On Pontiac Prison
Re-scheduled
By Tom Kocal
A public hearing about the proposed closing of the Pontiac Correctional Center, originally set for Tuesday, Aug. 12, has been re-scheduled. Timothy M. McLean, Chief, Office of Intergovernmental Relations, said the new date will be Wed., August 20th.
"Given that Pontiac has few locations that could accommodate such a crowd, the commission hearing will take place in the Pontiac Township High School gymnasium at 1100 Indiana Ave., the location for the original meeting," McLean said.
Governor Rod Blagojevich has proposed closing Pontiac, one of the oldest maximum security prisons in Illinois. The plan is to transfer inmates to the Thomson Correctional Center. Blagojevich had initially called for the closing of Stateville Prison in Joliet, but the plan was met with indifference from Joliet-area legislators, citizens, and prison workers.
Opponents in Pontiac use the argument that closing the century-old prison will hurt the economy of the surrounding area. Proponents of opening the Thomson Prison have been using the same argument in reverse for over 6 years.
McLean told The Prairie Advocate News that the "Pontiac Prison is over 100 years old, and has already had over $108 million in capital improvements deferred. The only viable way to open the new Thomson Correctional Center is to close Pontiac."
Officials with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME) says that closing Pontiac will only create more overcrowding in an already unsafe situation in the maximum-security prisons.
By Kara Brinkmeier
Prairie Advocate Reporter
At the August 5th Shannon Village Board meeting, Stuart Moll was sworn in as the buildings' trustee.
Two Village upkeep projects were discussed. Village trustees decided that old signs throughout the town will be replaced. The city is still taking bids for the demolition of the old Shannon Villas Nursing Home.
The Eastland Athletic Boosters will be receiving $100 from the city to be used towards their annual golf outing. Thew event is set for Saturday, August 23 at Lake Carroll Golf Course.
The town's Women's Auxiliary is disbanding after eighty years of service to the community. They will be honored with a town bench.
Due to the continuous list of overdue water bills, starting in October, water payment late fees will increase. The town is allowing a month slide because the council realizes that sometimes people get busy, forget and pay the bill a day or two late. But after the first month, the late fee will be $20 each month that the bill is not paid or is paid late.
By Kara Brinkmeier
High school, been there done that. College, going there, doing that. I've learned some things through my college experience. Actually, I've learned quite a lot through my own experience and the experiences of others. Being that advice from friends and family who have completed high school and started college before me has been very beneficial to myself, I would like to share what I have learned with kids just started and preparing to start the college path.
First, a little background on myself. I graduated from Pearl City High School in May of 2004 and started Highland Community College in fall of the same year. Although I had a wonderful advisor at HCC, it wasn't until the start of my second year that I found out that I hadn't taken enough credits my first year and, therefore, wouldn't be graduating in May. So I spent two and half years at Highland and graduated with my Associates of Arts in December of 2006. I started at Northern Illinois University in January 2007 where I am returning for my final year as an undergrad this fall.
Now, for the words of wisdom.
Plan. Plan and plan again. Make a general plan for what you want to do in your college career. If you want to graduate from college in a certain timeframe, then plan how many credits you'll need to take each semester. I failed to do this at Highland so my graduation was moved back a semester. But, be aware that things may come up that may cause your plan to be diverted. So it's always a good idea to have a back up plan as well . . . or several backup plans.
Know what classes you have to take. I strongly advise getting as many of your required classes out of the way as soon as possible and then take your electives or mix it up a little. To get an associates degree from most schools in the state of Illinois, and possibly other states as well, it takes 62 credits. A bachelor's degree is a total of 120, which includes those 62 from the associates degree.
The basic break down of number of credits per semester to graduate within four years is 15 credits, about five classes, per semester. So take three to four required classes a semester in the early years of your college career and take one of two electives for some fun. Then when you get closer to graduation, you don't have to worry about taking a semester full of required classes.
Your first few semesters might be a lot of work but your last few will be a ton of fun! Also, try to know how often a class is offered. At Northern, and I'm sure other universities do the same, some classes are only offered in fall or spring semester. If it comes down to where you have to decide between two classes you want to take, you might be upset if you pass up your only chance to take a class for a class that's offered every semester.
Balance work and play. Sure, you need to study, but you also to have some fun. School should always come first, after all, you're paying for it, and a college costs a lot more than high school. But if all you do is go to class, do homework, and study, you're going to go nuts. Get out and have some fun now and then. Go out with friends for ice cream or have a movie night once a week. Set aside the books for an hour and take a walk.
But, school needs to come first. If all you do is go out and party, it will affect your school work. Remember, college costs a lot more than high school so the longer you have to be there, the more money you're spending. Also, bad grades affect your GPA, just as in high school. But, unlike high school, in college, your GPA (grade point average) can fluctuate tremendously from semester to semester. You could have a 3.0 one semester and do poorly the next semester and end up with a 2.0 GPA or worse. And if you have a GPA of under 2.0 for several semesters in a row, you can be kicked out of college.
Money. College is expensive. An average semester at a state university is about $4K, not including housing. This does vary by major, being that some majors have required labs that cost money. Private schools and out-of-state schools cost even more.
Cost of housing can vary from where you live: city, on-campus, off-campus, school, etc. My greatest word of advice on this: if you are able to receive financial aid in the form of grants such as MAP and Pell or receive scholarships, be very grateful. You'll miss them when there're gone. Also, if you are able to receive refund money - extra money from a grant, scholarship, or loan that isn't used for school - open a special savings account (a college fund, if you will) for that money and set it aside only for school. You'll be surprised how helpful that account may become later, and sadly how fast it can go when needed. My refund money from 2.5 years at Highland was almost $6K and in a year and half worth of expenses and housing at Northern, it's almost all gone. That money has saved me from having to take out loans for a semester and half and I certainly wish it had lasted longer.
Picking school and major. Many kids start college with no idea of what they want to do, no major decided. If this is your case, may I suggest starting at a community college. Actually, I strongly advise getting your associates degree at a community college. It's less expensive and easier than a university. And earning your associates degree will ensure you that those gen ed (general education) classes will transfer to your university of choice. Without a degree, the university may not accept all of your credits from the community college.
When picking your major, think about your interests. Do you like to help people? Do you like nature? Maybe you enjoy working on computers? Pick something that you enjoy. What's the point of spending years and money on something that you don't enjoy and having a career in something that you don't like? Sure, it's nice to have money and nice things but money doesn't buy happiness, only doing things that make you happy will make you happy.
When it comes to picking out a school, again, think about what's important to you. How far away from home do you want to be? How much do you want to spend? Does the school have your major . . . that pretty's important. How long do you want to stay at school? What type of setting do you like, big city, small town? Cost, major, and location are probably the most important factors to consider when choosing a school.
Friends. Although it's nice to have classes with people you already know, don't take classes just because your friends are taking them. People differ in what they like and what the know. It wouldn't be good to take a high level science class when you're not very good at science just because your friend who's a science whiz is taking it. You may miss out on classes that you really enjoy or may need because your friends aren't taking it. By taking different classes, you have opportunities to meet new people and make new friends. Just as the old Girl Scout saying says, "make new friends, and keep the old". It's good to have people that have known you for a while. They're known you longer and therefore should know more about you. Although your friends may end up at different schools than you, they still can be a great source of comfort and support.
So there you go. That's four years of advice for you. I hope that it will be helpful to those of you preparing to start college or starting college for the first time away from home. You're about to start a new chapter in your life.
You'll be surprised how much you'll change and learn in the next several years. You're going to learn new things in your education but, honestly, the most important things you'll learn is life experiences. You are not going to be the same person that you are currently in four or even two years. Whether you like it your not, you're growing up and preparing to enter to world. I wish the best of luck to you all!
The Shannon Homecoming committee recently announced a new guest will be at this year's event, set for Labor Day weekend in the Northwest Illinois village.
Ronald McDonald, world famous clown, will be at the Homecoming on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 2:30 p.m. Ronald will be in front of the stage in downtown Shannon. Bring your kids and your camera, as Ronald will be available for photos and autographs.
The "Tab Queens," Shirley Schrader and Carolyn Deininger, both of Shannon, will be accepting cash and tab donations for the Ronald McDonald House. Ronald is sponsored by the Savanna McDonald's.
The Girls from Hooters of Rockford will sponsor and judge a Hot Wings Eating Contest on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 2:00 p.m. on the stage. There will be 2 rounds of ten contestants each round. The second round of 10 guys will be selected from the crowd. The Girls from Hooters of Rockford will be at Homecoming from 2-4 p.m.
An excellent start for a new shooting team. Members and coaches pictured above are: back row, Jacob Casey, Jason Bogue, Hunter Binns, Wyatt Whitebread, Jonathon Armstrong, Coach Thom Casey, Coach Jim Wackerlin, Coach Bob DeShazo and Cody Calhoun.
Front row, Adam Breuning, Jeff Casey, Jake Thomas, Zach Whitebread, Ty Harmston, Coach Greg Harmston, Ben Suiter, and Montana Mosel. (PA file photo)
Sponsored by the Shannon Lions Club and American Legion is the annual Homecoming Pancake & Whole Hog Sausage Breakfast, held at the Shannon Fire Dept. It will be served on Sunday, Aug. 31 from 8a.m. to noon, and donations are accepted, with proceeds going to support Shannon Homecoming activities.
The committee proudly announces that Al and Ruth Thede will be the Grand Marshal's for the 2008 Homecoming Parade, set for Labor Day, Sept. 1. The Thede's are proprietors of Al's Quality Service, and are strong Shannon supporters.
For more information, watch future issues of The Prairie Advocate News, or call Brad and Valerie Woessner at , or .
The Carroll County Pheasants Forever Long Spurs trap shooting team participated in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Shoot. The Grand American Trap Shooting Contest was held in Sparta, Illinois on August 4 and 5.
At the SCTP State Shoot in June, the 6-7-8 grade squad placed 2nd, and the high school squad placed 6th. This excellent showing qualified them for the Great American Trap Shoot.
