Meet Buddy

Buddy has been at the shelter for a long time. He is a handsome guy with beautiful green eyes. He gets along great with other cats, and is an independent fellow. He would love to have a family of his own with a house to roam and enjoy. If you would like to meet Buddy and his shelter friends, call today for an appointment. 815.244.6549 or 815.273.3183

 

 

Chadwick Milledgeville Creed Speaking

The Creed Speakers were l-r Carli Hunter and Jessi Skaggs.

The Chadwick Milledgeville FFA Chapter had 2 students compete at section 2 Public Speaking Contest at Oregon High School on Wednesday January 27th. Carli Hunter and Jessi Skaggs competed in the creed speaking contest held at Oregon High School. Both students were to memorize the 5 paragraph FFA Creed and deliver it to a panel of judges. After delivering the speech they were then asked a series of questions about the Creed and what it meant to them. Both students did an excellent job and represented Chadwick Milledgeville FFA very well.

 

 

 

 

Chadwick Milledgeville FFA Sends 2 to Sections

The Proficiency Awards went to Mitchel Rahn and Kyle Imel

The Chadwick Milledgeville FFA Chapter sent 2 members to be judged at Section Proficiency awards on Wednesday February 10th at Amboy High School. Kyle Imel and Mitchel Rahn were judged on their SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) proficiency books by a panel of judges. In the interview each student was asked a series of questions about their project that they have worked on and kept records on from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009. Kyle competed in Beef production with his feeder cattle, and cow calf operation, placing 1st for our chapter and doing a great job at sections. He also competed in Poultry production with his ducks placing 3rd in the section. Finally he competed in Specialty animal production with his herd of Boer goats. In this area he placed 2nd in the section. Mitchel Rahn competed at sections with his book on Turf grass management. Mitchel placed 2nd in the section.

The Giving Tree

In honor of School Social Worker Appreciation Week, March 1 thru March 5, students at Eastland Middle School created a “Giving Tree” to honor Eastland School Social Worker Cory Walters. Students wrote words of appreciation on individual apples to Mr. Walters thanking him for all of the services he provides to the Eastland District.

3rd Graders Pictured with Mr. Walters: 1st Row – Jenna French, Kaylie Loring, Gabby Snyder, Derek Schubert, Mr. Walters, Justin Ifert, Davin Sweitzer, and Hannah Witt. 2nd Row – MaKayla Dotson, Cole Swalve, Jason Sutphen, Keenan Dickman, Riley Rush, Austin Miller, Nathan Erbsen, and Jed Smith. (Photo courtesy of EMS)

Help Plan Shannon’s 150th Birthday Celebration

The Village of Shannon, founded in 1860, will be 150 -years-young this year. Plans for its Sesquicentennial Celebration are being planned to take place throughout 2010, but mainly during Shannon’s Homecoming Celebration, the village’s annual festival held Labor Day weekend.

The celebration will culminate with the publishing of a book telling the history of Shannon. The book will be available for Christmas 2010. Anyone having imformation or photos that would contribute to the history book, please e-mail to Paschpark@msn.com, or contact Jane Schoeny at 815-864-2643, or mail to 6800 S. Shannon Rd., Shannon, IL 61078.

Calendars marking the past and present have already been sold. Bumper stickers are available. Crocks commemorating 150 years are available in two different styles - water tower and gazebo. A large mug, ornament, afghan and spoon are also available. All of these items may be viewed at the First State Bank of Shannon.

These items are available by prepaid order by calling Carol Deininger at 815-864-2534, or by mail to P.O. Box 626, Shannon, IL Watch for more Sesquicentennial activities this summer, as the 150th celebration begins!

