More Important News

The Chadwick-Milledgeville Elementary Week 2 Thumbs Up Winners are: Front Row, Left to Right: Bryce Aude, Lucius Braunstein, Kylee Jensen, Sarah Frint. Back Row, Left to Right: Payton Sarber, Carter Dudley, Crystal Reynolds, Kayden Wolber.

Doven-Ho Farms at Illinois State Fair

Northwest Illinois was represented quite well at the Illinois State Fair, as Doven-Ho Farms of Milledgeville exhibited several Land Of Lincoln winners in the Society Horse Show, August 17 to 20, 2011. Doven-Ho Farms is owned and operated by Steve and Bryan Hollewell.

Six other horses shown by Shaunte Padilla, Victoria Kronenberg, Dean Hollewell, Savannah Bragg, Steve Hollewell, and Steve Hollewell resulted in a Reserve Champion, 3-first, 2-second, one third, 5-fourth, and one fifth place winners.

(Photos courtesy of Doven-Ho Farms)

FFA Reporter, Maria Timm, along with Kimberly Durward, and Chloe Carson, from the West Carroll FFA Chapter attended the 2011 Illinois Association FFA Reporter’s Workshop. The conference took place September 14th at Kishwakee College located in Malta, Illinois. Chris Steppig, State FFA Reporter presented this workshop. The topics that were discussed were the duties of a chapter or section reporter, how to contact the media, communicating with other reporters, photography and what to include in articles and press releases. They also got to meet and talk to many different FFA Reporters from all over the state. By talking to them they learned how to improve their own articles. The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of members by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education. By Maria Timm

West Carroll Greenhands Win
Section #1 FFA Greenhand Quiz Bowl Championship

The West Carroll FFA Greenhand Team “Green” consisting of Christy Ralston, Ashley Hunt, Kita Stallings and Sabrina Seidemann won first place at the Section #1 FFA Quiz Bowl Contest held at Orangeville High School on September 19. The quiz bowl consisted of a single elimination bracket with 7 teams and 15 questions per round relating to the FFA organization and its history. West Carroll’s Team “Black” placed 2nd and included members Kristen

Houzenga, Rachel Dykstra, Shauna Lot and Damon Mann. Pearl City placed 3rd while Le-Win won the consolation championship.

A total of twenty-three (23) West Carroll FFA members attended the Leadership Training School which included social mixers; meal of sub sandwiches, chips, and a drink. Leadership workshops were provided for chapter officers and other members in attendance. Members also heard a keynote address from Illinois State FFA Vice President, Jim Tobin. Tobin spoke on how simple acts of kindness can make great differences in the lives of others.

Snetcher Wins Pie in the Face

Eastland FFA members recently attended the Section 1 Leadership Training School that was organized that was put on by the Section 1 FFA Officers. LTS was held at Orangeville High School September 19th. FFA Chapters from Northwest Illinois attended the LTS and heard Jim Tobin, State FFA President speak as well as participate in a FFA Quiz bowl and leadership workshop training sessions. Members attending from Eastland included first year FFA members (greenhands) as well as Eastland Chapter Officers and members. Section officers also held a food drive at the LTS. The Section Officer that had the most food items was selected for a pie in the face. Section 1 Vice President, Cory Snetcher from the Eastland FFA Chapter won the honor of pie in the face for receiving most can goods from food drive. Jim Tobin, State Vice President, had the honor of administering the pie in the face.

Savanna Rotary Club recently welcomed the Governor of District 6420 and his wife to their weekly meeting. Pictured Left to Right: Assistant District Governor 6420 Helen Kilgore of Galena, Linda Patterson, District Governor 6420 Rev. Leo Patterson of Dixon, Rev Larry Thomson, Savanna Rotary Club President, and Father Bob North, new Savanna Rotary Club member. Savanna Rotary Club meets on Wednesdays at Noon at the House of Events. (Courtesy of JoEllen McCaskey)

FSB’s Wilhelms-Saar & Schriner Attend LPL Conference

Robin Wilhelms Saar, CSFP, and Karen Schriner, First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll, recently attended focus11, a leading financial services industry conference hosted by LPL Financial, the nation’s number one independent broker-dealer.

