Members of the Carroll County Finance Committee:

I am writing this letter to express my concerns about the funding cuts for the Carroll County Extension service. While I am well aware of the current economic situation both personally and professionally, I feel that deep consideration must be given to the proposed funding for the programs connected with the University of Illinois Extension. I believe that these programs provide tremendous value to all generations of Carroll County residents.

Growing up as a farm girl, the programs of the Extension figured prominently in my life. My two brothers were heavily involved in 4-H with calf and crop projects that taught them about responsibility, financial management, teamwork, and showmanship. My mom was involved in a home extension unit which provided a young mother with valuable parenting, homemaking, leadership, and social networking skills. My dad was active in coordinating the county 4-H fair. I observed my neighbor and classmate, David Gilliland, become a proficient speaker through 4-H programs. I greatly admire the skills and values that he learned through 4-H which have served him well as a teacher, a coach, and now as superintendent at the Stockton schools. As a young mother, I belonged to a home extension unit here in Lanark. This allowed me to strengthen my parenting and homemaking skills, develop new friends and social networks, and learn leadership skills which have benefitted me in my nursing career.

I believe that it is imperative to consider the value that Extension programs bring to Carroll County. As an aging, rural county, these programs provide important educational and social benefits. We do not live in a metropolitan area full of countless cultural opportunities. Many residents are not able to travel to Rockford, Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, or other larger cities. With the overall poverty level in Carroll County at 11.4% and that of children under the age of 18 at 18.4%, these statistics show us that we need to do what we can to help ourselves. University of Illinois Extension programs provide a cost-effective way to do this.

Although Extension programs influenced my childhood, they continue to do so in my adult life:

- I have watched the residents of the Gordon Jones Terrace participate in the 4-H program. This outlet allows them to be involved socially with other county residents while learning valuable life lessons at their own pace.

- I have observed 4-H kids in Savanna listen intently to and interact with my presentation about how difficult it is to live on a minimum wage salary and raise a family in Carroll County. As a result, they applied for a grant to purchase car seats, strollers, high chairs, and diapers for the Pitter Patter Pantry. They shopped for each item and negotiated with the management at Pamida for the best price so their money would stretch the furthest. The pride on their faces when they presented those items was priceless as were the life skills they learned from this project which benefitted others.

- I have observed 4-H kids in Milledgeville work on applying for a matching grant to purchase car seats and blanket materials. They invited the car seat technicians from Rights Steps/Early Steps to educate them on the features they needed to look for in a car seat and why car seats are so important. They worked to earn the necessary match for the grant and then worked as a team to make fleece tie blankets with materials they purchased. As a group, they proudly presented the car seats and blankets to the Pitter Patter Pantry. Once again, lifelong skills were learned.

- 4-H kids in Mt. Carroll will be working with Good Sam residents on a project to benefit the pantry. This project is the result of a community participation grant from Good Sam and a separate grant that the 4-H group applied for. The outstanding benefits from this project affect multiple generations of Carroll County residents: 4-H youth, pantry parents and children, and Good Sam residents. Unbelievable!

- I have seen the difference that the nutritional education programs taught by Robin Fisch at the Health Department make in the lives of the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) participants. We often take for granted the basic knowledge and skills passed on to us by our mothers and grandmothers. We do not stop to think about how many of today’s young parents have not had the luxury of good parenting.

- I have marveled at the joy that members of several home extension units have shown as they worked together to make blankets and bibs for the pantry. I have marveled at the determination they have displayed as they worked to raise money to donate to the pantry. These are opportunities that provide necessary social outlets for adults while benefitting Carroll County children.

- I have seen my two oldest children move to other parts of the country for better jobs and better cultural opportunities. While I have always stressed to them that they need to experience as much of the world as possible to fully appreciate what is right here at home, I also realize that job and cultural opportunities in Carroll County are limited. The programs and services generated through the University of Illinois Extension offer Carroll County a cost-effective way to provide residents with opportunities to develop life skills, engage in social networking, and serve as productive members of society.

