April 2012 - Ashland Scoop Newsletter

The Scoop Newsletter THIS NEWSLETTER IS A WORK OF LOVE BY A COMMITTEE OF FOLKS IN ASHLAND. THE NEXT ONE WILL BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH. IDEAS OR ITEMS FOR THE NEWSLETTER? DROP OFF OR CALL NANCY HEATHER AT PRINTERS INK AT 217-476-3764, OR GIVE THEM TO NANCE BRYANT, LINDA DEVLIN, JUDY FULTON, CYNTHIA GUTMANN, BOB HEATHER, OR LIZ WALLBAUM. ITEMS CAN ALSO BE E-MAILED TO MATT HOBROCK, ASHLAND.SCOOP@SBCGLOBAL.NET. DEADLINE WILL BE THE 25TH OF EACH MONTH FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH’S NEWSLETTER. YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED. OUR WEBSITE: http://ashlandscoop.tripod.com

Charming Bungalow Style Home

$78,500 Willing to negotiate For Sale 2 beds, 1 baths Single Family Jackie Spradlin (Tammy) 217-370-2768 108 N. Alta St Ashland . $59,900 3 bedroom 1 bath home on 3 lots Endless possibilities with the spacious rooms, large patio area, formal dining room, ample room for storage in the unfinished walkup attic area, and a 2.5 car detached garage. Several new updates include a new furnace in 2004, new roof in 2007 and new water heater in 2010.

108 N. Charles St. Ashland, IL

April 2012 Volume 6 Issue 4

CITY WIDE GARAGE SALES The spring city wide garage sales will be Saturday April 21st.

Call John Jones at 476-3914.

ASHLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, April 7th 10:00 am at James Park Age Groups: 0-3, 4-7, & 8-10 615 S. Yates, 3 bds, 2/5 bath. lots of space, all appliances stay, 2 c. att. gar. plus 30x50 shed partially heated & cooled, oversized doors for camper or boat and 3 lots.

615 S. Yates, Ashland -

$144,000

108 N. Alta Street Ashland, Illinois

$59,900

Dawn Stremsterfer Realtor®, Broker Associate Office: 217-787-7215 Direct: 217-741-1865

PROFESSIONALS 2475 West Monroe Springfield, IL 62704 (cell) 217-741-1865 soldbydawns@gmail.com

PROFESSIONALS 2475 West Monroe Springfield, IL 62704 (cell) 217-652-6193

Ann Martin Real Estate Broker 100% Club Member Office: 217-787-7215 Direct: 217-652-6193 Fax: 217-787-8957

www.annmartinsellshomes.com

CHURCH DIRECTORY

LADIES’ PRAYER BREAKFAST Schedule 2012

“Where two or three come together in My name, I am there with them.”

Matthew 18:20

BEREA CHRISTIAN CHURCH Minister Edward J.Moretto bereacc@casscomm.com www.bereachristianchurch.com Sunday Christian Education Hour - 9:30 pm Sunday Worship - 10:30 am Wednesday Eve. Prayer Mtg. - 7:00 pm We’re Open On Sunday!!

CHURCH OF CHRIST Minister Howard Chartier Sunday School - 9:00 am Sunday Worship - 10:00 am FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Rev. David L. McHenry 476.3678 Sunday School - 9:30 am Sunday Worship - 10:30 am ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH Father Chris Brey 476.8856 Ashland Sunday Mass - 9:00 am Beardstown Sunday Mass - 11:00 am Sunday (Spanish) - 12:30 pm Virginia Saturday - 5:00 pm UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Pam Hoffman 476.8858 www.ashlandunitedmethodist.com Sunday Worship - 8:45 am Sunday School - 10:00 am Wednesday- Choir Practice - 7:00 Youth Second Saturday - 10am - 2pm NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH, s.b.c.

Pastor Terry Beauchamp www.newbeginningschristianfellowship.net Sunday School for all ages@ 9:10-10:00 am 2nd Service - 10:15 am YOUTH4TRUTH @ 6:30-7:30 pm Tuesday Corporate Prayer @ 7:00 pm Saturday’s Men’s Prayer Breakfast @ 8:00 am

BAPTIST CHOIR CANTATA On Palm Sunday, April 1, during the 10:30 a.m. worship, the Baptist Choir will present their Easter cantata, "O What a Savior" by Russell Mauldin and Sue Smith. Everyone is invited to attend this celebration of the resurrection in reading and blending of songs both old and new.

