Daisy Troop 5055 Food Drive

Lanark/Shannon Girl Scout Daisy Troop 5055 was out and about recently for their 1st annual Food Drive, collecting canned goods for the Shannon Food Pantry. Overwhelmed with the number of homes with their lights on for pick up, the girls could not make it to everyone’s house, and they apologize if they did not make it to your home. If you would still like to contribute to the Daisy’s Food Drive there is a drop off box at the First State Bank of Shannon from December 1-15th. “We would like to thank the communities and family members for all their help making this a successful event for the food pantry,” said Leader Katie Reifsteck. “Without this support we would not have been able to help as many families as we did. Thank you”. If you would like more information on how you can help or how to be a part of the Girl Scouts, please contact Katie Reifsteck at . (Courtesy of GSDT 5055)

Morrison Chamber of Commerce

The Morrison Community Hospital held their 19th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on December 7 in the entrance lobby of the hospital. Director of Communication, Chad Haskell, offered the opening comments and former administrator, Jean Reed, did the honors of lighting the tree. Each light on the tree represents a life of a friend of the hospital as noted on a list of contributors located beside the tree. (PA photo/Jerry Lindsey)

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on November 22, 2010 for B-Fit, located at 126 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, to welcome them as a new business and new member of the Chamber. B-Fit is a community fitness center open 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Along with a fitness workout center, B-Fit offers personal training, fitness assessments and convenient keycard entry. Contact them at (815) 704-2049 or online at www.b-fittoday.com. Attending the ribbon cutting were front row l – r: Chad Haskell, Morrison Community Hospital; Stephanie Vavra, thecity1.com; Martina Maxfield, Yoga With Martina; Dr. Suellen Girard, MCUD #6 and back row l – r: Jason Heal, Blackhawk Lumber; Jason Broshous, Frontier Communications; Kent Klima, Frontier Communications; Laura Burkholder, B-Fit Owner; Weston Burkholder, B-Fit Owner; Sherry Burkholder; Roger Burkholder; and Pat Zuidema, City of Morrison. (Courtesy of the Morrison Chamber of Commerce)

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on November 29, 2010 for The Carpet House, 120 E. Main Street, Morrison, in celebration of their Showroom Renovation and Grand Re-Opening. The Carpet House is a full-service flooring store providing customers with an excellent flooring experience from start to finish. Products include ceramic, laminate, hardwood, carpet and vinyl, with name brands like Mohawk, Shaw, Congoleum and Stainmaster. Stop in and visit their new showroom. Attending the ribbon cutting were front row l – r: Stephanie Vavra, thecity1.com; Chellie Knutsen, Once More; Brian Sisson, The Carpet House Manager; Jerry House, The Carpet House Owner; Stephanie House, The Carpet House; Tobin Ardapple; Anne Ardapple, The Carpet House; and Corinne Bender, Morrison Chamber of Commerce. Absent from photo was Carol House, The Carpet House Owner. (Courtesy of the Morrison Chamber of Commerce)

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on December 7, 2010 for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, 127 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL to welcome them as a new business and new member of Chamber. Thrivent Financial Services is a fraternal benefit society providing its members and clients with a wide range of products and services that help them meet their financial needs and goals, including insurance, mutual funds, IRA’s, education funding and retirement planning. Attending the ribbon cutting were front row l – r: Dr. Suelllen Girard, MCUD #6; Chellie Knutsen, Once More; Rhonda Biller, Pleasant View Rehabilitation & Health Care Center; Ashley Ottens, Financial Representative of Thrivent Financial; Pat Zuidema, City of Morrison; Danielle Vance, Pleasant View Rehabilitation & Health Care Center; and Stephanie Vavra, thecity1.com. (PA photo/Jerry Lindsey)

Members of Charles Carroll Chapter of D.A.R.

Front row: Sarah and Bailey Callahan

Back row: Hannah and Emma Foster,, Matthew and Bryn Callahan, Chance and Shelby Williams

Carroll Chapter, NSDAR of Mt. Carroll, held their December meeting at the Caroline Mark Home in Mt. Carroll. Members of the Charles Carroll Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution were also in attendance. Christmas carols were sung and holiday treats were enjoyed with residents of the Caroline Mark Home by all in attendance.

Rosebud Mission Team of Fulton Holds Clothing Drive

For the past ten years the Rosebud Mission Team of Fulton has been doing missionary work with the Lakota Indian children and their parents in Rosebud, South Dakota.

The Team started another clothing drive Saturday, Dec. 11 at the First Christian Reformed Church in Fulton.

