Regional Spelling Bee

The Twenty-Ninth Annual Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Regional Spelling Bee, sponsored by Marie Stiefel, Regional Superintendent, was held Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at the Pearl City Elementary School Gym. Thirty students in grades four through eight competed in the Spelling Bee. The contestants were the first and second place winners from their local school district contests.

The 2011 Regional Spelling Bee Champion is Emily Legel (above, left), an 8th grader representing the Christian Homeschool Education Network. She has been among the top spellers in the Regional Bee for the last three years and finally earned the top spot.

Jaryd Whitmore (rt.), an 8th grader representing Aquin Catholic Schools, earned 2nd place. As the two finalists, Emily and Jaryd competed flawlessly for several rounds, until he misspelled the word “purga” in the 11th round. Emily went on to spell “misanthropy” correctly in the 12th and final round to clinch the title.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee will take place May 29-June 3, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The all expense paid trip for our Champion and one parent/guardian is made possible by the generous donations of many individuals and businesses throughout the region.

Principal for a Day

Haley Bickelhaupt, in Mrs. Ostrum’s fourth grade class at West Carroll Intermediate School, was Principal for a Day. Haley received this honor by reading books and earning 300 points in the school’s AR program. (Courtesy of Christie Grim)

Winneshiek and Mighty Richland Combine Efforts on Cheddar Curtain

Kim Sigafus, Warren, IL, (R) playwright and director of the vignette “Are We There Yet” rehearses some of the cast members. L-R: Jake Reynolds, Warren; Drew Chelberg, Warren; Chuck Hancock, Orangeville; Peter Woodruff, Elizabeth.

It has been a cold winter for the Mighty Richland Players, Orangeville, and Winneshiek Playhouse, Freeport, but the promise of spring and community theater productions will change that. These two theaters are combining resources again this year to present, “The Cheddar Curtain, 2011,” an all new and original production and MRP’s theatrical introduction to 2011 and its eleventh season. Like last year, the show is original, written by local playwrights, and based loosely on northwestern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin culture and heritage. This year’s show introduces several new playwrights, directors, and actors as well as bringing back some local favorites.

The stories cover the 1850s to the present. The various plays within a play include, A Long Life Ended, the biography of Samuel E. Deal, a long-time resident of early Stephenson County, originally written by the long-time editor of the Orangeville Courier, Harry Hartzell. Sam’s Challenge, is a “might-have-been” history of Ulysses Simpson Grant in pre-Civil War Galena, written by popular local playwright Peter Woodruff. Workmen, a modern day skit, portrays what many of us think is accomplished by those tasked to pick up litter along the roadside. Are We There Yet is a historic comedy of an 1860s train trip to Warren, Illinois, written and directed by talented Kim Sigafus, from Warren.

Episode with a Vagabond is a soliloquy—a reconstruction of works by an extremely popular writer of the late 1800s, someone known to have frequented the area. Entering the 1900s, the show presents If I Were Not Upon the Stage, a 1920s vaudeville reconstruction, a show that quite possibly played in many of the small town local theaters. The show concludes with Elvis Has left the Building, written by well-known playwright Mike Willis from Sinsinawa, WI, a present day comedy about apartment living.

Directors come from as far away as Rockford for this show, and the casts for the various vignettes stretch from the south--Hanover, IL, to the north—Monroe, WI, and from the west, Elizabeth, IL, to the east, Rockford, IL. The unrelated eight vignettes will be introduced by Freeport couple Carl and Joan Sanford, who have been performing with MRP for ten years. We also have newcomers to the stage, including Drew Chelberg from Warren, as well as old hands like Terrie Miller (Savannah, IL), and Barb Clemmons (Freeport, IL).

The Cheddar Curtain, 2011, will be presented in Orangeville at the Mighty Richland Players Theater, 203 W. High Street, on 25-26 MAR, at 7:00 PM as a dessert theater for $15. It will also be presented on Sunday, 27 MAR, same place, at 12:30 PM, as a dinner theater, ticket price $35. For tickets, telephone the Monroe Arts Center at (608) 325-5700, credit cards accepted. The show will play at Winneshiek Theater at 7:30 PM on Friday, APR 1 and Saturday, APR 2. Tickets are available for$12 by telephoning (815) 232-7023 or via email at .

West Carroll Bluestem Award

Front Row Left to Right: Hunter Luke, Haley Bicklehaupt, Zoe Hitzler, Kennedy Rice, Keegan Kloepping, Luisa Pacas. Middle Row Left to Right: Owen Wurster, Tim Fosdick, Tyler Appel, Ashton Wand, Abbi Shekleton, Dawson Wurster, Adam Hastings, Hunter Houston, Chase Stuver. Back Row Left to Right: Carlos Rodriguez, Austin Fosdick, Hailey Barsema, Shaelynn Williams, Andrea Johnson, Jackson Medley, Kaleb Hartman, Matthew Johnston, Jacob Dunk. Not available for photo: Rebecca Mon (Courtesy of Jennifer McGinnis)

These West Carroll students participated in the 2011 Bluestem Award. This is a new Illinois’ Children’s Choice Award for students in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th.

