Lenz Named Jo-Carroll Energy Manager of Economic Development

Cindy Lenz, Jo-Carroll Energy’s new manager of economic development, talks with Russ Simpson, the cooperative’s senior vice president and chief administrative officer, while in downtown Savanna last week. The majority of Lenz’s services will be formally contracted to the Tri-County Economic Development Alliance executive committee.

Cindy Lenz of Maquoketa has been hired as the manager of economic development for Jo-Carroll Energy beginning July 11. The largest part of Lenz’s services will be formally contracted to the Tri-County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA).

Lenz has more than 25 years of professional experience including 18 years in the utility industry, most recently as the economic and community development manager for Alliant Energy in Dubuque, Iowa. Just prior to joining the Jo-Carroll Energy team she was an independent agent for Aflac.

“I’m very excited about joining Jo-Carroll Energy and TCEDA to improve the quality of life in this region through economic and community development initiatives,” Lenz said. “I am looking forward to creating partnerships with the business community to support retention and expansion efforts as well as promoting the many great benefits this area has to offer to prospective businesses.”

“I am extremely pleased to have Lenz as part of the Jo-Carroll Energy and the TCEDA team,” said Michael Hastings, president and CEO of Jo-Carroll Energy and chair of TCEDA.

“Her experience and passion for economic development will play a major role in TCEDA’s success going forward,” Hastings noted.

Lenz replaces TCEDA’s executive director Randy Prasse who resigned earlier this year. Sharon Pepin has been serving as TCEDA interim director since May.

“This is a slightly different direction for TCEDA,” said Russ Simpson, Jo-Carroll Energy senior vice president and chief administrative officer. “While TCEDA will remain an independent corporation responsible for regional economic development, management is being pulled back into Jo-Carroll Energy for more effective use of resources and so that the focus can be more on small business retention and attraction while the TCEDA board focuses more on fund raising.”

The first priority for Lenz will be to develop business support projects to enhance small business survival and expansion, Simpson added. Early indications from a business survey that is underway suggest that needed projects include small business training in the areas of finance, marketing and recruiting as well as marketing of the area to increase threshold traffic.

While with Alliant, Lenz worked closely with new and existing businesses to help them make decisions about expansion of existing facilities and new locations. Under her leadership, the 14-county regional initiative Riverlands was formed in the tri-state area. Lenz served as a professional resource to commercial business, industries and communities with their development strategies and plans. Lenz also has experience as Alliant’s strategic accounts manager and energy efficiency product manager. In addition, she served as the coordinator for the Iowa Economic Development Training Program at the University of Northern Iowa.

Lenz has a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Savanna Rotary Club

Savanna Rotary President Larry Thompson welcomes Rotary Assistant District Governor Helen Kilgore to the weekly Savanna Rotary meeting held at the House of Events in Savanna. (Courtesy of JoEllen McCaskey , PR)

Big Meadows Nursing Home

Big Meadows Nursing Home recently honored staff that have 5 or more years of service. A recognition lunch was held at Manny’s. Staff members were l to r: Front row Shawna Fritzenmeier 8 years. Second Row: Rita Cauley 11 years, Helen O’Neal 11 years, Sherri Chrest 6 years, Cheryl Phialmlee 10 years, Kathy Ehredt 8 years, Linda Parks 11 years. Third Row: Jaime Barnhart 6 years, Royce Kleckner 22 years, Julie Johnson 13 years, Kelly Foley 24 years, Becky Wiebenga 12 years, Carla Siegwarth 8 years, Lisa Mussman 10 years. Not pictured: Jean Vincent 21 years, Gary Stephens 13 years, Jan Majors 7 years, Beth Gundlach 6 years, and Dawn Herrington 5 years.

Carroll County Locker

Lou Lamoreux presenting a gift certificate to Dorothy McCue for a “Beef Bundle” from the Carroll County Locker. This gift was sponsored by the Illinois Corn Growers Association, in appreciation for use of the McCue “billboard”. Also a special thanks to J C Mathews for painting, and to Steve and Brad Smith for the generous use of their man lift.

Timber Lake Playhouse

Chadwick resident Levi Skoog (center) and company rehearses the musical Children of Eden, opening July 28 at Timber Lake Playhouse.

West Carroll FFA

Garrett Badtke, West Carroll FFA member, with one of his beef animals he showed at the Section #1 FFA Fair held on July 11 at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds in Freeport. Garrett showed a market heifer which placed 3rd. He also showed 2 market steers that each placed 3rd and 4th respectively at the fair. (Courtesy of Don Mathey)

Sk8 Park

Good Samaritan Society Auxiliary Fundraiser

The Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll Auxiliary hosted a “Cake Auction & Tunes Fundraiser” on Sunday afternoon, July 17, 2011, to raise funds to purchase an “It’s Never 2 Late” computer system for residents use.

