More Important News

REACT Remembrance Week at Eastland High School

The Eastland High School Student Council would like to thank the members of the Eastland communities for their generous donations to the REACT Remembrance Week, a time set aside to remember flight nurse, Jim Dillow, whose niece and nephew attend Eastland High School. Over $1000 was collected through various activities during the week.

The first activity of the week was the taco supper that brought in about 200 people before the girl’s’ basketball game with Stockton. Thank you also to the Stockton basketball fans who attended the supper.

(Top, L to R) A “Pie in the Face” contest was held throughout the week. Thanks to boy’s senior basketball player, Ty Hartman, girl’s senior basketball player, Christa Vandenburgh, and Spanish Teacher, Mr. Guerrero, who took a pie for the cause.

(Above, L to R) Student Council Co-Presidents, Austin Hansen and Ty Hartman, present a check to Brett Meinsma and Bree Rose, nephew and niece of Jim Dillow, REACT flight nurse who lost his life in a helicopter accident in December. All donations collected are being donated to the memorial fund for Jim Dillow’s children at the First State Bank of Shannon-Lake Carroll-Polo. (Courtesy of EHS/MaryBeth Landherr)

At their Feb. 7, 2013 meeting, the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce heard a presentation from Denny Asay on behalf of the Mt. Carroll Ambulance crew. Denny shared the history of the Mt. Carroll Ambulance from creation to present day. It was very interesting and Mt. Carroll and Carroll County are fortunate to have a service of this caliber that they provide for such a small community. (Courtesy of Bob Hatheway)

At the Mount Carroll Rotary Club Feb.5 meeting, Rotary presenter Brad Field (R), Technolgy Director for the West Carroll School District, is pictured with newly inducted Rotary members, (L) Kim Riley-Smith director of the Mt. Carroll Township Library and (C) Cathy Smikle director of The Good Samaritan Center in Mt. Carroll. (Courtesy of MC Rotary)

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Nancy Stevens of Edward Jones Investments was awarded the “Because Nice Matters” Customer Service Award for the month of January. Nancy was nominated for her friendly service and caring attitude towards clients and for going above and beyond to help; not because nice is easy, but because nice matters! Coincidentally, on the day that Nancy was recognized, she was celebrating 18 years of employment at Edward Jones. (Courtesy of Corrine Bender)

The Knights of Columbus annually collect funds for the intellectually disabled through a local Tootsie Roll Drive. This year’s proceeds were presented to the Rolling Hills Progress Center and to the Gordon Jones Terrace, both of Lanark, IL. (Left, L to R) Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Arnie Getz; clients Kelly Johnson and Ed Barthel; Pete Hermes, Director; and Jason Johns, Drive Chairman.

(Right, L to R) At Gordon Jones Terrace are Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Arnie Getz; Linda Davis, first shift team leader; Amy Alvarado, Administrator; and Jason Johns, Drive Chairman.

The Mt. Carroll Knights of Columbus wish to thank the community of Mt. Carroll and surrounding area for their generous support of this effort.
(Courtesy of Mt. Carroll K of C)

The Milledgeville Elementary Week 16 Thumbs Up Winners are from left to right, front row: Lili Drinkall, Wyatt House, Connor Nye, Austin Jones; and back row: Max Last, Alyssa Mertz, Gage Wilk, Bromley Rogers.

Emmanuel Reformed to Host Legacy 5 in Concert

Beginning its 2013 concert series, Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E Morris Street, Morrison, IL is thrilled back to welcome one of Southern Gospel music’s favorite all-male quartets, Legacy Five, in concert on Friday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church. All are welcome at this concert which will feature that wonderful blend of Southern all-male quartet harmony. This concert will be preceded with an all-you-can eat spaghetti dinner sponsored by the Youth Fellowship as a fundraiser for their summer, 2013 mission trip to Jamaica. The dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. and runs until the concert begins.

All are welcome to attend this concert of inspirational music and stirring testimony. There is no admission charged, although a free will offering will be taken. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Invite your friends and neighbors.

