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Morrison-Rockwood Trail Recipient of FNB DonationFriends of the Parks announces that Farmers National Bank has made a $1,000 donation to the Morrison-Rockwood Recreational Trail project. Pictured are (L) Doug Vanderlaan, FNB Community President, and Glenn Ackeberg, board member of Friends of the Parks Foundation. “Our success comes from our customers, and as such, we are delighted to invest in the Morrison community,” said Vanderlaan. “In 2013, FNB celebrates its 111th Anniversary of full service banking and trust services to Geneseo, Prophetstown, Morrison and the surrounding areas. Because we are locally owned, locally managed and locally controlled, FNB’s success is intertwined with the health and well-being of the Morrison community. The Morrison-Rockwood Trail is an outstanding project that will improve the quality of life for our hometown citizens, and serve as an attraction for the 300,000-plus tourists we receive at the park each year.” Friends of the Parks Foundation was formed in 1996 to assist the City of Morrison in providing park and recreation opportunities for the community. Since that time, the Friends have organized a multitude of projects and events, including helping with the revitalization of Kelly and Waterworks Parks, conducting a “Bike Safety” program at Southside Elementary School at which free bike helmets were given to Morrison’s 3rd and 4th graders, facilitating “Family Bike Rides” as well as several Bike Safety Rodeos. For more information, visit the Friends Facebook page, or their website at www.friendsoftheparksmorrison.org.
Fulton Fall Festival
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Thirteen members of the Shannon High School Class of 1963 met for a 50th anniversary breakfast in Shannon recently. Front row (L to R) Ruth (Markman) Koch, Alnona (Garman) Rippy, Joyce (Pankuk) McPhillips. Second row: Ardith (Burma) King, Jean (Kromm) Meyers, Ronald Wilhelms. Third row: Larry Nelson, Leo Christians, Larry Edler, Norris Bremmer, Nelson Snavely. Top Row: Ken Alexander, Terry Wickler. (Courtesy of Larry Nelson)
High Energy at Henry's Double K
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The Cal Stage Band performed Friday night 9/20 at Henry’s Double K, a recently restored relic bringing life back to a cultural and historical building at 834 S. Jackson St. in Mount Carroll. The high energy Country/Rock band kept the crowd going with an explosive live show, and a multi talented lineup. (PA photo by Andrew Williamson)
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During a tour of the Consolidated Grain and Barge facility in Mount Carroll September 20, Mount Carroll EMS, Fire, Ambulance and Police personnel investigate the tunnel that goes underneath the grain bins. They also viewed the electrical system so that in the event of an emergency, they are aware of how the system works. A guided tour of the new bin recently installed was also given by CGB personnel. Following the tour, those attending were treated to supper. (PA photo/Lynnette Forth)
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The Pearl City American Legion & Auxiliary hosted their Swiss Steak Supper on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Pearl City Legion Hall. Look forward to their monthly suppers every 3rd Sat. from September to April (excluding December). Commander Bill Scheirloh (L), a 30 year Veteran, plus 9 years involved with the American Legion and 2 years as Commander, with Bill Liebenstein. Scheirloh was extremely grateful with the turnout, and is looking forward to helping and giving back to the community, focusing on service to veterans and service members. (PA photo/Andrew Williamson)
Another Nineteen: Investigating Legitimate 9/11 Suspects
Until now, no one has investigated means, motive and opportunity when it comes to the events on September 11, 2001, that changed the world.
Kevin Robert Ryan investigated September 11 after he was fired from Underwriters Laboratory for asking questions about how the Twin Towers could have fallen when UL had certified that what happened on 9-11 could not happen.
Were the crimes of September 11, 2001 solely the work of Osama bin Laden and nineteen troubled young Arabs, or were more powerful people involved? After a decade of investigation, the long-time co-editor of the Journal of 9/11 Studies, Kevin Ryan, offers an evidence-based analysis of nineteen other suspects.
