JCE Food Drive Nets Donations for 9 Area Food Pantries

Pastor Mike Wey accepts a donation from Jo-Carroll Energy on behalf of the Savanna/Mt. Carroll Food Pantry. Presenting the donation is Elecia Walter, member services and marketing intern.

Jo-Carroll Energy employees and members demonstrated the cooperative principle of commitment to community with their participation in a recent food drive sponsored by the cooperative.

Approximately 850 pounds of nonperishable food, paper goods and other items were distributed to nine food pantries within Jo-Carroll Energy’s service territory.

Food pantries receiving donations were: Albany Food Pantry, East Dubuque Food Pantry, Elizabeth Food Basket, Erie Food Pantry, Hanover Food Pantry, The Helping Hands Food Pantry (Chadwick/Milledgeville), Savanna/Mt. Carroll Food Pantry, Thomson/Fulton Food Pantry and the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry.

In addition, Jo-Carroll Energy’s board of directors approved donations of $555 to each of the pantries.

The food pantries served a combined total of approximately 650 families during the past year.

Harlan Wiebenga (left) and Ron Pressman (right) accept a donation on behalf of the Thomson/Fulton Food Pantry from Jo-Carroll Carroll Energy. Presenting the donation is Heidi Weber, member relations and marketing manager.

Paula Baker and DiVito family accept a donation from Jo-Carroll Energy on behalf of the Helping Hands Food Pantry. Presenting the donation is Heidi Weber, member relations and marketing manager.

FFA Legislative Day

Eight Eastland FFA attended and participated in the State FFA Legislative Day held March 9th in Springfield at the State Capitol. Eastland FFA members participated in setting up baskets of donated items that represented Agriculture and FFA and help deliver those baskets to Senators and Legislators that day. FFA members also had the opportunity to share with some of the State Senators about careers in public service as well as the legislative process. At noon, Eastland FFA attended the State House of Representative session and was recognized by Representative Jim Sacia at the beginning of the House session. Eastland FFA members also visited the offices of Senator Tim Bivins and Representative Jim Sacia while at Springfield.

Carroll County Republican Women Promote Reading

Wendy Klein (left), Vice President of the Carroll County Republican Women’s Club, presented two new books to the Savanna Library Director Mary Meyers. Each year the club contributes money to a county library for the addition of citizenship reading. The Savanna Library chose two books on Ronald Reagan: Time For Kids: Ronald Reagan: From Silver Screen to Oval Office and Ronald Reagan: 100 Years: Official Centennial Edition from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. The Savanna Library now has an extensive collection of books about the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. (Courtesy of Mary Ann Hutchinson)

 

Thumbs Up Winners

The Chadwick-Milledgeville Week 19 Thumbs Up Winners.

Back Row, Left to Right: Daniel Lohnes, Devon Zuck, Lindsey Brown

Front Row, Left to Right: Cayden Johnson, Aiden Barkley, Ella Covey, Caden VanDyke. Not Pictured: Kayden Wolber

Compassion, Caring, and Enjoyment for Residents of Heritage Woods

By Diana K. Lopez

Director of Marketing and Sales

Heritage Woods of Sterling (HWS) is a 76 unit Supportive Living community in Sterling Illinois.

Last month we experienced one of the worst snow storms many of us have ever experienced. We were warned well in advanced of this storm and put a “plan in place”. All directors started to move ourselves into HWS on Tuesday morning Feb 1, 2011. The residents took notice, and all tongues were wagging. They offered their beds, couches, blankets and apartments for the staff that would be staying.

They found humor in all the items we were lugging in. Some wanted to know if we ever planned on going back home! I believe we alleviated many fears when they found out we would be here for the duration of the storm, that they would not be alone.

Our floor staff were relieved as well. They watched and asked questions of all directors, letting them know we were prepared to be very hands-on and ready for whatever Mother Nature had in store for us. People tend to dismiss weather. In our line of work, it would be/could be very detrimental to do so.

We “bonded” as a team/family - ate together, bowled on the Wii, played a few hands of cards, popped popcorn and watched a movie prior to retiring to our chosen “bedrooms” ( which was our office for some) for the evening. We all were safe, while the world around us was a whirlwind of snow, ice and wind. We were “a family,” snug in our “home away from home.”

After little sleep, answered prayers of no resident having to be sent out to the hospital, and no power outages or other mechanical issues, breakfast preparations were under way. No dietary staff was able to make it to work. The residents were pleasantly surprised to see who was bringing coffee, picking up menus, cooking, serving and doing dishes. Directors in hair nets and gloves!

Compliments flew, offers of assistance were made and life as we know it continued on. Residents were safe, warm, with bellies full and happy. I found it interesting to hear how well the dietary staff knew the resident likes/dislikes/quirks . . .” ½ cornflakes ½ cheerios, mixed together please” - ”I take my milk in a tall glass” - ”I like my tomato juice w/ice.”

We host Community Council on the 1st Wednesday of each month. It was discussed whether to postpone because of the weather. We decided to go ahead and host. The norm may have shifted for the directors/staff but not the residents. The positive feedback was overwhelming. Here are a few comments from residents and their families that made us feel it was all worth every sleepless minute:

- ”It made me feel so much safer knowing you were all here last night.”