 

Week 20 Thumbs Up Winners for the Chadwick Milledgeville Elementary are: front row l-r is Elliot Barlow, Cadey VanDyke, Brock Dykema, and Madison Tarbill

Back row l-r is Christian Shores, August Jones, Grant Schurman, and Jodie Knight

Week 21 Thumbs Up Winners for the Chadwick Milledgeville Elementary are:

front row l-r is Cody Brown, Briana Wilkinson, Carol Yingling, Hunter Gallentine

Back row l-r is Logan Dudley, Mason Phillips, Lindsey Brown, and Courtney Queckborner

Keepers of the Mounds and Mines, Invites the Public to Help Protect Sacred Burial Mounds and Mines on Local Lands

Galena: Do you enjoy working out -of-doors? How about on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, walking in the footsteps of Native Americans and early settlers in Jo Daviess County? Imagine helping to restore 2,000 year old ceremonial mounds, one in the shape of a rare giant bear, ringed by Galena’s earliest lead mines? If this sounds appealing, we need your help.

‘Keepers of the Mounds and Mines’ is a volunteer group dedicated to restoring the unique and historical eco-system at the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation’s Keough Effigy Mounds Land and Water Reserve. Located in West Galena Township, the rugged 35-acre property is home to a scenic wilderness of forested bluffs, ravines, dolomite cliffs and outcroppings, in addition to the effigy mounds and mines.

The Keepers are hard at work preparing the site for public use scheduled to begin later this year and urgently need volunteer assistance. Current activities include brush-clearing, controlling invasive plant species and construction of a parking lot. Fieldwork days are Mondays and some Saturdays at 10 AM, with a monthly meeting held on the last Tuesday of each month. If you are unable to provide hands-on assistance but would like to help preserve this culturally significant and extraordinarily beautiful part of Jo Daviess County, the Keepers are seeking donations to fund the parking lot.

The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is a local non profit dedicated to protecting the natural wonders of the Jo Daviess County area. In addition, JDCF owns Schurmeier Teaching Forest in Elizabeth as well as the Buehler Preserve, Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve, and the Wapello Land & Water Reserve, all of which are open to the public for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. JDCF also owns the Keough Effigy Mounds Land &Water Reserve, as well as a portion of Horseshoe Mound, each of which will be open for public use in the future. For more information, visit their office at 126 N Main Street in Elizabeth, IL, call (815) 858-9100, or find them online at www.jdcf.org.

25th Annual Farm Toy Show

 

The 25th Annual Farm Toy Show was held Saturday, March 6, at Polo High School. Sponsored by the Polo Lions Club, the event featured 100 dealer tables, a 50-50 drawing, and drew a crowd of over 800 toy-lovers. (PA photo/Andrew Williamson)

2010 Carroll Co. 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstration Contest Participants.

1st row L to R – Beth Brill, Sterling; Claire Stringer, Sterling

2nd Row L to R – Hannah Brill, Sterling; Rebecca Alexander, Chadwick; Ethan Nash, Sterling; Nikita Nash, Sterling; Mary Francque, Dixon;

3rd Row L to R – Greta Augsburger, Lanark; Katie Woessner, Shannon; Emily Legel, Thomson; Dan Schoeninger, Lanark

4-H Public Presentation Contest Held

4-H Forecast

By Leanne Rahn

Carroll County 4-H’ers recently participated in the county 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstration contests.

Public Speaking awards went to six in the Sr. Division – Nikita Nash, 17, Milledgeville Hotshots, “The LOST and FOUND”, Oral Interpretation, “Let’s Get Frosty” - General Demonstration, Freedom HCE Unit - $10; Greta Augsburger, 17, Clever Clovers “Untitled ” – Original Works, “How to Get Married By Me, The Bride” – Oral Interpretation, “Who’s On First” – Oral Interpretation, Team Speech, WCCI Radio Station-$50 Savings Bond; Katie Woessner, 15, Clever Clovers, “Providing Health Care, You’ll Need Some Leaches” - Oral Interpretation, “Off The Wall” – Original Works, Chadwick Lamplighters HCE - $10; Alyssa Nelson, 15, Clever Clovers, “Norman”, - Original Works, “Who’s On First” – Oral Interpretation, Team Speech, Lake Carroll Women’s Club-$50 Savings Bond; Mary Franque, 14, Milledgeville Hotshots, “All About Horseshoes”, Horse Illustrated Speech, Chadwick Lamplighters HCE Unit- $10 ; Dan Schoeninger, 16, Clever Clovers “Making Lasagna” – Food Demonstration, Carroll Co. Livestock Feeders-$50 Savings Bond.

