More Important News

Morrison Youth Baseball, Softball Consolidate for 2014 Season

At its January meeting, the Morrison Little League board voted to consolidate the various baseball and softball programs in Morrison with the goals of increasing participation, lowering costs, and facilitating administration. The new umbrella organization is called Morrison Youth Baseball & Softball.

The participating programs include: boys baseball B-league (ages 7-8); boys A-league (ages 9-10); boys Majors (ages 11-12); boys Ponies (ages 13-14); girls softball Minors (ages 7-9); and girls Majors (ages 10- 12). Boys B-league will continue to play other Morrison teams at the sports complex.

The older boys and girls teams will participate in the Prophetstown baseball and softball league. These teams will play home and away games against other local teams from Prophetstown, Fulton, Albany, Erie, and Port Byron. With declining participation and fewer Morrison teams over the years, this will give these teams an opportunity to face different competition over the season.

The group will offer online registration and access to schedules through the Morrison Quickscores page (www.quickscores.com/morrisonsports). In addition, we will continue to offer opt-in text messages for news and scheduling information through our new website – www.morrisonyouthball.com. Registration and tryout information will be available in March. Opening Day is scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2014 at the sports complex (May 10 rain day).

The board welcomes your comments or questions, so please contact any member if you would like to discuss this exciting new direction.

WC FFA Participates in Poultry CDE

On January 15, West Carroll FFA members participated in the Section 1 Poultry CDE at River Ridge for the first time. Overall the varsity team placed 7th member Natalie Shaw placed 6th respectively in the CDE as an individual. Team one consisted of members Shawna Lott, Ashley Hunt, Christy Ralston, Rachel Dykstra, and Kristen Houzenga. Team two consisted of members Cassie Johnson, Chelsea Wurster, Cameron Ehlers, Natalie Shaw, and Tessa Ehlers. Anthony Mendoza competed in the CDE as an individual. At the CDE members judged breast meat quality, egg exterior, egg interior, rings of live chickens, processed chicken meat, parts of chickens and the grading of eggs. FFA members enjoyed the contest and are looking forward to doing it again next year.

Illinois FFA Members Attend National Leadership Conference

More than 680 students and 140 teachers from across Illinois attended the 212o Leadership Conference. The conference is an activity of the National FFA Organization. Emily Suiter, Tom Knight, Brianna Kampmeier and Cameron Ehlers members of the West Carroll FFA Chapter attended the conference January 24-25, 2014.

The two-day program helps FFA members become aware of the four categories of growth while discovering the importance of pursuing life-long growth. FFA members attended sessions on discovering how habits affect growth, determining the difference between personal and professional relationships and identifying personal mentors and coaches. The agriculture education teachers participated in professional development workshops.

Pearl City Students Win Stephenson County Soil & Water Poster Contest

Congratulations to Pearl City Students who won the Stephenson County Soil & Water Poster Contest, all in the Grade 4, 5, 6 category. (L to R) Sydney Monks, First Place; Ben Bremmer, Second Place; and Brynn Solt, Third Place. Sydney’s poster will go on to the State level to be judged. Pearl City students competed against these area schools: Lena, Orangeville, Open Bible, Tri County and Aquin. Pearl City is proud of all of the students who submitted a poster. Pearl City School is thankful to be involved in the learning opportunities that the Conservation and Agricultural Partners Foundation provides to students and staff. (Courtesy of PC Schools)

West Carroll FFA Parliamentary Teams Take 1st at Section #1 Contests

The West Carroll FFA Varsity and Greenhand Parliamentary Procedure Teams each placed at the Section #1 FFA Parliamentary Procedure CDE held on January 29 at River Ridge High School.

Individually for the West Carroll Varsity team, Brianna Kampmeier placed 1st as chairman while Christy Ralston placed 2nd as secretary. West Carroll members, Chloe Carson, Cassie Johnson, Dylan Williams and Bailey Durward placed 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 9th respectively as floor members.

The West Carroll Greenhand team, consisting of chairman, Daniel Hartman, secretary, Elizabeth Rath and floor members, Jacob Casey, Becca Holley, Josi Anderson and Luke Jones won by default as there were no other teams participating.

A Parliamentary Procedure Contest consists of members completing a 25 question multiple choice test, doing a 10 minute demonstration using parliamentary motions, and answering questions about the motions used in the demonstration.

West Carroll and Stockton varsity teams and West Carroll Greenhand team will now advance to compete in the District I FFA Parliamentary Procedure Contest at Blackhawk East College in Galva, Illinois on February 27.

West Carroll Varsity participants of Section #1 FFA Parlimentary Procedure CDE held on January 29 at River Ridge High School are from L to R: Cameron Ehlers, Bailey Durward, Dylan Williams, Brianna Kampmeier, Chloe Carson, Christy Ralston and Cassie Johnson.

West Carroll Green Hand participants of Section #1 FFA Parlimentary Procedure CDE held on January 29 at River Ridge High School are from L to R: Jacob Casey, Josi Anderson, Luke Jones, Becca Holley, Daniel Hartman and Elizabeth Rath.

West Carroll participants of Section #1 FFA Public Speaking Results from January 29 at River Ridge High School are from L to R: Becca Holley, Jacob Casey, Luke Jones, Natalie Shaw, Christy Ralston, and Daniel Hartman.

Chadwick First Round Winners of Regional Spelling Bee

Students at Chadwick Junior High participated in the first round of the Regional Spelling Bee. This took place Wednesday, January 29th. 

(Top) Participants are (Front Row left to right) – Katelyn Brearton, Damon Miller, Matthew Balsiger, Jack Munz, Christian Toms-Smith, Keeilah Diss, Kyle Lapp, Bryce McClure.

(Middle Row left to right) Tyler Diehl, Emily Hinrichs, Ashlyn Hendrick, Parker Litwiller, Kaden Polillo, Megan Miller, Alyvia Woodard, Tessa Brubaker.

(Back Row left to right) Noah Newstrand, Connor Woodin, Nate Rahn, Tommy Dyson, Cade Schave, Emilia Eller, Alicia Sheddan, Kloie Sigel.

(Rt) Winners are (left to right): 2nd place – Emily Hinrichs; 1st place – Bryce McClure; 3rd place – Christian Toms-Smith.

The Pearl City School gymnasium will be filled with anticipation and nervous energy Tuesday, February 25th as the top spellers from schools in Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties compete in the Regional Spelling Bee, held at 7:00 p.m.

Individuals or groups wishing to donate to sponsor the Regional Spelling Bee may send their contributions to the Regional Office of Education – Spelling Bee Fund, 27 S. State Ave, Suite 101, Freeport IL 61032, or call for details . All donors will be recognized in the Spelling Bee program flier as well as in area newspapers. (Courtesy of Jody Mertz)

Area Students Graduate from UW-Platteville

University of Wisconsin-Platteville hosted its fall graduation on Dec. 14, 2013 at Williams Fieldhouse. A total of 589 graduate and undergraduate students earned the right to participate in the commencement ceremonies.