I fully expect the members of the Carroll County Finance Committee to carefully examine each item in the 2011 budget while taking into consideration the return each item provides to county residents. I would like to thank each one of you for the countless hours you give your role as a county board member. Thank you for taking my thoughts and concerns into consideration as you make your decisions.

Sincerely,

Leigh Anne Piper

Lanark, IL

A Board Member Responds

Thank you for your thoughtful e-mail on County budget considerations. We, the Committee, hear from numerous agencies with strong feelings for funding their favorite or sponsored programs. Unfortunately the Finance Committee cannot support funding that will cause spending beyond our income. In reviewing this year’s budget the committee has determined minor major cuts will be recommended to the County Board for final consideration, pursuant to a balanced budget. Every presentation for funding provides additional challenges in our efforts to balance our budget and operate within our fund restrictions.

Simply ignoring all of the funding requests and supporting only one is not an achievable resolution to our funding issues. Every funding request is looked at by the Committee and discussed with the requestors in an effort to reduce costs and stay within our individual budgets and the overall budget for the County.

I am sorry to say the extension has not submitted (in my opinion) evidence that supports any attempt to reduce costs. Based on the limited info the Committee has received from this source I cannot support the $80,000 request.

The Committee has been inundated with 4H support and we, the Committee, and including the Finance Committee, have no desire to delete 4H. Indeed, the County does not have the authority to so do. This effort will be initiated by extension authorities, probably based on their budget restrictions. I can only assume you have contacted them with your concerns in the matter.

Again - Thank You for your comments.

Food for Thought – Why hold out for $80,000 – perhaps 55 or 60 will survive the challenges of budgeting.

Paul Hartman

Carroll County Board

District 1

Savanna, IL

Bob Miller Memorial Run

On September 4, 2010 the 6th annual Bob Miller Memorial 5K walk/run took place in Shannon, Illinois. I would like to personally thank everyone that ran or walked or just supported the event. The support was amazing, the day was beautiful and we had more in attendance than any other year since the event has started.

I would like to thank the sponsors; The Bob Miller Family, Eastland Feed and Grain, Four Paws Inn, Sygenta/Garst, First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll, Hulsebus & Gehlsen Chiropractic, Bocker Chevrolet, Fawnridge Reality & Land Inc., and Vinyl Advantage- Kevin Barnes. I would also like to thank the personal donations people made out of the goodness of their hearts. A big thanks to all of the volunteers that helped the day of the race, without you the race would not have happened. If I have inadvertently left anyone out I apologize. Thank you again to everyone for all of your support.

Amy Snyder

Shannon, IL

Well Done, Lanark Farmers Market

Congratulations to the Lanark Chamber of Commerce and John Huggins for empowering one of our youth, Frankie Huggins, to organize the 2010 Farmers Market in the Lanark City Park. With all her heart and soul, Frankie inspired us to step out and make a difference in our community. She even entertained us with some trivia games! The Chamber offered “Farm Bucks” and tote bags to encourage the shoppers. The park location provided a pastoral setting, shelter from the hot sun/rains, and tables for vendors to spread out their bounty.

As a non-profit vendor, the Lanark United Methodist Women were grateful for the opportunity to market our donated produce and baked goods, the UMW 150th year Cookbooks, handcrafted potholders and tea towels, reusable tote bags and more. The profits we earned, over $600, were earmarked for two special local missions: the Carroll County Pitter Patter Pantry serving young families with children and the Lanark-Shannon Food Pantry that assists Eastland area families of all ages.

The Lanark UMW says THANK YOU to the patrons of the Lanark Farmers Market. May this spirit of community continue into 2011 as Lanark celebrates its Sesquicentennial.

Gretchen Wallander

President, Lanark United Methodist Women

Progress(ive) is a Relative Term

We have an important election in November and the choice is very clear. We can continue to move forward or go back and repeat the tried and failed policies of the Bush/Republican era, as the minority US House John Boehner said “we are not going to do anything different”. With that in mind, I was reviewing the Democrats and President Obama’s accomplishments of the last two years and decided to highlight some of the major ones.