(Top photo) The Auxiliary’s fund-raising efforts took a huge step forward after receiving a $2500 donation from Mount Carroll’s Gene Teeter. Anna Gray, Resource Development Coordinator at Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll, said, “Gene’s generosity, combined with today’s activities, will put our fund-raising efforts over the top!” After a worship service with Rev. Bob Ziebarth and Clif Jacobs, over 75 guests, residents and staff enjoyed music performed by Bob Kevern. (Right) Auxiliary member Berta Lenkeit shows the audience one of the 35 cakes auctioned off by auctioneer Jim Calhoun (left). The delicious cakes were baked by Auxiliary, staff members, and residents’ families. The cake Berta is holding was baked by the granddaughter of resident Mary Keats. “It’s great when the grand kids start baking,” added Calhoun.

The auction was followed by a Sandwich Supper and Quilt Raffle Drawing.

For more than forty years, the Auxiliary has provided support through volunteerism and fundraising efforts for the benefit of the residents living at the center. The Auxiliary meets on the second Monday of each month, at 1:30 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll and new members are welcome to join.

Chadwick/Milledgeville American Legion Honors Girl’s State Attendees

(Front row, L to R) Brooke Cappes, Jolene Parks, Layana Woodard, and Abbie Habben, Chadwick/Milledgeville representatives at Girl’s State. Back row: Vic Hartman, Chadwick Legion Commander, Diane Bracken, Barb Zemke, Carol Smith, and Lee Gibbs, Milledgeville Legion Commander. (Courtesy of Milledgeville American Legion)

The Milledgeville American Legion hosted a presentation of the students they sponsored that attended the American Legion Girls State Convention at the Milledgeville Legion Hall on Tuesday evening, July 12. Thirty-five Chadwick and Milledgeville businesses also donated to help offset the cost of attendance at State.

Abbie Habben, Layana Woodard, Jolene Parks, and Brooke Cappes represented the Chadwick/Milledgeville area at the Convention. “The girls did a great job,” said Milledgeville Legion Commander Lee Gibbs.

Gibbs and Chadwick Legion Commander Vic Hartman thank the following businesses for their generous contributions: Chadwick - Larry & Sandy Miller, ACR LTD, Don & Linda Kness, Chadwick Mfg., Vic & Laura Hartman, Irv’s Repair, Inc., Sewer Equipment Co., Chadwick Lions Club, Johnson’s Processing, and THE National Bank; Chadwick/Milledgeville - Bibler Trucking; Milledgeville - Behrens Trucking, Village of Milledgeville, Gary Hartje, Gibbs Heating & Cooling, Lorie & Lorie, Ewers Garage, Sauk Valley Plumbing, J.J.’s Comeback Inn, Bird House Cafe, Milledgeville State Bank, Bushman’s Service, AG Tech, Carroll Industrial Molds, Brown’s Construction, McKenna’s Flooring, Shank’s Vet Equipment, Gibbs Machine Corp., Milledgeville Farmers Elevator, FS Carroll Service Co., First Class Insurance, Landmark Homes, Polhill’s, and Satin ‘n Lace.

Progress continued on the construction of Hanover’s Skateboard Park located on the Hanover Park District property. The structure is made entirely of concrete. The skate park has a target opening date of August 13th, though this will be subject to change. (PA photo/Michael Miller)

Prescription Drug Termination Letters Sent Out In Error

Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) wants local seniors to know that they may have received a letter from the Department on Aging stating their prescription drug benefits have been terminated.

Hundreds of seniors are receiving this letter in error.

“I have talked with representatives of the Department who say there was a glitch in their computer systems which sent out benefit termination letters to those who are still eligible to receive this benefit,” stated Senator Jacobs. “If you or anyone you know has received one of these letters, please contact my office and we will help you resolve the issue.”

According to the Department on Aging, anyone who has a single income of $21,780 or below is still eligible for the Illinois Cares RX Program. In addition, those who are enrolled in the Circuit Breaker Program will still be eligible to receive a reduced fee for license plate renewals and still qualify for reduced property tax/rental rebates.

If you have any questions please contact Senator Jacob’s District Office at or the Health Benefits Hotline - 1- or 1- (TTY). The Senior Helpline at 1- or 1- (TTY), or the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at 1- or (TTY) are also available to assist constituents.

Attention Veterans

(All WW II, Korean and Vietnam Veterans)

There will be an informational meeting presented by Honor Flight Committees of Carroll, Whiteside and Lee Counties on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the Rock Falls American Legion, located at 712 4th Avenue in Rock Falls, Illinois. ALL Veterans interested in learning about the Honor Flight from those who have participated on the flights to Washington D.C. should plan to attend.

