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Morrison Rotary Donates to Homestay Program
Morrison Rotary Club made a $200.00 donation to the International Thanksgiving Homestay Program. The program, which has been around since 1960 in the Morrison area, promotes international understanding by bringing international students to live with American families for the Thanksgiving holiday. “This is the best way to extend your hand of friendship from your home across the globe,” explains Ben Hollister, one of the program directors for Morrison. “These students, who are attending college in the Chicago area, are away from all of their friends and family; You get a chance to impact their life and show them a truly American holiday with historical significance”, says Hollister. There is still a need for host families. The college students will arrive in Morrison on November 23rd and stay with your family until November 27th. If interested in hosting a student, please contact Ben Hollister at .
Three Chadwick ‘Class’ ActsThe Chadwick High School Graduating Classes of 1954, 1955, and 1956 met together at Buck’s Barn in Thomson, IL for a first-time, three-class reunion. “Long-time no-see” acquaintances were renewed, and everyone had a great time.
Big Meadows Celebrates Homecoming
Big Meadows Nursing Home celebrated Homecoming Week in conjunction with West Carroll from September 19-24. Activities during this week included staff and residents participating in dress up days including ugly sweater, twin day, favorite color, 80’s day, and spirit day. A community coffee was held on Wednesday the 21st with cheerleaders and members from the football, golf, and volleyball team attending. They visited with residents and even treated them to a few cheers. On this day the king and queen crowning was also held with Earl Bucholz and Cathy Stasch winning the honor as voted on by other residents. On Thursday the 22nd residents were treated to a performance by the band and flag squad. On Thursday night the king and queen rode in the parade as did residents who enjoyed waving to spectators from the van. Homecoming week is something that the residents look forward to each year and Big Meadows would like to thank West Carroll for their involvement once again. Local FFA Chapter Places 2nd at State Contest
In preparation for the State FFA Horse Judging Contest Chadwick Milledgeville FFA members competed in the Section 2 Horse Judging Contest held at RC Quarterhorses in Dixon, IL. While at the contests students were given a quick judging workshop with Black Hawk East College Horse Judging Coach. The members judged 4 classes including halter and performance. At the end of the contest results were given with the team placing 2nd overall. Top members on the team included Emily Kleckler who was high individual for the contest and Michelle Grevengoed and Randi Kleckler who were also top 10 for the contest. The Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA Chapter competed in the State horse Judging contest held at Black Hawk East College in Kewannee, IL. While at the contest members judged several performance classes including horsemanship and reining classes. In addition to the performance classes students also had to judge halter classes including 2 gelding classes and 2 mare classes. The chapter had high hopes for a place in both individual and team scores. Congratulations to Ms. Michelle Grevengood for placing 4th high individual overall and to her team mates for placing 2nd high team overall. The team included Randi Marie Kleckler, Kayla Selman, Abbie Gelwicks and Michelle Grevengoed. Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA attends Soil Judging Contest
The Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA attended the Section 2 Land Judging Contest Monday October 3 in Oregon, Illinois at Pegasus Special Riders. The team observed 4 soil pits as well as had a cook out with the entire section. While judging soil pits students had to observe many things including slope, depth of soil, soil structure and texture, water holding capacity and conservation practices. After the contest and lunch was served the chapter learned that they placed 3rd over-all as team. Congratulations to Devin Billar, Courtney Swalve, Alex Fink, Lauren Hackbarth, and Abbie Gelwicks.
West Carroll FFA Greenhands Attend Highland Greenhand Conference
Six West Carroll FFA Greenhands attended the Highland FFA Greenhand Conference on October 5 at Highland Community College in Freeport. The evening was started with a mixer and meal of pizza, chips, apples, cookies and soft drinks. Students heard from keynote speaker, Annie Larson, 2008-2009 Illinois Association State Treasurer. Students then attended 3 breakout sessions. Eastland FFA advisor, Stan Toepfer presented “Leading in MY Community”. The Section #1 FFA president, Nick Gimple and the Section #1 FFA officers presented “The Inns and Outs of FFA”. Annie Larson and the University of Wisconsin, Platteville Agri-Ambassadors presented “Collegiate FFA and Agricultural Opportunities.” West Carroll FFA Greenhands attending included Ashley Hunt, Glenn Hoffman, Kita Stallings, Shawn Baker, Kristen Houzenga and Shauna Lott. Coming events for the chapter include the the National FFA Convention Trip October 18-22 and the West Carroll FFA Blood Drive November 4.