Among those receiving degrees, with their hometowns and majors, were: Alyssa Book a Soil and Crop Science major from Forreston, IL; Lawrence Hasken a Civil Engineering major from Lanark, IL; David LaShelle a Mechanical Engineering major from Thomson, IL; Meredith Oostenryk a Criminal Justice major from Morrison, IL; Perri Ottenhausen a Civil Engineering major from Pearl City, IL; Justin Parks a Agricultural Business major from Milledgeville, IL; Nicole Ruchotzke a Biology major from Sabula, IA; Zachary Stralow a Agricultural Business major from Morrison, IL.

Carroll County Preschool Screenings Set for March

Chadwick-Milledgeville, Eastland, and West Carroll school districts will be conducting preschool screenings on various dates through February to April of 2014. The screenings provide parents with a measure of their child’s development in areas important to learning.

Preschool screenings are for children between the ages of two years, seven months to age five years, three months of age as of February 2014. The screenings are provided at no cost to parents and help to determine placement in preschool programs. Areas evaluated are cognitive, motor, speech and language, and hearing and vision. Parents need to accompany their child and plan about an hour for screenings to be done. Please call your school for an appointment.

If you are unable to attend your district’s screening, please call and register at any other district screening. Your results will be sent to your district.

District #399 Chadwick-Milledgeville will conduct screenings on Thursday, March 6 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M., and Friday, March 7 from 8:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Lutheran Church in Chadwick. Please call Sue Carter at ext. 226 or ext. 254 to schedule your appointment.

District #308 Eastland (Shannon/Lanark) will hold screenings on Thursday, March 13 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M., and Friday, March 14 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Lanark United Methodist Church. To schedule your appointment, please call Karen Wilhelms at .

District #314 West Carroll (Savanna, Thomson, and Mt. Carroll) will hold screening on Thursday, March 27 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., and Friday, March 28 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the West Carroll Early Childhood Center in Thomson. Please call Lyn Francke at to schedule your appointment.

For children ages birth to 2 ½ years: Call or to make an appointment to have your child screened at a time and place comfortable for your family.

New Fraud Hits Consumer’s Credit Cards

Jan. 30, 2014 – In the aftermath of the massive holiday data breach that effected Target and a number of other major retailers, consumers are now faced with yet another reason to be concerned about the safety of their credit cards.

Reports are surfacing that consumers are finding unauthorized charges of $9.84 on their statements. The business that levied the charge claims that the fee is for “customer support” and it may appear on the statement as one of many different websites. It appears their plan is fly under the radar when they hit individual accounts.

“These individuals are aware that small charges under ten dollars often go un-noticed, which would not be the case for larger amounts. For example, in the hundreds of dollars,” said Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford office of the Better Business Bureau “This fraud relies on consumers being a little careless and not closely examining their statements.”

Horton noted, “It is possible that some of the cards that have been hit may be the result of the data stolen in the holiday breach. However, authorities are still investigating that possibility.”

Victims of this fraud report that, when they’ve accessed the website listed on their statement, they were given a customer support phone number and email address. After calling the number, they were told that the charge would be removed. However, the only way that consumers can be certain that they have taken positive steps to protect themselves is to contact their card issuer regarding the suspected fraud and follow their recommendations.

The Better Business Bureau suggests consumers:

Request a new card.

Place a fraud alert on your credit file. The Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) has easy to follow instructions on its website.

Closely monitor all of your accounts.

For more information on credit card fraud and Identity Theft visit http://www.bbb.org

On-The-Road Seminar Motor Vehicle Law for Illinois Farmers

Federal truck regulations affect virtually all operating farmers in Illinois. Significant additional farmer exemptions from the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations were published in December, 2013, and more are expected this year. The USDOT Number & UCR registrations—and even the CDL—are still widely misunderstood. Come and learn about these and other trucking laws that apply to farmers.

Carroll County Farm Bureau® will host a 2-hour seminar beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, that addresses these regulations. Join us at the Barnacopia, 2570 N Westbranch Road, Polo. The seminar will focus on trucking laws important to farmers, new and existing. In addition, you’ll have the chance to ask your questions.

Rootworm Management and Biology Meeting at Northern Illinois Agricultural Research Center

Some Northern Illinois farmers were surprised when combining the 2013 corn crop. Evidence of lodged corn and a corresponding dip recorded by yield monitors made many question the effectiveness of their rootworm management program, said Russ Higgins, Commercial Agriculture Educator with the University of Illinois Extension. 

Are single-event Bt, stacked and pyramided corn varieties the best way to control corn rootworm larvae? Is a soil insecticide needed to guarantee greater control in 2014?

To expand on this the dialogue and share the most current research, University of Illinois entomologists Dr. Mike Gray and Dr. Joe Spencer will visit the Northern Illinois Agriculture Research Center (NIARC) in Shabbona for a morning program on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

“Our speakers are looking forward to an interactive discussion with the audience, including the sharing of recent experiences,” Higgins said. “I expect a lively discussion with our experts and Northern Illinois corn growers.”

The program begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at noon. Advance registration is not required and there is no cost for the program. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please notify prior to the event.

The NIARC is located at 14509 University Road, Shabbona, IL 60550. If you have questions, please contact Higgins at . To learn more about the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center in Shabbona, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/niarc/.

University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.

Valentine’s Dinner & Dessert Auction

Polo Town & Country Days hosting a Valentine’s Dinner and Dessert Auction to help finance their annual Fireworks Display. The dinner will be held at LaBranch on Saturday, February 22, 2014. Cocktails and dessert viewing will start at 5:30, with the auction starting at 6 pm.

Tickets are only $25 per person and are available in advance at First State Bank-Shannon/Polo or from any Town & Country Days Committee member. Every year this event helps the committee raise funds for the fireworks display, which is one of the best small town Fireworks show in the area.

Tickets are on sale until Feb 15th, 2014 but seating is limited, so call early.

Call Jon Miller at for info. Or, you may visit T & C website at www.polodays.org.

HCC’s ‘Prairie Wind’ Magazine Accepting Submissions

Submissions are now being accepted for the twenty-second annual Prairie Wind art and literary magazine. The Prairie Wind is a collection of original poetry, prose, visual art, and recorded music contributed by students, staff, alumni, and other members of the Highland Community. It is published in May of each year.

Submission guidelines are available at www.highland.edu/community/prairiewind.asp

The deadline is February 27, 2014. More information is available from the magazine’s faculty advisors:

- Bob Apolloni

- Kay Ostberg

- Sam Tucibat

The magazine has been published annually since 1992 under the auspices of Highland Community College, 2998 West Pearl City Road, Freeport, Illinois, 61032. It is a cooperative project of the Humanities, Graphic Design, Art, and Music departments in the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences. Each issue is created by an editorial board composed of students and volunteer community members who are guided by a team of faculty advisors.