Although a number of books have demonstrated that the official accounts are false, Another Nineteen takes the next, crucial step toward a new investigation into the crimes of 9/11. With the support of victim’s families and leading 9/11 researchers, Ryan examines nineteen suspects who were in position to accomplish major elements of the crimes that still need to be explained. Detailed evidence is presented that reveals how each of the alternative suspects had the means, motive and opportunity to accomplish one or more aspects of the 9/11 events.
In light of a forty-year history of deep events and crimes against democracy, Ryan shows how 9/11 fits into the pattern of a deep state operation, how the alternate suspects worked together throughout that history, how each was connected to two men who were in perfect position to coordinate the attacks, and how these suspects can either be charged with 9/11 crimes today or further investigated in focused ways.
Purchase the book in paperback, kindle or nook editions at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com.
SHS Receives Large Donation For Elevator
A generous donation of $15,000 was given to the Savanna Historical Society by the Don and Helen Yenney family for the “Give Us A Lift” elevator project. The gift will be used to help complete the project. Preliminary work has been completed on the elevator shaft and elevator should be installed in December.
The SHS is most appreciative of the gift and is grateful to the Yenney family for their generous and continued support.
The goal of the Savanna Historical Society’s “Give US a Lift” campaign is to raise funds for the new elevator and fire stairs needed to open the doors of the Savanna Museum. The Yenny family gift gives a significant boost toward raising the $76,800 cost of the 3-story elevator shaft.
SHS volunteers are donating the electric work and related work to install the elevator. SHS volunteer electric work and funds for the elevator shaft leveraged a matching grant of $100,900 from the Illinois DCEO for an elevator and structural engineering for the elevator and fire stairs. The new elevator is a 3500 lb Otis GEN2 and is made “Green “ reflecting the Society’s commitment to energy efficiency in the new museum and cultural center.
The Society expects the new elevator to arrive in December and gives thanks to our generous donors for this terrific Christmas present.
HCC Adult Education Recognizes National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White, the State Library’s Literacy office, IACEA - the voice of adult education, along with the Adult Education at Highland Community College, invite you to join in a celebration recognizing September 23 – 29, 2013 as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. This Congressional declaration is the culmination of literacy advocacy and outreach intended to raise awareness of the need for programs and services to this adult population.
Adult Education and Family Literacy programs funded by the ICCB, and Adult Literacy Grant Programs funded by the State Library Literacy Office, serve adult students who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills and/or improve their oral and written English. In addition, programs funded by the ICCB serve adult learners as they practice for the GED tests to attain a high school equivalency certificate and prepare for postsecondary education or training and employment.
The Highland Community College Adult Education program offers basic literacy and math skills, GED preparation, and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes throughout the Highland District, which includes the counties of Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll, as well as parts of Ogle County in northwestern Illinois.
In 2013 the Illinois Community College Board funded 91 programs that provide instruction in Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE) and English as a Second Language (ESL). Approximately 96,000 students are enrolled in these programs annually, with 78% going on to enter employment or retain employment.
In the Highland Community College District, more than 10,000 adults do not have a high school diploma and approximately 3,500 immigrants speak a language other than English in their homes. Last year, 76 adult students received their GED through Highland’s Adult Education program. Over 300 students participated in adult education programming and over 40 of those students were enrolled in beginning, intermediate, or advanced English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes.
To find out more about Highland’s Adult Education program visit www.highland.edu, or call . In Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, call and in Mt. Morris call .
Snap Shot Photo Fun Featured at Heritage Canyon
“Snap Shot Photo Fun” will be busy making some life time photo fun pictures at Heritage Canyon in Fulton during the Fall Festival. This event is being sponsored by The Rosebud Mission Team of Fulton, IL, a group that travels to South Dakota twice a year to teach Vacation Bible School for the children, visits nursing homes, does work projects at the Boys & Girls Club and many more things.
The professional photographers will take photos at the canyon Saturday, October 5th from 10:00 – 4:00 pm. Whether it be group shots, families or single photos. Photos will be professionally processed and mailed to the person who bought them.
Very simple and easy to get some fancy keepsakes. There will be plenty of costumes, hats and other fun dress up clothing to have a funny photo shot or you can have a beautiful fall photo with your family. All proceeds will be donated to the Rosebud Mission Team. The next project they will be working on is to build playground equipment for the He Dog Community and their children.