- “I think we owe you all a huge hand and thank you for serving us a hot breakfast.”

- ”It’s nice knowing you care so much, when you should be home with your children and families.”

After a Face book post that all was well @ HWS, we received this feedback:

“Thank you for the update. It is so nice NOT to worry about our loved ones in the midst of this HUGE blizzard. I feel very comfortable that he is well taken care of. Thank you all so much.”

Yes, it was a very long night at HWS on Feb 1, 2011. But the staff at Heritage Woods of Sterling, would do it all over again with absolutely no hesitation. That’s just the kind of people we are. After all, everyone here is our family.

For more information about Heritage Woods of Sterling, contact Marketing Director, Diana Lopez, at or stop in anytime at 2205 Oak Grove Avenue in Sterling.

West Carroll FFA Parliamentary Team Advances to State Contest

The West Carroll Parliamentary team who is advancing to the state contest. Front (L to R): Audrie Ashby, Kaiti Mathey, Kayla Wilson Back (L to R): Kim Durward, Matt Strauch, and Montana Mosel

The West Carroll FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team consisting of chairman, Kim Durward; secretary, Audrie Ashby; and floor members Kayla Wilson, Montana Mosel, Matt Strauch and Kaiti Mathey placed 1st at the District I FFA Parliamentary Procedure Contest held March 10 at Blackhawk East College in Galva, Illinois. The West Carroll team score was 872.25. Orion placed 2nd with 779.75 at the event.

A Parliamentary Procedure Contest consists of members completing a 25 question multiple choice test, doing a 10 minute demonstration using parliamentary motions, and answering questions about the motions used in the demonstration.

West Carroll and Orion will now compete in the State FFA Parliamentary Procedure Contest at Illinois State University on March 26.

 

 

 

West Carroll FFA Ag Mechanics Team Wins Section #1 Contest

The West Carroll FFA Ag Mechanics team that placed first at the contest. Kneeling (L to R): Chad Mull, Jordan Barr, John Zubaty Standing (L to R): Marshall Benters, Lindsey Hoyer, Tyler DeLargy, Ivan Ortiz, Calvin Bates, Zach Hartman and Frank Angle.

The West Carroll FFA Ag Mechanics team won the Section #1 Ag Mechanics Contest held on March 8 at Le-Win High School. The West Carroll team score was 342. Lena-Winslow placed 2nd with 299.

Individually for West Carroll, Chad Mull placed 1st in surveying; Jordan Barr 1st in electricity; Tyler DeLargy 2nd in welding. John Zubaty and Zach Hartman participated in the power and carpentry areas respectively, but did not place in the top 3. West Carroll also had 5 JV members participating in Frank Angle, Lindsey Hoyer, Ivan Ortiz, Calvin Bates and Marshall Benters.

An Ag Mechanics contest consists of taking a written test and then doing a hands-on practical in each of the 5 mechanics areas.

 

 

 

 

Open Mic at the Heritage Center

Carl Tucker, along with Fred Taft, Scott Sweitzer, and others playing “Washed In the Blood Of The Lamb” at the monthly Open Mic organized by Ken Sweitzer every 2nd Friday at the Heritage Center in Lanark. “Bring a dish to pass and enjoy some great food, too,” Ken said. (PA photo/Mick Parsons)

Larry Wiersema of Wiersema Charter Receives Customer Service Award

Larry Wiersema of Wiersema’s Charter Service was recently named the recipient of the “Because Nice Matters” Customer Service Award by the Morrison Chamber of Commerce. Larry was nominated for the great service he provided to the Veterans of the Honor “Bus” Flight on a recent bus trip to the military monuments in Washington DC. Wiersema Charter has also donated transportation to and from the Quad City International Airport, Moline, IL, for numerous Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. Congratulations to Wiersema’s for their great customer service and honorable recognition of area veterans for their sacrifices.

 

 

 

Kirk, Manzullo, IL Colleagues Urge President Obama to Abandon Efforts to Move Gitmo Detainees to NW Illinois

Firm commitment needed so Congress can focus on opening Thomson as a federal prison

Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan), and eight of their Illinois colleagues called on President Barack Obama to heed the bipartisan calls from Congress and abandon efforts to move terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Gitmo), or elsewhere abroad, to a vacant state-owned prison in northwest Illinois.

In a letter to the President sent Thursday, March 10, and posted on the Prairie Advocate web site (www.pacc-news.com) the federal legislators said Congress will never provide funds to purchase the vacant Thomson Correctional Center and run it as a federal prison as long as the Obama Administration continues to express its desire to house the Gitmo detainees there. In addition to Kirk and Manzullo (who represents Thomson), the letter was signed by U.S. Reps. John Shimkus (R-Collinsville), Judy Biggert (R-Hinsdale), Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton), Aaron Schock (R-Peoria), Randy Hultgren (R-Winfield), Joe Walsh (R-McHenry), Adam Kinzinger (R-Manteno), and Bobby Schilling (R-Colona).