- Pushed for and administered the TARP program that saved the economy from crashing in late summer 2008. Contrary to Republican misinformation, this $750 Billion bill may only cost the government only $30 Billion or as some economists predict, may make money for the government. Not bad for a bill that saved the economy from a total collapse. This administration also used some of the TARP money to aid two out of the three auto companies saving not only those companies but hundreds of thousand of jobs, including many here in Illinois.

- Passed into law the Health Care reform which accomplishes the following:

Bans discrimination against kids with pre-existing conditions.

Allows young adults to remain on their parents’ plan until their 26th birthday.

Prohibits insurance companies from cutting off your coverage when you’re sick if you made a mistake on your application.

Prohibits insurance companies from putting a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage you may receive, and restricts the use of annual limits until they are banned completely in 2014.

And if you join a new plan: You have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurer network.

Your insurer is banned from charging more for emergency services obtained outside of their network.

You will be guaranteed the right to appeal insurance company decisions to an independent third party.

The Medicare part D doughnut hole will eventually disappear.

You will receive recommended preventive care with no out-of-pocket cost. Services like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, pre-natal and new baby care are now covered, and insurance companies will be prohibited from charging deductibles, co-payments or co-insurance

- Passed into law the Financial Reform Bill which calls for regulations of the financial system to avoid future crisis.

- Signed into law the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, giving women equal pay to men.

- Following through with the plan to end war in Iraq and get the US out.

- Signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Plan). Contrary to Republican misinformation according to CBO reports, the stimulus has created 3.5 million jobs and kept unemployment about 1 to 2 percent lower.

- Provided a tax cut to 95% American workers (Part of the Stimulus Bill).

- Passed into law the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, enabling better care for veterans.

- Passed into law to SChip law to help underprivileged children be covered by health insurance.

- Created a commission to review cutting government expenses and expending the viability of Social Security and Medicare.

- Passed into law the Credit Card Accountability. Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, putting the brake on sleazy practices of credit care companies and protecting consumers.

- Seven of ten economic indicators have improved, showing signs that the economy has and continues to improve.

-The administration is in the process of purchasing the Thomson prison from the State which will create hundreds if not thousands of jobs in northwest Illinois. Congressman Manzullo was against it.

- Negotiated to have BP set aside $20 Billion Dollars to pay for the Golf oil spill unlike some Republicans that were against it and suggested taxpayers should pay, like Republican John Boehner.

- This administration continues to push for comprehensive immigration, energy and education reform.

These accomplishments listed here and dozens more were accomplished while the Republicans, including Representatives Manzullo and Kirk did nothing. This is their strategy going into the Nov. elections (they know their base very well).

What have the Republicans done? Absolutely nothing but obstruct, delay, and whine. What are they offering if they take over Congress? More of the same; tax cuts for the rich and their corporate supporters, repeal healthcare and finance reform and eliminate Social Security and Medicare as we know it (good luck with it), eliminate the minimum wage, eliminate social programs such as Medicaid, welfare, unemployment compensation and even curtail Civil Rights legislation. Some even think that these programs are unconstitutional! Pay some attention as to who is running in the Republican Party. It is scary! If the Fox controlled Tea Party Republicans get in power, paying taxes will be the least of our worries.

Paul Gonzalez

Lake Carroll, IL

Publisher’s Note: There is a comment you made that needs to be corrected, Paul. Congressman Manzullo was not against the sale of the 10-year-old, never been used, State of Illinois Thomson Correctional Center to the federal Bureau of Prisons. What he and several other U.S. Congressmen and Senators - on both sides of the aisles - were opposed to, was using the facility to house non-combatant prisoners for the Dept. of Defense at an additional cost of $360 million to American taxpayers. This fact was reported in this paper and many other media outlets. Not only was Manzullo’s opposition a well-thought-out financial reason, but a Constitutional reason as well.

Speaking of the Constitution, which the Obama administration certainly does not, I would suggest that “the Democrats and President Obama’s accomplishments of the last two years” will soon prove to be just more political rhetoric.

The one comment you made in the very first line is absolutely correct: The choice come November is very clear.

Be an Educated Voter

People say they hate Socialism until it affects their pocket book. This is why the progressives say the Tea Parties are right wing radicals. Our ideas are not anything new.

