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More Important NewsCan You Spell W-I-N-N-E-R-S?
West Carroll Intermediate School held its annual spelling bee on Monday, January 24. Sixteen students participated after classroom spelling bees qualified them as finalists. Pronouncer for the contest was Beth Diener, fifith grade teacher. Judges for the event were retired teachers, Fran Donart, Mary Highland, and Trish Joyce. First place spelling winner was Isabelle Foltz, a fifth grader. Second place winner was Mitchell Glazier, also a fifth grader. There was a tie for third place between Jeronimo Barragan (5th) and Jean Medenblik (4th). All four of these students will go on to compete with middle school students for the district championship on February 3rd. Two winners on that day will go on to the Regional Spelling Bee in Pearl City. The next contest after Pearl City is the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Other finalists in the Intermediate Spelling Bee were fourth graders Keegan Kloepping, Maddie Meek, Alysa Jackson, Mason Payne, Katrina Hazen, Naomi Koontz, and Jaycie Van Kampen, and fifth graders Karson Metz, Hunter Houston, Cory Simpson, Billy Walters, and Dawson Wurster.
WINGS Youth ProgramDinosaurs, sea monsters, platypus and shrews, the universe and even every person are all featured in Morrison Christian Church’s “Convincing Clues of the Creator,” winter WINGS topic for grades 2-12 now under way from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. The session ends with a Big Bang (pun intended!), a program for family, friends and the church family on April 19. Fun and informative! Spread the word! Kids don’t have to be members of the church to attend, and a meal is served at each session. The program is free. Call for more information.
Second Win for Jo Daviess Carroll AVC Restaurant Management Students
Five students from the Jo Daviess Carroll AVC practiced for months to prepare for the 10th annual state competition held at Kendall College January 22, 2011. At stake was the trophy won by last year’s Management Team.Teams demonstrate their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by developing a restaurant concept, preparing a business plan and developing a menu. The culinary team has one hour to cook three items from their menu and the management team delivers a 10 minute verbal presentation, and applying critical thinking skills to challenges managers face in day-to-day operations. Their performance is observed and rated by judges from leading colleges and universities and industry professionals. Members of the culinary team are Lauren Bohnsack, daughter of Mark and Deb Bohnsack, Elizabeth; Sarah Miller, daughter of Jeff and Kim Miller, Galena and Valerie Girot, daughter of Paul and Deb Girot, Elizabeth. Members of the Management team are Mallory Schoenhard, daughter of Jon and Lisa Schoenhard, Stockton and Tyler Plath, son of Mark and Lori Plath of Warren. Saturday, January 22 ,the team returned the Management trophy back to the place of honor it has held since last January. This year’s team concept, The Front Porch, gave this year’s team the edge to win again. The management team will head to Nationals April 29th – May 1, 2011 in Overland Park, Kansas in hopes of bringing home a national win. USDA Recognizes Kent Bank as One of Illinois’ Top Guaranteed Housing Lenders
Kent Bank was presented a Million Dollar Lender plaque by the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development, recognizing them as one of the top guaranteed housing lenders in Illinois for 2010. The bank guaranteed $1.4 million to help 17 moderate income homebuyers purchase their first home or upgrade to a better one. Kent Bank, with facilities in Freeport and Kent, has a history of being one of the state’s top guaranteed housing lenders. They are one of more than 300 lenders in Illinois who participate in Rural Development’s home loan program. The agency’s loan guarantees make purchasing a home in non-metropolitan areas more affordable for borrowers. “Kent Bank has been an important asset to the area’s homebuyers, especially during this difficult housing market,” said Lorali Heintzelman in Rural Development’s Oregon office. “Their commitment to making homeownership affordable and keeping the American Dream alive for families and individuals living in this area is commendable.” Carrie Haug, Kent Bank Vice President said, “Helping people own their own home is important to us. As a community bank we try to use every tool available to help home-buyers. The Rural Development program has clearly made a difference in our region - we’re delighted to be able to offer the program and its advantages.” Rural Development also provides financing and technical assistance to foster growth business development and critical community and technology infrastructure. More information on USDA Rural Development programs is available on the web at www.rurdev.usda.gov/il. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Dental Hygiene For Your Pets Is Important
Periodontal disease begins with a large amount of bacteria collecting at the gumline, leading to red, inflamed gums, known as gingivitis. Progression of periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, bad breath, loose teeth, facial swelling, abscessed teeth, excess salivation, and severe mouth pain. Oral infection can seed bacteria to other areas of the body such as heart valves, kidneys, and the liver. Treatment of dental disease involves a dental prophylaxis under general anesthesia. The procedure includes hand and ultrasonic scaling of plaque and calculus on the teeth and beneath the gum line. The teeth are then polished with pumice to smooth imperfections, making it harder for future plaque and calculus to develop. Loose teeth and those affected by deep pockets, cavities, and facial swelling are extracted. Dental disease can be extremely variable among individual pets. The animal’s genetics can make it prone to tarter accumulation, cavities, gum recession, and tooth loss. Some animals require a dental every few years; others need attention every six months to a year. Owners can slow down the advancement of periodontal disease with daily tooth brushing and feeding dry rather than canned food. Milledgeville Vet Clinic’s new facility offers a new dental table and ultrasonic scaler with polisher to address dental problems. Please call our clinic at (815) 225-7127 to schedule an oral evaluation for your pet today! Field Trip in the Snow
Four bus loads of students in the sixth and seventh grade at the West Carroll Junior High enjoyed the great outdoors of Northwest Illinois while on their school trip to Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort in Galena. Some in the group hit the slopes, while others enjoyed a snow-borders dream - the 7-acre Farside Terrain Park - which features half-pipes, quarter pipes, table tops and over 25 rails.