“The only way Congress will ever seriously consider approving funds to acquire and operate Thomson as a federal prison is if the Administration commits to backing off its plan once and for all to move Gitmo detainees to Thomson. We implore your Administration abandon its efforts to house Gitmo detainees at Thomson and join us in turning it into a maximum-security federal prison,” the letter states.

The vacant Thomson prison in Carroll County, IL could house up to 2,600 maximum security federal inmates with very little renovation at a great price to taxpayers. It would immediately help reduce the federal prison system’s 52 percent overcrowding problem in its maximum security division while providing much needed jobs and economic opportunities to the people of northwest Illinois.

The signed letter is attached and the text appears below:

March 10, 2011

The President

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We are asking for a firm commitment from your Administration that it will abandon any and all efforts to house al Qaeda and Taliban terrorists from Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) as well as other terrorists held by the U.S. Military abroad at the Thomson Correctional Center so that Congress can focus its efforts on acquiring and operating Thomson as a maximum-security federal prison. Until such a commitment is given, Congress will not approve funds to purchase Thomson from the State of Illinois.

Congress’ opposition to transferring Gitmo terrorists to the United States is consistent:

On May 28, 2010, the House voted 282-131, with 114 Democrats joining 168 Republicans, in favor of an amendment to the Department of Defense (DOD) authorization bill that would prohibit the Administration from bringing any Gitmo terrorists into the United States.

On June 30, 2010, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, voted to appropriate $170 million for the federal Bureau of Prisons to purchase and run Thomson as a federal prison with language specifically prohibiting any federal funds from being used to move Gitmo terrorists to Thomson.

On July 23, 2010, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to appropriate $170 million for the federal Bureau of Prisons to purchase and run Thomson as a federal prison with language specifically prohibiting federal funds from being used to move Gitmo terrorists incarcerated inside the United States for detention.

On July 28, 2010, the House voted 353-69 for an amendment to the Military Construction appropriations bill to prohibit any funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense to be used to renovate or construct any facility within the Continental United States for the purpose of housing any individual who has been detained, at any time after September 11, 2001, at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

On December 17, 2010, the House voted 341-48 in favor of the Department of Defense Authorization Act that included language (Section 1032) prohibiting the Gitmo terrorists from coming onto U.S. soil for any reason. You signed the bill into law on January 7, 2011 (P.L. 111-383). However, you felt it necessary to single it out in a signing statement, stating “Section 1032 represents a dangerous and unprecedented challenge to critical executive branch authority.”

While Congress remains opposed to turning the Thomson prison into a new detention facility for Gitmo detainees, Administration officials continue to signal there is still a possibility that this plan could be pursued. At a February 14, 2011, briefing on the Administration’s 2012 budget request, Deputy Attorney General James Cole said, “Right now, all our plans for Thomson is (sic) just for Federal prisoners.” At a Senate hearing on February 17, 2011, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said prospects for closing GITMO were “very, very low given very broad opposition to doing that here in Congress.” Also, on March 1, 2011, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder testified that “there are no present intentions” to move people from Guantanamo to any facility in the United States.

While using phrases like “right now,” “very, very low,” and “no present intentions,” does not indicate an immediate desire to pursue the plan, it does solidify a continued aspiration on the part of the Administration to move the plan forward at some point in the future. These comments complicate the effort to get federal funding for the purchase and operation of Thomson as a federal prison. Congressman Frank Wolf, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, was recently quoted in an Associated Press (AP) article expressing his reluctance to provide funding for the Federal Bureau of Prisons to operate the Thomson facility. Congressman Wolf stated, “It’s not in our budget and we will not put that money in our budget because they would then move detainees up from Guantanamo Bay.”

A federal prison at Thomson offers an ideal solution for the people of northwest Illinois as well as our overcrowded federal prison system. Thomson Correctional Facility is ideally suited to help the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons meet their growing demands for more prison capacity. There is a great need for more capacity in the prison system, and Thomson is an ideal facility that can house up to 2,600 maximum security federal inmates with minor renovations at a great price for taxpayers. Deputy Attorney General Cole went on further to state in the February 14th briefing that “acquiring that prison is a savings of probably somewhere of $50 million plus over having to build one.”

According to Harley Lappin, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the current federal prison system is 52 percent over capacity in maximum security, and it is anticipated that the federal prison population will grow by 10,000 to 14,000 inmates in the next two years. This has become a critical safety situation that reduces the guard to prisoner ratio, and jeopardizes the safety of our federal personnel who work in these facilities.

With high unemployment, the people of northwest Illinois are in desperate need for jobs and have been teased time and time again over the last 9 years that Thomson would open as a state or federal prison and provide them with much needed direct or indirect jobs.

In conclusion, the only way Congress will ever seriously consider approving funds to acquire and operate Thomson as a federal prison is if the Administration commits to backing off its plan once and for all to move Gitmo detainees to Thomson. We implore your Administration abandon its efforts to house Gitmo detainees at Thomson and join us in turning it into a maximum-security federal prison. We further urge you to announce your support of H.R. 513 and S. 209, companion bills that will permanently ban the transfer of Gitmo terrorists to U.S. soil.

