Please Help 4-H

Please help. Our Carroll County families have a wonderful 4-H organization for our young people. Many volunteers come together throughout each year to help our youth develop into fine citizens with a love for learning and making our community and our world a better place.

We have a problem, however. As all of us know, this is a time of financial struggle for many people, organizations, and government. 4-H is a foundation for developing talents, attitudes, and positive contributions to our own community and, broader still, to our entire society. We don’t want to lose this valuable educational organization.

The Carroll County 4-H Foundation has been formed by caring leaders of our area to develop a means to support and expand the education of our youth. In order for this to be successful, we are asking you, friends and neighbors, to offer your opinions about the future of 4-H. There is a short survey on the website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WVRS3HC which takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and your input would truly be helpful. The Carroll County Extension office (ph. 815-244-9444) can supply you with a paper copy of the survey if you prefer. In fact, one can visit the “University of Illinois Extension-Carroll County 4-H” Facebook page too, for a link to the survey. We need your ideas by Saturday, March 9.

I have been a 4-H leader and volunteer for 40 years in addition to my career as a school teacher. My daughter has also picked up the reins to promote 4-H. Her projects in horses, art, and public speaking, for example, have influenced her college choices and her career--truly amazing how the puzzle pieces have all fit together. All of us as volunteers enjoy helping hundreds of children discover and develop their talents, mature into fine adults, and contribute their skills to future generations. It is one organization that truly encourages positive family participation.

Sometimes, you and I as individuals don’t think we can make a difference, but this is one opportunity for us to come together and make our own personal effort to support and improve the opportunities for our children. Please help.

Thank you.
Joan Harms
Copper Bit Ranch, Sterling

Support CASA

Dear Editor,

Have you ever had a dream in which you try to speak and there are no words? You strain, trying to get something, anything to come out, but you have no voice. No one in your dream can hear you. In your dream you get a sense of how important those words are, your ability to express joy, sadness, and fear is suddenly taken from you.

Now take a moment picture a small child in a neglected or abusive environment. Where is their voice? Who can hear their expression of sadness and fear? Luckily in Ogle, Lee, and Carroll counties these children have access to their voices. (CASA) Court Appointed Special Advocates whose volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in the Juvenile Court System. CASA volunteers gather objective information and report to the courts regularly on the status of each child. This information is used by the Judge to determine if the child should be reunified with their family or prepared for adoption.

Help support our 15th Judicial Circuit CASA by visiting the website www.casaleecarroll.com where you can learn about becoming an advocate, or supporting the vital cause through donations. We can all be a voice for abused and neglected children in our communities.

Sincerely,
Darin DeHaan
Oregon, IL

Wood’s Morrison City Council Notes

Morrison City Council met on February 25, 2013. Aldermen present were Hayenga, Blean, Sullivan, Thorndike, Wood, and Connelly. Rose and Zuidema were excused. Other city personnel present were Attorney Zollinger, CA Wise, Mayor Drey, Clerk Schroeder, Chief Melton, Engineer Carmichael, and Public Works Director Tresenriter.

Jim Dubois, director of the Sports Complex, gave a report on Parks and Recreation, encouraging a Park District for Morrison to generate revenue for the Sports Complex. He cited facts from reports around the Chicago area. He stated that homes near parks sell for more, increase property tax and income tax. Morrison has Kelly Park, French Creek Park, Kiwanis Park and Waterworks Park—one in each ward. In addition to the Sports Complex, we have several “pocket parks”. In Dubois’ report, Ellen Smith from the Dairy Queen stated that the Sports Complex has had a positive impact on her business. Dubois thought the Sports Complex brought in about $8,400 sales tax last year. We are still in deficit at the end of each year. We are paying off a $2,000,000 Debt certificate Series 2008, which will be paid off in 14 years (2022). He said it is a debt for a long term investment. Short term, he would like to have the concession stand open every night, increase activities, and add an 8 to 9 hour rec program. Out of the part time budget line item he wants to hire an adult “ seasonally” to supervise the rec program and the concession stands, to increase sales. (I thought he had a full time assistant.) Michael Blean noted that if the Sports Complex would have a deficit of $190,000 per season, in ten years we would have close to $2,000,000 deficit there and that is too much. I also asked at the budget meeting how much can we afford to lose each year at the Sports Complex.

