Community Potluck & Concert to Welcome New Pastor to First Lutheran Church in Chadwick

The entire community and neighboring churches are invited to attend a Noon Potluck (bring a dish to pass & your own table service; drinks will be provided) to meet and greet our new Pastor, Christine Schoon and her husband, Steve. She comes to us from Ottawa, IL where she served three years as the associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church.

At 1:00 pm, we will host a very special concert featuring Greg Strange, a Christian Comedian/Musician, from Nashville, TN. Greg performs over 200 concerts per year, visiting churches, inner-city schools, rescue missions, prisons and Indian Reservations. He brings joy, encouragement and the message of Jesus Christ wherever he goes. He is a tremendous instrumentalist and vocalist.

The public is invited to attend either or both of these events and help us give a big “Chadwick Welcome” to our new pastor. Greg’s ministry is made possible by donations so a free-will offering will be taken to cover his expenses.

If you have any questions, you may call the church office at .

NARFE News

Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their monthly meeting at noon on Thursday, July 21st at the House of Events in Savanna. A luncheon buffet will be available at noon for those who wish to eat. The business meeting and program will follow at 1 p.m. Also, plan to attend the annual picnic on August 18th at Old Mill Park. All active and retired federal employees, spouses and survivors are cordially invited.

Free Eye Screening

Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of new blindness in adults in the United States today. Early detection is a major factor in the prevention of visual loss. The screening may determine if you have a retinal problem associated with macular degeneration.

Please Visit The Lions Screening at the Chadwick Fire Station on Thursday, July 21st from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Sponsored by the Chadwick Lions Club, in conjunction with the Lions of Illinois Foundation and Illinois Retina Associates, S.C.

Carroll County Democrat Meeting

The Carroll County Democrats will hold their regular monthly meeting on July 19th, at 7 p.m. at the Savanna Marina Restaurant, 1 Main Street in Savanna. Cheri Bustos from East Moline, a candidate for Congress in the 17th District and Mike Smitty, a candidate for the 71st State Representative seat are to be here. Come meet them. For more information, call Gerald L. Bork at 1-.

River Ridge CUSD #210 2011-2012 Registration

Registration for the 2011-2012 school year at River Ridge CUSD #210, 4141 IL Tre. 84 South, Hanover will be on Wednesday, August 10th and Thursday, August 11th. Parents or guardians may register their children from noon until 8 p.m. either day. Students should not be sent to register themselves. Students in grades 6-12 are required to purchase a t-shirt for physical education class. Order forms will be available at registration.

Students registering will need the following:

1- A completed Illinois physical exam form with proof of immunizations is required of new students to the district, Kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade.

2- A completed vision exam is required of new students to the district and Kindergarten.

3- A completed dental exam is required for Kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade students.

Families new to the area will need to fill out a “Proof of Residency” form. This form may be picked up at the District Office located at 4141 IL Rte. 84 South in Hanover if they wish to do so before the registration dates.

The Middle School “Back-To-School Swim Party” will be on Wednesday, August 10th for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Please note the date. Buses will leave the school parking lot at 5:45 p.m. and return at 8:15 p.m.

Please call if you have any questions.

Damaris Linker on Quincy U. Dean’s List

Quincy University Vice President for Academic Affairs, Teresa I. Reed, PhD, has announced that Damaris Linker of Lanark is on the dean’s list for the spring 2011 semester.

The dean’s list names undergraduate students whose semester academic averages are 3.5 or higher. Students must be enrolled at the University for at least 12 semester hours to be included on the Dean’s List for any given semester.

CELEBRATE LIFE: Mable & Donna

Celebrating life has taken on a whole new meaning for two lovable ladies in Carroll County this past month. Having been friends several years Cathy “Mable” (Gilbert) Eagle and Donna (Letcher) Giedd were each diagnosed with terminal cancer within weeks of each other. Cathy, having grown up in Savanna and Donna growing up in Sterling & Lanark they have crossed paths with multitudes of people throughout their lives. They actually both tended bar at Dave’s Place in Lanark.

Friends and family have decided to host a Party/Benefit in their honor on Saturday, July 23, 2011 at Hog Dogs, Main Street in Savanna, IL from 12:00 Noon to ? T-shirts, coozies, bracelets and raffle tickets can be purchased at Hog Dogs, Times Theatre & Dave’s Place now through July 23rd. This will be a great time for the whole family. During the day kids can color pictures for Cathy and Donna, along with a dunk tank, playing games and more. Adults can visit with friends, browse the bake sale, purchase raffle tickets for many great prizes, 50-50 raffle and there will be lots of food & beverages for sale too.