We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible so we can move forward with this effort. Thank you.

Signed by:

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk

U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo

U.S. Rep. John Shimkus

U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger

U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling

West Carroll Presents ‘Pajama Game’

The West Carroll High School Music and Drama Department will proudly present The Pajama Game in the West Carroll Intermediate Gymnasium (in Thomson, IL), on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19, both at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m.

The Story: The dangers of a workplace romance are explored to hysterical effect in this romantic comedy from the creators of “Damn Yankees.” Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful, as sparks fly between new superintendent Sid Sorokin and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7 1/2 cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well.

Cast Members: Mark Miller as Hines, Ben Rogers as Prez, Ben Rath as Joe, Loren Thacher as Hasler, Melissa Fitzpatrick as Gladys, Kris Corrigeux as Sid Sorokin, Leah Bark as Mabel, Levi Jones as First Helper, Roman Timm as Second Helper, Collin Wilkinson as Charlie, Jaime Mayer as Babe Williams, Ashleigh Stingley as Mae, Ana Pacas as Brenda, Carissa Heath as Poopsie, Jerry Cavanagh as Max and Sam Wilkinson as Pop. Chorus: Taylor Cole, Tony Pacas, Jordyn Jackson, Tommy Losch, Mercedez Rabuck, Matt Brooke, Katie Woods, Liesl Meador, Krista Meade, Maria Hartsell, Karoline Landum, Josue Quintana, Tayte Hunter, Aryelle Rabuck, Jazmyn Boyd, Diamond Merboth, Megan Wilkinson and Tre Baisden.

Director: Scott D. Madison, Associate Director-Emily Bressler, Tech Director-Michael Von Hollen, Stage Manager-Kierstin Dimmick, Lights-Kaylee Vos, Sound-Payton Nevills and Pit Orchestra Director-Mark Bressler. Pit Orchestra: Ashley Huebner, Kayla Selman, Niki Covello, Emily Bressler, Becky Titus, Danielle Densmore, Andy Behnke, Emily Rogers, Ben Logan, Beccah Yuswak, Amy LaShelle, oe Titus, Brandon Spencer, Thomas Watson, Aaron Geesey and Austin Saunders.

Tickets are available at the door.

Rain Barrel and Compost Tumblers Available Through SWCD

In an effort to improve and protect water quality in Illinois, the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is taking orders for rain barrels. A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. Water collected in a rain barrel is ideal for watering flowers, plants and gardens or even washing your car.

These 55 gallon barrels are made from recycled food-grade plastic and are paintable. The barrels come in grey, black and terra cotta. Each barrel comes equipped with a spigot, overflow controls and a removable screen mesh top to keep out mosquitoes and debris.

Also available are compost tumblers. The tumblers are also made from 55 gallon barrels and are situated on a stand made from 100% recycled lumber. These composters are low maintenance, pest proof and come with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty.

If you are interested in placing an order or would like additional information, call the Carroll County SWCD office in Mt. Carroll at ext. 3.

24th Annual WCCI Academic Bowl

The 2011 WCCI Academic Bowl will be held on Thursday, March 17th from 1 to 5 p.m. at Antl Hall in Savanna. Fulton will face Milledgeville in the opening quarterfinal at 1 p.m. followed by Stockton vs. Eastland at 1:30 p.m.

At 2 p.m. it’s West Carroll vs. Warren and at 2:30 p.m. it’s River Ridge vs. Pearl City. Semi final round matches will be at 4 p.m. with the title contest at 4:30 p.m. All matches will be broadcast live on WCCI and WCCIradio.com . Spectators are welcome and admission is free.

Salford Residue Tillage Specialist

The Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District has a residue management tool available for rent by county farmers this spring. The Salford Residue Tillage Specialist is a tillage tool used in farm fields with heavy corn stalk cover. The Salford’s 38 coulters cut the residue into manageable sized pieces in a 22 foot wide swath. The tool is designed for high speed and low maintenance. The implement requires a 150 horsepower tractor for operation.

The Salford will be available for rent for $8.00 per acre for greater than 100 acres and $9.00 per acre for less than 100 acres. Producers may sign up now for rental. Contact the Carroll County SWCD at ext. 3.

Morthland Backs State Spending Cuts

On Tuesday, March 8, 2011, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a resolution that creates a framework for budget negotiations by agreeing to realistic revenue projections and ensuring state spending matches state revenues.

State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) supported House Resolution 110, which will reduce the state’s revenue estimate by $700 million, leading to significant cuts in state spending.

“Today the Illinois House adopted the same simple budgeting philosophy families use every day - start with the most conservative estimate for how much money you’ll be bringing in. Then, pay the bills without spending more than that,” Morthland said.

House Resolution 110 sets forth the amounts of general funds estimated by the House of Representatives to be available during Fiscal Year 2012. The resolution establishes a FY 12 revenue estimate of $33.2 billion, which is $700 million less than Governor Quinn’s revenue estimate of $33.9 billion. The Governor’s introduced budget would increase General Revenue Fund spending to $35.4 billion, a five percent increase over FY11. By establishing a lower revenue estimate of $33.2 billion, HR 110 will require the Governor and General Assembly to make several billion dollars in cuts to state spending. HR 110 passed the House unanimously.