The students shown had to read 4 of the 20 nominated Bluestem books and pass an Accelerated Reader quiz for each book to participate in a pizza party held in the Media Center with Mrs. McGinnis. During that time, students also voted on which book was their favorite. The winning book for our building was Hachiko Waits by Leslea Newman. Our votes will help choose the winner. The winning Bluestem Award book will be announced in April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Carroll Readers’ Book Award

Front Row Left to Right: Kate Knight, Haley Bicklehaupt, Keeley Rumler. Middle Row Left to Right: Amry Sims, Billy Walters, Jeronimo Barragan, Sydney Long, Zoe Hitzler, Abbi Shekleton, Jaycie VanKampen. Back Row Left to Right: Elise Hess, Mitchell Glazier, Isabelle Foltz, Jessica Barr, Katie Hoffman, Emma Aljets, Sarah Craig, Katrina Hazen. (Courtesy of Jennifer McGinnis)

These West Carroll students participated in the 2011 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award. This is a children’s choice book award program for the state of Illinois that includes students in grades 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th.

The students pictured were required to read 3 of the 20 nominated Rebecca Caudill Books and then pass an Accelerated Reader quiz for each book read. Students were rewarded with a pizza party given by Mrs. McGinnis in the Media Center.

During that time, students voted on their favorite book. The winning book for our building was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Our votes will help choose the winner which will be announced in March.

 

 

Abbie Habben Receives Student of the Month Honors

Congratulations to this month’s Milledgeville High School Student of the Month recipient, Abbie Habben.

Abbie, a junior, is an excellent student who works to perfection in her projects and her studies. Currently serving as a yearbook editor, she is a tremendous talent who is creative and able to consistently think “outside of the box”. Moreover, she has a great sense of humor and is a team player.

Milledgeville students of the month are nominated and voted upon by the high school faculty. Faculty members select their nominations based on which student has performed or surpassed “above and beyond” expectation in their classes.

The daughter of Dan and Beth Habben, Abbie’s career goal is to become an elementary teacher. Her favorite class: US History with Mr. Wroble.

Activities involved, both within and out of school include National Honor Society, Yearbook, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Track and Dance.

“If I could meet one person it would be Ellen DeGeneres because her show is hilarious,” Abbie said. “Next to my name in the dictionary would be the word: Mellow.”

Abbie likes being from a small town, saying “The thing I like most about my home town is that everybody knows everybody.”

Who is the person that has been most influential in her life? “My mom because even though she works a lot of hours, she still comes to watch me in my events.”

Volunteer Millers Organize March Program at Windmill Cultural Center

Fulton’s volunteer millers will celebrate Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday by taking part in Fulton’s tourism celebration “Celebrating Reagan’s Roots: 1911 – 2011.” The millers will host several programs throughout 2011, all with a theme related to Ronald Reagan’s roots. The next program will be held at the Windmill Cultural Center across the street from Fulton’s windmill at the corner of 10th Avenue and 1st Street. The event takes place on Thursday, March 31, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Fulton, Illinois.

Charles F. Fanning will present “Dueling Ethnic Cultures: The Irish Contribution to Chicago’s Century of Progress World’s Fair 1933-34.” This presentation depicts Ireland and Irish America at the Century of Progress. The Irish government opted for high culture: books, paintings, and crafts; while Irish-American entrepreneurs created an “Irish Village” with dancing girls, pubs, and bizarre events. The two visions clashed dramatically. Charles Fanning will explore these dueling representations of Irish culture.

 Charles Fanning earned his PhD in American Civilization at the University of Pennsylvania and is a Professor Emeritus at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His research combines intellectual and literary history, especially related to Irish-American immigrants. Among his twelve books is Finley Peter Dunne and Mr. Dooley: The Chicago Years (1978), which won the Frederick Jackson Turner Award of the Organization of American Historians, and The Irish Voice in America: 250 Years of Irish-American Fiction (2000). Professor Fanning was named SIUC Outstanding Scholar in 2004. 

This program is made possible in part by an award from the Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois General Assembly. The free program is open to the public, and the facility is handicap accessible.

Here are the Chadwick-Milledgeville Week 17 Thumbs Up Winners.

Back Row, Left to Right: Maxwell Phillips, Kyle Lapp, Alexis Janssen, Nikki Ebersole

Front Row, Left to Right: Justin Alagodi, Linsey Lapp, Jenadette Johnson, Joslynn Harris

Accelerated Reader

3rd grader, Emily Hinrichs with her principal, Paula Rademacher. Emily reached 300 AR points and was awarded the honor to read to Mrs. Rademacher.

West Carroll FFA Celebrates National FFA Week

The West Carroll FFA’s JV officer team of Zach Whitebread, Kaylee Vos, Salina Baltierra, Jacob Ritchie, Patrick Fritz and Garrett Badtke organized and recently completed activities celebrating National FFA week. National FFA Week was celebrated during February 22-25 at the West Carroll High School.

Tuesday, February 22 FFA members dressed in their West Carroll Chapter FFA T-shirts and enjoyed a school-wide presentation by renowned hypnotist, Jim Wand. Wand was co-sponsored by the FFA and Student Council organizations. Greenhand FFA members dyed one of their hands green to signify obtaining the FFA Greenhand degree.

Wednesday, February 23 was “dress like a farmer or hunter” day and tractor day. A pork chop sandwich lunch was served to all chapter FFA members. A bags tournament was held during the lunch periods and the winners were Frank Angle, Jordan Barr and Demi Hess. Each winner was presented a $10 gift card for use in the FFA milk machine.

Thursday, February 24 FFA members dressed in the traditional FFA blue and gold colors. There was a milk chugging contest held each lunch period and winners were Jerry Cavanaugh, Jacob Ritchie, Shane Gilday, Kim Durward, Kayla Wilson and Demi Hess. Again each winner received a $10 gift card for use in the FFA milk machine.

