Sacia Speaks at CFBG Meeting

Ryan Ekvall

For The Prairie Advocate News

A fiery, emboldened Jim Sacia spoke in front of close to 50 of his concerned constituents at the Citizens for Better Government meeting Tuesday night at the Rock City Fire Station. The representative of Illinois’ 89th District walked about the room prior to the meeting, shaking hands with some new faces and talking with others amidst the buzz of chatter permeating from the different small groups of neighbors, friends and strangers brought together by their concern of the local and national political scene.

Sacia, showing his disdain for the podium, paced back and forth in the front of the room; his hand gestures speaking volumes to emphasize his message of “systemic problems” throughout our government. He began his speech by sharing the sobering figures of our state’s recent budgetary history.

“We had a $52 billion budget [in Nov. 2002]....The state of IL had a deficit of between $2.5 and $5 billion....and the state of Illinois had a long term obligation of $7 billion.” Eight years after the Congressman was elected, IL has a $59 billion budget, a deficit of $13 billion – including $6 billion in arrears - and long term obligations of $27 billion. “Your grand-kids can’t get us out of it. Their kids can’t get us out of it. We are upside-down.”

For nearly 45 minutes, the representative condemned the different entitlement and aid programs that are sinking this state in debt. Sacia invoked former governor Rod Blogojevich’s misguided policies that continue to effect our local economy. One such program is All Kids, a publicly funded health care program for children.

“I’m in favor of kid’s having health care, I don’t oppose that. But we are an island, we have no residency restriction in Illinois. In 2009, All Kids cost you the taxpayers $76 million,” the Congressman continued, ”. . . We cannot account for $55 million of the $76 million. $55 million went for undocumented citizens, meaning they’re from Indiana, they’re from Missouri, they’re from Wisconsin, they’re from Iowa, they’re from Mexico, God knows from where but we’re taking care of them, because we have an All Kids program and there isn’t a state around us that does.”

Sacia drove home the suffocating legacy and entitlement costs in Illinois. “But here’s why we’re in the crisis we’re in. We have not quit giving away entitlements. This is the biggest entitlement state in the planet,” he explained, as he gave more figures sure to turn the screw of taxpayers. Medicaid payments in the state cost $27 million per day. Free ride programs for all seniors cost another $70 million per year. Welfare abuse is rampant. Sacia offered that $100 worth of Link cards (an updated food stamp system) are bought and sold for $20 cash in various areas throughout the state. “We have the worst bond rating now in the nation,” concluded the representative before yielding another 45 minutes for questions and answers.

Taken aback by the grim reality of the economic condition of our state, most questions from the audience focused on what citizens can do to turn the situation around and to break up the ‘good ole’ boys club’ mentality in Springfield. “Here’s the best chance we have this fall,” offered Sacia, “48 members of the House are Republican, 70 are Democrat . . . If we could just get a simple majority of 61, then Tom Cross (R-84th district) becomes the speaker of the House and Madigan is just another representative.”

Sacia also advised citizens to write letters to their legislators and said that “we cannot lose heart and we have to keep trying.”

Citzens for Better Government will host its third meeting August 17th at the Rock City Fire Station where Stephenson County Board candidates will make appearances.

Hunter Towing Wins Customer Service Award

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Hunter Towing the recipient of the “Because Nice Matters” Customer Service Award for the month of July. Hunter Towing was nominated for the great service they provided to a customer whose car broke down and needed to be towed. From the initial phone call for help, to getting the customer’s car fixed in a couple of hours, Hunter showed a real sense of caring throughout. Congratulations to Hunter’s for great customer service that is a normal part of the way things are done. If you have received exceptional customer service from a business in the Morrison area, contact the Chamber and tell us about your experience. Pictured l-r: Customer Service Award Winner Bruce Hunter and Chamber President Aubrey Fisher.

Morthland Campaign Volunteer Wins Statewide Call Contest

Rich Morthland (left), a member of the Rock Island County Board and Republican candidate for the open 71st House District seat, announced today Tony Holland, a campaign intern volunteer, recently won an Apple iPad in a statewide calling contest.

“I am so proud of Tony and all of our interns,” Morthland said. “His commitment to this campaign is an inspiration to all of us.”