“This is a crucial first step to stop the borrowing and end the wasteful spending that led to Illinois’ massive budget deficit,” Morthland added.

Free Program on Joint Health

FHN Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine physician Larry Brinkman, MD will talk about achieving and maintaining your best joint health at a free FHN Speakers Series presentation.

Staying active is an important part of staying healthy, but sore, achy joints can make that daily walk or run a chore. Learn how you can preserve your joint health and repair damage that’s been done at this special FHN Speakers Series presentation at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive in Freeport.

The program is open to the public and free to attend; refreshments will be served. Registration is requested – save your seat by registering online at www.fhn.org/jointhealth or calling toll-free 1-877-6000-FHN (1-) ext. 901.

Watch for the next session in this series – a presentation on warming up for spring chores and outdoor exercise with FHN physical trainer Jena Zientek – on April 14.

For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org.

Governor Quinn Signs Sales Tax Fairness Legislation

Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to require all companies doing business in Illinois to collect and remit the legally required sales taxes. House Bill 3659 – the Mainstreet Fairness Bill – was a bipartisan initiative that passed both houses of the General Assembly with overwhelming support.

“Illinois’ main street businesses are critical to ensuring our long-term economic stability, which is why they must be able to compete with every company doing business online in Illinois,” said Governor Quinn. “This law will put Illinois-based businesses on a level playing field, protect and create jobs and help us continue to grow in the global marketplace.”

The law, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), will require all online retailers who contract with an “affiliate” in Illinois to collect sales tax on customer purchases and remit it to the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). Illinois currently collects sales tax revenue from the more than 20,000 retailers with physical locations in the state, including online and catalog sales from these vendors.

“The Illinois Retail Merchants Association proudly stands with Governor Pat Quinn today as he signs House Bill 3659 into law,” said David Vite, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “This puts Illinois as a national leader in restoring fairness – fairness for retailers, fairness for the economy but most importantly, fairness for taxpayers. No taxpayer should be punished because out-of-state companies won’t play by the rules. Thanks to the leadership of the legislature and the Governor’s action today, we can all rest easier knowing that the right policy prevailed and everyone is now on an even playing field.”

Illinois law currently requires taxpayers and businesses to report and pay sales tax on items purchased from retailers that do not collect sales tax on their behalf. The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) estimates that between $153 million and $170 million in sales tax revenue per year goes uncollected, as individuals and businesses are unaware of or avoid their obligation to pay sales tax on such items.

“It’s a matter of fairness. Stores and businesses located in Illinois employ Illinois workers, support community programs, and, through the property, income and sales taxes they pay, allow us to provide vital public services,” said Brian Hamer, Director of Revenue. “Online merchants with affiliates in Illinois should be required to remit the same taxes.”

At the request of Governor Quinn, the Alliance of Main Street Fairness (AMSF) has begun a website (www.standwithmainstreet.com) to help Illinois affiliates expand their customer bases. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will partner with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and AMSF to provide growth opportunities, foster an environment to create more Illinois jobs and provide online shopping consumers with greater opportunities to save money.

The law is effective immediately.

Editor’s Note: Amazon.com states it will no longer do business with affiliates in Illinois to avoid the sales tax and threatens the same in California and other states where it has little or no physical presence.

Comprehensive Performance Audit for the Illinois Office of State Treasurer

Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford is proactively ordering a wide-ranging performance audit of the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the programs of the Office of the Treasurer.

The performance audit will be conducted by an independent, bi-partisan, private sector, non-compensated advisory group chaired by Chicago attorney Steve Kim. Serving as Kim’s vice-chairs will be Elba Aranda-Suh, executive director of the National Latino Education Institute, and Don Tracy, a Springfield based lawyer.

“The performance audit is to protect the public interest through an objective analysis of programs within the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer,” said Rutherford. “This objective analysis will improve each program’s performance and operation, suggest some efficiencies, and reduce overall costs.”

Rutherford is honored that Steve Kim has volunteered to serve as chairman of the performance audit group. “The treasurer’s vision of making the office more efficient and effective in serving the needs of Illinois citizens and small businesses is admirable. Bringing in a fresh perspective from community and business leaders is critical during the current economic and budget woes facing state government,” said Kim. “New ideas by the private, academic and non-profit sectors will help the office address the needs of all Illinoisans more effectively.”

The performance auditing team will be responsible for helping to identify ways for the services and benefits of the treasurer’s programs to reach Illinois citizens in the most cost-efficient manner. The auditors will also be asked to determine whether any of the reviewed programs should be eliminated, streamlined, or consolidated.

Treasurer Rutherford is grateful for the service soon to be performed by these dedicated volunteers.

Starting Your Business Workshop to Be Offered

Three communities in West Whiteside County are involved in a project to improve the regional business climate and provide assistance to small businesses. Fulton, Prophetstown, Morrison, and the surrounding communities are working to market the area as a region and promote business activity and expansion. This project is coordinated by the Morrison Chamber of Commerce, Prophetstown Mainstreet Program, Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and Whiteside County Enterprise Zone Administrator with help from the Center for Governmental Studies at NIU with support from USDA-RD.

