“I’m really glad I did it,” Chastity Welch said, speaking about her Farm Bureau Certified Manager designation from the Illinois Farm Bureau. To earn the FBCM designation, Welch had to complete six different exams covering areas like finance, legal issues, membership, and public policy/issue management. With her background in finance and administration, some of the tests were easier than others. But she said, “I learned a lot about things I didn’t have as strong a background in.” She will be recognized in December at the annual Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) meeting in St. Louis. (PA photo/Mick Parsons)

‘Hometown Heroes’ earns award from State Historical Society

The Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS) presented its 2010 Annual Awards recently at a luncheon held at the Illinois Executive Mansion in Springfield. Among the more than 30 awards presented at the “invitation only” ceremony was a “Certificate of Excellence” to the Forreston American Legion Post 308 and local author Kathy Pasch for their collaborative publishing effort titled Hometown Heroes: Military Roll of Honor, a 352-page coffee-table book and memorial to veterans of Ogle and Stephenson counties from the Civil War to Afghanistan. The book includes the names of more than 1,500 veterans from the communities of Adeline, Baileyville, Brookville, Florence, Foreston, German Valley, Haldane, Harper, and Leaf River, and is illustrated with more than 800 photographs, interspersed with poignant and compelling letters and stories from the men and women who served their country from region.

Attending the awards luncheon from Forreston were Pasch, Allan Genandt, and American Legion Post 308 Commander Jerry Daws.

Copies of the Hometown Heroes: Military Roll of Honor are available for $35 each at the following locations: Leaf River Bertolet Memorial Library; Byron Museum of History; Foreston Dental; Forreston State Bank; German American State Bank; Harvey’s Barbershop; Schryvers Gun Sales (Forreston) and Short Cut Barbershop in Mt. Morris. For more information write: paschpark@msn.com.

Chadwick Library Awarded Grant

Chadwick Public Library District and the Friends of Chadwick Library would like to announce that the Libri Foundation of Eugene, Oregon, has awarded Chadwick Library their Books for Children Grant. A total of 88 books comprise the grant, spanning preschool to middle school age and interest range.

The Friends of Chadwick Library donated the initial funds and the Libri Foundation matched it four to one. The Libri Foundation included an extra grant comprised of math and science books for preschool to grade school children.

The books are presently on display at Chadwick Library during regular library hours.

 

 

Mighty Richland Players Open ‘Secondary Cause of Death’

Cast of Secondary Cause of Death takes a break: Back row, L-R: Josh Ryan, MarJo Frederick, and Jim French. Front row, L-R: Sue Wichman, Emily Evans, and Cheryl Petsche. Not pictured: Paula Fulton, Kevin Sullivan. (Courtesy of MRP)

The Mighty Richland Players opens ‘Secondary Cause of Death’ on Oct 1, 2010. This dessert show is the second murder mystery comedy in a trilogy by Peter Gordon. The first, ‘Murdered to Death,’ played last year to sold-out audiences at MRP.

Directed by Terrie Miller, president of Plum River Playhouse, Stockton, and starring Josh Ryan, again playing Inspector Pratt, this is a spoof combining the best of the Agatha Christie and Pink Panther traditions. Set in a country manor house in tumultuous 1939, the whodunit twists and turns with ever-increasing merriment and confusion.

Colonel Charles Craddock, who has inherited Bagshot House, converts the property into a bed and breakfast for the discerning visitor. Inspector Pratt arrives with grim news, a staged murder mystery evening turns into a chaotic nightmare, as the tale winds to a surprise ending. Who is the strange Polish Count? Is Henrietta really an army Captain? How does the eccentric thespian, Longfellow, fit in to the equation? These and many more characters make Pratt’s return a chaotic nightmare as the bodies pile higher and higher.

This hilarious comedy involves exploding teapots and cigars, poisoned drinks, German spies, secret agents, and a multitude of murder weapons. If you didn’t catch Murdered to Death, don’t worry -- you’ll still enjoy and appreciate the wonderful, quirky British humor!

Written for audiences of all ages, this is family fare at its most fun. If you’re looking for an entertaining time on the town, Orangeville is the place to be. Show times: Oct. 1, 2, 8, 9: Doors open at 6:30 PM, show at 7 PM. Sunday, Oct. 3, doors open at 1 PM, show at 1:30 PM. Tickets: $20, through Monroe Arts Center, (608) 325-5700. For information, please call the theater at (815) 819-1310 or visit our website at www.mightyrichlandplayers.com. (Also playing at Stockton’s Plum River Playhouse, OCT 15 & 16. For reservations in Stockton, telephone the Galena State Bank, Stockton, (815) 947-2000).

Boy Scouting Still Thrives After 100 Years

The Chadwick-Milledgeville Troop 55 has been very active this year. In the past six months alone, the troop has earned a combined 102 merit badges, and twelve boys have achieved a new rank.

On August 21, at 11:00 am at the Milledgeville High School Gazebo, Troop 55 held its annual Court of Honor ceremony along with a wonderful pot-luck dinner. The achievements that these boys have earned are noteworthy indeed.

The twelve boys who earned a new rank are as follows:

Tenderfoot- Tanner Wilks, Chase Hutchinson, Nathan Merema, Chris Kniss, Drake Dublo, Collin Leddy and Justin Litwiller

2nd Class- Noah Hibbard

Life Scout- Jacob Readdy, Baily Queckboerner, Joseph Gennaro and Damen Cummings.

