In the Service

Air Force Airman Matthew J. Martin graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of John Martin of Coralyn Drive, Morrison, Ill., and Cathy James of W. Ninth St., Sterling, Ill.

Martin is a 2009 graduate of Morrison High School.

Jo Daviess County Christmas Count

Members of the Eagle Nature Foundation and the Conservation Guardians of Northwestern Illinois conducted the 46th Annual JDC Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 15. A total of 4,801 birds of 40 different species were tallied by 23 volunteers. This annual count was first conducted by Terrence Ingram in 1964, and he has been the compiler ever since.

One new species was recorded on count day with 3 Tundra Swans sighted. This species had never before been observed during this count. Other species which had record numbers were Fox Sparrows (3), Snow Buntings (142), and Slate-colored Juncos (1,474). The previous high for the Junco’s was 1,166 in 2000; Snow Buntings was only 47 back in 1967; Fox Sparrows numbered only 2 in 2008.

The results of this annual count are a reflection of the changes in the environment that are constantly occurring in Jo Daviess County. For example, only 31 Goldfinches were seen this year compared to 500 in 1964; only 434 House Sparrows were seen compared to 1800 in 1971; 103 Cardinals, compared to 640 in 1968; 142 Tree Sparrows compared to 1083 in 1981; 5 Cedar Waxwings, compared to 750 in 1993.

The numbers of many bird species were about half of what their record numbers had been, such as 90 Red-tailed Hawks compared to 184 in 1995, and 36 Downy Woodpeckers compared to 74 in 2004.

Anyone interested in participating in next year’s count should contact Terrence Ingram or Grace Storch before the middle if November 2010. Based on the results of this year’s count, Ingram is predicting a severe winter, as most of the summer birds have left the area.

USDA Announces New Dairy Economics Loss Assistance Payment Program

Scherrie V. Giamanco, State Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Illinois, wishes to announce the implementation of the new Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment (DELAP) program. The 2010 Agricultural Appropriations Bill authorized $290 million for loss assistance payments to eligible dairy producers.

“Through this program, eligible dairy producers will receive economic assistance that will help stabilize their operations during these tough economic times,” said Giamanco “I have personally heard from hundreds of struggling dairy farmers from all across our country who have been hit hard by declining prices over the past year, and now, we’ll be able to offer them help.”

Milk prices declined substantially through earlt-to-mid-2009, with the national price for milk averaging $16.80 per hundredweight (cwt.) in the fourth quarter of 2008 and averaging $12.23 per cwt. In the first quarter of 2009, a 27-percent decline. On average, the price U.S. dairy producers received for milk marketed in the summer of 2009 was about half of what it cost them to produce milk.

“The dedicated employees of the Farm Service Agency deserve a great deal of credit for acting quickly to provide this critical assistance to America’s dairy farmers,” said Jim Miller, Under Secretary of USDA Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. Eligible producers will receive a one-time direct payment based on the amount of milk both produced and commercially marketed by their operation during the months of February through July 2009. Production information from these months will be used to estimate a full year’s production for an operation to calculate the payments, using a 6-million pound per dairy operation limit. Dairy producers who have production records at the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office because they participated in another FSA dairy program do not need to apply for the program. FSA will use existing production records for February through July 2009 to calculate and issue their payments.

For more information and eligibility requirements on the new DELAP program, please visit your local FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov. Through much of this past year, USDA took a number of steps to provide relief to dairy farmers around the country. Some of these steps include: USDA reactivated USDA’s Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP), to help U.S. dairy exporters meet prevailing world prices in addition to encouraging the development of international export markets in areas where U.S. dairy products are not competitive due to subsidized dairy products from other countries. USDA spent approximately $1 billion in fiscal year 2009 on purchases of dairy products (Dairy Product Price Support Program) and payments to producers (Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC).