The project offers workshops for businesses on topics such as Marketing over the Internet and Customer Service; two needs identified by businesses in a recent survey. The next workshop, “Starting Your Own Business: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”, will be on Thursday March 31st from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Fulton Masonic Lodge, 1014 4th Street, Fulton, IL, 61252, with a light breakfast at 7:15 a.m. 

This workshop will help those thinking about starting a business, as well as new businesses started in the past two years. Topics will include checklists for starting a new business, legal and tax issues, employee management, marketing strategies, and others. Terry Feinberg, University of Illinois Extension, will lead the discussions.

More information on the workshop is available from the sponsoring agencies. The project builds on previous economic development revitalization and planning efforts in the region such as the MAPPING the Future Program and the Competitive Communities Initiative.

Red Cross Responds to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami

In response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the American Red Cross is in discussion with the Japanese Red Cross to assess their needs and see how we can help. American Red Cross Red Cross chapters in the Pacific islands of Hawaii, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam as well on the west coast of the U.S. are ready to provide assistance as needed in their communities. Our supply warehouses are activated and we are working closely with state officials in Hawaii and the West Coast.

The Japanese Red Cross has extraordinary disaster response capabilities. They have been operating since 1887, and they run multiple hospitals and blood collection services across the country.

The American Red Cross has a warehouse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, fully stocked with pre-positioned supplies for 5,000 families and it has disaster specialists on standby. In Hawaii, the Red Cross is staging cots and blankets across the islands in case shelters are needed.

Evacuation shelters are open, with additional locations on standby, in Oregon, Washington and California. The Red Cross is working closely with state officials in Hawaii and West Coast Emergency Operations Centers around activities such as sheltering and feeding. Approximately 100 Red Cross mobile feeding vehicles are on standby.

Locating Family and Friends:

The best way to contact or locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan is to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1- or (202) 647-5225.

For inquiries about relatives living in Japan who are not US citizens, encourage the members of your community to keep calling or to try contacting other family members who live in the region. Even though communication networks overloaded right now, the situation may change and access to mobile networks and the internet may improve.

If you have the mobile phone number of your family member in the affected areas, you can use the following services to check whether he/she has registered his/her message(s) on this service. Services are available in English and Japanese:

DoCoMo, SoftBanK, & Willcom.

Please note that when you enter the mobile phone number for search on the webpage, you should remove the country code 0081 and add 0 at the beginning.

How You Can Help:

Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also donate $10 by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to support our disaster relief efforts in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

Morrison Community Garden Gets Ready for Early Spring Gardening

Spring is nearly here! The snow has melted, temperatures are slowly warming the air and ground, trees are showing off new buds… and gardeners of Morrison are already planning great expectations for this year’s new garden. It is the time of year to think about getting outside to have fun and the planting of a garden is an activity that provides many rewards that can be shared by the whole family. This year the Morrison Community Garden will start its’ planting season early for those special cool weather plants –and gardeners. In northern Illinois, May 15th is considered the frost free date for planting. There are numerous vegetables that can be planted as seeds or transplants 4-6 weeks prior to this seasonal date as radishes, kale, leaf lettuce, kahlrabi and several other cool weather vegetables.

The Morrison Community Garden is starting its second year as a community project. This year’s 2011 garden will, again, offer 42 plots for individuals to rent for the season. The 2011 Community Garden is offering 10’x20’ plots for $25.00 each. The intent is to include two bales of straw this year with the registration fee to help with the mulching of your garden plantings.

Also, to provide more opportunities in planting, this year a section of the garden will be designated specifically for perennial plants along with annual plantings. This will allow the planting of flowers and vegetables that are not to be disturbed by seasonal plowing or roto-tilling. Individuals that do want both annual and perennials in their plot will then be responsible for the care and weed maintenance of their plot and retain the same plot location every year. Individuals may sign up for one or more plots at the time of registration.

Get a start on this season by early registration and planting of cool weather vegetables. Early registration forms will be available Monday, March 21, at several Morrison locations as The National Bank, Illinois Extension Office, K & R Nursery, Morrison Community Hospital and on line at www.morrisonhospital.com.

Registration forms are to be returned by April 4th by mail or dropped off at the Morrison Community Hospital in care of Chad Haskell, 303 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, IL 61270. Garden plots will be available for early planting on April 9, Saturday.

All those interested in reserving a plot(s)for this season’s gardening for the May planting should complete a registration form and return it by May 7, Saturday, to Mr. Haskell at the Morrison Community Hospital. Gardening plots will be assigned and available for planting on May 14, 2011, Saturday, for the 2011 planting season.

Please join us for another spring and summer of fun and community sharing.

Books By the Bushel Available

The Carroll County Farm Bureau Foundation has recently announced a new program to help with agriculture education. They are giving away Books by the Bushel to organizations in the county that can benefit from a bushel basket of ag books. The books are geared for children on a variety of ag topics which include: Century Farming: One Hundred Years on a Family Farm, Diary of a Worm, From Wheat to Pasta, and more.

