More Important News

Eastland FFA - Highway Clean-up

Eastland FFA recently completed the clean-up of a stretch of highway that has its name ­ Eastland FFA ­ assigned by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Eastland FFA cleans the stretch of highway several times each year as part of its community service to the community. Eastland FFA members are dedicated to improving the community with projects. Eastland FFA cooperates with IDOT in Carroll County with this project each year. (Photo courtesy of Eastland FFA)

Greta Ausburger

Eastland High School is pleased to recognize their 2009-2010 Daughters of American Revolution Representative. Greta Augsburger was chosen through a nomination and selection process based on the qualities of Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism. (Photo courtesy of Anne Pilgrim)

MetLife Helps Fund NWIL Red Cross

The American Red Cross Northwest Illinois Chapter has received $3,000 from MetLife Foundation's Volunteer Project Fund, which supports nonprofit organizations with which teams and individuals of MetLife associates volunteer. Lauri Wienand (left), MetLife Auto & Home's Freeport office blood drive coordinator, and Kimberly Beggin (rt), a MetLife Auto & Home associate and Chapter Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, presented the check to Diana Roemer, Chapter Executive, on November 3. The amount represented money obtained through a grant which supports volunteers who have participated in the office wide blood drives. "I can't tell you how much a check like this means to our Chapter," Roemer said. "Donations have dropped off to a frightening level and the funds provided by MetLife Foundation provided our Chapter with funding we desperately need to continue our operation."

IMEA

Milledgeville High School IMEA District Music Festival Winners:

Front row: Andrea Herin (Sr. Choir), Laura Kniss (Jr. Choir), and Kayla Selman (Sr. Band). Back row: Christopher O'Brien (Sr. Choir), Brandon Feltenz (Sr. Choir), Haley Patterson (Sr. Band), and Kyle Kness (Sr. Band). These students are under the direction of Mrs. Margo Weber and Mr. Brad Linboom and will be attending the festival at NIU on Sat., November 21, 2009. The Jr. Choir concert will be at 4:00 p.m. The Sr. Choir concert will be at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5.00 for each concert.

Chadwick Jr. High School IMEA District Music Festival Winners:

Front row: Clarrissa Bosley (Jr. Choir), Lauren Hackbarth (Jr. Choir), Haley McAuliffe (Jr. Choir), Rebecca Alexander (Jr. Treble Choir), and Alexandra Fink (Jr. Choir). Back row: Deidre Ewers (Jr. Choir), Kayleigh Leddy (Jr. Choir), Zachary Herin (Jr. Choir), Ross Hartman (Jr. Choir), Devin Biller (Jr. Choir), and Collin Leddy (Jr. Choir). Absent from the photo: Danielle Sheddan (Jr. Treble Choir), Bailey Fisch (Jr. Treble Choir), and MacKenzie Hinton(Jr. Treble Choir). These students are under the direction of Mrs. Margo Weber and Mr. Brad Linboom and will be attending the festival at NIU on Sat. November 21, 2009. The Jr. Choirs & Band concert will be held at 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5.00.

Meet Sidney

She is a beautiful calico cat approximately one year old. Sidney has been at the shelter since she was a little kitten, and she is ready to have a home and family of her own. She is a sweet girl that enjoys attention and returns affection when petted. Call 244-6543 or 273-3183 today to see Sidney, her brother Licorice, and all her friends at the shelter. Heartland Pet Welfare is located at 2720 Wacker Rd, Savanna, IL.

CGH Medical Center Mural

CGH Medical Center began its year-long 100th Anniversary celebration on Thursday, November 12, by hosting a joint Sauk Valley Area and Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Nearly 200 people were in attendance to view medical memorabilia, photos, newspaper scrapbooks and a historical timeline. In addition, Ed Andersen (above), President/CEO of CGH Medical Center unveiled CGH's commemorative photo mosaic Anniversary mural. The mural, which represents the history of CGH, measures over seven feet high and eight feet wide, and includes 1400 photographs, with 2800 total photo cells. "Over 700 employee photos were taken, along with another 700 community, historic, scanned, and candid photos representing the hospital throughout our history," said Andersen. In celebration of the 100th Anniversary, many activities have been scheduled for the next year. Watch for more information on these and other upcoming 100th Anniversary events at www.cghmc.com.