CCSSO Re-schedules ‘Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s’ Program

JAN. 30, 2014 – Due to the weather cancellation on January 28, the program, “The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s,” has been rescheduled for 10 am, Mon., Feb. 10, at the Carroll County Senior Center, 306 N. Main St. in downtown Mount Carroll.

Do you know the warning signs of Alzheimer’s? No one is immune from Alzheimer’s disease. Although the disease is most prominent in people age 65 and older, Alzheimer’s disease does not just affect the elderly. It is being diagnosed at younger ages, sometimes as young as the mid-30’s.

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future. This interactive workshop features video clips of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Alexandra Madole, program and event coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter, Dubuque, Iowa, is the presenter.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, much can be done to support those living with the disease and, equally important, to assist those who love and care for someone with Alzheimer’s. From the first sign of memory loss through diagnosis and disease progression, the Alzheimer’s Association is a source for care and support.

Madole will present two additional programs, “Conversations about Dementia” Tues., Feb. 25, and “The Basics of Alzheimer’s,” Mon., March 24, both at 10 am at the Senior Center. There is no charge and no reservation needed for any of these programs.

MHPV Nominates an Eighth Building for National Register of Historic Places

The Morrison Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) is applying to nominate an appropriate portion of the community’s commercial district to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), a listing of spaces, structures or areas recognized to be of national historic, cultural or architectural importance.

With the assistance of our consultants, the MHPC has spent months researching and writing the substance of our application. In the hopes that the community will find the information contained therein both interesting and informative, we will be running, one at a time, in no particular order, over the next year, the architectural and historical description of each building included.

Contributing Category: The term “contributing” means that the structure lies within an historic district and adds to the architectural or historic significance of the same as a whole. If it is within the boundaries of the district, but does not so supplement, it is deemed “non-contributing.”

Their 8th nomination is Vogel’s Barber Shop, located at 205-207 East Main Street, c. 1890.

Description: Two-story brick building with painted brick exterior. The two storefronts of the main elevation (north) were altered; they are asymmetrical with slightly recessed glass and wood doors near the center (single light to the east, three lights to the west), smaller aluminum display windows and pargeted wall surface.

The west storefront (205 East Main) has a cast iron sill (maker’s mark reads “Dearborn Foundry Co., Chicago”). The upstairs entry has been moved to the west of the exterior wall and is part of the adjacent building (201 East Main).

Above the storefront is bracketed sheet-metal lintel cornice. The upper story has five historic wood double-hung windows with stone sills and rectangular sheet-metal window hoods. Bracketed galvanized sheet-metal cornice is at the top. Between the cornice and window hoods is a repainted historic sign that reads “Hardware” in slab serif letterforms.

The rear elevation (south) is painted brick. Window and door openings have soldier arches and are a mixture of historic and modern materials, infill and utilities.

History: Owned by Alfred A. Bruce the building originally housed a hardware and plumbing store (Sauer Hardware, owned by Henry Sauer, Bruce’s son in law), while the second story was a tin shop. Later uses included an arts and clothing store and Tomlinson Cleaners (1950s). The current first story occupants are two beauty salons (Annabella’s and Vogel’s)

Hospice Volunteer Training Begins March 4

There is no time like the present to add life to each day of a hospice patient. That is exactly what hospice volunteers do. They provide companionship and support to the terminally ill and their loved ones. They share stories, write letters, provide a listening ear and more. All because they care.

Hospice of the Rock River Valley (HRRV), a United Way Agency, is challenging individuals to put caring into action. HRRV begins its volunteer training session on March 4 at the hospice office on Route 2 between Dixon and Sterling, with additional dates of March 6, 11, and 13. New volunteers must attend all four days. There will be two training times each day, 1-4 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m. and attendees can choose the time that best fits their schedule.

A hospice volunteer fills many roles through direct patient care, serving on the baking brigade or assisting with a variety of special events or office duties. The training session will focus on direct patient care volunteering. Direct care volunteers are assigned a patient and family, and visit as needed. There is an increasing need for bi-lingual volunteers as well.

Training covers a wide range of information including patient-family dynamics, personal death awareness, grief, bereavement, spirituality and documentation.

“I find it fulfilling to help patients and families at a time they need it most. I wish people would find out what hospice can do for a family instead of thinking that hospice only means the end. Hospice can help in so many ways – emotionally, physically, and financially. It’s not saying the end is near, it’s doing everything you can to help until the end comes,” said Jackie Gangloff, a HRRV volunteer.

To make a difference in someone’s life, become a hospice volunteer in your community by calling Nina Setchell at .

HRRV serves Lee, Whiteside, Bureau, Carroll and Ogle counties.

Scholarship Applications Available

The University of Illinois Extension Office in Elizabeth announces the availability of several scholarships: Ralph & Katherine Norris Scholarship, Floyd & Alice Bale Scholarship, Ron & Jamie Girot Scholarship, Dairy Herd Improvement Scholarship, Home & Community Education Scholarship.

Ralph & Katherine Norris established funds to provide scholarships for Jo Daviess County residents studying agriculture or related fields. Scholarships will be awarded to people pursuing a two or four year degree program as full-time students. Current high school students, college students, and other people continuing their education can apply. Applicants must be accepted at a chosen school, college, or university. Past applicants must submit a new application each year. Recipients cannot receive the scholarship for more than four years.

Floyd & Alice Bale established the funds to provide scholarships for Jo Daviess County residents studying agriculture or related fields. Scholarships are awarded for two or four year degree programs to full time students. Recipients cannot receive the scholarship for more than four years.

The Ron & Jamie Girot Scholarship for $ 1000 as funds permit. The Girot Scholarship Fund has been established to provide financial assistance to Jo Daviess County residents studying agriculture or agricultural related fields.

The Jo Daviess County Dairy Herd Improvement Association has established funds to provide financial assistance to Jo Daviess County Residents studying agriculture or agricultural related fields. An annual scholarship will be given as funds permit.

The Jo Daviess County Association for Home & Community Education is offering two scholarships of $ 250 each to Jo Daviess County high school graduates pursuing a degree. The student’s area of study must be related to Family, Community, or Education.

Application deadline for most is March 28, 2014. To receive applications or for more information about any of these scholarships call the Jo Daviess County Extension Office at or write us at PO Box 600, Elizabeth, IL 61028.

Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference

Mark your calendars for the 2014 Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th. The conference will be located at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 223 E. Front Ave, Stockton, IL, beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m. with a lunch provided.

A variety of topics will be covered at the 2014 Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference. The morning will begin with two general session topics:

* Converting Cropland to Pasture: Why You Should Consider It

* Pasture Rental Agreements

The remainder of the morning will be spent in three breakout sessions:

* Getting Started I: If I Knew Then What I Know Now, OR Renovating Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue

* Getting Started II: Setting Up a Successful Grazing Operation, OR Economics of Grazing Cornstalks

* Forage and Livestock Disorders, OR Flexible & Economical Fence & Water Options

After lunch, we will finish the day with three general session topics:

* Extending the Grazing Season

* Silvopasture (Pasture Timberland)

* Characteristics of Grass Finished vs Grain Finished Meat

To register for the 2014 Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference call the University of Illinois Extension at (815) 858-2273 or visit us on-line at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw. Registration cost is $20 if paid by January 31 ($30 per person after this date).