April 7 St. Augustine Catholic Church May 5 Ashland Church of Christ

** Prayer Breakfast meets on the first Saturday morning of the month from September - May @ 9:00 am with the host church providing breakfast and devotions. If your group has a conflict in schedule, please arrange to trade dates with another group and notify the rest.

MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST SCHEDULE 2012 (All prayer breakfasts are at 8:00 a.m. on the Saturdays listed.)

April 29 - Berea Christian Church May - - - None June - - - None July - - - None Aug. - - - None Sep. - - - Richland Creek Baptist Church Oct. - - - Ashland Church of Christ Nov. - - - Berea Christian Church Dec. - - - Ashland First Baptist Church 2012 Lenten Services Schedule

4/01 4/06 4/08

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship David McHenry Richland Creek Baptist Church Terry Beauchamp Good Friday 7:00 p.m.* Berea Christian Church Keith Masten Sunrise Service 6:30 a.m.* * All other services are on Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m. There will be no food served after the Good Friday service.

Ashland United Methodist Church Mother-Daughter Banquet May 5, 2012, 5:30pm Potluck with meat and drink furnished by Jenny James Circle.

Reservations due by May 3 to any Jenny James Circle member.

MATT GREER President

Located at West Central Bank 400 East Buchanan, PO Box 467 Main: 217-476-3653 - Fax: 217-476-3342 Email: matt.greer@ingfp.com

Illini

Propane LLC

217.741.3874

NEAL’S BARBER SHOP

220 N. Yates - Ashland Office: 1-866-225-8126 Garrett Savage - Bob Savage

Ashland, IL 62612 Hours: 7:30 am - 1 pm Tuesday - Friday

Closed Saturday-Sunday-Monday

APRIL/MAY A-C CENTRAL SCHOOL CALENDAR Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. May May May May May May May

APRIL 13 ...... IHSA Organizational Contest 20-22 . Senior Trip 27 ...... IESA Organizational Contest 28-29 . High School Musical MAY 8 ....... HS Spring Concert 7:00 pm 9 ....... HS Academic Awards Night 7:00 pm 10 ...... JH Spring Concert 7:00 pm 12 ...... A-C Central PROM 20 ...... HS Graduation 2:00 pm 24 ....... Last Day - Dismiss @ 11:30 am 24 ...... JH Graduation 7:00 pm

Ron Ahlers - Salesman cell: (217)691-9631

**GIVE US A CALL**

ELIZABETH QUICK NAMED STUDENT OF THE MONTH AT A-C CENTRAL Congratulations to Elizabeth Quick for being selected Student of the Month for December at A-C Central High School. Miss Quick is the daughter of Gary and Claudia Quick of Ashland.

Elizabeth is a leader both in and out of the classroom as evidenced by her involvement in various school activities. She is a member of the Fall Play cast, Spring Musical cast, S.T.A.R. (Treasurer), Student Council (President) and is the Vice-President of the Senior Class. Elizabeth is also an Illinois State Scholar.

Away from school Elizabeth has volunteered at the Children’s Holiday Store which is sponsored by the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery. She enjoys reading, writing poetry, painting and being involved in the plays and other organizations at school.

Miss Quick plans on attending Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL. She plans on majoring in Accounting. Her future plans are to become a CPA. Congratulations to Elizabeth Quick on this significant honor!

Foundation Created for A-C Central School District #262 On September 15, 201I seven directors were seated on the board of the A-C Central Schools Foundation. The Foundation is classified a SA 501(3Xc) which is a tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code. Tax exempt status has been granted both for the foundation and its donors. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide financial or other resources in support of the curricular and co-curricular activities of A-C Central Community Unit District #262 and to aid and assist in general the cause of education, extra-curricular and interscholastic programs in the school district. Appointed as officers for the Foundation were Scot Atwood/President, Homer Rieker/VicePresident, Mathew Greer/Treasurer and J.R. Blair as Secretary.