The Life rank is one away from the Eagle rank, which is still the highest rank a Boy Scout can earn. These four boys are on track for earning their Eagle within the next twelve-twenty four months.

Merit Badges earned include outdoor activities like camping, canoeing, rowing, and wilderness survival, as well as personal development activities such as music, citizen in the world, cooking, and 27 other activities. An exceptional award called World Conservation went to Baily Queckboerner, Joseph Gennaro and Jacob Readdy.

Troop 55 has accomplished an astounding twenty days of camping this year, starting in April and they have even more camping trips planned for this fall. Troop 55 is led by Joe Gennaro and John Readdy, with senior patrol leader, Joseph Gennaro and assistant patrol leader, Jacob Readdy.

If anyone thinks that scouting has seen its better days, has never hung around with Troop 55. If you have a son in the Chadwick or Milledgeville area who would be interested in joining Troop 55 and having the adventure of their lives, contact Joe Gennaro of Chadwick at 815-684-5092. Boy Scouts is 100 years old, and has never been stronger.

Flikkema Named GROWMARK Scholarship Winner

Christopher Flikkema, an agribusiness major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from GROWMARK, Inc. He is the son of Alan and Rosemary Flikkema of Lanark, IL.

This year, the regional agricultural supply and grain marketing cooperative presented 39 scholarships totaling $41,500 to students majoring in agriculture or accounting from 14 colleges and universities. The scholarship program has been in place for more than 40 years. The winners were honored at the GROWMARK Annual Meeting held Aug. 26-27 in Chicago.

GROWMARK is a regional cooperative providing agriculture-related products and services, as well as grin marketing in 21 states and Ontario, Canada. Growmark owns the FS trademark, which is used my affiliated member cooperatives. the FS brand represents knowledgeable, experienced professionals acting with integrity and dedication to serve more than 100,000 customers.

The ‘Old & New’ Lanark Connection

The latest VIP Program of the First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll had many local residents hearing bagpipes throughout a grand tour of Scotland.

(At right) Presenting token gifts to sister cities that are visited has always been a tradition of these tours. As a result, Desi Ozburn, First Vice President of the bank (second from left) and Lisa Libberton of Lanark, IL (left) presented dignitaries of New Lanark, Scotland with items, including a copy of “Please Don’t’ Quote Me,” stories and history of Northwest IL written by Caralee Aschenbrenner and featured every week in The Prairie Advocate News and www-pacc-news.com. Libberton and Aschenbrenner are descendants of one of the first families of Lanark, IL.

(Top photo) The VIP tour group from Northwest Illinois at the New Lanark Visitor Centre pose with many local residents on hand to greet them.

Lanark, IL is currently making plans to celebrate their 150th Anniversary in 2011, and will feature several events highlighting the community’s Scottish heritage. Get your kilts out, and let the games begin! (Photos courtesy of Lisa Libberton)

 

 

Pastor Marcia Strahl Retires, Reception Planned

First Lutheran Church of Chadwick would like to invite the community to attend Pastor Marcia Strahl’s final worship service to be held on Sunday, September 26th at 9:30 am; 19 West Third Street in Chadwick (along Illinois Route 40).

There will also be a farewell reception in honor of her 8 years of ministry in Chadwick following the worship service from 10:45am - Noon. The public is invited to join us and extend their best wishes for her retirement.

Pastor Strahl graduated from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio in June of 1994. Her first call was to the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Waterford, MI where she served from September, 1994 until June of 2002. She was then called to serve First Lutheran, Chadwick in July of 2002 until her retirement.

Pr. Strahl has served on the Carroll County Chapter Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Board for seven years and helped coordinate Thrivent Care in Community fund raisers that provided supplemental funds for many need in Carroll County over the years.

She has also served as Chaplain of the Whiteside County Civil Air Patrol Squadron in Rock Falls during her time in Chadwick and is also currently the Great Lakes Region Critical Incident Stress Officer for Civil Air Patrol. She will be continuing her service in Civil Air Patrol and as the Northern Illinois Synod representative of the Care for Returning Veterans ministry in retirement after she leaves Chadwick.

An earlier than usual soybean harvest east of Sterling kicks up plenty of dust. USDA made a bigger than expected cut to its corn production and yield estimates, but raised its outlook for soybeans. USDA has the crop at a record 3.483 billion bushels, 1% above August’s estimate and 4% larger than 2009. The average yield is estimated at a record 44.7 bushels per acre, compared to 44.0 both a month and a year ago. That includes new record yields in Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York and North Dakota. (PA photo/Jerry Lindsey)

Congratulations to week 1 Thumbs Up Winners for Chadwick-Milledgeville Elementary.

Front Row, Left to Right: Alyssa Mertz, Briana Wilkinson, Bryce Aude, Kacen Johnson

Back Row, Left to Right: Hannah Smith, Mason Phillips, Keziah Pasch, Gabriella Law

Congratulations to week 2 Thumbs Up Winners for Chadwick-Milledgeville Elementary.