Applications to apply for the books by the bushel are available through the Carroll County Farm Bureau office or off of our website at www.carrollcfb.org. Anyone can apply for this.

Completed applications must be returned to the Carroll County Farm Bureau by Thursday, March 24. For questions or more information contact Chas at 244-3001 or by email at .

CGH to Offer Fifth Class in Heart Failure Educational Series

One of the most important ways that people with heart failure can maintain their sense of well-being is to keep active. Activity can help you feel better, may decrease your symptoms, and may improve your heart’s function. Now you can learn more about exercise and activity after heart failure by joining CGH Medical Center for the fifth in a series of FREE classes that help you learn to live successfully with heart disease.

Each class in the series has been developed to help our patients, their families and individuals at risk for heart failure understand and cope with the disease. The advice in this series of modules can help you feel better, stay out of the hospital and live longer. Plus it can also help build confidence in your ability to live well with heart failure and its treatment.

Join us for the fifth class in the series, entitled “Exercise and Activity.” This class is scheduled for Friday, March 18 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the CGH Medical Center Ryberg Auditorium, 100 E. LeFevre Rd., Sterling.

Even if you have never been active and are not very confident about your physical ability, you can take steps to become more active. This class will provide information on:

· The benefits of activity.

· Starting and maintaining an activity or regular exercise program.

· How to conserve energy while doing everyday activities.

· Going back to work.

· Sexual activity and heart failure.

Lunch is provided, and reservations are required. Please call (815) 625-0400, ext. 5034 for questions or to make your reservation.

West Carroll Greenhand FFA Officers Elected

The West Carroll 3rd,6th and 8th period Agriculture I classes elected Greenhand FFA Officers for the remainder of the 2011 school year. The elections were held in their respective classes on February 25. Results of the elections were:

Presidents - Clare O’Connor, Brandon Anderson, Demi Hess

Vice Presidents – Karley Metz, Caitlyn Rein, Dylan Williams

Secretaries - Marcus Fitzpatrick, Jamie Griffith, Dylan Williams

Treasurers - Tom Watson, Sydney Castro, Chloe Carson

Reporters - Paawan Dandona, Alexis Kosier, Jon Armstrong

Sentinels - Collin Wilkinson, Sidney Harris, Jeff Casey

The officers will be recognized at this year’s West Carroll FFA Parent-Member Banquet scheduled for March 22 at West Carroll High School starting at 6:30 pm

Northwest Illinois Forestry Association Annual Dinner Meeting

The Northwest Illinois Forestry Association Annual Dinner Meeting will be held Tuesday evening, March 29th, 7:00, at the Carroll County Farm Bureau’s Naaman Diehl Auditorium, 811 South Clay St, Mount Carroll, Illinois.

The featured speaker will be Cory Ritterbusch of Praire Works Inc. Mr. Ritterbusch will give a presentation on invasive woody plants found in area woodlands and methods used to eradicate them. Invasive species include autumn olive, multifloral rose, prickly ash, and Japanese honeysuckle, as well as the non-woody garlic mustard and barberry. Through Praire Works, which offers ecological and landscape services, Mr. Ritterbusch is active in helping timber landowners eradicate invasives and restore their sites to a more native state. More can be learned at this event and at www.praireworksinc.com.

Cost of the dinner is $12.00. Please make reservations by March 22nd with Keith Arnold, 162 S. Apple River Rd., Stockton, IL 61085, or by calling . The Naaman Diehl Auditorium is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Highways 52/64 and 78 on the south end of Mt. Carroll.

Don’t Be Caught Off Guard: Are You Ready For Severe Weather?

This spring, be prepared for severe weather and flooding! The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges individuals and businesses to plan ahead and take steps now to reduce the likelihood of storm-related losses.

Midwesterners are all too familiar with the devastating floods that ravage the region more often than any other type of disaster, as well as the tornadoes and high winds that frequent this portion of the United States this time of year. Now is the time for Iowans, Missourians, Kansans and Nebraskans (the four states that comprise FEMA Region VII) to consider the storms of recent years—before severe weather begins—and prepare now for the inclement weather that may be just around the corner.

In 2010 alone, all four states experienced the negative social and economic impacts caused by fast moving, fast rising water and, in some cases, high winds. Additionally, widespread flooding affected parts of Missouri in 2009, and Iowa is still recovering from catastrophic floods that occurred in 2008. Regions of Nebraska had extensive flooding and structural damage in 2007.

“FEMA recommends that all families and businesses make preparing for severe weather and flooding a priority and incorporate preparedness measures into their normal budgets. Taking steps now, some of which are simple and inexpensive, will bring greater peace of mind and help protect lives and property,” said Beth Freeman, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region VII.

“Right now, today, you can make sure you have flood insurance, review flood safety tips from www.ready.gov and update your home or business’s emergency plan.”

FEMA is urging all individuals to take action today! Be ready to take care of yours’ and your family’s basic needs for at least three days. These are some easy and inexpensive ideas on how to prepare now; learn more at www.ready.gov.

