More Important News

The Caswell Family Singers

The Caswell Family Singers will present a concert at the Mount Carroll First Baptist Church, 201South Main Street,at 1:30 pm on Sunday, August 23. Based in Stockton, Illinois, this musical family includes eight beautiful, bright and talented children from 8 to 22 who arrange and perform a variety of sacred, traditional and patriotic songs. The concert is free, and everyone is invited to attend.A dessert reception will follow the program. (Photo courtesy of Clif Jacobs)

Boettcher-Simmons

Breana Boettcher and Daniel Simmons are engaged to be married on September 12, 2009, at The Church on the Side of the Road, Rockton, IL. Parents of the couple are Randy and Karen Boettcher of Machensey Park and Amy Simmons of Lanark.

Breana graduated from Harlem High School in 2003, Rockford College in 2007 and the University of Arizona in 2009. Breana is currently employed as a Manager of Blockbuster in Freeport. Dan graduated from Lanark High School in 2006, attended Eastern University, and is employed at Lowe's Distribution Center in Rockford.

Schriner-Feltmeyer

Cynthia Schriner of Archbold, Ohio and Jordan Feltmeyer of Lanark, Illinois, would like to announce their engagement to be married.

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Mike and Mary Schriner of Archbold, Ohio. Cindy is a 2005 graduate of Archbold High School, a 2007 graduate of Lakeland College and a 2009 graduate of Western Illinois University with a major in Agriculture Education. She is currently employed as the Agriculture Science teacher at Chadwick/Milledgeville High School in Milledgeville, Ill. The groom is the son of Mike and Darcie Feltmeyer of Lanark, Illinois. Jordan is a 2005 graduate of Eastland High School and a 2007 graduate of Lakeland College with a major in John Deere Technology. He is currently employed by Sloan Implement in Lanark, Illinois. They are to be married on September 12, 2009 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna, Illinois.

Heartland Pets

Meet Big Boy. He is an adult male cat that came to the shelter as a stray. He loves attention and especially loves to be combed and groomed. Older cats make wonderful, quiet companions, and Big Boy would love to have his own family to love. Heartland Pet Welfare is located at 2400 Wacker Rd. in Savanna. Call today - - for an appointment to meet Big Boy and the many other adult cats looking for a home. There are also many cute kittens ready for adoption at the shelter.

Clowns for Christ at Elizabeth Church

Clowns for Christ will lead the congregation in songs, parables and teaching moments 9 a.m., Sunday, August 30th. Rally Day is the kick-off for Sunday School at the Elizabeth First United Methodist Church.Please join us as we celebrate God's truth with all ages. The church is located at 309 S. Main St., Elizabeth, IL. For more information please call . (Photo courtesy of Judy Woodruff, ThePhotoLady.biz)

Accident Claims Milledgeville Man

On Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 11:24 hours, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from 1866 Ogle Road in rural Milledgeville reporting a tractor had rolled over on top of a subject. Milledgeville Fire and Ambulance responded.

The operator of the tractor, 54 year old Myron E. Richter of rural Milledgeville was transported by Milledgeville Ambulance to CGH Medical Center in Sterling where he was pronounced dead. CGH ambulance also assisted.

The accident remains under investigation by the Carroll County Sheriff's Office and the Whiteside County Coroners Office. No further information is being released at this time.

Iowa Man Injured In Accident

On Tuesday August 11, the Carroll County Sheriff's Department was called to a one-vehicle accident at Scenic Ridge Road and Zion Road. A passenger vehicle driven by Ethan Kramer of Davenport, Iowa was traveling north on Scenic Ridge Road when it left the roadway crashing into a hay field. The driver was transported from the scene by Savanna EMS, and then transferred to Lifeline helicopter that transported him to St. Anthony's Hospital in Rockford, Illinois. No further information is available at this time.

