More Important News

CCSEC Reorganizes

The Carroll County Substance Education Coalition (CCSEC) recently held election of officers in reorganizing their efforts to reduce underage drinking and drug abuse in Carroll County.

New chairman is Chief Jim Haag of the Milledgeville Police Department. Other officers are vice-chair Chief Troy Randall of the Shannon Police Department and secretary-treasurer, Dawn Holland of the Carroll County Health Department.

Chief Haag emphasized the coalition encompasses far more than just law enforcement members. “We have members from several community based service organizations as well as businesses,” said Haag. “Just a couple of weeks ago, CCSEC applied for a Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant that requires representation from 12 community sectors, so we are always looking for new members, especially parents.”

CCSEC, through the Project for Success (PFS) grant, awarded by the IL Department of Human Services (IDHS), currently sponsors Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) groups in all 3 county high schools.

CCSEC is also licensed to provide beverage server training (BASSETT) through the IL Liquor Control Commission.

To receive information on CCSEC and its activities or have a program provided for your organization, contact Carol Geary at the CCSEC office, 114 W. Market Street, Mt. Carroll or call .

JDCF ‘s Annual Frog Walk Set

The best way to identify frogs and toads is by the sound or “call”. Each species is different and will be “calling” on the path to Buehler Preserve this spring.  On Friday, April 12th from 7-9 PM, bring the whole family out for the annual Frog Walk, sponsored by the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation.

This moonlight Frog Walk will begin below the Meeker Street footbridge on the east side along the Galena River Trail with a toast to Spring! After, participants will learn from expert guides about frogs and toads, why they call and how important they are in nature.  A guided night hike will follow and participants will have the opportunity to identify many different species of frogs and toads that live along the Galena River.  Remember your flashlights and minnow nets!

Parking for this event is available on Park Avenue and Jefferson Street in Galena. 

The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is a local non-profit whose mission is to conserve and enhance natural wildlife habitat, cultural heritage, scenic vistas, and the agricultural character of Jo Daviess County and the surrounding area for future generations. JDCF owns several beautiful and unique properties all of which are open to the public for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. For more information, visit their office at 126 N Main Street in Elizabeth, IL, call (815) 858-9100, or find them online at http://www.jdcf.org.

JC’s Dog N’ Suds Celebrates 4th Anniversary

Celebrating 4 years, April 1st 2013, JC Dog N’ Suds of Mount Carroll would like to introduce Jane Brzezinski, the newest member of “our pack.”

Also, stop in and meet Maxx, a Siberian Husky, Kitty, a Yorkie, Kaylee, a Shih-Poo which is a cross betweeen Shih Tzu and Poodle, Romeo, the Bob-Tail Shop Cat, and Smokey (not pictured, who’s camera shy)

Jayne, Carol, and Jane of JC’S Dog N’ Suds offer a variety of products and services to keep your pooch clean and looking good. With their kind-natured spirits these animals are greatly cared for and in goods hands. Nail clippings run from $5 up to $10, baths starting at $15 on up depending on size from pocket pups to larger dogs, or full grooms stating and $25 and up.

Full grooming includes baths, clipping, nails, ears and glands. Inquire on holistic specialty orders and Mediguard and flea baths. Pet friendly, professional grooming at 119 W. Market Street in Historic Downtown Mount Carroll.

(PA photo/Andrew Williamson)

(L to R) Tina Stretton, TLP Manager of Theatre Operations, Mt. Carroll Rotarian Julie Katzenberger, and TLP Executive Director James Beaudryas Julie makes the annual donation of $750 from the Mt. Carroll Rotary Club. Timber Lake Playhouse of Mt. Carroll is the oldest summer stock theatre in Illinois. (Courtesy of MC Rotary)

Christine Pirkle, Sales & Event Coordinator at the Goldmoor Inn in Galena spoke to the Savanna Rotary Club about the history of the Goldmoor Inn, the restaurant and the many special event opportunities. Pictured with Christine are (left) Ed Bochniak, her father and Savanna Rotary Club Treasurer and (right) Bryan McCaskey Savanna Rotary Club President.