Volunteers for the Morthland campaign participated in a calling contest among all Republican state representative campaigns in Illinois. Volunteers earned points based on the number of phone calls they made, along with the number of supporters they identified. Holland made more than 4,500 telephone calls during the week. He tied with a volunteer for a different campaign, and received an iPad for his efforts.

To date, Morthland campaign volunteers have made over 50,000 voter identification telephone calls to voters in the 71st House District. The campaign has also benefited from 10,000 telephone calls from supporting organizations.

“Tony’s efforts were so impressive,” Morthland said. “Tony was in our office day and night calling all around the district. Thanks to his efforts and the labor of our other volunteers, we have made tremendous progress toward our goal of speaking with and identifying every possible voter in the district. Betsey and I appreciate his hard work and the hard work of all our volunteers.”

For questions or more information, please contact the Committee to Elect Rich Morthland at (309) 654-2229 or via e-mail at .

Mt. Carroll High School Class of '75

The Mt. Carroll High School Class of 1975 recently held its 35th class reunion at Manny’s Too in Fulton. Class members attending were: front row: Karen (Floming) Phillips, Janice (Judas) Walter, Diane (Aude) Daggert, Jananne Schaffner, LuAnn (Rekenthaler) Meyer, Paula (Bull) Losch, Joni (James) Dauphin and Kass (Hartman) Boyd; middle row: Jim Lundgren, Tom Robinson, Jon Neuschwanger, Susan Fritz, Linda (Fecke) Anderson, Nancy Springer, Karen (Smith) Moshure, Rick Speer, Larry Libberton and Edwin Karvelius; back row: Jeff McDearmon, Ed Sheldon, Jeff Elliott, Rick Myers, Doug DuBree, Chuck Boyer, David Rose, Fred Landolt, Kurt Brunner and Gary Foltz.

Whiteside County Fair Fun

If you like “horse power,” you will find it at the Whiteside County Fair, running August 17 to 21 in Morrison at the WC Fairgrounds. From the antique tractors on display (right) to Twilight Harness Racing on Thursday, Aug. 19, you’ll find horsepower galore.

Horse power includes the Demo Derby, Draft Horses, Western Speed events, Truck & Tractor Pulls, and always a favorite, the Children’s Pedal Tractor Pulls.

For more information, see the ad in this week’s Prairie Advocate News, at www.pacc-news.com, or www.whitesidecountyfair.org.

Whiteside County Fair Premium Books

Premium books for the 140th Annual Whiteside County Fair, which runs August 17th – 21st are now available at banks throughout the county.

Over $129,000 in premiums will be offered in prize money to the winners in over 1,500 different classes. The fair premium book serves as a road map to the fair and all of the shows and events, along with providing the entry forms and processing information necessary to enter the dozens of judged competition classes. ON LINE ENTRIES.

The Whiteside County Fair now accepts Visa and MasterCard for entries and ticket purchases. You can make your entries online by following the premiums link at www.whitesidecountyfair.org and use your Visa or MasterCard for payment. All the information you need to get ready for the Whiteside County Fair is at your fingertips on our website.

Whiteside County Fair Office Hours For Entries And Ticket Sales

“Whiteside County Fair Secretary, Mary Beth Dombroski, has announced that the fair offices will be open for business beginning Monday, Aug. 9th, for the entire week prior to the 140th annual Whiteside County Fair which kicks off Aug. 17th.

The office of the secretary and treasurer are located in the building near the grandstand at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds, in Morrison, and will be open the week before the fair from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9th through Saturday, Aug. 14th. During this time they will be accepting hand delivered entries, processing those received by mail, selling reserved grandstand seating and season tickets.

Reserve grandstand seating for Tuesday and Saturday night’s demolition derbies will go on sale Monday, August 9th at the Secretary’s Office.

The office will also be open on Monday, Aug. 16th and will remain open through the end of the fair Saturday, Aug. 21st.

There are no entry fees for exhibits in the Departments of Agriculture, Floriculture, Horticulture, Textiles, Culinary and Hobbies. However, exhibitors must purchase a $15.00 season membership ticket. That ticket allows the exhibitor to enter items in any of the departments listed above and provides unlimited admission to the fairgrounds throughout the fair’s five-day run.