Similar to a prelude of the Olympic shooting events, more than 1600 young shotgunners competed this week for medals and national honors. Competition was held in five divisions, with each squad member shooting 8 rounds of 25 targets.
The Long Spurs entered 2 teams, a High School aged JV squad, and an Intermediate Entry squad (6th through 8th grade). The Long Spurs JV team broke 885 targets out of 1000, which placed them 28th out of 42 teams. The JV Spurs shot a team of five and an alternate.
Squad members and their scores are: Adam Breuning, Mount Carroll - 171 out of 200; Cody Calhoun, Mount Carroll - 186; Montana Mosel, Savanna - 163; Ben Suiter, Mount Carroll - 174; Jake Thomas, Lanark - 191; and Jason Bogue, Mount Carroll - 155.
During a practice session Jake Thomas was presented a 75 straight patch by Winchester for breaking 77 targets in a row.
The Intermediate squad broke 902 targets out of 1000, which placed them 7th in the Country. The Intermediate Spurs shot a team of five plus an alternate.
Squad members and their scores are:
Zachary Whitebread Mount Carroll, 192 out of 200; Jeffrey Casey, Thomson - 182; Ty Harmston, Elizabeth - 170; Jonathon Armstrong, Mount Carroll - 173; Hunter Binns, Stockton - 185; and Wyatt Whitebread, Mount Carroll - 172.
Zack Whitebread with a score of 192 received 5th place for high gun in his division. Zack Whitebread shot 25 straight - four times, including a run of 55. Hunter Binns shot two 25's, and Ty Harmston, Jeff Casey, and Wyatt Whitebread all shot 25 straight.
Coaches for the Carroll County Long Spurs are Jim Wackerlin of Stockton, Greg Harmston of Elizabeth, Thom Casey of Thomson,and Bob DeShazo of Kent.
The Carroll County Long Spurs were the only Illinois team to finish in the top 13 spots.
The winning team was the Gateway Claybusters from Missouri, with a score of 937.
The Carroll County Pheasants Forever Chapter formed a trap shooting program, and the Long Spurs, in May of 2008. They began shooting in mid-May at the Mississippi Flyway Sportsman's Club in Thomson. They joined the Scholastic Clay Target Program with Jim Wackerlin as head coach and several participants which had never shot trap prior.
For more information about the Carroll County Long Spurs, contact coach Jim Wackerlin, 4421 S Eden Road, Stockton, Il. 61085, call , or E-mail at
The Milledgeville Men's Club annually hosts one of the most popular food stands at the Carroll County Fair. Dave Kent (rt.) gets an order of cheeseburgers ready to serve at the "Pizza Palace," which moved to a new, bigger location this year. Go to www.PACC-news.com and see the video interview with 3 helpers at the Pizza Palace! (PA photo/Tom Kocal)
Brady Clark, son of Terri and Mike Clark of Polo, IL, gives it his all while going for the gold at the Carroll County Farm Bureau's Kid's Tractor Pull on Saturday, Aug. 9 at the 2008 Carroll County Fair. Visit www.PACC-news.com for video snippets of this event, and a whole lot more! (PA photo/Tom Kocal)
Before the Chicago Honey Bears' performance at the Carroll County Fair Thursday night, the talented ladies held a dance mini-camp for over 30 girls on the main stage at the Grandstand. To catch some of the live interaction with the crowd during the Honey Bears' show, go to www.PACC-news.com and check out the fun videos! (PA photo/Tom Kocal)
Milledgeville resident Dick Deets gives thumb's up while he participates in the Carroll County Farm Bureau Tractor Parade on Wed., Aug. 6 at the Carroll County Fair. Dick is driving a 1977 Ford Mobility Tractor, owned by Bob Schreiner. Most of the antique tractors that participated in the CCFB Tractor Drive across the county on Tuesday were also on display during CC Fair Week. That's Chastity Welch, CCFB Manager, in the background, who was all smiles with the great turnout. Go to www.PACC-news.com and view the video of the event! (PA photo/Tom Kocal)
Mike Munz, Jim's son, serves fresh fruit to a guest during the lunch held after the park dedication. Mike and several members of the Milledgeville Mens
Club did the work to construct the equipment. (PA photos/Tom Kocal)
The family of the late Jim Shaw proudly pose with the new playground equipment at Stover Park.
The family of the late Jim Shaw gather Saturday, August 2, 2008 to honor his memory with the dedication of new playground equipment at Stover Park in Milledgeville. The park is located on the west edge of Milledgeville on Stover Ave.
Jim's son, Andy Shaw of Milledgeville, was pleased with the idea and the support from his family and the community.
"My step-brother Mike Munz and the Milledgeville Men's Club worked over 3 weeks to build the play set. They are all great community-minded people. Their help saved a lot of money toward this project.
"This is one phase of the park project," Shaw added. "The equipment is modular and the park has room to grow. Fund-raising continues for the Milledgeville Park District."
"His memorial money wasused tobuy this piece of playground equipment," said Marty Stage, sister of Jim's wife, Kathy Shaw. "What a great idea to keep his memory alive and give the kids a great deal of enjoyment! That's what Jim would have wanted - kids to be having fun."
During the ceremony, Corrine Nye, director of the Milledgeville Park District said, "Jim always told me that he loved seeing his grand-children playing at Stover Park. Thank you to Kathy and his family for passing on Jim's love to the Village of Milledgeville, its children, and the Park District."
Bill-Mart T's, owned and operated by Bill and Marty Stage, produced dedication shirts, which sold-out at the ceremony. "We are donating the proceeds from the t-shirts to the Milledgeville Park District for a fund toward future playground equipment."
Lunch was served and prepared by Jill (Jim's daughter) and Bob Hatheway, owners of Shaw's Food Pride in Mt. Carroll.The proceeds were also donated to the Park District.
Go to www.PACC-news.com to see the video of the ceremony. For more information on how to donate to this community betterment project, or to order your dedication t-shirt, contact Corinne Nye at the Milledgeville Park District at .
Publisher's Note: Due to Monday evening's power outage after the storm that roared through Northern Illinois Aug. 4, this article and accompanying photos were inadvertently left out. It is the missing "Cover Story" from the Aug. 6 issue. The Prairie Advocate regrets the error.
(PA photos/Tom Kocal)
By Sue Langenberg
I was standing in line at the store the other day when I realized that I was counting fruit on someone's underwear.
His hat was on backwards, of course, but that didn't strike me as peculiar. After all, it's been a long time since men actually took off their hats when they entered a dwelling. Removing hats is in the same category as picking up a dropped handkerchief or spreading a jacket over a puddle. Chivalrous gestures went out with the Edsel. These days, women are lucky to have the door held for them rather than slammed shuck because he is busy texting his girlfriend, the one who is in heavy traffic making a left turn.
Youthful fashions have always come and gone quickly, but this one about the pants falling down seems to linger. I can't imagine why because it would seem highly inconvenient to walk down the street and constantly hike up one's pants. I've seen at least 15 hikes per hopscotch measurement, and sometimes more.
If the fad is strong, I wonder about the shopping trip to buy those oversized guaranteed-to-fall-down pants. The skinniest dude must hold XXL pants to his waist and if there is at least a foot to spare on either side, "that'll work," he says. If he tries them on, the pants must pass the fall-to-the-floor speed test.
Then a trip to the underwear department is in order to feature the derriere crevice section of the cool due costume. There must be a proper selection of fruit, polka dots and stripes. Boxers or briefs? No, just elastic that insures proper hanging-out plumage.
The cool dudes are not the first who wanted their underwear public. Mini skirts revealed all including a complete repertoire of body parts with some adipose tissue thrown in. The skirt at least stayed in place, so there was no derriere display, but I think it became too much work to sit comfortably. Either that, or there was simply too much adipose tissue on display. We got over that one quickly!
I was a bit too anxious to push the fashion mini-skirt envelope because my high school principal once threatened to send me home. My skirt was too short and somehow I escaped my house in the morning without notice. I was so petrified about my parents grounding me that I promised him I wouldn't wear it again. At least I was thin in those days.
We also had sewn-down pleated skirts in high school yes that certainly dates me and I became so sick to death of them that I cut them into strips for a braided rug. I never finished the project because I was sick to death of that, also. I notice that the pleated fashion has never returned successfully since. I once stood at a rack that displayed a few pleats for a test comeback and became so nauseated that the manager gently escorted me from the store.
The mini, maxi and midi come and go, also. Some say that the hemlines go up and down according to the nation's economic health. After the mini, however, my hemline stayed down. It had nothing to do with economic health. It was my own health when I looked in the mirror.
Then, of course, bell-bottoms, or the fashion that became the most popular Halloween costume in recent times. That seemed a style quickie that came and went along with tie-dyed T-shirts.
So if the derriere dudes become tired of hiking up their pants, they could look equally as ridiculous with bells and tie-dyes, without all that work to keep them on.
Can you relate? If you would like to comment on Hot Flashes, Sue can be reached via E-mail at , or .
The general public is invited to attend the 2008 University of Illinois Extension State Master Gardener Conference to be held Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 through Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 at the Westin in Lombard. This year's conference, "Pathways to a Greener Illinois", will focus on "greening" looking at ways to conserve resources and garden in an environmentally friendly manner.
Thursday is devoted to tours of area sites such as the "Smart Home, Green + Wired" at the Museum of Science and Industry, the gardens at Ball Horticulture, Midwest Groundcovers, Country Garden Cuisines and more. A wide variety of classes is available Friday and Saturday. Horticultural experts from around the Midwest as well as several top national speakers will be on hand to talk all aspects of gardening. Registrants may choose from over 30 different classes on topics from water conservation to shade gardening to tropical plants. The keynote address will be given on Saturday morning by Horticulture expert Melinda Myers.
The registration fee for 2 days of educational sessions (Friday and Saturday) is includes all classes, handouts, and meals. Single day registration is available. There is an additional fee for the Thursday tours. Registration for the general public is open August 1 through August 26.
View a list of speakers and tours on the conference brochure and registration page at: www.extension.uiuc.edu/mg/, or contact the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Office at with questions.