Back Row, Left to Right: Sydney Pauley, Damon Miller, Treyton Selman, Bree Hartman

Front Row, Left to Right: Paige Miller, Linsey Lapp, Sophie Shaw. Emma Foster

Eastland FFA Members Attend Reporters Workshop

Three FFA members, Korina Freidag- Junior Officer reporter, Jordan Price-Chapter President, and Dan Schoeninger, from the Eastland FFA Chapter attended the 2010 Illinois Association FFA Reporter’s Workshop. The conference took place September 14th at Kishwaukee Community College located in Malta, Illinois. Morgan Ott, 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, good and bad pictures, and what to include in articles and press releases.

 

 

 

 

Forreston Alpaca Farm Celebrates National Alpaca Farm Days

WillowBend Alpaca Farm, in Forreston, IL will once again participate in “National Alpaca Farm Days”. Every year, Alpaca breeders from across the United States and Canada invite the public to come to their farm or ranch on September 25 and 26 during this nationwide event to meet their alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique, friendly and profitable animals.

WillowBend Alpaca Farm will welcome and introduce guests to the world of alpacas on Saturday, September 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event will have something for everyone! WillowBend is home to over 60 alpacas. A 100 year old family barn is the setting for hands on alpaca demonstrations, activities for kids, spinning and halter demonstrations, all FREE!

Beautiful Day For A Drive To Forreston:

Fall is a great time for the whole family to spend a fun day in the country learning about Alpacas. New this year is the addition of eight farms exhibiting at the one location in Forreston for this informational day. Farms participating include: Tall Corn Alpacas of Marengo, IL; Weeping Willow Alpacas of Pecatonica, IL; Wineaux Alpacas of Schaumberg, IL; Brilliant Acres of Ashton, IL; Simon’s Spring Alpacas of Freeport, IL; Lots of Love Alpacas of Forreston, IL; D & J Alpacas of Winnebago, IL; and Mudge Farm of Chillicothe, IL.

What IS an alpaca?

Alpacas, cousins to the llama, are native to the Andean Mountain range of South America, particularly Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. They are huggable, lovable and a treat to be near. Alpacas were first imported into the United States in 1984. Alpacas are shorn, without harm, every twelve to eighteen months. They produced five to ten pounds of luxurious fiber. Because of its soft texture, alpaca fiber is sometimes compared to cashmere. Making the fiber even more coveted, it has the luster of silk. Alpaca is warmer than wool, yet 1/3 the weight of wool to achieve that warmth. It comes in 22 natural colors, yet can be dyed any desired shade.

Containing no lanolin, alpaca fiber is also naturally hypoallergenic. Most people who are sensitive to wool find that they can wear alpaca without the itching or irritation they feel from wool because alpaca fiber is smooth. Additional performance characteristics include: stretch, water repellency, and odor reduction. For travelers, clothing made from alpaca is desirable because it is wrinkle-resistant.

WillowBend Alpaca Farm will host brief Alpaca 101 Seminars for anyone thinking about making the Alpaca Lifestyle their own. Learn what it takes to be an alpaca owner; how much care does the Alpaca need, how much do they cost, how to go about buying, breeding and selling alpacas, tax deferred wealth building, passive investing, how to own alpacas without owning a farm, and so much more. Do not miss attending one of the FREE seminars. Call 815-482-1298 or email patti@willowbendalpaca.com to reserve your space.

Visit the WillowBend Farm store, Essential Alpaca, for a complete selection of fine alpaca fiber, yarn, garments and more. WillowBend Alpaca Farm is conveniently located at 11971 West East Road in Forreston, IL. Go south of Rt. 72 on Rt. 26 to Willow Road. Go East on Willow Road to the bend, watch for alpacas in the field.

NAMI of Sauk Valley to Screen New Movie

NAMI of Sauk Valley will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 28, at the Sinnissippi Centers, 325 IL Rt. 2, Dixon. The award-winning documentary, Unlisted: A Story of Schizophrenia, will be viewed and discussed. This movie will premiere on PBS in October, coinciding with Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Unlisted is a compelling story, a documentary that depicts the struggle of the filmmaker, Delaney, as both daughter and doctor, to bring her father with paranoid schizophrenia back into her life after hiding from him for 10 years. It is a riveting story about one daughter’s determination to mend her torn family.

The next NAMI of Sauk Valley meeting will be held October 26 with a discussion on “Special Needs Trusts and Who Needs Them”. A local attorney will present the program and respond to questions.

NAMI of Sauk Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, serving the residents of Ogle, Lee, Carroll and Whiteside Counties. For more information on NAMI or upcoming activities, contact Mary Ann Hutchison, local president, at 815-244-1405, or e-mail namisaukvalley@gmail.com.

Classic Car Show

The Illinois Buick Club will be holding their 6th Annual Classic Car Show on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at Heartbilt Homes, 941 E. North Avenue (US Hwy 20) in Stockton, IL from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. All makes and models of show class vehicles are welcome. There are eleven classes and the feature auto is the Buick Skylarks. Registration until 12 costs $10 and spectators are free. Good food, fine cars, factory tours and trophies. For more information, please call Gary Underwood at 815-947-9110.

Eagle Nature Foundation’s Fall Eagle Fest

Have you ever had a hawk, owl or turkey vulture fly so close you could feel the wind from its wings? This is just one of the many experiences you can get, if you attend the Eagle Nature Foundation’s Fall Eagle Fest in Ullsvik Hall on the University of Wisconsin Campus in Platteville on Saturday, September 25, as these birds of prey fly right over the heads of the audience.