For more information, please check out the Emmanuel website at http://www.emmanuelreformedchurch.org and click on the “concert series” button.

Benefit Supper

There will be a benefit supper for the family of Shannonite Jim Dillow, the flight nurse killed in the line of duty when their helicopter crashed in December. The supper will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Bethel United Methodist Church, 217 South Hickory Street in Shannon, IL from 4-7 p.m. The menu will include hearty soups, fresh baked bread and desserts. The price will be a free will donation. For information, please call 815-864-2581.

Soup Supper & Bake Sale

Forreston Reformed Church will be holding their annual Soup Supper and Bake Sale on Tuesday, February 19th in the church basement from 4:30 – 7 p.m. Choose from three kinds of soups, turkey or ham sandwiches, relishes, and a variety of desserts. The church is located at 501 3rd Avenue in Forreston. As always, carryouts will be available. The proceeds will be for our summer mission trip to Kentucky. Come enjoy good food and fellowship as we celebrate FRC’s 150th anniversary! Prices are $6 for adults and $3 for kids.

Practical Points for the Everyday Woman

Morrison Federal Community Credit Union and Farmers Insurance VanderVinne Agency are working together to give back to the community and to celebrate the female leaders in our community.

Please join our event “Practical Points for the Everyday Woman” on Thursday, February 21st from 6-8 p.m. at the Superwash Training building for a time of networking, information, and fun. This event is open to all women in the community.

As part of this fun and helpful event, we will be giving away goodie bags to the first 50 attendees. We want to help promote your business by inviting you to contribute a goodie: business card, coupon, brochure, gift certificate, promotional item or whatever you come up with. We need your goodie bag contribution by Friday, February 15th, to ensure it’s place in the goodie bags.

Contributions can be dropped off at either the Morrison Community Federal Credit Union or Farmers Insurance VanderVinne Agency. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Mary or Michelle at the Credit Union at 815-772-2200 or Angie or Abbi at the Insurance Agency at 815-772-8900.

Former Chadwick Resident Dies In Single Vehicle Crash

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office reported a single vehicle accident early Sunday morning, Feb. 10, 2013. The Sheriff’s Office was first told by the Orland Park Police Department around 11:05 p.m. that Bruce Scheidegger was missing. Scheidegger’s car was found shortly after on Loran Road near Indian Trail Road, north of Mt. Carroll. His car left the road, drove over a steep embankment and overturned.

Scheidegger, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation. Though he lived in Orland Park, he also owned a residence at Lake Carroll and was attending the girls IHSA State Bowling Tournament in Rockford. He was Athletic Director for Sandburg High School in Orland Park for the past five years.

Scheidegger was a 1976 graduate of Chadwick High School and had served in coaching positions at Dixon and in Sterling where he coached girls basketball. He is survived by his wife, Debbie and daughters, Samantha, Kristin and Molly.

Hispanic & Women Farmer and Rancher Claims Period Now Open

February 11, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades can file claims between September 24, 2012 and March 25, 2013.

The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied their applications for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000.

As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.

The Department will continue reaching out to potential Hispanic and female claimants, around the country to get the word out to individuals who may be eligible for this program so they have the opportunity to participate.

Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants must register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) and the claims package will be mailed to claimants. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to attend meetings in your communities about the claims process and contact the website or claims telephone number.

Website: www.farmerclaims.gov
Phone: 1-888-508-4429
Claims Period: September 24, 2012 – March 25, 2013.

Independent legal services companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate the claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.

Dairy Roundtables Offered In Jo Daviess & Stephenson Counties

The University of Illinois Extension in partnership with Community Bank will be offering two opportunities for dairy producers and industry professionals to attend the Dairy Roundtable program.

Discussion will be led by U of I Professor of Animal Sciences, Emeritus, Dr. Mike Hutjens and Extension Dairy Specialist Phil Cardoso.

The presentation will include the following topics:

· Strategies with Lower Milk Prices

· Good Feed Buys

· Building on Heifer Growth

· Lessons Learned from the 2012 Drought

· Feeding Questions raised at the Dairy Summit

A roundtable discussion will follow the presentation to allow for questions and comments. Both events are free and will run from 10:30am to 1:30pm. A complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of Community Bank.