Eastland FFA Public Speaking
Eastland FFA members competed in the Section 1 Public Speaking Career Development Event held at Stockton High School January 26th. Seven school competed from Section 1. In the area of Creed speaking, Kori Freidag from Eastland placed third overall behind Kelley Koester of River Ridge and Kenzie Kaiser of Lena-Winslow. A total of 10 FFA members competed in the event. In the area of Prepared Speaking, Jordan Price from Eastland placed 2nd overall behind Garret Heidenreich of Stockton. Both will be advancing to District 1 Public Speaking Contest on March 10th at Black Hawk Community College at Kewanee. In the Junior Prepared Division, Ryan Sturtz from Eastland placed 1st overall. In the area of Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Sara Runyan from Eastland placed Second behind Megan Richter of Forreston. Both will also be advancing to District 1 Speaking Contest on March 10th. IN the Junior Division, Cayne Boeke from Eastland placed 1st overall.
Rotary Calls for Applicants to Travel to Guatemala
District 6420, which makes up more than 40 Rotary clubs in Northwestern Illinois, is planning to send a team of 5 volunteers to Ak’Tenamit, Guatemala from May 7-22, 2011 on an International Global Grant service project. Rotary’s new global grants, offered under the Future Vision Plan, support vocational training teams, and will fund the efforts of this volunteer team. District 6420 is part of a pilot district which will roll out The Rotary Foundation’s new grant model. The selected team will provide a cross-section of vocational training to indigenous Mayan educators at a boarding school in Ak’Tenamit, Guatemala. Ak’ Tenamit (or “New Village” in the Q’eqchi Mayan language) is a Guatemalan owned and operated nonprofit association based on the Río Dulce in the rainforest of eastern Guatemala that is transforming life in the Q’eqchi villages. Dozens of remote Maya villages, all of which lack electricity and running water were included to form Ak’ Tenamit, giving older children the opportunity to receive an education and vocational training, which they did not have before. What does Ak’ Tenamit do?Ak’ Tenamit provides basic healthcare to approximately 6,000 people in 35 Q’eqchi Maya villages. It gives more than 500 students a practical, vocational education at a jungle boarding school campus, where the national curriculum has been adapted to the students’ indigenous culture and rural reality. It catalyzes grass-roots development and helps village handicraft cooperatives sell their wares at fair-trade prices, which provides vital income extremely poor families. It promotes gender equity, cultural pride, community solutions, environmental sustainability and the empowerment of youth. Since Ak’Tenamit’s inception sixteen years ago, Rotarians and Rotary clubs have played a vital role in its growth and development by not only contributing funds, equipment, supplies and expertise, but also through Rotary work crews visiting the school to work with students during week long service projects. That support has helped Ak’ Tenamit’s education, health and income-generation programs serve many more needy people than they would otherwise have been able to reach. How can I help?District 6420 is continuing the previous efforts of District 6440 to bring a vocational team that will work with the teachers and vocational leaders at Ak’Tenemit. The team of five will have intermediate/fluent Spanish-speaking skills, and will be made up of: One Rotarian team leader and four vocational volunteers, who will work with the local indigenous Mayan educators in the areas of: · School Administration & Business · General teaching curriculums · Mathematics · English as a Second Language / Spanish · Computer Technology · Entrepreneurial skills · Social Work – for girl’s education · Food service industry training Local Rotary Clubs are also accepting donations of the following items for the school that will enhance the project’s mission: · School supplies of all types · English/Spanish dictionaries and classroom books · English/Spanish library books · Solar panels · Computer donations/sponsorship/software · Commercial wood-burning stoves How do I apply?All participants on the team must have careers linked to the goals of the grant, but they are not required to have the same professions. Vocational training is an opportunity for Rotarian service, but will include no more than two Rotarians (including the team leader) and three non-Rotarians. Applications are currently being accepted until February 20, 2011. Interviews will be held on March 5. Please download the complete application at www.rotary6420.org. Applications are also available by contacting your local Rotary Club President. Please call Carter Newton at (815) 238-0318 for more information. To learn more about Ak’ Tenamit, please visit http://www.aktenamit.org/rotary/ and watch the video, “Rerooted: Community Development in the Rainforest”.
Bit O’ Bliss Ribbon Cutting
The Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 27, 2011 to celebrate the operation of Bit O’ Bliss Candy. Welcoming the new business and Jean Eggemeyer’s sweet treats are (bottom photo, l-r) Danielle Vance, Pleasant View Rehabilitation & Health Care Center; Chad Haskell, Morrison Community Hospital; Melinda Gonzalez, Community State Bank; Kelly Smith, Community State Bank; Kathy Schmidt, One Stop Marketing; Martina Maxfield, Yoga With Martina; Jennifer White, THE National Bank; Jean Eggemeyer, Owner of Bit O’ Bliss Candy; Jan Roggy, State Farm Insurance; and Stephanie Vavra, thecity1.com. (Right) Jean and Jan try a bit of peanut brittle before the ribbon is cut - it’s just that good! The maker of delicious candy including English Butter Toffee, Nut Brittles and Chocolates, look for candy displays around town. “I also create custom favors for weddings and other events, work with businesses to make client gifts and partner with churches and other nonprofits for fundraising,” said Jean. “Bit o’ Bliss candy is handmade in small batches. Many recipes have been handed down within my family. The butter toffee is my grandmother’s recipe, and my aunt gave me the recipe for the coconut creme’s.” Bit o’ Bliss Candy began in mid-Michigan in October 2009 when Jean “retired” from full-time work to spend more time with her young kids. “My family and I moved to Morrison in April last year. I make the candy in a licensed kitchen in Morrison and run the business out of my home just a few blocks from downtown.” Orders can also be taken by calling (517) 303-9116 or visit www.bitoblisscandy.com for more information. Special boxed chocolates available for the Valentine holiday.