In the Jr. Division, Claire Stringer, 8, Country Clovers, “About Me” – Formal Speech, “Dog Breeds” – Illustrated Speech, “The Cat In The Hat” – Oral Interpretation, Team, Odds N Ends HCE - $5; Rebecca Alexander, 12, Chadwick Achievers, “Healthy Hooves, Healthy Horse” - Horse Illustrated Speech, “Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude”- Oral Interpretation Lake Carroll Women’s Club - $50 Savings Bond; Hannah Brill, 11, Country Clovers “The Cat In The Hat” – Oral Interpretation, Team, “Bug Classification” – Illustrated Speech, “Hiving a Box of Bees” – General Demonstration, Odds ‘N Ends HCE Unit - $10; Emily Legel, 12, Thomson Sandburrs, “My Trip To Washington D.C.” – Formal Speech, “Origami Butterfly!” – General Demonstration, Odds ‘N Ends HCE Unit - $10; Ethan Nash, 12, Milledgeville Hotshots, “Pajama Day” – Oral Interpretation, “When the Rain Never Came” – Original Works, Odds N Ends HCE - $5; Beth Brill, 8, Country Clovers, “The Cat In The Hat” – Oral Interpretation, Team, “Preserving Past Memories” – Illustrated Speech, Odds N Ends HCE - $5; Dylan Alexander, 10, Chadwick Achievers, “What About Me?” – Oral Interpretation, “D.C. Doesn’t Mean Don’t Come” – Original Works, Odds ‘N Ends HCE Unit - $5.

4-H’ers selected as State Fair delegates were: Public Speaking – Greta Augsburger, Katie Woessner, Nikita Nash, Emily Legel; alternates are Greta Augsburger/Alyssa Nelson team speech, Hannah Brill and Rebecca Alexander. For Foods Demonstration, Dan Schoeninger. Outstanding Jr. Exhibitor winners were Claire Stringer and Beth Brill.

Livestock & Dairy Judging Contests Planned

Saturday, March 20, will be the annual 4-H & FFA Livestock & Dairy judging contests, at the Carroll Co. Highway Garage west of Mt. Carroll on Rt. 64.

Registration for the livestock contest will be 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m., with the contest starting at 9:00 a.m. sharp. At this time 4-H’ers and FFA members will judge steers,, production heifers, swine, sheep and have a questions class.

Dairy judging registration will start immediately following the Livestock judging contest. Registration will be from 11:45 – 12:15 p.m., with the contest starting at 12:30 p.m.

Before each contest the judge will go over what to look for when placing the classes. After each contest the judges will give reasons and placings. 4-H’ers & FFA members are encouraged to stay for both contests. You do not need to be enrolled in a livestock or dairy project to participate.

We need many adults to help make the contests run smoothly, so any parents that would like to help out, please contact Leanne Rahn at University of Illinois Extension Office 815-244-9444, as soon as possible.

Savanna Smiles 4-H Club Holds Meeting

4-H Forecast

By Leanne Rahn

The Savanna smiles met on February 14, 2010. The meeting was called to order at 2:45 p.m. Katie did the American pledge and Shelby did the 4-H pledge. Old business was discussed. New business: Fair book cover contest - entries due March 1. Winners will be given $10 by federation. Food demonstrations and public presentation contest - Saturday, Feb 27 at 9:00 at Farm bureau in Mt. Carroll. Drive through pork sandwich supper is March 27. This is a drive through only! Only pre bought tickets will receive dinners. Relay for Life Fundraiser is March 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Livestock and Dairy judging is March 20, at the Mt. Carroll Highway Department. Regional Horse Bowl is March 20, 2009 at Leaf River. Motion was made by Shelby to adjourn the meeting and second by Elizabeth. Talks and demonstrations were given by Katie Hoffman: Dogs, Elizabeth Rath: Collection on Webkinz. Guest speaker Kristina Murphy spoke to the club about doing a website for the Savanna Smiles 4-H club. Our next meeting is Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2:30 at the church. All youth are welcome to attend and see what 4-H is all about. If you would like to join 4-H you can contact the Extension Office at 1-815-244-9444.