If you are against us then you are against Ronald Reagan: “Man is not free unless government is limited.”, “Government’s view of the economy: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”

John F Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Our founders of this great Nation also believed in limited government, less taxes, God and family values. Our country has moved so far to the left it just appears we are too far to the right. This government is continuing to take away Christian rights and catering to the Muslims. This government is more concerned about illegals working than red blooded, born and raised Americans Citizens.

I have had more illegals trying to rent from me in the last two months than ever. It is against the law for me to ask if they are illegal. It is against the law for me not to rent to them on that sole reason. Doesn’t that conflict with harboring a fugitive?

If I go to E-Verify to check out illegals, it tells me my computer becomes property of the government. I have names and the cheese factories and the big dairy farms where they work. We have a Federal Immigration law stiffer then Arizona’s being ignored. We have spent millions on I.C.E. to enforce this - that is a joke.

Well, we can do something about some of these problems November 2nd. All you hear is “Vote.” I say be an educated voter. We were the first to have the congressional candidates, George Gaulrapp and Don Manzullo, take questions together. Now we invite you to hear the Stephenson County Board Candidates that have a challenger take on our questions. Help us take our country back. Stephenson County Tea Party meeting Oct. 14th. 6:30 pm, Dietz Old School Apt. 111. E. Mason St. Lena IL. or ph. .

Bill Dietz

Lena, IL

Good Morning Citizens

The population of Stephenson County is approximately 46.000 people of which 15,000 people are registered to vote. On October 5th all new voter registration was stopped for this cycle for the November 2nd election. In the past approximately 30% of Stephenson County had voted. If you do the math with me, a county wide election with 30 % of 15,000 divided by two people running for office then you would need only 2501 votes to win. To a few who try to paint a good picture, or those that try to intimidate the voters, winning is everything. Winning rules, or winning means profits, but winning is not everything to most people. It is the participation. Because of the intimidation you have those who are interested about the government of the county but will not take up the task because they feel it is pointless to try.

To me, the election and subsequent holding office is about community, the community of the county. When I see the government that was put in place for its citizens with involvement being abused by a few self ordained county/city leaders it is time to step up and say to the citizens take your government back because leadership is only done by a few in selective circles.

Do not turn your back on your government, the process works, your vote counts. In fact it is the only real thing that stands between tyranny and freedom even at the county level of government. A vote not used is a vote for tyranny

The perfume of Power is a slow acting narcotic but once someone is hooked on power it is the only thing that matters. I feel the reason information, open forums, debates and town hall meetings are suppressed is because of two reasons. Some of the leadership do not want the general public informed, and when the public enters the voting booth, it will be confusing.

I feel that the voters of Stephenson County have understood my position on many of the issues this county faces and I will work with whomever you elect on November 2nd. Privately I will be assisting some of the candidates for election that I feel are the best for Stephenson County. I have thought about this decision over the last several months, but have decided this election in county government is too important to be on the sideline when so much is at stake!

So think about your choices carefully, read what you can and meet the candidates if you have an opportunity and . . . VOTE!

It’s your Government. Learn It! Live It! Vote It!

George Kinney (I)

Stephenson County Board Member

District “K”

JDCAVC Displays Artwork

For the last two years the students in the Graphic Communications program at the Jo Daviess Carroll Area Vocational Center have displayed artwork at the local libraries in Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. As their instructor, I thought it would be a great opportunity for the students and a nice way to bring their hard work to their home towns. As I started calling the libraries to ask them if they would like to be a part of this, I was unanimously met with support. Each time I bring the artwork, the librarians and staff assist me with hauling art pieces, clear a space for me, and make the project feel welcome. They often pass on kind words that patrons say about the artwork so I can share it with the students, as well as offer to host work longer, more often, etc. I would like to publicly thank them for their continued generosity. They are truly pillars of our communities.

