.
Meet on the third Tuesday at 12 noon of every month (Oct. 16) at the Community Building in Chadwick.
Meetings are on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. of every month (Oct. 16)at the Fulton Presbyterian Church, 331 N. 9th, Fulton. Any questions call Susan May 815-589-2221.
The Senior Friendship Club of Shannon meets on the third Wednesday (Oct. 17) of each month. Visitors and new members are welcome. For moe information call, Charlene Fry at 815-864-2177 or Leona Mayer at 815-864-2172.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Milledgeville announces their Annual Fall Bazaar 2007, which will begin at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct. 20 at corner of Illinois Rt. 40 and Stover Ave. The bazaar, brunch and bake sale (featuring home made noodles) will be located in the social hall in the lower level that is handicap accessibility. A raffle drawing will take place at 11 a.m.
The 46th Annual Ham Dinner and Country Kitchen will be from 12:30-6 p.m. Oct. 21 at St. Wendelin Catholic Church, 18 S Linn St., Shannon. The Country Kitchen with a variety of homemade "goodies" will open at 12:30 p.m. and dinner will start serving at 1 p.m. with carryouts available and a quilt raffle. The church is handicap accessible.
The 15th Circuit Juvenile Justice Council is pleased to announce the 7th Annual Juvenile Justice Conference scheduled for Oct. 25 at Highland Community College in Freeport. The conference is open to the public and in the cost per person includes lunch. The counties include: Carroll, JoDaviess, Lee, Ogle and Stephenson in northwestern Illinois. For more information contact Tom Schwamberger at 815-732-1197, email TomS@15judicialcircuit.com or also can access website www.15thjudicialcircuit.com for registration forms.
The date for the Memorial Session for John A. Leemon has been changed to 3 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Carroll County Courthouse. The public is encouraged to attend. The session is a formal court proceeding held to acknowledge the passing of a member of the bar.
Judge Val Gunnarsson will call court into session, announce that they are holding a special session to recognize the legal career and passing of John Leemon. Gunnarsson will then ask the president of the bar association to present others who will offer their own remarks.
For more information, contact Attorney Jerry Kane at 815-244-3422.
The Fall Festival will be held from 9 a.m.-1p.m. Oct. 27 at the West Carroll Primary School in Savanna. Admission is free. Each child who arrives in costume will receive a prize. The University of Illinois Extension, Carroll County Health Department, and a coalition of area human services agencies sponsor this event.
The Arthritis Foundation is pleased to announce the popular Jingle Bell Run/Walk 2007 event held at Metlife Auto and Home, Freeport. Mark your calendars for the this 13th annual event offering a choice of a 5K run, 3-mile walk or a 1 mile fun walk on Nov. 3. Register now online at www.arthritis.org. For more information, call 815-232-6910 or 815-971-6380.