Livestock exhibitors are required to pay exhibit fees and should consult this year’s fair book or website for details.

All exhibitors are urged to refer to the fair premium book or website for details on the requirements to enter the various competitions, which this year offers over $129,000 in premiums, purses and prizes. The fair books are available at banks throughout Whiteside County and will be available the week before the fair at the fair office. Premium book information can also be downloaded from the fair website at www.whitesidecountyfair.org in the premium section.

Entries must be done online or in writing, with the applicable fees submitted by the appropriate deadlines as listed in the fair book.

The office will accommodate those wishing to buy season membership tickets, which allows the ticket-holder unlimited admission to the fair. An adult season membership ticket costs $15 each, while a child’s weekly pass is $3. Tickets for both children and adults may also be purchased at the gate during the fair. Single adult daily admission for the fair is $6 for those 12 years and older, and $1 for children ages 6 through 11. Children 5 and under are free.

Those wishing to reserve grandstand seating for Tuesday and Saturday night’s demolition derbies may do so during the week prior to the fair at the office. Reserved seating is $5 per person and is sold on a first-come, first-served basis with a limited number of seats available. Saving seats by using blankets, etc. for general seating is not allowed. Any items used for saving seats will be removed by the fair staff.

Bicycle Give Away will be on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 6:00 p.m. Saturday’s schedule will be at 2:00 & 6:00 with two bikes at each time.

The fair officially starts at 8:00 a.m. August 17th with the western horse show.

All the information you need to get ready for the Fair is at your fingertips on our website at www.whitesidecountyfair.org. Written inquires can be directed to the Whiteside County Fair, P.O. Box 88, Morrison, IL 61270.

Mt. Carroll Rotary Club

Mt. Carroll Rotarian Barb Brierton presents Lee Kraut of the Blackhawk Area Council/Boy Scouts with the clubs annual donation to scouting programs during the the July 20 Rotary meeting. (Courtesy of Lou Schau)

Sign Language Classes

Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL) is offering three sign language classes this fall. Beginner’s on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Sept. 9th-Oct. 28th; conversation on Thursday evenings 7:30-9:00p.m. Sept. 9th-Oct. 28th, beginner’s on Wednesday evenings 6:00-7:30 p.m. Sept. 8th-Oct. 27th. Beginners and conversation classes are held at NICIL on Thursdays. Beginner’s on Wednesdays is held at KSB Hospital. Accommodations upon request.

There is a registration fee plus the cost of the book. This must be paid prior to taking the class. Pre-registration is required. The books will be available at class. For more information contact Wayne Davis or Toll Free Voice at . 1- TTY.

Keckler on Olivet Nazarene University Dean’s List

Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL announced that Michele Keckler, a sophomore at Olivet, was named to the Spring 2010 Dean’s List. Michele is the daughter of Donald and ConniAnn Keckler of Lanark.

Michele, a 2008 graduate of Eastland High School is majoring in Christian Education and Intercultural Studies.

Corn Boil in Morrison

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce will hold a Community Corn Boil in downtown Morrison on August 7, 2010 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy some great food including BBQ or Hot Dog Meals, with chips, dessert, drink, and all you can eat of locally grown sweet corn.

In addition to the delicious food, the Morrison Rotary Club will have their “Baggo” Boards available for play and the Chamber will offer the popular “Spin Art” for the kids. Musical entertainment will be provided by Midwest Mobile Soundz.

The Corn Boil would not be possible without the assistance of our sponsors including Roland Vanderleest, DQ Grill & Chill, Fat Boy’s Bar & Grill, Alvarado’s Plumbing, Hardees, Community State Bank and HVP Vending. All proceeds from the Corn Boil go to events and projects that promote Morrison Business and Community.

Join Us for a Flavor Safari!

Are you looking for something fun to do with your children or grandchildren on a hot summer day? Join the CGH Health Foundation for a “Flavor Safari” through some local grocery stores. During the Flavor Safari, children will have the opportunity to sample new foods, receive free giveaways, learn about foods that will boost their nutrition and also enter their name in a drawing for a new bike! Stop by these area grocery stores at the times listed below, and join in the fun! (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

- Friday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Save-A-Lot (928 First Ave, Rock Falls)

- Thursday, August 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Kroger (2301 Locust St, Sterling)

- Tuesday, August 17 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. – County Market (210 West 3rd St., Sterling)

In addition, free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be available for adults only at the Save-A-Lot and County Market locations.