You will learn about travel arrangements, food, and medical accommodations. There will be a visual presentation of the WW II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and other memorials to be visited. Veterans who have made the trip will answer all questions. Light refreshments will be served. Please call or with any questions.

Carroll County Crime Stoppers

Carroll County Crime Stoppers is requesting your help in solving the following crimes. Information leading to an arrest could earn the caller a reward of up to $1000.00 and the identity of any caller will be kept strictly confidential.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a residential burglary that occurred at 13491 Shannon Route near Shannon. The burglary occurred after the early evening hours of Friday, July 8, 2011. Electronics and personal property were taken, including a 42-inch plasma television, black in color. Loss exceeds $500.00.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating a burglary to a home construction site that occurred at 4445 Riverview Road, Thomson. Sometime in the overnight hours of Friday, July 7, 2011, unknown subjects entered the work site and took construction tools and other property. Items missing include an Echo brand 16-inch chain saw, a Bostich brand 2 hp pancake style air compressor, orange in color, and a gas powered pressure washer. Loss exceeds $1000.00.

Persons having information about these or any other crimes or the location of a wanted felon should contact Crime Stoppers at 244-STOP (244-7867).

Student Photo Contest Sponsored by Whiteside County SWCD

Capture those moments with nature this summer with a camera and enter your photos in the Whiteside County SWCD Education Foundation’s Photo Contest. The photo contest is open to all Whiteside County students grades K – 12. Categories for entries are: K – 4, 5 – 8, and 9 – 12 (grade level at fall 2011 school registration).

Student entries should be limited to natural landscapes, wild animals, wild birds, wild plants, insects, wild fish, or their habitats. No photos of domesticated animals or plants allowed. Photos of hunting or fishing activities and conservation practices will be accepted. Photos must be taken in Whiteside County.

Photos can be color or black and white, no larger than 8 X 10, and on paper. No emails or digital images accepted. No more than two (2) entries per student. All photos must be labeled on the back of the photo with the student’s name, grade level, date and location of photo, address, phone number, and email if applicable. Missing information will be grounds for disqualification.

Each grade category winner will receive a $100 cash prize and a copy of Aldo Leopold’s book “A Sand County Almanac”. Second place photo award in each grade category will be $50 plus a copy of Aldo Leopold’s book, and third place in each category will receive $25 plus a copy of Leopold’s book.

The photos will be judged by the Whiteside County SWCD Education Foundation, and the board reserves the right to reject any or all entries. The board reserves the right to use winning photos for news release purposes.

Entries will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on October 31, 2011. Photos may be mailed or hand submitted to the Whiteside County SWCD office, 16255 Liberty Street, Morrison, IL 61270. Any entry submitted after this date & time will not be judged. Entries will not be returned. Information contact: or phone ( ext 3.

First Lutheran Church of Chadwick Welcomes New Pastor

A Community Potluck to welcome Pr. Chris Schoon and her husband, Steve is planned for Sunday, July 31. The First Lutheran Church is located at 19 West Third St. in Chadwick.

Starting with the 9:00 am Worship, there will be a potluck at noon to meet and greet Pr. Schoon. After the potluck at 1:00 pm, there will be a Concert by Greg Strange, a Christian Comedian from Nashville, TN.

The public is invited to attend any/all of these events. Please bring dishes to pass and your own table service to the potluck. Drinks will be provided. A free-will offering will be received to further Greg Strange’s musical ministry.

For more information, please call the church at .

What Could Cost Trillions and Is Killing The Economy?

Expert Reveals Why Political Bureaucracies Are The Disease That Prevents Recovery

Nobel Laureate in Economics, F. A. Hayek, fought totalitarianism and communism, and from beyond the grave he is taking on a new foe – political bureaucracies.

Hayek – an economist whose theories inspired George Orwell to write his epic book 1984 and whom many credit for helping to bring down the Iron Curtain through his work as an economist -- is now delivering a message from beyond the grave about the demise of the U.S. economy. In an interview that took place before Hayek’s death in 1992, he warns against how big government and the growth of the civil service have the potential to doom the American economy.

Kenneth J. Gerbino, CEO of an investment management company and founder and Chairman of the 1980 reform advocacy group the American Economic Council, uncovered the interview that is the centerpiece of the new documentary film The Hayek Prophecies (www.thehayekprophecies.com). In it, Hayek decries the growth of the civil service as the poison pill that could put the country in a stagnant or slow growth mode with inefficiencies and waste.

“Hayek believed that the swelling of the civil service would grow government to such an unwieldy size that it would become an unsustainable beast, dragging down the government and the economy because of its endless hunger,” said Gerbino, also producer of the film.

There are currently 2,392 bills working their way through the House and 1,291 bills in the Senate. It goes without saying that besides the $20-30 billion in pork in these bills there will be more government agencies, bureaus and departments created to administer and regulate any new laws that are passed. They will then further complicate and slow down the real economy. Needless to say more regulations and regulators are being added to the budget every year.