Annual Election of DirectorsTo all owners and occupiers of lands within the boundaries of the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District, notice is hereby given that an Annual Election of Directors will be held on February 25, 2011 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District Office in Mt. Carroll, IL. Two directors will be elected to each serve a two-year term on the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of the State of Illinois. All persons, firms, or corporations who hold legal title or who are in legal possession of any land lying within the boundaries of the said district are eligible to vote at said election, whether as lessee, renter, tenant, or otherwise. Only such person, firms, or corporations are eligible to vote. Absentee balloting will be available to those who are unable to attend the Election of Directors. Absentee ballots can be requested beginning February 11, 2011. All absentee ballots must be completed by February 23, 2011. For further information or to request an absentee ballot, please contact the Carroll Soil and Water Conservation District, located at 807C South Clay Street in Mt. Carroll. IL or by phone at (815) 244-8732 Ext. 3. Fatal Traffic CrashAt 8:11 a.m. on Thursday, January 27th, the Carroll County 911 Center received a report of a two vehicle traffic crash on Illinois Route 84 south of Diehl Road, north of the Mississippi Palisades State Park. At the time of the crash snow was falling and the roadways were snow covered and slick. A preliminary investigation indicates that Mark Wachter of Elizabeth was traveling south on Illinois Route 84 in a 2007 Ford F-150. A 2005 Toyota Camry driven by Angela Weede was traveling north on Illinois Route 84 when her vehicle lost control and spun into the southbound lane of traffic where it was struck in the passenger side by the Ford truck. Angela Weede was pronounced dead at the scene. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by the Savanna Police Department, Savanna Fire Department, Savanna Ambulance and the Carroll County Coroner’s Office. The Illinois State Police were called to assist with technical reconstruction of the traffic crash. Mississippi Flyway Chapter of Waterfowl U.S.A. Plans BanquetThe board of directors for the Mississippi Flyway Chapter of Waterfowl U.S.A. is in the planning stages for its 19th annual fundraiser. The late winter banquet this year will be held on February 26th. The banquet committee will be seeking donors to underwrite items on the live auction such as wildlife art, collectible decoys and sporting goods. Also, wildlife art, collectibles, waterfowl gear and decoys will be collected for the silent auction and many other raffles that are being planned. For this year chapter sponsors “Conservationist” will receive a Jules A. Bouillet mallard hen for signing on as major sponsors for the 2011 banquet. Donors for the chapter’s youth gun raffle are being sought out. For several years the chapter has given around twenty one hunting guns at each fundraiser. Last year twenty six guns were awarded to kids for no cost at all. The raffle is free to kids attending the banquet and is intended to keep attracting youths to the outdoors. The group wants to attract the hunting family to its banquets and tries to make the event affordable to all. ESPN Outdoor Radio host Mike Cyze has been picked to emcee the event. If anyone has anything to offer for the event or may want to underwrite or sponsor an item in the auction are encouraged to contact the chapter at . Proceeds are used for area waterfowl habitat and artificial nesting structures. The chapter also has a shallow water wetland cost share program to help landowners in development of projects that benefit waterfowl. MMTA to Sponsor Variety ShowMorrison Music Theatre Association will be sponsoring a variety show early this summer. Performances will be Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11, with full dress rehearsals on June 8 and 9. The show is in the early planning stages, but advance notice is being given so that performers will have plenty of time to prepare their acts. Auditions will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday April 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. MMTA is looking for ALL types of talent from Morrison and surrounding communities to be a part of the show. Performers do NOT have to have performed in previous MMTA productions to participate. Auditions are being held to insure that acts are appropriate family entertainment and are of high quality. Singers, dancers, actors, comedians, instrumentalists, jugglers, tumblers and all other talents will be showcased in the show. Musical performers may perform with a CD, but a piano accompanist will be provided at both the audition and the performance for those who need one. People who don’t have a specific talent, but would like to be a part of a group musical presentation or skit are also encouraged to come to one of the audition sessions. This show is an opportunity for area performers to share their talent and raise much needed funds to help MMTA continue to present quality theatre to local audiences. More information will be released as the audition dates draw closer. If there are any questions, performers may contact Bob Stone at or Betty Stralow at . Carroll County Health and Wholeness FairThe first annual Carroll County Health and Wholeness Fair will be held at the West Carroll Middle School in Mount Carroll on February 5, 2011 from 9:00am to 3::00pm. Lunch will be available from 10:00am-1:30pm. The fair is sponsored by First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Carroll. The women of the church applied for a grant from The Woman of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA) last September and got word just two days later that their application had been accepted. The seed grant of $1000 is designed to impact the entire community and target specifically women’s and girl’s health. With grants of this type some of the proceeds from the event are given back to the grant funds to help other communities. The fair will be based on the ELCA Wholeness Wheel which stresses intentionality in balancing the elements of Physical, Emotional, Social, Intellectual, Financial and Vocational areas of our lives, which all tie in to our total wellbeing. Booths with representatives from the Carroll County Health Department, Tops, Carroll County Senior Center, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Mercy Medical Center, FHN, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Pitter Patter Pantry, Upper Mississippi CHIP, Cornerstone Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, Jo-Carroll Energy, Good Samaritans Society, Tri-County Opportunities, The Answer Fitness Center, Pinnacle Place Supportive Living Facility, Mount Carroll Library, Volunteer Hospice of NW Illinois, and Highland Community College will be on hand to answer questions, give out information and inform participants as to how their areas of specialty fit in to the overall health and wholeness of an individual. Several booths will be