The other board directors seated were V. Todd Jokisch, Milton Edge and Harold Hoagland Jr. An ex-officio member of the board is the current superintendent Rebecca Canty. President Scot Atwood stated, that schools across the nation are faced with increasing demands and diminishing resources and we have seen an explosion in foundations created to assist their local schools. This project has been in the planning stages for the last year and we as a board would like to thank West Central bank of Ashland for Donating $2500.00 to the Foundation. It is because of their generous donation that we were able to get this project off the ground. We are committed to seeing a vibrant and financially secure education environment in the A-C Central School district. We are in the process of contacting alumni, community members, businesses, corporations and anyone who has an interest in helping the school in Ashland and Chandlerville.

Grass Choppers Lawn Care Darren Kesselring

217-414-7779 grasschoppers66@yahoo.com Spring Clean Up Mowing Mulching

Norm Bryant Enterprises Distributor of Fine Quality Vacuums

Furniture

Carpet Cleaning Car Interior

Cell (217) 741-3758 Phone: (217) 476-3508

608 W. Franklin Ashland, IL 62612

Prentice Farmers Elevator 2303 Elevator Avenue Ashland, IL 62612

217.476.3516 or 1.800.255.8659 prenticeev@casscomm.com prenticeelevator.com James R. Blakeman, Manager 4 locations to serve you: Prentice, Philadelphia, Strawns Crossing, and Tallula.

Dealers in Grain, Seed and Kent Feeds.

Congratulations to Brayden Pettit the 2011 Jr. Honda Region 5 points champion. Brayden also finished 2nd in the Region 5 Jr. Stock class. Region 5 consists of Quarter Midget tracks in Broadwell, Taylorville, Greenville, Bunker Hill and Terra Haute, IN. Good luck to Brayden in the 2012 racing season. Brayden is the son of Greg and Robin Pettit.

A SUBSIDIARY OF THE WEST CENTRAL BANK E-mail: wcins@casscomm.com

108 W. Editor Street Ashland, IL 62612 217.476.3354 Jeffrey A. Donnan - Kay Handy Ora Lee Campbell

Other Locations: 117 S. Front Street Virginia, IL 62691 217.452.7717 Kristen Arthalony 815 W. Clinton Rushville, IL 62681 217.322.6230 Kala Peacock

116 State Street Beardstown, IL 62618 217.323.3018 Debbie Jones 979 Clocktower Drive Springfield, IL 62704 217-726-9885 Stacey M. Hester

Belated Happy 60th Birthday to our “Baby Brother” Marilyn & Judy

Ashland High School Alumni Association “All About Ashland” The annual Alumni Banquet will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2012. A social hour will be held from 5:00-6:00 pm. The banquet will begin at 6:00 pm. The cost is $15 per person.

This year, we are trying something new. There will be several items on display for you to bid on in a silent auction. We have such items as a Bunn coffee maker, Cardinal baseball tickets, assorted gift baskets and more. Please come prepared to bid. All funds raise will benefit the Alumni Association.

Classes being honored this year are 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982 and 1987. Plan to join friends, classmates and teachers as we share memories of our days at AHS and catch up on your life now.

“Like” us on Facebook at Ashland High School Alumni Association.

Watch The Scoop for more news!

New Construction Remodeling Gutters

Monday - Saturday 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Junctions 123 & 125 - Ashland, Illinois 62612

Lucky’s Café 476-GOOD It’s April Ice Cream Will Be Coming Soon to Lucky’s…

In the meantime, you can enjoy a GREAT burger. It’s hard to beat a good burger!!!

Sundays and Holidays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

RPA Farmers Co-op Email us: RPAFARMERS@CASSCOMM.COM Richland

3090 Richland Elev. Rd. Pleasant Plains, IL 62677

217.626.1551

Pleasant Plains

Ashland

300 N. Washington Pleasant Plains, IL 62677

220 North Niagara Ashland, IL 62612

217.626.1331

217.476.3318

Fully Insured

Eskew Lawn Care Residential / Commercial

“A Cut Above the Rest�

Mowing / Trimming / Cleaning Up Free Estimates 217-473-2266

Shawn Eskew Owner

ADVENTURE CLUB

June 11th - 15th Mackinac Island $730.00 per person (Double Occupancy) July 19th Mystery Trip $94.00 per person 400 E. Buchanan St. P.O. Box 467 Ashland, IL 62612-0467 PH. 217.476.3325 FX. 217.476.3342

A Full Service Bank

L-R: Andrew Gleason, Valerie Escudero, Emma Kesselring, Izeyar Lincoln and Cheyenne Kesselring Thank you to all the students who participated in the art contest at Prairie Skies Public Library.