We encourage all who know, want to know or just curious and want to have fun to stop on by that Saturday. The “girls” are quite excited about catching up with all their old and new friends. Please join us, won’t you?

2011 Acre Report Certification

Alan Flikkema, Chairperson of the Carroll County Farm Service Agency County Committee is reminding producers that Friday, July 15, is the final date to report 2011 planted crop acres. Flikkema said, “producers that miss this crop reporting deadline, will be assessed a late filing fee in order to late file their 2011 crop reports.”

Flikkema went on to say that crop reports by producers, are required for any producer that is requesting FSA program benefits. An accurate and timely crop report is required by producers requesting to obtain, Price support loans or to participate in the DCP/ACRE/CROP or SURE program.

Producers with questions on the need to accurately and timely file 2011 crop reports should contact their local FSA office.

Rosebud Mission Team Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

The Rosebud Mission Team of Fulton is a group of area volunteers that work to help the Lakota American Indians in South Dakota. This will be the eleventh year that the team has gone there to help the Lakota’s. Within the last year the group has become its own private organization and they do all of their own fundraising.

There are seven reservations in South Dakota and this group visits the Rosebud reservation, which is located on land that is the approximate size of Whiteside County and has approximately 15,000 people.

“It’s a sad and hopeless place. And we try to bring them a little bit of hope,” said

Dan Wierenga, leader of the group. He said the group works to let them know that their hope is in Jesus Christ.

The RMT volunteers visit the reservation throughout the year. Every summer the group goes out for a week to run a Bible school program for the children. Dan said they also hang out with the people, playing games and other activities. The group has painted a lot of houses, built a deck, shingling projects and worked at the Boys and Girls Club of Parmelee, South Dakota. This year the group is looking forward to working with the Boys and Girls Club again. They are planning on painting the outside of the building.

One of the last fundraisers before the trip leaves for South Dakota on July 30th will be a “Pancake, Sausage & Scrambled Egg Breakfast” at Julie’s Café on Main Street in Albany, Illinois on Saturday, July 23rd from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost will be by a donation and all proceeds will go to help the mission groups work in South Dakota.

Those wishing to help the Rosebud mission team, can contact Dan at or by calling (815) 535-8222.

Smile Illinois Mobile Dentist Team to Provide for Carroll County Children

The Carroll County Health Department is hosting “Smile Illinois Mobile Dentist Team” for dental checkups. They will be providing dental exams/screening, cleanings, fluoride, fluoride varnish, and sealants.

All children ages 12 months to 18 years are eligible for the screening and fluoride treatment. Dental insurances are accepted, Medicaid, and grant assistance is available for children needing financial assistance. This checkup will qualify for your child’s school dental exam. No child will be turned away for the inability to pay.

Dental dates are Wednesday, July 20th and Thursday, July 21st from 9:00am until 3:30pm at the Health Department in Mt. Carroll. An appointment is required. Please call the Carroll County Health Department for more information or to schedule an appointment @ .

Victorian Hat Making 101

Victorian Hat Making 101 is a hands-on workshop in which you will have the opportunity to make a true Victorian hard bonnet. Your guide into the millinery world of hat making is Jolene Foat.

This all day event will begin at 10 am and continue until 2:30 pm on Saturday July 30th. This lecture/workshop fee is $35.00 for non-PSF members and $25.00 for PSF members. This fee will cover fabric, feathers, ribbon, form and thread. If you plan on attending this workshop please bring a sack lunch.

This workshop will be held at the 1876 Banwarth House & Museum, 408 E. Sycamore St. behind the Law-Jones Funeral Home in the Village of Elizabeth. If you would like to reserve a spot, please contact Diane Sipiera at (815) 858-2014 or by July 25th. We hope to see you there.

Morrison Historical Society Sandwich Sale

The Board of Trustees of Morrison Historical Society will hold their second annual Sandwich Meal Sale--a unique lunch focused on local businesses. What is different about this community fundraiser?

First, the event is held on Friday, July 15, 2011, during the work week. Second, convenient, prepaid orders are delivered by MHS Trustees in insulated bags and coolers, when the clients choose.

Morrison Historical Society is in the process of a face-lift for Morrison’s Heritage Museum, built in 1864 as the Congregational Church. Paint, new concrete caps and some tuck-pointing for the stairway, and window repair and covering with siding have begun. Funds raised at the sandwich sale will be directed to this high-priced maintenance endeavor.

