More Important News

WCPS Students Choose ‘Shark vs. Train’

West Carroll Primary School recently finished the Monarch Award reading program, Illinois’ K-3 Readers’ Choice Award.

“We started to read the Monarch books in January and we finished up in March,” said Jennifer McGinnis, WCPS. “The students then got to vote for their favorite book from the Monarch collection.”

The Monarch award is an Illinois Children’s Choice Award Program. Students can vote throughout Illinois to choose the book they liked best.

“Our students at WCPS voted for ‘Shark vs. Train’ by Chris Barton,” McGinnis added. “This book was also the official Monarch Winner.”

The name Monarch was chosen because of its familiarity to K-3rd grade children and to symbolize the growth, change and freedom that becoming a reader brings. The Monarch is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children’s books, authors and illustrators. The program is open to all K-3rd grade age children in Illinois.

The Release of Peace

Eaglet Release Set for April 14th at Starved Rock State Park

On Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., Karen Herdklotz will release the eaglet named Peace at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL. According to Park Superintendant Tom Levy, spectators should watch from the seawall located on the north side of the Visitor Center (across from Plum Island). Starved Rock is considered the best place for the release because of the large population of wintering eagles, the nesting pairs along that portion of the Illinois River and the food supply near the lock and dam. The “Release of Peace” is part of a weekend long, first-time event hosted by Starved Rock Lodge called “Pelican Days”. The event was created to educate the public about white pelicans who migrate along the bird highway known as the Mississippi Flyway each spring and fall. “Hoo” Haven’s newest family member, a rehabilitated white pelican named Marshmallow, will make her debut at this event.

The Bald Eagle is America’s symbol of strength and perseverance; portraying our desire to overcome obstacles and live a life of freedom. Karen Herdklotz has had a first-hand opportunity to get to know this special eagle, who she named Peace. Herdklotz and her husband founded “Hoo” Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center in Durand, IL. With help from many volunteers at her non-profit facility, Karen, a full-time R.N., helps injured birds and wild animals recover from injury and illness. If a full recovery is not possible, “Hoo” Haven adopts the animal as an ambassador for educational purposes.

Last fall, the disabled eaglet was seen limping along the banks of the Illinois River west of Starved Rock State Park. The eaglet, which had been shot in the wing, was rescued by Conservation Police after a barge pilot called to report the incident. Dr. Robert Harms, a veterinarian at Countryside Animal Clinic in Streator, performed the surgery to repair the fractured ulna bone in the eagle’s wing, but he was unable to safely remove eight shotgun pellets. “There’s no accidental shooting of an eagle,” said Dr. Harms, “This is not an accident. You don’t accidentally shoot a bird this big.” After surgery, the eaglet was taken to “Hoo” Haven for recovery and rehabilitation, where she met Herdklotz who said, “Peace has made a remarkable recovery, but it disappoints me to know she’ll return to nature with pellets still lodged in her wing and the person who shot her is still enjoying his freedom.” Herdklotz said the eaglet is fully recovered and ready to fly.

The state Department of Natural Resources is asking anyone with information on the shooting to call its hotline (877) 236-7529. Most people don’t realize that keeping wildlife is illegal unless you have the proper licenses to do so. Donations are always welcome at “Hoo” Haven (www.hoohaven.org) and Fox Valley Wildlife Rehabilitation (www.foxvalley wildlife.org).

For more information on the eaglet release, go to www.starvedrocklodge.com or call Kathy Casstevens-Jasiek at (815) 220-7363.

Gravestone before (left) and after restoration. (Courtesy of Campbell Center)

Gravestone Restoration at Campbell Center

The Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies will be hosting two workshops this May about repairing and preserving gravestones. The workshop is taught in a hands-on style, and takes place primarily at Mount Carroll’s Oak Hill Cemetery. The workshop is taught by Jon Appell, an expert in gravestone restoration, who lives in Connecticut.

Mr. Appell has been teaching these workshops for the Campbell Center since 2008. He estimates that over the past 4 years he and his workshop students have repaired close to 75 gravestones in the cemetery. Workshops topics include: repairing broken stones, cleaning stones, lifting and resetting fallen stones, and much more.

This year’s schedule is: Preservation of Gravestones and Cemetery Monuments I: Basic, May 14-16 and

Preservation of Gravestones and Cemetery Monuments II: Advanced Techniques, May 17-18. You can find more information on the Campbell Center website at www.campbellcenter.org. Click on “Course Schedule” to view details of all Campbell Center 2012 workshops. To learn more about the instructor, go to www.gravestoneconservation.com. The Campbell Center can be contacted at .

Sherlock & Watson are 6 months old, neutered and vaccinated. Very friendly and playful. Would make a great companions. Their antics are fun to watch and they would bring a lot of joy to your home. To meet them call or visit our website www.stgeorgepetrescue.org

The Lorax Visits Eastland Middle School

EMS celebrated Read Across America and commemorated the 100th birthday of Dr. Suess on Thursday, March 8 when the eighth grade presented two reader’s theater performances of The Lorax.

Performing The Lorax was originally the idea of Laurie Woessner, the EMS librarian, who supplied the script.