These free events are sponsored by the CGH Health Foundation Health and Fitness Initiative. For questions, please call (815) 625-0400, ext. 5716.

 

Conservation Tillage Expo Features Equipment Demonstrations

On August 11, 2010, the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District will host a Conservation Tillage Expo that will demonstrate various tillage systems. Vertical tillage equipment, that addresses both crop production and soil conservation, will be featured. The demonstration will be located four miles north of Thomson, Illinois just west of Illinois Route 84 on 4 Mile Road. Six area dealers will demonstrate their equipment and be available to answer questions. Equipment to be featured includes: Case True-Tandem 330 Turbo (Birkey’s-Polo), Salford RTS (Dambman Service-Milledgeville), Landoll 7430 VT Plus (Merema Brothers-Fulton), McFarlane Reel Disk (Kunau Implement-Preston, IA), HCC Smart-Till (R Equipment-Utica), and Great Plains Turbo-Till (Peabudy’s Inc.-Sterling).

From 3 to 4 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to view areas previously tilled by each piece of equipment. The areas will be tilled earlier in the day and measured for crop residue by the staff from the Carroll County SWCD and Natural Resources Conservation Service. This will give attendees the unique experience of comparing the levels of crop residue left after each tillage tool. At 4 p.m., dealers will each be giving a presentation to the crowd on the equipment they are featuring. Dealer presentations will also include a live demonstration of each tool. At the conclusion of the demonstrations, a picnic style dinner will be provided by the Carroll County SWCD. The meal will be provided to those who register in advance by calling extension 3 or sending an email to . There is no cost for attendance.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to view and compare the latest in vertical tillage systems! Make your reservations today!

Savanna is Open!

The City of Savanna and its businesses are open and ready for business—from residents and visitors alike! Businesses throughout Savanna—including those located on the north and south sides of the closed portion of Viaduct Road, on Route 84—are open for business and ready to serve their customers.

Access to businesses on either side of the closed bridge section can be gained by taking a short, scenic drive on Seven Hills Road, located at the top of Center Hill, between Savanna and Mt. Carroll on Highway 64/52. Scenic Bluff Road is also open from Route 64/52 to Airport Road and Wacker Road.

Directional signage is being placed on these routes to assist those traveling from one side of Savanna to the other. Be aware that traffic on these roads will be at a higher volume than normal and necessary precautions should be taken.

The City of Savanna, Savanna Chamber of Commerce, and Tri-County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) reminds residents the importance of continuing to shop local and supporting the businesses as they recover and prepare for the future.

Let’s work together and make the best of a less than ideal situation!

Morthland Denounces Quinn’s 67% Tax Increase

Challenges Ahern to refuse campaign cash from Madigan

Rich Morthland, the Republican nominee for the 71st State House District seat, had the following reaction to Quinn Administration Budget Director David Vaught’s statement Wednesday, July 28 that the Governor expects to approve a massive 67% increase in the state income tax rate in January.

“The fix is already in,” said Morthland (R-Cordova). “Before the voters of Illinois even have an opportunity to express their will at the ballot box in November, the Governor is ready to enact the largest tax increase in Illinois history on the backs of hard-pressed families struggling to make ends meet. Instead of raising taxes, we need to reform spending, go through the budget line-by-line, and hold state government accountable for how our tax dollars are spent.”

The reaction comes after Pat Quinn’s Budget Director, David Vaught, told a Bloomberg reporter in an interview Wednesday: “We’re going to pass a tax increase in January. We expect it is going to be substantial.” Vaught said lawmakers are likely to increase the personal income tax rate from 3 percent to 5 percent (a 67% increase) generating $6 billion of new revenue.

Morthland is calling on his opponent, Dennis Ahern, to refuse campaign donations from Mike Madigan, the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. Ahern, who has reported already receiving $12,575.38 in financial assistance from the Democrat power broker, is showing no signs of separating himself from Madigan and Governor Pat Quinn and their plan to raise taxes on Illinois working families.