Held in Chicago, August 7–10, focus11 was one of the industry’s largest gatherings of independent financial advisors, and remains one of the industry’s premier sales and education event. Approximately 5,000 attendees from around the country assembled for the opportunity to learn new strategies and skills, expand knowledge in numerous product areas and network with peers and industry experts. They also heard from influential speakers who addressed current events and financial industry trends. The speakers included Condoleezza Rice, 66th United States Secretary of State; Michael Eisner, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company; and Sir Ken Robinson, author of Out of Our Minds.

Bill Dwyer, president of National Sales and Marketing for LPL Financial, noted that the conference’s theme, A Focus on the Future, speaks to the current economic outlook and its opportunities and challenges for advisors and their clients: “Our enduring mission at LPL Financial is to support our independent advisors as they help their clients reach their life goals. We believe our ability to enable the delivery of objective and conflict-free advice through trusted local advisors is critical in this ongoing effort.”

Robin is Executive Vice President and a Financial Advisor at First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll. She is FINRA Series 7, Series 66, Life Insurance, and Long Term Care licensed. Karen is a Senior Sales Assistant at First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll. They are available for appointments by calling the Shannon Facility at , the Polo Facility at , and the Lake Carroll Facility at .

A Complete Novice’s Guide to Forest Management

On Saturday, October 1st, at 1:00 pm, the Northwest Illinois Forestry Association will tour Bill Hawes’ property north of Woodbine.  Mr. Hawes has 30 acres with about 25 acres in timber or reforestation. With no real knowledge of forest management, Bill started to initiate some timber stand improvement of his existing timber, and reforestation of some open areas and areas recently grazed. This tour will concentrate on different activities that worked and ones that were not successful. It may also include his woodworking and saw mill activities, if time and interest permit. The general reason to manage the timber is to provide wood for his woodworking hobby. An unrelated topic that may be of interest to some people is a viewing and discussion of his recently installed photovoltaic solar system (grid tie-in with battery backup). The tour will include about a one mile walk, moderate difficulty.

To get to the Hawes farm, from US Route 20, take Woodbine Road out of the west end of Woodbine IL.  (Woodbine is half way between Elizabeth and Stockton, and Woodbine Rd. runs parallel to Hwy 20 one half block north in town.)  Head west and north 2 miles. Turn right on South Apple River Rd.  271 N. Apple River Rd. is approx. 2.5 miles on the right. For further help finding the location, call Tom Arnold that day at .  The general public is invited to attend. 

Join the Carroll County Singers!

The Carroll County Singers are still accepting new voices for their upcoming performances.  Practices are held on Monday nights from 6-7 p.m. and are at The Lanark Church of the Brethren on the corners of High and Pearl Streets in Lanark. 

The Childrens Choir will now meet at The Lanark Church of the Brethren from 3:30-4:15 with the hope of making the times more convenient for parents. 

Performance dates have been changed to December 3rd and 4th.  We provide practice tapes for and there are no fees for joining.  

If you love music and would like to join a fun group and meet people of the surrounding communities, I hope you will consider joining.  If you have any further questions please call Stacy Kalina at .

Eastern Illinois University Offers New Scholarship

Freshmen and new transfer students who anticipate attending Eastern Illinois University in the fall of 2012 will have the opportunity to apply for a new scholarship.

“We’re pleased to help students with a resource that makes earning a degree more affordable for Illinois students,” stated Eastern President William Perry.

The Panther Promise Scholarship will provide up to $2,500 per year for eligible students. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years if students maintain satisfactory academic progress. The scholarship can be added to other scholarships and grants in the students’ financial aid packages.

To be eligible, students must file a FAFSA form and be first-time freshmen or first-time transfer students at EIU in the fall of 2012. Students must also meet income requirements to be eligible. The Panther Promise is available to students from households with an annual income ranging from $33,000 to $67,000. Numerous scholarships and grants remain available for students from households in other income ranges.

“Accessibility and affordability are at the core of the Illinois Public Agenda for College & Career Success. The Panther Promise Scholarship creates an additional resource for students who need assistance paying for college,” Perry added.

Students or parents who are interested in learning more about the Panther Promise Scholarship may contact the EIU Office of Undergraduate Admissions toll free at .

Upper Mississippi River Refuge Closed Area Regulations

The Fish & Wildlife Service would like to remind everyone about Closed Areas and No Hunting Zones on the Upper Mississippi River Refuge in Pools 12, 13 & 14. These areas cover a small percentage of the Refuge and are subject to special regulations relating to access and waterfowl hunting. The following areas are included:

Pool 12: Kehough Slough near Galena IL - closed to all migratory bird hunting year round; no motors are allowed from October 15 to the end of the IL duck hunting season (December 13), and; voluntary avoidance for all public access from October 15 to December 13.