The artists were asked to paint a scene from Alice in Wonderland. The winners were announced at a Mad Hatter's Tea Party on March 17. The first place winner was Valerie Escudero whose picture is on the window at Brownbacks.

Second place was awarded to Cheyenne Kesselring, Izeyar Lincoln and Emma Kesselring. Third place was awarded to Andrew and Heather Gleason. The contest served as the kick-off of the membership drive for Friends of PSPLD. Homer Graham Rieken & Carol Anne Bycroft were married April 14th, 1962 in Jacksonville, IL where they lived until they graduated from Illinois College. They worked and raised their 2 children (Kimbra & Keith,) in Springfield, IL for several years before moving out to Ashland, where they still currently reside. Carol & Graham have not planned a formal celebration, but will be spending the week and celebrating with their children, granddaughters, and a few close friends in the FL Panhandle.

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Please join Senator John Sullivan for a town hall meeting on April 12 from 5pm to 7pm at city hall. th

“Pick up the Park” event will be held on April 14 . We will meet at James Park at 9:00am. Bring your gloves and help make our parks beautiful.

April Rock Sale. During the month of April, rock is available for purchase. The price is $33 for approximately 1 ½ tons and then $22 for each additional ton. Minimum purchase is 1 ½ tons. Rock must be paid for prior to delivery. rd

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The fire hydrants will be flushed between April 3 and 9 . There might be a slight discoloration to the water.

There will be no clean up day this year.

Ordinance 2012-65 was passed on March 14, 2012. This Ordinance revises Ordinance 2006-31 Governing Use of Parks. The full Ordinance is available for viewing at City Hall. The following is a brief overview. The revision prohibits all persons and vehicles from being in any of the public parks, including the streets and parking lots therein between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. A violation of this Ordinance is punishable by fine per violation.

If you see a street light out, call the Village office (217/476-3317) and we will contact Ameren CIPS for repair.

Water $27.50 $14.75 $ 1.05 $39.00

First 1,000 gallons Per 1,000 gallons after first 1,000 EPA Testing Fee Minimum monthly charge

Sewer $10.45 $ 4.40

E-mail: Ashland@casscomm.com Facebook: Village of Ashland

Village of Ashland Board Members & Staff: Dave Handy, Mayor Jim Birdsell, Chief of Police Ron Cave, Public Works Director Alicia Hager, Village Treasurer Kitty Mau, Acting Village Clerk Vanessa Doellman, Deputy Clerk

Fadra Birdsell, Trustee Stan Fulton, Trustee Seth Thornley, Trustee Frank Wallce, Trustee Terry Blakeman, Trustee

BITS-N-PIECES THANK YOU…..

A sincere thank you to all who participated in the “World Day of Prayer” program. You did a great job and it was so appreciated. A special thank you for the use of the Baptist Church Facilities.

St. Augustine Church THANK YOU….

I want to thank our church family and others in the community for the phone calls , prayers, gifts, cards, visits and food while I was in the hospital and extended care at Walker Nursing home...which was great. Also thanks to the two ladies who brought the beautiful cut flowers.

A special thanks to Pastor Pam Hoffman and also to Bob & Jean Briggs and Bill & Elaine Roth for coming and playing cards with George and I. God Bless you all Marge Jokisch ASHLAND U-HELP...

Any student may apply for up to $500 loan with an interest rate of 3%. Applications are available at West Central Bank in Ashland.

COMMUNITY DAYS GROCERY RAFFLE… Drawing will be for two $150 gift cards. Drawing will be on the Sunday of Ashland Community Days. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. For ticket information, call Printers Ink at 217-476-3764.

ASHLAND COMMUNITY DAYS JUNE 22, 23, & 24 Friday Nite Entertainment Leaving Ashland - 8pm, James Park Saturday Morning Parade 9:30am - Theme: Honoring All Veterans Saturday Night Entertainment 6:30 pm - Devon Clemons 8:00 pm - Confederate Railroad

SR. SAINTS… Sr. Saints will be having a game night April 14th at 5:30 . It will be at the Baptist Church Hall. Bring finger foods and your favorite games.