· Extra drinking water - Have about one gallon per person per day of water. Next time you are at the store, buy a couple of extra cases, then you can continue to easily rotate your supply to keep it fresh.

Don’t be caught off guard: Are you ready for severe weather?

· Food – Stock up on easy-to-prepare and store non-perishable food (e.g. dried fruits and nuts and canned vegetables).

· First aid kit—Gather basic medical supplies that can help stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist with decontamination.

· NOAA weather radio - Getting information from the National Weather Service (the only authority on weather forecasting) and local emergency officials during a disaster can be the key to your family’s survival. Have available a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio that is compatible with SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) and tuned to receive local emergency broadcasts. Keep extra batteries handy. Find out more from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/nwr.

· Make a plan - What’s your family’s emergency plan? A family meeting helps everyone understand their role in the event of a crisis. Discuss possible scenarios with your children. They need to know you will be there for them – even if it isn’t right away.

· Mitigation – It lessens the financial impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. For example, a recent study by the Multi-hazard Mitigation Council shows that each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of four dollars. Simple steps like sealing exterior holes or installing a sewer backflow valve to temporarily block drain pipes and prevent sewage from backing up into the structure can save households money and headaches. Learn more about fortifying structures at the FEMA Region VII Web page (http://www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvii/roadtorebuilding.shtm).

· Purchase Flood Insurance - Be sure to consult with an agent and obtain coverage that is adequate for your home. If you already have a policy, be sure to review it and make necessary changes to ensure you are fully covered. Find out more at www.floodsmart.gov.

Get more tips on preparing your family or business for severe weather at www.ready.gov, and learn the facts about flood insurance for your home (house, condo or apartment) or business at1-, or visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Emmanuel Reformed to host Women’s Simulcast Event

Emmanuel Reformed Church’s Women’s Ministry Team invites all women in the area to join the thousands of women will gather on April 1st and 2nd to see Priscilla Shirer, one of the nation’s best-loved female Christian authors and speakers, as she presents Going Beyond: Life Interrupted Simulcast, an extraordinarily intimate and inspiring event. This local event will be held at the church, 202 E Morris Street, Morrison from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1 and 8:30 – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday April 2. The facility is fully accessible to those with special needs. Cost is only $10.00 per person and reservations can be prepaid in the church office by calling .

The event combines powerful Bible teaching with worship and prayer time, as Shirer encourages women to go beyond the everyday, ordinary life to a soul-satisfying walk with Christ. Participants will leave knowing that the challenge to take their relationship with God to the next level is worth every effort.

“Women from different denominations, different cultures and different backgrounds all come together to learn from Priscilla as they experience God’s power,” said Paige Greene, director of women’s event for LifeWay. “They feel good and have a great time, while also leaving equipped to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.”

A wife and mother of three young sons, Shirer understands the unique needs and daily stresses of overworked women whose lives seem to be hanging together by a thread. Her goal is to help women in all seasons of life, from all backgrounds, see how applicable the Bible is to their daily situations.

In addition to Priscilla’s teaching, Anthony Evans will lead worship at the event. “Not only is his vocal ability amazing, but his heart for ministry is amazing,” said Paige Greene.

The Simulcast offers a specific message from Shirer’s upcoming book Life Interrupted: Navigating the Unexpected that will challenge and encourage both veteran and first time participants to dig deeper into a more intimate relationship with God. Shirer uses the life of Jonah as a guide on how to respond when His plans don’t match our own and will show attendees how to embrace the amazing freedom and fulfillment that comes from going with God, even when He’s going against your grain.

The event utilizes live streaming video via the Internet from a host church to bring Shirer’s teachings to life as she offers insights that touch the hearts of all women. Seating is limited, so call ahead to reserve your seats today! Emmanuel Reformed Church is on the web at www.emmanuelreformedchurch.org .

Megan Lawler Named Distinguished Scholars at Rockford College

Megan Lawler, of Pearl City, IL attending Rockford College was named Distinguished Scholar for the fall 2010 semester, earning at least a 3.75 GPA with no grades below “C”.

Rockford College is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering more than 70 majors, minors and concentrations in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. In addition, the college offers a Return-to-College accelerated program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Arts in Business Administration and Master of Arts in Teaching. Rockford College is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and one of only 81 colleges in the nation as a “College with a Conscience,” Rockford College currently serves approximately 1,300 full-and part-time students.

NAMI Sauk Valley Meets March 22

National Alliance on Mental Illness Sauk Valley will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, at the Sinnissippi Centers, 325 IL Rt. 2, Dixon. This meeting provides education as well as support to families struggling with a diagnosis of mental illness in a relative or friend.

NAMI Sauk Valley plans to conduct the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program this fall. The free, 12-week course is taught by trained NAMI members who have lived with this experience and offers education and support for families and friends of people with mental illness.

NAMI Sauk Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and NAMI Illinois, serving the residents of Ogle, Lee, Carroll and Whiteside Counties. For more information on NAMI or upcoming activities, contact Mary Ann Hutchison, local president, at , or e-mail .