Businesses associated with agriculture are welcome to host a booth at the 2014 Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference. For vendor booth information and fees contact the Jo Daviess County Soil & Water Conservation District at .

Valentines Tea: ‘Tokens of Affection’

The Early American Crafters of Heritage Canyon would like to invite you to a Valentines tea “Tokens of Affection”. Enjoy delicious desserts, sandwiches, tea, coffee and entertainment. Saturday February 15th at 1:00 PM at the Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton. Cost is $10.00 per person for an afternoon of fun. For $5.00 children can enjoy snacks, crafts and entertainment in a separate area while parents attend the tea. This is a fundraiser to help the Crafters purchase a golf cart to make the Canyon more handicap accessible. Since space is limited we ask you to make reservations in advance by calling Catherine Gravert at .

- Laura Olesen

WC Plans for National FFA Week

The West Carroll FFA has scheduled activities for the celebration of National FFA Week. The West Carroll FFA JV Officer team is responsible for scheduling and conducting all FFA Week activities.

February 18 - Greenhand Day, FFA T-shirt day, corn curling contest and corn kernel counting contest.

February 19 - Farmer/Tractor day, Bags tournament, and pork chop lunch

February 20 - FFA Blue & Gold Day, milk chugging contest, tug of war

February 21 - Staff-FFA Member breakfast and FFA Official Dress day for FFA members. Pie in the face of the Varsity FFA Officer with the most money collected. All money collected will be donated to the local food pantry. Tractor model guessing contest.

Current FFA Varsity Officers

President Dylan Williams

VP Clare O’Connor

Secretary Tessa Sibley

Treasurer Chloe Carson

Reporter Christy Ralston

Sentinel Demi Hess

Current FFA JV Officers

President Cameron Ehlers

VP Bailey Durward

Secretary Contessa Ehlers

Treasurer Rachel Dykstra

Reporter Cassie Johnson

Sentinels Brianna Kampmeier, Ashley Hunt 

A brief history of FFA and our West Carroll Chapter. We currently have 185 FFA members in our chapter for 2013-2014.

1928 - FFA Officially organized in Kansas City, Missouri.  33 delegates and 18 states were represented at the first National FFA Convention also held in Kansas City, MO.

1929 - Illinois receives State FFA Charter at National FFA Convention.

 1929- Mt Carroll FFA receives chapter FFA Charter

1947 - Thomson FFA receives chapter FFA Charter.

1969 - FFA allows girls membership

1988 - FFA Changes name from Future Farmers of America to National FFA Organization

1999 - FFA moves National FFA Convention from Kansas City, MO to Louisville KY.  It now alternates from Louisville KY to Indianapolis, IN 

2006 - West Carroll FFA receives chapter FFA Charter at State FFA Convention.  Chapter has 200 members and 2 FFA advisors, Don Mathey and Dan Hartman.  Chapter receives 3rd place in the State (300 IL FFA chapters) for its Program of Activities.

2013 – West Carroll places 2nd in State for Greenhand Parliamentary Procedure (Highest West Carroll FFA team placing).

Other highlights and accomplishments through the 7 years of West Carroll FFA:

Collected 1350 pints of blood for the American Red Cross through the West Carroll FFA Blood Drive.

Awarded $28,325 of grant monies through the Agricultural Line Item Grant.

Have had 1 Major State Officer, State Vice President, Austin Ashby.

Have 4 members achieve the American FFA Degree and  47 members the State FFA Degree.

Have won 5 State FFA Proficiency Awards and 113 Section Proficiency Awards. 

Have been awarded the Section #1 Bankers Plaque for the top POA in Section #1 for 7 years in a row.

Have won 7 of 8 years the Section #1 Agronomy CDE championship.

Have won 7 years the Section #1 FFA Parliamentary Procedure CDE and been in the State FFA Parliamentary Procedure CDE 6 of 7 years.

Won 6 of 8 years the Section Land Use CDE.

Have organized 7 great years of FFA Barnyard Zoo for the West Carroll Elementary students.

Some of the Money Spent on students in Ag/FFA at West Carroll since consolidation:

$21,000 on National FFA Convention

$28,000 on State FFA Convention

$5000 on 212 Conference

$3500 on Toys for Tots

$1000 on Food Pantry

$3000 on All School Assemblies

Secretary of State Offices Closed for Lincoln’s Birthday

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all Driver Services facilities and offices, including facilities open Tuesday through Saturday will be closed Wednesday, February 12, 2014, in observance of Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday.

All Driver Services facilities will reopen for regular business on Thursday, February 13, 2014.

Individuals can visit the Secretary of State’s website, www.cyberdriveillinois.com, to locate the nearest Driver Services facility and the hours of operation. In addition, drivers can change an address, register to become an organ and tissue donor or renew license plate stickers by mail.

Creativity: Willing to Walk the Path?

Creativity is not just for gifted geniuses, says artist Marianne Biagi, the guest speaker at Odell Public Library on Monday, February 24. The stimulating and interesting program will be held in the Program Room at Odell beginning at 6:30 p.m. Many will remember her presentation of her background and beadwork.

The word “create” means to hatch, make, originate, to grow new ideas and to see things in a different light. A visual artist, Biagi will speak of traveling her personal creative path, sharing her insight on “developing and listening to the creative voice in all of us.”

Biagi is an accomplished Illinois artist. Her award-winning beadwork has been shown throughout the U.S., featured in magazines, and the book, “The Best of Contemporary Beadwork 2000.” She taught beadwork and bead embroidery in and around Chicago and the Bead & Button and Beadfest shows.

Five years ago, Biagi and her husband Bill moved to Morrison from downtown Chicago, where they both worked in the visual art field. When asked why Morrison, Mayianne replied, “We were looking for property within a certain radius of Chicago and decided the Potter house and its grounds would be perfect.” Marianne has a private studio filled with fabrics, threads, and beads of all colors and types.

Valentine’s Day Lunch

Big Meadows Nursing Home, located at 1000 Longmoor Av. in Savanna will hosting a free special Valentine’s Day Lunch on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14 at noon for all couples who have been married 50+ years. 

Please call Jaime Zastrow at   to make a reservation by February 7.

Roy Schwarcz Featured at Lanark First Brethren Church

Roy Schwarcz, a representative of CHOSEN PEOPLE MINISTRIES, will be speaking at The Lanark First Brethren Church on Sunday, February 16 during our regular worship service at 10:00 a.m.

The program being presented is The Gospel in Jewish Feasts. CHOSEN PEOPLE MINISTRIES is an over one hundred-year-old mission that was founded in 1894 by Leopold Cohn, a Hungarian rabbi, who came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah of Israel. From humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, Chosen People Ministries has grown into a worldwide ministry with outreach centers in Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Ukraine and the United States.