The government should be dismantling agencies and downsizing and allowing the people of this country to flourish by allowing them to spend their money instead of the government.

“Tax money going toward social security should not go toward hiring more people to inhabit more government jobs,” he said. “Taxes should be reduced giving elderly people money to buy food and pay rent. Because of the thousands of new regulations to various laws passed every year, the bureaucracy to administer these regulations and guidelines waste hundreds of billions per year.

The Heritage Foundation reported the Government Accountability Office (GAO) says that current reports of wasteful duplication include 342 economic development programs; 130 programs serving the disabled; 130 programs serving at-risk youth; 90 early childhood development programs; 75 programs funding international education, cultural, and training exchange activities; and 72 safe water programs. Gerbino states that most of these agencies probably could be consolidated into three or four agencies eliminating overlapping work and reducing employed civil servants by 30-40%. Washington spends $25 billion annually maintaining unused or vacant federal properties all for the civil servants.

The civil service has created its own perpetual motion and continues to expand, costing taxpayers more money but in many ways costing private enterprise untold legal and accounting costs to comply with regulations many of which are not needed. These costs are then passed on to consumers. The civil service expansion defeats the purpose of actually shrinking government, which makes the political call for smaller government nothing more than a punch line to a bad joke. “If our leaders really want to reduce the size of government, they should listen to Hayek and start with the civil service.”

NAMI Sauk Valley Meets July 26

The Sinnissippi Centers, 325 IL Rt. 2, Dixon, is host to the NAMI Sauk Valley organization, who will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 26. This meeting provides education as well as support to families struggling with a diagnosis of mental illness in a relative or friend. Members will give an update of the recent NAMI National Convention held in Chicago.

NAMI Sauk Valley will sponsor the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program specifically for families of a person diagnosed with serious mental illness. The 12-week series of classes will start in Dixon, on Thursday, September 1 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Sauk Valley Community College.

NAMI Sauk Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and NAMI Illinois, serving the residents of Ogle, Lee, Carroll and Whiteside Counties. For more information on NAMI or the Family to Family class, contact Mary Ann Hutchison (), Lorna Engwall () or e-mail .

115 Attend Getz Reunion

The 88th Getz Family Reunion and potluck dinner was held at Old Mill Park in Savanna. There were 115 in attendance from Texas, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin,, Kansas, Iowa and Illinois.

George Weber of Chadwick was the eldest present and Stuart Getz Niedziela, 5 Months, of Delafield, WI was the youngest.

Officers elected for the next reunion are Leroy Getz, Alex Veith, Jessica Rubio, Hazel Getz and Phyllis Getz.

Adult Literacy Volunteer Tutors Recognized

Highland Community College’s Adult Education Department recently recognized 52 volunteer tutors at an AVLP Appreciation Event in Freeport. 12 of the tutors worked with students in Carroll and JoDaviess Counties.

Those who tutored Carroll County GED students are: Vivian Eaton, Sandy Mangler, Sandy Wurster, Jan Boelkins, and Charlene Collins. Sessions were held at the First United Methodist Church, the Community Church of Christ, Rolling Hills Progress Center, and the Savanna Public Library.

Jo Daviess County ESL (English as a Second Language), Basic Skills, and GED students were tutored by Ed Ersfeldt, Rosemary Burns, Marya Smith, Mike Beatty, Tracy Heidenreich, John Williams, and Bob O’Connor at HCC West in Elizabeth, the Hanover Public Library, the Galena Public Library, and St. Mary’s Church in Galena.

These 12 volunteers provided instruction for 31 students this year. And, 8 of the 13 GED completers from both counties worked with tutors.

Burns and Ersfeldt were honored for donating over 60 hours of their time to tutoring adult students in the ABE/GED classroom at HCC West.

There is an ongoing need for adult volunteer tutors in our area. They provide free one-on-one or small group instruction that is invaluable in helping adult students achieve their goals of getting a job or a better job, entering college or vocational school, entering the military, and other personal goals.

New tutor trainings are held every year at HCC. Additional trainings that allow volunteers to upgrade their skills are also offered. All trainings and instructional materials are free of charge to the literacy tutors and students.

For more information about the literacy program, call the Adult Education office at .

“This project was made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.” The Highland Community College Adult Education program is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Assistance for the Aging

Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois invites you to their next Community Education Meeting at the Stockton Park House at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011. The topic will be Assistance for the Aging. The speaker will be Linda Nobis, Case Manager from the Jo Daviess office of the Stephenson County Senior Center. She will field questions on programs that are available for seniors from 60-65 years and up (examples: circuit breaker, prescription plans, nursing home care, etc.). If you have questions about the many programs available in the area for yourself or your loved ones, please plan to attend this informative meeting. This meeting is open to the public.