“If Ahern can’t say no to Madigan now, then he won’t say no to the Madigan tax hike later,” Morthland said. “The conspiring among Democrat leadership in Springfield to mislead voters about the likelihood of a tax hike is eerily similar to what happened during the Blagojevich years.”

For questions or more information, please contact the Committee to Elect Rich Morthland at (309) 654-2229 or via e-mail at .

Ahern Thanks Local Donors

After filing his campaign committee’s financial report for the first half of the year, Dennis Ahern, Democratic candidate for state representative in the 71st District, wants to thank the 174 local donors who contributed to his efforts so far.

“I believe that voters in this district do not want more of the same from politics and politicians,” said Ahern. “I am grateful that so many regular folks believe in my efforts because they know I am simply one of them. These regular folks are like the widow at St. Mary’s Church who wrote me a check for $50.00. A recent college grad, who even though she has student loans in her future felt compelled to donate to my campaign to a stay-at-home mother of 8 who gave me $40.00 of her own money. I am truly humbled by the overwhelming support and encouragement by all who have invested in our campaign.”

Candidates for public office in Illinois are required to file semi-annual reports with the Illinois State Board of Elections in order to record the contributions they received, expenditures they made and other transactions. Reports for campaign committee activity from January 1 to June 30 are due by Tuesday, July 20. The Dennis Ahern Campaign Fund reported receiving nearly $57,000 in donations and receipts during this time. 174 individuals have donated to Ahern to date in both his current general election race and in the primary. Average contributions from these individuals are very small, showing the grassroots support for the Ahern campaign throughout the 4 counties that make up the 71st District.

“Many of my donors are neighbors, friends, people who I know from church, or people who I have met while walking door-to-door, and these are exactly the people who should have the ear of their elected officials,” said Ahern. “I am interested in public service to give these people the voice they deserve. I know that it is a difficult financial time for so many working families in our area and across the state, so I am especially grateful to those individuals who have been willing to support me and help get my message out all across the district.

To view the full report for the Dennis Ahern campaign, visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website at www.elections.il.gov and click on either “Committee Search” or “Campaign Disclosure Search.” Dennis Ahern is a candidate for state representative in the 71st District, currently held by Representative Mike Boland who is retiring in January. The 71st District encompasses portions of Carroll, Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties.

Morrison Saw Mill Tour

The Northwest Illinois Forestry Association and the Whiteside County SWCD is sponsoring a tour of Peterson’s saw mill north of Morrison on Crosby Rd. Ray, Glen, and Harold have been in business for five years. They have been sawing lumber for their own use and for others on accustom basis. There mill consists of a Wood Miser LT 40. The Peterson’s will have examples of lumber they sawed for viewing and sale.

The tour will be held at Harold Peterson Farm at 22116 Crosby Rd. Morrison, IL. From Rt. 78 take Spring Valley Rd. east one mile to Crosby Rd., go north ¼ mile on Crosby to the mill. Harold’s farm stead is on the east side of the road. The tour will be held Saturday, August 7 starting at 10 am going until 12 pm.

Please join us for this tour to see how a saw mill works and the native lumber that is produced. For more information call Dave Harrison at ex 3.

Make Your Mark . . . Paint the Town 2010

Avoid the Rush, Volunteer Now

Summer is going and September is coming. Paint the Town 2010 will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18, and the planning is in full swing. This year’s theme is: Make Your Mark.

The saying goes: It takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes an army of volunteers to put on Paint the Town and everyone is appreciated and needed. There are many tasks that must be done in the last weeks before the event. Approximately 10,000 bottles of paint arrive and must be counted, along with all the other supplies. Participant and volunteer shirts (about 2,500 of them) need to be checked in. That Saturday, however, needs the largest number of volunteers, beginning at 4 a.m. with those who put the squares on the streets to the last trash bag deposited in the dumpster often close to midnight.

If you would like to volunteer for this year’s Paint the Town, call the Morrison City Building at . Here’s a not very well kept secret – volunteer early and you’re likely to get the shift you want.