Milledgeville High National Honor Society Inductees

On Thursday, March 4, 2010, the Milledgeville National Honor Society held its 33rd Annual Induction ceremony at Milledgeville High School. During the ceremony, speeches were given, by current NHS members on the qualities of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. The event was presided over by Milledgeville National Honor Society President, Keali Engelkens.

Inducted that night were Heather Fischbach, daughter of Lonny Fischbach and Cindy Wintjen, Eric Gibbs, son of Jerry and Bobbie Gibbs, Abbie Habben, daughter of Dan and Beth Habben, and Jolee Parks, daughter of Jim and Shelly Parks. Afterwards, Milledgeville National Honor Society hosted a reception for friends and families of the new inductees to celebrate their academic success.

At the reception, the entire current NHS posed for a photo, composed of Sophomores, Juniors, and Senior members.

Andrea Herin, NHS Vice-President, speaking on the qualities of “Scholarship” during the induction ceremony.

2010 inductees of the Milledgeville National Honor Society: from left to right: Eric Gibbs, Abbie Habben, Heather Fischbach and Jolee Parks

Basket for Ag Week Baby

Do you know of someone expecting a baby in March say between the 14th and 20th? If so, let the Carroll County Farm Bureau know when the baby is born.

March 20th, officially marks National Ag Day. National Ag Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture.

The Women’s Committee has put together a basket of Ag items for the first baby in the county born during National Ag Week. The basket includes items made from agriculture and those that promote it. There is a milk can bank, an ag book, a soy candle, meat locker gift certificate and more.

Please notify the Carroll County farm Bureau office at 815-244-3001 or via email at carrollcfb@grics.net by Friday, March 26 of any babies you know born between March 14-20 to be eligible.

‘Give Day’ Announced

CHOICES Domestic Violence Program announces that it is participating in the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program this year. It is a program that celebrates and inspires volunteerism. Disney is thanking those who volunteer for CHOICES by giving them a free ticket good for one day admission to a Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® theme park to be redeemed by December 15, 2010. You MUST pre-register and sign up through www.disneyparks.com to volunteer and complete your service to receive a ticket after verification of such service.

Ticket quantities for this program are limited. You must be at least 18 to sign up. You may only sign up a maximum of 8 members of your household and children must be at least 6 to participate in the program. One ticket per person, regardless of the number of times you volunteer. Volunteer opportunities through CHOICES are updated regularly, so check back often.

For more information visit www.disneyparks.com or www.choices4you.org. CHOICES is ending domestic violence through safety, healing and education for individuals, families, and our community. CHOICES provides free and confidential victims’ services in Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties.

Pheasants Forever Leads Nation in Youth Support

Top 10 in Habitat Spending

The Carroll County Pheasants Forever Chapter was the national spending leader in support of the county’s youth, according to the national organization’s annual report. The local chapter’s support outpaced 731 other US PF/QF chapter’s support and led the second ranked county by almost 20%. Carroll County’s support level was over $35,000.

In addition, for the tenth year the group ranked in the top 10 among Illinois counties in habitat spending, a level that put Carroll County among the top 20% of chapters in the country. Over 150 acres of native prairie grass seed was given to local landowners, as well as another 100 acres of food plot seed.

This is the second year that Carroll County has been a youth spending leader. Last year the chapter placed second in the US.

The chapter’s youth programs consist of college scholarships, FFA environmental award prizes, FFA hunting and shooting events, habitat projects, sponsoring of hunter education courses and the underwriting of the Carroll County Longspurs, a nationally ranked youth trapshooting team.

Last year, 12 students received scholarships: 4 new freshman and 8 upperclassmen. Once a student maintains the chapter’s grade criteria, they continue to receive funds. Since the college fund started, 6 winning students have graduated.

The Longspurs shooting team had 29 shooters divided into three teams. The youngest team won their division at the Nationals. Each team has won state and national top 10 positions. The team is part of the National Scholastic Shooting Sports program. Besides learning shooting skills, the kids must maintain scholastic levels, as well as meet good citizenship standards.