Please call the Hospice Office at if you plan to attend, as seating is limited. The Stockton Park House is handicap accessible and the Community Education Meetings are sponsored at no cost to the public by Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois.

Please feel free to contact the office if you have any questions about the services provided or other educational opportunities sponsored by Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois. Our offices are located at 111 W. Front Avenue, Stockton, Illinois. We can also be reached via email at

Kirk, Biggert, Illinois Delegation Members Call on Feds to OK Bipartisan State Medicaid Reforms

Now Blocked by Federal Government

Following federal attempts to block parts of a bipartisan Illinois reform to strengthen the finances of Medicaid, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Hinsdale), and ten other members of the Illinois Congressional delegation sent a letter to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) Administrator Donald Berwick objecting to the agency’s decision. State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Westmont) alerted federal lawmakers of CMS’s recent decision to disallow a provision of the bipartisan Illinois Medicaid reform law, which Bellock spearheaded to curb the fraudulent collection of health benefits intended for low-income families.

Medicaid supports the health care of low-income Illinois citizens. This program is under stress and would be strengthened if measures were taken to ensure funding for intended families by excluding fraud that grants taxpayer funding to people who are not low-income or were not from Illinois.

To strengthen the troubled finances for Illinois Medicaid, the state legislature adopted bipartisan reforms in 2010 requiring beneficiaries of taxpayer support to show they had low incomes and were residents of the state. Specifically, the federal government blocked reforms that required applicants provide one month of income documentation and ask applicants to show proof of residency. The reforms—designed to strengthen Medicaid’s finances by cutting fraud and decreasing costs—were planned to take effect on July 1.

“There are 2.5 million Illinois residents on Medicaid,” Senator Kirk said. “I applaud Rep. Bellock’s championing of these common-sense income and residency verification reforms which would ensure more health care for legitimate low-income Illinois residents and save taxpayers up to $800 million. Unfortunately, the federal government is insisting on eliminating these anti-fraud measures, weakening the financial future of Medicaid.”

According to the Government Accountability Office, Medicaid represents the largest and fastest-growing part of the Illinois budget, which could force cuts to programs like education. According to a National Governors Association Fiscal Survey of States, Medicaid mandates consume an average of 22 percent of state budgets nationwide. In 2009, Medicaid comprised an estimated one-third of the state budget of Illinois.

Between the 2009 economic stimulus package and the Administration’s health care reform, new Medicaid eligibility requirements were imposed on the states. These are called “Maintenance of Effort” (MOE) restrictions, which lawmakers say will create new difficulties in managing unprecedented budget crises. The Illinois Hospital Association reports that the State of Illinois accounts for 4.1 percent of America’s Medicaid services, but receives less than 3.3 percent of total federal Medicaid funding—a shortfall that costs Illinois taxpayers $1 billion per year.

“The federal government should be working with us—not against us—to protect Illinois’ Medicaid system for those who need it most. In these tough economic times, we should not allow any taxpayer-supported program to be abused. Unfortunately, in this case, CMS concluded that the Administration’s health overhaul is standing in the way of reform here at home,” said Rep. Biggert, who is a co-sponsor of H.R. 1683, to preserve the flexibility of individual states to implement reforms like those passed in Illinois.

“Our Medicaid reforms would save Illinois taxpayers $800 million and were years in the making,” said State Representative Patti Bellock. “To have them blocked is a huge disappointment. I appreciate the willingness of Rep. Biggert, Senator Kirk, and the rest of the Illinois delegation to push back in Washington and help get Illinois the flexibility it needs to combat fraud and preserve Medicaid funds for the Illinois families who need it. With our state budget facing its biggest crisis in decades, and numerous services facing cuts, this is no time for the federal government to stand in the way of commonsense reforms.”

The Illinois measure was an attempt to meet these new and pressing fiscal challenges. The bill—H.B. 5420—received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing the Senate by a vote of 58-0-1. The House Concurred in the reforms by a vote of 111-4-2 and the provisions were signed into law as P.A. 96-1501.

CMS’s decision resulted from its interpretation of a provision in the Administration’s health care overhaul that prohibits states from implementing new income and residency verification procedures. Kirk, Biggert, and other Illinois lawmakers asked the agency to reexamine its decision, and allow Illinois to move forward with reforms that would combat Medicaid fraud, which is draining state resources sorely needed for other services.

In January, several governors sent a letter to the president and congressional leadership asking for flexibility and to be absolved of MOE requirements. The governors’ letter asked for relief from these new federal mandates and for the liberty to better manage their respective Medicaid programs.

“The situation in Illinois is proof positive that states need the latitude to strengthen Medicaid on their own – ensuring their truly needy residents receive care while saving taxpayers money,” Senator Kirk said.

at least we can get it on our web site . . .