Youth Deer Hunt Brings Big Smiles & Big Deer
The special Youth Deer Hunt at Lost Mound was held on October 8-9 and it was obvious which youth had harvested deer, just by looking at the smiles on their faces. The 21 youth hunters harvested two deer that included one buck and one doe. Thirteen year old Caleb Poffenberger from Forreston harvested his first deer, a nine point buck with field dressed weight of 165 pounds. Lost Mound provides a unique opportunity for youth and hunters with disabilities. There are 25 designated hunt sites located within areas closed to public access in the former Savanna Army Depot. Hunters are selected by a random drawing. Hunters are only allowed in the area for 4 days, 2 days for youth and 2 for hunters with disabilities. Ed Britton, Wildlife Refuge Manager, commented “The small number of deer harvested this year was a little disappointing, but most of the youth saw deer and whether they went home with deer or not, they all expressed excitement at the special opportunity to hunt Lost Mound. The 80 degree plus temperatures combined with a near full moon was a disadvantage but you couldn’t have asked for a more enjoyable time of year to be in the woods.” The deer population at Lost Mound is much higher than most areas in Illinois because it provides a sanctuary for deer during most of the hunt season. The number of large bucks is impressive and offers an outstanding opportunity to observe and to harvest deer for a special group of hunters. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited Refuge in the United States. It extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha MN to Albany IL, protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife. This 240,000 acre Refuge was established in 1924. 31st Annual Rice-Martindale ReunionThe descendants of Frank and Helen Martindale Rice met at the Old Mill Park in Savanna, IL on Saturday, September 10, 2011. In attendance were 54 members and 1 guest. Before the annual meeting was called to order by our President Pat Wurster of Thomson, IL. All participated in saying the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of God Bless America, and a silent prayer for all the victims of 9/11 on this the 10th anniversary of this disaster. Receiving the gift for “most cherished” (oldest) member this year, went to both sides of the family, the Rice’s and the Martindale’s. The first gift went to Janet Spencer Johnson Edwards of Lakefield, MN. The second gift went to Ronald Johnson from Clinton, IA. Both Janet and Ronald presented the annual baby spoon to the youngest member present, Chase Robert Phillips, born on February 5, 2010, the son of Eric and Carla Rice Phillips of Erie, IL. The gist to members who traveled the farthest was given to Greg White, husband of Wendy Weimer White, traveling from Crystal Lake, FL. He drove 1,153 miles to attend this reunion. The election of officers was held and are as follows: President, Betty Rice, Muscatine, Iowa; Vice President, James Johnson, Warren, Ohio; Secretary-Historian, Vada Waites, Galena, Illinois; Treasurer, Donald Rice, Buffalo Prairie, Illinois; Assistant-Historian, Cheryl Scykes of Rock Falls, IL. It was voted to hold our 2012 reunion on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the causeway in Thomson, IL. After the meeting, an auction was held, with Greg White and James Johnson, our auctioneers for the afternoon. A raffle and cake walk ended the day of fun. Vada Waites, Galena, IL NARFE NewsChapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their monthly meeting at noon on Thursday, October 20th at the House of Events in Savanna. A luncheon buffet will be available at noon for those who wish to eat. The business meeting and program will follow at 1 p.m. The special guest will be a representative of the Savanna Ambulance Service. All retired federal employees, spouses and survivors are cordially invited. Schneider House Helps Customers Save Money and Save Lives During Mohawk Anniversary SaleHomeowners in the market for new flooring have an opportunity to give back to the community and save lives. As part of this year’s Mohawk Anniversary Sale, Schneider House is helping customers raise money for breast cancer research. The program, called “Decorate for the Cure,” will support Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the leading organization helping advance the fight against breast cancer. “We take great pride in being this area’s local flooring store,” said Tim Schneider of Schneider House. “This is our community and we want to make it the best place possible to live, work and raise a family. We are delighted that we can incorporate such a wonderful organization into our annual sales event.” A portion of each purchase