Morrison Fire Department Pork Chop Dinner

Morrison Fire Department will be holding their Annual Drive-Thru Pork Chop Sandwich Dinner on Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the fire station. A Meal Deal, which includes a pork chop, chips and pop, will be offered for $5. For those who don't like pork chops, hot dogs and brats will also be on hand. The department will also accept donations. The Pork Chop Dinner is one of the annual events the department holds to purchase equipment and supplies. (File photo by Dawn Zuidema ­ thecity1.com)

WC Blood Drive

The West Carroll FFA chapter recentlyhosted a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Friday, November 6th at the West Carroll High School. The drive collected 151 units of blood of which 105 of those units were from students. There were 55 first time donors. The FFA chapter would like to thankthose who participated and helped organize the event, Sullivan's Foods for the fruit trays, Casey's General Store for the cookies, and Subway for the sub sandwiches. And a special thanks to Janice Durward for working at the canteen station all day. (Photo courtesy of Kayla Wilson, WC FFA Reporter)

Mt. Carroll Library Book Signing

A book of 55 Pen and Ink Drawings of Mount Carroll Historic Homes and Businesses was made available at a book signing at the Mt. Carroll Public Library.

In the foreground, l to r, are Rita Badger (David's Spouse), and Anna Gray. Background: David Alan Badger, Doug Bergren,

Mike & Sarah had her as a teacher!!! Can't remember . . . , Laurel Bergren, and Tom & Pam Sorg.

Cynthia Pingitore was the chair of this event and helped to coordinate the collection of information and communications to the various individuals and businesses who participated. Cynthia was responsible for the research and editing of materials and descriptions presented in the book alongside the pen & ink drawings of Mr. Badger.

"The pride of the businesses and homeowners in providing their 100% support of this program was heartwarming!", said Lou Schau, president of the Mount Carroll Community Development Corporation. The event was co-sponsored by the CDC and the Friends of the Mount Carroll Public Library and the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce. Books and other items with the various images are available for sale at the Library and many local businesses. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be used for local community programs.

Area Banks to Sponsor Back Street Players and Plum River Production

The Back Street Players and Plum River Playhouse production of The Rented Christmas is happy to have two local banks sponsoring a nightly performance. The Friday night, December 4 performance at Hanover will be sponsored by the Apple River State Bank. The Saturday night, December 5 performance at Stockton will be sponsored by the Stockton Banking Center, a branch of Galena State Bank. Both banks will be providing ushers for those respective performances.

This united effort of The Back Street Players and Plum River Playhouse will be a delightful Christmas show for the whole family! With a number of young performers in the cast, the show will be appropriate for children and adults of all ages. The show tells the story of John Dale who "rents" a Christmas complete with "children" and a "wife". This heart-warming show is sure to get you in the mood for the Christmas season.

Directed by Terrie Miller, and accompanied by Jessica Monroe, the music includes new and familiar tunes. The play is based on a short story by J. Lillian Vandervere and is written by Norman C. Ahern, Jr. and Yvonne Ahern.

Performers for the show include Mary Nolan as Anne Weston, Steven Rice as John Dale, Zach Grabbe as Jimmy, Paula Fulton as Bridget, Mary Jo Frederick as Martha, Michelle Bower as Mrs. Lindsey, Emilee Wolfe as Jean, Katherine Groezinger as Cynthia, Stanlee Rillie as Willie, Madeline Taverna as Lettie, and Tom Tippett as Fred. Chorus members include the following children and adults: Marsha Bock, Lauren Haas, Livia Haas, Claire Ketelsen, Kathryn Lincicum, Bob Nolan, Reynold Nolan, Mollie Steele, Kylie Smith, Jane VanHamme, Riley Wolter, and Peter Woodruff.