Throughout its long history, Chosen People Ministries has been unwavering in its commitment to bring the Gospel message of salvation in Jesus “to the Jew first and to the Gentile” throughout the world. In stressing the Jewish roots of Christian faith, Chosen People Ministries hopes to make the message of the Messiah more accessible to Jewish people and also to help Christian believers achieve a greater appreciation of the Jewish basis of their own faith traditions.

This meeting is open to the public and The Lanark Brethren Church would like to invite the Christian and Jewish community to attend.  For more information please call . Someone will return your call. A love offering will be received.

Preschool Screenings by Morrison Early Learning Program

The Morrison Early Learning Program at Northside School, 520 N. Genesee St. will sponsor preschool screenings for those two, three and four-year-old children who will be eligible to attend preschool during the 2014-2015 school year.

Community Preschool Screenings will be held at Northside School on:

Wednesday, February 26 from 8:00 – 12:00 p.m. and 3:15– 6:15p.m.

Saturday, March 15 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 26 from 8:00 – 12:00 p.m. and 3:15 – 6:15 p.m.

As a part of the screening process, the screening team will be using the DIAL-4 Assessment. The DIAL-4 provides a positive, non-threatening environment essential to effective early screening. Children complete fun, age appropriate tasks using bright, appealing, child-friendly materials. The DIAL-4 assesses motor skills, concept formation, and language development. In addition to these areas, we will also complete a hearing and vision screening. All families will be asked to complete a family screening profile and some additional screening material.

Children who attend Morrison Preschool, Morrison Community Day Care or Morrison Head Start will be screened at these locations during their regular attendance time. An additional screening appointment is NOT necessary.

Screenings are free of charge, but parents are asked to call and schedule an appointment for their child prior to the screening dates by telephoning Northside Elementary School at (815) 772-2153. Please specify your child’s age when calling to make your appointment.

Better Business Bureau Alert: Hearthware and its NuWave Ovens

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is alerting consumers about Hearthware, Inc. and its product the NuWave Oven, which is typically sold through infomercials. This company is located at 1795 Butterfield Rd. Suite A, Libertyville, IL 60048, according to BBB records. In the past three years, 1,291 complaints from consumers in all 50 states as well as 3 different provinces in Canada have been filed against this company with the BBB. There have been 331 complaints in the past 12 months, 18 from Illinois. A review of consumer complaints shows a pattern of allegations and complaints. This company currently has an “F” rating with the BBB.

Doreen Burton, a consumer from Forest Park, IL recently purchased a Hearthware product. “I called late at night after the commercial for the NuWave Oven.  They sent a cooktop instead.  I sent it back right away.  They charged $121.18 for shipping and handling and would not refund those charges. They did not tell me how high this charge was going to be.  I called and complained and the person that I talked to said he would send me a copy of the tape where I agreed. I never got the tape and I never got a refund for shipping and handling.”

“The single largest number of complaints allege that consumers were charged either for free products or in exorbitant shipping and processing fees associated with products they thought were free,” explained Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford office of the Better Business Bureau. “This is a distinct pattern of complaints, which the company has not corrected. In addition, other complaint topics include: faulty product, difficulty in returning or receiving a refund, misleading advertising practices, and difficulty in contacting the company with emails and phone calls unanswered.”

To help avoid problems with purchasing products advertised through infomercials, the Better Business Bureau recommended consumers take these steps:

Avoid becoming caught up in an urgent sales pitch. Many times sellers use phrases like “for a limited time,” “order now before prices increase,” and “in short supply.” Take your time to consider the purchase.
Research the company and product. Go to bbb.org to obtain the Business Review on the company and check its BBB rating.
Compare products and pricing. Search online to compare products and pricing from other manufacturers and sources. 
Read and understand the fine print. Make sure you understand purchase and return policies, restocking fees and exchange options.
Review seller’s privacy policy. Will your name and other information be sold or used to solicit for other offers.
Obtain a delivery time. Request purchase confirmations and tracking numbers. Be suspicious if the business cannot supply this information.
Pay by credit card and retain receipts. This allows you to more easily dispute charges. Check your billing and financial statements regularly for only authorized transactions.

The BBB also recommends buyers immediately notify sellers if items are disappointing, damaged or do not arrive as anticipated.

For more information about purchasing products and registering complaints, visit www.bbb.org

Ashford University Releases Fall 2013 Dean’s List

The faculty and staff at Ashford University have announced the Fall 2013 Dean’s List for the University’s online program and the on-campus traditional programs.

Undergraduate students in the online program are recognized if they completed 12 or more credits, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or above, began and completed at least one course since the time the previous Dean’s List was determined (August 19, 2013), and are currently enrolled, attending or on an approved Leave of Absence, and in good academic standing as of December 16, 2013.

Students in the on-campus traditional program are recognized if they completed six or more credits and received a grade point average of 3.5 or above during the semester ending on December 13, 2013.

Local Students Named to Dean’s List are:

Chadwick, IL: Brianna Herin *, Haley Knutti *,Jenifer Ritenour. Fulton, IL: Kelly Carney, Sydney Dixon *, Denis Dobkowski-Rylko *, Nicole Hayenga *, Kayla Horton, Hillary Huebner *, Kari Huizenga *, Kayla Kampe, Amy McCallister *, Connie McDonnell *, Drew Nederhoff *, Jennifer Phillips, Elaina Raab *, Brandon Ray *, Justine Reinhart, Lindsey Renkes *, Regan Renkes *, Tyler Renkes *, Darrell Reynolds *, Todd Reynolds *, Kimberly Rogis *, Alisha Tucker *, Tracy Van Kampen, Andres Vernazza *, Shelby Wilkens *. Lanark, IL: Sheila Macomber, Jessica Murray, Cameron Priewe *. Milledgeville, IL: Shonda Miller, Tasha Pyse, Kayla Selman *. Morrison, IL: Kevin Bielema *, Patty Bush *, Whitney Bush *, Matthew Claeys *, David Green, Kaitlyn Kenady *, Cherish La Marche, Clayton Schuler *, Sabrina Stock, Joanna Thiede, August Ufkin *, William Vandermyde, Alyssa Weeks *. Mt. Carroll, IL: Ashton Gordon, Andrew Hughes, Diamond Merboth *. Savanna, IL: Brittany Acree *, Stephanie Brown, LaManda Dykema, Jessica Gallacher *, Rorrie Kramer, Emily Rath *, Andrew Ritchie *. Sterling, IL: Erin Cassidy, Joleen Cortez, Jillian Crandall *, Pamela Crawford, Christina De La Torre, Kirsten Filippi *, Katie Guthrie *, Christine Interone-Cutter, Morgan Martells *, Elizabeth Maxwell, Sarah Powell *, Edward Roberts, Pamela Schmidt, Heather Wolf *. Thomson, IL: Faye Dyson, Elliott French, Lacey Koser. Sabula, IA: Amanda Marburger, Bradley Struve.

