Carroll County Cares

As the holiday season approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to comment on the remarkable generosity of Carroll County residents. It seems that no matter what the need is, people from every corner of the county step up to the plate to help out. There are so many wonderful organizations and individuals in our corner of the world pulling together to organize benefits and fundraisers, solicit donations, coordinate youth programs, or volunteer their time and expertise. We truly are a caring community and are consistent in looking out for and protecting our own.

The Pitter Patter Pantry has accomplished much in its first year of operation. through the grass roots efforts of over 30 volunteers, the Pantry serves approximately 30 families each time it is open. Because of the generosity of individuals, organizations, businesses, schools, and churches, nearly $15,000 in Baby Bucks were earned and "spent" on over 400 packages of diapers, 300 pkg. of wipes, cribs, mattresses, strollers, high chairs, clothing, shoes, bottles, and bedding. Memorial gifts purchased 25 car seats that were earned by participants and safely installed by the Right Steps Preschool technicians. Dozens of yards of materials and balls of yarn were used to create quilts, blankets, burp cloths, mittens, hats, and sweaters. Because of this grass roots effort, the children of Carroll County have been afforded a warmer, healthier, safer, and more secure start to their lives.

As we enter the holiday season, I would invite anyone pondering a special gift or project to consider the Pitter Patter Pantry. Whether it's a donation of your time, a collection of items coordinated through work or school, or a gift made in someone's name, all are appreciated and accepted. I would love to come and speak at your event or meeting about the miracle of the Pantry and all it provides.

Sincerely,

Leigh Anne Piper

Coordinator

Lanark, IL

Ouch . . .

I grew up in the Mt. Carroll, my parents and family live here still. Recently, a family member has undergone a health crisis and has been hospitalized in Freeport. I have come home on the weekends and have been traveling between Mt. Carroll and Freeport regularly.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, I was driving north through Lanark. I was observing the 30 mile per hour speed limit. At the northern edge of town I saw to my right, about 10 yards ahead of my car, the 55 mph sign. I started gradually to increase my speed.

Suddenly a police car appeared behind me with lights flashing. To my astonishment, I found I was being ticketed by (a Lanark Police Officer) for speeding - doing 43 mph in a 30 mph zone. Officer, if that is true, it was only true in the last foot of the 30 mph zone. I was certainly, for all intents and purposes, complying with the speed limit. I was ticketed for $75.00.

I strongly suspect that I was stopped because I was in a car with out of state plates, and it was rightly assumed by the officer that the pressures of work and family would prevent me from making a special trip back to Carroll County to contest the ticket. If I am wrong and the officer is stopping strangers to the area in an attempt to promote interest in and tourism to the area, it didn't work. If, as it was close to the end of the month, there was a quota of tickets not yet reached, I happened along fortuitously.

Officer, I am forwarding $75 to the appropriate address - perhaps it can be used to purchase a fresh bullet for your front pocket.

Lanark, I used to order ham loaf mix from your grocery store downtown on my trips home, as this is a delicacy unknown in these parts. You will have to do without this small contribution to your economy in the future. And if wrongly ticketing out of state visitors to your area represents a major revenue stream for your municipality, you will have to do without any future deposits from me. As a native daughter, I know many alternative routes between Mt. Carroll and Freeport. I will not pass your way again.

Sincerely,

Kristina (Woessner) Mazzie

West Bloomfield, MI

Publisher's reply: I feel your pain, Kristina. This has happened to me (but not in Lanark) and I am sure many others as well. I believe many of us would like to know what the law states about where exactly the dividing line is regarding speed zones. Can we hear from our law enforcement readers? I don't want to point fingers, or open up a can of worms so to speak. Just some information that may help us avoid future encounters with flashing lights.

As far as your feelings about Lanark, Kristina, I can't say that I blame you, but we do make some fine ham loaf mix, don't we? Isn't there anything we can do to change your mind? Any ideas, Lanark? - Tom Kocal, Publisher