West Carroll FFA Ag Mechanics Team Wins Section #1 Contest

The West Carroll FFA Ag Mechanics team won the Section #1 Ag Mechanics Contest held on March 13 at West Carroll High School. The West Carroll team score was 393. Forreston placed 2nd with 289.5.

Individually for West Carroll, Brandon Anderson placed 1st and Ashley Hunt placed 2nd in surveying; Alex Handel placed 1st and Dylan Williams placed 2nd in electricity; Janelle Dykstra placed 1st in welding; Jacob Ritchie placed 2nd in carpentry; Glenn Hoffman placed 2nd and Bryan Hansen placed 5th in power. West Carroll also had 3 JV members participating in the contest which were Bryan Hansen, Ashley Hunt, and Alex Handel.

An Ag Mechanics contest consists of taking a written test and then doing a hands-on practical in each of the 5 mechanics areas.

4-H Public Presentation Contest Held

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker 4-H & Youth

Carroll County 4-H’ers recently participated in the county 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstration contests.

Public Speaking awards went to Sr. Division: Mary Franque, 17, Milledgeville Hotshots, “Not Just the Blue Genes” - Horse Illustrated Speech, Lake Carroll Women’s Club-$20; Emily Legel, 15, Thomson Sandburrs, “The Twilight Saga-Independent Girls or Passive Females? ” – Formal Speech, “Jest ‘Fore Christmas” - Oral Interpretation, “The Life of a Speech” as told by Speech Herself – Original Works, Lake Carroll Women’s Club-$20, State Fair Delegate; Rebecca Alexander, 15, Chadwick Achievers, “Equine 911”- Horse Formal Speech, Freedom HCE Unit - $10 & Lake Carroll Women’s Club - $5; Hannah Brill, 14, Country Clovers, Selection from “Up From Slavery” by Booker T. Washington – Oral Interpretation, “History of Painting” – Illustrated Speech, Linda Alexander on behalf of Chadwick Lamplighters HCE Unit - $10 & Lake Carroll Women’s Club - $5, State Fair Delegate; Ethan Nash, 15, Milledgeville Hotshots “Unfortunate Events” – Original Works, WCCI Radio Station - $15 gift card, State Fair Alternate.

Jr. Division: Dylan Alexander, 13, Chadwick Achievers, “Entertainment of the 70’s” – Formal Speech, WCCI Radio Station - $10 gift card & Lake Carroll Women’s Club - $5 gift card, State Fair Delegate; Beth Brill, 11, Country Clovers, Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” – Oral Interpretation, “Taco Bake” – Food Demonstration, Lake Carroll Women’s Club - $20, State Fair Delegate; Briana Wilkinson, 8, Chadwick Achievers, “Froggy Learns to Swim” – Oral Interpretation, Lake Carroll Women’s Club - $20, Outstanding Jr. Exhibitor Award; Nicole Adolph, 10, Carroll County Kids “What’s the Score?” – Illustrated Speech, Carroll Co. Livestock Feeders Assoc-$15; Austin Miller, 12, Clever Clovers, “Did You See the Thirty-Pointer?” – Illustrated Speech, Linda Alexander on behalf of the Chadwick Lamplighters HCE Unit - $15, State Fair Alternate; Alex York, 10, Clever Clovers, “All About Archery” – Illustrated Speech, Odds N Ends HCE Unit - $15; Natalie Wilkinson, 11, Chadwick Achievers, “Scrambled Eggs” – Food Demonstration, Freedom HCE Unit – $10; Alyssa Miller, 9, Clever Clovers “Beefy Crock-Pot Pizza” – Food Demonstration, Carroll Co. Livestock Feeders Assoc-$10 & Lake Carroll Women’s Club - $5, Outstanding Jr. Exhibitor Award.