The Rented Christmas is being presented as a dessert theater at both Hanover and Stockton. Cost of tickets is $12.00 at both locations.

Performances in Hanover will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 4. The venue for the Hanover performances is at Hanover Township Hall, 111 Monroe, in Hanover. Tickets may be purchased at Apple River State Bank in either Hanover or Elizabeth, or by phoning (815) 591-2201. Hanover has reserved seating only. Tickets will not be available at the door. A selection of diabetic desserts will be available.

Stockton performances will be Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 P.M. They will be held at the Masonic Hall, 117 N. Main Street in Stockton. This is a handicapped accessible location. Tickets for the Stockton performances may be purchased at Eccentrics, 105 W. Front Avenue, Stockton, or by calling (815) 947-3701.

Holiday Shopping For CHOICES

The CHOICES Domestic Violence Program and Galena Dips and Gifts are teaming up to bring you holiday gift ideas for co-workers, teachers, day care providers, busy families, clients, customers, etc. As part of a fundraiser for CHOICES, Galena Dips and Gifts is selling gift sets just in time for the holiday season. These sets include two options for a gourmet dip mix sampler pack with pretzel crisps ($10 or $15 sets) and gourmet soup-for-twoset ($20 for 3 soups).

Sets are embellished witha holiday theme and can befound on www.galenadips.com/choices, or you may contact a CHOICES staff member. Galena Dips & Gifts offers all-natural, local, homemade gourmet dip mixes and soups. The dip mixes also double as a great seasoning mix for meat, fish, marinades, vegetables, and potatoes.

CHOICES provides free and confidential services to victims of domestic abuse in Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. CHOICES is ending domestic violence through safety, healing and education for individuals, families and our community. Call or for more information on how to become involved in ending domestic abuse.

HCC Alumni Association to Hold Tip Off Party

The Highland Community College Alumni Association, in partnership with the HCC Student Senate, will hold a Tip-Off Party before the HCC Men's Basketball home opener vs. Moberly CC on Saturday, November 21st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the auxiliary gym of the YMCA/HCC Sports Complex. The event is open to the public.

Pizza and soda will be served. The event will feature introductions of both the men's and women's basketball teams and coaches; a silent and live auction with proceeds benefiting Cougar Athletics and the HCC Alumni Association; and face painting by the Highland Dance Team.

Tickets are $10 which includes admission to the game at 7:00 p.m. and will be available at the door. Advanced tickets are available by contacting one of the following:

Cal Wescott ; Cindy Carter ; Jeff Cowman ; or HCC Athletics .

For more information about the event, call the HCC Community Relations Office at . To learn more about the Alumni Association visit www.highland.edu/alumni.

Myers Accepted At Luther College

Scot Schaeffer, Luther College vice president for enrollment management, has announced that Jacqueline Myers of Sabula, Iowa, has been accepted for admission for the 2010-11 academic year to Luther (http://www.luther.edu). Myers received a Regent Scholarship.

Luther is a selective four-year college located in northeast Iowa. The college has an enrollment of 2,500 students and offers a liberal arts education leading to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

Timber Lake Playhouse and the Lake Carroll Clubhouse Presents: The Santa Class

The Santa Class is a unique look at Christmas, through the eyes and hearts of the guys who don the red suit and make Santa come alive. Enter the world of Joey Archobellino as he teaches his annual Santa class. His stories range from hilarious to heart rending and his philosophy is clear, simple and loving. You'll never look at another Santa the same way again.

The play reveals the secret of Santa, so it is not a class for young children who still believe. It is for the kid in all of us who grew up loving Santa.

"I forgot it was a performance, it was like a real class and I was taking it." Carol Crooks, president of Windsor Music Theater Company.

Performances will be on Saturday, December 5 with Hors D'Oeuvres being served at 7:00 PM and show time at 8:00 PM. Saturday evening tickets are $30 each.

Sunday, December 6, Hors D'Oeuvres are served at 1:00 PM with show time at 2:00 PM. Sunday afternoon tickets are $25.00 each.