Three flying Bird of Prey Shows put on by John and Dale Stokes from Trenton, Georgia are scheduled for 10:00, 12:00 and 2:30. Throughout the summer these kind folks conduct this same show at Rock City Gardens on top of Lookout Mountain, except to see it there would cost a very decent entry fee, whereas you can come and enjoy one or two of these shows free at ENF’s Fall Eagle Fest.

Terence Ingram, Executive Director of ENF says that this may be the last year the show will be brought into the area, as there are no plans to have another Fall Eagle Fest next year. He urges everyone, adults and children, to come this year and enjoy the show while they can. Right after each of these shows everyone will have an opportunity to have their picture taken with a live bald eagle for just $5 a picture. This gives people a very nice souvenir of Eagle Fest to take home. Other attractions at the event include an Art Show throughout the day of the winners in ENF’s School Nature Art Contest. Enjoy the artwork of both Junior and Senior High School students from different schools in the area. There will also be other commercial booths. The Biology Club will have a food booth just outside the building.

At 1:00 p.m. the finalists in ENF’s Bald Eagle Essay Contest will orally present their essays for final judging. At 1:30 Mr. Ingram will give a presentation on the changing Bald Eagle population along the Mississippi River as revealed by the results of 50 years of Annual Midwinter Bald Eagle Counts. He will explain why ENF feels the Bald Eagle population is back to the level it was at during the 1960’s. At 2:00 will be an award ceremony for the winners in both the contests, Art and Essay. At 11:00 there will be an ENF fund raising auction of some very nice articles. For more info, contact: Terrence N. Ingram, Executive Director, Eagle Nature Foundation at 815-594-2306.

Dr. Reese Recognized

The Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA) is presenting the sixth annual “Rural Physician of Excellence Awards” to ten physicians who are keeping rural Illinois healthy.  The award recognizes rural physicians who were nominated by their communities for going above and beyond the call of duty to provide health care to rural and underserved residents throughout the State of Illinois.

The ten physicians will be honored Wednesday, September 15, at a reception and awards presentation at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield.  [Note to Media – The presentation will be at 6 p.m. in the Prairie Ballroom.]

Dr. Reese has been providing quality care to the folks of Lanark for over 30 years.  He has served the past four years as the Physician Executive Director of the Freeport Health Network.  He and his wife have made Lanark their home, raised their children there and are fully invested in their community.  Dr. Reese has been known to make house calls, come to the office after hours to treat a patient, and explain medical outcomes.  His patients recognize that he keeps patient confidentiality at the forefront of his practice.  He is willing to visit groups and classrooms to make presentations and answer questions.  Nominated by:  Dr. Shawn Shianna, Freeport Health Network, 815-599-6769 “Illinois rural physicians work tirelessly to serve our residents and are the cornerstone for health care in each of their communities,” said Mary Jane Clark, President of the Illinois Rural Health Association.  “Rural Illinois depends on these physicians to provide quality health care services for all citizens.”

The Illinois Rural Physicians of Excellence Awards are presented each year by IRHA, a membership based, not-for-profit organization that advocates for access to quality health care for all rural Illinois residents.  The program is sponsored by the Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois, SIU HealthCare at SIU School of Medicine, the Illinois Hospital Association, Illinois State Medical Society, St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Centralia, Kewanee Hospital in Kewanee, Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services in Gibson City, and the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University.

“These recipients of the Rural Physicians of Excellence Award exemplify the commitment to service, leadership in the community, and strong voice for wellness and prevention, all qualities that rural citizens value.  We consider them the true champions of the health care needs in our rural communities,” said Dr. J. Kevin Dorsey, dean and provost of SIU School of Medicine and guest speaker for the awards program.

Employees Pay $5 to Wear Jeans to Work

On Wednesday, September 29, you can be casual and Wear Jeans for Alex for a mere $5 donation! This activiity is a fund raiser for Alex Cartwright, the child that was struck by lightning in Morrison last month.

Another fund raiser was initiated at the Sterling Newman Comets vs Morrison Mustang football game Friday night at Sterling. The Newman school offered half of the proceeds from their 50/50 raffle to be donated to Alex. A check was presented to Joe Robbins, grade school prinicpal, after the third quarter of the varsity game in the amount of $2070.00.

So get out those blue jeans and $5 to help defray medical expenses for Alex. Checks should be made to “Alex Cartwright” fund, Community State Bank, 220 E. Main St., Morrison, IL 61270.

If you or your business is interested in participating in this fundraiser or would like to make a donation, contact Jan Roggy at State Farm Insurance, (815) 772-2101.

Tastings at ‘Following the Fall’ Expo

The Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center recently opened its “Following The Fall” Expo which features the great fall and Halloween attractions in Stephenson County.

In celebration of the harvest season, the Visitors Center will offer tastings of two local cheeses - Apple Jack from Torkelson Cheese and Swiss from Lime Rock Cheese. The samples can be enjoyed while exploring the Expo which features a variety of displays and information.

Displays include scary creatures from haunted attractions such as the Old Haunted Mill and the Train of Terror, information about the regional Trail of Terror covering Northwest Illinois, displays featuring Famous Fossil Winery, Quail Ridge Hunt Club, Oakdale Nature Preserve’s Oakdale in October and the Stephenson County Barn Tour. Huron Garden Market has a selection of gourds, haybales, squash and more for sale, and other local foods such as Hogback Haven syrup, Honey Hill apples, and Bear Paw honey are featured.