Governor Signs Sen. Bivins' County Jail Inmate Fine Bill

SPRINGFIELD ­ County jail inmates who have not paid a fine or court costs will have their commissary money garnished to pay those costs, under a new law sponsored by State Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon).

Senate Bill 2095 allows a sheriff to deduct from a county jail prisoner's commissary fund an amount up to the prisoner's outstanding balance on a fine, restitution or court costs.

"Sheriffs in Illinois will now have the ability to help counties collect some of the millions in fines they are owed by inmates incarcerated in their jails," Bivins said. "An Illinois Sheriffs' Association survey showed that the responding counties are owed, on average, $5.4 million each in unpaid fines."

The new law states that the Sheriff must receive notification from the Circuit Clerk of any outstanding fine, restitution or costs of the prisoner. The Sheriff can deduct up to the amount of the outstanding amount and forward that to the Circuit Clerk. The Sheriff must also provide the prisoner with written notice of any amount deducted.

Senate Bill 2095 was passed by a 51-3-3 vote in the Senate and a 114-0-0 vote in the House of Representatives.

Also sponsored by State Rep. Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica), Senate Bill 2095 was signed by the Governor Aug. 13 and has an immediate effective date.

Sociable Senior Singles

The August meeting for the Sociable Senior Singles will be August 21 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Naaman Diehl, Mt. Carroll. Participants are asked to bring snack food. The program will be "Show and Tell" where members are asked to bring favorite items and tell stories about these items. It should be quite unique and very interesting. Carpooling can be arranged by calling the Senior Center at or toll free at . Please feel welcome to join the Sociable Senior Singles for food and friendship.

Carroll County Senior Center News

We are once again offering a review session for those needing to take a driving test. It will be August 28 from 9:30 to 11:30. This is not the class for an insurance discount. It is the class for driver's license renewal.

Carroll County Municipal Partners Review Building Codes

Discussion continues among mayors, presidents and their councils about building codes, enforcement, inspection, how to share costs and how to do it all affordably. At their last meeting of Municipal Partners on July 29th in Mt. Carroll, they reviewed permits and fees for the seven Carroll County communities. No community has decided to adopt building codes ­ all communities want to learn more about how such adoption will affect their communities.

Two building inspectors will speak at the next Municipal Partners meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 27 at 7 pm in the Community Center in Mt. Carroll.

Rick Piccolo of B&F Technical Code Service of Hoffman Estates will join Kent Anderson, Building Inspector for the city of Geneseo, to talk about their work with multiple communities and sometimes different building codes.

"Municipal Partners" is a project of the Carroll County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Committee (CEDS) to bring elected municipal officials of Carroll County together to explore benefits of working together, sharing costs, and collaborating on common issues.

Please contact Laurie Gungel with questions.

TLP Announces 2010 Summer Line Up

Timber Lake Playhouse and Artistic Director James Beaudry proudly announce their 2010 summer line up, a thrilling blend of Broadway's newest smash hits, hilarious comedies, heartwarming dramas, and classic musicals for the entire family. Discounted Gold Series Subscriptions for the Playhouse's 49th summer season are now available for a limited time.

Kicking off the season with big bangs will be Hairspray. Your #1 choice from our audience survey is the Tony winning Best Musical from 2003. It's 1960 and plus-sized teen Tracy Turblad has dreams as big as her beehive. Can she manage to win a role as a dancer on The Corny Collins Show, shake up her square parents and find true love ­ all without mussing her hair? Hairspray is a glittering, high energy spectacle of a show for the entire family.

Following Hairspray will be your top pick for a play from our audience survey, Steel Magnolias. This funny and touching comedy-drama tells the stories of six southern women who gather regularly in Truvy's beauty salon. Over three years, the unlikely ties of these strong-willed women are tested by the joys and tragedies of family, friendships and growing older.

Celebrate the Fourth of July with Timber Lake Playhouse and the All-American musical, Oklahoma! As ranchers and farmers struggle for control of the Oklahoma Territory, two unlikely love stories emerge along with plenty of laughs and stunning dances in this celebration of the American Spirit. Join us as director James Beaudry breathes new life into Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic.

