SCT 2.24.21

Scott County Times

75¢

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021

WINCHESTER, IL 62694

VOLUME NO. 154 NUMBER 8

Serving our readers for more than 151 years

75¢

Times McClure and Davidsmeyer talk gas prices with Winchester council your

NEWS Wreck on Shipley Hill injures one.

See page A2

NEWS

David Camphouse/Scott County Times

Clevenger named January Passavant Colleague of the Month.

See page A3

SPORTS

Winchester Bowl wraps up youth leagues.

See page A8

WEEKEND WEATHER FRIDAY, FEB. 26

51 36 High

Low

SATURDAY, FEB. 27

59 39 High

Low

SUNDAY, FEB. 28

55 29 High

Low

Scott County Times &KXUFK $ /RFDOV $ 0DUNHWSODFH $ 1HZV $ 3XEOLF 1RWLFHV $ 6SRUWV $ © 2021

Scott County Times Obituaries listed in this issue: None.

All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

State Senator Steve McClure, right, and Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer, left, attended a special meeting of Winchester’s city council to hear residents’ concerns about inflated February gas prices. McClure and Davidsmeyer offered their offices’ assistance to residents and said they were working with the Governor’s office and others on providing relief for bill payers.

By DAVID CAMPHOUSE Scott County Times Winchester’s city council scheduled an emergency meeting Monday, Feb. 22. The topic was the recent spike in natural gas prices caused by freezing pipelines in Texas and the subsequent Wall Street speculation that sent gas prices skyrocketing. Dozens of concerned community members were in attendance.

State Senator Steve McClure spoke early in the meeting, offering his support and his office’s assistance to the extent that it can help.

“These prices are insane,” McClure said. “And in the coldest temperatures of the year, it’s like a gun being held against your head.”

McClure said he anticipates Governor Pritzker to roll out a stop gap measure to assist municipalities and individual bill payers affected by

the unprecedented gas prices. McClure credited Pritzker for making a disaster declaration in the midst of the extreme cold and the gas shortage.

Longer term, McClure encouraged legal action on the part of states affected by the crisis against gas providers involved in raising prices.

“I think it’s a federal issue,” McClure said. “A group of attorneys general in the states affected should file a suit.”

Any legal remedy, however, will take time. Meanwhile municipalities and bill payers are stuck with previously unimaginable gas bills.

Winchester Mayor Rex McIntire said the price increase caught municipalities off guard and was unlike anything he had seen previously.

“On Feb. 13, we received the first notification about price gouging by Panhandle Eastern Pipeline,” McIntire said. “I couldn’t believe it. They were

talking about going from $3 per dekatherm to $200 to $300 per dekatherm.”

While gas prices have returned to close to normal, the city is still contractually obligated to pay its gas provider for the gas provided during the period when prices were spiking.

“Our prices went up, because they said the gas couldn’t get to us,” McIntire said. “We urged people to conserve. On Tuesday it was still bad, and it might’ve been getting worse.”

All told, Winchester estimates its gas bill for February will be nearly $500,000 – or seven times higher than normal. The total city gas bill for January of this year was $62,990.

McIntire said that the only remedy to the inflated bills will come through the courts or from outside assistance.

“I think the only way out of this is either legal action to force lower rates or government intervention,” McIntire.

McIntire told those in attendance

that Winchester was not alone in suffering from the high prices, citing other municipalities in central Illinois that also felt financial pain from inflated prices.

“In some places the prices were 100 times higher than normal,” McIntire said. “In some areas they were spending $300 a dekatherm.”

State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer spoke later in the meeting and echoed McClure’s praise of the Governor for making an emergency declaration following the winter storm and gas crisis. Davidsmeyer also said it was the government’s role to protect citizens against predatory utility companies.

“I believe in the free market, but when a company is preying on people, that’s when the government steps in,” Davidsmeyer said.

(See, GAS PRICES, A4)

Bluffs planning summer sesquicentennial celebration

By DAVID CAMPHOUSE Scott County Times 2021 marks Bluffs’ 150th birthday.

To commemorate the occasion, the Bluffs Community Picnic Committee is planning a sesquicentennial celebration, which will coincide with the annual Bluffs Community Picnic and burgoo Aug. 21 and 22. The group plans to build on the traditional picnic – adding historic flourishes and more activities.

“We have lots of different ideas that we’re still finalizing,” Bluffs Community Picnic Committee Member Maryon Shaw said. “We’re planning to have a number of old-fashioned contests – best beard, pigtails and pie baking.”