The Carroll County PF Chapter started 13 years ago. Since then it has invested over $350,000 locally in habitat and youth. The chapter is planning its spring habitat work. If you have a desire to do something for wildlife on your property, call Chuck Quarnstrom at 815-598-3157. Prairie grass and food plot seed is available on a first come – first served basis.

Our annual fundraising banquet will be held at Sullivan’s House of Events on Saturday, March 13 at 5:00 pm. Seating is very limited. For tickets, call Dan or Janell Hartman at 815-244-3489

Carroll County Long Spurs Trap Shoot Meeting

Carroll County Pheasants Forever Chapter will host an informational meeting for parents and students in grades 4 through 12, who are interested in participating in the national Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF). Students from Carroll County and the surrounding area are invited to attend to learn more about the local team: The Carroll County Long Spurs Youth Trap Shooting Team. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria of the West Carroll Middle School, 633 East Street, Mt. Carroll on Sunday, March 28, 2010, at 3:00 p.m.

SSSF is a nationwide shooting competition that gives young adults the opportunity to compete in trap shooting for state and national titles, plus college scholarships and prizes. The program is designed to instill in participants safe firearms handling, commitment, responsibility, leadership and teamwork. Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is a cooperative effort between the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the firearms industry’s largest and most diverse trade association and the governing bodies for trapshooting, skeet shooting and sporting clays shooting, as well as the governing body for Olympic Trap and International Skeet – the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) and USA Shooting (USAS), respectively.

This will be the third year for the Long Spurs. In 2008, the Long Spurs Intermediate Team took 2nd in State and 7th in Nationals. In 2009, the Long Spurs captured two 2nds and a 1st in State and a 7th in Nationals.

Parents interested in learning more about the program can contact Thom Casey, at 815-273-2226, or at tcasey1@mchsi.com. For more information on the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, visit www.sssfonline.org .

Coloring Contest for National Ag Week

Calling all kids! The Carroll County Farm Bureau is sponsoring two coloring contests for National Ag Week which runs March 14-20.  Children may stop by Brother’s Inn Restaurant in Lanark and color the designated coloring contest sheets along with pick up Ag coloring books and soy crayons. After coloring their sheet, children need to drop them in the box to win one of two free kid’s meals courtesy of Brother’s.  There are two age groups, 3-5 and 6-11. 

We are also sponsoring a coloring contest here at our office. Coloring contest forms can be printed off of our website at  www.carrollcfb.org or picked up at our office. We will be also offering prizes to the top winner in each age category. 

The contests will take place beginning March 12 through March 22.

Olivet Nazarene Dean’s List

Michele Renea Keckler, daughter of Donald and ConniAnn Keckler of Lanark, Illinois was named to the fall of 2009 Dean’s List at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Michele, a 2008 graduate of Eastland High School, majored in Christian Education with minors in Intercultural Studies and Psychology. Her activities included MIA (Missions in Action) and a mission trip to Guyana, South America. Michele is a sophomore at Olivet Nazarene.

NARFE Meeting

Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their monthly meeting at noon Thursday, March 18th, at the House of Events, Savanna. A luncheon buffet will be available at noon for those who wish to eat. The business will follow at 1:00. There will be a special guest who will provide a musical treat. Come and celebrate spring with your NARFE friends and neighbors. All active and retired federal employees, spouses and survivors, are cordially invited.

Carroll County Democrats Meeting

The Carroll County Democrats will hold their monthly meeting on March 16th at 7:00 p.m. at Aunt Mammies Kitchen at 418 Main Street in Savanna. If you are a Democrat or an Independent you are welcome. For more information, call Gerald L. Bork at 1-815-244-8975.

2010 WCCI Academic Bowl

The 2010 WCCI Academic Bowl is set for Thursday, March 11th at Antl Hall in Savanna. The event will run from 1 to 5 p.m. with all matches broadcast live on WCCI 100.3. Opening round matches have West Carroll facing Eastland at 1 p.m; Warren vs. Milledgeville at 1:30; at 2 p.m; it’s River Ridge vs. Pearl City and at 2:30 its defending champion Fulton vs. Stockton. Semi-final round matches are set for 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m; with the third place match at 4 p.m. and the championship match at 4:30 p.m. The event will also be broadcast on the internet at www.wcciradio.com Spectators are welcome and there is no charge for admission. For more information, call Brian Reusch at 815/273-7757.