(L to R) Hilary Stratton, Tom and Jacob Wierenga, Sandy Wiersema, Nate VanZuiden, Kari & Beth Wiersema, and Dan Wierenga help with the clothing drive. They collected clothing, coats, toiletries, toys, etc. They will be collecting items up until Dec. 26th. Please contact them if you missed the drive Dec. 11. This group supports itself by raising their own funding with fundraisers and donations. Their next fundraiser will be serving and busing tables for Pizza Ranch on Monday, January 17th from 5 to 8 pm. Mark your calendars now and come help support the local mission group. For details or to donate clothing or other items, please call Beth Wiersema at .

Thumbs Up Winners

The Chadwick-Milledgeville Week 10 Thumbs Up Winners

Back Row (L to R): Mason Johnson, Madison Tarbill, Megan Schave, Regan Scidmore

Front Row (L to R): Isabella Pena, Austin Lapp, Jaycie Schmidt, Jenadette Johnson

Chadwick-Milledgeville Thumbs Up Winners for Week 11.

Back Row (L to R): Krystal Druien, Aries White, Daniel Lohnes, Gage Offill

Front Row (L to R): Ashton Nobis, Peyton Urish, Joey Promenschenkel, Mekhi Halstead

State Salutes 7 West Carroll Students as ‘The Best and the Brightest’

L to R – Taylor Brunner, Andrew Behnke, Kaiti Mathey, Loren Thacher, Zack Timm, Sam Wilkinson, Mark Miller are the 2011 West Carroll State Scholars.

West Carroll Principal Bob Lamb is pleased to announce that 7 West Carroll High School students have been recognized as “2011 Illinois State Scholars”.

The prestigious award is given annually by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) which is recognizing 19,345 high school students from across the state as this year’s State Scholars.

“These seven students are another example of what great kids we have here at West Carroll High School.” stated Dave Baisden, WCHS counselor. “They are very involved in the school climate, as well as, being good students.”

The following students exemplify academics, scholarship, and hard work. They are very deserving of the honor of “Illinois State Scholar”:

Andrew Behnke, son of Daniel and Darlene Behnke; Taylor Brunner, son of Judi Brunner and Jeff Brunner; Kaitlin Mathey, daughter of Don and Barb Mathey; Mark Miller, son of Ron and Lori Miller; Loren Thacher, son of Penny Thacher and Mark Thacher; Zachary Timm, son of Anthony and Elizabeth Timm; and Samuel Wilkinson, son of Jim and Gina Wilkinson.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top ten percent of the state’s high school seniors from 752 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work in conjunction with ISAC to determine the winners.

“Excellent high school grades are tremendously important for laying the groundwork for future college success,” said ISAC Executive Director Andrew Davis, whose agency has overseen the Illinois State Scholar program since 1958. “Illinois State Scholars are the best and the brightest in our state’s high schools, and we salute them, their families, and the teachers and staff at West Carroll High School on this achievement.”

 

Health Beat

The Answer Fitness, Tanning & Nutrition Centers

Multivitamins, What Can They Do For You?

Mark Klein

Multivitamins are a cocktail of vitamins and minerals and other nutritional elements. Their most common form is a tablet, but they may also come as capsules, pastilles, powders and liquids. Vitamin injections are only available and administered under medical supervision.

A paper by Robert H. Fletcher and Kathleen M. Fairfield from the Harvard School of Medicine said, “It appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements”. This article concluded that inadequate intake of several vitamins and minerals has been linked to the development of diseases including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

People with dietary imbalances include those on restrictive diets and those who can’t or won’t eat a nutritious diet (most of us). Adding multivitamins to these diets can be a crucial tool when striving for a healthier lifestyle.

Let’s face it; most of us have a busy week that runs into a busier weekend. More often than not we rush from one event to the next. Some days if I get the kids and myself a nutritious meal in before we are out the door I think it’s a miracle, and we all know the downfalls of restaurant nutrition. A multivitamin every morning can help you maintain a more balanced level of nutrition, which directly leads to better health.

Here’s to your health,

Mark Klein

 

Four EHS Students Honored as Illinois State Scholars

Eastland High School’s 2011-12 Illinois State SCholars are (Back Row L-R): Morgan Moll and Ezekiel Hartman. Front Row L-R: Katelyn Hasken and Calvin Cassens, (Courtesy of Anne Pilgrim)

Eastland High School’s Principal Jay Ritchie is pleased to announce that four Eastland High School students have been recognized as “2011-2012 Illinois State Scholars”. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) gives this prestigious award annually to help recognize students who are among “the best and the brightest” of the nearly 150.000 high school seniors in the Class of 2011.