Pool 13: Pleasant Creek near Bellevue IA - closed to all migratory bird hunting year round and voluntary avoidance for all public access from October 15 to the end of the IA duck season (December 8).

Lost Mound Unit (formerly Savanna Army Depot) near Savanna IL - the main channel of Crooked Slough is closed to all hunting. All land and water east of Crooked Slough is closed to all public access.

Spring Lake Sanctuary near Savanna IL - closed to all migratory bird hunting year round and closed to all public access from October 1 to the end of the IL duck hunting season (December 13). The public is allowed to walk to the observation deck during this time. In addition, the Refuge would like to emphasize that no migratory bird hunting is allowed in the Spring Lake Sanctuary at any time of the year. The Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center area lies within the Spring Lake Sanctuary and is closed to all hunting and trapping year round.

Frog Pond near Savanna, IL - closed to all hunting year round.

Elk River near Sabula IA - closed to all migratory bird hunting year round and voluntary avoidance for all public access from October 15 to the end of the IA duck season (December 8).

Potters Marsh Buffer Zone near Thomson IL - extends 400 yards to the west and north of the Potters Marsh Blind Management Zone at river miles 522.5 - 525.0 and is closed to all waterfowl hunting during the regular waterfowl hunting season.

Duck Foot Marsh near Thomson IL - is closed to hunting and fishing.

Great River Bike Trail near Thomson IL - a 50 yard no hunting zone is established along the bike trail to provide a safe passage for walkers and cyclists. Hunters and cyclists/walkers are encouraged to use caution and be considerate of each other during the fall months.

Great River Bike Trail near Mesquaki Lake at Savanna IL - No Hunting Zone extends 150 yards paralleling the bike trail from the Plum River south to Seven Eagles Resort.

Mesquaki Lake south of Plum River – Closed to hunting March 16 – September 30.

Pool 14 - Beaver Island - closed to all migratory bird hunting year round; no motors are allowed from October 15 to the end of the IA duck hunting season (December 8), and; voluntary avoidance for all public access from October 15 to December 8.

For additional information and maps, you can contact the Upper Miss Refuge office at .

Renovations Double the Number of Books

Lanark - Twice-Sold Tales in downtown Lanark has finished renovations which more than doubles the number of books on display. The additional space has allowed it to add 2 new categories of books, Vintage Volumes and Crème de la Crème.

Vintage Volumes will all be a minimum of 60 years old, with many books dating from the 1800’s. The Crème de la Crème section will feature coffee table books, recent hard covers in excellent condition, and other unique and desirable books. Plentiful and generous donations guarantee hundreds of new titles weekly.

Additionally, the bookstore will participate in several upcoming events. Joining in the E-PC Homecoming celebration, Twice-Sold Tales will be open from 3-6 pm on October 6th. DVD’s, VHS tapes, and books made into or based upon movies will be featured in honor of the Homecoming theme “Final Showdown.”

In cooperation with the Friends of the Lanark Public Library’s Pies Plus during Lanark’s Depot Days, the store’s hours on November 4th and 5th will expand to 10 am to 5 pm both days. Come visit for nourishment for both your mind and body (and satisfy your sweet tooth!) at adjacent stops.

Also, for the hard to shop for, Gift Certificates are available.

Twice Sold Tales is located at 100 S. Broad Street, Suite B, in Lanark. The “used books and more” store is the nonprofit used bookstore run by the Friends of the Lanark Public Library. The store is open Monday from 3 to 6 pm, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. Also at the Lanark Famers Market on Tuesday 4 to 7 pm until October 18 weather permitting.

Fulton Fall Festival …..Calling all “Reagans”

The Fulton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce plans for the Fulton Fall Festival to be held Saturday, October 1 in downtown Fulton and October 1 & 2 at Heritage Canyon. Activities in downtown Fulton are from 10 a.m to 4 p.m with beer gardens from Noon to 10 p.m. Activities at Heritage Canyon are 10 am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday.

In conjunction with the national Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration, the Fall Festival committee has chosen the theme “Rounding up Reagans.” Anyone with the first, middle or last name Reagan (spelling variations are acceptable) are invited to attend the festival. “Reagan” namesakes will receive a special gift and have their picture taken at 2:00 p.m. near the main stage area. The Fulton Historical Society will also perform their program, “Nellie Reagan Returns to Fulton” at the Masonic Lodge at 1:00 p.m.