Friday, February 25 the West Carroll FFA treated the West Carroll faculty and staff to a breakfast of biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and sausage. It was also “official FFA dress day” for all chapter FFA members. FFA Official dress consists of dark slacks, white collard shirt, dark tie, dark shoes, dark socks and the FFA jacket zipped to the top.

The FFA Organization is the largest youth organization in the world and its mission statement is to promote premier leadership, personal growth and career success among its members through agriculture education.

West Carroll High School English teachers (L to R) Chandra Paschal and Gina Wilkinson enjoying the FFA Breakfast served Friday, February 25. Serving from left to right are junior FFA officers Garrett Badtke, Zach Whitebread and Jacob Ritchie.

Tractor day at West Carroll last Wednesday included L to R: Steven Law, Cody Carson, Garrett Badtke, Tim Morgan.

Senior FFA member Aaron Geesey chugging a milk during FFA week activities last week.

Demi Hess being congratulated by FFA junior officer Zach Whitebread for winning at the bags and also the female milk chugging events last week during National FFA Week.

Carroll County Republican Women Honor Ronald Reagan

The Carroll County Republican Women’s Club has joined in celebrating The Ronald W. Reagan Centennial. Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States and had many ties to Northern Illinois.

Born February 6, 1911 in Tampico, IL, Reagan later moved to Dixon, where he graduated from Dixon High School.

The Club presented the book Ronald Reagan, The Dixon, Illinois Connection to each of the county libraries as well as to the three high school libraries. The book is a compilation of photos.

For more information about the Carroll County Republican Women’s Club, contact President Michelle Schurman, .

 

 

Mary Ann Hutchison, Achievement and Community Service Chairman of the Carroll County Republican Women’s Club, presents the Reagan book to Nancy Schaver (top) Library Clerk at York Township Public Library, and Diann Cassens (rt.), Eastland High School librarian.

Coleta FD Annual Appreciate Dinner

Saturday, February 26, 2011 the Coleta Fire Department held their annual appreciation dinner at the Coleta Village Hall. A catered meal was enjoyed by present and past firefighters and their wives, along with the fire department trustees and a few other special guests who were invited as a thank you from the department. The Ladies’ Auxiliary hosted a game in which five firefighters participated. Kathy Beachy was the game host to their version of “Minute to Win it.” A lot of laughs were heard during the game. Dale Beachy was the winner. Chief Gary Buis handed out three awards before ending the night thanking everyone for another year. Michele Buis received the award for most training hours. James Shank received an award for twenty years of service to the department. Jeff Kriebs received an award for thirty years of service to the department.

RHPC Serves the Carroll County Community

Rolling Hills Progress Center has provided employment services to individuals with disabilities in Carroll County for over 34 years. Through the joint efforts of a dedicated staff, a hard working group of individuals with disabilities, a committed board of directors and the support of the community at large Rolling Hills has become one of the most successful workshop programs in the State of Illinois.

Individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to engage in productive work with an earned income. They go from being citizens who rely on tax support to citizens who work and pay taxes themselves. They are able to appreciate the concept of going to work each day just as they see with their friends and family.

We are always seeking opportunities to become partners with industry. We have the capability of completing many tasks that can help industry complete their work quickly and efficiently. We have a long history of satisfied customers. Call today for a discussion of how we might help your business!

In addition to employment activities the individuals at Rolling Hills have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of recreational, social and educational activities. This includes our Special Olympic program which has opened a world of opportunity in the area of sports based competition.

As Rolling Hills is a community based organization we welcome the opportunity to share our story with individuals and groups who wish to learn more about our mission and services. Call Rolling Hills for information about tours and presentations.

Additional information is available at our website: www.rhpcinc.com. Also look for us on Facebook.

59th Annual Carroll County Fair Sponsorship Opportunities

It’s that time of year again to start planning for the 59th Annual Carroll County Fair. Sponsorship opportunities are available. It is the generosity and support of businesses and patrons that help keep county fairs going year after year and “WE” Thank You!

Our mission is to continue to offer the same atmosphere that was created 59 years ago when the Carroll County Fair was first established. Therefore, we are asking for your help to continue the tradition of a family oriented small town county fair for many years to come.

Sponsors will be announced during the events, published in the fair premium book, and featured in miscellaneous advertising done while promoting the fair. If you or your business would like to sponsor an event solely, please contact Andrew Williamson immediately so the necessary arrangements can be made. We would like to have all pledges in by May 15th to assist with our ongoing planning.

We also continue to look for programs/entertainment in the Hospitality Tent. If you have something you would like to sponsor in the Hospitality Tent or would like to contribute funds to seek entertainment. Please contact Shelly Hartman.

Please take the time to think of how you can generously help support the Carroll County Fair, please contact the numbers below for further information. Thank you for your time and assistance.

Kim Gebhardt, Director of Publicity ; Andrew Williamson, Advertising Chairman ; Shelly Hartman, Hospitality .

Contact the fair at Carroll County Fair Association, Post Office Box 548, Milledgeville, Illinois 61051-0548, or visit their web site at www.carrollcountyfair.info .

‘Get Ready for Reagan’ Workshop

The Ronald Reagan Centennial year has arrived and tourism related businesses and attractions are quickly becoming aware that 2011 will be a paramount year when it comes to travelers visiting our region. Calls requesting information on Reagan related sites and Centennial events have already started coming in and in an effort to offer the best possible visitor experience, area tourism & chamber offices, Reagan sites and Sauk Valley Community College have partnered together to create the Get Ready for Reagan workshop.