offering health assessments. The Mercy Medical Center will be doing blood pressures and BMI measurements. The Carroll County Health Department will offer cholesterol and blood sugar screening for $12.00 which is their cost. Results of the screenings are available in five minutes and a two hour fast is recommended for the most accurate results. Highland Community College will have information about credit courses and programs, community education courses and adult education. FHN will be highlighting several of their programs; Get Fit Infinite Program, the TOP Senior Program, poison control and other FHN services. Many booths will have fun activities and special “give a-way” and drawings at their booths. First Evangelical Lutheran Church will have two handmade quilts to be given a-way and will have four drawings throughout the day for a free First Lutheran Cookbook. Throughout the fair small group presentations will be available to learn more about topics that are of special interest. Workshops include: Bev Atherton on Carroll County Senior Center: You won’t believe all we can do for you!; Jo Ann Palmer from Mary Kay Cosmetics presenting on Positive Attitude: Feeling Good about You!; Dr. Julie Smith on Complementary Medicine; Sandra Harper R.N. taking a humorous approach to menopause with “Is it hot in here or is it me?”; From Mercy Medical Center Andrea Witt on Diabetes Education and Penny Swalve on current mammography techniques; Howard Helms from Jo-Carroll Energy presents on “How First Call Medical Alert works for peace of mind”; “How to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” will be presented by Nancy Gable of Upper Mississippi CHIP; How to Stay Young through Spinal Health will be presented by Dr. Chris Dinning; and “Financial Independence: It Is Woman’s Work” will be presented by Ashley Ottens from Thrivent Financial. The Mount Carroll Ambulance Association will have an ambulance parked outside and you are encouraged to bring your children to look inside and see what’s there. At 12am there will be a Tae Kwon Do demonstration by the Answer Fitness Center and at 1:00pm the cheerleaders from WCYFA will do a performance. Crossroads Community New Worship TimesCrossroads Community Church is offering new services times! Beginning February 6, 2011 we are moving our service times to offer a 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. service. We’re excited about the growth and change, and we hope you’ll find it the perfect opportunity to join us this Sunday. Our church features upbeat music, a hopeful and relevant message, awesome children’s programs and new friends who will be pleased to meet you! Come join us – it’s a great time to visit! Crossroads Community Church meets at the Morrison Institute of Technology Auditorium, 701 Portland Avenue, Morrison, IL 61270 with Josh Mauney, Campus Pastor. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at (815) 956-0090. New Youth & Worship Pastor at CrossroadsCrossroads Community Church is excited to share the addition of Jon Neal as Youth & Worship Pastor of the Morrison Campus. Jon and his wife, Brittany are committed to making Crave Student Ministries an exciting, energetic atmosphere that will challenge and impact our area teens so they can be a positive influence at home and with their friends. Crave is for Jr. High and High School Students and meets on Wednesday nights. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and service begins with LIVE praise and worship at 7 p.m. with doors closing at 8:45. Jon also joins Crossroads as Worship Pastor leading worship through upbeat music with a LIVE praise and worship team, welcoming people into the presence of God on a weekly basis. Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, Max (5), Lyrik (3) and Jayda (2 weeks). Please help us in welcoming the Neal family to CCC and our community! Tax-Aide Program Begins Feb. 9The Carroll County Senior Center will once again sponsor the Tax-Aide program in Carroll County. There will be weekly tax sessions on Wednesday and Friday mornings beginning Wednesday, February 9. Taxpayers should bring all tax documents, proof of identity as well as a 2009 return. Property owners will need to show the amount of property tax paid as well as the Property ID number to receive credit on their Illinois return. There has been publicity about a delayed starting date for the IRS to accept electronic returns. Here is the official explanation: “The IRS needed the extra time to update its systems to accommodate the tax law changes without disrupting other operations tied to the filing season. The delay followed the Dec. 17 enactment of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which extended a number of expiring provisions including the state and local sales tax deduction, higher education tuition and fees deduction and educator expenses deduction. Most taxpayers will not be affected by these changes.” Illinois will request payment of any sales tax due for items purchased by internet or telephone from companies who did not collect such taxes. If you think you might have such purchases, bring sales receipts with you. Taxpayers can now use their refund to buy up to $5,000 in U.S. Series I Savings Bonds in multiples of $50. A refund may be directly deposited into three different accounts, such as a savings account, checking account and bonds. Bonds may also be purchased for a relative or friend of the taxpayer, such as a grandchild. Tax-Aide Volunteers make every effort to assist taxpayers. Some situations are considered Out of Scope and will need a Paid Preparer. Such situations include business depreciation, rental income and expenses, complex capital gain/loss issues, trusts and farms. AARP Tax-Aide program provides free tax assistance and preparation throughout the country to low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to seniors, age 60 and older. The Carroll County Senior Center joins the Internal Revenue Service and the AARP Foundation in offering this free tax assistance to the local community. For an appointment, contact the Carroll County Senior Center at or (toll-free). Fulton Visitor Numbers Are StrongThe Fulton windmill area welcomed over 10,000 visitors between April and December 2010. This includes visitors to both the windmill (9,845) and Windmill Cultural Center (10,014). Guests may visit one attraction or both but are asked to sign-in at each location. However, not all visitors choose to sign-in. The busiest month was June with 2,200 guests. The windmill area hosted visitors from 49 states; only Rhode Island was not represented. The top five visitor states were (in order): Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas. Foreign visitors totaled 218, the most coming from the Netherlands (37) and Germany (31). Visitors who traveled the farthest came from Australia (10). A total of 38 groups (1,255 people) visited the windmill area including schools, summer camps, social/civic organizations, car clubs, and tour groups. The most popular form of paid advertising was through newspapers and brochures. According to the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, leisure