This year’s winners from Eastland High School are Calvin Cassens, son of Gerald & Diann Cassens of Lanark, Ezekiel Hartman, son of Dale & Annette Hartman of Lanark, Katelyn Hasken, daughter of Randall & Kathy Hasken of Lanark, and Morgan Moll, daughter of Brenda Moll and Stuart Moll of Shannon.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top ten percent of the state’s high school seniors from 798 high schools. Selection is based on SAT, ACT scores, and class rank at the end of their junior year. At least a half million Illinois State Scholars have been recognized in the past 50 years.

“We congratulate these students on their achievements and wish them good luck as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives,” said Anne Pilgrim,. EHS Counselor.

 

 

 

 

Savanna Electric System Rebuild Project Moves Forward

Jo-Carroll Energy crews are re-energizing and transferring electric load to the Eaton substation on Bowen Street this week, wrapping up the first phase in the major rebuild of its electric distribution infrastructure serving the city of Savanna.

A major goal of the project is to bring all substations serving Savanna to a standard voltage for consistency and to optimize system operations.

Jo-Carroll Energy crews completely rebuilt the Eaton substation, upgrading all equipment and facilities, according to Jesse Shekleton, Jo-Carroll Energy manager of electric operations. The substation was upgraded from a 4.16 KV to a 13.8 KV system.

The substation’s transformer capacity was also increased, providing for future growth and expansion of the system, Shekleton noted. The substation has been energized with no load for about a week as a final series of tests were conducted.

The next phase of the project is scheduled to begin this week as crews transfer electric load from the Oakton and Bowen substations to the newly rebuilt substation. As part of the city-wide conversion, crews will de-energize old transformers at poles and pads and install new transformers compatible with the new voltage.

In order for crews to safely move forward with the conversion and upgrade, momentary planned outages—that can be as localized as the pole top transformer—will occur throughout the city during the next 12 months.

“We expect these interruptions to only be momentary,” said Shekleton. “We apologize for any inconvenience, and appreciate our members’ understanding as we move forward with the electric system improvements in Savanna.”

Once the Bowen substation has no load, it will be decommissioned and rebuilt similar to the Eaton upgrade, Shekleton said.

The project improves the cooperative’s ability to provide backup service to parts of town. With all substations at the same voltage, electricity can be rerouted during planned outages or emergency situations. Standardization also allows for a reduction of inventory and line loss, ultimately decreasing operating costs.

Drive-by Christmas Spirit in Shannon

Need to get in the Christmas spirit?

Drive by 518 South Ridge Street in Shannon any night of the week between 5:30-8:30 PM.

Then tune your FM radio station to 88.5 and listen to the Holiday music programmed with the light show.

You won’t be disappointed . . . MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Larem-Russell Wed

A wedding at the Church of God in Mt. Carroll on June 26, 2010 united in marriage Stacey Larem and Zane Russell, both of Mt. Carroll. The bride is the daughter of Debra Larem and Patrick Larem, both of Mt. Carroll. The groom is the son of John and Willow Russell of Mt. Carroll. The late afternoon ceremony was officiated by Pastor George Reser. Gloria Asay provided music on the piano with Hannah Boyer as vocalist.

The bride wore a white taffeta strapless gown by Maggie Sottero. The gown had a sweetheart neckline sprinkled with pearl accents and diamond shaped pearl motifs, which embellished the gatherings through out the skirt. The two-tiered veil was waist length with a cathedral look. The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of lavender roses with white calla lilies. Shelley Larem, sister of the bride, was Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids were Kara Koett and Katie Chwistek. The attendants wore grape, satin, strapless cocktail length dresses and carried hand-tied bouquets of white and lavender roses accented with alstromeria lilies.

Brent Disher served as best man. Groomsmen were Andrew Russell, brother of the groom and Jeremy Hughes. Josh Becker, Ryan Vance, Luke Koett and Clay Ostrum were ushers.

A reception was held at Buck’s Barn in Thomson following the wedding. The venue was decorated with white lights and a mixture of candelabras decorated with purple beading and trumpet vases filled with purple beading topped with a white rose.

The bride is a 2010 graduate from the University of Dubuque. She has completed her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is currently a substitute teacher for the West Carroll School District. The groom is a 2004 graduate of Mt. Carroll High School and is employed at Sweitzer Nursery in Lanark, IL. The newlyweds reside in Mt. Carroll, IL.

MHS to Participate in Operation Teen Safe Driving Program

Milledgeville High School’s SADD Chapter applied and was recently selected by the Illinois Department of Transportation and partners to participate in the 2010-11 Operation Teen Safe Driving (OTSD) program. The statewide safety initiative is designed for teens to educate their peers about driving responsibility in an effort to decrease the number of fatalities involving teenagers in Illinois.