CA Wise stated that we received the first payment for our gaming tax revenue of $305 for January of 2013. I think this should be put in its own line item so that the city can keep better track of income from gaming.

Domestic Partner insurance would be added cost to the city. It was decided that it could possibly be part of the negotiation package for a union contract. So the city will not be providing this coverage at this time.

The new fine of $500 will be the penalty for violation of Ordinance #13-06, Amending Drug Paraphernalia Control Act, and Cannabis Control Act. (It was $50)

Odell Library’s attorney submitted a letter asking that Paragraph number nine be removed from the contract with the city—this is to do with a 90 day notice to terminate the agreement. City Attorney Zollinger will be in contact with the library Attorney Kilgus. It is a general consensus of the council to remove paragraph nine. The contract has to be taken back to the library board for approval of any changes (the city council voted to approve the old contract about a month ago because the council was lead to believe by Mayor Drey and CA Wise that the library board had already signed it-but the library board had not signed it). If the library board agrees with the changes we will have to go back and revote on an amended ordinance or agreement.

Mayor Drey had Fehr Graham do an audit on 101/103 W. Main to see if we got what we paid for. They found nothing out of order. I found change orders 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were missing from their audit. Change order 3.1 listed Addendum #1 which listed doors and window. We were told that it is part of the bid process, all items were not contracted. Addendums only mean something in the bid but not in the build. The roofing and downspouts was part of the 3.1 change order. I asked if we got the roofing and downspouts….the cost was cut in half so something was eliminated….not sure what. So when the council was asked to accept the audit report and put an end to this issue, I voted no because Fehr Graham’s report was missing 5 change orders. Votes were: 1 nay, 5 ayes.

American Legion wanted to opt out of the Historic District. Dale Usterbowki was at the meeting. He stated he sent the letter signed by four officers on December 17, 2012, which was within the timeframe allowed. There is no way of tracking lost letters. Scott Connelly is afraid it will set precedence and someone else will come forward to ask to be allowed out. Would that change what is in our ordinance? The Legion is asking to be allowed to opt out because of extenuating circumstances with the mail. Dale will be getting the officers to re-sign a new paper and get a statement from them. Attorney Zollinger stated that the ordinance would have to be rewritten to permit the acceptance of this opt out, due to the circumstances, if the council recommends. It will be brought up at the next meeting.

Sarah Thorndike (Sullivan and Wood were also contacted) brought up a request from a resident. He would like the council to consider allowing dogs to be walked in the cemetery. Mayor Drey said it will be on the next agenda.

The Historic Preservation Commission Meeting is on March 5, 2013 at 5:00 pm, basement of City Hall; MBAG meets March 7, 2013 at 8:00 am at the Masonic Dunlap Lodge; the next city council meeting for Morrison will be March 11, 2013 at 7:00 pm.

According to the City of Morrison calendar, the budget meeting will be on March 13, 2013 at the Community Room at Odell Library at 5:30 pm—note change of time and place!

March 21, 2013 at 6:00 pm at the Odell Community Room you will be able to “Meet the Candidates”. This will be a good way for members of the community to put a face with a name. After the prepared question/answer portion of the meeting, residents can talk to the candidates, one on one. EVERYONE IS INVITED!!!

A Morrison Taxpayer,
Marti Wood

The Last Line of Defense

The sheriff does not require permission from a federal court to say “no” to enforcing unconstitutional laws. It is the Constitutional duty of the sheriff to uphold his/her oath and to defend the Constitution in its entirety against all enemies both foreign and DOMESTIC. The sheriff’s duty is not only to protect the citizen from criminals, but also from tyranny.

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” - Abraham Lincoln. (Known as “The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions” or Lincoln’s Lyceum Address.)

Does the sheriff and his office believe the only threat to our freedoms will come from criminals, drug cartels, terrorists or other outside forces? Historically speaking, there has been only one true threat to peoples’ liberties, more instances of infringement on the peoples’ freedoms by those in power. No, not by Al Qaeda or these supposed mass murder sprees, but by the people in power!