Activities for the entire family will be held all day long and include inflatable rides, petting zoo, train rides, pumpkin painting, games, clowns/balloon artists, a hay bale maze sponsored by Second Reformed Church, temporary tattoos by Cadogan Chiropractic, and make n’ take crafts at the Masonic Lodge.

Food will be offered by a couple of vendors and many downtown restaurants will be open. In addition, non-profit organizations will be selling caramel apples, smores and hosting bake sales.

Performances at the Main Stage Area include Fulton High School’s Show Choir, Noteworthy, at 11a.m and Jennifer’s Dance Studio at 11:30 a.m.

Schmaling Memorial Library will have a children’s story hour and craft at 10:30 a.m. The Fulton Police Department will host a Public Safety Day including free children’s ID kits, displays and demonstrations at the River Bend Senior Center from 11am to 1pm.

An arts and crafts show will be held on Saturday, October 1, in downtown Fulton and vendors still have time to sign-up with the Fulton Chamber of Commerce. The cost for a booth space is $25.

A classic car cruise-in is scheduled from Noon to 4pm in downtown Fulton. The cost to participate is free, but participants are asked to sign-up by calling Bill Weber at .

Both Denny O’s and Johnnie’s Tap will be hosting beer gardens from noon to 10 p.m. The band Creamery Road will perform at Denny O’s from 3-7 p.m. and the band Sleepin’ On The Couch will perform at Johnnie’s Tap from 6-10 p.m.

The Fall Festival Planning Committee wishes to thank the following sponsors: 1st Gateway Credit Union, Ashford University, Brinkman Building Center, Central Bank, Citizen’s First Bank, Community State Bank, J.T. Cullen Co., Inc., NelsonCorp Wealth Management, State Farm Agency, Sweet Woodruff, Tree of Life Chiropractic, Volunteer Millers, and Wagner Pharmacy.

For complete details about the event or to become a vendor, visit www.cityoffulton.us or call .

Rand McNally GPS For RVers Now Bigger And Better

Rand McNally introduced the latest addition to its award-winning line of navigation devices at the Family Motor Coach Association’s 86th Family Reunion. The TripMaker® RVND™ 7710 provides a large, easy to read 7” high- definition screen and 8GB of onboard storage for RV-related information.

“Members of the RVing community have been very enthusiastic about our TripMaker® RVND™ 5510. That device designed just for them provides RV-specific routing, stops and amenities that RVers need while on the road, and things to see and do along the way,” said Dave Muscatel, CEO of Rand McNally. “The TripMaker® RVND™ 7710 will further enhance the experience in large vehicles with its 7-inch high definition screen, provided at a competitive price.”

New features on the TripMaker® RVND™ 7710 include the ability to integrate typical traffic patterns along your route; add custom points of interest such as red-light cameras, special shopping areas, member campgrounds, or any other dataset in a .csv format; and fishing spots found in Rand McNally Editor’s Pick locations.

The TripMaker® RVND™ 7710 includes RV-easy routing for eleven types of RVs, plus a setting for use in cars. The routing takes into consideration Rand McNally’s proprietary research on bridge height, vehicle length and propane restrictions, as well as turning radius considerations for different types of RVs.

RVers can plan their next stop, or an entire multi-stop trip, utilizing the more than 14 million points of interest – many of which are viewable by amenities available on the TripMaker® RVND™ 7710.

Key features of the TripMaker® RVND™ 7710, designed with RVers in mind, include:

• RV Campgrounds, RV Dealers and Service, Parking and Rest Areas including Walmart RV-friendly locations, and Travel Centers with detailed amenities such as dump stations, propane availability and more.

• Detailed exit information that includes retailers and amenities for upcoming exits.

• RVer Tools such as Checklists for set up and take down, Maintenance Logs, Trails back to your campsite, and Quick Mileage Calculators.

• Pet-friendly locations including parks, animal hospitals, and beaches.

• Best of the Road® three-to-four day adventures including interesting stops, videos and photos of the locations, maps and more to plan a memorable adventure. Includes the 2011 Best Small Towns in America finalists!

• Regional Trips, Scenic Tours, Weekend Getaways, and City Trips.