Individuals may purchase the same meal at Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Grilled sandwiches include 1/3 pound hamburger and cheeseburger, pork chop, or brat. Chips and a beverage are included in the meals, at a cost of $4 or $5 for the butterfly pork chop. Three homemade cookies are an option for $1.

Over 5,200 Illinois Government Retirees Get Yearly Benefits Over $100K

The number of retired Illinois government employees receiving pension benefits of over $100,000 a year has climbed to 5,294 as of April 1, 2011, an increase of 22% from June 30, 2010, according to the president of Taxpayers United of America (TUA). Of the six state pensions systems, the highest number of affluent retirees, 2,668, belong to the Illinois Teacher Retirement System (TRS).

“The total of retired Illinois government employees pulling in over $100,000 has accelerated. The number of these prosperous retirees took only 9 months to increase 22%, from 4,352 to 5,294,” said Jim Tobin, TUA President.

“When we published our November 2010 study of the ‘Top 100 government pension recipients in Illinois,’ there were 4,352 retired Illinois government retirees receiving over $100,000 in pension benefits as of June 30, 2010, an increase of 21% over the previous year.

“That’s quite an increase of well heeled retired government employees: from 3,597 to 4,352 to 5,294. And it’s Illinois taxpayers who are footing the bill for these lavish, gold-plated pensions. The huge, temporary 67% state income tax increase passed by Illinois General Assembly Democrats and signed by Gov. Patrick Quinn (D) will pour an estimated $6.4 billion annually into the state’s floundering, underfunded state pension programs. Other than present and future government employees, Illinois taxpayers will not see a cent of the money from this gargantuan state income tax increase.

“The present government employee pension program is broken and must be replaced. New government hires should be required to fund their own retirements with 401(k) plans. Ending pensions for new government hires will eventually eliminate unfunded government pensions. Requiring government employees and retirees to pay for one-half of their health care premiums would save even more—an estimated $230 billion over current projections.

“But the long-term solution is to throw from office all the Springfield Democrats, who conspired in a structured vote to pass Quinn’s temporary 67% state income tax increase.”

Lost Mound Deer Hunt Drawing Set for July 22

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the drawing for the special deer hunts on the Lost Mound Unit (former Savanna Army Depot) of Upper Miss Refuge for Youth and Hunters with Disabilities is July 22. Applications are available at the Refuge Office located at 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson IL 61285 or can be obtained at the Refuge website http://midwest.fws.gov/UpperMississippiRiver.

Applications can be dropped off or mailed to the Refuge office and must be received no later than 4:00PM on July 21. A random drawing for the 25 hunt sites will be held at the Refuge office at 10AM on July 22 and is open to the public. Applicants are not required to be at the drawing.

The Youth Hunt dates are October 8-9 and the Disabled Hunt dates are November 12-13. Youth must be Illinois residents, a minimum of 10 years old and not reached their 16th birthday by October 9, 2011. Hunters with disabilities can be resident or non-resident and must possess a minimum P-2A disability certification issued by the State of Illinois or similar certification from other states.

All selected hunters are required to be accompanied in the field by an able-bodied adult attendant capable of tracking and retrieving deer. A mandatory orientation and safety training program is required for all hunters, their attendants and any family member that accompanies the hunter. Two orientation/safety programs will be held: Saturday, October 1 from 9:00AM-2:00PM at Buck’s Barn, 11503 Three Mile Road, Thomson IL and; Friday, November 11 from 9:00AM-2:00PM at the Refuge Office, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson IL. For additional information, call the Refuge office at .

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 120 million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses 560 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas.

Jo-Carroll Energy and Community Libraries Sponsor Coloring Contest

Do you remember a time without electricity? Probably not. Your kids definitely don’t.

It was in 1939 that the lights were turned on in rural northwest Illinois. Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was one of the New Deal agencies created to pull the nation out of the despair and hopelessness of the Great Depression.

The primary goal of the REA was rural electrification. This rich and exciting time in history is the theme of Jo-Carroll Energy’s “Back to School Coloring Contest.”