of Mohawk’s branded carpet cushion, SmartCushion by Mohawk, will go to Komen for the Cure® during the Mohawk Anniversary Sale. “Customers can give great carpet the support it deserves and simultaneously support a great cause,” added Schneider. The Mohawk Anniversary Sale, which runs September 23rd through October 31st, is always popular with budget-minded homeowners looking to remodel a home or renovate a recently purchased space. Shoppers should ask Schneider House about featured specials on select hardwood and ceramic tile products “Made in the USA.” In addition, financing a floor has never been better or easier during the 2011 Mohawk Anniversary Sale, Schneider House if offering customers 36 months, no interest financing* on all Mohawk flooring. Schneider says this is a big benefit for his customers because it allows them to purchase flooring without compromising on personal preferences for product style and design. Schneider House is a full service Mohawk COLOR CENTER store serving northwest Illinois communities for more than 100 years. We understand that each customer is unique and believe in finding flooring solutions that are tailored to the individual’s specific needs. When you stop at Schneider House, you can expect the very best customer service. Our associates are experts in all aspects of flooring, including product, style, design and installation. For more information about Schneider House and the Mohawk Anniversary Sale, visit Schneider House at 207 East Broadway in Mt. Carroll, Illinois or call (815) 244-2111. You can also learn more online at www.schneiderhousefurniture.com and see their ad in the 10-12-11 Flip Pages! *All consumer finance offers are pending credit approval Democratic Supper & FundraiserThe Carroll County Democrats will be holding their Annual Fall Supper and Fundraiser at the House of Events, 108 Main Street in Savanna, IL, on Saturday, October 22nd. It provides an opportunity for the public, candidates and elected officials to meet and express their views and get to know each other better. This is all the more important, since a lot of the districts have changed. The Congressional candidates, plus others, have been invited. This new 17th District encompasses the area from the Quad Cities to Dubuque to Rockford to Peoria and back to the Quad Cities. The night will not be all business. There will be a buffet meal, door prizes, a silent auction and a raffle with a $1500.00 Grand Prize for a cost of $50.00, which includes two meals. Supper only tickets cost $20.00 each. All are welcome to come, be informed and have a good time. For more information, or tickets, call Gerald Bork at 1-. Harvest Hammer Shirts AvailableHarvest Hammer shirts from 2011, 2010 and 2009 are now on sale at Community State Bank. 2011 shirts are $8 and include Adults Lg and XL only. Childrens all sizes. 2010 and 2009 shirts are $2 each. For more information, please call Morrison Rotary President Kathy Schmidt at . Bids For Trapping Rights at Spring LakesThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the special trapping program will continue this season on their Spring Lake Unit south of Savanna. This special trapping program allows exclusive trapping rights to 3,600 acres within Spring Lake under restrictive conditions during the duck hunting season. According to Russell Engelke, Wildlife Refuge Specialist for Upper Miss Refuge, “this special trapping program allows us to better manage the furbearer populations on Spring Lake as well as protect the levees and structures we use to provide habitat for migrating waterfowl”. Trappers interested in taking advantage of this program can submit a sealed bid from October 1 to October 15 at the Refuge headquarters located at 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, IL 61285. A minimum bid of $300 is required. Bids will be opened October 17 and full payment must be received by October 21. Other details of this special furbearer management program include: access into the trapping unit is only allowed from 11am-2pm daily to reduce disturbance to waterfowl; 3 helpers can accompany the trapper; vehicle access is allowed on designated levees; no Refuge trap tags are needed and an unlimited number of traps are allowed; a minimum of 100 trap-nights per week is required; exclusive trapping rights will end on the last day of the regular duck hunting season (December 13) when all traps must be removed, and; trapping is in accordance with the Illinois furbearer season. For additional information on this special furbearer management program at the Spring Lake Unit, contact the Refuge office at the above address or telephone . The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses 550 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. Upper