The Adult Education Department of Highland Community College will resume classes the week of August 25, 2008 at the Savanna Center, 2100 Chicago Avenue (1st United Methodist Church).
Adult Education classes are free to qualifying individuals. Teens need a withdrawal letter from their last school stating that they are no longer enrolled in school and the date that they were dropped.
Classes are offered in GED testing preparation and Basic Skills on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:3011:30 A.M. and 6:00-8:00 P.M. beginning Monday, August 25th. A new student orientation will be held on Wednesday, August 20th at the regular class times for students who are new to HCC's Adult Education program.
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:008:00 P.M. These classes help foreign-born adults improve their English language skills.
Enrollment in advance is required. For more information or to enroll in Adult Education classes, contact the HCC Adult Education office at . Visit our web site for more information about these free services at www.highland.edu/adulted
Local area youth, ages 5-12, are encouraged to pre-register now for Kids Fishing Day at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. A youth fishing clinic will be held at Frog Pond on Saturday, September 6, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hillary Johnson, with the Corps of Engineers, will have a fun and interactive program on water safety along with other instructional activities. Children 6 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the day. The Service will provide poles (for those that do not have their own), bait, lessons and some good 'ol fishing fun. Following an exciting day of fishing will be a "shore lunch", hot dog cookout. Contact the District Office at (815) 273-2732, to register your child or volunteer to help. Registration ends September 5 at 4 pm. Please bring your own fishing pole if you have one.
The Office is located at 7071 Riverview Rd., Thomson Illinois. Participants will meet at the Frog Pond parking lot, which is located 1.5 miles south of Savanna on Rt. 84. Look for the banners along the road. Listen to WCCI FM 100.3, or go to www.PACC-news.com, for cancellation notice.
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minn. to Rock Island, Ill., protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife. This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924.
The Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge congratulates everyone who entered in the Summer 2008 contest. Photos will be on displayed at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center through August 15th. The Center is located at 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Congratulations to the winners in the following categories:
1st Place Jaci Lewis, Morrison, IL
2nd Place Nana Campana, Thomson, IL
3rd Place Nana Campana, Thomson, IL
Birds of Refuge:
1st Place George Blount, Clinton, IA
2nd Place Sarah Wiederholt, Clinton, IA
3rd Place Les Zigurski, Scales Mound, IL
Other Wildlife of the Refuge:
1st Place Sarah Wiederholt, Clinton, IA and BIS
2nd Place Ed Arb, Savanna, IL
3rd Place George Blount, Clinton, IA
1st Place Sarah Wiederholt, Clinton, IA
2nd Place Sarah Wiederholt, Clinton, IA
3rd Place Roger Dorneden, Apple River, IL
The Big River ATV Club will be hosting ATV pulls and drag races on Sunday August 31,2008 at Thomson Melon Days, Thomson,IL. Sign-up will start at 9 a.m. with the pulls starting at 10 a.m. The event will be held on the Melon Days grounds, please use the front gate to enter. Badges are available in advance at area businesses or at the gate and will be required for entry to Melon Days grounds. No outside food may be brought onto the grounds. No alcohol is permitted on the grounds except in the beer tent. All ages are welcome to attend and participate. All size ATV's are eligible. For more information and questions, please call Sandi at or Derrick at .
N.Y. Yankees at Minnesota-1:10pm
Texas at Boston-7:05pm
Baltimore at Cleveland-7:05pm
Toronto at Detroit-7:05pm
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh-7:05pm
Chicago Cubs at Atlanta-7:10pm
N.Y. Mets at Washington-7:10pm
St. Louis at Florida-7:10pm
San Francisco at Houston-8:05pm
Kansas City at Chicago White Sox-8:11pm
Arizona at Colorado-9:05pm
Seattle at L.A. Angels-10:05pm
Tampa Bay at Oakland-10:05pm
Milwaukee at San Diego-10:05pm
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers-10:10pm
Toronto at Detroit-1:05pm
Kansas City at Chicago White Sox-2:05pm
San Francisco at Houston-2:05pm
Arizona at Colorado-3:05pm
Tampa Bay at Oakland-3:35pm
Milwaukee at San Diego-3:35pm
Texas at Boston-7:05pm
Baltimore at Cleveland-7:05pm
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh-7:05pm
Chicago Cubs at Atlanta-7:10pm
N.Y. Mets at Washington-7:10pm
St. Louis at Florida-7:10pm
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers-10:10pm
Toronto at Boston-7:05pm
L.A. Angels at Cleveland-7:05pm
Baltimore at Detroit-7:05pm
Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees-7:05pm
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh-7:05pm
St. Louis at Cincinnati-7:10pm
Chicago Cubs at Florida-7:10pm
San Francisco at Atlanta-7:35pm
Colorado at Washington-7:35pm
Tampa Bay at Texas-8:05pm
Arizona at Houston-8:05pm
Seattle at Minnesota-8:10pm
Chicago White Sox at Oakland-10:05pm
Philadelphia at San Diego-10:05pm
Milwaukee at L.A. Dodgers-10:40pm
Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees-1:05pm
L.A. Angels at Cleveland-3:55pm
Seattle at Minnesota-3:55pm
Chicago White Sox at Oakland-3:55pm
Toronto at Boston-7:05pm
Baltimore at Detroit-7:05pm
Arizona at Houston-7:05pm
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh-7:05pm
San Francisco at Atlanta-7:10pm
St. Louis at Cincinnati-7:10pm
Colorado at Washington-7:10pm
Chicago Cubs at Florida-7:10pm
Tampa Bay at Texas-8:05pm
Philadelphia at San Diego-10:05pm
Milwaukee at L.A. Dodgers-10:10pm
L.A. Angels at Cleveland-1:05pm
Baltimore at Detroit-1:05pm
Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees-1:05pm
Chicago Cubs at Florida-1:10pm
St. Louis at Cincinnati-1:15pm
Toronto at Boston-1:35pm
San Francisco at Atlanta-1:35pm
Colorado at Washington-1:35pm
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh-1:35pm
Arizona at Houston-2:05pm
Seattle at Minnesota-2:10pm
Tampa Bay at Texas-3:05pm
Chicago White Sox at Oakland-4:05pm
Philadelphia at San Diego-4:05pm
Milwaukee at L.A. Didgers-4:10pm
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh-12:35pm
San Francisco at Atlanta-4:35pm
Boston at Baltimore-7:05pm
L.A. Angels at Tampa Bay-7:10pm
Houston at Milwaukee-8:05pm
Detroit at Texas-8:05pm
Oakland at Minnesota-8:10pm
Seattle at Chicago White Sox-8:11pm
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers-10:10pm
Boston at Baltimore-7:05pm
Kansas City at Cleveland-7:05pm
Washington at Philadelphia-7:05pm
N.Y. Yankees at Toronto-7:07pm
Atlanta at N.Y. Mets-7:10pm
L.A. Angels at Tampa Bay-7:10pm
Houston at Milwaukee-8:05pm
Detroit at Texas-8:05pm
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs-8:05pm
Oakland at Minnesota-8:10pm
Seattle at Chicago White Sox-8:11pm
Pittsburgh at St. Louis-8:15pm
San Diego at Arizona-9:40pm
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers-10:10pm
Florida at San Francisco-10:15pm
AL East
1. Tampa Bay 71-46 - 2. Boston 67-51 4.5GB 3. New York 63-55 8.5GB 4. Toronto 59-59 12.5GB 5. Baltimore 56-60 14.5GB
1. Chicago 65-51 - 2. Minnesota 65-52 0.5GB 3. Detroit 58-59 7.5GB 4. Kansas City 54-64 12GB 5. Cleveland 52-64 13GB
1. Los Angeles 74-43 - 2. Texas 61-58 14GB 3. Oakland 54-63 20GB 4. Seattle 45-73 29.5GB
Philadelphia 64-53 - 2. New York 62-55 2GB 3. Florida 62-56 2.5GB 4. Atlanta 55-63 9.5GB 5. Washington 44-74 20.5GB
1. Chicago 71-47 - 2. Milwaukee 67-51 4GB 3. St. Louis 65-55 7GB 4. Houston 58-59 12.5GB 5. Pittsburgh 53-64 17.5GB 6. Cincinnati 52-67 19.5GB
1. Arizona 60-58 - 2. Los Angeles 58-59 1.5GB 3. Colorado 53-67 8GB 4. San Francisco 50-66 9GB 5. San Diego 46-72 14GB
Lansing at W. Michigan-7pm
S. Bend at Fort Wayne-7pm
Dayton at Great Lakes-7:05pm
Cedar Rapids at Kane Co.-6:30pm
Burlington at Clinton-7pm
Quad Cities at Beloit-7pm
Wisconsin at Peoria-7pm
Lansing at W. Michigan-7pm
S. Bend at Fort Wayne-7pm
Dayton at Great Lakes-7:05pm
Cedar Rapids at Kane Co.-6:30pm
Burlington at Clinton-7pm
Quad Cities at Beloit-7pm
Wisconsin at Peoria-7pm
Lansing at W. Michigan-7pm
S. Bend at Fort Wayne-7pm
Dayton at Great Lakes-7:05pm
Cedar Rapids at Kane Co.-6:30pm
Wisconsin at Peoria-6:30pm
Burlington at Clinton-7pm
Quad Cities at Beloit-7pm
W. Michigan at S. Beloit-6:30pm
Burlington at Quad Cities-6pm
Lansing at Fort Wayne-7pm
Great Lakes at Dayton-7pm
Wisconsin at Kane Co.-6pm
Beloit at Cedar Rapids-7pm
Peoria at Clinton-7pm
W. Michigan at S. Beloit-1:30pm
Beloit at Cedar Rapids-2pm
Peoria at Clinton-2pm
Wisconsin at Kane Co.-2pm
Burlington at Quad Cities-5pm
Lansing at Fort Wayne-7pm
Great Lakes at Dayton-7pm
W. Michigan at S. Beloit-6:30pm
Great Lakes at Dayton-7pm
Wisconsin at Kane Co.-6:30pm
Beloit at Cedar Rapids-7pm
Burlington at Quad Cities-7pm
Clinton at Peoria-7pm
Wisconsin at Kane Co.-1pm
W. Michigan at S. Bend-6:30pm
Great Lakes at Dayton-7pm
Fort Wayne at Lansing-7:05pm
Beloit at Cedar Rapids-7pm
Burlington at Quad Cities-7pm
Clinton at Peoria-7pm
Mid Eastern Division
1. South Bend 30-19 - 2. *Lansing 28-21 2GB 3. Dayton 26-23 4GB 4. Fort Wayne 24-25 6GB 5. West Michigan 23-25 6.5GB 6. Great Lakes 17-32 13GB
1. Burlington 30-18 - 2. Cedar Rapids 26-22 4GB 3. Quad Cities 26-23 4.5GB 4. Beloit 25-24 5.5GB 5. *Clinton 25-24 5.5GB 6. Peoria 25-24 5.5GB 7. Kane County 21-27 9GB 8. Wisconsin 15-34 15.5GB
*-1st half division winner
Schaver Featured Artist at 321
Watercolorist Deb Schaver of Albany, IL is the featured artist at the next presentation sponsored by the Artists Cooperative of Savanna in their gallery at 321 Main Street in downtown Savanna, IL. The exhibit will remain on display through Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Originally from Erie, IL, Schaver was employed for 33 years as a designer in the floral industry until recently, when she began to focus on expressing herself in creative art work. Now she uses florals as subjects for her paintings. She has also done a number of animal paintings and landscapes, and plans to focus on portrait and figure studies in the near future.