In total, 105 high schools statewide were selected to participate in this innovative program, which utilizes Ford Motor Company Fund’s nationally recognized Ford Driving Skills for Life program. The selected high schools are equally distributed in seven regions across the state.

“We are extremely proud of the students in Milledgeville High School’s SADD Chapter who created a customized and comprehensive peer led program which led to the entry into the 2010-11 Operation Teen Driving Program,” said Paula Radamacher, Principal. “We commend the efforts and hard work of the students and have full confidence their program will positively impact our community.”

The selection process for the Operation Teen Safe Driving program requires students to identify issues relating to traffic safety in their community (i.e. underage drinking, driving unbuckled, impaired and distracted). Students are required to provide information explaining how they would combat the traffic safety problem and implement a teen awareness program in their school and community. MHS and the other selected schools have received $2000 in grant funding from IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety and the Allstate Foundation. They will develop and implement a peer-to-peer based program and present a report at the conclusion of the program. Winners are selected from each region and each winning school will receive prize money to host a post-prom party. The top five schools from each region will be invited to send students to a “Driving Skills for Life, Ride and Drive” event which is sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund. Students will observe professional drivers on two separate courses demonstrating critical driving skills. Teens will then have the opportunity to drive the same courses with the professional driver sitting in the passenger seat to provide tips and assistance.

The Office of the Governor, the Illinois Secretary of State, IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois State Board of Education, in partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund and the Allstate Foundation are all supporting the Operation Teen Safe Driving program. Also supporting the Illinois campaign are the Governors Highway Safety Association and SADD (“Students Against Destructive Decisions”). For more information about the Operation Teen Safe Driving Program, please visit www.teensafedrivingillinois.org.

Lanark Lions Club Enters Its 55th Year

The Lanark Lions Club was founded in 1956, a part of Lions International, the world’s largest service organization with 1.3 million members in 206 countries of the world.

“The mission of Lions is to work for a better world through service to our fellow men and our community,” said John Lamoreux, President. “We have a special emphasis on problems with vision and hearing. The Lanark Lions are currently 53 members strong. We are always ready to welcome new members who want to join in the effort locally to provide assistance to individuals in need with vision or hearing problems and to support and promote our community and schools in any way we can.”

Call Bob Zuck, membership chairman at 493-6241 for more information. The Lanark Lions Club meets on the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Heritage Center. Current officers are: Past President-Cathy Hart; Jeannine Kaylor, Secretary; Marilyn Berge, Financial Secretary; Allan Rahn, Treasurer; John Lamoreux, President; Joe Gordon, Richard Delp and Lenore Schrader, Vice Presidents; Board Members, Tom Martz, Alan Brunner, Don Hart, Jamie Willard, Jeff Hoak, Jim Callaway and Bob Zuck; John Nelson, Blind Liason; Pastor Kathryn Ling, Chaplain and Ed Mitchell, Attorney.

“We continue to be inspired by the untiring efforts of our members, such as Earl Delp, a past District Governor, who has 44 years of perfect attendance with our club,”Lamoreux concluded.

Closed Refuge Areas Now Open to Public Access

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has announced that the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge areas that have been closed to waterfowl hunting in Illinois and Iowa are now re-opened for public access. These areas include Kehough Slough (Galena) and Spring Lake (Savanna) in Illinois and Pleasant Creek (Bellevue), Elk River (Clinton) and Beaver Island (Clinton) in Iowa.

These areas are specially designated waterfowl wintering areas and have access restrictions until the duck hunting season ends. However, the recent cold spell has resulted in freeze-up of the areas causing waterfowl to migrate out of the area. These areas are now open to public access including hunting and trapping but no migratory bird hunting is allowed year round.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge was established in 1924 and includes 240,000 acres that extends along 261 miles of the Upper Mississippi River within the states of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota

Holiday Party Hints for Avoiding Food Poisoning

The holiday season often includes gathering with friends and family for holiday dinners, office parties or other celebrations. But those get-togethers may also include an unwanted guest – food poisoning. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that foodborne diseases cause approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. In Illinois, it is estimated that as many as 250,000 cases of foodborne illness may occur each year. However, because these illnesses can be quite mild and because the vast majority of them occur in the home, many go unreported.

Holiday Hosts – how not to invite Mr. E.coli and Ms. Salmonella to your party:

Keep everything in the kitchen clean.

Wash hands often during food preparation and while serving.

Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.

Keep everything in the kitchen clean. Counter tops and utensils should be washed with hot, soapy water between each step in food preparation. Bacteria from raw meat and poultry can get into other foods if they touch the same surfaces or each other.