travelers spend on average $127 per person per day. Many of Fulton’s visitors shop, dine, fuel up, and stay at local hotels. Even if Fulton captured only a third of the average ($42), that’s $420,000 spent in the community between April and December. The windmill area is open weekends only in May, November & December and daily June through October. The windmill and Windmill Cultural Center are operated by volunteers with cooperation from the City of Fulton. A special thank you to Mary Faber for tabulating the visitor numbers. Prairie Wind Magazine Now Accepting SubmissionsSubmissions are now being accepted for the 2011 Edition of Prairie Wind magazine, a collection of original poetry, prose, visual art, and recorded music contributed by students, staff, alumni, and other members of the Highland Community. Submission guidelines are available at www.theprairiewind.org. The deadline is February 18, 2011. More information is available from the magazine’s faculty advisors, Sam Tucibat at , or and Bob Apolloni, , or . The magazine is published annually under the auspices of Highland Community College, 2998 West Pearl City Road, Freeport, Illinois, 61032. It is a cooperative project of the Humanities, Graphic Design, Art, and Music departments in the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences. Each issue is created by an editorial board composed of students and volunteer community members who are guided by a team of faculty advisors. HCC Adult Education Program Seeks Volunteer TutorsHighland Community College Adult Education Program is seeking volunteers to tutor adults in Stephenson County. Volunteers tutor math, reading, writing or English as a Second Language. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend a tutor informational meeting on Thursday, February 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Freeport Public Library in a main floor meeting room. The information meeting will address questions, including: What does a volunteer tutor do? How much time does it take? What experience do I need? The support and encouragement that tutors provide is a key influence in the lives of students. In fact, students show greater achievement when they have individual instruction. Just by volunteering an hour or two a week, tutors are a source of inspiration. But the rewards are not only for the students. This program is rewarding for the volunteers as well. Volunteer tutors help their communities by improving the lives of residents, one person at a time. Volunteers tutor when it is convenient – morning, afternoon or evening and in an academic subject area that they enjoy. For more information about these meetings, please contact Esther Mayer at or at This project was made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ILS), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy. The Highland Community College Adult Education program is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Hearts of Gold Dessert AuctionThe first annual Bi-County Foundation Dessert Auction fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Woodlawn Arts Academy. This fundraiser will feature hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary drink, a beverage cash bar, and shopping from select area vendors. The dessert auction will feature luscious, elegant, gourmet desserts. Featured vendors include A Cooks Corner, Beautiful You Boutique, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Longaberger Baskets, Scentsy, Statik, Sweet Woodruff, and Willow Bay Naturals. Tickets are available at A Cooks Corner, Beautiful You Boutique, or by calling . Established in 1996, the Bi-County Cooperative Foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of children with disabilities in Whiteside and Carroll counties. To improve the lives of children with disabilities and thus augmenting the community as a whole, the Foundation relies on the contributions of businesses and individuals. For more information on the Foundation’s assistance or award programs, please visit our website at www.bi-countyfoundation.org or call the Cooperative office at . 2nd Annual Cystinosis Awareness WeekThe Eastland High School student council is hosting its 2nd Annual Cystinosis Awareness Week February 7th –February 11th in hopes of keeping both adults and students educated about the rare but debilitating disease. Senior student council member, Logan Feltmeyer’s aunt, Paula Shal, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 17. Paula has gone through four kidney transplants with the most recent one occurring in October 2009. For the second year, Logan wants to keep people informed as well as educate those who may not know about the disease. Paula will speak to the student body on Friday, February 4th at 2:40 in the gymnasium. She will explain that, “the amino acid cysteine accumulates in the cells in the body causing them to crystallize. This crystallization eventually causes muscles to deteriorate and shuts down major organs like the kidney, liver, heart, and brain.” She will also inform them that there are only 500 cases in the United States which makes it very hard to get funding for research. That is why, as a spokesperson for the Cystinosis Research Network, Paula was thrilled to hear that Eastland High School was again going to raise money. Activities during the week include: a hat day on Tuesday where students will have to donate $1 and will be allowed to wear a hat all day; a taco supper Tuesday, February 8th from 5:00-7:00 before the Eastland versus River Ridge boys basketball game, a raffle for an American Girl Doll and a Fisher Price Shake and Go Extreme race track—tickets available in the high school office or at any home basketball game this week. Finally, all week students will “vote” for the varsity boys’ or girls’ basketball player they want to see get a pie in the face by placing money in a bucket with the player’s picture on it. All proceeds will be donated to the Cystinosis Research Network. For more information or to give a donation, contact MaryBeth Landherr at Eastland High School at 439-6341. Savanna Smiles 4-H Club Holds MeetingBy Daniel Rice, Carroll Co. 4-H Federation ReporterOn October thru November we sold many Christmas Wreaths. The December meeting was canceled due to bad weather conditions and was rescheduled in January. On January 8th 4-H members and their families enjoyed bowling at The Mount Carroll Lanes. We had our meeting and exchanged Christmas Ornaments and record books were handed out to several members. Everyone had a fun filled Time. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 13th at 2:30p.m. at the Community Church. Carroll County 4-H Public Presentation ContestsBy Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker, 4-H & YouthIt’s time to select your topic, gather your notes and practice, practice, practice for the annual 4-H Public Presentation contests to be held Saturday, February 26. The public speaking contest will start at 9:00 a.m., at Naaman Diehl Auditorium in Mt. Carroll. 