Entitled “Get Ready for Reagan”, the workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 8th, from 8am to noon at Sauk Valley Community College.

Even though it is entitled, “Get Ready for Reagan” this half-day workshop is geared toward any tourism related business and will provide training and information in areas that will be helpful to businesses and their employees, event & festival

planners & volunteers. Sessions offered include: Creatively getting ready for the upcoming tourism season and attracting Reagan Visitors; Hospitality & Customer Service; Using Social Media as a Marketing Tool; Print & Internet Marketing; Writing an Effective Press Release and Festival & Event Planning.

There will be a display area featuring local vendors specializing in promotional products and services, a Brochure Swap to pick up informational materials and area brochures, and a short virtual tour of Reagan Trail sites in this area will run continuously during the event.

For more information about this event, please contact the Lee County Tourism Office at 815‐288‐1840 (Mon. ‐ Wed.) or email .

Why Not Plant A Tree?

By Wendy Roman

The Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District is holding their 2011 Spring Tree sales. The trees we offer are nursery quality and orders are accepted in multiples of 5 and 25 per species.

The species that we will be carrying are: Red Pine transplants ( 3 years 10”-15”), White Pine transplants (3 year 10”-18”), Colorado Blue Spruce transplants (3 years 10”-18”), Norway Spruce transplants (3 year 10”-18”), Red Osier Dogwood shrubs (seedlings 10”-18”), White Oak Seedlings (5”-10”), Red Oak Seedlings (5”-10”), and Black Walnut Seedlings (6”-12”). Prices average 5 for $10.50 or 25 for $36.75. Special orders of other species and larger planting stock are available upon request.

Also available for purchase are orange marking flags, biodegradable tube with bamboo stake, green colored tree shelters (4 foot mini greenhouse with stake), tree finder booklet in black and white, conservation trees ID book with colored pictures and tree mats and 5 staples that keeps weeds down around the trees.

Deadline to order will be March 22, 2011. Contact Wendy at the Whiteside County SWCD by calling ( ext 3, stop by and visit us at 16255 Liberty Street Morrison, IL e-mail us or visit our website at www.whitesidecountyswcd.com, forms are on the Sales tab. These plants are for conservation purposes and should not be used as ornamentals or for landscaping.

The function of the Whiteside County SWCD is to take available technical, financial, and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordinate them so that they meet the needs of the local land user for conservation of soil, water and related resources.

Whiteside County SWCD 2011 Spring Fish Sale

By Wendy Roman

The Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District is having their Spring 2011 fish sale. We will be selling Channel Catfish (4-6”, 6-8” & 8-10”), Hybrid Sunfish (1-2”, 3-5” & 5-7”), Largemouth Bass (2-3” & 5-8”), Bluegill (1-2” & 3-5”), Crappie –Black or Hybrid (2-3”), Redear (1-2”), Hybrid Redear (2-4”), Triploid Grass Carp (8-11”) and Flathead Minnows. Triploid Grass Carp orders are due by April 13th, but all other fish orders must be received by April 22nd and Pick Up will be Friday April 29th at Noon. Some important information, 8-10” and larger Channel Catfish CANNOT be bagged. Please bring a clean container with POND water to transport these larger fish. Plastic trash cans work well.

For more information on our Fish Sale, please contact the Whiteside SWCD at 16255 Liberty Street, Morrison, IL 61277, or call ( ext. 3. You can also look us up on the internet at www.whitesidecountyswcd.com to find order forms or to see what we are all about. Or email Wendy at .

Save Money, Reduce Storm Water Runoff, and Promote Conservation

By Wendy Roman

Springtime is coming and with that is planting season. In anticipation of the hearty vegetables and fragrant flowers, have you ever thought of a more conservational or economical way to water you plants?

The Whiteside County Soil and Water District is having a Rain Barrel sale. These barrels are 100% recycled and are 60 gallon plastic barrels. The barrels have a perforated top with screen mesh top. They also have top overflows and bottom drains along with a plastic spigot that can thread a hose. The barrels are being sold for $63 each.

Our deadline to order will be Wednesday, April 15, 2011, with pickup on or after Friday, April 29, 2011 from 7:30 am to 4 pm at the Whiteside County SWCD office at 16255 Liberty Street, Morrison, IL 61270. Contact the Whiteside County SWCD by calling ( ext. 3 or find order forms on our website www.whitesidecountyswcd.com or email Wendy at .

CRP - More Than Meets the Eye

Della Moen, Earth Team Volunteer

NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District

A general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been announced for March 14-April 15. At first glance, we might wonder how we benefit from paying owners of cropland to not work their land.

The fact is that the land to be enrolled in a general sign-up is evaluated, ranked, and accepted based on an Environmental Benefit Index. The factors used to determine the value of benefit to be derived from the Program include: “Wildlife habitat benefits resulting from covers on contract acreage; water quality benefits from reduced erosion, runoff, and leaching; on-farm benefits from reduced erosion; benefits that will likely endure beyond the contract period; air quality benefits from reduced wind erosion; and cost.”USDA Fact Sheet July 2010.

Farming is a business. Planting crops on highly erodible land and other environmentally sensitive land can be profitable. For enrollment, a Conservation Plan of Operation is required. Rental rates are based on soil types. CRP is a voluntary program that helps agricultural producers use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. That is a plus for all of us.