The 8th grade class photo (above)- Front (left to right): Bailey Heckman-Once-ler, Mackenzie Doubler-Narrator, Lauren Swanson-Swomee Swan, Gentry Lessman-Lorax, and Karalicia Kennedy-Swomee Swan. Back Row (left to right): Dylan Knowlton-Child, Hunter Todd-Narrator, Paige Gallentine-Customer, Shawna Saunders-Bar-ba-loot, Nikki Sefari--Customer, Crystal Lott--Once-ler’s aunt, Blake Lauder-Humming Fish, Garrett Bronski-Humming Fish, Trevor Brandt-Once-ler’s uncle, Alexis Swinhart-Once-ler’s aunt, and Dakotah Curran-Once-ler’s aunt.

In the photo at right, Truffula Trees (left to right): Bronwyn Van Raalte, Jenessa Witt, and Allen Krieger.

Swomee-Swans, Bar-ba-loots and Humming-Fish joined the the Lorax in humorously demonstrating to the initially skeptical Once-ler the importance of protecting the environment. By the time the last Truffula tree had fallen, both students and the Once-ler understood this lesson. If you want to learn about protecting the forests, visit www.loraxproject.com.

(Courtesy of Kathy Mitchell, 8th Grade Literature)

On Thursday, March 15th, Chadwick-Milledgeville High School held their Winter Sports Awards Night. Jolee Parks received the Erin Lowe Memorial Award for Poms.

On Thursday, March 15th, Chadwick-Milledgeville High School held their Winter Sports Awards Night. Awards given for Girls Basketball are: (l to r) Brandie Gelwicks-Most Valuable Player and Hustle Award, Courtney Swalve- Most Rebounds, Taylor Grenoble- Best Free Throw Percentage and Most Steals. Not Pictured: Bridgette Prince- Most Improved Player.

On Thursday, March 15th, Chadwick-Milledgeville High School held their Winter Sports Awards Night. Boys Basketball awards given are: (l to r) Kyle Groen- Lyle Nesemeier Most Valuable Player Award, Zachary Herin- Hustle Award, Doug Williams- Allen Woodin Memorial Award and Best Defensive Player, Kameron DawTyne- Best Defensive Player and Best Free Throw percentage, Kaleb Ebersole- Allen Woodin Memorial Award. Not Pictured: Guy Morgan- Most Improved Player.

Bill Scott, Service Officer for the Savanna VFW Post 2223, presented the District VFW Patriot’s Pen Awards to Taylor Haag, 2nd Place, and to Kate Jakobs, 5th Place. Chadwick Junior High is proud to have its students receive two of the top five awards in the district for the second year in a row. Left to right are Taylor Haag, Bill Scott, Kate Jakobs.

The West Carroll FFA Dairy judging team.Left to right are Kristen Houzenga, Ashley Hunt, Christy Ralston, Rachel Dykstra, Shawna Lott, Dylan Williams, Chloe Carson, Garrett Badtke.

The newly installed West Carroll FFA Officer team. They were installed at the Annual Parent-Member Banquet held on March 20.Left to right: Treasurer, Chloe Carson; President, Clare O’Connor; Sentinel, Jacob Ritchie; Reporter, Salina Baltierra; Secretary, Janelle Dykstra. Not pictured is Dylan Williams, Vice President.

Kim Durward and Garrett Badtke, West Carroll FFA members who won each won District I FFA Proficiency Awards March 14 at Geneseo High School. Durward won the Forage Production SAE while Badtke won the Diversified Crop Production Placement SAE. Both members will now advance to the State FFA Proficiency Awards held at the University of Illinois on April 14.

Durward Receives Tom H. Kustes Memorial Scholarship

During the special awards segment of the West Carroll FFA Chapter’s parent & member banquet held March 20, John Kustes announced that Kimberly Durward will receive the $1,000 Tom H. Kustes Memorial Scholarship. The winner was selected from senior applicants who intend to prepare for an agricultural career at a vocational-technical school, junior college, college or university upon high school graduation.

Durward intends to attend University of Wisconsin, Platteville and pursue a career in Agriculture Education. Kim is the daughter of Andrew and Janice Durward of Thomson.

In addition to the monetary award, Kim will receive a personal recognition plaque, and her name will be inscribed on a special achievement plaque on display at the school. The scholarship was made possible by a 2005 gift to the school district in memory of Mr. Kustes, who was a lifelong livestock/grain farmer in the Thomson area before his death in 2004. He graduated in 1936 from York Community High School in Thomson, and held an honorary Chapter Farmer Degree from the Thomson FFA chapter in recognition of his support of chapter activities. Tom’s wife, Gladys, was an elementary education teacher for over twenty years in the former Thomson school district. Qualifying senior students are encouraged to apply each spring to the West Carroll FFA Chapter advisor for this scholarship.

The West Carroll FFA Livestock Judging team. Left to right, front row: Paige Wilkins, Rachel Dykstra, Chloe Carson, Kristen Houzenga, Shawna Lott. Middle row: Jared Root, Clare O’Connor, Tessa Sibley, Samantha Boyer, Karley Metz, Christy Ralston, Ashley Hunt. Back row: Brandon Anderson, Dylan Williams, Patrick Fritz, Garrett Badtke, Jacob Ritchie, Allison Wiersema.