The fourth show of the season will be the side-splitting comedy Love, Sex & the I.R.S. This wild farce begins when two out-of-work male musicians try to save money by filing their tax returns as a married couple. A visit from the taxman throws the men into a tailspin as they try to pull off the biggest performance of their lives. Add a mother, an ex-girlfriend, a secret affair and a snooping landlord, and the laughter never ends!

Opening July 29th will be Curtains, a brand new musical comedy whodunit by Kander & Ebb, the team who gave us such exciting musicals as Chicago and Cabaret. The laughs and thrills begin when a leading lady who can't sing or dance is murdered on opening night. The bodies begin to pile up as the money-hungry producers, flamboyant director, divorced song writing team, battling ingénues, and a detective with a little theatrical experience of his own fight for control of the show. Filled with "knock 'em dead" production numbers (literally), Curtains is part murder mystery and part side-splitting farce all in one big, splashy, old-fashioned musical.

The final show of our season will be the area premiere of the Tony Award winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, about which the New York Times asks, "Can you spell I-R-R-E-S-I-S-T-I-B-L-E?" Six "10-year-olds" and more than a few adults learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser in this hilarious and heart-warming musical tale of adolescent outsiders vying for the championship of a lifetime. Featuring local celebrity guests, an embittered former champion returning to emcee, and lots of audience interaction, this show is will keep you laughing from beginning to end.

While these are the plays and musicals the playhouse has selected, the titles are subject to change, pending availability from the licensing companies. Timber Lake's 49th Season will run from June 3rd through August 24th next year.

Gold Series Subscriptions for 2010 are now on sale for a limited time. Tickets to all six shows are only $90, that's a terrific savings of $30 off the individual ticket price. This rate is only available through the end of the 2009 season, so subscriptions must be purchased by August 23rd to take advantage of this tremendous discount before the price increases.

Reserve your season tickets today by calling our Box Office at from 11am-7pm thru August 23rd. Gold Series Subscriptions ensure your seat at all of these six amazing shows. These subscriptions are available for a limited time only, so call today for the discounted price. Don't forget to check us out online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

Winners of the 2009 Scenes of the Upper Miss River Refuge Photo Contest

The Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge congratulates everyone who entered in the Summer 2009 contest. As usual, there were many excellent photo's taken around the refuge. We would like to encourage you shutterbugs out there to submit your photos next year. Thanks to all the photographers that participated in the 2009 photo contest.

Congratulations to the winners in the following categories:

Scenic Views of the Refuge:

1st Place ­ Nana Campana, Thomson, IL

2nd Place ­ Nana Campana, Thomson, IL

3rd Place ­ Les Zigurski, Scales Mound, IL

Birds of Refuge:

1st Place ­ Gary Gordon, Freeport, IL

2nd Place ­ Mic Barnes, Clinton, IA

3rd Place ­ Wally Emmert, Charlotte, IA

Other Wildlife of the Refuge:

1st Place ­ Randy Mead , Fulton, IL

2nd Place ­ Wally Emmert, Charlotte, IA

3rd Place ­ Randy Mead , Fulton, IL Artistic Photos of the Refuge:

1st Place ­ Grant Cadogan, Clinton, IA

2nd Place ­ Bill Svoboda, Thomson, IL

3rd Place ­ Roger Dorneden, Apple River, IL

Best of Show: Gary Gordon, Freeport, IL

Journey Through Grief Support Group Meets

A death in the family is a heart wrenching experience that we must face eventually. Everyone needs help as they cope with the normal feelings of grief experienced at the death of a loved one or friends - feelings of confusion, loneliness, loss of identity and self esteem. Join with others who have experienced what you are going through at this difficult time in your life.