Another fact is that CRP is work for the farmer. An approved cover must be maintained for the length of the contract or the payments must be repaid. SWCD/NRCS helps the landowner with the Conservation Plan and deciding on seeding appropriate according to soil type and conditions.

The farmer must establish the right kind of cover properly which may take 2-3 years and possible replanting to get it right. Cropping keeps weeds under control that tend to take over when CRP seeding is getting established. Noxious weeds must be controlled with mowing and spraying. Prescribed burns must be used periodically on prairie grass. Naturally, the larger the acreage the more work is required.

If you think you could benefit the environment by taking advantage of CRP, stop in at the USDA Service Office, 1620 S. Galena Ave, Freeport. You can express your interest and ask your questions of the personnel from SWCD, NRCS, or the Farm Service Agency (FSA). More info at www.fsa.usda.gov/crp

Thank you to all who took the time to vote in the Stephenson SWCD election. Barbara Klinger and Bruce Baumgartner were elected for another two-year term.

Take note: Watch for details about an SWCD awards celebration honoring conservation efforts in the county, March 17, 2011.

IDOT Patching Potholes, Be Aware

Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig today announced that road crews are out searching and repairing potholes on state highways to further improve highway safety. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) advises motorists to slow down and be on the lookout for maintenance workers as they patch potholes.

“We are confident in the proven techniques the department uses to effectively and safely repair roadways damaged by frequent freeze-thaw cycles,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “As the harsh winter begins to subside, IDOT’s road crews are out inspecting pavement and responding to calls about pothole formation. State crews are promptly patching broken pavements, but we do ask that motorists please slow down and be attentive as they are likely to encounter our workers patching potholes and performing other winter maintenance tasks along the roadways.”

Potholes are caused by a combination of factors, including gradual aging and deterioration of the roadway, an unusually high level of moisture affecting roadways and frequent freeze -thaw cycles that can cause potholes to form overnight. The formation of potholes is worsened by cold temperatures, as water expands when it freezes to form ice and puts stress on cracked or weakened pavement. Moisture that has seeped through cracks and joints in pavement freezes and expands causing the pavement to bulge, heave and fracture. The damage is amplified by wear and tear from traffic.

IDOT’s road crews are patrolling Illinois roadways across the state looking for potholes and making repairs using cold-patch asphalt material. The department also utilizes spray injection patching, using truck and trailer mounted equipment to make repairs.

The public can help by reporting potholes to IDOT by using the Contact Us link at www.dot.il.gov or by calling 1-.

Managing the Dairy Program in Mount Carroll

All dairy producers, their families, employees and dairy industry support personnel are encouraged to attend the upcoming dairy producer program scheduled from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Naaman Diehl Auditorium, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Mt. Carroll, IL.

The event starts with a complimentary buffet lunch at 11:45 a.m. At 12:15 p.m., the program begins with an Extension Dairy Update by Mark Maidak, Jo-Carroll Unit Director, followed by a dairy producer question and answer session with Dr. Mike Hutjens, Retired Dairy Specialist from University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign. At 12:50 p.m., Bill Holland, Apple River, IL will be the featured dairy producer sharing a slide show presentation about his farm’s approach to managing the dairy from calves to cows to crops. The Holland Dairy has made several facilities and operational improvements through the years steadily growing from milking 78 cows in 1997 to milking 260 today. The dairy consistently ranks among the top rolling herd averages in the Jo Daviess Dairy Herd Improvement Association.

To register for the program, producers are asked to contact Carroll County Extension at or e-mail Mark Maidak, Jo-Carroll Unit Director, at by March 7th in order to help ensure adequate meal supplies and handouts.

Northwest Illinois ‘Super Recycling’ Event Announced

Northwest Illinois residents can recycle used oil, household and automotive batteries, unwanted electronics, latex paint, and fluorescent lights from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 2nd, at the University of Illinois Extension parking lot in Mt. Carroll, near the intersection of highways 78 and 64/52. A new service offered this year is document shredding. All office and personal documents, including CDs and disks will be shredded on site.

Most recycled materials can be dropped off for free such as used oil, antifreeze, electronics, batteries and compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s are collected courtesy of Jo-Carroll Energy’s recycling program).

Electronics accepted include, CPUs, monitors, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, printers (laser, ink jet), keyboards, laptops, cords and cables, CDs and diskettes, phones, radios, speakers, copiers, cell phones, and more.

Batteries accepted include all types of alkaline, rechargeable, and lead-acid.

Items that have a nominal charge include latex paint with fees based on container size(quart - $1.50, gallon - $2.50, 2 gallon - $3.50, 5 gallon pail - $8.00) and tube fluorescent lights with a fee of $1.00 per 4 ft. or smaller and $2.00 for any tubes longer than 4 ft.

The Super Recycling Event also includes a household hazardous waste collection that is open only to Carroll and Jo Daviess County residents. There is a $10.00 participation fee per household to drop off household hazardous waste. Household hazardous waste includes household cleaners, automotive products, yard pesticides and garden products, paints and varnishes.

The program is sponsored by the Green Fair Alliance, the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency, and University of Illinois Extension. For questions, contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling and Conservation Programs Coordinator, , or .

Greening Our Communities Seminar

Mark your calendars for the third annual Greening Our Communities informational seminar. The program will take place Thursday, April 21, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Buck’s Barn in Thomson, Illinois. Everyone interested in learning how to help make our communities greener places to live is encouraged to attend. Mayors, council members, public works personnel, county board members, city administrators, and community-minded citizens will especially gain from the information shared at the seminar.