Wash hands often during food preparation and while serving. Most bacteria get into food through improper handling. Hands should always be washed with soap and warm water before handling food, and towels and wash cloths should be kept clean as bacteria can linger in those used repeatedly between launderings. Also, if someone has diarrhea or vomiting, they should not prepare or serve food for others as they may give them a present no one wants.

Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Cooking food thoroughly kills most bacteria that cause food poisoning. Cook meat and poultry thoroughly (see chart below) and use a thermometer to check the temperature. Maintain hot food at 140°F, and store and serve cold foods at or below 40°F. Do not leave food unrefrigerated longer than one hour at a time or the chances of dangerous bacterial growth increase. In other words, do not let potentially hazardous foods reach that intermediate temperature at which microorganisms grow best, between 40°F and 140°F.

Beef

Medium Rare – 145°F

Medium – 160°F

Well Done – 170°F

Ground beef – 160°F

Pork

Ham – 160°F

Poultry

Chicken – 165°F

Turkey – 165°F

Eggs

Casseroles – 160°F

Sauces, custards –160°F

Party goers and guests – avoiding unintentional guests.

Be cautious when eating certain foods, such as raw oysters, egg drinks, mousse or bread pudding (unless made with pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute); softboiled eggs; steak tartare; and rare or medium hamburger. These foods can harbor bacteria that cause food poisoning. It is particularly important that young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those who are ill or whose immune systems are compromised not eat raw or undercooked animal products or raw oysters unless they have consulted a physician.

If you or a family member develops nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or abdominal cramps, you could have food poisoning. Symptoms of foodborne illnesses can appear anywhere from 30 minutes to two weeks after eating the contaminated food. Most often, people get sick with four to 48 hours after eating contaminated food.

Some foodborne illnesses will resolve themselves without treatment. However, if the symptoms are severe or if the person is very young, old, pregnant or already ill, call a doctor or go to a nearby hospital immediately. If groups of people from different households become sick with vomiting and diarrhea, contact the local health department.

Jobs for Veterans

The Illinois State Crime Commission/Police Athletic League of Illinois and Illinois Security Chiefs Association will hold a career fair on Thursday, December 16th, 2010, from 10-2 at Roosevelt University Main Campus, 430 South Michigan Avenue for returning post 9-11 veterans.

Jobs will be available on the spot to qualified veterans in the security field.

Information will also be provided regarding internships available in association with the ISCC- Roosevelt University returning 9-11 veterans educational program.

Registration information for vendors is attached to this mailing.

For further information contact Jerry Elsner at

New Initiatives from Merillat Show You How to Create Your Dream Kitchen

Merillat knows how meaningful innovation and functional storage can make prepping, cooking, entertaining and living in the kitchen easier. Merillat recently launched a number of new initiatives centered around the theme of The Dream Kitchen for the Real World that show homeowners firsthand how Merillat kitchens are highly functional, and jam-packed with a variety of smart storage solutions.

Why the Dream Kitchen for the Real World? This platform is based on a recent consumer research study Merillat conducted that revealed how important kitchen storage is to consumers.

84% of consumers consider storage features to be the most important factor in their cabinetry decision process.

54% of consumers post remodeling wish they had put in more functional storage.

“While consumers know they want more functionality and storage, they often don’t know what’s available to them,” said Susan Cross, Brand & Communications Manager for Merillat. “Based on this idea, Merillat is redefining the term “Dream Kitchen” because kitchens should be beautiful, functional and work in your everyday life… The Dream Kitchen for the Real World.”

To bring the initiative to life in an entertaining way, Merillat partnered with renowned chef Curtis Stone. “Who better to illustrate the importance of a well-designed kitchen than a professional chef?” continued Cross. “Curtis puts the fun in function while he brings to life Merillat’s great organizational, functional and innovative features.”

Here’s a glimpse of how Merillat is working to inspire and educate homeowners:

New Web site – Complete with a fresh new look and innovative functionality, the changes are meant to help homeowners plan their dream kitchen while making the overall experience fun and empowering.

Kitchen Planner – A new step-by-step online kitchen planner guides homeowners through a customized planning process in order to help find the most appropriate styles, products and features for their lifestyles.

Live TV Interviews – Curtis recently did a number of interviews on TV morning shows across the country, he focused on tips to entertain and cook with ease while pointing out Merillat’s organizational features.

TV commercial – Illustrates how life in the kitchen is a breeze when designed for the way you use it. The commercial is airing on HGTV, Food Network, DIY and the Cooking Channel.

“I believe your kitchen should be designed for the way you live, and Merillat offers a number of storage features to suit anyone’s lifestyle. For example, if you like to experiment with seasoning, a pull-out spice rack next to the stove is just what you need,” said Curtis Stone, celebrity chef. “Bottom-line, with the right organizational features, cooking and entertaining can be fun and relaxing.”