Mississippi River Refuge Trapping Permits Available The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that trap tags for the 2011-2012 Refuge trapping season on the Savanna District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge will be issued beginning Monday, October 3, 2011. Special Use Permits and trap tags (40 with each permit) may be obtained during the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm only, Monday through Friday, at the Savanna District Office, 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL. Regulations require that trappers possess a Federal permit and trap tags in addition to appropriate State license and stamps to be eligible to trap furbearers on the Refuge. Trap tags must be obtained in person and trappers must have a valid 2011-2012 state trapping license in their possession when obtaining trap tags. The Refuge permit will be issued for a fee of $30.00 for trappers 18 years or older and $5 for trappers under age 18. Only cash or checks can be accepted. Trappers who did not return their fur catch report for the 2010-2011 season will not be issued a trapping permit for this year. Additional information can be found in the Refuge’s Furbearer Management Plan available on the web at www.fws.gov/midwest/UpperMississippiRiver/fur.html For further information, please contact the District Office at . The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minn. to Rock Island, Ill., protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife. This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924. Second Grade Conservation & Ag DayThe Carroll County 2nd Grade Conservation & Ag Day was held on Thursday, September 22, 2011. Students from West Carroll, Eastland, and Chadwick/Milledgeville all attended the activities held at YMCA Camp Merrill Benson near Mount Carroll. The Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Ag in the Classroom program coordinated this event. Over the course of the day, there were approximately 180 students who participated in presentations on a variety of topics including watersheds and pollution, groundwater, birds, fish, recycling, soybeans, pigs, dairy & beef cattle, corn, and wheat. This year’s event was a tremendous success. A special thank you is extended to the entire Conservation & Ag Day teaching team for sharing their time and talents. Presenters were: Luke Allen, Arlene Bickelhaupt, Janet Dowdall, Mike Foutch, Bobbie Janssen, John Lundquist, Susan O’Connor, Rick O’Neil, Pam Steinhaus, and Chas Welch. Thank you also to all of the teachers and YMCA Camp Benson for their help in making the event an excellent educational opportunity for the children. For more information about the Soil & Water Conservation District contact Lori Rice at (815) 244-8732. To learn more about Ag in the Classroom, contact Melinda Charbonneau at (815) 732-2191 or visit www.oglefb.org. Bake Sale With Cats & KittensHeartland Pet Welfare Inc., a no-kill organization for homeless cats, is having a benefit featuring a bake sale with adoptable cats & kittens. Comfort for the body & soul. Date/time/location are: Saturday, October 15, 2011 beginning at 9 a.m. at Pamida in Savanna. SENIORS: Don’t spend the cold winter alone-come find a warm, furry friend. The $75 adoption fee is waived for you. Information call: Kay at or visit us on line at www.heartlandpetwelfare.com or on Facebook. Thank you Pamida for hosting us again. HCC Foundation Holds Scholarship Awards CeremonyThe Highland Community College Foundation distributed over $350,000 dollars to Highland students for the 2011-2012 academic year with over 400 people in attendance at its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on September 25th. Over $5.3 million has been distributed to Highland students since the Foundation was formed. Some scholarships are based on merit and financial need; others are awarded to students based on where they attended high school and what major they are studying. The following local scholarship recipients were recognized: Elizabeth: Leigh Bonvillain, Dr. and Mrs. Spencer K. Phillips; Jacob Crome, Irma Dittmar Ames Memorial; Donna Marcotte, Carl D. Loescher Memorial; Allison McLane, Dr. and Mrs. Ozro Hill Forreston: Seth Gronewold, Fehr-Graham and Associates; Dana Novinson, Harold D. Walkup; Danelle Saunders, Joseph S. and Bettye J. Mihina Nursing; Taylor Slothower, H.G. Kable Memorial; Ryan Stukenberg, James Schneiderman Memorial Lanark: Stacy Lamoreux, Jim Sacia-Incoming/Returning Adult and Opal Wade Memorial Mt. Carroll: Kierstin Dimmick, Raymond A. Klee Trustmark; Christina Wheetley, Maureen Baldwin Pearl City: Kyle Aspinwall, Jim Sacia-High School Senior; Katlyn Heinrich, Krug-Phillips