ASHLAND VFW POST 3546…

Meets monthly at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Monday at the Firehouse.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 498...

Meets monthly at 7:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday at the Firehouse.

ASHLAND WOMAN’S CLUB...

Woman’s Club will meet April 3rd at 1:30 pm at the First Baptist Church Hall.

The program will be the A-C Central Speech and Music Students. Guests welcome.

THANK YOU...The Ashland Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the community for their support of the Pancake and Sausage Breakfast last month. We especially would like to thank Stribling Hog Farms for their kind donation of the hogs for the sausage.

FOR SALE….Stove (only one year old) and a refrigerator. Also have a double wide trailer for sale but it must be moved. Call Jan Williams at 476-3718.

The family of James Klein would like to express our sincere thanks for all the visits, food, flowers, cards, prayers, love and support shown to us during Jim’s illness and passing. The memorial contributions to Zion Lutheran Church and other organizations were beyond generous. We are truly blessed with so many caring people in our lives.

THANKS AGAIN!!! - Nancie and family

Enjoy delicious, refreshing soups and salads on the third Thursday of the month at the Ashland First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (221 W. Washington St., Ashland IL) A delicious soup and salad bar will be offered to individuals 60 years of age or older from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Reservations are highly encouraged but not necessary (217) 479-4619.

A suggested donation of $4.00 is asked to cover the cost of the meal. No person will be denied a meal due to a monetary contribution less than the suggested donation. More of a donation is also welcome!

Sponsored by: Prairie Council on Aging’s Bread of Love Program (217) 479-4619

Wallbaum Development Inc. Plumbing - Heating - Air Conditioning Backhoe - Trenching 115 W. Freemont St. PO Box 136 Ashland, IL 62612

We Do It All In Just 1 Call!

Jim - Todd - Travis

Phone: (217)476-3595

Co. Gardner Construction 2878 Panther G rove Road Ashland, IL 6261 2

Cell: 217-341-3415 Leave Message 217-476-8135

Remodel Kitchen & Baths Replace Roof & Room Additions

Smith Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Kathie G. Smith 111 North Hardin Ashland, IL 62612 (217)476-3547 Office Hours by Appointment Monday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS 1 - Eloise Quinley 1 - Rick Edwards 3 - Marilyn (Fulton) Holmes 4 - Donna Farmer 4 - Adam Blair 5 - Carolyn (Heather) McDonald 9 - Dick Gutmann 13 - Bill Blair 15 - Don Parsons 17 - Tom Kofoed

20 - Jeanne Fulton Holmes 20 - Brandon “Crew Chief” Eskew 20 - Jane (Elliott) Speck 20 - Ethan Mayes 22 - Calvin Kelley 25 - Norman Bryant (80) 26 - Dale DeGroot 26 - Amy Christison 26 - Brayden Pettit 30 - Carroll Houston

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES 5 - Jeff & Beth Cosner 7 - Bill & Kay Handy (50th) 6 - Harold & Marge Showalter 8 - Dan & Alice Kern 8 - Ron & Don Hoagland 14 - Homer & Carol Rieken 20 - JR & Kathie Blair

Please send requests to: Ashland Scoop c/o Printers Ink PO Box 193 Ashland, IL 62612 217-476-3764

The Ashland Scoop Committee would like to offer the newsletters by subscription. This would be great for out-of-town people who can’t make it in to pick one up. It also would be make a great gift for those relatives who have moved away and want to keep up with local news. Cost is $24.00 per year. Newsletters will be mailed out the first week of each month.

Michelle Romine 217-473-7481 rominemichelle@gmail.com

Proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society, via the Tri-County Relay For Life Event, on behalf of team CGMS

The Cass County Food Pantry would like to thank the Crock Pot for hosting the “Pack the House Night”, and all those who came and donated the can goods.

For the past 15 years Alan Shawn Feinstein has been spearheading a campaign to help alleviate hunger in our nation. Each year Mr. Feinstein donates $1 million to be divided among agencies who work to fight hunger. The Cass County Food Pantry will again be participating in this program, which has come to be known as “The Feinstein Challenge.”