All performances are being held at the Lake Carroll Clubhouse, 29-11 Ironwood Blvd., Lake Carroll, IL 61046

To reserve tickets for The Santa Class call the Timber Lake Playhouse Box Office between 10:00AM and 4:00 PM Monday ­ Friday at (815) 244-2035.

Bearly Used Grand Re-Opening

November 27th & 28th from 9 - 5 are the dates set for the Grand Re-Opening of Bearly Used, a children's resale store that carries clothing from size 0 - 14, socks, shoes, boots, bibs, blankets, towels, bedding, mobiles, toys, movies, music, books, and jewelry. Bearly Used also offers, baby equipment like cribs, pack-n-plays, swings, highchairs, strollers, car seats, and more. Its new location is in Eleroy, 7790 US 20 West Rt 20. Door Prizes and Treats will be offered.

All items are name brands in good, clean condition, and are reasonably priced. Discounted items daily at 25-50% off, as well as Senior Citizen's Discounts on Wednesdays.

Thinking about Christmas? Gift Certificates are always available. We currently have a good selection of Christmas outfits, winter outerwear, and warm pajamas. Ask about our "Come Back Bucks".

Looking for doll clothes for American Girl? We currently have handmade outfits that include dresses, pj's, robes, and more.

Regular store hours at Bearly Used are Monday - Saturday 9 - 5, Sunday 12 - 4. Phone

ACS Report

The Artists Cooperative of Savanna today announced the names of those who won prizes at their third annual fundraising dinner held last week.

President Heather Houzenga awarded the 50/50 winnings to Denise Curtis and the prize for the best adult costume to Shirley Lockwood, both residents of Savanna, expressing her appreciation for their presence and that of all the others who attended.

"The turnout was wonderful," she said. "This has been the best dinner yet, and I'd like to express my appreciation for the increased interest that the public is showing for the many ways in which art can enrich all of our lives. We have received so much assistance and

support, it's sometimes difficult to remember all those who contributed in some way. Our thanks go to Chef Bill Lease, of course, for his marvelous skill and the workers who helped with dinner preparation and serving, the Moose Hall, Neumiller Farms and Mazzarisi's Pizza, all of Savanna, and the Bombfire Pizza of Sabula, IA plus a special thank-you to the students of Mrs. Green's class at West Carroll Middle School for the clever and colorful table decorations they provided. This is a shining example of what can be achieved when people are willing to work together for the benefit of many and we are grateful to all of them."

November is National Hospice/Palliative Care Month

Hospice and palliative care professionals and volunteers understand that every person they care for is a unique individual with a lifetime of experiences, relationships and gifts to share and by focusing on the individual, not the illness, hospice care honors life's final journey, leaving a legacy of compassion and caring.

Hospice and palliative care provides patients and families the highest quality care during life-limiting

illness and at the end of life, through pain management and symptom control, caregiver training and assistance, and emotional and spiritual support, allowing patients to live fully up until the final moments, surrounded and supported by the faces of loved ones, friends, and committed caregivers.

Last year, more than 1.45 million Americans living with life-limiting illness, and their families, received care from the more than 4,850 hospice and palliative care programs in communities throughout the United States. Professional and compassionate hospice staff provide comprehensive care focused on the wishes of each individual patient. More than 550,000 trained volunteers contribute 25 million hours of service annually.

Providing high-quality hospice and palliative care reaffirms our belief in the essential dignity of every person, regardless of age, health, or social status, and that every stage of human life deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and care. Hospice and palliative care providers encourage all people to learn more about options of care and to share their wishes with family, loved ones, and their healthcare professionals.

Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois of Stockton, Illinois encourages all people to increase their understanding and awareness of care at the end of life. If you have questions about how our Hospice can help you and your family in a time a great need please contact us at our office. We are available for one-on-one counseling and we can speak to groups about our services. To schedule a speaking engagement, please contact us at or email us as . We currently serve Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Carroll Counties.