Journey Through Grief Support Group for adults meets at the Warren Community Building each month for a confidential time of sharing with others who have experienced loss in their lives. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 7 p.m. The topics that will be covered at this meeting will be "The Unasked Questions of Children" and "The Funeral-Where Do the Children Fit In?"

It is recommended that you wait at least three to four months after the loss to attend. The meetings are free and the facility is handicap accessible.

For more information please contact Bonnie Vondra at or Eunice Vondra at .

Get Hooked on Fishing

Kids Fishing Day, September 12th

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 September 12, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 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 11 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 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.

Plum River Playhouse to Hold Auditions

Plum River Playhouse will hold auditions for their next play, Larry Shue's The Nerd, on Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 P.M. at the Plum River Masonic Hall, 117 N. Main Street, Stockton, Illinois. Anyone interested in performing is welcome to audition at that time. The cast for The Nerd includes five men and seven women.

The show will be directed by Richard Hall, General Manager of Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. The play will be performed at Plum River Playhouse, 117 N. Main Street, Stockton, Illinois on October 30, 31, and November 1.

The Nerd is a comedy about a small town architect from Indiana who is a Viet Nam war veteran who gets more than he expects or asks for when a guest arrives for dinner. The visit is a surprise from a man he never met but who he credits with saving his life while in combat. His fellow G.I., however, turns out to be a bumbling, socially inept nerd. The unexpected visitor soon overstays his welcome, creating one hilarious situation after another.

Elizabeth Methodist Church Celebrates 175th Anniversary

Elizabeth, Illinois - 175 years ago the Elizabeth First United Methodist Church opened its doors. On September 20th everyone is invited to attend the anniversary celebration.

Worship begins at 10 a.m. followed by a potluck meal. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and the Northern Illinois District Superintendent, The Rev. Ouk-Yean Kim Jueng, are expected to attend along with former pastors, state, county and local dignitaries. The Galena United Methodist Church, as part of the area cluster, will cancel their regular Galena church service and join Elizabeth in their celebration.

The church is located at 309 S. Main St., Elizabeth, Illinois. For more information please call:

Pearl City Post Office Holds Passport Fair

PEARL CITY IL ­ For people planning a trip outside the country, the local Post Office can help travelers get there with the right documents.

On Friday and Saturday, August 28-29, 2009, the Pearl City Post Office, located at 105 S Main Street, will host a "Passport Fair" from 9:00 ­ 12:00. Postal Service sales and service associates will help residents with passport applications, fees and photos.

Effective June 1, 2009, U.S. Citizens must present a valid U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security, when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. This change primarily affects United States and Canadian citizens, who have previously been permitted entry by oral declaration alone. They indicated this marks the transition toward standard and consistent documents for all travelers entering the country.

Travelers can now apply for either a passport or the new U.S. Passport Card at the Pearl City Post Office. The Passport Card can only be used to travel by land or sea between the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

"Passport Fairs' make it easy and convenient for travelers to apply for a passport or passport card," said Pearl City Postmaster Deborah Graves. However, the Pearl City Post Office regularly accepts passports Monday ­ Friday 9:00 ­ 12:00 and 1:30 ­ 3:30.

The State Department advises passport production time averages four to six weeks.

To help the passport application process go smoothly and efficiently, the Postal Service recommends the following:

- Bring in proper proof of American citizenship. This must be either: a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; a previous U.S. passport; a certificate of citizenship; or a naturalization certificate. (Please note: a hospital-issued birth certificate alone is not acceptable.)

- Bring in proof of identity. This must be either: a previous U.S. passport; a naturalization certificate; a certificate of citizenship; or a current valid driver's license, government ID or military photo ID.

- The passport application requires two identical color photographs and according to the State Department they can be no older than six months. Passport photo service will be available on site for $15.

- To save time, customers can download a passport application at www.usps.com/passport or stop by your local post office to request an application and complete the application beforehand (do not sign the application ­ customers will be requested to sign at the time they present the paperwork).