Memorial; Grace Schirmer, Harold D. Walkup; Lisa Velazco, Marion Byram Polo: Elizabeth Stauffer, Harold Lee Offenheiser Ecology-Biology Savanna: Gerald Cavanagh, Betty J. and Lyle F. Gillespie Memorial - Upward Bound; Emily Mills, HCC Mathematics-Science; Izziner Morris, Leonard C. and Mildred F. Ferguson Foundation Nursing Shannon: Leigh Tipton, Robert ‘Bob’ Carlile Memorial Thomson: Derek Sturtevant, Betty Hayes Memorial Music Scholarship MCH to Offer Health Screening’s to PublicMorrison Community Hospital will be sponsoring a health screening special in correlation with Family Health Month, October 17th -21st from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The health screening will offer both a lipid profile and glucose test. The lipid profile will include cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL for $20/ profile. The glucose or blood sugar screening will cost $7. $25 will be charged for individuals interested in both the lipid profile and glucose screening. In order to receive the most accurate results it is recommended that participants fast for ten hours prior to testing. Interested persons should go directly to the MCH laboratory. Morrison Community Hospital is located at 303 N. Jackson St. Morrison, IL. For more information please call . HCC Cosmetology Dept. Holds Fundraiser for Well Woman of NW IllinoisThe Highland Community College Cosmetology department is holding their annual fundraiser for the Well Woman of Northwest Illinois agency which assists women who are either uninsured or not covered in getting regular cancer screening tests. This year cosmetology students and instructors donated enough gift items to make up six beautifully filled baskets. Raffle tickets on the baskets will be sold throughout the month. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 and may be purchased in the department each day from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday throughout the month of October. Tickets are also available from cosmetology students and faculty. Added to the raffle this year is a handmade quilt with tickets selling for $2.00 each or 6 for $7.00. All baskets and the quilt are on display in the cosmetology department and in the display window in hall outside the department. Pink Hair pieces are being sold all month. These can be clipped into the hair for a fun look and to support the event. The Cosmetology Department will be holding Pink Week this year to bring attention to the cause. The HCC Cosmetology salon is open to the public Tuesday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information about the fundraiser or the HCC Cosmetology program visit www.highlandcosmo.com or call . http://www.highland.edu/news_events/announcements.asp?newsid=708 PAL Fall ArtThe Palisades Art League will host its annual Fall Art Show and Sale on Oct. 22 and 23 at the West Carroll Primary School cafeteria. Ribbons will be awarded to those competing and separate monetary prizes will be given for the amateur and advanced winners in Best of Show selections in both Photography and Fine Art categories along with The People’s Choice Award. In addition, members of the PAL will choose which one of their group will receive the PAL Peer Award medal. Anyone interested in art, whether amateur or advanced in training, may enter this competition, but participants should be aware that art work will be divided according to the mediums of painting, mixed media, drawing, dimensional works, photography and computer generated art at both the amateur and advanced levels. Entries will be separated according to categories which include: Portraits or Figures, Landscapes or Seascapes, Abstracts, Still Life or Floral and the Animal World. Final media grouping will be based on the number of works entered and be subject to the discretion of the judges. All artwork must be original, never previously entered in a PAL show and be properly framed with wire hangers, not modern back bar hangers. Nude art is not considered acceptable and the PAL also reserves the right to accept, reject or reclassify any entry. Entries will need to be delivered to the West Carroll Primary School between 5 & 8 P.M. Friday, Oct. 21 or between 8 & 9 A.M. Sat. Oct. 22. Judges will begin working by 9 A.M., so no entries will be accepted after that time. The Judge’s critique will begin at 12:30 P.M. Oct. 22 for Photography with the Fine Art critique to follow. Refreshments will be available for sale by the Heartland Pet Welfare group. For full particulars, a PAL brochure and entry forms, interested artists and photographers may contact Judy Gentile, or email or send a request to PAL, P.O. Box 125, Savanna, IL 61074. ‘We the People . . .
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