Carroll County 4-H Jr. Horse Bowl Team Places 1st at Contest

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Program Coordinator, 4-H & Youth

The Carroll Co. 4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology participants had a blue ribbon day at the Regional Contest held in Boone County. Horse Bowl is a three or four person team like Quiz Bowl and the contest is conducted like Quiz Bowl, but in this contest all the questions are equine related. The Hippology Contest is individual testing on horse judging, oral question and a written test.

In the Hippology Contest – Junior Division:  Katie Hoffman of the Savanna Smiles 4-H Club placed 5th in judging, 2nd in Oral Question, 4th place overall Jr. Hippology. Intermediate Division: Kaiti Collins of the Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club placed 3rd in Oral Question (tied), 10th overall Intermediate Hippology. Natalie Shaw, Savanna Smiles 4-H Club placed 5th in Judging, 1st in Oral Question, 1st place overall Intermediate Hippology. Megan Poole, Ogle County 4-H placed 3rd in Oral Question (tied), 5th overall Intermediate Hippology. In the Senior Division: Betty Nicklaus, Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club, participated; Renee Henert, Lee Co. placed 2nd in judging, 3rd in Oral Question, 7th overall Senior Hippology; Mary Francque, Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club placed 4th in Judging, 1st in Oral Question, 1st overall Senior Hippology. –continued-

Horse Bowl Participants were Betty Nicklaus, Milledgeville Hotshots 4-H Club and Renee Henert, Lee Co. 4-H, each played on separate Senior teams. Natalie Shaw, Kaiti Collins, Katie Hoffman, and Megan Poole were the 1st place junior team overall with 130 total points in 5 games.  Individual Scores for answering questions:  Megan Poole 9th overall, Katie Hoffman 5th Overall, Natalie Saw 2nd overall.

The 1st place Hippology participants and Jr. Horse Bowl Team will now go on to participate in the State Contest in April. Teams are coached by Bryan Hollewell of Milledgeville and Joan & Tara Harms of Sterling.

The Chadwick-Milledgeville Elementary Week 22 Thumbs Up Winners. Left to right in the front row are Sarah Frint, Olivia Schurman, Peyton Ehredt, Carlynn Hackbarth, Breanna Schroeder. In the back row are Nicholas Smith, Tyson Helfrich, Chase Sarber, Ryan Kendall, Colton Stahl.

SHS Presents Programs on Workers and Pop Culture, Musician

Robert Bruno, Director of the Labor Education Department and a Professor of Labor Relations at the University of Illinois will present a program at the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center on March 31st at 2:30 pm. Professor Bruno has been a frequent commentator on labor relations for both regional and national media and has served as a commentator for numerous newspapers. He has taught many different labor courses, specializing in labor history and American politics, as well as given numerous public presentations on labor relations.

His presentation, The Way We Look: Hollywood Representations of Workers from Brutes to Heroes, depicts how working people have been a central theme of mainstream Hollywood film making for over a century. This presentation will reveal the dominant forms those working class men and women have taken on screen and discuss the meaning and purpose of these images. The presentation will include brief video clips of popular films and last approximately 75 minutes.

On Sunday, April 1st, at 2:30 the film will be Musician.

Common sense says one cannot make a living in America playing avant-garde improvisational jazz. But Ken Vandermark does it anyway. Vandermark’s work ethic is almost mystic. The Chicago reed player has released over 100 albums with nearly 40 ensembles. Follow his 8-month journey on the road and see how this musician lives every other waking moment composing, arranging, and performing. Film approx. 1 hour long.

There is no charge for the events, donations are accepted.

The Smithsonian Exhibition is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 2-6 pm. The Savanna Historical Society, the Smithsonian Institution and the Illinois Humanities Council made the exhibition and programming possible in part.

Retired Teachers Scholarship Awarded to Finn

Makenzie Finn, a 2010 graduate of Stockton High School, is the recipient of a $750 scholarship from the Highland Community College Foundation. The announcement was made at a recent Foundation sponsored luncheon attended by almost 100 retired teachers from northwest Illinois.

Finn is a sophomore at Highland Community College. She plans to transfer to a university and pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education, with plans to teach in elementary or middle school.

Also at the luncheon, the cast of Godspell performed many songs from the upcoming (March 29, 30 and 31) musical at the Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre. Nikki Keltner, program coordinator at the University of Illinois Extension, presented a program on container gardening. A tour of Highland’s new greenhouse followed.

The Foundation also announced that 2012-2013 Retired Teachers’ Scholarship will be awarded to a student from Carroll County. Applications will be accepted from Carroll County district students who will be enrolled as full-time students at HCC this fall semester and pursuing a degree in education with an interest in teaching.

The scholarship consists of a cash award (amount may vary depending upon available income) for the student’s academic year. Academic excellence will be the primary criteria used in determining the winner. A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required. Filing deadline is April 1, 2012.