NNA Urges More Work on Health Care Reform

The health care reform bill passed by the House of Representatives Nov 7 by a narrow 5 vote margin has missed the mark for small businesses and should not be adopted by the Senate without significant changes to protect millions of jobs in American small business, National Newspaper Association President Cheryl Kaechele, publisher of The Allegan (MI) County News, said today.

"Small businesses, including small newspapers, urgently need a reformed health care system. After working diligently with the Small Business Coalition for Affordable Health Care toward the goal of a bill that actually cuts costs and enables businesses to afford coverage for their employees, we were disappointed that the bill on the House floor fell so wide of the mark for us," Kaechele said.

"The bill has numerous flaws that can severely hurt the backbone of America' s economy, the small business sector. It sets too low a ceiling on the small business exemption; it mandates health care plans that are very likely to be out of reach for most small businesses. Then the bill imposes a stiff penalty for those unable to afford these plans. The $500,000 payroll exemption is going to put a cap on salary increases for some newspapers and the overall cost of the mandates will simply cause newspapers to reduce their workforces. Few of us are in markets where we can or would pass on these new costs to the small businesses that advertise with us, or to our readers who are struggling with an unemployment rate that has soared over 10 percent in many places," she said.

NNA's board of directors on Nov 5 passed a resolution urging their Congressional delegations to vote no on HR 3962. It also emphasized that NNA continues to seek a genuine reform bill that will lessen the need for defensive medicine and increase competition among insurers. NNA believes the bill puts too much of the burden for covering uninsured Americans on the backs of small businesses.

NNA Government Relations Committee Chairman Robert M. Williams, Jr., publisher of The Blackshear (GA) Times, said NNA's statement should not be read as a reflexive opposition to all legislative proposals.

"American business, including thousands of community newspapers, desperately need health care reforms, and we are committed to continuing to work in that direction. NNA supported Association Health Plans in previous Congresses, and believed that strong private sector initiatives were the best first step to a solution. That option has yet to attract sufficient support in Congress for passage. But a better way exists, and we will continue to work with Members of Congress to find it," he said.

From the Fields

By Jim Morrison

Ext. Educator, Crop Systems

Rockford Ext. Center, U of I

There has been considerable attention directed toward the use perennial warm-season grasses as renewable energy crops. However, information on yield optimum nitrogen requirements for these grasses managed as energy crops has been limited in the central United States.

To address this need, Iowa State University researchers recently reported on the effect of nitrogen fertilization allocation between the above- and belowground plant components of four warm-season grasses. The allocation of plant nutrients to roots before crop harvest is a desirable trait for energy crops as it improves biomass quality and nutrients in the roots can be recycled by the crop for future growth.

In the two-year study (2006-2007), established stands of big bluestem, switchgrass, indiangrass, and eastern gamagrass were fertilized with 0, 58, 125, or 196 pounds of nitrogen per acre in the spring and harvested following frost in the fall.

The optimum yield after two years was 6 tons per acre at 125 pounds of nitrogen per acre for all grasses except eastern gamagrass, which demonstrated lower yield and a consistent linear response to nitrogen.

For big bluestem and switchgrass, 125 pounds of nitrogen per acre maximized

root biomass and favored the allocation of nutrients to roots over shoots (above ground growth). In contrast, for indiangrass and eastern gamagrass, root biomass and root nutrient allocation were adversely affected by nitrogen.

For all four grasses, 196 pounds of nitrogen per acre shifted allocation of nutrients to shoots over roots.

The researchers concluded that identification of crops and management practices that optimize yield, and resource partitioning to roots at low to intermediate nitrogen rates will promote the development of productive and efficient bioenergy systems by furnishing large quantities of high quality, low cost feedstocks. The Iowa State University study was reported in the November-December 2009 issue of the Agronomy Journal, and can be viewed at http://agron.scijournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/101/6/1363

Wet Ethanol Production Process Yields More Ethanol and More Co-Products

Using a wet ethanol production method that begins by soaking corn kernels rather than grinding them, results in more gallons of ethanol and more usable co-products, giving ethanol producers a bigger bang for their buck by about 20 percent.