• 12,000 Rand McNally selected locations that will make any trip exciting and unique.

The TripMaker® RVND™ 7710, available in North America in October 2011, is fully operational in English, Canadian French, and Spanish. For more information, visit www.randmcnally.com/rvgps.

Welcome To National 4-H Week, October 2-8!

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Program Coordinator

Are you looking for fun? Do you have an interest in an organization that meets all your expectations? Need a break from structured schoolwork requirements? Want to explore unique opportunities and interests?

Consider the Carroll County 4-H Program as an exciting and fulfilling opportunity for you and your family. You can join the 5.6 million youth between the ages of 5 and 18 who are involved with 4-H every year.

Here are the top 10 reasons to join 4-H: Develop skills to succeed in the work place. Improve goal-setting and decision-making skills. Become a community leader. Go to 4-H “Citizenship Washington Focus” or National 4-H Conference. Learn to care for and make decisions about the environment. Meet kids from across the county. Participate in project workshops and programs that interest you. Discover how our government works. Learn to speak before a group. Have lots of FUN in 4-H!

All this and more is possible in 4-H. Each individual uses his or her own talents to create unique experiences through the 4-H program. Young people participate in 4-H through clubs, special interest groups, camps, and many other activities.

4-H is the largest non-formal youth education organization in the United States.

4-H reaches youth every year through its mission, “to create supportive environments for culturally diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential.” Youth in 4-H have the opportunity to develop and strengthen life skills. This includes work force, decision-making, and leadership skills, which are crucial to success in today’s society. Ultimately, young people gain beneficial lifetime experience through 4-H and become better prepared adults.

For more information about the Carroll County 4-H Program or a community club near you, contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or at .

Team Up With Kids Through 4-H – Become a 4-H Leader

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Program Coordinator

Youth need relationships with adults - adults who can help fulfill their need of feeling good about themselves.

Youth also need to acquire subject matter knowledge, physical skills and decision-making abilities. In 4-H, you can work with individuals or groups of kids to help them meet these needs. All you need is to care about young people and to be willing to give your time and knowledge to help a young person to develop to his or her greatest potential.

There are several rewards for you as a 4-H leader. You have the opportunity to develop your own leadership skills. You can contribute to the growth and development of youth by teaching life skills. You also have opportunities for personal growth and contributing to the growth and development of other adults.

To help you, assistance is available. You can receive guidance and support from other leaders, parents, and University of Illinois Extension Office. Printed 4-H materials are also available.

For more information on becoming a leader or about a 4-H club in your community, contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or .

Carroll County 4-H . . . The Untold Story

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Program Coordinator

It’s been said that 4-H is the best-kept secret in Illinois and there’s more than a little truth in that statement. Join us in celebrating National 4-H Week, October 2-8. We know 4-H is a tremendous success story. We see it in the young people around us -- in their growing maturity, poise and self-confidence, as well as in their expanding knowledge of their 4-H projects. Yet, we also know that others in our own communities often are unaware of the wide range of opportunities 4-H is providing to youngsters in their own neighborhoods. It’s a great story that deserves to be told.

The main purpose of 4-H is to provide the opportunity for mental, physical and social growth for young people. The informal education offered by the program supplements the training received in the home, at school and from other youth organizations.

4-H uses hands-on learning. This helps young people learn about many different topics. Youth set goals and plan and conduct programs that will help them accomplish their goals. This process helps 4-H members learn how to learn.

Participants in 4-H also learn how to express their own ideas and how to listen to, understand, and respect what others have to say. Group discussions, activities and formal club meetings provide members with the opportunity to practice democratic group action, and to become aware of group dynamics. (continued)

4-H also encourages family involvement whenever possible. 4-H can help family members communicate better, help families work toward a common goal, help families develop a feeling of unity, and provide opportunities to discuss goal setting, decision making, and service to others.

For more information on a 4-H club near you, contact the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or e-mail . Now is the time to get involved.

Corps of Engineers Reduces High-Risk Species in the GLMRIS ANS White Paper to 39

The initial publication of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) White Paper, the first interim product of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS), listed 40 High-Risk Species to potentially transfer between the Great Lakes and Mississippi Ri ver basins through the Chicago Area Waterway System. A late incorporation of a comment made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife during the secondary agency review reduces the list to 39, as the New Zealand Mudsnail, which is already found in both basins, will be removed.