On Wednesday, March 6th, the Stephenson County Roundtable will be held at the Community Bank of Orangeville, 401 S. Church St. in Orangeville. To register, call (815) 235-4125.

On Thursday, March 7th, the JoDaviess County Roundtable will be held at the Warren Community Center, 110 W. Main Street in Warren. To register, call (815) 858-2273.

Pre-registration can also be done online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw/ for both events.

ISU Extension Hosts Food Safety and Postharvest Handling Workshop

How fresh produce is handled after harvest has a critical impact on its shelf life, quality and safety. Farmers interested in learning about tools, techniques and philosophies for proper handling of their specialty crops are invited to attend a postharvest handling and food safety workshop hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach on March 8.

The free workshop will feature Atina Diffley, a former co-owner of Gardens of Eagan and a Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service board member. Diffley will draw on her years of experience in vegetable production and marketing to provide growers with useful, practical and profit-making guidance on how to achieve the highest quality of sale.

The workshop will be hosted live on the ISU campus in Ames and broadcast to 12 locations throughout Iowa on March 8 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. East Central Iowa and tri-state producers may view the presentation at several locations: Dubuque County Extension Office, Buchanan Extension Office, or Jackson County Extension Office.

Each grower will receive a free copy of the third edition of the Wholesale Success: A Farmers Guide to Food Safety, Postharvest Handling, Packing and Selling Produce manual, edited by FamilyFarmed.org President Jim Slama and farmer Atina Diffley. The recently revised, 312 page book is the definitive training source on selling into wholesale markets. It includes topics such as: Calculating Return on Investment; Cleaning, Drying, and Curing Produce; Traceability; Packing Shed Design; and Maintaining the Cold Chain.

Wholesale Success builds the capacity of farmers to meet the burgeoning demand for locally/regionally grown fruits and vegetables. Adopting best practices in food safety, postharvest handling, packing, and business management will help farmers be more efficient and profitable. It will also give buyers an incentive to increase their purchases of locally grown food.

Registration is required. Register at http://bit.ly/T6mCNU or call/email Brittany Bethel, ISU Extension at 563-583-6496 or bbethel@iastate.edu to reserve a spot and book.

Lenten Worship Services

Life’s Struggles and Hopes” is the Lenten Theme at St. Paul’s, St. John’s and Trinity Lutheran Churches. Here are the Lenten service schedule from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday.

Wed., Feb. 13 (Ash Wednesday) - Ashes & Holy Communion at St. Paul Lutheran, Hanover, 4:30 p.m. and St. John, Massbach Rd., Elizabeth, 7:30 p.m.

Wed., Feb. 20th - Trinity Lutheran Church, Derinda Rd., Elizabeth - “Change & Certainty” 7:30 p.m.; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover - “Isolation & Independence” 7:30 p.m.

Wed., March 6 - St. John Lutheran Church, Massbach Rd., Elizabeth - “Darkness & Trust” 7:30 p.m.

Wed., March 13 - Trinity Lutheran, Derinda Rd. - “Fear & Courage” 7:30 p.m.

Wed., March 20 - St. John, Massbach Rd. - “Powerlessness & Surrender” 7:30 p.m.

Thurs., March 28 (Maundy Thursday) - Trinity, Derinda Rd. - Holy Communion, “Exhaustion & Endurance” 7:30 p.m.

Fri., March 29 (Good Friday) - St. Paul, Hanover - Community Worship - Scripture & Song at 7:00 p.m.

For additional information or questions, contact Pastor David Vidler at 815-244-7209. All are welcome!

Open House for Senior Center Board Member Marge Ruhberg

An open house will be held for Marge Ruhberg, Lake Carroll resident and long-time board member of Carroll County Senior Services Organization, at the Senior Center in Mount Carroll on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The public is invited to drop by, enjoy some refreshments, and reminisce with Ruhberg and the Senior Center staff and board members about her services to the county’s senior population and her accomplishments.