"The conventional ethanol production method has fewer steps, but other than distillers dried grains with soluble, it doesn't have any other co-products," said University of Illinois Agricultural Engineer Esha Khullar.

"Whereas in both wet and dry fractionation processes, the result is ethanol, distillers dried grains with soluble, as well as germ and fiber. Corn fiber oil for example can be extracted from the fiber and used as heart-healthy additives in buttery spreads that can lower cholesterol."

In comparing the wet and dry fractionation methods, Khullar's research team found that when using the wet fractionation method, the result is even higher ethanol concentrations coming out of the fermenter and better quality co-products than the dry method.

In the wet process, the corn kernels are soaked, washing the germ, which Khullar says is a cleaner separation. "There's not a lot of starch sticking to the germ. That's why you get higher oil concentrations."

After the kernels are soaked they are ground to produce a slurry. The slurry is soaked with enzymes so that it raises the specific gravity to a point where the germ starts floating and can be fished out from the top.

Khullar explained that in the dry fractionation method, the kernel is crushed, flattening out the germ. "The germ is still attached to a certain part of the endosperm and you still have a few starch pieces sticking to it. You have a very high starch content germ from the dry fractionation and that lowers the oil content. That's why there's a big difference in the wet process versus the dry process."

Dry and wet fractionation methods have been developed to separate out the germ and pericarp fiber before fermentation which is more efficient because the germ and fiber are non-fermentable.

"It's better to removed them before the process. That way you have more starch in the fermenter. And you don't have to heat them and bump them and cool them," Khullar said.

The process doesn't require developing any new equipment. "It's just a modification of things that are already being done in the corn processing industry and can be done pretty easily," Khullar said.

Ethanol Production from Modified and Conventional Dry-Grind Processes Using Different Corn Types was published in a 2009 issue of Cereal Chemistry. Funding was provided by the University of Illinois and Monsanto Company. The research team included Erik D. Sall, Kent D. Rausch, M.E. Tumbleson, and Vijay Singh.

Webinar Scheduled For Wet-Corn Strategies

With late planting of corn, a cool summer, and a record wet fall many crop and livestock producers are faced with questions and concerns with corn over 25 to 30 percent moisture, presence of yeast, molds, and mycotoxins. And University of Illinois specialists are scheduled to answer these questions and concerns in a Webinar on Wednesday Nov 18, 2009 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

To register go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/169847248. Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar. However, the system requirements include:

- PC-based attendees: Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

- Macintosh®-based attendees: Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or newer

Topics to be covered include:

- Status of wet molds and mycotoxin formation

- Update of mycotoxin levels measured in commercial labs

- Storage alternatives including drying, high moisture corn, and use of propionic acid

- Pricing wet corn

- Feed value of immature corn for livestock

- Mycotoxin binder choices

- Your questions from participants

Another session is scheduled for Thursday Dec 3, 2009 Noon to 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/842673729 to register for this session.

ACES ACCESS Connects Community College Students to the U of I

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois is partnering with Illinois community colleges on a new collaborative initiative called ACES ACCESS.

The initiative was launched this semester with Introduction to Animal Sciences, the first in a sequence of four introductory agricultural science foundation courses taught by U of I professors. The four courses are offered to students attending a participating community college using distance education technologies and several hands-on labs. Thirty-six students from eight different community colleges enrolled this fall.

"ACES ACCESS was developed to expand the range of agriculture courses that community colleges can offer their students, with the understanding that many Illinois colleges are challenged by declining financial and faculty resources," said ACES associate dean Laurie Kramer.

Students enrolled in the inaugural animal science course come from Kankakee, Carl Sandburg, Illinois Valley, Richland, Sauk Valley, Southeastern, Waubonsee, and Wilbur Wright colleges.

All Illinois community colleges are welcome to participate, and registration will soon open for the spring 2010 offering, Introduction to Crop Sciences. Introductory courses in horticulture and soil science will follow in 2010-11.