USDA increased the amount paid for dairy products through the Dairy product Price Support Program (DPPSP). USDA estimates that these increases, which were in place from August 2009 through October 2009, increased dairy farmers’ revenue by approximately $243 million. In March, USDA transferred approximately 200 million pounds of nonfat dry milk to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, which will not only remove inventory from the market, but also support low-income families struggling to put nutritious food on their tables.

David Reese, MD, Returns Full-Time

David Reese, MD is returning to full-time medical practice January 4, 2010 at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Lanark. He has been a Family Practice physician in Lanark for 26 years.

“For the past 4 years I have divided my time between the Lanark medical center and serving as FHN’s Physician Executive Director,” said Dr Reese. “I am looking forward to caring for patients full time. I am thankful to FHN for the experiences and opportunities of the last four years.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Reese, call FHN Family Healthcare Center – Lanark at or toll-free .

For more information, visit www.fhn.org.

Give flu the WAVE this season! Remember to Wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your Arm, get Vaccinated and treat Early – call your healthcare provider if you don’t feel well.

Free Holiday Ecard Features Your Pet

Can’t seem to keep those reindeer antlers on Fluffy and Fido long enough to snap a photo for your holiday card? Now, thanks to the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, you can create a free holiday e-card featuring your pet’s photo. Just upload, add your choice of holiday accessories, and you’re ready to e-mail, tweet, or post to Facebook. Visit http://petpixvth.vetmed.illinois.edu/index.php to Picture Your Pet For the Holidays!

Help keep your animal companions safe and healthy this holiday season by checking out Pet Columns for tips on winter safety and avoiding hazardous substances. Or become a fan of the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get regular animal health & wellness updates.

The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital provides specialty, general, and 24/7 emergency care for all species. Our mission is to provide the best care for your animal while educating the veterinarians of tomorrow and advancing treatment approaches and science to promote animal health.

From the Fields

University of Illinois specialists will provide the most current information about crop production, pest management, and economics at the 2010 U of I Corn and Soybean Classics, which will be presented at 6 regional conference sites across the state between January 6 and January 14.

“One of the biggest draws of the Classic is the opportunity for participants to come to one location and in one day hear nine different speakers cover a broad range of topics,” said Aaron Hager, Extension weed scientist and coordinator of the Classics. “We cover everything from production to protection to marketing of corn and soybeans.”

“We’ve scheduled significant blocks of time to allow for questions and answers,” said Hager. “We really want to emphasize communication between the speakers and the participants.”

The day-long programs will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. A noon lunch and a proceedings booklet, containing synopses of all presentations, are provided to each registrant. Adjournment at each site is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Scheduled locations in northern Illinois are as follows:

- January 12 -- Bloomington (Doubletree Hotel)

- January 13 -- Moline (i Wireless Center)

- January 14 -- Malta (Kishwaukee College)

A wide variety of topics is offered this year:

New Information on the Distribution and Management of Corn Nematodes in Illinois; Sulfur for Corn Production in Illinois; Evaluation of Corn and Soybean Yield Forecast Models for 2009; Determinants of Farm Profitability; Corn Traits and Hybrid Performance; Managing Insect Pests in a 5% World: A New Odyssey; A Scabby Start With a Moldy Finish: Major Field Crop Diseases of 2009.

Registration for the programs is available online at: http://www.cropsciconferences.org/illinois_corn_and_soybean_classic/

Pre-registrations, at a cost of $60, are accepted through December 20, 2009. Registrations received December 21-31, and all on-site registrations, are $75. Additional information is available by contacting Aaron Hager or Sandy Osterbur at (800) 321-1296.

Can I Give My Cat the Flu?

Yes! If you develop a fever and cough, it is possible that both you and your cat may end up curled up on the couch together, tissue box and all.

Dr. Gail Scherba is a professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and an authority on viral diseases. She says, “Influenza A viruses have been long standing and significant zoonotic agents.” Meaning, it is a virus that has historically been transmitted between humans and animals (primarily pigs and waterfowl). Only recently did the animal component include companion animals, as is the case with the influenza A H1N1 (or sometimes called swine flu) virus.