Schaver has tried many different mediums over the past 3 years, but has settled on watercolor as the one which offers her the opportunity to express her abilities and techniques from books, photos and the wide realm of Nature, attending workshops to learn from other artists and trying to paint as often as she can.
Her family has been very supportive of her efforts, but she gives particular credit to Dennis Fortune of Geneseo, IL, who instructed her for two years in art at the high school level, and has continued to provide her with great encouragement since that time. She is also grateful to watercolorist Ruth Eschelman of Morrison, IL, who was instrumental in helping her understand the process of watercolor.
"Being a painter," Schaver said, "has given me many opportunities to teach and share this joy with others, and I thank God for the gift He has given me." She has a natural enthusiasm for art and enjoys sharing her skills with anyone.
Schaver is fond of using strong, bold colors in her work and tries to reproduce the subject matter as realistically as possible, because she feels that is where true beauty lies.
"When people view my work, I'd like them to recall positive moments in their lives," she says, "Moments that create good memories and times they will enjoy revisiting."
In addition to her show, the Gallery has works by other members in cloth, wood, paper, jewelry, clay, and stained glass on display. There is also a gift section with one-of-a-kind items available.
On Pontiac Prison
Re-scheduled
By Tom Kocal
A public hearing about the proposed closing of the Pontiac Correctional Center, originally set for Tuesday, Aug. 12, has been re-scheduled. Timothy M. McLean, Chief, Office of Intergovernmental Relations, said the new date will be Wed., August 20th.
"Given that Pontiac has few locations that could accommodate such a crowd, the commission hearing will take place in the Pontiac Township High School gymnasium at 1100 Indiana Ave., the location for the original meeting," McLean said.
Governor Rod Blagojevich has proposed closing Pontiac, one of the oldest maximum security prisons in Illinois. The plan is to transfer inmates to the Thomson Correctional Center. Blagojevich had initially called for the closing of Stateville Prison in Joliet, but the plan was met with indifference from Joliet-area legislators, citizens, and prison workers.
Opponents in Pontiac use the argument that closing the century-old prison will hurt the economy of the surrounding area. Proponents of opening the Thomson Prison have been using the same argument in reverse for over 6 years.
McLean told The Prairie Advocate News that the "Pontiac Prison is over 100 years old, and has already had over $108 million in capital improvements deferred. The only viable way to open the new Thomson Correctional Center is to close Pontiac."
Officials with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME) says that closing Pontiac will only create more overcrowding in an already unsafe situation in the maximum-security prisons.
The University of Dubuque congratulates Katherine Pidde on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2008 Academic Dean's List. Katherine is the daughter of Cory and Diane Pidde of Mt. Carroll, Illinois and attended Thomson High School.
To be named to the dean's list, a student must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for that semester.
The University of Dubuque, founded in 1852, is a private, coeducational, professional University with a focus in the liberal arts.
The University of Dubuque congratulates Tad Schoeny upon his graduation. Schoeny graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Flight Operations.
Schoeny is the son of Kent and Julie Shoeny of Shannon, Illinois and attended Eastland High School in Lanark, IL.
Commencement 2008 was held on Saturday, May 10 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, Iowa. This year's commencement ceremonies marked the 156th convocation for the conferring of degrees at the University.
Schoeny was awarded the David Flying Service Award. This award is presented by David Flying Service to recognize the graduating senior who has been actively involved in aviation activities and has maintained a high academic average in the Aviation Department.
He was named as a member of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Candidates are chosen on the basis of scholarship, leadership and service to the University and the community. Junior and senior students must have a 3.5 grade point average to be eligible for consideration. Students are nominated for consideration by faculty and staff.
In addition, Schoeny and was appointed to the Spring 2008 Academic Dean's List. To be named to the dean's list, a student must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for that semester.
The University of Dubuque, founded in 1852, is a private, coeducational, professional University with a focus in the liberal arts.
Using a textbook slide job on Scott Bloomquist, Darren Miller of Chadwick, IL took the lead on the 77th lap and then held off the Hall of Famer over the last 23 circuits to win the biggest race of his career on Saturday Night at Florence Speedway. Miller's margin of victory was a
little more than half a car length as the 31-year-old driver earned $50,000 by winning the Sunoco Race Fuels 26th Annual North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil. Matt Miller of Waterville, Ohio finished third followed by Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, W.Va. and Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio.
Darren Miller and Bloomquist started on the front row of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned event. Bloomquist got the jump at the drop of the green flag as he bolted into the lead. Bloomquist stretched his lead to five car lengths over Darren Miller just as Francis started to close ground with 15 laps in the record books. Bloomquist was never able to build the lead he wanted, and with 25 laps scored both Miller and Francis had cut into the gap that Bloomquist had maintained.
Miller would then chase down Bloomquist and with 72 laps complete he was all over him as the fans came to their feet. Miller would dive to the inside of Bloomquist in turns three and four putting Bloomquist in jeopardy of losing the lead. Finally on lap 77, it happened, Darren Miller
tried a slide-job in turn four. His car managed to accomplish the feat as he grabbed the lead from Bloomquist.
Heading into turn three, and coming to the checkered flag, Darren Miller would shut the door on Bloomquist as crossed the line first and won the biggest race of his career by a slim margin.
"I don't even know what to say, I've never won a big event like this, no doubt it's the biggest win of my career and I can sure use the $50,000," said Miller who became the 21st different winner this season on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series tour.
It was also another big win this season for a Moyer Victory Circle Chassis, the car of choice for the event for Darren Miller. "I thought I could get into the corner better than him and I felt pretty good when I passed him, I don't know if he had to check up or anything, but we're running for $50,000 to win and I was going for it. We pulled away there at the end and I had to contend with the two cars in front of me, but I was glad to keep him behind me and when I crossed the finish line, it was a great feeling to beat someone like him."
Thursday, Aug. 14 is the deadline to apply for the second lottery for resident and non-resident firearm and muzzleloader deer permits for the 2008 season. To apply online, click on "DNR Direct" on the home page of the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us
Non-Resident Archery Deer Permits: Non-residents have the opportunity to purchase remaining 2008 Illinois Non-Resident Archery Deer combination permits (one either-sex and one antlerless-only) beginning at 8 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, Aug. 12.Remaining permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through DNR Direct online through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us, or by calling toll-free 1-888-6PERMIT (1-). Note:All non-resident hunters who applied for combination archery permits during the June 2008 application period will receive their permits in the mail.
Resident Archery Deer Permits:Illinois resident deer hunters can now purchase 2008 Illinois Archery Deer Hunting permits (combination archery and antlerless-only archery permits) over-the-counter from DNR Direct permit sale locations throughout Illinois.The archery deer season opens Oct. 1.
Youth Deer Hunt 2008: Hunters may now apply online through DNR Direct for permits for the 2008 Illinois Resident Youth Either-Sex Deer Hunt, scheduled for Oct. 11-12. The last day to apply for the first lottery for the permits is Thursday (Aug. 14).The hunt is open only to Illinois resident hunters who have not reached their 16th birthday by the time of the hunt and have completed an IDNR-approved hunter safety education course (unless exempt or have an apprentice hunting license). Permit applications are only available online through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us. All counties will be open for the Youth Deer Hunt except Cook, DuPage, Lake and that portion of Kane County east of Illinois Rt. 47. A list of IDNR owned and managed sites that will be open for the youth hunt is available on the IDNR web site.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Porter of Sterling, formerly of Morrison, announce the engagement of their daughter Sarah Elizabeth to Karl Asch Prowant, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Prowant of Lanark. The bride-elect is a 2003 graduate of Morrison High School and a 2008 graduate of Clinton Community College with an Associate Degree in Nursing. Her fiancé is a 2002 graduate of Eastland High School. He is employed by Prowant Construction of Lanark.
The couple is planning a September 27, 2008 wedding at Lanark United Methodist Church. Invitations have been sent.
Mike and Lisa Cheeseman of Milledgeville announce the engagement of their daughter, Jacki Cheeseman to Joe Rogers, Jr., the son of Mike and Julie Scribner of Milledgeville and Joe and Sharon Rogers, Sr. of Sterling.
The bride-to-be is a graduate of Milledgeville High School and Aurora University, Aurora, IL. She is employed by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Dixon, IL.
Her fiancé is a graduate of Milledgeville High School and is employed by Allied Locke Industries in Dixon, IL.
The couple is planning an October 4, 2008 wedding at the Polo Historic Wedding Chapel, Polo, IL.