( Names denoted with an asterisk (*) are campus students.)

Rehearsals Begin for Spring Concert

Freeport Choral Society will begin rehearsals for our Spring Concert on Monday, February 10 at 7:00 at St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park, Freeport. Dues are $10. We hope interested area singers will join us this season.

Director Steve McMillen is planning the concert music, and Randy Cook will be at the keyboards. Our social will be February 17 with snacks and finger foods enjoyed that evening.

The concert is scheduled for April 6 at 3:00 p.m. If there are any questions, please contact Gwynne French at or call .

Annual Contests Promotes Awareness of Radon Health Risks

As part of Radon Action Month in January, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) today urged people throughout Illinois to test their homes for radon, a cancer-causing radioactive gas that has been found in nearly 40 percent of Illinois homes tested.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that comes from the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil. It can enter homes and buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pumps or soil in crawlspaces. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall in the U.S. IEMA estimates nearly 1,200 Illinois citizens die from radon-related lung cancer each year.

The agency is also joining with the American Lung Association in Illinois (ALA-IL), Respiratory Health Association, Southern Illinois Radon Awareness Task Force and Ecology Action Center to host the annual statewide Illinois Radon Poster Contest and the Illinois High School Radon Video Contest.

“Every year, students from across the state find imaginative ways to promote the radon message through posters and videos,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “This contest helps students learn more about the health risks associated with radon and the importance of testing your home. Hopefully, they will encourage their friends and family to test their own homes.”

The radon poster contest is open to students ages 9-14. Entries for the 2014 contest are due by March 1. Prizes include $200 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place. In addition, the top three posters will compete in the National Radon Poster Contest for additional prizes. For more information about the poster contest, visit http://healthhouse.org/radon/il_poster.cfm.

High school students can compete for prizes by producing creative 60-second YouTube videos about radon and entering them in the statewide video contest. Videos can be created by an individual student, group of students or classroom. Prizes include $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, $500 for third place and $250 for seven honorable mention videos. In addition, the schools of the top three winners will receive $300, $200 and $100 for first, second and third places, respectively.

All videos, entry forms and release forms must be submitted by March 5 at 5 p.m. Details about the video contest are available on the ALA-IL website at www.healthhouse.org/radon/il_vidcontest.cfm.

All contest prizes are funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The top posters and videos from the 2013 contest can be viewed on IEMA’s radon website at www.radon.illinois.gov. The website also includes information about radon and lists of licensed measurement and mitigation professionals. Information is also available through IEMA’s Radon Hotline at .

Youth to Washington Tour Applications Available

Jo-Carroll Energy will sponsor two high school students on an all-expense paid tour to Washington, D.C. to attend the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in June.

The 2014 “Youth to Washington” contest is open to all area high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who are sons or daughters of Jo-Carroll Energy members. Winners are selected via and application and interview process.

Winners will travel by charter bus to Washington, D.C. June 13-20 with more than 60 students from across the state of Illinois.

The Illinois Youth Tour has taken students to Washington, D.C. for 55 years. On the tour, students learn about cooperatives, American history and U.S. government. They visit the Civil War Battlefield at Gettysburg, the National Cathedral, Smithsonian Museums, George Washington’s home, Supreme Court, Kennedy Center, Arlington National Cemetery and the Holocaust Museum among many other sites. Students also take a special twilight riverboat cruise on the Potomac.

Applications are available on the cooperative’s website at [ http://www.jocarroll.com ]www.jocarroll.com or from area high school guidance counselors.  Applications must be returned to Jo-Carroll Energy by March 7. Contact Elecia Walter, marketing and public relations coordinator, at or [ mailto: ] for information about the youth tour. To watch a video about the tour, visit [ http://www.youthtour.coop ]www.youthtour.coop.

Jo-Carroll Energy is a not-for-profit distribution cooperative owned and controlled by the members it has reliably served since 1939. Headquartered in Elizabeth, Ill., the cooperative currently serves nearly 26,800 electric, natural gas and broadband accounts in Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside and Henry counties. For more information on Jo-Carroll Energy, visit the cooperative’s website at[ http://www.jocarroll.com ]www.jocarroll.com.

Highland Announces Dean’s List for Fall 2013 Semester

Highland Community College proudly announces the dean’s list for the fall 2013 semester. Students who have completed 12 credit hours or more during the semester and have a minimum of a 3.25 grade point average (GPA), based on a 4.0 scale, are included on the dean’s list. Highest Honors are awarded to students with a perfect 4.0 GPA. High Honors distinction is given to students with a 3.50 to 3.99 GPA, and Honors students earn a GPA between 3.25 and 3.49.

Locally, students receiving Highest Honors are:

Hanover: MaKenzie Brown, Miranda Frazier; Lanark: Kayla Martz, Wolodymyr Wirchnianski; Pearl City: Emma VonSchrott; Savanna: Colin Hamling; Shannon: Jami Hartman.

High Honors: Hanover: Anna Green, Brandi Smith; Lanark: Blake Gordon, Brady Hazelbower, Kelly Heller, Samantha Kane, Laura Kniss, Cody Polizzi Lena: Matthew Bland, Andrew Brown, John Clair, Sara Farmer, Tyler Huttenlocher, Georgia

Linden, Eric Linn, Joseph Sellman, Ashley Woodruff McConnell: Peter Bolotnik; Mount Carroll: Faith Volz; Pearl City: Melinda Baker, Michelle Bronkema, Sidney Finkenbinder, Leanne Grahame, Laura

Lochowitz, Aaron Pacheco; Savanna: Kylie Beaston, Noemi Magana; Shannon: Costello Davies, Rachael Hagemann, Jessica Sneek, Kathryn Woessner.

Honors: Lanark: Jonathan Derrer, Abbey Grisham, Kyndra Nielsen, Devin Steen, Christa Vandenburgh; Mount Carroll: Shelley Larem, Haley Lundgren, Erinn Strauch, Sara Urbanowitz; Pearl City: Colton Bastian, Morgan Curry, Preston Hull, Brock Keltner, Kevin McDonald, Bethany Schimetz; Savanna: Michael Gouty; Shannon: Katherine Murphy.

‘Ready, Set, Grow’ Offers 15 Different Gardening Workshops

Fifteen different workshops ranging from alternative gardening to the wonderful world of food preservation are offered to participants at this year’s “Ready, Set, Grow” Join the Master Gardeners of Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties in cooperation with Sauk Valley Community College on March 15 for this one-day event. During three different sessions, participants can choose to attend workshops about hypertufa, terrariums, small fruits, attracting birds, container gardening, spring wildflowers, herbs, gardening with native plants and much more.

Andy Stahr, Landscape Architect, will present the breakout session on Gardening with Native Plants. Native plants can enhance the look of your garden while reducing maintenance and water consumption. This highly graphic presentation is intended to educate the audience in an aspect that they may not be completely familiar with, but in the end has the highest impact on our environment…the use of native plants! Our goal is to provide a basic understanding of native plant benefits and appropriate design for the garden environment.