The Highland Community College Foundation awarded approximately $350,000 in scholarships to Highland students for the current academic year.

Sen. Kirk’s Agriculture Advisory Board Chairman Discusses Farm Bill Reauthorization with Schilling, Hultgren

Senator Kirk’s Agriculture Advisory Board chairman, Terry Ferguson, along with other board members, today met with Congressman Bobby Schilling (R-Ill.-17) and Congressman Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.-14) prior to the House Agriculture Committee field hearing in Galesburg, Illinois.

The Senate and House Agriculture Committees are currently focused on the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which is set to expire in September of this year. The Farm Bill’s importance cannot be overstated - especially in states like Illinois where agriculture is an essential component of the economy.

To ensure that U.S. farm policy is efficient and effective, the House Agriculture Committee is hosting a series of field hearings, during which farmers and stakeholders offer testimony and insight regarding the impact of public policy on the agriculture industry.

Today the House Agriculture Committee hosted a well-attended field hearing at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. Congressman Schilling and Congressman Hultgren, both active members on the Agriculture Committee, met with members of Sen. Kirk’s Agriculture Advisory Board to discuss Farm Bill priorities for Illinois, including strengthening risk management tools, as well as the importance of passing a Farm Bill this year.

“Agriculture is the single largest employer in Illinois’s economy,” a spokesperson for Senator Kirk said. “It is imperative that we get outside of Washington and speak directly with farmers before any agricultural policy decisions are made.”

Sen. Kirk’s Agriculture Advisory Board Chairman, Terry Ferguson, added, “At our last meeting, Senator Kirk asked the board to help develop priorities for the next Farm Bill. This morning, we shared with Congressman Schilling and Congressman Hultgren our support for moving away from costly direct payments, while strengthening crop insurance – a critical risk management tool for Illinois farmers.”

“I’ve been working tirelessly to bring congressional colleagues to Illinois’ 17th District to show them what an agricultural powerhouse we have, and couldn’t be more pleased that this region’s farmers and producers will be given such a strong voice as the Ag Committee works to craft the next Farm Bill,” Schilling said. “As Randy and Senator Kirk’s Ag Advisory Board knows, Illinois is blessed with rich, fruitful farmland. Especially with gas and food prices on the rise, it’s crucial that we stay in close contact with our state’s farmers and producers about policies we can implement so they can more easily make affordable, high-quality American food products.”

“Crafting a long-term Farm bill that works for producers and processors in Illinois is vital to agriculture and the state’s economy,” Congressman Hultgren said. “I thank Chairman Lucas for holding this important hearing.”

Badtke Wins District FFA Award

Garrett Badtke, a member of the West Carroll Chapter of the Illinois Association FFA, was selected as District 1 FFA Award Winner in Profiency Awards held Wednesday, March 14th at Geneseo, IL.

Garrett is the son of Brice and Rhonda Badtke of Mt. Carroll. He was selected in competition with five FFA members from District 1. District 1 is comprised of agricultural education sections in northwestern Illinois including twelve schools in four counties.

Winning the District 1 Profiency Award makes Garret eligible to compete in the State FFA Awards Contest at Urbana on April 14, 2012. Steps to this award include Garrett winning the Chapter and Sectional FFA diversified crop product placement. Other agricultural education and FFA honors won by Garrett include Section Star Farmer winner, DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award, Greenhand Chapter and State Degree.

Widely Differing Views for 2012 Corn Yield Prospects

With 2011-12 marketing year-ending stocks of U.S. corn expected to be near pipeline levels, the size of the 2012 crop has substantial price implications, according to University of Illinois agricultural economist Darrel Good. Acreage intentions will be revealed in the USDA’s March 30 Prospective Plantings report, but much of the current discussion centers on prospects for the U.S. average corn yield.

Widely differing views of yield prospects for 2012 have emerged. A number of factors may contribute to the diverse views, but four have received a lot of attention. These include (1) the timing of planting, (2) the magnitude and potential change in the trend yield, (3) the expected summer weather conditions, and (4) the location and magnitude of acreage changes.

“The mild winter weather and early spring fieldwork suggests that the 2012 crop will be planted in a very timely fashion,” said Good. “There is a general perception that early planting results in a higher U.S. average yield potential, all other things being equal.”

Agronomic research in the Corn Belt reveals a slight yield penalty for extremely early planting (March), a wide planting window for maximum or near maximum yield potential (early to mid-April through early May), and a yield penalty for late planting that increases with the lateness of planting. “While there is a clear yield penalty for late planting, there is not a similar yield premium for early planting,” explained Good. “The majority of the crop is planted in the optimum window in most years.”

“To have an effect on U.S. average yield potential, a substantially larger or smaller portion of the crop would have to be planted outside the optimum window,” Good explained. “For 2012, a smaller-than-average percentage of the crop planted late might increase yield potential, but that impact would be quite small.”

Widely varying opinions about the trend in U.S. average corn yields have emerged in recent years. According to Good, “The long-term increase in average yields is associated with the development and adoption of crop production technology and crop management practices.” The nature of those developments has varied over time, but there has been a steady flow of yield-enhancing technology and practices.