The “Following The Fall” Expo will be on display through October 31.

The Visitors Center, located at 4596 US Highway 20 east of Freeport, is open daily. Funded by private donations, the Center is designed to promote economic growth in Freeport and Stephenson County. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Visitors Center at 233-1357.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Makes Initial Finding on Petitions to Remove Endangered Species Act Protection for Gray Wolves in the Western Great Lakes

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that four petitions to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin contain substantial information indicating that delisting may be warranted. The Service will begin an in-depth review of the species status in order to determine whether to propose gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region for delisting.

Today’s decision, known as a 90-day finding, is based on scientific information about the species available in Service files and provided in the petitions requesting delisting of the species under the ESA. The petition finding does not mean that the Service has decided it is appropriate to remove federal protection under the ESA for gray wolves in these states. Rather, this finding triggers a more thorough review of all the biological information available.

To ensure this status review is comprehensive, the Service is soliciting information from state and federal natural resource agencies and all interested parties regarding the gray wolf in the western Great Lakes region. Based on the status review, the Service will decide whether delisting is warranted.

The Service received four petitions to remove ESA protection from the gray wolf in the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The petitions were submitted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Sportsmen’s Alliance, and Safari Club International with the National Rifle Association. The finding responds to all four petitions.

Gray wolves are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in the western Great Lakes, except in Minnesota where they are listed as threatened. The Service removed ESA protection from these wolves in 2009, but subsequently reinstated protection under a court settlement following a lawsuit.

The public may submit information regarding the Service’s status review of the gray wolf by one of the following methods:

·Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the box that reads “Enter Keyword or ID,” enter the Docket number for this finding, [FWS-R3-ES-2010-0062]. Check the box that reads “Open for Comment/Submission,” and then click the Search button. You should then see an icon that reads “Submit a Comment.” Please ensure that you have found the correct rulemaking before submitting your comment.

U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: [FWS-insert docket number]; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203.

Comments must be received by November 15, 2010.

For more information about the gray wolf, visit http://www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf/.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/

FEMA Eligibility Letter May Not Be The Last Word

Applicants receiving a letter indicating that they are ineligible for disaster assistance may still qualify for aid. The letter could simply mean that disaster officials need more information.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this may include the need to provide:

· Information to prove occupancy or ownership of the damaged property;

· Proof of identity;

· Documentation of disaster damage; or

· Insurance settlement letter detailing what is covered under a claim.

FEMA may receive two applications from the same household. A single head of household is eligible to apply for FEMA aid. This or other factors could result in an applicant receiving a negative determination. Also, applications are processed by humans, not machines, and clerical errors are possible. If that happens, FEMA will respond quickly, but the agency cannot help if it isn’t made aware of the problem.

Sometimes, applicants initially may be ineligible due to insurance. FEMA does not duplicate insurance coverage, but federal assistance may apply if damage documented in FEMA inspections is higher than the amount covered by insurance. Applicants should not wait to hear from their insurance companies before applying with FEMA. Insurance may be settled too late to apply for federal help.

After applying, applicants should request a settlement letter from their insurance company detailing exactly what is covered under their claim. Mail a copy to FEMA, Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055. The document can also be faxed to 1 800-827-8112.

Any decision by FEMA may be appealed. Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Help After a Disaster, Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Household Program sent to everyone who applies with FEMA. Additional copies can be obtained by calling 1 800-621-FEMA (3362). TTY users may call 1 800-462-7585.

Stephenson County 4-H’er Awarded Highest 4-H Honor

Stephenson County 4-H’er Mandy Jo Bronkema has been awarded the opportunity to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia this November. Mandy is a member of the Pearl City Hornets 4-H Club, and has been an active 4-H member for ten years.

The National 4-H Congress event dates back more than eighty years. National 4-H Congress offers 4-H youth an expanded educational experience through seminars, community service projects, and tours sponsored by local and national 4-H program donors. The event is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent, and caring citizens. The program is built upon the Cooperative Extension System’s belief that young people can be significant partners in addressing the issues that face our nation especially those affecting youth.

Highlighting this year’s event will be presentations by Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron, Dan Clark, Issac Joseph, and Terey Summers. All Congress delegates will participate in special cultural programs and a night at the Atlanta History Center. Other educational experiences during National 4-H Congress include delegate participation in workshops focusing on cultural differences, team leadership development, and the power of youth.

We are proud to, once again, have Stephenson County represented at this prestigious event. For more information about Stephenson County 4-H and the opportunities the program can provide your family, please contact us at 815-235-4125.

Huber Retires as Administrator of Resthave

The Board of Directors of Resthave Retirement and Nursing Home announce the retirement of long-time administrator, Jim Huber, effective October 1, 2010. The community is invited to a reception, honoring Jim, on Sunday afternoon, October 3rd, from 2:00-4:00 at Resthave. For over 22 years, Jim Huber has overseen Resthave in its service to the Morrison community as a haven for loved family members.

Before serving as Resthave’s administrator, Mr. Huber served in other retirement/nursing homes, both for profit and not for profit in Illinois and Iowa. When asked of his first impression of Resthave, he answered, “Looks like people care about people here.” He then added, “Turns out I was right; we do care.” Looking back over his years of service, he is most rewarded by the smiles on the faces of people who have been helped and their sincere appreciation. He is also proud of the staff for their hard work and dedication in caring for the patients.