Illinois Sheriff’s Association Scholarship

Carroll County Sheriff Jeff Doran announced that the Illinois Sheriff’s Association will be awarding over $53,000 in scholarships throughout the state to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2010-2011 academic year. The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books and fees only.

The student must be enrolled full-time at a certified institution of higher learning within the state of Illinois. The amount of the scholarship to be awarded in Carroll County will be $500.00. There is no restriction on any applicant by reason of race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin. The only requirements are: applicants must be a permanent resident of Illinois, scholarships must be utilized at state of Illinois institutions of higher learning, students must be enrolled as a full-time student during the 2010-2011 school year, excluding summer session. Applications are now available at the Carroll County Sheriff’s office or at www.ilsheriff.org. Completed applications must be returned to the sheriff’s office of the student’s county of residence before April 12, 2010. For more information or questions, call 815/244-9171.

Beyers Welcome New Son

Eric and Joni Beyer of Lanark welcomed home new son Gavyn Beyer, born on March 5, 2010. Gavyn joins brother Talyn Beyer. Grandparents are Eston and Elsie Preston of Lanark, Tianna Beyer of Freeport and Dave and Sally Beyer of Apple River. Great grandparebts are Marvin and Donna Beyer of Freeport and Rolen Crow also of Freeport.

WOTM Plan Busy Month

March will be a busy month for the Savanna Women of the Moose. Some of the highlighted activities this month begin with a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Wednesday, March 17 from 5:00 – 7:30. There is also a Scrap Booking Day planned from 12-6 on Sunday, March 21 at the Moose Lodge. It will be an afternoon of scrapping and visiting. Preserve your memories in the company of friends.

Another annual event that is coming up in March is the Prom Dress Fashion Show and Luncheon. This wonderful afternoon of relaxed fun will be held Saturday, March 27 at the West Carroll Primary School in Savanna. The soup and salad luncheon will begin at 12:00 with the parade of beautiful dresses starting at 1:30. Tickets are available before the event from West Carroll National Honor Society members or you can pay at the door. This event is open to everyone. Some dresses will be available to purchase following the fashion review. Bring a friend and enjoy the afternoon!

On Friday, March 26, the Savanna Women of the Moose will be hosting a dance for West Carroll Middle School students to be held at the West Carroll Middle School. The dance will be from 6:30 – 9:00 with an entry fee. A concession stand will be available during the dance.

Other WOTM news includes a membership drive. Any active co-worker who sponsors two new members between March 1 and May 31, 2010 will get their name in a drawing to win a cruise and have their dues paid for the next year. For each new member sponsored after two, the sponsor name will again be entered in the cruise drawing. A drawing will be done each month during the membership drive promotion. All co-workers are encouraged to ask others to be part of our organization.

Lastly, March is the month in which we look toward our new Moose year (May – April). We are looking for co-workers who would like to take an active leadership role in our organization by becoming an officer or committee chairman. Please consider becoming a leader and help plan more activities of interest for our group. Submit your name and office you are willing to serve in writing before March 8, 2010. We need your help and support.

Mississippi Flyway Chapter of Waterfowl USA Banquet

THOMSON, IL – Sportsmen and outdoorsmen of the area shook off some cabin fever at the recent banquet hosted by the Mississippi Flyway chapter of Waterfowl USA. The fund raiser held at Buck’s Barn was attended by around 275 guests. Hunting families from all over participated in the chapters’ many raffles held to raise money for local wetland conservation. The staff at Buck’s Barn had to set up more tables and settings to seat the large crowd that attended the banquet. A clear winter day was credited for bringing out extra folks to the late winter banquet.

Kids attending the banquet had their own raffle of throwing a ring around a decoys head. Kids lucky enough to ring the decoy earned extra tickets for prizes in the raffle. The chapter held a free kids gun raffle for young hunters to win a gun. The raffle started out with 17 guns.