‘Impeachable Actions’ Highlighted at Two new Websites

ALIPAC is launching two new website projects to help inform the public of President Obama’s impeachable actions, while organizing Americans to lobby the Congress and protest if necessary.

The first website is a new Facebook page entitled Impeach President Obama and it is located at http://www.Facebook.com/ImpeachPresidentObama

Americans who use Facebook are encouraged to join this page and share it with others. Important news and updates are posted there daily.

The second website is located at http://www.AgainstAmnesty.com where there is an online petition that people can sign to show their support for the resignation, impeachment, and/or charges against President Obama.

The two main driving issues behind ALIPAC’s call for Obama’s impeachment are the Gun Walker Fast and Furious scandal which Congressional investigations have determined the US Justice Department under Obama, was supplying thousands of assault rifles to invading cartel smugglers. These guns have been used to murder untold numbers of American and Mexican citizens and police.

Current investigation status indicates that the highest levels of the Justice Department were involved with this scandal, that US tax dollars were used to fund the gun purchases, and that Obama is standing by those who transported the guns.

“Americans are shocked that the Obama administration has been caught red-handed arming drug and illegal alien smuggling invasion groups inside the US and Mexico, while openly calling for restrictions on American gun rights,” said William Gheen. “While many Americans just want to see him resign like Nixon, others want him impeached, and many want him charged with treason due to the militaristic level of this betrayal, the loss of life, and the threat to national security.”

Obama has also been caught attempting to establish an illegal and unconstitutional form of Amnesty via executive fiat. A memo has been issued by Obama’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Chief John Norton which orders federal employees to engage in policies not authorized by the Congress. In fact, the directives mirror the Dream Act Amnesty legislation which the public and Congress have defeated eight times in the last few years.

“We now have direct evidence that President Obama is attempting to operate like a dictator by trying to order Amnesty for illegals, while directly funding organized crime syndicates with tax dollars and elite weapons,” said William Gheen. “Obama is an enemy to the Constitution of the United States and the American public, and Congress must act quickly and decisively to restore constitutional governance in America. It is time to impeach President Barack Hussein Obama.”

For more information about these scandals and the effort to impeach Obama, or to get involved and show your support, please visit

Impeach Obama Page on Facebook

Impeach Obama Petition and Protests Website

http://www.AgainstAmnesty.com

Carroll County 4-H Jr. Ambassadors Need Your Help

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Community Worker, 4-H & Youth

The Carroll County 4-H Jr. Ambassadors are conducting a “Shelter Supply Drive” to support Heartland Pet Welfare, Inc. and the Humane Society of Carroll County. We’re encouraging 4-H members and clubs to make a donation – you can drop it off at the Extension Office anytime in July or bring it to our drop-box at the Carroll County Fair in the 4-H exhibit building. Items that are needed are: Bleach, Liquid laundry detergent, Paper towels, Dryer softener sheets, Old towels, Used pet books, Dog / cat food, Cash donations to be used for spaying and neutering of pets – payable to Carroll County 4-H Federation.

If you have any questions, please contact Leanne Rahn at Carroll County University of Illinois Extension or at

Carroll County 4-H Fair August 6-13

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Community Worker, 4-H & Youth

Everyone is invited out to the Milledgeville Fairgrounds to see what the 4-H’ers are doing and their accomplishments July 23 & August 6-13 during the Carroll County 4-H Fair.

4-H’ers have been working all year on their projects for the climatic moment of having them judged at the 4-H Fair.

Be sure to visit the Children’s Farm sponsored by the 4-H & Farm Bureau. It will be open Wednesday thru Saturday during Kid’s Day hours. The Farm will feature popular farm animals, a chance to do 6 different farm chores and a fun packet to take home. We will be located next to the 4-H Building.

And of course a visit to the 4-H Fair would not be complete without an ice cream treat from the 4-H Federation ice cream stand. The ice cream stand is located under the grandstand, and will be offering soft serve ice cream, sundaes and flurries. So, come one, come all, to the 2011 4-H Fair and see what our 4-H county youth are doing!

Carroll County 4-H Dog Judging To Be Held

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Community Worker, 4-H & Youth

Saturday, July 23, at 9:00 a.m. will be the Carroll County 4-H Dog Judging Show for all county 4-H’ers enrolled in dog care and dog obedience projects. The event will be held at the 4-H Exhibit Building at the Carroll County Fairgrounds, Milledgeville.

4-H’ers with projects to be judged, need to have their projects checked in between 8:30-8:45 a.m. Please remember to bring a water bowl for your dog.

The public is welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or .

Carroll County 4-H To Hold Set-Up Night

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Community Worker, 4-H & Youth

The Carroll County 4-H will meet on Wednesday, August 3, at 6:00 p.m., to sweep out the 4-H exhibit building, set-up the risers, and get the rest of the building and the ice cream stand ready for fair week.