For more information about Merillat’s many beautiful and intelligent product options, stop in at Carroll Service Building Center, 213 W. Carroll St. in Lanark, or visit Merillat.com.

Savanna Officially Named an NFIP Participant

In an email from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the City of Savanna is officially reinstated into the National Flood Insurance Program as of December 8, 2010.

“As of today, the City of Savanna is officially a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program,” said Paul A. Osman, Manager, Statewide Floodplain Programs/NFIP Coordinator for the Illinois Office of Water Resources in an email to Savanna Mayor Larry Stebbins. “The FEMA database has been updated and residents should now be able to purchase flood insurance. The city is also now eligible for mitigation funding.”

National Tea Party Group Rejects Tax Rates Deal

Says Republicans broke 5 pledges made in September

While the President’s deal with Republicans extending current tax rates for two years may have seemed a victory for the Tea Party, the Georgia-based Tea Party Patriots, which counts over 2000 member groups nationally, has summarily rejected the bargain.

In an email to its members December 9, Tea Party Patriots gave the reasons why the deal was unacceptable. They referred members to an editorial, “Kill ‘The Deal,’” by Hugh Hewitt at Townhall.com.

- The deal was forged in secret, and even now is not in writing.

- The deal revives the “vampire” death tax. Even with a $5 million dollar exemption, with the expected future inflation, the tax will affect thousands more families. The death tax, at base, is immoral.

- The deal spends billions and billions of dollars that the country does not have in order to prevent a tax hike that the country voted against. There is at least $75 million in new spending in the plan.

- The deal breaches at least 5 promises in the Pledge to America announced by the Republican leadership September 23rd: “Permanently Stop All Job-Killing Tax Hikes” (p. 16); “Act immediately to Reduce Spending” (p. 21); “Cut Government Spending to Pre-Stimulus, Pre-Bailout Levels” (p. 21); “Read the Bill” (p. 33); “Advance Legislative Issues One at a Time” (p. 33).

The idea that this massive tax and spend bill has not yet even been written but may be voted on by the Senate this weekend is appalling, and has rightfully drawn the anger of the TeaPartyPatriots.org and other Tea Party activists, an anger that will not diminish.

For more information, see the Northern IL Tea Party website www.TeaParty-nil.com Northern IL Tea Party serves the stateline area of Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit.

There are 9 Tea Parties in a 50 mile radius of Rockford, affiliated with illinoistea.org

Don’t Throw Out Those Old Holiday Lights, Recycle Them!

Jo Daviess and Carroll County residents can recycle their incandescent and LED holiday light strands at University of Illinois Extension offices in Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties through January 15, 2011.

When replacing your Halloween, Christmas, or other holiday light strings because they don’t work or because of decorating changes, instead of throwing out the old ones, recycle them. Only the strands with lights will be recycled through this program, please remove all packaging, loose bulbs, and any packing material or apparatus used to store the lights.

To participate in this recycling program, drop your unwanted holiday light strands off at either Jo-Carroll Extension Unit office during the specified time period. Extension offices are located at: 807D S. Clay Street, Mt. Carroll or 204 S. Vine, Elizabeth. There is no charge to participate in this program. Program sponsorship is provided by the Green Fair Alliance, Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency and University of Illinois Extension.

LED lights, which consume 75% less energy than conventional incandescent lights, and last longer than incandescent lights, are particularly well-suited to decorative lighting. For further information, see www.energystar.gov .

For your questions on holiday light or other recycling programs, contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling & Conservation Programs Coordinator, at .

Unused Medication Collection Announced

Carroll and Jo Daviess County residents that need to dispose of unused and out-of-date medications, both prescription and over the counter (OTC), should put June 11, 2011 on their calendar. A special collection will be held on the 2nd Saturday in June, 9:00 a.m. until noon, to collect and dispose of unneeded medications. Location and other details to be announced.

Please store medications safely and securely until the collection. Never flush them down the sink or toilet. Many local organizations are supporting this collection through donations, volunteering, or advertising. If your organization or business would like to participate, please contact either the Jo Daviess County Health Department, or the University of Illinois Extension, .

Remembering Your Loved One This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time to celebrate family and friends and to reflect on the memory of loved ones no longer with us. Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois, wishes to help you honor and memorialize those who we’ve loved. They are once again this year offering two keepsake ornaments that will be a lasting tribute to a loved one at holiday time or any other special occasion.

The Hospice ornament depicts the Hospice Logo with contains a hand with the dove surrounded by a circle.