The featured speaker is Mayor Ed Malloy of Fairfield, Iowa. Fairfield was name the National Entrepreneurial Community in 2003 by the Kaufman Foundation. In 2008, Fairfield was awarded an $80,000 grant by the Iowa Power Fund to create a model city sustainability strategic plan. Mayor Malloy will discuss how his city has approached sustainability planning and encouraged green development. Other seminar topics include permeable pavement, responsible outdoor lighting, stormwater management, and neighborhood rehabilitation.

Please plan to join us for another exciting Greening our Communities seminar where you will be empowered to begin moving from ideas to action.

The seminar registration fee of $25.00 includes a continental breakfast and lunch buffet. The event is sponsored by the Green Fair Alliance, the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency, and University of Illinois Extension. You may register online at http://jdc.extension.uiuc.edu or call University of Illinois Extension, , for a brochure.

Is There Enough Acreage?

Most of the focus on 2011 U.S. planted acreage centers on corn acreage. There are a number of reasons for that focus, said University of Illinois agricultural economist Darrel Good.

“First, under the current policy regime, there is a mandate of 13 billion gallons of renewable biofuels production during the 2011-12 corn marketing year that begins on Sept. 1, 2011. Almost all of that mandate is being met by corn-based ethanol production. The mandate implies that a minimum of 4.65 billion bushels of corn will be used for ethanol production during the 2011-12 marketing year,” he said.

Use in other categories of consumption is influenced by available supply, demand and price. Consumption of corn for food and industrial purposes other than ethanol is currently running at about 1.4 billion bushels per year, Good said.

“Typically, U.S. corn exports are near 2 billion bushels per year, and feed use is currently near 5.2 billion bushels per year. With adequate supplies then, use of corn during the 2011-12 marketing year might be near 13.25 billion bushels. All of that potential consumption must be met from 2011 production because stocks at the end of the current year are expected to be at pipeline levels,” he said.

The supply-and-demand environment for the other two major crops, wheat and soybeans, is fundamentally different than for corn, he said.

“For wheat, domestic stocks at the end of the current marketing year (May 31, 2011) are expected to be relatively large, accounting for 33.6 percent of expected use during the current marketing. In addition, winter wheat seedings were reported to be 3.7 million larger than seedings in the fall of 2009,” he said.

Even though the hard red winter wheat crop is not in good condition, there is potential for an adequate crop in 2011 with more favorable spring weather. Furthermore, wheat is produced in large quantities in a number of countries so there is opportunity for foreign production to rebound from the depressed level of the past year, he said.

“Under more favorable spring weather conditions, for example, wheat seedings in Canada could rebound from the low level of 2010. Russian wheat production was also depressed in 2010 due to severe drought conditions,” he noted.

For soybeans, stocks at the end of the current marketing year are expected to be very small, but prospects remain good for a large South American harvest that is currently under way. The Brazilian crop could exceed the record harvest of 2009, and China is already buying South American soybeans, he said.

In addition, U.S. soybean acreage in 2011 will get a boost from the large increase in soft red winter wheat acreage and the opportunity for double cropping of soybeans. A return to a normal level of double cropping from the low level of 2010 would add 2 million acres of double-cropped soybeans. Finally, a shortfall in U.S. soybean production in 2011 could be offset by a large acreage response in South America for harvest a year from now, he said.

“For corn acreage, two questions need to be answered: 1) How many acres of corn need to be planted in 2011? 2) Is there opportunity to accommodate the needed increase? An opinion about the amount of acreage needed is influenced by a number of factors, including the likely strength of demand, a judgment about the appropriate level of price, the desired level of 2011-12 marketing year-ending stocks, and the expected U.S. average yield in 2011, he said.

“With prices at ‘reasonable’ levels, it appears that corn consumption would likely be near 13.25 billion bushels during the 2011-12 marketing year. To bring some price relief to end users of corn, but maintain prices at profitable levels for producers, some buildup in year-ending stocks should be an objective for next year,” he said.

An inventory near 1 billion bushels would not provide a large buffer for production shortfalls beyond 2011, but would likely meet the dual price objective. An increase in stocks of 325 million bushels would require a crop of 13.575 billion bushels, he said.

“For now, the safest assumption about the 2011 average corn yield is a trend value. However, there doesn’t seem to be complete agreement on trend value. The USDA and others are using a trend yield of 162 bushels. Our analysis suggests that trend yield for 2011 is close to 159 bushels.

“A yield of 162 bushels implies that harvested acreage would need to be near 83.8 million and planted acreage near 90.9 to produce a crop of 13.575 bushels. A yield of 159 bushels implies harvested acreage of 85.4 and planted acreage of 92.5 million. To allow for yield risk, we still believe planted acreage of corn needs to be near 93 million in 2011,” he said.

The recent history of total planted acreage of crop land in the U.S. shows that total acreage tends to expand when commodity prices are high, he said.

“It should be possible to plant an additional 4.8 million acres of corn in 2011, even with an increase in winter wheat and cotton acreage. However, corn prices will have to remain high enough to motivate such a large increase,” he said.

Corn prices continued to move higher through last week. However, prices for the 2011 crop have not increased as much as the old crop. March 2012 futures are 90 cents below March 2011 futures prices, he said.

More strength in new crop corn prices may be required to get the needed acreage response, he added.