This will be a clean-up and set-up night for all 4-H’ers and 4-H families to get ready for the 4-H Fair.

Please bring push brooms, hammers, rags, buckets, cleaning supplies, a ladder to hang the banners, cordless drill, etc. Everyone’s help is appreciated. Pizza and drink will be furnished by the 4-H Federation for all workers.

For more information or to sign-up to attend for a food count, contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or e-mail at .

Ag Olympics Event to be Held at Fair

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Community Worker, 4-H & Youth

The Carroll County 4-H Program and the Carroll County Farm Bureau Young Leaders will be hosting an “Ag Olympics ‘11” at the Carroll Co. Fair on Thursday night August 11 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the 4-H horse arena.

Teams will play a maximum of 6 zany games each. Games may be wet and messy, so participants are encouraged to dress for a mess! Each game will be a timed event. The top three teams in each age division will be awarded a prize.

Age divisions are 8-11 yr olds; 12-14 yr olds; 15-19 yr olds and 20 yr olds & up. Each team is made up of four individuals. The age of the oldest team member determines the team’s age division.

Registrations are due to the Farm Bureau or Carroll Co. Extension Office by August 1. Registration forms can be picked up at either office, can be found in the county fair book, 4-H fair book and on line at the county fair and Extension websites. Participation fee is $10 per team.

For more information contact the Carroll Co. Extension Office at or at .

Carroll County 4-H Livestock & Small Animal Auction

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Community Worker, 4-H & Youth

The Carroll County 4-H Livestock & Small Animal Auction will be held on Tuesday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m. at the Carroll County Fairgrounds in Milledgeville. We will be located in the east end of the Poultry Barn. 4-H’ers will be selling steers, rate of gain carcass, poultry, hogs, rabbits, goats and sheep.

If you can’t make it to the auction, be sure to listen to WCCI 100.3 FM. They will be broadcasting live.

Public Auction Services of Polo will be conducting the auction with auctioneer Lenny Bryson.

For more information contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County Extension Office at or , Jim Ruter or Brian Witt .

Carroll County 4-H To Hold Silent Auction

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Community Worker, 4-H & Youth

A silent auction will be held in the 4-H Building during the Carroll County Fair August 9-13 at the Milledgeville Fairgrounds. Thirteen different theme baskets will be available for bids. They are: This ‘N That, Gardening, Back to School, Happy Birthday, Travel, Scrapbooking, Stamping, Rock ‘N Around Lanark & Shannon, Bar B Que, Relax a Day at the Spa, Basketball, Go Green & Get Up and Move, and a Cuddly Dog Basket.

Silent auction bids will be taken up to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, August 13 in the 4-H Building. Lucky bidders can pick up their basket between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. that night.

All proceeds from the auction will go to the Carroll County 4-H Federation. It will be used for educational programs, scholarships to leadership conferences, 4-H promotion and much more during the 4-H year. So don’t forget to come out and bid!

We look forward to seeing you during fair week!

Children’s Farm at the Carroll County Fair

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Community Worker, 4-H & Youth

The ever popular Children’s Farm will be returning to the Carroll County Fair this year sponsored by the Carroll County 4-H and Carroll County Farm Bureau.

The Farm will be open Wednesday, August 10 thru Saturday, August 13 during the following hours. Wednesday will be 12:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., Friday 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to see and pet traditional farm animals and learn about them – what they eat, how big they get, what we use them for. They will also get to do six different farm chores such as picking apples, milking a cow, finding a needle in a hay stack, digging for potatoes, gathering eggs and scooping manure. After chores are completed everyone gets to take home a fun pack of prizes and information.

The Children’s Farm will be located right next to the 4-H Building. Be sure to stop by and see what’s happening down on the farm. For more information contact Leanne Rahn at University of Illinois Extension Office or or Chas Welch at the Farm Bureau at .

Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church 140th Anniversary A Great Success

Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church celebrated its 140th anniversary on July 9th and 10th with the Sweet Adelines performing on Saturday night and a light meal after the program.

Sunday morning services started at 10 a.m. The wonderful weather and overflowing crowds made the event memorable.

The church bell was run 141 times by Lorence Ludwig to open the Sunday morning service. Pastor Donna Gericke gave a sermon on “Homecoming.” Special music was given by Sharon Hartman who played a medley of gospel songs on the piano and Dave DeMeester who sang The King is Coming. The sacrament of Holy Communion was observed.