For the most part, variation around the trend yield reflects variation in growing season weather, although events such as pest infestations or early occurrences of freezing temperatures can have a yield effect. Confusion about the yield impact of technology and weather can occur if there is a string of years with very favorable or unfavorable weather. In that case, the impact of weather can mistakenly be attributed to technology and give the impression that the underlying trend yield has changed.

“That appeared to have happened from 2003 through 2009 when generally favorable weather led some to believe that the underlying trend yield was increasing at a faster rate,” said Good. The reverse may have occurred recently; poor weather in 2010 and 2011 resulted in low yields following the record yield of 2009. Overall evidence suggests that the trend in U.S. average corn yields has been linear since 1960 (http://www.farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2012/02/the_historic_pattern_of_us_cor.html).

Opinions about likely summer weather in the Corn Belt center on the El Nino/La Nina Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The Climate Prediction Center forecasts that the winter La Nina is transitioning to neutral conditions. “Historically, such a transition has usually been associated with corn yields near trend value, although deviations in both directions have occurred,” said Good. Others are suggesting a transition to an El Nino and increased chances of an above-trend yield in 2012.

U.S. corn plantings are expected to increase by 2 to 3 million acres in 2012. It has been argued that the increase will occur in lower-yielding areas and therefore prove to be a drag on the U.S. average yield.

Good thinks that the yield implication of increased acreage is likely to be extremely small. “First,” he said, “some of the increase in corn acreage may occur in the higher yielding areas of the eastern Corn Belt since acreage there in 2011 was below the recent peak of 2007. Second, a 2 to 3 percent increase in acreage has the potential to only marginally impact the U.S. average yield even if all the increase was in low-yielding areas.”

While the 2012 yield debate will continue well into the growing season, the most logical expectation is for an average yield near the long-term trend. The trend yield for 2012 is just under 160 bushels per acre. The USDA’s early forecast for 2012 is for a yield of 164 bushels.

With harvested acreage projected at 87 million acres, a 4 to 5 bushel difference in the U.S. average corn yield represents a difference of 350 to 435 million bushels in crop size. Prospects of an average yield near 160 bushels would suggest that new-crop corn prices are probably low enough, while prospects for a yield of 164 bushels or higher would likely push prices marginally lower.

More detailed analysis will be provided in upcoming posts at farmdocdaily.

With an Early Spring, Does it Make Sense to Plant Early?

Reports of fields planted by mid-March in central and southern Illinois are coming in.

According to professor of crop sciences Emerson Nafziger, “Although there have been some fields planted this early in the past, this is the earliest we have ever had good planting conditions across so much of the state, and it’s certain that we have never before had this many corn acres planted so early.”

With the warm weather continuing, crops planted now are expected to get off to a fast start. “It takes about 115 growing degree days (GDD) to get corn plants to emerge after planting,” said Nafziger. “Highs of about 80 degrees and lows in the fifties mean that we are getting 15 to 18 GDD per day, so we might see emergence within a week if it stays this warm.” Some fields planted very early have already emerged.

Soil temperatures are in or near the acceptable range for planting in central and southern Illinois and, if the warm weather continues, they will continue to increase. “If this were two weeks later we would have a lot of people planting fast,” said Nafziger. “If it stays warm and doesn’t get wet, we normally would expect planting to get going in late March, with April 1 being the ‘go’ date for many in the southern two-thirds of Illinois.”

At the same time, many producers are still waiting to plant. They are concerned that a return to normal temperatures —with lows are in the thirties and highs are in the fifties through early April – means that cool periods or even frost could slow growth or kill emerged plants.

“We are working with a relatively short seed supply due to low seed yields this past year,” said Nafziger. “Should we need to replant, this could mean taking inferior hybrids or even being unable to get enough corn seed for a replant.”

Replant seed can be costly; some companies charge less than full retail for replant seed, but they might require planting on or after a certain date. Crop insurance may also be an issue.

It is not clear how early planting will affect yields. “We have never planted corn in planting-date trials as early as mid-March,” said Nafziger. “But planting in late March or early April has almost never produced higher yields than planting in late April.”

Of 12 trials conducted over the past three years, corn planted in late April has yielded more than corn planted in late March or early April nine times. The average advantage from planting later was about four bushels per acre. After late April, yields tend to decline with further delays.

Of course, planting date responses are notoriously unpredictable. It is not certain that corn planted in mid-March will yield less than corn planted during the second half of April. If the season remains dry, corn planted early may tap more soil water than corn planted late. But GDD accumulations are low in March and April in normal years, so unless temperatures stay high, early planting will not necessarily mean early pollination, maturity, or harvest.

“It probably makes sense to get the fields ready to plant, but to hold off on planting until the calendar turns to April,” said Nafziger. Unless temperatures remain far above normal, the risk of planting now may well outweigh the likely return. But for those who want to be able to say that they planted corn earlier than ever before - and before their neighbors - 2012 is providing the opportunity.

Two Fine Arts Scholarships Available at SVCC

As students and parents search for various scholarships that can help fund college education, there are two scholarships at Sauk Valley Community College that may interest fine arts majors.