"This is a great opportunity for students at two-year colleges to have access to the outstanding faculty and resources of the U of I College of ACES," said Donald M. Pearl, academic vice president for Sauk Valley Community College.

"The courses being taught in this partnership are beyond the ability of some of the individual two-year colleges to offer, but through this unique partnership we are able to come together and meet the needs of students and the agriculture community across the state in an efficient and visionary way. The U of I College of ACES should be commended for partnering with Illinois's two-year colleges to aid in meeting the agriculture education needs of community college students across the state," he added.

Participating community colleges offer ACES ACCESS courses through their regular registration process each semester. Students pay the standard tuition rate of their home institution and earn course credit from their home community college. For those going on to pursue a baccalaureate degree, these credits may be later transferred seamlessly to Illinois or other four-year institutions.

Students take courses using distance education technologies such as the synchronous Web-based software "Elluminate" (www.elluminate.com) and course management systems such as WebCT. Courses that include laboratory experiences offer one or two Saturday sessions on the U of I's Urbana-Champaign campus.

This initiative is an excellent opportunity for community college students who are interested in ultimately completing a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution such as the University of Illinois. For more information about the program, contact Heather Miller, Academic Outreach program director at or (217) 265-6568.

ISAC Financial Aid Workshops, Prepaid Tuition Discounts

Workshops to teach students and parents the basics of accessing financial aid, prepaid tuition plan prices to remain at lowest of the season through November

Just in time for American Education Week, the designated time when parents and educators ponder ways to ensure quality education for students at all levels, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will offer free workshops that help families pay current college costs and map out strategies to cover future tuition expenses.

"The workshops will give families the tools they need to create a strategy that allows them to maximize scholarship and grant opportunities and to complete college debt free or with minimal debt," said ISAC Assistant Director of Regional Outreach Campaigns Albert Hogan. Workshops are free to the public.

Hogan will share anecdotes, answer questions and offer tips and advice about navigating the financial aid process. Parents will learn how to apply for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and get information about additional resources. Workshops are offered year-round, at no cost, in locations and communities across the state that are conveniently located near the homes of students and their families. A workshop will be held at Forreston High School, 601 E. Main Street, Forreston on Jan. 13, 2010 at 7 p.m.

Parents who are getting an earlier start can purchase a College Illinois!® 529 Prepaid Tuition plan cheaper now than at other time during the 2009-10 enrollment cycle. Current pricing ends November 30, and families who buy now will save thousands on future tuition and fees. To enroll in the College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program online, visit www.529prepaidtuition.org, or call for program information, materials and enrollment guidelines.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission ( http://www.collegezone.com/_ ) provides students of all ages and backgrounds with the resources and support to obtain financial aid for higher education. A state agency, ISAC has paved the path to post-secondary education with innovative programs for over 50 years.

The Commission provides educational funding with student loans, as a loan guarantor and via numerous public programs such as the Monetary Award Program (MAP), the Illinois Veteran Grant and College Illinois! ® 529 Prepaid Tuition. Students and families have free access to a wealth of financial aid and college planning information at ISAC's family of websites available at www.knowhow2GOIllinois.org.

What's Happening in Shannon

Village President Bonnie Foust, would like to encourage the citizens of the Shannon area to step forward and help her with a few major projects. First, 2010 is the year of the U.S. census. Two people are needed to be on the census committee to aid her in getting the word out about the census.

Next, the village needs people interested in learning about creating a park district. The current proposal for the park district would include all of the residents of the old Shannon school district. Anyone within those boundaries that would be interested in hearing more about a possible park district contact Bonnie Foust. The Tree City USA board is also in need of volunteers. This board is responsible for the upkeep of existing trees in the city parks and tree beds as well as the planning and planting of new trees.

Lastly, the village is looking for a village treasurer. This person must live within the Village limits. It is a part time job. If interested in assisting with any of the projects or interested in the treasurer position, please call Bonnie Foust at and leave a message. Shannon is looking to its citizens to help take us into the future.