We cannot simply ignore where the power of the sheriff comes from, as it will be our downfall. The sheriff’s power does not come from the lawyer, the congressman or the federal government. It comes from we the people as he is a public servant entrusted with protecting our life, liberties and pursuit towards happiness. The sheriff is the very seams of our society. Without the police we have no defense against tyrannical attacks. The sheriff is the last line of defense.

As of February 1st, The National Sheriff Association Board of Directors publicly stated they defend our 2nd amendment rights. The NSA along with 230 county sheriff’s across the nation have come forward stating protection of the people living in his or her county from criminal activity, including the enforcement of unjust laws, is their constitutional duty. These officers of the law understand that once they enforce unconstitutional laws, they become agents of tyranny. These sheriffs have chosen to uphold the Constitution and enforce only those laws that promote justice, liberty and equality for everyone living in his or her county. The statement and list of the 230 sheriffs can be found on the National Sheriff Association’s and the Constitutional Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association’s webpages.

I encourage the Sheriff of Carroll County to take personal responsibility by protecting the liberties granted to us by our founding fathers and follow in the footsteps of the 230 sheriffs and the NSA. I would also like to encourage every citizen within Carroll County to actively work along side one another guarding against any and all parties who attempt to attack, erode and demolish the freedoms enjoyed by everyone.

Exercising our 2nd Amendment rights in accordance to already established law is not a call to arms or a time to act vigilant. Any or all persons who disregard the law will face prosecution. Police officers, both local and county, should understand that if a time ever comes and they need our assistance, we will stand with them united as one to protect our freedoms. It is necessary that both police officers and all citizens of Carroll County understand the importance of The Constitution, The Bill of Rights and the 2nd amendment in its entirety.

This is why I strongly urge our Sheriff to publicly speak immediately declaring that all federal, state or local acts, laws, orders, rules, regulations – past, present or future – in violation of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Illinois, are not authorized and violate its true meaning and intent as established by the Founders. Thus, they are hereby declared to be invalid within Carroll County and all of its boundaries and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in the County of Carroll within the state of Illinois.

In April 19, 1775 at the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the English attempted to confiscate firearms from Americans. Resulting in a successful revolution, the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights followed, thus establishing our great nation free of tyranny. Just as our founding fathers stood up against tyranny, it is our sheriff’s constitutional duty to uphold his oath against all forms of tyranny. Ensuring our founding fathers idea of liberty remains whole. If our sheriff or any of his deputies refuse to protect our Constitution and acknowledge their oath, we the people must enforce this oath. As it has been done throughout the history of our republic, it is our obligation to peacefully force the resignation of all oath breakers. Replacing the open seat(s) with Liberty-minded individuals.

I encourage Carroll County to set the example for Illinois. We will remind Illinois that we remember our history and the path towards liberty as defined by our founding fathers. That we are patriotic, united, and never divided. And we will not accept any attempt of marxist, socialist or liberal attack on the very documents granting us freedom from a tyrannical government.

Jacob Smith
Lanark, IL

llinois, Act Now to Help Nullify Drone Spying!

SB1587 is up for a hearing/vote this week. Calls needed immediately!

Illinois SB1587, Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act, is up for a hearing and possible vote in the State Senate Committee on Criminal Law. Your help is needed right now to move this bill forward!

The hearing is on March 6th, 2013 at 9am. Help nullify drone spying in Illinois by contacting the committee and telling them to vote in favor for SB1587. Attend the hearing as well. The link to the bill can be found here.

Action Items

1. Contact the Committee Chair. Thank him for scheduling the hearing and urge him to vote YES on SB1587

Michael Noland (217) 782-7746

2. Contact the other members of the committee. Strongly, but respectfully, urge them to vote YES on SB1587. Tell them to vote on principle, not party.