Students planning to attend (or already attend) SVCC full-time and major in theatre/performing arts or speech/communication can apply for the Jerry Weston Mathis Memorial award while students majoring in music can apply for the Dorothy K. Engel Music award.

The purpose of these awards is to recognize fine arts students with outstanding talent and experience. Students are also encouraged to pursue the development of their talents through continued study in their chosen fine arts field at SVCC.

Interested high school students can see their high school counseling office for applications. Current SVCC students can contact the Sauk Valley College Foundation Office at . Individuals applying for the Jerry Mathis award must have applications in by Friday, April 13. Finalists, as chosen by award’s committee, will audition April 28. Individuals applying for the Dorothy Engel award must have applications in by Friday, April 27. Finalist auditions will be May 15.

For more information on SVCC’s fine art programs, visit www.svcc.edu.

Schilling Campaign Calls on Bustos to Condemn Illegal Robocalls

Pledges to conduct an accurate and legal campaign; urges challenger to do the same

The Bobby Schilling for Congress campaign is calling on Democrat congressional candidate and former Alderwoman Cheri Bustos to condemn illegal robocalls being sent into the Illinois 17th District on behalf of the Bustos campaign.

A group that previously made illegal robocalls into the district two weeks ago began a new round of calls today. The group has no known affiliation and does not disclose its funders as required by law.

Jon Schweppe, communications director at Bobby Schilling for Congress, said Alderwoman Bustos needs to do the right thing and condemn illegal campaign activity.

“We knew this campaign would be competitive, but outside shadow groups on the left are already trying to make it nasty,” Schweppe said. “We call on Alderwoman Bustos to do the right thing, stand up, and condemn this illegal campaign activity.

“We will continue to run an issues-oriented campaign,” Schweppe continued. “Unfortunately, by refusing to condemn illegal campaign activity from outside shadow groups, Alderwoman Bustos is essentially endorsing it. It’s time for Alderwoman Bustos to do the right thing and reject the politics of lies and deceit.”

Abolishment of GA Scholarships Passes House

Citing reports of abuse and concerns over the state budget situation, State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) is heralding the passage of legislation in the House this week that will bring an end the Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program. Morthland, who did not participate in the scholarship program this year, has co-sponsored two prior attempts to end the beleaguered scholarship program.

“Last year alone our state universities absorbed more than $13 million in tuition waivers due to the General Assembly Scholarship Program,” said Morthland. “Given our state’s financial condition and continual reports of abuse by some legislators who use the program to repay political favors, it is clear that this program must be eliminated.”

House Bill 3810, passed with overwhelming support, would end the scholarship program as of June 1st of this year. Currently, lawmakers may designate scholarship recipients be granted a 4-year scholarship or may instead designate 2 or 4 nominees for that particular scholarship, each to receive a 2-year or a one-year scholarship, respectively.

HB 3810 now moves to the Illinois Senate for consideration.

SVCC Hosts 2nd Annual Criminal Justice Career Fair

A great opportunity to get educated about potential careers in criminal justice is available to the Sauk Valley area as Sauk Valley Community College hosts the Criminal Justice Career Fair Tuesday, April 10 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. in the West Mall.

Anyone interested in a career in law enforcement or criminal justice should consider attending this free event as there will be many opportunities to ask questions, network and potential talk about hiring in the field. The career fair is an event that encourages individuals to explore the opportunities in the area, educate themselves about what skills, knowledge, and degrees are needed in the field and create connections with the areas present. There are possibilities for hiring and filing applications as well.

Representatives will be available from various places such as Freeport Police, Janesville Police, Dixon Police, Sterling Police, Beloit Police, the Illinois State Police, four-year academic institutions and more to talk about their hiring process, what is available now and what their experience in the field is like.

The Criminal Justice Career Fair is sponsored by the SVCC Criminal Justice Club. For more information, contact Jon Mandrell, assistant professor of criminal justice, at or .

Highland Community College Hosts Annual Job Fair

The 2012 Highland Community College Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 11, and Thursday, April 12, 2012. Current students, graduates and area residents seeking employment are all invited to attend. This free event is an excellent networking opportunity for job seekers, featuring over 30 businesses in northern Illinois.

The 2012 Job Fair will be held in the Newell Room, located on the second floor of the Student/Conference Center on the HCC campus.

Dates are Wednesday, April 11, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 12, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Employment forums

Employment forums will feature community guest speakers who will provide tips and strategies for a successful job search. These panelists will answer your questions and offer expert advice. These discussions will focus on effective resumes and cover letters, personal presentation skills, interviewing and job hunting.

Best Practices

“Best Practices: Effective Strategies for Your Job Hunt”

6:00 p.m. – 6:50 p.m., Wednesday, April 11

9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m., Thursday, April 12

10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m., Thursday, April 12

11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m., Thursday, April 12

Resume Critiquing

Bring a copy of your resume to receive free advice from “seasoned” resume critics. If you need assistance developing a resume, please inquire about appointments for this service. To register, call Theresa Kepner at or email .