NARFE Annual Picnic
Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their annual picnic on August 21, 2008 at Old Mill Park in Savanna. A catered luncheon buffet will be served at noon at a very nominal cost. Bring your spouse and get reacquainted with old friends and coworkers. There will be no meeting, just visiting and fellowship. We hope to have a BC/BS representative attend. Please RSVP no later than August 17 by calling Kay at . All active and retired federal employees, spouses and survivors are cordially invited.
On Wednesday August 6,2008 the Carroll County Sheriff's Department arrested the following subjects: Brandon E. Neumiller age 32, of Clinton, IA and Carla E. Geier age 37, of Savanna, IL each for driving while license revoked, unlawful possession of methamphetamine manufacturing materials, and unlawful possession of anhydrous ammonia. The arrest occurred after a traffic complaint on the subject's vehicle in rural Thomson, IL. Subsequent to the arrests, search warrants were executed at a residence in Savanna, IL. Assisting the Sheriff's Department were the Thomson Police Department, The Illinois State Police Meth Team, DEA, Savanna Police Department, and the Carroll County States Attorney's Office. The incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Department, ISP Meth Team, and the States Attorney's Office.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias announced that customers can now use MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit or debit cards to pay driver's license and identification card fees, as well as vehicle renewals and registration. White initiated this project as part of his effort to continue to provide the public with additional, more convenient services.
"Customer service continues to be one of my top priorities," White said. "We are constantly looking at ways to offer customers more options when it comes to serving their driving and identification needs. We believe that offering the public this additional option will enhance their experience with our office. We are very pleased to work with Treasurer Giannoulias to give customers the opportunity to pay for their transactions with their credit and debit cards." "The Treasurer's Office is thrilled to play a role in Secretary White's effort to make it easy and convenient for Illinois consumers to make payments at Illinois' driver's license facilities throughout the state," said Giannoulias. "Just like businesses, government has a responsibility to give its customers the widest possible array of payment options. This partnership demonstrates good government-to-government business that allows the state to accept credit and debit cards at the point of sale without the risk of paying high processing costs."
Beginning in mid-July, 137 Secretary of State facilities began accepting the bankcards. So far over 30,000 transactions have been reported. The office is projecting that two million customers will use credit cards in 2009. The processing fee for using the credit card is 65 cents or .021 percent of the amount of the transaction, depending on which is greater. For example, a $10 transaction would cost $10.65, while a $78.00 renewal fee would be $79.64. The Treasurer's Office operates the E-Pay program, which holds a master service contract for credit card acceptance. The Treasurer's Office offers credit card technology to all agencies and municipalities in the state. By negotiating and holding the master services contract, the Treasurer's Office can negotiate the best pricing for the services, technology, software, training and maintenance for no charge to our more than 500 users. The SOS is the largest user of the program. The Secretary of State's Office, which handles renewals and registrations, reports over one million transactions in the vehicles department in a month. The office's drivers department, which handles driver's licenses and identification cards and renewals, reports over 350,000 transactions a month.
Milledgeville Brethren Church, 6th & Main Street in Milledgeville, IL will host Saturday Night at the Movie on Saturday August 16, 2008. Free refreshments will be available at 6:30 p.m. with the movie starting promptly at 7 p.m. Come join us for a fun, free night at the movie.
A free blood pressure check will be offered at the Carroll County Senior Center in Mount Carroll on Tuesday August 19, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. FHN will provide the tests. No appointments are needed. Arthritis support group will meet from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There is no charge. For further information call: 1- or toll free 1-.
Capitol Fax
Rich Miller's commentary on State Government
The genesis for this week's legislative special session on education funding s Rev. Sen. James Meeks' call for a boycott of the Chicago Public School system's first day of fall classes. But a campaign threat is what really seemed to motivate Gov. Rod Blagojevich to take some action.
Meeks' boycott idea was widely dismissed at first as a potentially harmful stunt. Reinforcing the notion among students that their schools are so lousy that attending classes is a waste of time is probably not a great message to send, no matter how bad the schools are.
Even so, Sen. Meeks (D-Chicago) has been able to sign up a growing number of fellow African-American ministers to his boycott idea.
African-American ministers represent one of the last bastions of support for the breathtakingly unpopular Blagojevich. So, if some of them are ready to revolt, he's gotta be ready to listen.
The most interesting part, though, was when Meeks appeared on Fox Chicago Sunday, one of those "newsmaker" interview shows.
Meeks announced that he would run against Blagojevich if the governor ran for reelection in 2010.
"If he runs again, I'll definitely run against him," Meeks told the show's hosts.
Meeks blasted Blagojevich during the program for not keeping his campaign promise to put $2 billion into education funding.
"He has failed in the area of education," Meeks said.
Blagojevich always seems to respond best to threats like this. Meeks' threats to run against Blagojevich in 2006 prompted the governor to pledge that aforementioned $2 billion for schools, which never materialized.
So when Meeks made yet another campaign threat, the governor didn't wait to ask "How high?". He jumped.
Blagojevich quickly called a one-day special session and then said he was considering bringing lawmakers back in September until they came up with a plan to fund education, even if the special sessions lasted until the November elections.
That's pretty extreme, but the governor apparently wanted to head Meeks off at the pass. Right now, Meeks is the only potential black gubernatorial candidate in the 2010 Democratic primary. Keeping Meeks out would give Blagojevich a shot at the African-American vote, which could prove decisive in a multi-candidate race against a bunch of white Democrats.
Whatever happens, the special sessions will certainly provide a more constructive and positive outlet for the growing protest. Meeks and other members of the Black Caucus plan to showcase legislation that would "sunset" (the legislative term for allowing a law to die on its own by a certain date) local property taxes for schools by 2010.
The idea, based on the state of Michigan's experience, is to create a "doomsday" deadline to spur some sort of action. Michigan sunsetted its own property tax several years ago and eventually settled on the sales tax as a replacement.
The obvious question is whether, and for how long, the governor will remain focused on this issue. He's infamous for bouncing around from one bright, shiny ball to another without any serious follow-through. And Meeks is right that school funding reform has never been much of a Blagojevich priority.
Indeed, when the governor was asked last week about Meeks' property tax sunset idea, he said he opposed it. When asked repeatedly by reporters if he had any funding reform ideas of his own, he dodged the questions.
The property tax sunset idea was opposed by just about every school group and union when it was introduced in the House earlier this year. But the Illinois Federation of Teachers is taking a second look at the plan in the wake of the latest developments. That doesn't mean it will actually pass, but the proposal may have a little more life in it than some of us may have initially expected.
And if nothing happens? Well, the governor is off the hook because he called the special sessions. Blagojevich can revert to his favorite game of blaming House Speaker Michael Madigan for all the troubles in the world.
And Meeks will have demonstrated to his allies and the community at large that he has the influence to drive the state's agenda. He might even be able to use this as an eventual springboard to higher office.
In other words, like always, education fundingi reform could turn out to be a "win-win" for politicians, and a "lose-lose" for students and parents.
Let's hope not.Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and thecapitolfaxblog.com.
As a member of the CASA Board serving the children of Lee, Ogle and Carroll Counties, I would like to urge the citizens of Ogle County to consider serving as volunteers. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained persons and are appointed by the judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. These children are at risk because of their circumstances, i.e. they are abused or neglected and have become wards of the court. CASA is the only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to represent a child's best interest.
A CASA volunteer provides a judge with carefully researched background details about the child to help the court make a sound decision regarding the child's future. The CASA volunteer reviews all records pertaining to the child and then makes recommendations on placement to the judge and follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved. This is most important because the child's advocate will be continually involved in the case until it is resolved. (The volunteer is the consistent person in all these proceedings and provides continuity for the youngster.)
CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Please consider becoming involved in this worthy program. Your involvement might make the difference in the life of a child. For more information on how you can help, contact Vanessa White, Director of Advocate Services in Lee, Carroll and Ogle Counties, at or .
Marguerite Nye
Ogle County Board
CASA Board Member
Capitol Report
By Jim Sacia\, State Representative, 89th District
"Common sense": Webster's Dictionary defines it as ordinary good sense and judgment. That seems very simplistic to me. What I do believe is that it is something that is hard to teach. I've often heard comments like "he (or she) has good common sense." We see it as a badge of honor. I know that we in the General Assembly try to convey good common sense. I'm sure at times we fail.
Last week a federal judge ruled the rights of Cook County jail inmates are violated when they are strip searched upon release. As reported on ABC-TV 7 in Chicago, strip searches are common-place in jails, but if an inmate goes to court and the charges against him are dropped, or he is acquitted, should he be compelled to undergo a strip search back at the jail before he's set free? To me the answer is an obvious "yes". A class action lawsuit representing thousands of former Cook County jail inmates argued that strip searching inmates before their release is unconstitutional and a federal judge has now agreed. Do you see the millions of dollars of taxpayer money (manna from heaven) about to be paid out?
The Cook County Sheriff's Office contends that nearly half of prisoners cleared of one set of charges have other charges still pending against them, and because there are so many inmates coming back from court each day it would be an administrative and security nightmare to break them into strip search and non-strip search groups. We can blame Judge Elaine Bucklo, who says the prisoners' Fourth Amendment rights are being violated. This sets the stage for financial damage lawsuits for thousands of former inmates. Best-guess estimates this will cost you, the taxpayer, $70 to $100 million in out of court settlements. Come on, Judge. Take a hard look at the sheriff's deputies who put their lives on the line each day with known dangerous and potentially dangerous individuals.
I will never forget an incident in New York City several years ago in which a distraught individual attempted suicide by throwing himself in front of a commuter train. He did not get the job done, but lost an arm and a leg. A judge ruled that New York City was at fault and awarded him millions of dollars.
Not a person reading this doesn't recall the famous settlement wherein Stella Liebeck was awarded $2.9 million from McDonald's Corporation for spilling hot McDonalds' coffee in her lap.
The week you will read this we will be back in Springfield in special session as ordered by Governor Blagojevich in another effort to reach consensus on a desperately-needed jobs and infrastructure (capital) bill and education funding. Pray for common sense to reign.