Comptroller Topinka Defends Government Pensions as State Goes Broke

Illinois State Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka “has reached new heights of hypocrisy,” charged the president of Illinois’ largest taxpayer organization, who criticized her today for defending the lavish, gold-plated pensions of retired government employees while she enriches herself from these same pensions.

“Topinka is a lifetime politician who milks the system and richly profits from it,” said Jim Tobin, President of National Taxpayers United of Illinois (NTUI). “At the recent Sangamon County GOP’s Lincoln Day Luncheon, Topinka told the bureaucrats in the audience, ‘I’m kind of tired of state employees taking a bad rap . . . most state employees work hard, and they don’t make all that much money….’ Well, a lot of them do get a lot of money, including Topinka,” Tobin added.

“Topinka receives the second-highest pension for an Illinois state legislator, second only to the infamous Arthur ‘Tax Increase Amendment’ Berman. She currently receives a yearly pension of $145,727; $12,144 a month. She already has pocketed $402,229 in pension payments since her last day in the General Assembly, in 1995. And, as the recently elected Illinois Comptroller, it appears she’s not intent on actually retiring anytime soon.

“Topinka has one of the biggest state pensions. Her current yearly pension isn’t based on her final salary of $115,235, but on a salary of $130,324, the salary that had been set for the state treasurer’s post at that time.

“This month Topinka sent a letter to Lamar Smith, Chair., House Committee on the Judiciary, opposing the possibility of allowing states to declare bankruptcy. Obviously, she’s worried that her own multiple pensions would be null and void under an Illinois bankruptcy.

“At the Sangamon County luncheon, Topinka also spoke of furnishing her Springfield residence, and thanked ‘all the people who have died’ and contributed to estate sales where she’s getting appliances. That Judy Baar Topinka . . . she’s all heart.”

Local Scholarship Forms Now Available at WCHS

Local scholarship forms are now available for West Carroll High School

seniors. Most of these local scholarships are due March 11, 2011 with the awards

banquet on April 27.

Interested students need to stop in and pick-up the forms from Mr. Baisden, the WCHS junior/senior counselor. The District is very thankful for the support our local businesses and families give to our graduating seniors. If any organizations are interested in offering a scholarship for West Carroll graduates please contact Mr. Baisden at the high school at ext. 712.

Nippon Sharyo’s Supplier Fair in Rockford March 7

Northern Illinois manufacturers are encouraged to attend a March 7 meeting co-hosted by Congressman Don Manzullo to help them expand and create jobs by doing more business with international railcar manufacturer Nippon Sharyo USA.

The meeting will run from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, March 7, at Northern Illinois University’s Rockford Education Center, located at 8500 E. State Street in Rockford (2/3 of a mile east of I-90).

Nippon Sharyo is establishing a $35-40 million railcar production facility in the city of Rochelle, IL and will be increasing its “local content” from the region. The free event is a great opportunity to learn how to be a supplier to this major passenger railcar manufacturer.

The program will focus on four elements: a general introduction of Nippon Sharyo, plans for the Rochelle Production Facility, opportunities for plant equipment and services, and opportunities for material/parts supply for rail vehicles.

Those who plan to attend must RSVP to Bryan Davis at Congressman Manzullo’s office at by Friday, March 4. If you have any questions, please call (815) 394-1231.

Go Wild, Go Birding Photography Contest

Stewards of the “Upper Miss” River Refuge is seeking entries from photographers of all ages. All photos must be taken in or around the Refuge from the Chippewa River at Wabasha, MN downstream to Princeton, IA.

All entries shall be 8” x 10” and matted to the size of 11”x14” using either a black or white mat. Please do not use glass frames. Photographs must be the original work of the person submitting; therefore no computer composites will be accepted.

Entrants can either bring or mail their labeled photos to the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. The Center is located at 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL. Please call for your entry form or download it from www.sumriver.org.

Entries are limited to three photos per person for each category. Photos and release form must be received no later than 4:00 pm, May 6, 2011. If photos are digital please provide a CD in addition to the entry.

All photos will be on display from May 12th – May 14th at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Categories are:

• Raptors

• Songbirds

• Waterbirds

• Other birds (Images that don’t fit the other categories, example woodpecker, hummingbird, etc.)

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minn. To Rock Island, Ill., protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife. This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924.

Area Residents Named to Dean’s List at Olivet

Olivet Nazarene University has released the dean’s list for the recently completed fall 2010 semester. To qualify for inclusion, a student must have been enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student and must have attained a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 grading scale. The following area residents were named to the dean’s list:

Jessica Fetzer of Morrison, Michele Keckler of Lanark, Kathryn Peugh of Milledgeville, Sean Ports of Polo, and Ainsley Stebbins of Polo.

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering over 120 areas of study.

Morthland Advocates for Individual Freedom and Gun Rights with HB 1162

State Representative Rich Morthland (R-73, Cordova) passed legislation out of committee this week which would allow ATV and/or off-road motorcycle owners to operate their vehicles with firearms in their possession on private property.

“Many of my constituents are farmers and sportsmen,” Morthland said. “My bill would benefit people who wish to hunt from an ATV or off-road motorcycle on their own land or on someone else’s land with permission.”

House Bill 1162 would permit a person, on his or her own property or on the land of another person as an invitee with that person’s permission, to carry an uncased and unloaded firearm in or on an all-terrain vehicle or off-highway motorcycle without violating the law. Morthland’s legislation is supported by the National Rifle Association and the Illinois Rifle Association. HB 1162 passed the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee unanimously.