If you have any questions you may contact Beth Wiersema at for further information.
Amnesty International at Whiteside Forum
The Whiteside Forum will host Blaine Mineman of Amnesty International on Thursday, September 26, 2013 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Program Room of the Odell Public Library at 307 S. Madison St., Morrison, IL. Anyone with an interest in Human Rights, whether you agree with Amnesty International or not, is invited and encouraged to attend. This is a free event open to all.
Blaine Mineman is the Area Coordinator - Illinois for Amnesty International USA, working to mobilize and engage volunteers for the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Mineman also has over twenty years of management experience with major corporations and the U.S. Government. Blaine earned his MBA in Finance and a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is working on his first book, “Everyday Magic: Creating Positive Energy by Supporting Human Rights.”
Amnesty International is a global movement of people fighting injustice and promoting human rights. We work to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. We investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilize the public, and help transform societies to create a safer, more just world. Amnesty International was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 for our work.
Peter Benenson, the founder of Amnesty International, said: “It’s better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” Come help us light a candle for human rights!
For more information about this and future events please contact Marc Adami at or .
Highland Community College Board of Trustees Approves Budget
Highland Community College Trustees held a budget work session on Tuesday, September 17, prior to adopting the fiscal year 2013-2014 budget during the regular meeting.
The operating budget totaled $14.7 million, with the majority of expenses related to instructional and other student-centered services. Additional costs included administration, and the operations and maintenance of campus buildings and grounds.
“We continue to face challenges in relation to our three main operating revenue sources, which are projected to fall short of expenditures by $291,000,” said Vice President of Administrative Services Jill Janssen. “The College will utilize the fund balance, or reserves, in the Operating funds to offset this deficit.” Fund balance levels are expected to remain at levels recommended by the Illinois Community College Board of about 20 percent of expenditures.
Among the revenue factors, local property tax revenue comprises the largest portion of the budget at 45 percent. Tuition and fees account for 38 percent, while state funding contributes around 13 percent. District-wide assessed valuation is expected to continue to drop for the upcoming tax year, resulting in about 2% less property tax revenue than received in the prior year. The College’s FY14 budget aims to keep the overall tax rate in the same range as in previous years — about 48 to 49 cents per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation.
While revenue from state grants is up 8% over last year, it is still $500,000 less than four years prior, and according to Janssen, the state still owes the College over $128,000 from the previous fiscal year.
In the presence of the factors affecting revenue streams, the College was able to achieve a reduction in tentative budgeted expenditures of $150,000 by making proposed cuts that were identified as having a low to medium impact on operations and by making adjustments based on fiscal year 2012-2013 actual expenses.
Public Forum on Whiteside County Housing Resources to be Held in Morrison
Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) will hold a public forum on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison St., Morrison, in the community room. Whiteside County residents, contractors, vendors, and realtors are encouraged to attend and learn how to access new resources for potential homebuyers and current homeowners.
“These programs are bringing new homeownership and job opportunities to those in Whiteside and Rock Island counties, and we want to get the word out,” said Brian Hollenback, president of Renaissance Rock Island, which is the umbrella organization for GROWTH said. “The programs are intended to help stabilize neighborhoods and create jobs.”
The forum will allow for Whiteside County residents, contractors, vendors, and other housing service providers to engage with GROWTH staff about how to access the various programs and ask any questions. GROWTH will provide attendees with homebuyer application packets, website information, and staff contact information.
The forum will detail the current housing programs available. Topics covered at the meeting will include:
· Information on the resources available to Whiteside County residents and where to acess information and resources
· How to apply for the various homebuyer programs
· How contractors and vendors can submit their information for consideration and learn about GROWTH’s bidding process
Additionally, a Contractor & Vendor Informational Session will be held Thursday, Oct. 3 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Bent River Brewing Company, 512 24th St., Rock Island. Contractors and vendors (material suppliers) serving Rock Island and Whiteside counties interested in submitting their information to become a qualified contractor or vendor are encouraged to attend. Contractors and vendors should RSVP to Amy Clark by Sept. 25 at .