My mobile office will be in Durand near the Town Square from 10:00 to noon and in Forreston in front of Buzzard's Motorcycle Shop from 2:00 to 4:00 on Friday August 22.
As always, you can reach me, Sally or Barb at or e-mail us at . You can also visit my website at www.jimsacia.com. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.
Eleanor H. Schmitt, age 89, of Thomson, Illinois died Monday, August 04, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center, in Clinton, Iowa. A Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 08, 2008 at the Argo Fay United Methodist Church with Reverend Dave Davies from the United Methodist Church in Albany, Illinois officitating. A visitation was held Thursday, August 07, 2008 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Thomson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Argo Fay United Methodist Church in Eleanor's memory. Online memorial tributes and condolences may be given the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.
Eleanor was born June 08, 1919, the daughter of Shelby and Etta May (Underkoffler) Kested. She attended school in Dixon, Illinois. Eleanor married John Schmitt on February 15, 1941 in Clinton, Iowa. Eleanor was a member of the Argo Fay Methodist Church for fifty four years and also served on the Ladies Aide Committee for many years. She also was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed sewing, reading and farming with her husband. Eleanor was an avid homemaker. She loved planting and working with her gardens. But most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends.
We are really getting caught up with the weeding and tilling in our garden. My husband Joe is on three-day work week at factory right now so he is using this extra time at home to help the garden to look better.
Daughter Elizabeth, 14, also had a few days home from detasseling. She is good at doing a lot of weeding in the garden, so her help is appreciated. Joe dug up the rest of our potato crop which gave us a really good yield this year. We have potatoes weighing 1 .5 pounds each. It was a good year for potatoes, they did very well this year.
We are seeing empty spots in the garden where the potatoes, onions, and sweet corn are out for the season. We still have two more patches of sweet corn coming along. Some of my corn didn't do as well as I would have liked. I think it has something to do with the storm flattening it that one day earlier this summer although most of it stood back up. It must have stunted the growth of the cobs as they were very small. Mornings these days are a bit chilly with temperatures in the middle 50s at daybreak. The boys and Lovina went outside to play and came back in asking for jackets saying it is cold outside.
I am sure it was a cool morning for Elizabeth and all the detasslers walking wet cornfields until it dries up. Elizabeth is looking forward to getting her new bike which she has on layaway. She is paying on it with her detasseling money. It'll be a much better bike that the one she is used to. She keeps teasing her Dad about how she'll be able to pass him with her new bike.
I have some fabric here that I want to sew into new curtains for some of the windows. I have some used up ones now but they are very worn out. Our house has over 30 windows and I have not managed to get new ones on all of them yet.
I also need to sew the boys new pants for the upcoming school term. We will have church services in three weeks and I can't see that I will get to the pants before that. I think school will probably start the week following our church services. I'll probably hold off on the pants and wait until school has started and I will be able to concentrate better at the sewing machine. It will be a relief to know that the house will have been all cleaned for church.
It seems the boys are so much harder on clothes than the girls are. We hope to get the cleaning done in the upstairs bedrooms today. Everything will have to have another light cleaning yet before church services. If we get that accomplished we want to start washing walls and ceilings on the main floor this week. It takes so much time cleaning out closets and cabinets but it is nice to have everything all organized again. It sure is surprising when I go through the clothes in the children's closets how many they have outgrown.
Two-year-old Kevin weighs only a 1/ 2 pound more than 4 year old Lovina and they are really close in length so it is good that they do not wear the same clothes. Kevin will be three already in a few weeks. These years are flying by way too fast. I must get back to my work so until next week, God Bless. I have my peaches to can on my schedule for the week ahead. Try this recipe for your fresh peaches
6 or 8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
1 1 /2 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 /2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Layer peaches in greased square 8" inch baking dish. Sprinkle cinnamon and half cup sugar over fruit. In a separate bowl, sift flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix in egg until crumbly. Spread mixture over peaches and bake over 350 for one hour or until crust is brown. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Eleanor is survived by her husband, John, five daughters; Joan Eissens of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, Connie (Jim) Foster of Chadwick, Illinois, Karen (Frank) Norem of Joliet, Illinois, Barbara (Paul) Burger of Savanna, Illinois, Cindy (Steve) Dyson of Albany, Illinois; one son, Michael Schmitt of Mt. Carroll; eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; one brother, Everett (Margaret) Kested of Mt. Morris; and a sister, Donna Jacobs of Dixon, Illinois.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Laverne, Charles and Harold; two sisters, Evelyn, Pauline; and two infant siblings.
BAPTIST
101 N. Broad St.
Shannon, IL 61078
Pastor: Tim Lehman
Asst. Pastor: Tim Fry
Sunday
9:45 AM Morning Worship
11:10 AM Adult Bible Fellowship and Children's SS
1:00 PM Afternoon Service
Wednesday
6:45 PM AWANA and Teens
7:00 PM Adult Bible Study & Prayer Service
35021 IL RT. 40
Milledgeville, IL 61051
Pastor: J. Kregg Farmer
Sunday School: 10:30 am
Sunday Worship: 9:30 & 6:00 pm. & Wed.: 7:00pm
Wed.: 7:00pm Frontline Kids Club 7:00 pm
First Baptist Church
201 S. Main St.
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Pastor: Bob Ziebarth
Sunday Worship: 9:30 am
2058 Scenic Bluff Rd.
Thomson, IL 61285
Pastor Mardi Huffstutler
Sunday Worship: 9:00 am
Bible Study: 10:00am 1st & 3rd Sundays
St. Wendelin Catholic Church
18 S. Linn
Shannon, IL 61078
Rev. Michael Bolger
CCD 9:30 am
Mass: Saturday 5:30 pm
Sunday 8:00 am
310 S. Main St.
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Pastor: Rev. Dennis Atto
Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.
Mass: Saturday 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
14201 US Hwy 52
Mt. Carroll IL 61053
Pastor: Floyd West
Sunday School : 10:45 am
Sunday Worship: 9:30 am
14395 Brethren Road
Lanark, IL 61046
Pastor: Brian Archer
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
25257 Dutchtown Rd.
Milledgeville, IL 61051
Pastor: Rick Koch
Sunday School: 10:30 am
Sunday Worship: 9:30 am
220 E. Locust St.
Lanark, IL 61046
Pastor
Sunday School: 9:00 am
Sunday Worship: 10:00 am
326 S. High St.
Lanark, IL 61046
Pastor John Sgro
Sunday School: 10:30 am
Sunday Worship: 9:30 am
521 N. Main Ave.
Milledgeville, IL 61051
Pastor: Russ Gordon
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.
10602 IL RT 78 S
Mt. Caroll, IL 61053
Pastor: Robert Phelps
Sunday School: 10:45 am
Sunday Worship: 9:45 am
10602 IL RT 78 S
Mt. Caroll, IL 61053
Pastor: Robert Phelps
Sunday School: 9:45 am
Sunday Worship: 10:45 am
816 S Clay St/PO Box 72
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
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Office Hours: 8:30-3:30 M-F
Website www.mcchurchofgod.com
Sunday Worship 8:45 & 11:00 am
Sunday School - all ages 10:00 am
Senior Pastor Rick Zickefoose
Assoc Pastor Ron Abbott
2301 IL RT 84
Thomson, IL 61285
Pastor: Ron Abbott
Sunday Worship: 10:30 am & Wed. 7:00 pm
134 Main St.
Chadwick, IL 61014
Pastor: Joshua Jensen
Sunday School: 9 am
Sunday Worship: 10 am
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
4th & Washington St.
Savanna, IL 61074
Pastor: Robert North
Sunday Mass: 8:00 a.m.
926 Viaduct Rd. in Savanna
Pastor Wayne Carvell
Worship Leader - Joshua Eagle
Saturday Evening 6 pm Worship and Praise
Sunday 8 am adult Sunday School
9 am worship
Wed.5:30 food fellowship/Bible study/prayer
Pastor Karen Carvell/Children's Ministries
Salvation Army Service Ext. Rep.
Home office
Sunday 8:45 Children's Church/Sunday School
Tues 5:30 PM Salvation Army Kid's Corps
Transportation Ministry -Marlyn Jones. Bus pickup begins at 8 am on Sundays and 5 pm on Tue.
301 S. Clay St.
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Pastor: David Vidler
Sunday School: None in Summer
Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 10:30 am
19 W. 3rd St.
Chadwick, IL 61014
Pastor; Marcie Strahl
Sunday Worship: 9:00 am
312 S. High St.
Lanark, IL 61046
Pastor Philip Mathai
Sunday Worship: 9 am
717 Stover Ave. PO Box 637
Milledgeville, IL 61051
Pastor; Kate Burkheimer
Sunday Worship: 10:15
Handicapped Accessible
229 S. First Street
Pearl City, IL 61062
Pastor: Pat Esker
Sunday Worship: 9:00 am
7246 North Freeport Road
Forreston, IL 61030
Phone , Fax
Sunday School: 9:30am
Sunday Worship: 10:30am
Wed. 6:30-8:00pm Pioneer Club for kids
Adult Study-Thurs. 7 pm
16032 W. Coffman Rd.
Shannon, IL 61078
Pastor: Carroll Smith
Sunday School: 9:15 am
Sunday Worship: 10:30 am
19 S. Rochester
Lanark, IL 61046
Pastor: Herb Bollman
Sunday School:
Sunday Worship:
P.O. Box 102
Pearl City, IL 61062
Services Alternate Monthly
Even Months at Salem
Corner Kent & Loran Rds.
Odd Months at Ebenezer
5421 S. Stone Church Rd.
Pastor: Jim Brown
Sunday School: 9:00 am
Sunday Worship: 10:00 am
Pastor Paul Judd
Sunday Worship - 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School - 10:30 a.m.
217 S. Hickory St.
Shannon IL 61078
Rev. George Woosnam
Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 10:30 am.
Sunday School - all ages 10:00 am.