The purpose of the ANS White Paper is to catalog potential non-native species within the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins and identify which high-risk species will be an initial focus in GLMRIS.

With the removal of the New Zealand Mudsnail from the list, 10 species are high risk for potential transfer to the Great Lakes Basin and 29 are high risk for potential transfer to the Mississippi River Basin.

The identif ication of the species in the ANS White Paper will aid the GLMRIS Team in focusing efforts toward identifying available prevention and control technologies for further analysis.

The Other Pathways Team (Focus Area II) will be using the ANS White Paper to develop site-specific High-Risk Species lists for all other potential aquatic pathways along the basin divide.

View the ANS White Paper at http://glmris.anl.gov/documents/docs/Non-Native_Species.pdf, and explore the 39 High-Risk Species on the GLMRIS Web site: High-Risk Species fact sheets.

If you have any questions about the paper, please contact GLMRIS Project Manager Dave Wethington at (312) 846-5522.

Pirate’s Murder Mystery Event Silent Auction to Benefit Library

Don’t miss the special performance of A Pirate’s Murder Mystery Event, an interactive “who-dunnit” fundraiser presented by the Friends of the Mount Carroll Township Public Library. The event is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 1, 2011, at Market Street Commons, 320 N. Main Street, Mount Carroll.

Hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine will be served by pirates and serving wenches.

A silent auction with over 30 baskets and items donated by generous community individuals and businesses will also be featured. Items are currently on display for bidding at the Market Street Commons with the silent auction ending on Saturday evening at the conclusion of A Pirates’ Murder Mystery Event.

Some of the donated items include: a musical clock, pirate sword, Isabel Bloom peace angel, fall table runner, a Christmas wreath, beauty basket, plants, hand-woven basket, baby basket, quilted items, and collectible prints. Local businesses donating unique baskets or items for bidding include: Brick Street Coffee, Bella’s, New Morning Glass, Land of Oz Craft Mall, Outback Design, Sievert’s, Dairy Queen, Pharmacy Center, Charlotte Arvelle Glass, The Shops of Glenview, dabluz boutique, Driftless Area Stillroom, Ideas & Designs, Timber Lake Playhouse and Learn Great Foods.

All proceeds will benefit the Mount Carroll Township Public Library restoration project.

Join in the fun, mateys! Tickets are available at the Mount Carroll Township Public Library, Market Street Commons and THE National Bank, Mount Carroll. Call 1- for more information.

HCC Fine Arts Department Presents ‘Harvey’

The Highland Community College Fine Arts Department will present “Harvey” at 7:30 p.m. October 7 and 8 in the Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre. The critically-acclaimed script examines the humility and hilarity of coping with mental illness through the eyes of the Elwood P. Dowd and his “imaginary” friend.

The middle-aged Dowd and seemingly invisible Harvey, a 6-foot-3.5-inch rabbit, happily frequent the local taverns much to the dismay of his family and long-time friends. Loved by many and content in his apparent delusions, he is blissfully unaware that his sister, Veta Louis, plans to have him committed to a sanitarium.

In an ironic twist, the cast of supporting characters are drawn into Dowd’s world and begin questioning not only their empathy, but their sanity. Fortunately, the off-beat comedy resolve its issues, but not without a few unexpected revelations about love, family and acceptance.

As director Randy Welp explains, the play not only entertains, but advocates on behalf of eccentrics. While not a traditional “knee-slapper,” he describes the show as light-hearted and poignant.

“When we all stop prejudging and realize that not all of us are the same, we begin to appreciate that differences can be endearing, just like Elwood P. Dowd and his friend Harvey,” said Welp.

The cast, representing many of the surrounding communities, will include the following HCC students:

Mollie Fissell, Freeport; Elisa King, Freeport; Angel Miller, Freeport; Andrew Dorsey, Freeport; Brandon Miller, Freeport; Britney Kieselhorst, Shannon; Greg Tessendorf, Pearl City; Logan Wright, Forreston; Priscilla Osborne, Mount Morris; Christian Armstrong, Byron; Halie Hughes, Oregon; Sarah Gothard, Monroe; Amy Harrison, Leaf River; Kate Green, Lena; and Kaleigh Grubb, Mount Carroll.