Students and the public are encouraged to make a strong first impression at the Job Fair and to present a polished resume to potential employers. The HCC Career Center, located on the first floor of the Student/Conference Center (H-108), is available to advise job seekers on how to best prepare for the event. The Career Center also has informative literature on resume development, interviewing techniques and job-hunting strategies.

To request special accommodations for individuals with disabilities, call by Friday, April 6.

Business Registration

Local businesses are welcome to showcase their employment opportunities at the 2012 Job Fair by registering with HCC Career Services at by Friday, March 30. For more information regarding the 2012 Job Fair, please contact Theresa Kepner at or email .

Tunnel of Oppression Opens Eyes and Minds

Sauk Valley Community College invites the public to “rethink their role” as it presents the Tunnel of Oppression for a second year, free of charge, April 4 and 5 in the SVCC Gym. Both days will have two walk-throughs from 12:15-1:15 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.

Tunnel of Oppression is an interactive event that highlights contemporary issues of oppression.  It is designed to introduce participants to the concepts of oppression, privilege, and power.  Participants are guided through a series of scenes that aim to educate and challenge them to think more deeply about issues of oppression. Over 35 student/community actors will portray scenarios of lookism, gay bashing, ableism, human trafficking, discrimination and more. At the end of the tour, participants are provided with the opportunity to discuss their experiences with each other.  Facilitators help participants reflect on their experiences and put their new-found knowledge to use in their everyday lives. 

The purpose of the event is to allow people who may have never been placed in these types of situations to obtain a sense of what it actually feels like to be oppressed through the sights and sounds they experience. It will also allow participants to view discrimination from a different perspective.

Strong content may bring emotional experience.  The Tunnel of Oppression is open to everyone, although material is not recommended for young children. For more information, contact .

Bowling for Kids Fundraiser for Tyler’s Justice Center

Phi Pheta Kappa Honor Society with Highland Community College is hosting a bowling for kids fundraiser for Tyler’s Justice Center! There will be a 50/50 raffle and a drop off box for new toy donations for the children that come to the center.

WHEN: April 29th at 3:00 PM. Registration begins at 2:30 PM.

WHERE: Four Seasons Bowling Alley in Freeport

COST: $35.00 per two people. Includes shoe rental and 2 hours of bowling.

CONTACT: Vicki Schulz @ Highland Community College for tickets

Proceeds will go toward Tyler’s operational budget. The operational budget helps fund all program supplies. These supplies directly serve the children and families that utilize the services provided by Tyler’s Justice Center. Please stop in and support local business as well as a great organization!

Tyler’s Justice Center for Children is a 501(c) 3, non-profit Children’s Advocacy Center which provides services to child victims of sexual and serious physical abuse. In the past, child victims of abuse were interviewed several times, by many people in many locations, insensitive to the child’s needs. The Center coordinates members of a multidisciplinary investigative team along with the child and his or her non-offending caregiver, to be interviewed by a trained, forensic interviewer, in one location, at one time. This process is proven to lessen the trauma for children and brings professionals working together in the best interest of the child victim. The Center also provides crisis counseling, intervention and education, follow-up advocacy services, specialized sexual exams and licensed therapy. All services are provided at no cost. Tyler’s is a recipient of the Northwest Illinois Chapter of United Way and serves Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties.

April 2012 Trivia Night

One hundred new questions –10 questions from 10 categories – are ready to test the knowledge of teams at the Carroll County Haiti Mission Project’s eleventh Trivia Night fund raiser on Saturday, April 14 at Manny’s Pizza, Savanna. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top two teams.

Registration fee is $10 per person. Teams of 4-8 can register online at http://cchmp-022008a.tripod.com/trivia.html, by sending their team information to , by calling Larry Libberton at or on the night of the event. It is recommended that teams register prior to the event. Libberton said that teams that register online will receive one free trivia answer with their registration confirmation.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the competition set to begin at 7 p.m. Competition will consist of 10 rounds of 10 questions from 10 categories.

All of the money raised during the event will help fund the group’s mission work in Haiti.  Formed in 2001, CCHMP teams travel to Haiti three times each year. The group’s projects include continued work on its medical/dental clinic, support of several schools, sponsorship of schoolchildren and a new water purification program. In June a team will make the group’s 34th trip to Haiti.

For more information on CCHMP, visit the group’s website: http://cchmp.tripod.com.

Preventing Damages Caused By Severe Weather

By Greg Miller | Carroll County Emergency Services Coordinator

The heavy rains and severe storms encountered in Carroll County the last two years raise important questions. What are the most frequently occurring natural hazards in the County? How much damage do storms and other natural hazards, such as drought, cause? These questions and other related issues will be discussed when representatives from Carroll County and local municipalities meet Thursday, March 29 at the Carroll County Farm Bureau on 811 South Clay Street in Mt. Carroll. This group, the Carroll County Hazard Mitigation Committee, will meet through the next several months to prepare the plan to reduce damages caused by natural hazards. The Committee meeting begins at 1 p.m. and all Committee Meetings are open to the public.