American Baptist Men Disaster Relief Available To Help Flood Victims

The American Baptist Men Disaster Relief organization is mobilizing to aid those who are limited in being able to help themselves with flood damage cleanup. This is Christian, volunteer work and there is no charges or costs to those being helped.

To qualify, one must be limited in their ability to hire others or do the work themselves. Elderly, single mothers, handicapped, etc. are generally those whom are provided services.

If you know someone or yourself is in need of help and you think you qualify please contact Dr. Malcolm Shotwell, Regional Director at 1 (217) 585-0580.

Local volunteers are also needed to help with the clean-up. If you would like to help out please contact Dr. Shotwell.

Red Cross Update

Thomson Shelter on Stand-By

The American Red Cross will be putting their shelter in Thomson, Illinois at the West Carroll Intermediate School on standby. The Red Cross is prepared to reopen the shelter if there is a need. Assistance remains available for individuals who have been affected by flooding. Those needing assistance can contact the American Red Cross in Clinton, Iowa at (563) 242-5223 or in Freeport at (815) 233-0011.

The shelters will remain open in Freeport, Illinois. As individuals arrive at the shelter, they are met by a team of volunteers who offer them food and drink and gather information. Families are provided a place to sleep and three meals a day. The number of individuals in the shelters changes frequently as families come and go. Families like Ketina’s who was in Chicago at a family reunion and receive calls, texts and pictures from friends in town who informed her of the rising flood waters. Ketina has only been in her home for a few years and it has never flooded before, so she came back, unsure if she would be able to get in her home. The police had blocked her street and she was unable to get in her home, but she knows that it has been flooded. She came to the Red Cross shelter, looking for a place to stay.

As her daughters who are 14 and 11 sit and talk about their fun weekend swimming and visiting with family in Chicago, the basement of the First Lutheran Church seems a stark contrast. But the girls have found coloring books and games and Ketina says she is happy that everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. They leave for the day with a referral to get clothing from the Freeport Area Church Cooperative and plan to come back to stay the night at the shelter.

The Red Cross has begun assessing the damage caused by flooding. The Red Cross is continuing to monitor water levels throughout the region and respond to residents as their needs are identified, including providing shelter and food.

You can help people affected by disasters like floods, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and countless crises at home and around the world by making a donation to Disaster Relief. This can be done by going to www.redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or sending a check to your local chapter.

Lanark Students Graduate from EIU

Degrees have now been officially awarded to more than 1500 Spring 2010 graduates at Eastern Illinois University.

Students were certified by their respective deans as having completed all requirements leading to the awarding of degrees.

Caleb R. Feltmeyer of Lanark received his Bachelor of Science degree.

Michelle M. Medenblik of Lanark received her Master of Science degree.

‘Go Fish’ at Shannon’s 150th Celebration

Leap of Faith Music Ministries is excited to announce their free Go Fish Concert at the Shannon Labor Day Weekend Celebration on Saturday, September 4, at 7 pm on the main stage in downtown Shannon, IL.

Go Fish are arguably one of the most unique groups in the music industry. Not only do they make music for children and families, but they create amazing sounds with just their voices and percussion. They sing music for kids that parents enjoy as well. Please bring your own lawn chairs. It is suggested that you park at Lion’s Park & take the free shuttle bus downtown. Parking will be limited downtown. A free-will offering will be taken at the concert. (In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Eastland Middle School Gym in Shannon.)

Looking ahead, back by popular demand will be David Phelps, the well-known tenor for the Bill Gaither Band, who returns for a Christmas concert on Saturday, November 27 at the Freeport Masonic Temple. Tickets go on sale Sept. 4 at the Go Fish Concert in Shannon. After Sept. 4, tickets can be purchased by calling Mary at or online at www.itickets.com

You can find Leap of Faith online at www.leapoffaithmusic.org and on Facebook under Leap of Faith of Faith Music Ministries.

Carroll County Pre-School Continues as Long as State Funding Continues

Chadwick-Milledgeville, Eastland, and West Carroll School Districts will be offering pre-school programs in 2010-11 so long as state funding for those programs continues to flow. Governor Quinn’s office announced this month that over $200 million of discretionary budget funds will be allocated to Early Childhood / Pre-School Grants for 2010-11. The Illinois State Board of Education has informed school districts to expect funding levels to be at 2009-10 levels. Actual allocations have not yet been made available to local Districts.