A large group of well-wishers that included family, colleagues, and chamber members were on hand to celebrate with Financial Services Professional Joe Mills, the opening of his branch office of First Wealth Financial Group at 219 E. Main Street, downtown Morrison. Joe specializes in providing insurance, asset accumulation, and distribution solutions to families, businesses, not-for-profits, and governmental agencies. Contact him at (815) 718-5933 or visit firstwealthfinancialgroup.com. Those attending the ribbon cutting ceremony on March 22, 2013 were front row l-r: Vickie Viggen, Madison Street Spa; Joe’s wife Danielle holding their daughter Ivy; Owner Joe Mills; Andrew Meyers, First Wealth Clinton, IA Branch; Suzie Mills, Joe’s sister-in-law; and Norma Nelson, THE National Bank. Back row l-r: Jean Eggemeyer, Carillon Communications; Howard Mills, Joe’s father; Patrick Lonergan, First Wealth Clinton, IA Branch; Jennifer White, THE National Bank; Christina Wetzell, Relax Therapeutic Massage; and Stephanie Vavra, thecity1.com.
(Courtesy of Morrison Chamber of Commerce)

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce recently presented Sheila Osborn of Wells Fargo Bank, the Customer Service Award for the month of March in recognition of her personalized service and readiness to help; going that extra mile to assist with her customer’s needs; not because nice is easy, but because nice matters! (Courtesy of Morrison Chamber of Commerce)

Mississippi Riverview 5K/10K Run

Spring time is here and it is time to get running! Together Riverview Center and All Our Kids Network are hosting the Mississippi Riverview 5K/10K Run on Saturday April 27, 2013. The run will begin at Marquette Park Boat Landing in Savanna and will take us along the banks of the River. The run will feature a post-run party at Manny’s Pizza, a t-shirt, and awards!

Registration begins at 7:00 am and race starts promptly at 8:00 am. Pre-registration can be done to secure a race t-shirt online at www.getmeregistered.com or find a form and more information at www.riverviewcenter.org or email for a form. Come enjoy the wonderful spring weather all while supporting families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse.

Training as Peacemakers

As we celebrate the gift of God’s redemption named in Easter, Jesus’ words as he approaches Jerusalem still ring on our ears as he wept over this place and its people. “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes…” —NIV Luke 19:41ff

If we had only known what would bring you peace? What is it that will bring this peace? In the New Testament the NIV version uses the word “peace” 90 times, so why are there not countless efforts being made to teach the ways of Christ that bring this peace?

Jesus says in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” So as the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22) brings peace what does it look like? If Christians are to; “Make ever effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy…” (Hebrews 12:14ff) what is our living like? How might I live the wisdom that comes from heaven which is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17-18)?

Tim Peebles will be leading a “Trainings as peacemakers” even on Sunday, April 14 at the Sterling YWCA 1-4 p.m. This even is open to the public for adults and older youth.

He will be working from real world questions to help participants move along in this exploration of Christian faith in action. Tim comes to this task with experience through working with youth and adults contending with personal and street confrontation. He is a 2nd Degree Black Belt, Taekwon-do, an Instructor in Connelly’s Academy of Marital Arts, as well as Instructor in the Peacemakers Academy based in Goshen, Indiana.

His personal mission statement is: With the rise and spread of violence, we need to be proactive in transforming conflicts and making peace. Because the virus of violence has especially taken its toll in our youth culture, there is a critical need to begin there and train young people in the way of peace.

Responding to this need, the mission of Peacemakers is training youth (and adults) to prevent violence and transform conflict. We aim to empower people to stop violence, intervene in conflict, and promote peace in their spheres of influence. Through this we hope to extend peace beyond interpersonal relationships to the community and to the larger world.

Community Mennonite Fellowship (CMF) of Sterling is hosting this event and seeks to equip participants in ways that they might live their Christian faith in this world as persons of peace in Christ.

We at CMF with Tim as followers of Christ commitment to be as Peacemakers seeking to prevent violence and transform conflict by:

• Have esteem for myself and respect for others,

• Set my heart to courage and my mind to wisdom,

• Be responsible for my emotions and actions,

• Act with honor, compassion, and self-control,

• Use my head rather than my hands in conflict,

• Seek to do no harm to others or myself, and

• Resolve problems in a positive way for peace.

Tim can be reached at: Tim Peebles , or contact Community Mennonite Fellowship through Dan Rusmisel, , or http://www.community-mennonite.org

Final Four Basketball Shoot Out

On Friday, April 5, Sullivan’s Foods is hosting a Final Four Basketball Shoot Out Contest along with a Pizza Ramma. Each store has a different School Sports team who will be assisting with the Pizza Ramma, which Sullivan’s Foods in return is donating $200.00 to their organization. Pizza Rama - is from 4-7 and the shoot out is at 6:00 PM.