Children between the ages of 5-13 and who are the son or daughter of a Jo-Carroll Energy member are encouraged to enter the contest. Artwork will be judged on creativity, originality, use of color and the ability to portray the theme, “The History of Electricity.” A coloring sheet is provided for 5 to 7-year-olds. Older children are asked to draw and color their own picture. Mail all entries to:

Jo-Carroll Energy

Attn: Elecia Walter

P.O. Box 390

Elizabeth, IL 61028

One winner in each age category (ages 5-7, 8-10 and 11-13) will receive a complete set of school supplies prior to the start of the 2011 fall semester. Winning artwork will be featured in Jo-Carroll Energy’s Hi-Lines and displayed at the cooperative’s Elizabeth headquarters.

Purslane: Is it a Weed or a Nutritious Green?

While some consider purslane, Portulaca oleracea, to be an annoying summer annual weed, others may consider it a nutritious green vegetable, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.

“Purslane, also called hogweed, is a summer annual that reproduces from seeds or stem pieces,” Jennifer Fishburn said. “If you consider purslane a weed, the number one control recommendation is don’t let it go to seed.

“One plant can produce more than 50,000 seeds which can remain viable for more than 30 years in undisturbed soil. The seeds are often brought to the soil surface by tilling.”

About three weeks after the seedling emerges, the plant flowers and sets seeds. When hand pulling, make sure to remove the weed from the garden as it can easily re-root itself. Hoeing or tilling this weed results in plant multiplication rather than plant removal. Purslane seeds germinate best with soil temperatures of 90 degrees. Because seeds don’t germinate well when more than half an inch deep, mulching may help to control germination.

“Many cultures enjoy purslane as a food,” Fishburn noted. “It is popular in many Latin American countries and eaten as a salad green in France and other European countries. In Latin America, purslane is known as verdolaga. It is believed to be native to India or Iran but can be found throughout the world.

“While the weed form of common purslane can be eaten, gardeners can purchase seeds for a cultivated variety. Golden purslane, Portulaca oleracea sativa has succulent one and one half inch golden yellow leaves and orange stems on upright plants. The plant is larger than the wild form, growing 12 to 16 inches, and the leaves are crisp and mild.”

Purslane grows well anywhere but is often found in sunny, fertile garden soil. It has succulent characteristics and once established is very drought tolerant.

“The taste is said to be similar to watercress or spinach,” she said. “Before adding this plant to your salad, make sure to properly identify it. Also, as with any new food, sample a small portion the first time you eat it. Purslane is best eaten fresh and should be washed thoroughly just prior to using.”

For purslane recipes, visit Prairieland Community Supported Agriculture website at http://www.prairielandcsa.org/recipes/purslane.html

Taking Bids At The Whiteside County 4-H Show

The Whiteside County 4-H Show is here, and one of the highlights of the show is the Sale of Champions. The public is invited to take part in this sale of champion and reserve champion animals and again this year some general projects will be sold.

Some of these champion animals include: Market Barrow; Market Gilt; Pen of Market Barrows; Pen of Market Gilts; Pen of Rabbits; Single Fryer; Market Wether; Market Ewe; and again back in to the lineup Market Animal and Rate of Gain Steer. Some of the general projects that could be sold are photography, visual arts, clothing and more.

The bidding for the animals will begin after a welcome and parade of champions which starts at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 21st in front of the grandstand at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison. These animals will go home with the highest bidder.

If you wish to come and bid, as well as support your local 4-H program, then you are invited to come a few minutes before the auction starts, viewing of the projects will be available at 5:30 p.m. in the swine/sheep barn. Come and show your support of these 4-Híers hard work and enjoy the fun.

If you would like more information, please call the Whiteside County Extension office at .

Family Night Includes Food, Fun and 4-H

The Whiteside County 4-H Show is here again. The most exciting night of the show is the Pork Chop BBQ and Family Night. This year, these activities will take place on Thursday, July 21. You are invited on behalf of all Whiteside County 4-H’ers to come and share the fun.

The night begins with the Federation Pork Chop BBQ from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. The meal will be served at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds. The 4-H Federation is a county-wide teen group that focuses on leadership, community service and teamwork. The BBQ is the only fundraiser held by Federation throughout the year. Everyone is invited to come and support the 4-H Federation program.

Following the BBQ, the annual Parade of Club Banners will kick off the fun and excitement of Family Fun Night activities. Highlights include Special Awards, New and Exciting activities that the 4-Híers will be participating in, the Sale of Champions and the Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Silent Auction. Whiteside County 4-H families invite everyone to come and share the fun with local 4-H’ers.

Whiteside County 4-H Show is “To Make the Best Better”

One of the biggest events of the year for Whiteside County 4-H members, the

4-H Show, is happening at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison on July 18-21. The show gives 4-Híers a chance to exhibit the work they have completed in projects this past year.