4-H’ers may choose from the following areas for their presentation: Illustrated speech, formal speech, extempore speaking, oral interpretation, original works, speaking of horses or horticulture. The demonstration contest will be held following the Public Speaking Contest. 4-H’ers may choose from the following area for their presentation: Food division - International, ethnic, or regional cuisine; nutrition; food science; food preservation; food safety; making food dollars count; general demonstration; horse demonstration and horticulture demonstration. Both contests will be held in the morning. Savings bonds, cash prizes or gift certificates will be awarded to the top 4-H’ers in each area. Registration deadline is February 14. The public is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Leanne Rahn at Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or . Carroll County 4-H Steer Weigh-In & TattooingBy Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker, 4-H & Youth4-H Steer weighing and tattooing will he held Saturday, February 5, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Jim & Kayla Ruter farm near Shannon. Snow date will be February 19 at the same location. Any 4-H’er who has a beef steer or a market heifer for a project must attend the weigh-in. Also anyone that is remotely thinking of showing steers at the State Fair Show in August in the Jr. Department beef steer and beef premiere classes (Qualifying carcasses must grade at least low choice, have a yield grade lower than 4.0 and weigh 900 lbs. or less). State Fair animals must also be tagged with an electronic ID tag. New this year to the 4-H county beef program will be a carcass class. If you are entering any animals in this class, you will also need to have your animals nominated, weighed-in and tattooed. For more information or to register by February 2 to attend the weigh-in and tattooing, contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or e-mail at . Carroll County 4-H Plans Family OutingBy Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker, 4-H & YouthAll Carroll County 4-H families are invited to join the 4-H Federation for a trip to the Quad Cities Mallard’s game on Saturday, February 19. The bus will have two pick-up points, one at Milledgeville school at 3:30 p.m. and the Extension Office parking lot at 4:15 p.m. sharp. Registration deadline is February 4, to University of Illinois Extension Office and can be made by sending in the clip-n-return in your newsletter or stopping by the office. Each 4-H’er may bring one non-4-H guest. See the clip-n-return sheet for cost of the bus and hockey tickets. For more information contact Leanne at University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or . Don’t miss out on the fun! Carroll County 4-H Leaders Meeting PlannedBy Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Community Worker, 4-H & YouthThe next Carroll County 4-H Leader’s Meeting will be held Monday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m. at the Carroll County Farm Bureau Board room. We have many agenda items to discuss – upcoming winter programs and activities, judging contests, ideas for 4-H Fair, etc. All organizational, project and Junior Leaders are encouraged to attend. 4-H Communication Contest: Everyone is InvitedFebruary 12, 2011 is the day in which many Whiteside County 4-H’ers get to speak their mind. On Saturday, February 12th local 4-H’ers enrolled in the communications area will get to show off their speaking abilities. Anything from foods demonstrations to illustrated speeches to Extempore Speaking will occur. Every year we have a wide variety of topics chosen for the Whiteside County 4-H Food Demonstration/Public Presentation Contest - anything from rabbits, to making pancakes to the original works. It is a wonderful opportunity for the youth to face their fears of speaking in front of a crowd says Karen Atkinson, Community Worker, 4-H/Youth. Each year 4-H’ers who go off to college relate they have learned how to communicate effectively because of 4-H and that is a huge step in the right direction. The University of Illinois Extension, Whiteside County Office would like to invite anyone to come and watch this exciting event on Saturday, February 12th at 1 P.M. at the Extension Office. If you have any questions or are interested in joining 4-H contact Karen Atkinson at the Whiteside County Extension Office at . Corn and Soybean Supplies to Remain Tight for Another Year?The USDA projects that corn stocks at the end of the 2010-11 marketing year will total only 745 million bushels, said University of Illinois agricultural economist Darrel Good. “That projection represents 5.5 percent of projected marketing year consumption. Stocks as a percent of consumption would be the smallest since the record low 5 percent of 1995-96. And 5 percent is considered to be a minimal pipeline supply,” he said. Marketing year-ending stocks of soybeans are projected at 140 million bushels, or 4.2 percent of projected consumption. That ratio is slightly smaller than the previous low of 4.4 percent in 2003-04, he said. “The low level of inventories projected for this year reflects different market conditions than those that existed in either 1995-96 or 2003-04. Both of those years were characterized by small crops that required a sharp reduction in the level of consumption just to maintain minimum year-ending stocks. Year-over-year consumption of corn declined by 8.5 percent in 1995-96, and soybean consumption declined by 9.5 percent in 2003-04,” he said. In contrast, corn consumption during the current marketing year is expected to be 2.8 percent larger than the record of last year. Soybean consumption is expected to be about equal to last year’s record. The low level of expected year-ending corn stocks are the result of a 2010 corn crop that was 5 percent smaller than the record crop of 2009 and a rapid acceleration in the use of corn for ethanol production, he said. The 2010 soybean crop was only 0.8 percent smaller than the record crop of 2009. Stocks at the beginning of the year, however, were small, and exports are expected to be record large. Exports are increasing primarily as a result of strong Chinese demand, he said. “Strong U.S. and world crop demand, scattered production problems in 2010 and early 2011, and prospects for generally tight stocks have pushed corn and soybean prices high enough to raise concerns about more rapid food price inflation,” he said. The question now is whether the year ahead will bring some change in the tight supply/high-price scenario. Much of the attention will be on the prospective size of the 2011 U.S. corn and soybean crops and the level of demand for those crops, he said. “First, we look at corn demand prospects for the 2011-12 marketing year. There is likely to be some further weakness in domestic feed demand resulting from current high feed costs and further liquidation of livestock numbers,” he said. Export demand is more difficult to anticipate due to the uncertainty of world grain production, the pace of economic growth, and trade policy. Demand at the same level as this year may be the best forecast, he said. “The level of use of corn