79 Snow
Chadwick, IL
Pastor: Melwyn Alagodi
Sunday School: 10:00 am
Sunday Worship: 9:00 am
405 E. Locust St.
Lanark, Il 61046
Pastor: Kate Ling
Sunday School: 9:30 am
321 N. Holcomb Ave.
Milledgeville, IL 61051
Pastor: Dan Sturtevant
Sunday School: None in Summer
Sunday Worship 9:00 am
216 S. Main St. (Office)
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Pastor: Mark Harkness
Sunday School: 9:15 am
Sunday Worship: 10:30 am
2100 Chicago Ave
Savanna, IL 61074
www.firstumcsavanna.org
Rev. Larry Thomson
Pastor Lisa Mapes
Wednesday Worship: 6:00 pm
Saturday Worship: 5:00 pm
Sunday Worship: 9:00 am
Pastor Paul Judd
Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School - 9:15 a.m.
2100 Chicago Ave
Savanna, IL 61074
www.firstumcsavanna.org
Rev. Larry Thomson
Pastor Lisa Mapes
Wednesday Worship: 6:00 pm
Saturday Worship: 5:00 pm
PDQ
Photo
"In 1842 Stephenson County was still one of the localities of Northern Illinois that was attractive to the immigrants from the East. About this time the unsettled political conditions of Europe was the cause of considerable emigration to America. The free public land system of America by which the landless of the Old World could easily become owners of large farms, appealed to the tenants of England especially. Just as the Norwegians in 1839 had sent an agent to look over the public Lands of America and pick out a location (some) in England sent an agent ..."
The "English Colony" at Ridott was recently written about in these series. The above partial paragraph is from an early Stephenson County history and, as you see, mentions the Norwegians arriving even earlier than the English group. It is interesting that several nationalities came early to settle in our Northern Illinois to give the region a depth of diversity with their various cultures. There were several reasons they came. The following article was printed in the "Sangamon Journal" at Springfield, Illinois in September, 1838: "We welcome them. Our county is now the asylum for the oppressed of all nations..." The statement was true just about everywhere in Illinois.
Economic opportunity was probably the first thing we think about as reason for European immigration. The abundance of fertile lands was the draw. Also there was a "plague" of religious persecution throughout the Old World. Some countries had organized state-controlled religions which prevented its citizens freedom of worship. Many were drawn to Illinois because to a large extent they'd be allowed to govern themselves and need only "to refrain from disturbing the public peace."
This latter included the Norwegians who had sailed from their Old World shores as early as 1825 in the sloop, "Restoration" to find freedom in America. Their leader was Cleng Peerson and their first stop was in New York state where they stayed but a short time. Peersen believed he could find more fertile lands in the Illinois country. That he didin the Fox River Valley in northern Illinois so the Norwegians pressed westward to settle about a dozen miles northeast of present day Ottawa. The village they created was appropriately named "Norway." It was the first permanent Norwegian settlement in the United States.
New settlers continued to arrive in successive years, spreading throughout the area and adjoining counties until majorities in many neighborhoods had Norwegian roots.
The region became a "mother settlement" by drawing other immigrants, supporting them, guiding their choices of settlement such as in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas where large colonies of Norwegians grew and prospered. Locally the sons and daughters of Norway settled, too, at Marsailes, Leland, Morris, Milan and surrounding counties from the hub, Norway. The three eastern townships in Lee County had large populations of Norwegians which formed their character and attitude.
Author Frank Stevens who wrote a fact-filled history of Lee County in the early twentieth century tells of their pioneering that neighborhood which was typical of other settlements some of which gives a background, an idea, of how the Norwegians added to the development of our nation ... In just a small area as Stevens writes: "... Eight to ten miles long, six miles wide," here in Northern Illinois who came to Lee County as a poor sailor!" And, "Without exception they are people of means ... industrious, frugal and hard working." There were names such as Haakan and Lars Larson Risetter. Amund Hilleson, S.M. Maakestad to tell you you're in the right neighborhood and also Ole Prestgaard who was listed as the "richest Norwegian in northern Illinois who came to Lee County as a poor sailor." They were typical of the successful businessmen, tradesmen and farmers in any Norwegian settlement but this region was the largest of all.
Stevens' history relates that the immigrants from Norway first settled in Lee County at Sublette but for some reason moved over into the three townships on Lee's eastern edge. They left Sublette to the many Germans who came in to farm the prairie of that area. During the rise of the Norwegians several villages rose such as Steward, Scarboro and the town of Lee where the assets of each, for instance, was given in those pre-World War I times to further boost them. At Steward, Stevens bragged that it was the first railroad depot to ship out a million bushels of grain in a year's time in Illinois while at Scarboro their school, a prize-winner, and which had begun in a log house, now had a tasteful frame building costing $2,200 which contained a room for a library full of useful books. Its lavatory was conveniently arranged with reference to the two wardrooms with their "mountings of the very best nickel."
At Lee, the town, it had its own light and power plant which had all-night service, generated by a 20 hp engine fueled by five gallons of kerosene which ran the plant for fifteen hours. It was owned by J.E. Malmsberg. At Lee also the garage and mechanics shop whose proprietor was Swan Ostewig was the largest of its kind in the county. And in all the county the only shop where welding could be done and vulcanizing. The welding apparatus generated 6,300 degrees of heat. In the immediate vicinity of Lee there ere over 150 automobiles owned by farmers and citizens (1913). Each era, as you see, has its own standards and from which levels, progress continues!!!
The entire area listed many up-to-date developments due, no doubt, to the Norwegian roots which had spread throughout. By the year 1913, too, so much progress was evident that the Norwegians were celebrating their second reunion to which over two thousand came ... "For two days those Hardangers (their origins in Norway) visited and sang and in the great tent just northwest of town, they assembled to bear tidings from one to another and arrange for attendance of the Hardangers at the homecoming back at the old childhood haunts in the fatherland. Without the slightest in convenience, that vast multitude was cared for in and around the little village of Lee.
During the two days' session not one boisterous word was uttered. Not a single police officer was detailed to care for the crowd. It was the best behaved crowd that ever met in Lee County ... Not a saloon can be found in the township. At one time a "blind pig" attempted to foist itself upon the community but by the time those Norwegians got through with the proprietors, a lesson had been taught which has not been forgotten to this day."
Alto Township in the far northeast corner of Lee County was mostly open prairie. It had but one grove of trees, Plum Thicket, and for decades had been the site of vast herds of livestock to graze once settlement had taken place in the area. Being as it was open prairie (homesteads had not been built because there were no groves for protection, for fuel, for building cabins ... The prairie grasses were inexpensive (free) food for cattle or sheep or horses brought there to feed from miles away.
Livestock by the thousands were herded onto those prairies. But then settlement began to take place and little by little the grazers began to become a nuisance causing damage to the first crops, some fences and so forth. Finally an ordinance had to be passed that the cattle must be fenced in at night and damages would be paid by their owners to full price ... Second offense, double and etc. Each owner would be his own poundmaster, "Civilization" moved in and the vast acres of buffalo bones which were found there by the first "suckers" coming/going along the Peoria-Galena. Trails had been plowed under. The bones indicated, didn't they? That primitive livestock had grazed there also in centuries before. Such "legends" were eventually forgotten as harrows and furrows replaced the bellow of bulls, wild or domestic.
So, you say, it was inevitable that the Norwegians would bring success to the farming and business of the area because of the rich soils. Perhaps. But because of their diligent enterprise that Norwegian neighborhood saw growth and prosperity within a generation of settlement.
The mountains and fjords of Norway had had limited land available for the nineteenth century citizen so America had great appeal for the farmer/business man of the time. They found their early Valhalla in America.
Next week Another view.
Sunday Worship: 9:00 am
For additional information, corrections, or a posting of events, contact Jo Lyn Kruse at or email
A ship-shaped metal rod "skeleton" represents a Norse Viking ship at Norway, Illinois, the first Norwegian settlement in the United States. Norway is northeast of Ottawa and south of DeKalb. The former Lutheran church there is the community museum open 1:00 to 5:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, May-September. The "Norway Store" across the road has fifth generation proprietors. It is a busy general store with a cafe with limited hours. An interesting old fashioned-like store. Norway, the town, has dwindled in numbers over the years but the store and a huge dirt race track mark it on the map. Follow Rt. 52 to Rt. 71 through beautiful farm country, above ordinary farmsteads and you'll see the legacy of the pioneer Norwegians!
What a crazy week last week was! I don't even know where to start. Can anyone imagine me speechless? I didn't think so. I have so many things to say! The first order of business is all the Thank You's I owe so many people!
After the ever so crazy storm we had on Monday evening, wrenches were thrown everywhere! The first was the power being out at our house like most of the county. I feel for those who were still without power after we had ours back on. Ours was out for only 32 hours and I know I talked to others who were over the 50 hour range or theirs was still not on! Thankfully I was able to use my grandparents shower for the few days since I was without one at home! It was the best shower house around!
The tractor drive was a little rerouted due to some down trees and the rain drenched fair grounds. We took off from the Milledgeville High School instead, which actually worked a little bit better I thought. We also had another glitch in the day as the Lake Carroll Clubhouse was also without power! So our lunch plans needed a complete revamping. I am very grateful for and owe Bobbi Janssen and my assistant Jessica Rubio a huge Thank You. Bobbi brought in the Pork Producers cooker to the Lanark Park and cooked hamburgers for us. Jessica did all the running around to get all your typical picnic supplies and the meat, which at the time I called her I wasn't sure what it would be! Also helping out and making the day a success were the Carroll County Locker, Margo and Heidi Weber, Leroy and Hazel Getz, John Nesemeier, Allen Derrer, Darrell Stitzel, Larry Alexander, Tina at Shaw's, the Carroll County Sheriff's Department, and Marion Zemke, I also owe a big thank you to our summer intern Stephanie Foltz. She was a tremendous help all through the week. I pretty much left her with the tractors as I darted off to make sure we had something to eat. I hope I have not left anyone out!! It was such a busy and hectic day that it was nothing but a blur. If I left anyone out, I apologize, your help was greatly appreciated too.