The show is open to the public and you will be able to see 4-H’ers with their various 4-H projects including livestock, arts and crafts, science, gardening, photography, electricity, and much, much more.

The show will blast off on Monday, July 18th this year. Monday the horse show and clothing show will start off the day and the sheep and goat show will wind up the show on Monday. Tuesday is the general project judging day, when all of the projects except for livestock and foods, are judged. Tuesday also includes the rabbit show. On Wednesday beef, cat and dog shows take place throughout the day. Foods judging, swine, poultry and dairy shows take place during the day on Thursday. Thursday night is full of events, which include Family Night Activities, the Sale of Champions, Pork Chop BBQ, Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Silent Auction and the Parade of Banners. All events will be held at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison.

The 4-H show is the highlight of the year for the exhibitors and a good way to find out what 4-H is all about. Come to see 4-H in action in the at the Whiteside County 4-H Show.

Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Silent Auction

The Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Board will sponsor a silent auction during the 4-H Show. Jan Wiersema, board president, approached the 4-H leaders during their March meeting, and many of them pledged that their club would supply a basket of items for this fundraiser. Money raised from this event will go towards, achievement awards and scholarships available through the Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund.

All baskets for the auction will be at the Extension Office, where they will remain their until the 4-H Show, available to be bid on at anytime. Pictures of the items can be viewed online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/whiteside. Just a few of the items available through the silent auction are a Hook, Line & Sinker basket, Gettiní Ready for “Smore” Summer Fun, Barn Photography, Fish Creek Cookout Basket and much, much more.

Winners of the silent auction will be announced after the Sale of Champions at the grandstand on Thursday evening, July 21. Winning bidders need not be present, but must pick up their baskets at the Extension Office. They will not be delivered.

Pictures of the baskets will be displayed throughout the whole 4-H Show with a bidding sheet with each one. Items will be available to be seen live on Thursday, July 21st during the BBQ in the brown building.

Child Safety Fair in Lanark

Here is an opportunity to make sure your child stays safe this summer - on their bicycles and in your family vehicle. The Lanark Police Dept. is hosting a Child Safety Fair on Saturday, July 16.

The event will feature a Bike Rodeo and safety check of your child’s bicycle. A limited supply of bike helmets and safety lights will be available. A Railroad Crossing Safety Program will help your child know the safest way to cross the tracks. For your vehicle, volunteers will check your Child Safety Seat to make sure it is properly installed.

On hand to assist Corporal Randy Craft of the Lanark Police Dept. will be local community organization volunteers and the Winnebago County Safe Kids Coalition.

The event starts at 9 am and will run through noon this Saturday, at the Eastland High School parking lot. For more information, please contact Officer Craft at .

Grain Handling Safety Coalition Fundraiser

Support farm safety by attending the Grain Handling Safety Coalition fundraiser on Thursday, July 28, beginning at 5 PM at the Church of God parking lot in Mt. Carroll.

In grain producing regions, accidents, injuries and fatalities occur across the U.S. grain industry spectrum: from on-site farm storage to commercial elevators, from grain transport vehicles to processing plants. The dangers and hazards related to on-farm and commercial grain storage and handling are well recognized and documented.

Purdue University has conducted data collection and analysis on grain accidents since 1978. Their data shows accidents in grain storage facilities are on the rise with 2010 being a record year of 51 recorded entrapments or partial entrapments in 17 states with fatalities occurring in 26 (51%) of the accidents. This was brought home to Mt. Carroll last year when two local youths lost their lives in a grain bin accident.

Illinois has taken the lead on looking at ways to reduce and hopefully prevent grain accidents by forming the Grain Handling Safety Coalition. The Grain Handling Safety Coalition is comprised of many organizations who have a vested interest in the safety of all who come in contact with grain including the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, University of Illinois, Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Fire Rescue Institute, Illinois Farm Bureau, and many others.

Thursday, July 28th starting at 5 p.m. at the Church of God parking lot in Mount Carroll the evening will begin with an introduction of the Coalition followed by the music of New Spirit Band. Hamburgers and pork chops will be available at 5:45 p.m. At 6:40 p.m. there will be another presentation followed by a candle lighting and balloon launching ceremony. Also included is a silent auction and a pie sale.

All proceeds will go to the Grain Handling Safety Coalition to produce and distribute educational materials to help prevent future accidents; keeping farmers, their families, and farm employees safer when working with grain.