Four Seasons Gardening Program Starts with Spring Series

The spring series of University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening program, which focuses on environmental stewardship and backyard food production, gets underway this month. The first session of the series is titled Spruce Problems (Pest and Cultural Issues). The program is offered on April 9 at 1 p.m. and will be presented via teleconference at the Extension office in Jo Daviess County – 204 Vine St., Elizabeth, IL.

Spruce generally are native to cooler regions and are adapted to cold conditions. They prefer full sun locations with acidic and well-drained soils. When exposed to unfavorable cultural or environmental conditions, spruce can become stressed and more susceptible to diseases and pests. This program will cover all the cultural, disease, insect, and spider mite problems that have been diagnosed at the University of Illinois Plant Clinic.

Other topics in the spring series include Pollinators and Insecticides, set for April 25, All About Tomatoes: Strategies for Controlling Common Pests and Disorders set for May 7, and Don’t Doubt the Drought on May 23.

Cost per session is $5.00. Advance registration is required by April 8. Phone the U of I Extension office for more details, , or go online at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw/.

If you have disability needs, please indicate when registering.

HRRV Creates Short-Term Support Group

Beginning Thursday, April 18, Hospice of the Rock River Valley, a United Way Agency, invites individuals coping with the loss of a loved one to attend a 6-week grief support group to be held in Classroom #1 at CGH Medical in Sterling. The group will meet Thursdays from 10 a.m. to Noon, April 18 to May 23.

The sessions will be conducted by Sarah Cebula, HRRV Social Worker.

“Sometimes we are not sure what our thoughts mean during a loss. These sessions will help guide attendees to an understanding of what they are feeling during this time,” said Cebula.

Grief support groups are free and open to anyone experiencing a loss.

HRRV also offers a variety of bereavement services to families and community members. These services include home visits, one-on-one personal visits or meetings, or phone contacts. All services are free and open to the public.

For more information about this group or any of our bereavement services, call (815) 288-3673 or visit www.hospicerockriver.org.

4-H….It is more than Cows, Cookies and the Fair…It’s about Life Skills!

4-H is the youth audience of the University of Illinois Extension and the nation’s largest out-of school educational program for young people. The mission of 4-H is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.

While most are familiar with the cows, cookies and 4-H Fairs of the past, oh, how the program has grown! Current project areas include Photography, Animal Science, Robotics, Visual Arts, Public Speaking, and Wind Energy to name a few. SPIN Clubs (Special Interest Groups) allow for short-term focused learning. But the foundation of it all lies in the development of the young person and the “positive youth development” experiences that provide opportunities for mental, physical, and social growth. Based upon a philosophy of “learning by doing,” youth are required to set their own goals, and to plan and conduct programs that will help them reach those goals. This process allows them to learn how to access information, manage their time, internalize what they have learned, and identify ways to apply their observations.

So, what are those life skills deemed so critical to the development of our youth? Youth involved in 4-H develop relationship-building skills through participating in group activities, joining committees, and serving as Club Officers. They learn how to interact effectively with others, accept responsibility, respect diversity, trust themselves, resolve conflict, and recognize their own strengths and weaknesses. Importantly, they learn to communicate thoughtfully – as both a speaker and a listener. Project and group work provides opportunities to learn to manage activities and coordinate the work of others. These experiences help develop skills in goal setting, creating timetables, team building, assigning tasks and working without direct supervision. As young people grow in the program, they begin to develop leadership skills for use in 4-H and beyond. Youth have the opportunity to lead and help build a team, motivate others, set group goals, gain respect, accommodate different styles, and appreciate differing points of view. Young people learn to be better decision makers as they learn to recognize how personal values influence their decisions and the decisions of others.

So, yes, there are still livestock shows and cooking demonstrations, along with nearly 100 other project areas. And, forming the foundation beneath it all, are the developmental experiences that are creating the next generation of dedicated leaders, community volunteers, and inspired parents. If you and/or your child are interested in joining 4-H to learn more life skills, please contact Lori Tessendorf, University of Illinois Extension 4-H Program Coordinator at .