Before the raffle began a challenge by Bonebright Construction of Lena for others to donate more money for this raffle was made. The committee polled several members at the banquet and another 10 guns were added to the free youth gun raffle.

After the drawing was over, 27 hunting rifles and shot guns were awarded to the new young hunters. Dan Sweitzer of Rack and Wing in Lanark sweetened the youth gun drawing for this year’s banquet. He made sure the first prize was special by donating a 20 gauge Remington shotgun and a father-son pheasant hunt at his game preserve.

To give the banquet some atmosphere Illowa Marine of Clinton parked their new version of a layout boat with a Pro Drive motor outside the front door of Buck’s Barn. Raffles included duck and goose calls from top call makers, Big Foot duck and goose decoys and the newest shotgun from Benelli, the “Vinci”.

The ladies attending the fund raiser had the opportunity to get in the largest ladies raffle ever put together. The top prize for the ladies raffle was a pink shotgun followed by gift baskets and certificates donated by local businesses. The event’s emcee Mike Cyze from ESPN Outdoor Radio was on hand to welcome the guest and help draw winners in the many gun raffles. An auction with art work and sporting goods followed dinner and was called out by auctioneer Dave Damhoff.

A number or wood duck houses were given away to encourage members to install the artificial nesting boxes. The nesting boxes were built as a project of the West Carroll FFA with material furnished by the local Waterfowl USA chapter.

The 2010 fund raiser was a big success due the great support of all the businesses that donate to the Mississippi Flyway chapter and also from its members who attend the banquet and share the need to help give back to nature. A portion of the proceeds will go for three shallow water wetland grants received by the chapter.

Carroll County to Host Storm Spotter Training Class

The Quad Cities National Weather Service (NWS) office will present a free SKYWARN Storm Spotter training class for all residents of Carroll County and surrounding areas, including first responders and the general public. Carroll County Emergency Management, in cooperation with the NWS and the Thomson Fire Department, is sponsoring the 2 hour course.

SKYWARN training is open to anyone that has an interest in weather and might have a desire to help in this public service effort. The training will be held on Thursday, April 8 at 6:30 pm at the Thomson Fire Station.

Real-time reports are critical in issuing warnings and saving lives. That’s an indisputable fact. SKYWARN Spotters provide this real-time ground-truth of local conditions (hail size, wind speed, tornado development, storm structure, and local storm damage) to help warn the public. Even as new technology allows the Weather Service to issue warnings with more lead time, spotters will always serve as a key link between radar indications of severe weather and what’s happening on the ground.

In the training class, information will be presented on many aspects of severe weather including: storm structure, spotter safety, and effective communication.

Recycle Latex Paint at the Super Recycling Event

Recycle your leftover latex paint at the Super Recycling Event on April 3rd, at the University of Illinois Extension parking lot in Mt. Carroll. This collection is open to all residents of northwest Illinois. The Carroll County Extension office is located just northwest of the intersection of highways 78 and 64/52.

Fees apply as follows: Quart container $1.50 each, Gallon container $2.50 each, 2-Gallon container $3.50 each, 5-Gallon Pail $8.00 each. Latex paint collected will be recycled, not dried and disposed of. According to Earth Paints Collection Systems, Illinois households use an estimated 12.7 million gallons of paint a year, producing 1.4 million gallons of waste.

The program is sponsored by the Green Fair Alliance, the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency, and University of Illinois Extension. For questions, contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling and Conservation Programs Coordinator, 815-244-9444, or mfrieden@illinois.edu.

Recycle Electronics at the Super Recycling Event

Recycle your unwanted electronics (e-waste) at the Super Recycling Event on April 3rd, located at the University of Illinois Extension office in Mt. Carroll. This collection is open to all residents of northwest Illinois. There is no charge to recycle your electronics at this event. The Carroll County Extension office is located just northwest of the intersection of highways 78 and 64/52.

Typical e-waste accepted includes monitors, CPUs/towers, keyboards, copiers, VCRs, MP3s, cell phones, DVD players, and more. For a complete list of accepted electronic equipment, go to the Jo-Carroll Extension Unit website, http://jdc.extension.uiuc.edu.