This school year’s exhibit will start up again in December 2010 at the Freeport Arts Center and then in January 2011 begin traveling through the local libraries. Libraries included in the project are Stockton Township Public Library, Savanna Township Public Library, Warren Township Public Library, Hanover Township Public Library, York Township Public Library (Thomson), Galena Public Library, Mount Carroll Township Public Library, and Elizabeth Township Public Library. Again, thank you from the Jo Daviess Carroll Area Vocational Center, the graphic students, and myself.

Irene Thraen-Borowski,

JDCAVC graphics instructor

Treatment Works

Last week was Mental Illness Awareness Week, a time to learn about serious mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Mental illnesses are medical illnesses. They affect all communities. One in four adults experiences a mental disorder in any given year. One in 17 adults lives with serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder.

MIAW is especially important this year as severe budget cuts threaten mental health services in many communities around the country. The costs of cutting state mental health budgets are high—people who do not receive treatment end up in hospitals, shelters, in jail or dead.

With the 2010 election on the horizon, there needs to be public dialogue about mental illness and political candidates need to hear that mental health gets our vote. Illinois is cutting funding for community based mental health centers including Sinnissippi Centers, thus forcing many clients to discontinue their treatment programs. Although it may save a few dollars now, the end results will be much more costly to society.

Treatment works—and saves lives.

Learn more about mental illness and support, education and advocacy to improve the lives of individuals affected by serious mental illnesses at www.nami.org. Please join the public dialogue. The Sauk Valley chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness meets the 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at the Sinnissippi Center, Dixon, IL

Mary Ann Hutchison

President, NAMI

of Sauk Valley

Magic & Music Thanks

Another magical event happened last week in Savanna. The 6th production at The Alan and Adrianne St. George Center for the Arts featured professional performers that entertained large crowds at two performances that had audiences laughing, spellbound and their toes ‘a tappin’.

As is usual with such events, there are a number of people who help behind the scenes who are unseen, but whose help is invaluable. I wish to thank those who helped with tickets, pop corn, beverages, sales and publicity and other details to make the event a success. They did a great job!

Many of the same wonderful people in our community are the first to volunteer to help and can always be counted on to give of their time and service. Thank you! You are very much appreciated. Alan St. George is to be commended for always bringing quality family entertainment to our community. As a business man, he believes in ‘giving back’ to the community and was pleased to host the benefit for two local non for profit charities, The Savanna Historical Society and Adrianne’s Angels Pet Rescue.

Again, thank you to our volunteers, our community and all who supported Magic and Music in Savanna. It WAS a magical weekend.

Jean Ferris

Event Chairperson

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

“Our system of government leaves much to be desired; but, it’s better than anywhere else in the world.” I first heard that statement as a junior in high school in Melrose, Wisconsin in 1961, from our American Government teacher, Clarence Newton. It didn’t mean much to me then. It sure does today.

The money spent on campaigns and negative advertising is such an insult to “we the people”. It begs the question, can money buy a seat? Look at some of the races across our nation, the money being spent is obscene.

As we enter the last thirty days of a mid-term election, once again negative advertising is rising to a new low. I had convinced myself that it couldn’t get any worse several cycles ago, and then I visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. Believe it or not, I think the attack ads in the mid 1800’s by cartoon and print media were actually worse.

Okay, it’s been around for hundreds of years, that doesn’t make it right. Politics is a necessary, noble profession in America. How do you attract quality people when we shred their personal and professional lives? I truly believe more good people would enter the arena if somehow civility was demanded.

One of the persons who has added insult to injury to a “much to be desired” system is Congressman Grayson of the 8th Congressional District in Florida. On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, he has used his charts and rhetoric to make some of the most ridiculous statements ever. But then again, they get him notoriety, such as his statement that the Republican Plan for health care for the elderly is “Die Quickly”. The media is all over it.

His latest ad against his opponent Dan Webster, is to refer to him in his slam ads as “Taliban Dan”, and then quotes Mr. Webster with the Biblical phrase taken out of context, “wives be submissive to your husbands”. Of course, I saw Mr. Webster’s complete speech saying exactly the opposite. Both parties are guilty. If the Governor is a bum and Mr. Brady is a bum, for whom do you vote?

We all owe it to our great system of government and to our neighbors to become informed and do our homework. Future challenges require the best of the best