All donations and pledges made between March 1 and April 30, 2012 will be recorded and sent in to the Feinstein Foundation. They will then send us a share of the $1 million that is proportionate to the amount of money we raised in comparison with the other participants in the challenge. Your donation to the food pantry during the months of March and April helps us bring in even more funds we can use to feed the hungry of Cass County.

Over the past 15 years the Feinstein Challenges have helped agencies raise over $1.25 billion to help ensure no one goes hungry. Your participation with us in the Feinstein Challenge makes you a partner in the most successful ongoing effort ever to fight hunger. To make a donation or a pledge, contact Joanne Anderson by phone at 473-5638 or by mail at Cass County Food Pantry, 138 S Main, Virginia, IL 62691. There are also donation cans in many businesses throughout the county, and the money collected from these cans also counts toward the challenge.

We thank you for your generous support in the past and for your thoughtful consideration of the needs of our neighbors.

A-C Central Middle School Math-A-Thon Raises over $2,400 The middle school students at A-C Central (grades 5-8) have raised $2,421.99 for the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. This is the second largest amount the school has ever raised!

This hospital treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases, regardless of financial need, and conducts research to find cures. There were 47 students participating this year. That is outstanding for a school of our size. Over the last twelve years, A-C Central has raised $18,394.19 for this great cause. The Math-A-Thon sponsor is Carrie Jo Donnan.

The following student raised $236: Shelby Donaldson. In addition, Addie Boston raised $164. They are each getting a 3 in 1 headphone and earphone package, a certificate, t-shirt, one ticket to Six Flags, and a backpack.

The following students raised $75 up to $125: Ellen Force $122, Paul Price $120, Logan DeFord $100, Brock Pettit $92.05, Kaileigh Rash $90, Dee Eilers $85, Cheyenne Kesselring $78, and Alex Carter $75. They will receive a certificate, t-shirt, one ticket to Six Flags, and a backpack.

The following students raised $35 up to $75: Lane Newell $65, Hannah Ratliff $55, Abigail Vandenbergh $55, Brandon Eskew $50, Austin Eskew $50, Christopher Nicholas $46, Hailey Allan $45, Kolby Vandenbergh $45, Katie Leinberger $43, Molly Betters $43, Cole Fanning $40, Kaitlyn Pratt $40, Quinlan Mahoney $40, Brittani Beddingfield $40, Nicole Newcomer $38, Tanner Stephens $35, Nicolle Correll $35, Briley Eilers $35, Destinee Jones $35, Hannah Owens $35, Braden Eilers $35, Bryce Eilers $35, JayCee Harris $35, and Kayla Moffitt $35. They will receive a certificate, t-shirt, and one ticket to Six Flags.

Be sure to check the expiration date of the Six Flags ticket. If possible, the tickets can be donated back to the 8th grade class for them to use on the 8th grade field trip.

These students raised less than $35: Lexi Carlock $25, Dustin Noble $25, Hannah Carlock $21, Sidney Donnan $20, Jackson Allen $20, Grace Danner $20, Taylor Danner $20, David Miller $20, Kayla Witherell $18.94, Riley Shannon $15, Abigail Critchelow $10, Carlee Critchelow $10, and Kendra Escudero $5. They will receive a certificate.

All students who participated receive extra credit in math and have Casey’s pizza for lunch at school.

Thanks to everyone who has made a contribution.

You are truly making a difference in the lives of children around the world.

The A-C Central FFA Chapter will be hosting a "drive-thru" appreciation meal from the Ag Shop at the A-C Central High School on April 13th from 11:00-1:00. A $5.00 donation to the FFA will get customers a pulled pork barbecue sandwich, chips, cookies and a drink. Thank you to the local businesses who have purchased advanced tickets, Cargill for meat and soda donations and to Munson Hybrids for water donations.

The FFA Greenhouse will be open from 8:00-12:00 on Saturday, April 21st at the high school for Spring Plant Sales. Come see us for your vegetables and flowers!