A keynote presentation on Heirloom Flavor will be given by award-winning author, enthusiastic gardener and heirloom authority - Doreen Howard. The program fee is $40.00 and includes morning refreshments, lunch and select handouts. To register, call Ogle County Extension at (815) 732-2191 or visit their website at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo. Registration is required by March 10.

Sessions will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Extension reserves the right to refuse registrations received at any time if numbers exceed room capacity. For more information about “Ready, Set, Grow” and other Master Gardener programs, please call the Carroll, Lee, Ogle or Whiteside county extension offices or visit their websites.

Soil and Water Management Seminar Offers Continuing Education

Soil, water, and air interactions will be the focus of a Soil and Water Management Seminar sponsored by University of Illinois Extension on February 26, 2014. The workshop will be held at the Amboy and Mt. Carroll Extension Offices. Presentations will be delivered via PowerPoint and web conferencing from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

“Those attending will hear about cover crops, vertical tillage equipment, the effect of the Birds Point Levy breach on cropland, using wetlands to reduce nutrient loading, and managing soil to adapt to climate change” says Duane Friend, U of I Extension educator. Certified Crop Advisors will receive 5 continuing education units in Soil and Water Management by attending this seminar.

Registration is $50 per person, which includes lunch. The registration deadline is February 21. Register online at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=9594 or by calling .

Local PSEP Testing Held in Two Locations

The Illinois Pesticide Act requires individual farmers to become certified as a Private Pesticide Applicator in order to purchase and use restricted use pesticides (RUPs). To become certified, you must pass a closed-book, 50 question examination administered by representatives of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA). Once passed, a three-year certification license will be issued by the IDA upon receipt of a licensing fee.

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Extension Unit will be hosting two test only sites this year: February 4 will be held at Loveland Community Building in Dixon, IL at 10:00am and February 6 will be held at Naaman Diehl Auditorium in Mt. Carroll at 10:00am. You can register for these test only sites by visiting our webpage at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw or by calling other test only sites are also available throughout the state. Self-study training via the internet is an option for training by visiting http://web.extension.illinois.edu/psep/ or purchasing the training manual at your local county office.

2014 Illinois Cattle Feeders Meeting

Cattlemen and farmers in the state of Illinois will have the opportunity to hear from university and industry experts on strategies to maximize profits in cattle feeding. It is no secret with moderating grain prices that profits will again return to cattle feeding. The opportunity is large and this program will help producers take advantage of the good times to come. The meeting will be held March 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, IL.

Speakers include:

Dr. Tara Felix, Professor and Beef Cattle Nutritionist, University of Illinois, will discuss research findings when different protein sources were evaluated in corn silage based rations. Dr. Felix will also discuss the effect that gain pattern has on carcass quality grades and marbling scores.

Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo, Professor, Beef Cattle Nutrition and Management, University of Minnesota, will share research findings and generate discussion on the value of cattle manure to the grain farmer. He will also offer some management strategies to improve manure issues on the farm.

Dr. Dan Loy, Professor, Director of the Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University, will offer insight to differences in cattle performance and manure value when looking at cattle fed out in lots, indoors, and in improved cattle feeding facilities.

Sam Odom, Beef Specialist, Summit Livestock Facilities, will address some frequently asked questions about improved livestock feeding facilities. He will offer some insight to design Reid Blossom, Executive Vice President, IL Beef Association, will give a policy update with the latest happenings at the legislature in Springfield and Washington D.C.

Reid Blossom, Executive Vice President, IL Beef Association, will give a policy update with the latest happenings at the legislature in Springfield and Washington D.C. 

Meeting and lunch provided at no cost but require pre-registration by Friday, February 28 due to limited seating. Register online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw or by calling Mary Nelson at the Whiteside Extension Office at .

4-H Sewing and Snacks Workshop February 17

On President’s Day, Monday, February 17th at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, the University of Illinois Extension will be holding a sewing and nutritious snack workshop from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The cost for this workshop will be $10.00 per person for ages 8 to 18.

The attendees will split into two groups for each session. In sewing we will be making two pillow cases. One pillow case will go home with you and the other will be donated to a CGH cancer patient. For the snack session there will be three stations where you will learn to make healthy and yummy snacks including making your own smoothie.

Register by calling the Whiteside Extension office at or registering online at http://web.extenison.illinois.edu/clw/

Get a Laugh with Comedian Rahn Hortman at SVCC

Sauk Valley Community College will host comedian Rahn Hortman in Mathis Theatre for free Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m.

Hortman started his career in 5th grade after his teacher made a deal with him that he could “perform” every day during the last 15 minutes of class if he would avoid distracting his classmates during lessons. After that, he kept many audiences laughing. He has become a crowd favorite while performing on MavTV, Laugh Fest Comedy Festival, South Beach Comedy Festival, Comedy Time. TV and more. Hortman’s routine is influenced by Bill Cosby and Martin Lawrence with a mix of his own “ordinary guy” blend. He promises crowd-pleasing performances with no profanity.

To learn more about this free performance, contact Ana Salgado, SVCC student activities coordinator, at .

MHPV Nominates 3 More Buildings for National Register of Historic Places

The Morrison Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) is applying to nominate an appropriate portion of the community’s commercial district to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), a listing of spaces, structures or areas recognized to be of national historic, cultural or architectural importance.

With the assistance of our consultants, the MHPC has spent months researching and writing the substance of our application. In the hopes that the community will find the information contained therein both interesting and informative, we will be running, one at a time, in no particular order, over the next year, the architectural and historical description of each building included.

Contributing Category: The term “contributing” means that the structure lies within an historic district and adds to the architectural or historic significance of the same as a whole. If it is within the boundaries of the district, but does not so supplement, it is deemed “non-contributing.”

This week’s first property nominated is The Potter Building, located at 101 West Market Street (Contributing).

Built in 1027, the Potter Bidg. is a one-story corner building of structural clay tile construction with unpainted red brick exterior. The entrance is at the chamfered corner with cast stone architrave trim and entablature (“POTTER” incised in the frieze).

The main elevation (north) has a concrete water table and soldier arch openings. The openings are, from east to west, aluminum display window (center mullion), three adjacent nine-light steel sash, door (replacement), and loading dock door (infilled with smaller window, door and siding). All transoms are covered with plywood.

The side elevation (east) is similar with a large opening near the corner (infilled with two smaller windows and horizontal siding), and two smaller openings near back. A gable roof with siding was added. The rear elevation (south) faces the railroad tracks.

History: Designed by Walter E. Bort of Clinton, Iowa, for the Potter Brothers Lumber Company as a sash and door warehouse. Mr. Bort was a regionally renowned architect who designed a number of structures in Morrison.

It appears that Potter Brothers erected the building themselves using a structural steel frame by the Clinton Bridge Works, windows by the Detroit Steel Products Company, and cast stone ornamentation by the Cement Products Co.

The building was occupied by Potter Brothers until they went out of business c. 1963. The tenant since then has been Nelson’s Electric.