We also offer the ornament entitled “The Journey.” The text on the enclosed card reads “Joyful meetings, sharing moments and the sadness in parting. Keeping wonderful memories and love in our hearts. Knowing with bittersweet gratitude the gifts of the journey.”

These ornaments can be purchased to not only pay tribute to your beloved but the funds used to purchase the ornament will benefit Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois in their mission of providing educational, supportive and compassionate services to the terminally ill, chronically ill or disabled, and to those who are grieving.

To purchase either of these ornaments please contact Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois at or by email at . Names of your loved one can be placed on the back of the ornament as a permanent tribute to their memory.

Hunters in Illinois Harvest 98,700 Deer During Firearm Season

Deer hunting continues with archery and upcoming gun seasons

Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 98,700 deer during the seven-day firearm deer season on Nov. 19-21 and Dec. 2-5, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today. A total of 99,419 deer were taken during the 2009 firearm season.

The preliminary second-season (Dec. 2-5) harvest total was 30,663, compared with the 33,293 deer taken by hunters during the second segment of the season in 2009. This year’s preliminary first-season (Nov. 19-22) deer harvest was 68,037, compared with a first-season harvest of 66,126 in 2009. The preliminary harvest totals include deer taken in all counties in which firearm deer hunting is permitted, as well as at Chain O’Lakes State Park in Lake County.

“Harvest results for this year’s firearm deer seasons were remarkably similar to last year,” said IDNR Forest Wildlife Program Manager Paul Shelton. “Fifty-one counties saw increases in harvest, while 49 counties declined. Management efforts aimed at controlling deer herds while maintaining recreational opportunities are paying off.”

Preliminary reports show that Pike County once again topped the county deer harvest totals for the firearm season as hunters took 3,130 deer. Other top county harvest totals were Fulton (2,495), Adams (2,468), Jo Daviess (2,285) and Randolph (2,192).

Deer hunters in Illinois still have opportunities to take to the field in the coming weeks. The archery deer season continues through Jan. 16, 2011. The three-day Illinois muzzleloader-only deer season occured this week (Dec. 10-12), while the seven-day split late-winter firearm antlerless-only deer season and special CWD deer season are Dec. 30, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011 and Jan. 14-16, 2011.

Permits for both late-winter and special CWD seasons will be available over the counter through DNR Direct license and permit agents beginning Dec. 14.

Permits for the late-winter season will be issued in two categories based on deer management needs in individual counties. For 12 select counties with a need for significant increases in deer harvest, hunters will be able to purchase late-winter permits without limit. In 58 other counties open for the late-winter season, hunters will be limited to purchasing one late-winter deer permit. There are 27 counties closed for the late-winter season.

As in years past, unfilled 2010 firearm, muzzleloader, youth and landowner firearm permits will be valid for the late-winter season provided that they were issued for an open county, but only antlerless deer may be taken. For more information, please visit http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/ResidentLateWinterAntlerlessDeerHunting.aspx.

Successful hunters should report their harvest by 10 p.m. on the same calendar day the deer was taken by calling 1- (1-866-ILCHECK) or by accessing the online check-in system at www.dnr.state.il.us/vcheck.

Hunters in Boone, DeKalb, McHenry and Winnebago Counties and a portion of Kane County west of IL Rt. 47 can participate in the seven-day special CWD deer season on Dec. 30, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011 and Jan. 14-16, 2011 to help control deer densities and the spread of chronic wasting disease. Special CWD season antlerless-only permits will be available beginning Dec. 14 over the counter for $5.50 each at participating DNR Direct license and permit vendors. In addition, hunters with unfilled 2010 firearm, muzzleloader, youth firearm deer season or archery deer permits valid for one of the open counties may use those permits to hunt during the CWD season. Hunters using unfilled permits from the 20010 firearm, muzzleloader, youth or archery season for the CWD hunt may take deer appropriate for that permit (antlerless-only or either-sex). There will be no manned check stations during CWD season. As in the late-winter season, harvest must be reported via telephone or online. Successful hunters are encouraged to have any adult deer tested for CWD by taking it to a cooperating meat processor.

Gift Giving for Wounded Vets Deadline Nears

Just a reminder that December 20 is the deadline for gifts for wounded Veterans at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Gifts may be dropped off at the VFW in Savanna, THE National Bank in Mt. Carroll, and the First Baptist Church in Mt. Carroll.

“Gifts have been coming in a little slower this year,” said committee chairman John McConnel. “so please dig a little deeper to show our appreciation this Christmas to those who have been serving in the military and have come home wounded. Our gifts will mean a lot to them.”

Let us do the shopping for you by sending your monetary donation to John McConnel, 401 South College, Mt. Carroll, IL 61053. If you have any questions, please call John at .