In November, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) confirmed that an indoor-only cat in Iowa contracted the H1N1 virus days after its owners came down with the flu. Prior to that, a group of pet ferrets were diagnosed with the virus in October.

Hopefully no cat owner has a cheetah around for nose-to-nose greetings, but to prove the point that apparently H1N1 knows no species boundaries, on December 1, 2009, a California zoo confirmed that one of its large cats also tested positive for the virus.

What is notable about all these reports is that, “humans are the ones giving the virus to animals,” explains Dr. Scherba, “not the other way around.” To date, there are no examples of a pet giving H1N1 virus to its owner.

Fortunately for both humans and animals, the H1N1 virus has proved to be milder than seasonal flu. As long as the patient has no underlying disease or is immune-compromised, the virus tends to cause only mild respiratory disease. Still, many believe that because it so easily infects both man and animal that it is more virulent than other strains. Nevertheless, according to the World Health Organization, the cases that highlight pets being infected with H1N1, “[are] isolated events and pose no special risks to human health.”

Despite the relatively mild clinical signs of H1N1 disease, there are a few easy steps pet owners can take to protect their pets, or at least minimize the severity of this or other diseases:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (especially before and after petting any animal).

- If you are sick, try not to “snuggle” with your pet.

- Well-maintained animals are more resistant to disease. Be sure that your pet is up to date on vaccinations, free of parasites, and receives the appropriate nutrition.

- Consult with your veterinarian if you think your pet may be sick, or if it is showing signs such as lethargy, decreased appetite, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

There is an H1N1 vaccine available for the general public, but

it is unlikely that a vaccine will be created for cats or dogs. “The CDC is watching this virus very carefully,” notes Dr. Scherba, “and at this time there is no need for a vaccine for animals because the H1N1 virus is only causing mild disease. However, since 2004 dogs have had their own influenza A virus (H3N8), for which there is a vaccine.”

For more information about flu in your pets, contact your local veterinarian. Additional information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/. The AVMA also has a section dedicated to the topic at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp.

VISTA Member Expands Role

John Huggins returned home to Lanark, Illinois on December 11 after a week-long training workshop to become an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) Team Leader. Huggins has served the past year as an AmeriCorps VISTA member for Blackhawk Hills RC & D and Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs.

Just as AmeriCorps VISTA members work to expand and build the capacity of community projects, Leaders work to expand and build the capacity of individual AmeriCorps VISTA members. Leaders have demonstrated leadership skills and qualities during their initial term of service and have accepted a new level of responsibility. AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders are assigned by the Corporation to projects or regions to assist sponsoring organizations in achieving program objectives and developing new project activities and sources of community support. Leaders set an example of leadership for AmeriCorps VISTA members, ensure positive relations, facilitate idea-sharing, and mediate issues with the community, the project, supervisors, and AmeriCorps VISTA members. Leaders also play a support role in recruiting, mentoring, and coordinating AmeriCorps VISTA members.

Huggins will continue his work on community and economic development projects that he began last year. These projects cover the six Northwest counties in Illinois which make up the Blackhawk Hills region. The members he will be leading are based throughout the state.

For more information about AmeriCorps visit www.americorps.gov and for information on John’s specific projects visit www.bheic.com/vista/ .

Transportation Policy Group Meeting

Community members are invited to attend the next meeting of the Transportation Policy Group on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at 1:00 p.m., at the Carroll County Farm Bureau, intersection of Illinois 78 & 64, in Mount Carroll.

Over the past months, a dedicated group of volunteers and organizations have been meeting to develop a coordinated system of public transportation to serve the residents of Carroll County. Public transportation surveys from 809 members of the community and 14 agencies have been collected and reviewed and an inventory of resources compiled.

Reports from the Systems Development Group and the Public Education/Legislative Liaison Group will be presented at the meeting.

All are welcome to attend. For more information, call Anna Gray at .