“This Plan will become our best resource for determining how to prepare for storms and other natural hazards. After this Plan is completed, comprehensive information will be available in one document to help guide those who are making decisions about how to better protect Carroll County residents,” said Greg Miller, Chairman for the Carroll County Hazard Mitigation Committee.

Chadwick, Lanark, Milledgeville, Mount Carroll, Savanna, Shannon and Thomson are participating in the planning process.

Developing public information materials, building storm shelters, designing roads, bridges, water supplies and other services to better withstand natural disasters, are some examples of the kind of projects and activities that can reduce storm damages.

Interested persons can provide input at these Carroll County Hazard Mitigation Committee meetings, or submit their comments and questions to their municipal or county representatives.

Public comments will be used to develop a draft plan. After the draft plan is developed, a public forum will be held where the draft plan will be presented for review and comment. The draft plan will be revised based on comments from the public and the state and federal government agencies. Following these revisions, the plan will be presented for adoption at public meetings held by the County and at each of the participating municipalities.

“Identifying the frequency of these natural hazards and the severity of damages caused throughout our county is the goal at this Committee Meeting. Based on this information we will begin to develop lists of activities and projects to reduce damages caused by these events,” added Miller.

Servant Leadership Silent Auction

The Eastland Servant Leadership Group is sponsoring a Silent Auction to benefit the Hearts and Hands for Children in Haiti project. For each Twenty Five Cents raised, one meal can be sent to needed children in developing countries. There will be a table at the Exchange State Bank in Lanark and First State Bank in Shannon with items to bid on. Bidding will start on April 9, 2012 and end on April 16, 2012. There will be an array of items from personalized baskets to gift certificates to bid on. If there are any questions call Katelyn Janssen at . Please leave a message. Eastland Servant Leadership is part of the Highland Community College Servant Leadership Program.

Farmers: Prepare for Perils

– advertisement –

Every spring there is a sense of excitement at the chance this may be the biggest crop you have ever grown. Each year also comes the perils that a farmer needs to protect against, whether that is drought, flood, insects, hail or wind.

Wind by far is the last thing on a farmer’s mind when they are insuring for the next years’ crop but farmers in Northern Illinois were widely affected by wind in 2011. Everyone in Northern Illinois saw what kind of destruction and mess wind can make of a corn crop. This is why AgPerspective has been working in conjunction with ADM to update and revise their wind policy to be more advantageous to the insured.

In addition, AgPerspective is working with ADM to add pollination coverage to their existing Wind Policy. The final agreement on how this pollination coverage will work is not finalized but we are very excited to have this type of coverage included. The most common concern of wind damage is green snap. Our wind coverage covers much more. Here are the some of the highlights of this policy and how it works.

1.) Available for corn and seed corn

2.) Green Snap Wind Loss is defined as stalks that break off above the brace roots and below the ear, so the ear cannot be harvested. This policy does not cover loss due to insects, disease, chemical damage or any other cause other than the cause specified in this endorsement.

3.) Insurance Period – Begins at 7 leaf and ends on October 31st. (Most companies begin at 11 leaf and expire anywhere from September 15th to October 15th.)

4.) Amount Payable - Excess over 5% loss – Disappearing at 25% - DXS5. This means that nothing is paid until there is at least a 5% loss. After 5% the insured’s loss will be multiplied by 1.25.

Ex.) Assume $900 of hail and Green Snap “Plus” Coverage

Green Snap loss = 3% = No indemnity

Green Snap Loss = 15% = 15-5 = 10% * 1.25 = 12.5% * $900 = $112.50/ac indemnity

Green Snap Loss = 25% = 25-5 = 20% *1.25 = 25% * $900 = $225.00/ac indemnity

Coverage under this endorsement is reduced by any payments made under the underlying Crop-Hail Policy i.e. if the insured has a 20% hail claim and a 20% wind claim the insured will be paid 20% on the full 100% or (.20 * $600 = $120) for the hail damage. Then the insured will be paid 20% on the remaining $480 for the wind damage i.e. (.20 * $480 = $96).

5.) Extra Harvest Expense i.e. down corn – An amount will be paid for extra harvest expense if the corn stalks are blown down such that the angle between the stalk and the ground is not less than 20 degrees and the distance from the ear shank of the highest ear and the ground is less than 12 inches. Grower must have a minimum of 20 acres of down corn to qualify.

6.) Amount Payable for Corn Blown Down - Company will have a liability for 8.0% of the insurance per acre times the acres down. The payable loss for acres blown down will be netted against all hail and green snap damage paid. (Using example above policy would pay $900 * 8% = $72/ac for all acres of down corn)

7.) Unrecoverable Ears – Coverage can be added for non-harvestable or non-recoverable ears of field corn left on the ground as a result of damage from wind. Adjuster will estimate what percentage of ears was left on the ground, subtract the deductible, and then multiply this number by the amount of insurance per acre. Coverage is reduced by any payments made under the underlying Crop-Hail Policy. Grower cannot chisel plow until an adjuster has completed their ear loss estimates.

When the details of Pollination coverage are finalized, AgPerspective Inc. will be available to explain the coverage in detail and answer questions about how it may limit your risk exposure. Call today at .