All applicants must appear in person (including minors). Applicants under age 16 must appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a notarized authorization from the absent parent is required. Contact the post office for the proper forms.

Graves also emphasized the importance of bringing the appropriate documentation, a complete list of which can be found at www.usps.com/passport.

Green Jobs & Career Resources Highlighted at Green Fair

The second annual Green Fair, September 26th, in Elizabeth, IL, is offering a special segment on green careers, education and job information. Exhibitors specializing in environmental career and job opportunities include: Eco Achievers, Illinois Solar Energy Association, Fehr-Graham & Associates, and Highland Community College.

In addition to their exhibitor tables, representatives have also scheduled specific presentation topics. David Vrtol, Instructor of Wind Technology and Electronics at Highland Community College, will speak on Education in Renewable Energy. Jason LaFleur, President and Director of Curriculum, Eco Achievers educational organization from Chicago and also representing the Illinois Solar Energy Association, will present Finding Your Green Career and also will give a presentation about solar energy. Adam Holder, a professional engineer with Fehr-Graham & Associates will address Engineering Disciplines.

To receive a detailed Fair brochure contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling and Conservation Programs Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension, or email . The Green Fair website is www.nwil-greenfair.com. The Fair is held at Highland Community College West, Elizabeth, IL, and will run from 9:00 a.m. ­ 4:00 p.m. For Jo Daviess County visitor information, call or visit their website, www.galena.org.

Household Battery Recycling Update

Due to new government agency regulations that affect battery packaging and transportation, the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency and University of Illinois Extension is temporarily suspending their battery recycling collection. The battery program has been available at numerous drop-off sites throughout Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. The Solid Waste Agency hopes to offer the program in the future under new guidelines.

Citizens should continue to recycle their rechargeable batteries, which are banned from landfill disposal. To find a recycling site, check where you purchase them or go to the website www.call2recycle.org to find rechargeable battery recycling locations. Alkaline batteries may be disposed of with the regular waste collection.

The Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency and University of Illinois Extension extend their thanks to the retailers, libraries, and banks that have been drop-off sites for this program and also to the citizens participating in the program. Questions regarding this or any other recycling issue should be directed to Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling & Conservation Programs Coordinator, at , or .

Lesson for Living

Prepare now for busy autumn and winter days by attending the University of Illinois Extension lesson on"Maximizing Kitchen Appliances ­ Slow Cookers." Sarah Todd, Extension Educator will present this program at 1:30 p.m. August 27th at the University of Illinois meeting room, 807D South Clay St. in Mt. Carroll.

Participants will learn how to check a slow cooker for safety, cooking techniques for use with slow cookers, and will receive forty recipes for appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts suitable for use with slow cookers.

The program is free for all HCE members, but there will be a $5.00 materials fee for the general public. To register for this program, please call the Carroll County Extension office at .

Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois Monthly Community Education Meeting

STOCKTON, ILLINOIS - Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois invites you to their next Community Education Meeting at the Stockton Park House at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Virginia Hill, of the University of Illinois Extension Office, Elizabeth will present a program on Nutrition, entitled "My Pyramid for Seniors." The public is invited to join us at this informative program. There is no cost, and the Stockton Park House is handicapped accessible.

Please call the Hospice Office at if you plan to attend, as seating is limited. This event is also sponsored by the Stephenson County Senior Center.

Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois is an all-volunteer, community based hospice providing educational, supportive and compassionate services to the terminally ill, chronically ill or disabled, and to those who are grieving. The monthly Volunteer Meetings are held as an educational opportunity for volunteers of the organization and the general public. 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 or email us at .