8,000 People Join GOOOH After Fox & Friends Interview

Noted Atlanta talk show host, Neal Boortz, announced today that he has become a member of the GOOOH movement (pronounced “go”), after urging by many members of his radio audience. In his December 21st  blog, “Nealz Nuze,” he writes, “How many of you think that today’s Washington bears any resemblance to the type of governance envisioned by the colleagues of Samuel Adams in 1776?”   

Speaking of the GET OUT OF OUR HOUSE group’s goal of replacing all 435 House members in the 2010 election, Boortz writes, “Our Republic can no longer survive the inattention of voters who think that 434 of the rascals ought to be replaced, but that their very own particular congressman is doing just fine, thank you very much.”  Boortz is well-known as co-author of The Fair Tax Book, which advocates replacing income and payroll-based taxes with a national retail sales tax.

Boortz’s endorsement represents a milestone for the non-partisan movement. It follows Sunday morning’s (Dec. 20) Fox & Friends interview of GOOOH founder, Tim Cox.  After the interview, the www.GOOOH.com website received 25,000 visits, and 8,000 people signed on as new members. 

The GOOOH movement seeks to unite Tea Party, conservative, moderate and liberal groups to replace all 435 members of the House of Representatives by selecting citizen candidates independent of special interest money and two-party politics. Many Americans resent the strongarm tactics employed recently to push a Healthcare Bill through the Congress, despite polls showing a majority of Americans do not want the legislation in its current form. Recently, the Abigail Adams Project and Fair Tax Nation have decided to work together with GOOOH to restore representation to the House.

Preparing For Taxes

With the New Year comes a barrage of tax information. Here are some tips for simplifying your tax preparation.

Find a large envelop or small box and mark it 2009 taxes.  Collect all W-2 forms, unemployment compensation forms, SSA-1099 or 1099-R forms and any other statement of income.  In addition will be bank interest, often shown on a 1099-INT or your December bank statement.

Other documents include statements from investment companies, 1099-Div, 1099-B which show interest, dividends or sale of assets.  If you have any 1099-B forms, gather the documentation for the date of purchase and the original purchase price for the sold assets.  Without such proof, the total amount of sale will be taxed.

Miscellaneous income is reported on a 1099-misc form.  If you have a small business, gather all receipts for expenses as well as any income not reported on a 1099-misc. form.

Property tax is again deductible without itemizing.  Include your property tax statement in your records.  Also tax paid on a new car (2009 or 2010 models) may be deducted.

To itemize deductions bring receipts or canceled checks to prove medical expenses, charitable donations, taxes and home mortgage interest.

New homeowners should bring proof of purchase in order to receive the $8000 refundable credit.  Energy-saving improvements should also be documented for a tax credit.  Add to these records, your 2008 tax return and proof of identity.  When all you documents have been collected, then it is time to visit your tax preparer. 

The Carroll County Tax-Aide program begins on February 5 at the Carroll County Senior Center, Mount Carroll.  This free service is available on Wednesday and Friday mornings, February 5 through April 15.  Appointments are necessary and may be made by calling the Senior Center at or .

Volunteer of the Year

Stacy Lamoreux has been honored as “Volunteer of the Year” by the YMCA of Rock River Valley Big Brother Big Sisters for her outstanding dedication and active involvement with her “adopted” little sister Hailey. Stacy and Hailey have been matched since 2006. She is the wife of Dan Lamoreux of rural Lanark and employed by NITE Equipment in Pecatonica. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Jim Sacia)

 

 

 

 

The Hoppers

Kicking off its 2010 concert series, Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E Morris Street, Morrison, IL is thrilled to welcome America’s 2008 Favorite Family of Gospel Music, The Hoppers, in concert on Sunday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church. All are welcome at the concert. There is no admission charged, although a free will offering will be taken. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Invite your friends and neighbors. For more information, please check out the Emmanuel website at www.emmanuelreformedchurch.org and click on the “concert series” button