After the service a dinner was served in the church basement. The afternoon was spent reminiscing with several past ministers: Rev. Robert Hart, Rev. Larry Loffelmacher, Rev. Diane Jochum, and Rev. Carroll Smith They shared what they remembered about being ministers at Prairie Dell. Rev. Kenneth DeWall, who was a past member and became a minister also spoke a few words. Letters were read from ministers that were unable to attend: Rev. Chester Ahrens, Rev. Rollin Haynes, Rev. Lynne Myers and Rev. Paul Burgess. Rev. Larry Schut was in attendance, but was unable to stay for the afternoon due to the death of his mother. He did leave a letter which was read. The audience reminisced by telling stories about that particular pastor after he was done speaking. The rest of the afternoon was spent viewing photos, getting re-acquainted and eating cake and ice cream.

- Ruth Ann Ludwig

TLP Hosts 10th Annual Playwrights Lab

Artistic Director James Beaudry and Chicago Director Jess McLeod are pleased to announce the 10th Annual Summer Playwrights Lab to be held at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. A five day residency at Timber Lake’s tranquil, wooded location is just the thing you need to fine tune your current play or musical, finish a work in progress, or start pounding out that new script idea. Each day the Playwrights Lab will offer intimate workshops and seminars, readings of portions of your script, private one-on-one instruction . . . and time to write.

Each workshop will offer a reading of a portion of your script, followed by a discussion with your fellow playwrights and instructor Jess McLeod. There will also be private, one-on-one coaching with the instructor to ask questions and get specific feedback on your entire script. Timber Lake’s Artistic Director James Beaudry will also discuss your play from a producer’s viewpoint: its marketability in respect to content, cast size and design requirements.

The workshops will be held Saturday, August 20th through Wednesday, August 24th in Mt. Carroll, Illinois -- 140 miles from the Chicago Loop, in northwestern Illinois. The theatre’s address is 8215 Black Oak Rd, Mt. Carroll, IL 61053.

Timber Lake is offering the low registration fee of only $300 for five full, all-inclusive days. $60 per day includes your lodging, all meals, workshops, private instruction, welcome reception and a ticket to Timber Lake PLayhouse’s production of The Spitfire Grill. A discount of $50 is available to members of The Playwrights Network (Chicago), The Playwrights’ Center (Minneapolis), the Dramatists Guild of America, The Playwrights Collective, students with a valid ID, and playwrights returning from previous TLP colonies. (This fee is for shared cabins. If you wish to secure a private cabin, the cost is $10 additional per day, or an additional $50 for the entire colony).

Space is limited to 10 writers. To apply, please email a cover letter of interest and a 10 page writing sample (or completed script, if you have one) to TLP Artistic Director James Beaudry at:

You will be notified upon acceptance and your fees will be due at that time to reserve your slot. (Application may be waived by James Beaudry or Jess McLeod if either is already familiar with your work. You may contact them if you seek this waiver).

Fees should be mailed to:

Timber Lake Playhouse Attn: Playwrights Lab 8215 Black Oak Rd. Mt. Carroll, IL 61053

Space is limited. Applications are being accepted immediately!

For registration or more information, contact:

James Beaudry

Phone: (815) 244-2044

E-mail:

River Ridge CUSD #210 2011-2012 Registration

Registration for the 2011-2012 school year at River Ridge CUSD #210, 4141 IL Rte 84 South, Hanover, IL will be Wednesday, August 10th, and Thursday, August 11th. Parents or guardians may register their children from noon – 8:00 PM 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:

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

- Completed vision exam is required of new students to the district and Kindergarten.

- 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, Hanover, IL if they wish to do so before the registration dates.

The Middle School “BACK-TO-SCHOOL Swim Party” will be 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 PM and return at 8:15 PM.

Please call if you have any questions.

Celebrate Christmas in July with Plum River Playhouse’s Readers’ Theater

Plum River Playhouse brings Christmas in July to Blackhawk Run, Sunday, July 31 at 6:00. PM. The Readers’ theater introduces The True Meaning, by local playwright Peter Woodruff, with music provided by Red Bird Country.

PRP puts a different twist to its readers’ theater. The parts are read by audience members, selected by random drawing of the willing participants. The director may stop the action if dissatisfied with a reader’s performance, adding more fun and laughter to the event. Everyone is invited to sing along with the traditional carols and popular Christmas songs.

The True Meaning is a five-act play, with Christmas music performed between acts. Each short act gives a whimsical look at people trying to find the perfect gift, cooking the perfect dinner, directing the perfect concert or hosting the perfect family gathering. Their misguided efforts create comical scenarios familiar to anyone seeking the unobtainable perfect Christmas.

This play will be performed on stage in December, in its entirety, by the Northwest Illinois theater coalition, which combines the talents of Plum River Playhouse, Stockton; Back Street Players, Hanover, and The Mighty Richland Players, Orangeville. Further details regarding auditions and performances dates will be forthcoming.

Blackhawk Run is located at 3501 Center Road, Stockton, Illinois. Cover charge is $5.00. Appetizers will be provided by PRP. Cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks available at cash bar. Music provided by Red Bird Country.