Applications for the housing programs and additional information can be found online at www.northwesternillinoishousingcoalition.com. Whiteside County residents can also pick up applications at the Sterling, Morrison, or Fulton city halls during business hours. Rock Island County residents can pick up homebuyer applications at GROWTH’s offices at 100 19th St., Suite 109, Rock Island. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
These programs are equal housing opportunities. Another public forum will be held for Rock Island County residents later this year.
For more information, visit www.northwesternillinoishousingcoalition.com or call .
Freeport Choral Society Rehearsals
Freeport Choral Society will begin rehearsals for our Fall/Advent Concert on Monday, September 30th at 7:00 at St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park, Freeport. Dues are $15. We hope interested area singers will join us this season.
Director Steve McMillen is planning the concert music, and Randy Cook will be at the keyboards. Our social will be October 7th with snacks and finger foods enjoyed that evening.
The concert is scheduled for November 24th at 3:00 p.m. If there are any questions, please contact Gwynne French at or call .
West Carroll Homecoming Activities
West Carroll High School Student Council members are busy getting activities and events ready for the 2013 Homecoming experience during the week of September 30th through October 5th according to Student Council Advisors Missy Hartman and Dan Hartman. The theme this year is “Outer Space”
Activities for Spirit Week include special “dress up days” for the student body and staff: Monday – Neon Day, Tuesday - College Day, Wednesday – Class Color, Thursday – Sports Day, Friday – Green and Black Day. Students will also be participating in games during lunch and during the pep rally on Friday.
On Thursday, October 3rd, the traditional parade will begin in downtown Savanna at 6:00 pm. The parade will proceed east from the Marina entrance, onto Third Street, turn onto Division Street and then south on Main Street, ending back at the Marina entrance. Following the parade, the court introductions and the announcement of king and queen will take place at WCHS football field, as well Powder Puff Football, Push the Bus, a pep rally, and a bonfire. Should inclement weather take place the pep rally will be held in the gym on Thursday, at 6:30 p.m.
On Friday, October 4, the South Beloit Sobos will square off with the West Carroll Thunder with varsity starting at 7:00 p.m. The fresh-soph football game will be held Monday. Homecoming court members will be introduced before the game at 6:30 and the band and cheerleaders will present special programs during half time.
Festivities will culminate on Saturday, October 5th in the high school gym in Savanna, with the dance from 7-10 p.m. The court will be introduced at 8:30 p.m. and parents are welcome to attend the presentation.
Local civic organizations and boosters are welcomed and encouraged to support the students through the parade and other related activities. Non-school groups are encouraged to participate in the parade, but they should have some theme, sign, etc. that pertains to Homecoming. Those who would like to join the parade may contact the WCHS student council advisors. No political person or group will be allowed. Please show your school spirit by entering a float in the parade on Thursday and by wearing green and black on Friday.
Historical Society Offers Open House
On Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 1-3 p.m. the Carroll County Historical Society will hold an open house at the Oakville Complex in rural Mt. Carroll. There will be no admission charge; all five historic buildings will be open to the public for self-guided tours. The historic one-room brick Oakville School holds early school furniture, books and maps, and historic teaching posters from the 1930s. Watch DVD interviews with one-room school teachers. Recent acquisitions of school records from more than forty one-room schools in Carroll County will be open for viewing! Did YOU attend a one-room school, or have family members that did? Who were the teachers way-back then? Walk into the blacksmith shop and listen for the sound of hammers pounding horseshoes on the anvil. Peer into the granary where harvests of the past were stored up for the long winter ahead. Step into an authentic log cabin, home of the Weitzel family. Browse historic artifacts in the Peter Hay cabin, an original log home of an early lead-miner. This historic site is located between the Oakville Cemetery and the Oakville Country Club, just off Timber Lake Road. Spend an afternoon enjoying the fall color, fresh air, and blue skies…an ideal time to visit Oakville and step back into history! Questions? Call .
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