In Carroll County, the preschool programs are administered by a consortium of three districts: Chadwick-Milledgeville, Eastland and West Carroll. The Boards of Education have stipulated that the programs will operate a balanced budget: revenues from the state grants will match expenditures for the early childhood and pre-school programs of the three districts. Because state funding to other K-12 programs such as reading improvement, safety and block grants, special education, and others is being reduced or eliminated, the districts are in agreement that they will no longer subsidize transportation or other costs associated with pre-school programs that were traditionally the responsibility of the State.

The Carroll County Consortium will submit a revised budget for the 2010-11 grants with reductions in staffing and services as necessary to balance expenditures with the grant allocation. It is important to note that the State of Illinois as of yet owes the Carroll County Pre-School Consortium $288,000 from the 2009-10 school year. Districts have been informed that they will receive these funds by December of 2010. If future funding continues to be delayed, and local districts continue to suffer from reductions in state funding or local EAV, pre-school programs will not be sustainable.

Parents will be notified of their child’s pre-school status in early August. Any questions can be directed to the Early Step Preschool/Right Steps Family Center at (815) 273-7532.

Walking Tacos & More at GRO Fundraiser August 7

Come on down to The Table, 926 Viaduct Rd. in Savanna, for walking tacos, brats and pork chop sandwiches on Saturday, August 7, 11:00-7:00. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will match $1 for every $3 raised. Help the Great River Outreach make the most of this matching opportunity by stopping by for lunch or dinner.

The Rt. 84 bridge is closed, so watch for detour signs. It’s an easy way around on Scenic Bluff to Wacker Rd. Join us!

From the Fields

By Jim Morrison

Ext. Educator, Crop Systems

Rockford Extension Center, U of I

The time for late-summer seeding of perennial legumes in the northern quarter of Illinois is fast approaching. Remember, this is late summer seeding, not fall seeding. Let’s review steps to help improve the chances of successful stand establishment.

Since alfalfa needs 6 to 8 weeks of growth, or be six to eight inches tall, prior to a killing frost, August 10-15 are the preferred seeding dates. For the central half of Illinois, the suggested dates are August 30 to September 4, and for the southern quarter September 5 to 10. Cool-season perennial grasses can be seeded one to two weeks later. Warm-season perennial grasses should not be seeded until the spring.

Planning ahead is critical for alfalfa and grass seedings. Be sure there is no herbicide carryover potential from a previous application (s). Have perennial weed problems been controlled? Soil tests should have been taken and any corrective limestone already applied. Fertilizer can be applied during seedbed preparation.

If there is not adequate soil moisture to establish the stand, seed should not be planted. It is very risky planting seeds into dry soil.

A firm seedbed is needed to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. With a prepared seedbed follow the “footprint guide”- soil should be firm enough for a footprint to sink no deeper than one-half inch. A general rule of thumb is that seeds should not be planted deeper than five times their diameter. For most forage crops, the seeding depth should not exceed one-half inch on medium and heavy textured soils, and one-inch on sandy soils.

Tilling the seedbed may not be necessary. No-till forage seedings can be successful; for example, seeding into small grain stubble once the straw is removed.

Do not seed alfalfa following an older established stand. Autotoxic compounds released by the older alfalfa inhibit the growth, development, and production of new alfalfa seedlings. If the alfalfa is more than one year of age, it is best to rotate to another crop before going back to alfalfa. If less than a year, alfalfa can be replanted.

Be sure to use Certified Seed (look for the blue seed tag) of adapted, tested varieties and use fresh inoculum of the proper Rhizobium bacteria on the legume seed. Late summer seeding rates are the same as spring seeding, but a companion crop is not recommended. Since weeds are slow to germinate in the late-summer, a preplant herbicide is typically not required. A postemergence herbicide can be used if weed problems develop and become competitive.

Finally, late summer seeded alfalfa and cool-season grass fields should not be harvested in the fall of the establishment year.

Further information is available in the new Illinois Agronomy Handbook, 24th Edition available at the University of Illinois Publication Plus website, https://pubsplus.uiuc.edu/C1394.html (phone 1-), or contact your University of Illinois Extension office.