Other free recycling opportunities at this event include free disposal for household and automotive batteries, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), and used motor oil.

The program is sponsored by the Green Fair Alliance, the Jo-Carroll Solid Waste Agency, and University of Illinois Extension. For questions, contact Maggie Friedenbach, Recycling and Conservation Programs Coordinator, 815-244-9444, or mfrieden@illinois.edu.

Gardening Program to Focus on Plant Propagation

The winter series of the Four Seasons Gardening program, from University of Illinois Extension, concludes with a session titled A Gardener’s Guide to Plant Propagation. This session is offered at the Mt. Carroll and Elizabeth Extension Offices Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 1:00 pm. and at the Mt. Carroll Extension Office on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Propagation simply means to reproduce or make new plants. There are many ways to “make more plants.” This session will focus on a variety of propagation techniques and try to take away some of the mystery so that you succeed. The seminar features a color slide presentation accompanied by the voice of the instructor as people from all over the state participate.

Cost per session is $5. Advance registration is needed. Phone 815-244-9444 to attend in Mt. Carroll or 815-858-2273 to attend in Elizabeth. If you have disability needs, please indicate when registering.

Great River Outreach Community Action Committee

You are invited to the first meeting of the Great River Outreach Community Action Committee on Monday, March 22 at 6:30 at The Table, 319 Viaduct Road, Savanna.

Together, we can make sure that Carroll County’s hungry are fed, and that people in need always have somewhere to turn for help.  We will strategize about building support for GRO’s ministry and putting the fun back in fundraising!

Mission:

To build community support for the Great River Outreach.  The Committee will increase the Outreach’s capacity to serve people in need by engaging the community and raising money. 

Qualifications:

Ability to attend 1-2 meetings per month, and willingness to use your talents to make friends for GRO. 

Skills:

The following skills are especially sought, but not necessary: writing, marketing and communications, event planning, fundraising, public speaking, leadership, graphic design, and computer skills. 

Benefits:

Meet new people. Use your professional skills or learn new ones. Practice discipleship by helping the hungry right here in your own community

Contact Kathryn Callaghan for more information, to let us know you’re coming, or if you’d like to get involved but can’t make the meeting.  She may be reached at (815) 990-5113 or kathryncallaghan@hotmail.com.

Community Leaders Attend Development Conference

Peoria, IL – The economic recession is causing community leaders, especially in rural areas, to take new approaches in trying to stimulate local economic development and job creation because some of the old ways no longer work in the current environment. Seven community leaders from Carroll County along with more than 300 elected officials and community leaders from around Illinois and neighboring states recently learned about new approaches at the Rural Community Economic Development Conference: New Approaches for New Times.

The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA), located at Western Illinois University, hosted its 21st annual conference in Peoria on March 3-4 to explore new development opportunities and to learn from leaders in other regions who have succeeded with innovative approaches.

The seven community leaders from Carroll County included: Bonnie Foust, Village President of Shannon; Galen Wirth, Village President of Milledgeville; Christine Ottens, Village Clerk of Milledgeville; Zelma McNeal, Village President of Chadwick; Doug Bergren and Nina Cooper, both aldermen of Mt. Carroll; and John Huggins, AmeriCorps VISTA Leader and President of the Lanark Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees from Carroll County plan to meet on March 10 to discuss what each brought away from the two days, what they believe are important issued to be explored further and possible ways to approach those issues with a collaborative effort throughout the county and its communities.

“I am very pleased to see leaders from these communities working together on the issues that we all are facing,” Huggins said. “With unemployment over 12%, budgetary constraints, ‘brain drain’ and numerous other hurdles, a regional approach makes sence. Along with our economic development partners such as TCEDA, Blackhawk Hills RC&D, Blackhawk Waterways CVB, and others, we can weather this recession and come out ahead of the game.”

The conference featured speakers on rural development from across the country. The conference was sponsored by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University, the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, and Rural Partners.

The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs was created in 1989 to help community leaders find ways to improve the quality of life in rural areas based on research, education, and technical assistance initiatives. It is funded with state, federal, and private support. Information about IIRA and its programs, including upcoming training events is available on the IIRA web site, www.iira.org.