In other news, on March 14th, seven members of the A-C Central FFA Chapter competed in the District III Proficiency Awards at Jacksonville High School. Caseelynn Johnston placed 1st in AgriScience Animal Research and will advance to state competition at the University of Illinois on April 14th. Parrish Smith placed 2nd in Vegetable Production, Stacey Eskew placed 2nd in Turfgrass Management, Lane Wegs placed 2nd in Beef Production Entrepreneurship, Carmen Savage placed 2nd in Veterinary Science, Krissy Simmons placed 2nd in Food Science and Nathan Mahoney placed 2nd in Star Agriculture Placement. Twelve female members of the chapter attended the Women in Agriculture conference in Champaign on March 9th where they met with female leaders in the agriculture industry and made connections for future internships and employment all while learning about careers in agriculture.

Upcoming events include the Farm Bureau Youth Conference, Spring Farmer Appreciation Meal, State Awards Day, Greenhouse Sales, American FFA Degree Interviews and more!

The Pleasant Plains Community Club will host the annual Spring Card Party on April 19, 2012 from 6pm – 9pm. This event will be held at the Pleasant Plains Community Building.

Get your friends together and call Patti at 626-1623 to reserve your table. You bring your own cards, games, etc. Prizes and lots of good times!!

The Pleasant Plains Community Building is available for parties, reunions, meetings, etc. Call Shirley at 415-2976 for availability and prices.

WOMEN CHANGING THE FACE OF AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE A HUGE SUCCESS URBANA – The third annual Women Changing the Face of Agriculture conference on March 9 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign, Ill., provided young women professional development and networking opportunities.

The conference featured more than 100 women with careers in many facets of the agriculture industry. These professionals shared their stories with more than 450 young women interested in pursuing an education or career in agriculture.

In a ‘speed networking’ format, young women received insight into helpful agriculture courses, internship and career options, salary ranges and much more.

Iroquois West High School senior Melanie Behrends of Gilman, Ill., attended the conference with her FFA chapter.

“I want to be an agricultural accountant and I learned about internship opportunities with a lot of large companies that I hope to work for someday,” Behrends said.

Jennifer Waters, FFA advisor at AC Central High School in Ashland, Ill., has attended the conference for the past three years and said the conference has grown and is a great method of career discovery for her students.

Companies and professionals also said the conference was a valuable event. Nannette Pfister, an employee of Cargill, said it is in the company’s best interest to seek the top talent and inspire future leaders to stay in the agriculture industry.

Katie Pratt served as the keynote speaker of the conference. Pratt and her husband are fourthgeneration farmers raising corn, cattle and kids. A finalist in the 2012 American Farm Bureau discussion meet, Pratt shared advice on how young women can make a difference in agriculture.

“There are floor-to-ceiling opportunities in agriculture and this conference is giving you a taste of those opportunities,” Pratt said. “Agriculture holds the future of the planet in its hands. The industry needs creative, innovative, business-minded people to develop solutions. You are agents of change with character and confidence, and you will change the face of agriculture.”

For more information about the conference, visit www.womenchanging thefaceofagriculture.com.

Follow the conference on Facebook for career tips, agriculture news and future conference information. The 2013 Women Changing the Face of Agriculture conference will take place on March 8 at Southern Illinois University.

ATTENTION ASHLAND AREA RESIDENTS

Come Celebrate with us!

Norm Bryant’s 80th Birthday!

Saturday, April 21, 2012 5:00pm - 8:00pm Yatesville School Light Supper Served No Gifts Please

The Ashland Methodist Church has made an agreement with the Prairie Council on Aging that the church would be a site as a possible information and assistance site if there was to be a local disaster. Prairie Council staff would assist clerically in the filling of form and coordination of disaster victims with relief.

- Robert Briggs Board Chairman Now you can visit us online! http://ashlandscoop.tripod.com Have a question? Contact us!

Ashland.Scoop@sbcglobal.net Would you like to advertise in our newsletter?

Call 476.3764 or stop by Printers Ink at 116 N. Yates.

Cost of ads per issue.

1/8 page - $15 1/4 page - $30 1/2 page - $40

You can get your copy of “The Scoop” newsletter at any of the advertisers in this issue. Issues are also available at the churches, and many of our local businesses.

THE COMMITTEE FOR THE ASHLAND SCOOP NEWSLETTER WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A BIG THANKS FOR ALL OF THE GENEROUS CASH DONATIONS AND FOR ALL OF THE BUSINESS ADVERTISING FOR OUR NEWSLETTER. WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN KEEP OUR COMMUNITY AWARE OF LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS.

A-C CENTRAL HONOR STUDENTS FOR 2012