July Rainfall in NW Illinois

The volunteer rain recorders for University of Illinois Extension report their July totals. I Carroll County:

Richard Fuller, Mt. Carroll 6.97; Nancy Gable, Mt. Carroll 7.85; Les Grim, Mt. Carroll 8.60; Maynard Kehl, Mt. Carroll 6.95; Kenneth Rahn, Mt. Carroll 6.80; Mary Rapp, Mt. Carroll 7.57; Tom Tuite, Mt. Carroll 9.10; Allen Beyer, Savanna 8.80; Leroy Getz, Savanna 9.20; Keith Rath, Savanna 8.96; Paul Rath, Savanna 12.00; Douglas Kalec, Thomson 8.70; Tim Adolph, Chadwick 6.30; Raymond Henningsen, Chadwick 7.99; George Weber, Chadwick 9.20; Bob Yingling, Chadwick 6.30; Shirley Cheeseman, Milledgeville 6.10; Frank Fogel, Milledgeville 7.80; Phyllis Wagenknecht, Milledgeville 3.60; Edna Beattie, Lanark 4.50; Kris Lauritzen, Lanark 7.50; Robert Michael, Lanark 5.70; Jim Endress, Shannon 6.30; Eileen Kent, Shannon 6.54; and Mary LaShelle Mantle, Shannon 6.62.

In Jo Daviess County: Don Terry, Apple River 9.43; Greg Haas, Elizabeth 9.20; Dwight Bischel, Galena 7.65; Mary Dittmar, Galena 5.90; Wayne Dyrke, Galena 4.68; Darlene Farrey, Galena 7.00; Catherine Winslow, Galena 7.59; Ray & Riley Wolter, Hanover 9.90; Virginia Niemeier, Lena 9.20; David Fernstaedt, Stockton 8.20; Herbert Hill, Stockton 6.24; David Marcure, Stockton 8.03; and Arlo Paxton, Stockton 9.50.

From the Fields

By Jim Morrison

Ext. Educator, Crop Systems

Rockford Extension Center, U of I

Variety selection is an important management decision in crop production. As northern Illinois wheat producers make plans for seeding winter wheat next month, current variety information is available at University of Illinois Extension offices and on the World Wide Web.

2009 yield and test weight data from public and private wheat varieties grown at University of Illinois Agronomy Research Centers across the state are available at this website http://vt.cropsci.illinois.edu/wheat.html Also included is the two-year (2008-09) and three-year (2007-09) yield average. Data is available back to 1997.

This year, 70 winter wheat varieties tested at the DeKalb site, averaged 99 bushels per acre and the average test weight was 56.2 pounds per bushel. Yields ranged from 82.7 to 113.5 bushels per acre.

In addition to yield, agronomic characteristics and pest resistance are provided. For instance, varieties are listed regarding type (variety, blend, or hybrid), head type (bearded, not bearded, or tip-awned), and scored for maturity, winter hardiness, plant height, standability, and resistance to various diseases (leaf rust and Septoria) and to the Hessian fly. The web site also provides Fusarium Head Scab disease evaluation ratings for the varieties in the wheat trials at Urbana.

Soil type and cultural practices, such as seeding date and rate, nitrogen fertilizer, etc., at each of the Agronomy Research Centers are listed.

A study of a seed treatment insecticide was also conducted at the Agronomy Research Centers. Averaged over seven varieties at DeKalb, seed treatment insecticide (Macho) increased yield by 2.5 bushels per acre.

Wheat Performance in Illinois Trials-2009 is a publication, available soon at Extension offices, that contains the above-mentioned information. The publication is also available at http://vt.cropsci.illinois.edu/wheat.html

To have the most current, research-based variety information available, wheat producers are encouraged to consult these references. Assistance in obtaining this information is available at local University of Illinois Extension offices.

Check Out New CSP

It's finally herethe re-tooled and long-anticipated Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has arrived. Agricultural operators nationwide can now learn what the new conservation program offers, how it works, and decide whether to enroll. CSP encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner and rewards them for it.

Producers can review program details and enroll beginning August 10, 2009. Important to note is that sign-up for CSP is open nationwide and continuous, offering landowners plenty of time to look over program information, research program rules and goals to see if CSP is a good fit for their operation. IL NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle confirms NRCS teams are eager to launch the new national program. He encourages interested producers to review all applicant information and requirements at www.nrcs.usda.new_csp or visit your local county USDA Service Center today.