Employee Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by Lanark Chamber of Commerce

Thank the people that help make your job as owner or manager an easier job; take the to the Employee Appreciatioon Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24, to honor and show them your appreciation. The event starts at 11:30 a.m., and will be held at Lanark’s Heritage Center Reception Hall in downtown Lanark.

Sponsored by the Lanark Chamber of Commerce, lunch will be catered by the incomparable Bill Piper, and features entrees of your choice of Lasagna or Chicken Manicotti, salad, vegetable, dessert and beverage.

Guest speaker will be Bud LeFevre of Distinctive Gardens, Dixon, IL, who will present “Container Gardens.”

Ticket includes all of the above, a flower, tasty treats, and a chance to win door prizes donated by area businesses. To make your reservations, please contact Deb Meiste at Carroll Service Co., at . Please RSVP by Friday, April 12.

Performer David Sandy Featured at Music and Magic in Savanna

Music and Magic in Savanna brings entertainer David Sandy to the Alan and Adrianne St. George Center for the Arts, 800 Chicago Avenue on April 26, 27 and 28. Music and Magic in Savanna is a family friendly event, featuring 5 specialty acts that will entertain and mystify theater goers of all ages.

Over the years, David Sandy’s magical accomplishments include causing a new sports car to vanish into thin air while in full view of an audience and driving a car through busy traffic while being completely blindfolded with his eyes taped shut. In addition, he has escaped from a straitjacket while suspended upside down in mid-air, and from wooden packing crates, canvas mailbags, handcuffs, ropes and other restraint devices. Out of more than 100 different shows in Branson, MO., David’s show has won the prestigious title of “Branson’s Show of the Year” twice. David has served as International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He produced all of the magical entertainment for the Presidential Inaugural Banquets in January 2001 in Washington, D. C.

He has the unique ability to blend magic, comedy and illusion into an entertaining program. With his warm personality, he immediately connects with his audience to create a magical rapport. David’s audiences don’t simply watch the show, they experience it- for it is both fun and inspirational.

Event sponsor Alan St. George has planned the full evening of entertainment, also including illusionists Joel Ward and Lance Rich. Completing the musical portion of the program and sure to please theater goers are professionally trained vocalists Michael S. Dunavant and Talia Marie Aull. And, the magical evening may include a special surprise performer!!! Music and Magic in Savanna promises non-stop excitement and entertainment.

The Savanna Museum and Cultural Center and Adrianne’s Angels Pet Rescue will benefit from ticket sales. All tickets in preferred seating are $22. General admission is $17. Children 18 and under,

$12. Curtain time is 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 2:30 pm on Sunday. Free popcorn and beverages served at intermission. Sorry, not handicapped accessible. No strollers allowed. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be ordered online at www.MagicInSavanna.com at Facemakers (8 am-4 pm weekdays) or Jean Ferris .

Surrender at Appomattox Presented at the Savanna Museum

On Sunday, April 7th, reenactment of a momentous event in history, Surrender at Appomattox, will be presented at the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center, 406 Main Street. First person reenactors, Larry Werline and Company, will bring history alive as they portray Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, General Robert E. Lee, and other Civil War notables as they signed surrender documents in the parlor of a home in the village of Appomattox Courthouse. The formal ceremony marked the disbandment of the Army of Northern Virginia and the parole of its officers and men, effectively ending the Civil War. At its conclusion the bloodiest conflict in the nation’s history neared its end.

Werline says, “Our unit is called ‘Grant, Lee, Custer & Co.’ We were formed in 2002 as a group of Civil War reenactors that had both an interest in a particular Civil War character and a physical resemblance. The group started performing at reenactments and has branched out to museums, historical sites, schools, historical societies, and anywhere there is an interest in first person American Civil War living history. Our purpose is to bring history to life.”

The program will be presented at 2:00 pm., a donation of $5.00 is requested. The program will be the first of a series of programs presented by the Savanna Historical Society in June and July, featuring guest speakers and performers relating to an exhibition entitled “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War.” The exhibition is made possible from a grant obtained from the American Library Association Public Programs Office, with generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities and cooperation from the Savanna Public Library.