To the question: “What is in Resthave’s future?” Jim replied, “To do better at what you do, and do more of what you do better.” “Keep on fulfilling the early planners’ ideas of sheltered care and nursing in the local community with the possibility of independent cottages.”

Jim’s plans included playing and relaxing more. His parting words for the Morrison Community are to “laugh, listen, love and look for the good in others.”

Come, reminisce, and say good bye to Jim on Sunday, October 3rd , from 2:00-4:00, at Resthave.

Northwest Illinois Counties Eligible for USDA Emergency Loans

United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Scherrie Giamanco, announced today that family farmers in 55 Illinois counties are eligible to apply for low interest Emergency (EM) loans due to physical and production losses caused by excessive rain, flooding and flash flooding that occurred from April 1, 2010 and continuing.

In addition, with a qualifying loss, this designation makes producers eligible for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE).

The following are among the 55 counties that are designated as natural disaster areas: Adams; Bond; Brown; Calhoun; Carroll; Cass; Christian; Clark; Clinton; Cook; Crawford; Cumberland; Edwards; Effingham; Fayette; Fulton; Greene; Grundy; Hamilton; Hancock; Henderson; Henry; Iroquois; Jasper; Jefferson; Jersey; JoDaviess; Kankakee; Knox; Livingston; Logan; Macon; Macoupin; Madison; Marion; Mason; McDonough; Menard; Mercer; Montgomery; Morgan; Pike; Randolph; Rock Island; Sangamon; Schuyler; Scott; Stark; Stephenson; Vermilion; Warren; Wayne; White; Will and Winnebago.

Farmers and ranchers in the following counties also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous:

Boone; Bureau; Champaign; Clay; Coles; DeKalb; DeWitt; Douglas; DuPage; Edgar; Ford; Franklin; Gallatin; Jackson; Kane; Kendall; LaSalle; Lake; Lawrence; Marshall; McHenry; McLean; Monroe; Moultrie; Ogle; Peoria; Perry; Piatt; Richland; Saline; Shelby; St. Clair; Tazewell; Wabash; Washington; Whiteside and Woodford.

Emergency loan applications are available and must be submitted through the local FSA county office from any applicant who qualifies for a physical or production loss (at least a 30 percent reduction from normal) in a single enterprise from this disaster in these counties. To qualify for an EM loan, an applicant must be an established family farm operator; provide evidence of having suffered a qualifying physical or production loss; be unable to obtain suitable credit from a source other than FSA.

The low interest loans may cover up to 100 percent of their actual production or physical losses, to a maximum amount of $500,000. The loan applicants must show ability to repay the loan and the loan must be adequately secured. FSA loans for production losses may be used to buy feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, or to refinance certain debts. FSA loans for physical losses may be used to repair or replace the property that was damaged or lost. The current interest rate for the EM loans is 3.75%. The deadline for submitting applications is May 9, 2011.

In addition to the Emergency (EM) Loan Program, the FSA has other Direct and Guaranteed Farm Operating and Farm Ownership Loan Programs, which can be considered in assisting farmers to recover from their losses. Additional information about FSA Farm Loan Programs is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/dafl.

The Illinois counties that were designated natural disaster areas Aug. 30, 2010, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met are listed above. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.

CRP Sign Up Protects Habitat

United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Scherrie V. Giamanco today announced that USDA will accept 4.3 million acres offered by landowners under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up. The selections preserve and enhance environmentally sensitive lands, including wetlands, while providing payments to property owners.

“Interest in this open enrollment period was high, and I’m pleased that producers and landowners across the nation continue to realize the environmental benefits of enrolling land in the CRP,” said Giamanco.

For this 39th general sign-up more than 50,000 offers were received on more than 4.8 million acres, nationwide. 2,550 offers were made on 55,314 acres in Illinois.

Enrollment of the 4.3 million acres will keep the program enrollment close to the 32 million acre statutory cap, which will maintain and enhance the significant environmental benefits the program has already achieved. CRP’s 39th signup will bring the total enrollment in the program to 31.2 million acres, leaving sufficient room under the 32 million acre cap to continue enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, continuous signup and other CRP initiatives through FY 2011.

Under CRP, farmers and ranchers plant grasses and trees in crop fields and along streams or rivers. The plantings reduce soil and nutrients from washing into waterways, reduce soil erosion that may otherwise contribute to poor air and water quality, and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. Plant cover established on the acreage accepted into the CRP will reduce nutrient and sediment runoff in our nation’s rivers and streams. The CRP has restored more than two million acres of wetlands and associated buffers and reduced soil erosion by more than 400 million tons per year.

USDA selected offers for enrollment based on an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) comprised of five environmental factors plus cost. The five environmental factors are: (1) wildlife enhancement, (2) water quality, (3) soil erosion, (4) enduring benefits, and (5) air quality. The minimal acceptable EBI level for this signup is 200.

The average rental rate per acre for this signup is about $46. USDA implemented a number of measures including using additional EBI point incentives for producers to submit cost-effective offers, and producer outreach activities to encourage competitive offers on the most environmentally sensitive lands. These measures will maintain the high environmental benefits while decreasing the historic cost of the program.