“As a farmer and ATV owner, this is a nice piece of legislation to enhance what we do on the farm,” Morthland added. “Gun owners will also appreciate the added freedom to carry while riding.”

Representative Morthland can be contacted at his District Office, located at 4416 River Drive in Moline or by calling (309) 762-3008. Representative Morthland can also be contacted via email at or by fax (309) 762-3045.

Morthland: End Legislative Scholarships Perk

As part of his commitment to ethics and spending reform, State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) announced that he will not be participating in the General Assembly scholarship program.

“It is time to end the legislative scholarships perk,” Morthland said. “These tuition waivers are not funded and our state universities are forced to absorb the cost. Furthermore, this program has been abused by some legislators who have given scholarships to relatives of campaign contributors and political supporters.”

Under the General Assembly scholarship program, each Illinois lawmaker can award two four-year scholarships to state universities. They can be divided into four two-year scholarships, eight one-year scholarships or another combination. The General Assembly does not appropriate money for the scholarships, which are actually tuition waivers. State universities have to absorb the cost, estimated at $13.5 million last year.

The General Assembly scholarship program has a long history of political favoritism. An Associated Press study found that between 2004 and 2009, at least 43 scholarships were awarded to relatives of campaign contributors and other people with political ties.

“Due to a lack of funding and the history of political favoritism, I will not be participating in this program,” Morthland said. “I urge my legislative colleagues to put an end to this scandal-plagued perk.”

Representative Morthland is a co-sponsor of House Bill 201, which would abolish the General Assembly scholarship program.

Morthland Announces Committee Assignments

State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) announced his committee assignments for the 97th General Assembly. Morthland was assigned to the following House committees: Appropriations – Higher Education, Cities and Villages, Counties and Townships, Higher Education, Public Utilities, Special Committee on Adoption Reform, and the Special Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“I’m excited to use my background in higher education and local government to help get Illinois back on track,” Morthland said. “I look forward to serving on these committees for the people of the 71st District.”

Representative Morthland previously served on the Rock Island County Board and worked as a professor of Speech Communication for several area colleges.

“I’m honored to be a part of the Special Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Adoption Reform,” Morthland added. “I owe my life to adoption and my freedom to our veterans. I look forward to working hard in these committees to start building a brighter future for Illinois.”

Representative Morthland can be contacted at his District Office, located at 4416 River Drive in Moline or by calling (309) 762-3008. Representative Morthland can also be contacted via email at or by fax (309) 762-3045.

Dixon Mayoral Candidate’s Forum A Success

The Sauk Valley Tea Party would like to thank Dixon mayoral candidates Tom Jilderda, Bob Gibler, and Mayor Jim Burke for participating in the SVTP sponsored Mayoral Forum held last Tuesday night, February 22nd. Over seventy-five people attended the event to take advantage of the opportunity to question the candidates and hear their views on a variety of local, state, and national issues.

The next Sauk Valley Tea Party meeting will be at 6:30pm, Tuesday March 22nd, at the Dixon Comfort Inn. All SVTP meetings are open to the public.

For more information about the SVTP and to learn how “Truth Empowers America”, please visit Sauk Valley Tea Party on Facebook, at http://www.saukvalleyteaparty.com, or e-mail questions to .

Johnson Makes Dean’s List at Lincoln College

Eddie Johnson, was named to the Dean’s LIst at Lincoln College in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in the Fall 2010 Semester. Only those student earning a term grade point average of 3.25 through 3.74 while completeing a minumum of 15 credit hours (Eddie carried 20) are honored by being named to the College’s Dean’s List.

At Lincoln, he is a member of the Chamber Choir, the regular Lincoln College chorus, and is a co-host for two radio shows on 89x, Lincoln College’s Rock Alternative Station. He is a piano player for the Lincoln College Jazz band. He just finished playing the roles of George Seacole and also Friar Francis in William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”. At this time he is carrying a 3.8 for the semester and is hoping to be invited into Phi Beta Kappa, the academic honor society for Liberal Arts and Sciences.

A freshman, Eddie is majoring in Music, and is a 2010 graduate of Eastland High School. He is the son of Daryl and Sheila Johnson, formerly of Shannon, now residing in Peoria, IL.

Tax-Aide News from the Carroll County Senior Center

The tax-filing season is well underway at the Carroll County Senior Center. Most of you have received all your tax documentation and have made your appointment to complete your yearly obligation to the government.

This year’s season has had several notable problems. Because Congress waited so long to revise the tax law, the IRS is having trouble updating its computers to reflect the changes. Many broker statements and K-1 statements have also been delayed due to the last-minute revisions.

Those who expect to receive a revised broker statement or a K-1 form should delay preparing taxes until the final documents have arrived. This should prevent having to amend an incorrect return.

Also notable has been the IRS push to e-file returns. Electronically submitted returns offer less risk of error as well as faster refunds. Any amount the taxpayer owes to the IRS or IL need not be mailed until the April 18 deadline.

Many tax breaks were extended for 2010-2011 but the extra standard deduction for property taxes was discontinued. Property taxes must again be deducted on a Schedule A. Congress also discontinued the $2400 exclusion on unemployment income. All unemployment income on a 1099-G form is considered taxable income.

For more information about your specific taxes, contact the volunteer Tax-Aide team at the Carroll County Senior Center, Wednesday and Friday mornings. For an appointment, call or (toll-free) .

The Tax-Aide program is sponsored jointly by the AARP Foundation, the IRS, and the Carroll County Senior Center. Last year Carroll County assisted over 300 seniors with their taxes.