The sheep rodeo was another success. Thank you to our sponsors for donating $50 saving bonds to the riders of the rodeo. Those sponsors were: Carroll Service Company, Clark Carroll Insurance Agency, COUNTRY Financial, Eastland Feed & Grain, First Class Insurance Agency, Lanark Ag Center, Milledgeville State Bank, Mt. Carroll Veterinary Clinic, Shank's Veterinary Equipment, THE National Bank, and WCCI Radio. Also thank you to Ray Hutchison for bringing in his sheep. We definitely couldn't have done it without them.
We also had a very busy week at the Children's Farm. Wednesday was definitely our busiest day. We are estimating about 300 kids went through that day alone, which doesn't include those who we scared away. Some kids heard chores and weren't sure what they were going to get themselves into. The Women's Committee held a milk mustache contest in cooperation with Midwest Dairy Association and took pictures on Wednesday. Stephanie will have a full report on the Milk Mustache contest in the paper next week.
Now that the fair is over, it is time to sit back and relax a little bit. Well maybe not considering it is time to plan all of the fall events and peaches will be in next week. Oh well, maybe in a month or two.
FS: 3 wheel mobility scooter. In new condition, $450 or best offer, .
FS: New queen size box spring, still in plastic, $100.
FS; Used heavy duty whirlpool gas dryer, $50,
FS: 1984 FXRST Evo engine. Starts/runs good, $6000.
FS: 1994 Chevy 1500 long box, ? ton, 4x4, 58,000 miles, runs good.
FS: International 1150 grinder/mixer.
FS: $5 or best offer. 8 or so bundles of roofing shingles. .
FS: 5 horse pump & accessories, $200 obo. 3 horse lawn edger, used 1 time, $100 obo. For more information call .
Wanted: 3.7 ft mower.
Wanted to Buy: Pair of mature 'talkative' geese. Needed in deterring unwanted visitors around duck coop enclosure. Call .
FS: RCA colored TV 27 in, $250. Sony colored TV 35 in, $350. Entertainment center solid cherry wood, opening for 27 in tv, also openings for DVD, CD & VCR. Asking $500. All items..Or Best Offer. .
FS: 1978 Pontiac Bonneville, 1 owner, rust free, $1200 OBO. .
FS: Homegrown tomatoes.
FS: Shetland Sheep Ram Lambs, Pygmy Goat Babies, Ducks, & Baby Guineas. or .
Free Calendar items are for Non-Profit Organizations. When submitting information please keep it as minimal as possible - Who, What, Where, When and a contact number. That way more items may be listed each week. Send calendar information to:
The Pearl City area Outreach Food Pantry from 9-11 a.m. for drop-off the first Saturday of the month. Then pick-up will on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 9-11 a.m. Located in the lower level of the Pearl City Methodist Church.
The GROwing Table open from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday with Warm meals served at no charge, open to the public. Donations accepted. Located at the old Chestnut Park School Facility - now the New Unity Deliverance & Worship Center, 926 Viaduct Rd, Savanna. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Pastor Floyd West at , , or .
The Carroll County Veterans Assistance Commission (located in the Carroll County Courthouse), is open 8 a.m. to noon Mon., Wed. and Fri. The first and third Wed. of the month, an IDES veterans employment representative is available to help with veterans' employment needs. For additional information, contact John Helms at .
The Wysox Township Library at Milledgeville will host a story time every Wednesday, beginning on January 9 and continuing through May 28. Story times begin at 10:00 and are open to children accompanied by an adult. For more information, call the library at .
Hospice of the Rock River Valley invites individuals to attend A Mother's Love. Any adult child who has lost a mother is invited to come share, laugh, communicate and heal from 4-5 p.m. every Monday (Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28) at the Hospice of the Rock River Valley Office, 264 IL Route 2, Dixon. For more information call or view www.hospicerockriver.org.
It's difficult enough to find family entertainment, and the burden of soaring gasoline prices only exacerbate the problem. What if you could stay in Carroll County and see a free movie? This summer, you can. TheMount Carroll United Methodist Church at 216 S. Main St. in Mount Carroll will be hosting a free movie each Saturday from June 14 until August 30. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket, and bug spray, to the lot on the north side of the church. In inclement weather, movies will be inside the fellowship hall.Movies will be "fun for the whole family" productions from major studios. Like in the old days, a short cartoon or comedy will precede the feature show. Although, the church's public exhibition license doesn't allow them to advertise which movies will be shown, there is a rumor that a certain fedora-wearing archeologist may appear on the screen in June.For more information, call or .
Joins us on the 2nd Wed. of the month (Jan. 9) for our monthly Lions Club meetings at Antl Hall, Savanna. For more information contact: Brian Reusch at .
The Dixie Melody Boys (a southern gospel quartet you won't want to miss) will perform at Praise in the Park, held at Krape Park, Freeport, Illinois on Friday, Aug. 15. Concessions available. Join in this nondenominational evening of fellowship and praise. For information .
The 5th gathering of the Business Card Networking Exchange shall be at Checo's Family Restaurant, Rt 78, in Stockton, IL, on Thursday evening, Aug. 14. Check out the website, www.NWILbusiness.com for details, or call Jeanne Byers Spraetz, MA CCC SLP at (cell) or . Start making business relationships by attending our monthly meetings.
Everyone is invited to an evening of great Christian music (bluegrass, traditional, contemporary). Saturday, Aug 16th on the lawn at Mt Carroll Church of God (corner of Rts 64 & 78) 5:00 pm - to 9:00 pm. Will be held inside in the event of rain. No admission fee. Fundraiser. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and be ready to have a good time. Contact the church at for more information.
A horse-drawn drive & ride is set for Saturday, Aug. 16 for the 1st Annual Loran Festival to commemorate the Village of Loran. The drive & ride is sponsored by the Northern Illinois Horse Driving Club and area horse owners are invited to join in the parade and drive. For more information, contact David Brown, , Jill Miller, , or John Knoup, .
Join Massbach Ridge Winery for their Pre-Harvest Open House on Sat., August 16th from Noon to 6pm. Tastings, tours and entertainment for a minimal tasting fee. Tasting room is open every week-end, Fri-Sun., from Noon to 6pm. Massbach Ridge Winery is located at 8837 S. Massbach Rd, Elizabeth, IL. For info, call or visit their web site at www.MassbachRidge.com
Join us for the Lanark Church of the Brethren Block Party on Sunday, Aug. 17. Supper, games, face painting, and lots of fun for everyone.
Call , or Pastor John Sgro at 493-6210 for details.
The Twins are Coming! The Morrison Family Recreation Action Team is proud to present for your listening and dancing pleasure - Doug and Don Sprosty, the twin callers. They will be performing on Sunday, Aug.17, from 2:30-4:30 at the Odell Library Community Room. These guys are great to listen to even if you do not square dance. Plus for entertainment, a square dance is a joy to watch. The dance will be for beginners, mainstream, and plus dancers. Families, couples, and singles are invited. There is an admission fee.
Meetings are on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. of every month at the Fulton Presbyterian Church, 331 N. 9th, Fulton. Any questions call Susan May .
Meet on the third Tuesday at 12 noon of every month (Jan. 18) at the Community Building in Chadwick.
The Lanark United Methodist Church Shawl Ministry invites anyone to come knit with us. We witness to God's love by knitting, blessing, and giving shawls to those in need of friendship, celebration, healing, and comfort. Knit 3, Purl 3 come share God's work with us, at 7 p.m.on the first and third Thursdays, at Lanark United Methodist Church. Questions? Call Marcia Merchant, .
Celebrate with the Northern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL) during their 3rd Annual "Walk & Roll" disability awareness and fundraising event on Saturday, Aug. 23. Registration begins at 8am at the Sterling High School Commons. The event runs from 9am to noon. The "Walking & Rolling" event is a 1.3 mile course. For details or to register your team, call 1-, or 1- (Toll free TTY).
Come to "Chocolate Sundae" on Sunday, Aug. 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 312 S. High St. in Lanark. Join us for sundaes, pie, brownies, ice cream, floats and hot dogs, with donations going to World Hunger.
A youth fishing clinic will be held at Frog Pond, located 1.5 miles south of Savanna on Rt. 84. Look for the banners along the road. Saturday, September 6, is the day, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hillary Johnson, with the Corps of Engineers, will have a fun and interactive program on water safety along with other instructional activities. Children 6 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the day. The Service will provide poles (for those that do not have their own), bait, lessons and some good 'ol fishing fun. Following an exciting day of fishing will be a "shore lunch", hot dog cookout. Contact the District Office at (815) 273-2732, to register your child or volunteer to help. Registration ends September 5 at 4 pm. Please bring your own fishing pole if you have one.
4th annual Mystery Fun Run. This year our run is to benefit the Polo Fire Dept. Sunday, Sept. 28, Rain or Shine. Start at the Fire House from 9AM to 11 AM. All vehicles are welcome! Ends at Jeff's Ref's Bar, Main St. in Polo. Last Vehicle in at 5:00 PM. Door Prizes and 50/50 drawing. Donation per rider. Question? Call Dennis Yeager
Have you heard of the rare nickel that recently sold for $3 million?Did you know that a penny found in a "Leave a Penny, Take a Penny" tray at a gas station later sold for $400? There are many coins worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.You may own some of them and not know it. The First State Bank of Shannon has arranged for professional numismatist, Ron Beckstrom, a dealer-member of the American Numismatic Association,to appraise your coins for free. Hewill be available toevaluate your items atthe bank from 8:00 am until noon on Saturday, October 25th. He will also buy them, and/or appraise your unwanted gold jewelry. For more information, call FSB of Shannon at .
Benefit for Bob & Jill Mellnick Family (Due to Motorcycle Accident with serious injuries on July 1st. Bob is still hospitalized.) Sunday, September 14th at the Pearl City Legion Hall, 12:00 PM till 5:00 PM (Open House). Menu features Roast Pig, Italian Beef, and Hot Dogs with many trimmings (Donations appreciated). Silent Auction / Bake Sale / 50/50 Drawing (need not be present to win) Hope to see you there! *If you would like people to try one of your favorite dishes or would like to donate to the silent auction, please contact Karen @ , or .