Ruhberg has been a member of the Board of Directors since the organization was incorporated in 1998. When she joined the Board, she was asked to manage the crafts program, which provides additional income for the Center through the work of many volunteer crafters.

She replied, “I’m not a craftsy person and really don’t know much about crafts,” but she took on the project anyway and has managed it well ever since.

“Marge’s commitment and expertise in that area as well as on the Board will be greatly missed by the Center,” stated Nancy Gable, executive director of the organization.

The Carroll County Senior Center is located at 306 N. Main St. in downtown Mount Carroll with hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The Senior Center offers assistance and services on Circuit Breaker, Medicare, Social Security, Low Income Heating Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), tax preparation (provided by AARP), outreach counseling, referral assistance, assessment tax freeze and transportation.

Special programs are held on defensive driving, rules of the road, and grandparents raising grandchildren. Health programs, coordinated with Freeport Health Network (FHN), are also frequently offered.

Activities for the senior population include crafts, quilting, recycling, bingo, yoga, and trips to places of interest. Seniors can even stop in for a game of pool or to use the treadmill, recumbent bike, and Wii games and Wii fit plus.

Personalized services are available free of charge to seniors, including notarizing, faxing and making copies. Seniors are also allowed to check their email and check out books, puzzles, and videos.

A calendar of events is posted monthly on the entity’s website at www.seniorcenter.org.

The Carroll County Senior Center was established in May of 1998 and is governed by a 15-member board representing the Carroll County area. The Center is funded through senior real estate tax, NIAAA grants, donations from organizations, churches, townships, and private citizens, and also from crafts and paper and aluminum can recycling.

For additional information, call the Senior Center at 815-244-1800 or toll free 866-214-1959, or stop in at 306 N. Main St., Mount Carroll, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Apply for Youth Advisory Council Grant

The Freeport Community Foundation is currently accepting Youth Advisory Council (YAC) grant applications. YAC Grant applications and guidelines are available on the website at www.freeportcommunityfoundation.org, by calling the Foundation at 815-801-3035, or emailing tofcfdirector@freeportcommunityfoundation.org. Applications must be received at the Freeport Community Foundation, 524 W. Stephenson Street, Suite 102, Freeport, Illinois by 4:00 pm on February 28, 2013.

Any 501c3 organization in Freeport or the surrounding communities, that serve youth, may apply for a grant from the Foundation. Grant awards will be announced in April by the Youth Advisory Council at a YAC grant reception.

For further information about YAC or the Grant process contact the Foundation office at or 815-801-3035.

Heating Assistance Still Available

Tri-County Opportunities Council (TCOC) is operating the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program under the direction of the Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

To receive assistance, a household must provide their 30-day income prior to their application date, copies of social security cards for every household member, a current complete gas and electric bill (no disconnect notices) and medical cards for every household member that may receive one. Additional information may be requested at the time of application.

The gross income for a household for 30 days prior to the application cannot exceed the following: 1 person household - $1396; 2 person - $1891; 3 person - $2386; 4 person - $2881; 5 person - $3376; 6 person - $3871.

Applications will be taken through May 31, 2013 or until funds have been exhausted. To find the closest place to apply near you, please call 1-800-323-5434 or 1-888-225-2099.

Ashleigh Stingleyto Perform in “How to Succeed in Business”

Ashleigh Stingley of Savanna, Ill., will perform in Waldorf Theatre’s production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” Wednesday, February 13, through Saturday, February 16.

“‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ is one of the last great musicals of the golden age of musicals,” said Dr. Robert AuFrance, director of fine arts administration, who is directing this production. “It’s a wonderful production with notable music and a fun plot, and it’s not afraid to laugh at itself.”

The production includes both Waldorf theatre and music students. “This show has been a very collaborative process with the music department faculty hard at work with our theatre faculty to create a musical that’s challenged our students to grow,” said Dr. AuFrance.

The award-winning musical follows a young window washer who, with the help of the book How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, quickly climbs the corporate ladder.

world wide web prairie advocate