Historically, the piece has been well received by audiences, and has multiple adaptations for television and film. The original play, written by Mary Chase, debuted on Broadway in 1944 and received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1945. The 1951 film starring James Stewart and Josephine Hull – the latter of whom received an Academy Award and Golden Globe for her portrayal of Veta Louise – is still considered a classic, from American Film Institute surveys to “TV Guide”

Tickets may be reserved online at www.highland.edu or by calling the Highland Community College Box Office weekdays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at .

Mt. Carroll Farmers Market

The Farmers Market continues downtown Mt. Carroll 8 am-noon every Saturday through October, weather permitting. The Market will feature locally grown specialty crops as well as goods contributed by bakers, crafters, and artisans.

The Learn Great Foods Cooking Demonstrations will be held indoors at 10:00 am at the Market Street Commons, 320 N. Main St., the corner of Market and Main Streets. Nancy Gmitro will conduct a presentation on baked stews on Saturday, Oct. 1st and Penny Lally from the Driftless Area Stillroom will prepare a recipe with peppers on October 8th. Attendees will receive a free Learn Great Foods book specific to the day’s cooking lesson which includes health information and recipes.

Since October is the final month for the Farmers Market, everyone is welcome to give their feedback by completing a survey available on the Chamber website at www.mtcarrollil.org

Enjoy the opportunity to buy high quality, fresh, nutritious, affordable farm products directly from our local farmers every week! The Farmers Market is sponsored by the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce, www.mtcarrollil.org (1-) and this program is funded by the Illinois Department of Agriculture 2011 Illinois Specialty Crop Grant Program. For more information, contact or call .

Thomson CROP Hunger Walk

This Sunday October 2nd, the Thomson CROP Hunger Walk will start at 2:00 pm from the Thomson United Methodist Church. CROP Hunger Walks have two purposes. The first purpose is to raise funds that will benefit the overall work and ministry of Church World Service-working around the world to help those in need to help themselves through self-help development, disaster relief and other programs. The second purpose is to raise awareness that there are hungry people here in Thomson, here in the United States and across the world. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised at this year’s walk will be divided among three local programs that help the people of Thomson: Fulton Food Pantry, Thomson Children’s Christmas Program and the Great River Outreach.

Also, you can donate online today by going to www.cropwalkonline.org , click on state of Illinois, scroll then click on Thomson CROP Hunger Walk and click on DONATE! The goal this year is to raise $4,000 and 50 walkers. For additional information or to volunteer, please contact Rita Mitchell, or Gwen Smith, . There will be great fellowship, food, door prizes, plus special entertainment. Come and join us! Together we can make a difference!

Shannon Legion Displaying US Flags For Patriotic Holidays

Late this summer, the Shannon American Legion Boyle-Hoy Post 379, put United States flags up along IL Hwy 72 from the east end of Shannon until the intersection of Shannon Route. This was done by permanently installing pipes concreted in the ground along the grassy road side areas. The project was completed in time for the remembrance of 9-11, when flags were left up for a week.

The idea originated at a Legion meeting because other towns have done the same and it is inspiring and patriotic to see Old Glory welcoming and escorting people through town on special holidays such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, 9-11, and Veteran’s Day. Our Legion post approved the work on a project to purchase and fly US flags on special occasions. In order to do this, contacts were made with the mayor, village maintenance, and state Dept. of Transportation for permission. The project is being done in 2 phases. The 1st phase which was recently completed with the installation of 38 flag holders along the road. Phase 2 will occur next summer when the Legion post will decide the best way to install flags along the paved blocks uptown.

New Communications Technology

The Lanark Police Department will utilize a new communications service, effective September 1, 2011, that allows them to send important, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology, according to Chief Matt Magill.

The Nixle Community Information Service allows us to create and publish messages to be delivered to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text message and/or email. Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle’s web site at www.nixle.com.

Messages may include emergency information, road and street closures, weather-related issues as well as other relevant safety and community event information.

The service is secure, reliable and easy to use.

The messages can be sent specifically to residents registered within a certain radius, giving them the opportunity to receive trustworthy information relevant only to their neighborhood, or the information may be city-wide. Residents decide from which local agencies they want to receive information. Subscribers can also choose the way in which alerts are received, whether it is by email, text message, or over the web.

“Nixle builds on the foundations of other public-to-public communication services, such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace, but adds a key component: security,” Magill said. “When citizens receive information from our agency via Nixle, they know it can be trusted.”

Residents of Lanark and those in neighboring communities can immediately begin receiving pertinent information via text message, email, and web by registering at www.nixle.com.