for ethanol production may be the most important factor. Use during the current marketing year is expected to be well above the level required to meet renewable fuel mandates. The mandates for 2011 and 2012 would require about 4.7 billion bushels of corn to be used for ethanol production during the 2011-12 marketing year, or 200 million bushels less than is expected to be used this year. Use could exceed the mandate again next year if blending economics remain favorable. Corn consumption in 2011-12 could decline by 100 to 300 million bushels from the projected level for this year,” he noted. A decline of 200 million bushels would put total corn consumption at 13.23 billion bushels in 2011-12. With a trend yield of 159 bushels in 2011, harvested acreage would need to total 83.2 million acres to produce 12.23 billion bushels of corn. Planted acreage would need to be near 90.3 million, 2.1 million more than planted in 2010, he said. “If demand is stronger than expected and/or stock rebuilding is to begin, and if there needs to be some allowance for yield risk, planted acreage may need to be in the range of 92 to 93 million acres,” he said. According to Good, demand for U.S. soybeans in 2011-12 is likely to remain strong due to a modest production shortfall in Argentina this year and continued strong Chinese demand. If consumption remains near 3.35 billion bushels and the 2011 U.S. average yield is near the trend value of 43.2 bushels, harvested acreage will need to total about 77.5 million acres to maintain pipeline supplies at the end of the 2011-12 marketing year. Planted acreage would need to be near 78.5 million, 1.1 million more than planted in 2010, he said. To allow some modest rebuilding of stocks and to allow for yield risk, planted acreage may need to be near 79.5 million. Additional double cropping will help meet the need, he said. “It appears that combined acreage of corn and soybeans needs to increase about 6.5 million acres in 2011 to allow for some modest rebuilding of U.S. inventories. A smaller increase would require above-trend yields to avoid another year of very tight supplies,” he said. Sprouts? Supplements? Team Them Up to Boost Broccoli’s Cancer-Fighting PowerA new University of Illinois study provides convincing evidence that the way you prepare and consume your broccoli matters, and also suggests that teaming broccoli with broccoli sprouts may make the vegetable’s anti-cancer effect almost twice as powerful. “Broccoli, prepared correctly, is an extremely potent cancer-fighting agent--three to five servings a week are enough to have an effect. To get broccoli’s benefits, though, the enzyme myrosinase has to be present; if it’s not there, sulforaphane, broccoli’s cancer-preventive and anti-inflammatory component, doesn’t form,” said Elizabeth Jeffery, a U of I professor of nutrition. According to Jeffery, many people destroy myrosinase by overcooking their broccoli. And health-conscious consumers who use broccoli powder supplements in recipes to boost their nutrition are also missing out. These supplements often do not contain this necessary enzyme, she said. “There is a way to boost that powder’s effectiveness, though. Broccoli sprouts contain myrosinase in abundance. And broccoli powder often contains the precursor to sulforaphane without the enzyme that would boost its healthful benefits,” said Jenna Cramer, co-author of the study. The scientists hypothesized that myrosinase from the sprouts would enhance sulforaphane formation and absorption from the broccoli powder if the two were eaten together. In a small pilot study, they recruited four healthy men who ate meals that contained broccoli sprouts alone, broccoli powder alone, or a combination of the two. The researchers then measured levels of sulforaphane metabolites in the mens’ blood and urine after feeding. “We were looking at biomarkers--plasma and urine levels--that are associated with cancer prevention,” Cramer said. Three hours after feeding, a definite synergistic effect was noted between the powder and the sprouts. “We saw almost a twofold increase in sulforaphane absorption when sprouts and powder were eaten together. It changed the way the subjects metabolized the powder. We saw plasma and urine metabolites much earlier and at much higher levels than when either was eaten alone,” Jeffery said. This indicates that myrosinase from the broccoli sprouts produced sulforaphane not only from the sprouts but also from the precursor present in the broccoli powder, she said. Other foods that contain sulforaphane and can be teamed with broccoli to boost its benefits are mustard, radishes, arugula, and wasabi, Jeffery said. “To increase the vegetable’s benefits, you could sprinkle broccoli sprouts on your broccoli or make a mustard sauce to serve with broccoli,” she added. People who prefer to eat broccoli without sauce or sprouts should know that overcooking is the kiss of death for the important enzyme myrosinase, she said. “Steaming broccoli for two to four minutes is the perfect way to protect both the enzyme and the vegetable’s nutrients,” she said. The study was published in the January 2011 issue of Nutrition and Cancer. Caudill Seed Company funded the research and provided broccoli products. Recycling Guide AvailableThe Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency and University of Illinois Extension now has an updated recycling guide available. The 2 organizations collaborate on many projects, including the guide and recycling collections. The next Super Recycling Event will be held April 2nd at the Extension parking lot in Mt. Carroll. Please mark your calendar; details will be published in the near future. To obtain a Recycling Guide, please call . Soil and Water Management Seminar Offers Continuing EducationManaging Soils will be the focus of a Soil and Water Management Seminar sponsored by University of Illinois Extension on February 23, 2011. The workshop will be held at the Carroll County Extension Office in Mt. Carroll. Presentations will be delivered via PowerPoint and teleconference from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. “Those attending will learn about tillage and nutrient interactions, flood risk management, biomass crops and their effects on soil water and soil quality, and Gulf hypoxia and Illinois agriculture,” says Duane Friend, U of I Extension natural resources educator. Certified Crop Advisors may receive up to 4.5 continuing education units in Soil and Water Management by attending this seminar. Registration is $45 per person, which includes lunch. The registration deadline is February 16. To register, call the Carroll County Extension Office at . If dietary or disability accommodations are needed, please indicate when registering. Private Applicator Test OnlyThe University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture will be offering a TEST ONLY site for Private Pesticide Applicators. A representative from the Illinois Department of Agriculture will be on hand to offer the test starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23. The test only site will be located at Highland Community College Student Conferecnc Center Room 210. Please use parking lot B. There is no charge for this event but pre-registration is requested to plan for space and materials. Reminder: this is a test only session, no training will be provided. To register phone . Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference February 18.The Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference is planned for Friday, February 18, 2011, at the Carroll County Farm Bureau, Mt. Carroll, Illinois. The conference will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m. Presenters include Buzz Lliff, D.V.M., of the Wyoming Veterinary Clinic; Dan Faulkneer, Beef Specialist, Jay Solomon, Ag Engineering Educator and Dean Oswald, Animal Systems Educator, all of University of Illinois Extension; and Matt Bunger, Grazing Specialist, John Bell and Jim Dykema, District Conservationists, from the USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service. Several topics will be covered at the program including Grazier’s Math – How Many Animals Can Your Pastures Support, Animal Health Issues – Feedlot vs. Pasture; Economics – Feedlot vs. Pasture; Managing Grazing along Streams, Watering and Fencing Options, Cost Share Opportunities and more. Early registration fee, which includes workshop materials, is $20 if received by February 15. For late registrations and walk-ins, the fee increases to $30 per person. To register or to obtain more information, contact Blackhawk Hills RC & D at or Carroll County Extension at at . On-line registration can also be done via the Jo-Carroll Unit website at http://jdc.extension.uiuc.edu which offers a credit card payment option. Campbell Center ReorganizesThe Campbell Center has a new board chairman, a new executive director and a fresh focus. “Change can be helpful,” said newly elected chairman Russ Simpson. “To ensure a bright future for CCHPS we need renewed thinking and a clean slate for idea generation.” Elected chair at the board’s December meeting, Simpson is senior vice president and chief administrative officer for Jo-Carroll Energy. “Campbell Center is an asset our community should capitalize on. I’m committed to helping the board find a beneficial use for it,” Simpson said. Sharon Welton, formerly the center’s program director will take on the duties as executive director. Welton will manage the programs for historical preservation studies, and the board will focus on preservation of the campus and facilities. “While the board attempts to find additional uses for the campus, I intend to make the school bigger and better,” commented Welton. “Our preservation studies have an excellent reputation worldwide and there is demand for more offerings,” she added. Registrations for 2011 classes are underway with expectations of the largest number of students ever. The Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies has been the campus mainstay for over 30 years, but government funding has decreased and the school alone can’t support the long term preservation of the 14 historical structures, Simpson noted. “We need to explore all options for putting the campus to use to preserve it and if possible create local jobs,” he said. The board plans to develop a fundraising initiative to support a feasibility study and a major campus marketing effort. Simpson said he also wants to maintain close contact with the city of Mt. Carroll as well as other communities and civic groups. “Working together to make the most of CCHPS should result in economic advantage for all of us,” Simpson added. The Campbell Center board also approved hiring John Cox of Galena as the board’s attorney. Former U.S. Congressman Cox is vice president of external affairs and general counsel for Jo-Carroll Energy and has extensive economic development experience. Nominees are being sought for several open CCHPS board seats and interested individuals are encouraged to contact Cox or Simpson. Sauk Valley Tea Party Holds First 2011 MeetingJanuary 31, 2011 - The Sauk Valley Tea Party held their first meeting of 2011 on Thursday evening, January 27th, at the Comfort Inn, Dixon IL. A large group of approximately three-dozen attendees braved icy roads to participate in lively discussion and a great exchange of ideas. One major topic discussed during the meeting was a desire to support and increase SVTP member’s attendance at a wide range of area public board meetings, including county, city, village, and school board meetings. Many board meetings are sparsely attended and it was the group’s consensus that generating more public involvement in the process would be a positive step. Other plans were set in place to provide members useful legislative information and resources for tracking legislative voting records through the use of website, newsletters, and social media. Various committee assignments were also reviewed and pre-planning for upcoming events was discussed. The group’s next meeting will be Tuesday, February 22nd, at the Comfort Inn, Dixon IL with a regular business meeting from 6:30pm – 7:30pm. At 7:30pm the meeting will be opened to a Dixon Mayoral Candidates Forum. All three Dixon mayoral candidates will be on hand to introduce themselves and take part in a one-hour question and answer forum. The public is invited and encouraged to attend with questions for the candidates. The Sauk Valley Tea Party will continue to meet monthly throughout 2011 on the 4th Tuesday of very month at the Dixon Comfort Inn at 6:30pm unless otherwise noted. For more information about the SVTP and to learn how “Truth Empowers America”, please visit Sauk Valley Tea Party on Facebook, or e-mail .
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(l to r) First place Isabelle Foltz, second place Mitchell Glazier, and tied for third place Jeronimo Barragan and Jean Medenblik. (Photos courtesy of Patricia Laughlin)
Mount Carroll Rotary Club member Gary Foltz, presents the annual club donation in support of the Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois. Accepting the donation is JoAnn Robinson (L) and Gloria Benson (center) from the hospice, who presented the Jan.25 program for the Mt. Carroll Club. (Courtesy of Lou Schau)
Cameron Dreger, Brandon Kaufman, Logan Gengenbach, and Devin Lamar pose with their snowboards before heading to the terrain park.
Creed Speaking: Kori Freidag
Jr Public Speaking: (L to R) Cayne Boeke, Ryan Sturtz
Senior Public Speaking: (L to R) Jordan Price, Sara Runyan
On Saturday January 29th, Pat Fuller’s EMT-B class participated in an Extrication Training. Fuller is an instructor for OSF St. Anthony’s, and has been working with this group for the past 5-6 months. (Left to Right) Andraya Nelson (Savanna), Amber Strong (Shannon), Angie Messenger (Lanark), Carol Remrey (Mount Carroll), Sean Adams (Chadwick), Aaron Stocks (Chadwick), and Instructor Pat Fuller. Upon completion of class room time, clinical time, and ambulance time, the students will be ready to take the State test on February 16th. Mt. Carroll Fire Department members also assisted with the training which was held at Northwest Body. (PA photo/Lynnette Forth)