Voices of Praise Christmas Cantata Rescheduled

As part of the 2010 Concert Series of the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison, Emmanuel’s 90-voice “Voices of Praise,” with special guests, Emmanuel’s youth choir, “ELEVATE!” cordially invites the area to experience their fourth annual Christmas cantata, “A Christmas Tapestry!” which has been rescheduled with one final performance on Sunday evening, December 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E Morris, Morrison. Doors will open at 6:00 that evening.

This concert is being given due to the weather-forced cancellation of the December 12 performance. The cantata features the music of the Christ Church Choir from Nashville, TN. Familiar carols are featured, as well as other favorites such as “Mary, Did You Know,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” “Alpha and Omega” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Narration will simply be the reading of the Christmas story taken from the gospel of Luke.

The choir will be joined by soloists Ed Pruis, Brittany Criss, Heather McIlrath, Bambi Carlson, Megan Morthland, Pam Muur and a trio by Mike, Dana and Kyle McCoy. Rev. Jeff McIlrath will narrate. Paul Vandermyde, Nick Becker & Ron Kallemeyn are the sound technicians and Andrew Carlson is the AV screens operator.

No tickets are needed for this 75-minute concert and a free-will offering will be received. All ages are welcome and the church is handicapped accessible. A fellowship hour will follow all performances, hosted by the women of Emmanuel.

A free shuttle bus will be provided for one hour prior to the performance. This shuttle bus will pick up from Ebenezer Reformed Church’s parking lot just two blocks south of Emmanuel’s campus dropping you off at the curb in front of Emmanuel. This convenient service will aid in your parking ease.

A staffed nursery will be provided for the very young and a fellowship time will follow each concert. For more information, please visit the church’s web site at www.emmanuelreformedchurch.org and click on the “Voices of Praise” button.

Griefshare: Surviving the Holidays

The Christmas season is a time for rejoicing and gathering, but for those who have lost loved ones, it can be a time of intensified grief and loneliness. Whether your loss was yesterday or twenty years ago, if you are dreading the holidays and the sadness of having to experience them without your loved one, this event can help.

Griefshare will be presented Saturday, December 18, 2010, from 3 – 5 pm at the Mount Carroll Church of God, Mount Carroll, IL, located at the NE corner of Rts. 78 & 52/64.

There will be a video filled with practical tips on how to survive the holidays, and a discussion where you will hear from others, and if you like, share your own story. Participants will receive a personal Holiday Survival Guide. Beyond survival, you can have hope and healing while you face the holidays. Everyone is welcome.

Registration is encouraged but not required. If you have any questions or to register, contact Paula Trent at or

What’s All That Coughing About?

Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is on the rise. It is being seen in all of NW Illinois counties, including Carroll County. Pertussis is caused by a germ called Bordetella pertussis. This particular germ lives in the mouth, nose and throat, is highly contagious and is easily spread from person-to-person by coughing or sneezing.

Despite the effectiveness of vaccination, pertussis continues to occur in the United States among all age groups. Anyone who has not had pertussis previously or who has not received the pertussis vaccine can get the disease. Immunity following disease or vaccination is not lifelong. Older children and adults can carry the germ and spread it even though their cold-like symptoms may be so mild they might not seek medical care. Children and adolescents have accounted for more than half the reported cases, and adults 20 years of age and older comprise the remaining 25 percent of reported cases.

Symptoms usually appear five-to 10-days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days. The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold - a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild, occasional cough. The cough gradually becomes severe and, after one to two weeks, the patient has spasmodic bursts of numerous, rapid coughs. The characteristic high-pitched “whoop,” which is more common in children, comes from breathing in after a coughing episode. During such an attack, the patient may turn blue, vomit and become exhausted. Between coughing attacks, the patient usually appears normal.

Coughing attacks occur more frequently at night. The attacks increase in frequency for a couple of weeks, remain at the same level for two-to three-weeks, and then gradually decrease. Coughing may last as long as 100 days. Cough medicines usually do not help eliminate this cough. Recovery is gradual, but coughing episodes can recur for months after the onset of pertussis.

Although most people recover, complications of pertussis can be severe. It can be a critical illness in children younger than 1 year of age, especially in premature babies or those with lung disease. Less serious complications include ear infections, loss of appetite and dehydration. Although infrequent, complications affecting the brain, such as convulsions and inflammation, may occur, especially in infants, and can have long-term effects or cause death.

Pertussis is usually treated with a multi-day course of appropriate antibiotics. Some children may need to be hospitalized. People in close contact with children or adults with pertussis usually need to be treated with antibiotics and efforts should be taken to minimize an infant’s exposure to children and adults with cough illnesses.

For more information you may call the Carroll County Health Department at .