USDA ensures activity in the new program will reap beneficial improvements both on and off the farm. Sustainable natural resource conditions, long-term land productivity, reduced non-point source pollution, improved air quality, and enhanced wildlife habitat will be the result. CSP applicants who achieve those resultsand are willing to do even morewill be financially rewarded. CSP rewards conservationists for putting quality conservation on their land.

CSP has restrictive acreage levels for involvement. Beginning now through 2012, CSP will impact 51,076,000 acres nationwidethat's just 12,769,000 acres per year for four years. The number of eligible acres Illinois operators can reward has not been announced.

New regulations for eligibility are highly specific. Listed here are important details Illinois producers should know:

- CSP targets farm operators; participants must be legal operator of land in question for the life of the contract.

- All Operators must be documented in Farm Service Agency's (FSA) farm records management system. Those WITHOUT this statusor those with outdated or inaccurate recordsmust be enrolled in the system or update their data or they will be ineligible.

- Obtain the "Self-Screening Checklist" online or at local NRCS office; answer all questions and fill it out completely, to help you decide if CSP fits your goals and your operation.

- Other information about your operationdocumentation, maps, etc.will be required later. Be ready!

Applicants who do NOT have these particular documents in order could seriously impact their 2009 eligibilityor delay it. NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Ivan Dozier confirms this.

"Information must be documented in Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm records management system." This ensures applicant eligibility information for Adjusted Gross Income verification and it confirms compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions. In order to be eligible, all paperwork and conservation status must be in order. "If you're not ready right now, don't worry. There's plenty of time to update your information and check out the programremember, this is a continuous and ongoing enrollment," Dozier adds.

In preparation for the new program, NRCS is developing a new electronic conservation measurement tool. They will enter data and information into the computerized tool which measures, calculates, and ultimately rates the performance and effect of conservation practices installed on the land. According Dozier, "This new tool will systematically and scientifically evaluate and rank CSP applications nationwide." The tool will be available for use at the local level in mid-September.

As for what the new CSP pays out, no definitive information has been released. However, CSP will offer two possible payment scenarios: One involves an annual payment for installing and adopting additional activities, and improving, maintaining, and managing existing activities. Compensation for on-farm research and demonstration activities or pilot tests will be made through this annual payment. The other payment scenario includes a supplemental payment for folks receiving annual payments who also agree to adopt a new resource-conserving crop rotation.

Nationwide, NRCS established a target to set aside five percent of CSP acres for socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers and an additional five percent for beginning farmers or ranchers. "This ensures CSP will be available to operations of ALL shapes and sizes!" Dozier adds.

Participants will create a ''conservation stewardship plan,'' using NRCS' conservation planning process. This plan will document how producers address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner. The conservation stewardship plan contains a record of participant decisions on the schedule of conservation activities to be implemented, managed, and improved under CSP. To learn more, visit your local NRCS office or visit the website at www.nrcs.usda.new_csp.

Utilizing Cover Crops in Conventional Cropping Systems Telenet Series

A three-part telenet series titled "Utilizing Cover Crops in Conventional Cropping Systems" is scheduled for August 26th, September 9th and September 30th all Wednesdays from 12:00-1:15 p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.

According to event organizers Earl Allen, U of I Extension-Fulton County Director and Loretta Ortiz-Ribbing, U of I Extension Crop Systems Specialist, the series is being offered as a professional development opportunity for U of I Extension staff, NRCS and SWCD personnel, CCA's and other ag professionals. Primary sponsor for the series is the USDA SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) program.

An excellent line-up of multi-state speakers and registration information is available on line at www.extension.uiuc.edu/stephenson, or by calling (815) 235-4125. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program contact Nikki Keltner, U of I Extension-Stephenson County at or call (815) 235-4125.