Under CRP, there are more than 31.3 million acres enrolled on more than 473,000 contracts. These 10 to 15 year contracts provide long term enduring conservation benefits in return for an annual rental payment.

A Celebration Of Peregrine Falcons

On Saturday, September 25 from 11AM - 1:00PM, a Peregrine Falcon Celebration will be held at the north shelter in Eagle Point Park located in Clinton IA. This event will recognize nesting peregrine falcons along the Mississippi River with emphasis on falcons in our local area. The event will feature representatives from the Raptor Resource Project, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Alliant Energy, ADM, Ray Young Bear from the Meskwaki Nation and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The public is invited to attend this celebration. For more information, contact Rhoni Hartsock at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service office at 815-273-2732 ext. 10 or email: rhoni_hartsock@fws.gov.

In spring 2010, a partnership was formed to increase the local peregrine falcon population by placing falcon nesting boxes high above the Mississippi River shoreline. The Clinton High School construction technology class built the wooden boxes that were placed at 5 sites with hopes they would attract peregrines that were in the area but are not nesting here. The boxes were placed atop: the old Banner building, Clinton County Courthouse and ADM in Clinton IA; Exelon Generation’s Quad Cities Generating Station in Cordova IL, and; Consolidated Grain’s storage bin in Savanna IL.

This project was patterned after other successful nest box programs with a goal to establish 10 new peregrine nesting sites in our local area by 2015. Alliant Energy in south Clinton has a peregrine pair that has nested since 2007. ADM in Clinton has also provided a nest box for several years. There are other urban nesting peregrines in Davenport, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Chicago and Washington DC.

This summer, peregrine nesting occurred at 3 local sites. Alliant’s successful program continued with 3 young fledged. ADM attracted their first pair that laid 1 egg on the stack ledge but no young were produced. Consolidated Grain produced their first young with 4 peregrines fledging. There were 4 additional nesting pairs located farther north along the Mississippi River in Allamakee County (IA) but only 2 were successful. There are 15 known nesting pairs of peregrines in Iowa and 22 pairs in Illinois.

In fall 2010, additional nest boxes will be placed along cliff areas of the Mississippi River in Iowa and Illinois to establish more natural nesting territories. In addition, a nest box has been placed at 3M in Cordova IL. Nest boxes are spaced a minimum of one mile apart to allow for territorial spacing of peregrine pairs. The boxes are a standard size and must be placed a minimum 50 feet off the ground. Pea gravel is placed in the box to provide a nesting substrate.

This project was inspired by the many years of dedicated hard work on peregrine falcon restoration by Bob Anderson with the Raptor Resource Project in Decorah IA and Pat Schlarbaum of the Iowa DNR.

The peregrine falcon and other birds of prey populations were decimated in the mid-1900’s due to decades of widespread use of the pesticide DDT that caused egg shell thinning. Recovery of the peregrine population has been extremely slow and it is still on the endangered and threatened species list in many Midwest states. Their slow return is primarily due to the lack of suitable natural nesting sites and a high rate of nest predation, especially by raccoons.

Project coordination and materials for this new peregrine falcon nest box program were provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Iowa DNR and the Raptor Resource Project provided guidance and assistance. Corporations and private landowners provided the property for the nest box locations. The non-profit conservation group Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge provided volunteers to monitor peregrine use of the boxes.

There are plans for a video camera to be activated at one of the nest box sites with an internet connection that will be available for public viewing. Web cams are a great environmental education tool and are often used in classrooms to follow the activities of a local nesting pair and their young throughout the year.

One Month To Apply For FEMA Disaster Assistance

With only one month remaining until the Oct. 18 deadline to apply for disaster assistance, more than $170 million has been approved in disaster assistance grants for Illinois residents recovering from the severe storms and flooding of July 19 - Aug. 7.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working hand-in-hand with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to provide disaster recovery assistance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in the seven counties designated for individual disaster assistance - Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago.

Five DRCs are now open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Services at the centers include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

Stephenson County Highway Administration Building, 295 W. Lamm Road (near County Road 12/South Walnut Avenue), Freeport, IL 61032

wIndividuals are encouraged to apply for federal assistance by completing an application online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling toll-free 1 800-621-FEMA (3362), or

TTY 1 800-462-7585. FEMA operators are available from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., daily until further notice. Help is available in other languages.

SBA disaster low-interest loan information may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1 800-659-2955 or TTY 1 800-877-8339 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT or by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Apply online at SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. For more information about the SBA disaster loan program, visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov.

On Sept. 13, the major disaster declaration for Illinois was amended designating Public Assistance for Adams, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Pike, Schuyler and Stephenson counties. As amended, the declaration covers disaster-related infrastructure costs caused by the severe storms and flooding that occurred from July 19 to Aug. 7. It provides federal reimbursement to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

Under the PA cost-share program, FEMA funds 75 percent of the approved cost. Eligible work includes debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair or replacement of damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings, utilities and recreation areas. The state administers the grants for all projects.

Economic Workshop: An Introduction to Economics

Economics is about real life and issues that we face everyday, economics is about common sense. On Saturday, October 9th, Savannah Liston will be presenting a workshop for students and adults to learn about real world economics.

Economics has to do with what we what do, specifically with our money. Money is important, especially in this tough economy, and this workshop will equip people with the foundation to help them understand our own economic situation so they can make an informed decision about the solution to this bleak economic forecast.