Kwame Raoul (217) 782-5338

Bill Cunningham (217) 782-5145

William R. Haine (217) 782-5247

Dan Kotowski (217) 782-3875

John G. Mulroe (217) 782-1035

Patricia Van Pelt (217) 782-6252

Dale A. Righter (217) 782-6674

Tim Bivins (217) 782-0180

Michael Connelly (217) 782-8192

3. Attend the hearing.

The Criminal Law Hearing will start March 6 2013 9:00AM in the Capitol room 409 in Springfield, Illinois.

Arrive EARLY!

4. Encourage your local community to take action as well. Using model legislation from the Tenth Amendment Center, you can introduce legislation to nullify Drones in your city, town, and county with the Privacy Protection Act .

Model legislation here: http://tenthamendmentcenter.com/legislation/privacy-protection-act/

5. Share this information widely. Please pass this along to your friends and family. Also share it with any and all grassroots groups you’re in contact with around the state. Please encourage them to email this information to their members and supporters.

Additional Information

While the bill only limits drone use by state and local government, it will have some serious impact on intended results being pushed by the federal government. At this stage in the ‘drone game,’ the feds are working hard behind the scenes to get states to operate the drones for them.

In fact, the primary engine behind the expansion of drone surveillance being carried out by states and local communities is the Federal government itself. Department of Homeland Security issues large grants to local governments so that those agencies can purchase drones. Those grants, in and of themselves, are an uncosntitutional expansion of power.

The goal? Fund a network of drones around the country and put the operational burden on the states. Once the create a web over the whole country, DHS steps in with requests for ‘information sharing,’” he said. “Bills like these put a dent in this kind of long-term strategy. Without the states and local communities operating the drones today, it’s going to be nearly impossible for DHS plans to – take off.

Submitted by The Tenth Amendment Center

http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2013/03/illinois-act-now-to-nullify-drone-spying/

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

The two biggest issues in Springfield at this writing, February 27, 2013, would have to be concealed carry and same sex marriage. I know, any reasonable, prudent person would say that’s not possible.

It should be our state’s budget and our pension crisis. Yes, reasonable and prudence should win out but emotion is a huge driver. In the past two weeks the rallies at the Capital for concealed carry and marital rights have topped anything I have seen in my years here. Before I write another word, I will state my position on both issues just in case any of you don’t know where I stand. On these issues I will not waiver, they go to the core of who I am and what I believe. I will never waiver on my belief in the 2nd amendment, the right to keep and bear arms (that includes concealed carry), and I believe that marriage is a sacred right between a man and woman. I know I infuriate many of you with those stands. I respect every opinion in opposition but as long as I am sucking good air I will fall on my sword to defend both of them. As recently as yesterday Ralph Rivera, the legislative liaison for the Illinois Family Institute, ran me down to advise me that he heard I was going to vote for same sex marriage. Not going to happen.

Yesterday for nine consecutive hours we debated House Bill 1155, a convoluted attempt by the anti-gunners to create a concealed carry bill that would allow you to carry a concealed weapon anywhere in Illinois except on land, water, or in the air. Simply put - it was nuts. It came out of nowhere and it included 27 amendments with only amendment 27 making sense. That amendment was basically all the verbiage of HB997, the well established concealed carry bill authored by my good friend, Representative Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg.

Speaker Madigan has allowed HB1155 to exist and he offered his caucus the option to put any amendments on it that they chose. Notice I said his caucus, there was not one republican amendment attached. Starting at noon we debated each amendment, one at a time, and I wish space allowed me to list them all. Basically, they had to do with where you cannot carry. This charade went on until about 7:30 PM and we were up to amendment 14 when Speaker Madigan waived his magic wand, (it must be in our constitution somewhere), and stated that the remaining amendments had been withdrawn with the exception of amendment 27, the Phelps language. You can’t make this stuff up folks. We debated Amendment 27 for 1 ½ hours, passed it and we adjourned.

Where does this leave concealed carry? I have no idea. HB997 is still alive.

Following adjournment around 9 PM our executive committee passed the same sex marriage bill and we may see that hit the floor today. In the meantime, Illinois’ financial crisis remains the worst in the nation and we are floundering under an unsustainable pensions program.

As always, you can reach me, Sally or Barb at 815-232-0774 or e-mail us at jimsacia@aeroinc.net. You can also visit my website at www.jimsacia.com. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you.