The second building nominated is the Smith Trust & Savings Bank, 100-102 East Main Street (Contributing), Date: 1867, 1953.

Two-story corner brick building with granite veneer. The main elevation (south) is symmetrical with two glass and aluminum storefronts (two display windows with door towards center). The elevation is clad in maroon granite with gray granite at the corners. Above the storefront is a quarter-round shaped striped fabric awning with a larger solid half-dome at center.

The upper story has three windows (large aluminum lights atop short awning windows) enframed with gray granite trim. The coping is granite.

The side elevation (west) is pargeted with a strip of gray granite at the southwest corner. There is a first story teller window and three upper story window openings (aluminum, matching main elevation); the north opening is blocked.

History: Originally constructed as a three-story building by J. McDonald (100 East Main) and Orson Childs (102 East Main), with dry goods and clothing stores on the first floor. In 1876 it became Knox and Brown, a grocery store, by 1878 the largest store in Morrison. In the late 1800s to the early 1900s the basement was occupied by a barber and plumber.

The YMCA and Dr. J.C. Martindale (DDS) had offices on the second floor along with a dressmaker (1867-70) and a lawyer (W.A. Blodgett). The third floor was the YMCA hall until 1902. E.A Smith and Harry W. Smith purchased the property in 1902 and 100 East Main became the Smith Trust & Savings Bank main building in 1942, while Donichy’s Drug Store occupied 102 East Main.

In 1953, the bank went through a major expansion and modernization which included removal of the third floor and an installation of a new front facade, designed by Bank Designers of America, Inc., from Springfield, Illinois. Current tenant is W.N.S. Publications, Inc.

The third building is The Crosby Building, located at 125 West Main Street (Contributing) Date: c. 1860, 1874.

Two-story corner brick building. The symmetrical main elevation (north) features a storefront with a recessed entrance and a painted brick upper story. The storefront, framed by end brick piers, has large vinyl display windows with vinyl fanlight transoms and wood recessed panel bulkheads and entrance sides. The door itself is a residential-style replacement, with a matching fanlight transom. Above the storefront is a bracketed wood lintel cornice.

The second story has three tall window openings with flattened arch tops, historic two-over-two double-hung wood windows, and stone sills. The deeply projecting wooden cornice is similar to the one below but with larger and more decorative brackets.

The side elevation (west) is covered with vertical aluminum siding. There are two small first story window openings with three windows and a door on the second story. These windows are historic two-over-two double-hung wood and the door is one-light (blocked) with two panels below. The bracketed cornice of the main elevation wraps around and continues along the side.

The rear elevation (south) is likewise covered with vertical aluminum siding and only has a small first story window opening and an unglazed door.

History: The building’s early uses included a grocery store (until the 1900s) and a harness shop (1910s). From mid-1930s through mid-1940s it housed a couple of cigar enterprises. Then, in 1944, it began a nearly fifty-year run as a number of differently named local dram shops operated by as many as a dozen different owners. Currently used by Crossroads Community Church.

Hartman Completes Basic Trainng

January 9, 2014 – Navy Seaman Zachary W. Hartman, son of Timothy J. and Kandra J. Hartman of Savanna, Ill., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Hartman completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations”. This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ‘’Navy’’ flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.    

Hartman is a 2013 graduate of West Carroll High School of Savanna, Ill.

Five Carroll County Students Named to WIU Dean’s List

More than 1,730 undergraduate students enrolled at Western Illinois University were named to the 2013 Fall Dean’s List. The number includes 123 students at WIU-Quad Cities.

To receive this award, an undergraduate student must earn at least a 3.6 grade point average on a scale of 4.0 equals an A in a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded courses; pass-fail hours are not counted (i.e. student teaching, internships).

Local students from Carroll County earning Dean’s List honors are: Ethan Morgan, a Senior from Chadwick; Haley R. Patterson, Senior from Milledgeville; Dena A. Harridge, Freshman from Mount Carroll; and from Savanna, Benjamin A. Rogers, a Freshman, and Rebecca Grace Titus, a Senior.

Become a Project VITAL Tutor

Project VITAL (Volunteers in Teaching Adult Literacy) will host its bi-annual tutor training sessions starting Monday, January 27.

Tutors will attend four Monday classes (January 27, February 3, 10 and 17) with a celebration of completion February 17. All classes will take place at Sauk Valley Community College in room 1E8 from 4-7 p.m. Tutors must complete 12 hours of training. A light dinner will also be provided at all sessions.

Online training is also available on the start date of the classes as well to complete work during the training period.

Training sessions will educate tutors on understanding the needs of ESL and ABE students, tutoring beginning readers, teaching strategies in writing and vocabulary, lesson planning and more.

Project VITAL is a free and confidential tutoring program for local adults looking to improve their reading, writing and other basic academic skills. Tutors meet with their students two-three hours a week, with Project VITAL supplying all necessary material and support.

Anyone interested in joining the team, contact Project VITAL at to register for this free, rewarding volunteer opportunity.

Important Carroll County Election Notice

Carroll County Clerk, Brian Woessner, wishes to remind disabled and elderly voters of the many aids and provisions for assistance in voting at the upcoming election. Mr. Woessner said that his office welcomes inquiries by anyone who feels they may wish to take advantage of these aids at the March 18, 2014, General Primary Election.

Woessner reminds all Carroll County citizens who are not registered voters, that they may register on line at www.election.state.il.us and mail the form into our office. Also, there are many Deputy Voter Registrars throughout the County. Contact our office at or email at for more information. For voters convenience, Saturday, February 15th from 9 a.m. till 12 noon his office will be open for voters registration. The last day for voters registration is Tuesday, February 18, 2014.

“Voters may vote by absentee ballot,” Woessner stated. “No reason is necessary to vote absentee. You need to merely contact this office to request an application.”

After filing the application with his office, the ballot will be mailed to the voter at home, or wherever he or she may be at the time, along with complete instructions for voting and returning the voted ballot. Absentee voting starts February 6th and will end on March 17th. Grace Period Voting begins on February 19th and runs through March 15th. Early voting is also available at the Courthouse in Mt. Carroll at 301 N. Main St., beginning on March 3, 2014 through Saturday, March 15, 2014. Since there are various options in regards to voting please contact the office to see which option is best suited for you.

Also on Election day (if requested in advance), the Judges of Election are permitted to deliver a ballot to any voter who cannot get into the polling place. These judges may deliver the ballot to the voter at the point at which he or she is unable to continue toward the polling place as long as this point is within 50 feet of the polling place entrance. Any voter who desires to have the ballot delivered must have first filed an application with the County Clerk’s office prior to Election Day. He also stated that all polling places in the County are handicapped accessible.

Woessner urges everyone to take advantage of their right to vote at this very important Election, and to feel free to request assistance from the Election Judges on Election Day.

For further information on elections, voter registration, and the available assistance to elderly and disabled voters, contact the Carroll County Clerk’s office. You can contact his office at and the office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.