This class will be held from 10am to 3pm on October 9th at Rocky Pines Farm. A boxed lunch will be provided to all students. The cost for the workshop is $10 per person. The workshop will end with an optional exam for students and all students who pass the exam will be awarded a certificate of completion.

Parents are encouraged to sit in on the class for no additional cost. Please indicate on the online registration form if you would like a box lunch for $3.50.

To register, please visit www.savannahliston.com or call 815-596-9132.

What Will They Learn?

We will use the Austrian School as a foundation for studying economics. This is the most free-market school of economic thought and is easily approached by those without a background in higher mathematics or formal economics. This approach is radically different from what most people learned in school. To learn more about Austrian economics, visit www.mises.org.

But I don’t understand economics…

This class is designed specifically for people who aren’t familiar with economics. There might be some big words thrown around...but don’t worry, I will explain them in a way “normal” people (as opposed to economists) can easily understand. The workshop is meant to make you discover how fun and practical real economics can be.

Who Is Savannah Liston?

Savannah Liston is a homeschooled graduate who’s passion is economics and history. She has studied economics using resources from the Mises Institute (see back for more details). She recently returned from “Mises University” at the Mises Institute where she was awarded the 2010 John David Fernandez Award for enthusiasm and devotion in promoting the cause of liberty and free markets. She has spoken at many events, including Tea Parties, End the Fed Rallies and financial meetings. She also maintains her own website, www.savannahliston.com

DAR Honors Women Vets

Carroll Chapter DAR needs your help. A statue honoring women veterans will be erected at the C.E. Brehm Memorial Library in Mt. Vernon. The statue is the project of Luanne Frosch Bruckner, State Regent of the Illinois State Organization NSDAR. A short wall will be constructed behind the statue made of bricks purchased and inscribed with the name, rank, military service and date of service of women veterans. Carroll Chapter DAR is seeking out names of women veterans preferably from Carroll County, living or dead who served in the military to have a brick inscribed with her name. This will be one of a kind statue honoring the women who contributed to the freedom we all have in this country. If you have a name of a woman veteran please contact, Gwen Smith at 815-275-7362 or Connie Foster at 815-684-5519.

Daughters of the American Revolution is a women’s service organization with the objectives of historic preservation, education and patriotism. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible. To learn more, check out the website at www.dar.org or contact one of the above members.

Sauk Valley Voter Information Fair

The Sauk Valley Voter Information Fair will be held at Sauk Valley Community College -Dixon IL, from 1-5pm on Sunday, September 26, 2010. Voters are invited to attend this free, non-partisan, all-inclusive event to meet a broad menu of candidates prior to the November general elections. Currently, twenty-nine (29) candidates have committed to attend, including candidates for:

IL Gov/Lt Gov – Lex Green, Michael White, Ed Rutledge, Baxter Swilley

IL Gen Assy – Richard Morthland (71), Jerry Mitchell ** (90), Ken Novak (90)

US Senate – Corey Dabney, Mike Labno, Randy Stufflebeam*

US Rep 14th – Bill Foster**, Randy Hultgren, Daniel Kairis, Doug Marks

US Rep 17th – Roger Davis, Bobby Schilling**, Phil Hare**

IL Sec Of State – Robert Enriquez

IL Comptroller - Julie Fox

Whiteside Co Sheriff – John Booker, Kelly Wilhelmi

Whiteside Co Board – James Duffy (1), Carl Gates (1), Kurt Glazier (1), Ron Marlier(1), Sarah McNeill (1), Karen Nelson (2), John Hinton (3)

Lee Co Board – Larry Eisenberg

* pending outcome of petition appeals **candidate will be represented by staff

Mail in forms will be available at the event for residents of Lee & Whiteside counties wishing to register to vote before the November 2nd General Election. Also, a variety of door prizes have been donated to be given away throughout the day.

For more information about the upcoming Voter Information Fair, please visit www.saukvalleyvoter.com or email saukvalleyvoter@gmail.com.

NW IL Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Sets Banquet

The committee for the Northwester Illinois Chapter of Ducks Unlimited set Saturday, October 2, as the date for its upcoming banquet and fundraiser. Chapter Chairman, Steve Whiting said, “This will be the Chapters 38th Annual Banquet and it will be held at Bucks Barn Resort.” The doors are set to open at 5:30 p.m. and a delicious Bucks Buffet will be served at 7:00.

Banquet dinner tickets and pre-event raffle tickets can be obtained by contacting Henry Gehant at 815-259-2170. Whiting encouraged anyone wishing to donate merchandise or underwrite auction items to contact Joel McFadden at 815-864-2470. Whiting said that this years’ event will have something of interest for the whole family and will feature a live auction with limited edition prints and collector decoys, a silent auction, raffles and special gun drawings. The highlight of this years’ auction will be a yellow, male, Labrador retriever puppy, donated by the highly regarded Barn Ridge kennel. Whiting said “The planning and work that goes into hosting and supporting events takes a lot of work and time from local volunteers. He is encouraging anyone with interest in supporting the local chapter, whether to help at the upcoming banquet and fundraiser, or to attend for an enjoyable evening out, to contact Henry Gehant at 815-259-2170.

Ducks Unlimited is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats for North American waterfowl, which also benefits other wildlife and people.