Village President Linda Sapp anticipates COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings will be relaxed by late August.

“We’re hoping things will be back to normal, at least enough for outside events,” Sapp said.

Sapp said the committee is in search of historic photos of the community to use during the celebration.

“We are going to place old pictures around town to show people what Bluffs used to look like,” Sapp said.

The group is looking for pictures of historic buildings that are still standing and buildings that have been torn down.

In addition, the committee is seeking stories from the last 50 years of Bluffs history to include in a sesquicentennial book, which will add to the 1971 centennial book.

“The information in the centennial book is marvelous,” Sapp said. “We want to build on that for the sesquicentennial.”

According to Sapp, residents may present historical stories and accounts in any form, including oral accounts. Stories should be sent or delivered to the village hall.

“People can submit typed or handwritten stories,” Sapp said. “They can even dictate their stories to us.”

Historical photos and stories will be collected through the winter and spring, and the sesquicentennial book will be published prior to the August burgoo.

Sapp said that public

David Camphouse/Scott County Times

Left to right, Kay Sandman, Bluffs Village President Linda Sapp and Maryon Shaw meet Friday, Feb. 19 at the Bluffs village hall to plan elements of the community’s sesquicentennial celebration, to be held in conjunction with the Bluffs burgoo Aug. 21 and 22.

response to the planned sesquicentennial celebration has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We’re getting lots of feedback from people that have moved away that want

Active COVID cases fall to single digits

By DAVID CAMPHOUSE Scott County Times

T

he combination of COVID-19 vaccinations, social distancing and mask wearing seem to be making a positive impact on the number of coronavirus cases in the county.

According to data provided by the Scott County Health Department (SCHD) active COVID-19 cases and close contact quarantines have fallen to single digits in the county for the first time in months.

While the numbers trending down is encouraging, SCHD RN Meghan VanDeVelde said the department has also been conducting fewer COVID-19 tests lately, which could partially account for the drop in known cases. VanDeVelde said the reduced testing is a result of cold winter weather and an increased workload on SCHD staff.

(See, COVID, A4)

Submitted graphic

The latest COVID-19 data provided by the Scott County Health Department (SCHD) shows dropping numbers of active cases and close contact quarantines. There are only five known active cases in the county, compared to 19 cases two weeks ago, when SCHD last released county-level pandemic data. Even more dramatically the number of individuals in quarantine fell to eight from 39. No additional COVID-related deaths were reported. One COVID-positive patient was hospitalized for health reasons unrelated to COVID-19.

to have class reunions or just come back and visit at that time,” Sapp said.

Shaw said that in addition to the sesquicentennial book, other commemorative items marking the town’s founding

are being planned.

“We were thinking about a commemorative plate,” Shaw said. “We’re looking at alternatives to a plate also.”

(See, BLUFFS, A4)

Two more serious fires reported in Scott County

By BETH ZUMWALT Scott County Times The Winchester Fire Department responded to calls of two house fires last week.

The first call came Friday morning at 1:26 a.m. about a fire on Cross Street in Winchester.

“The tenant had heard a noise and went outside to check on things when she saw smoke coming from the roof,” Fred Andrews, Winchester Fire Chief, said. “The house sustained major damage.”

The house was owned by Rebecca Walquist, and Bethany Morris was living there.

The second fire was Saturday morning at 656 McGlasson Road in Merritt. The call came in about 7 a.m.

“One of the occupants of the single-wide trailer had gone outside, and when he returned to the residence, he found a portable heater had started a fire,” Andrews said. “He was able to get his wife and three children out of the house. By the time we arrived it was fully engulfed.”

The residence was occupied by the Brian Holsom family.

“I hope now that the cold weather and the gas emergency is over, people will quit using portable heaters,” Andrews said. “And if they do, they should follow the manufacturers’ instructions and use extension cords certified for use with portable electric heaters.”

Andrews said while the weather was still cold, the conditions were much better than last week’s fire in Glasgow, when the temps were below zero, the windchill was in the double negative digits, and snow was falling.

A2

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

NEWS

Winchester, Illinois

Mueller Family Farm ramps up production

By DAVID CAMPHOUSE Scott County Times Michael Meyer of Mueller Family Farms outside of Bluffs is getting ready for a busy 2021 growing season, which he says will be here quickly.

“I know it’s been cold, but it’s going to start warming up this week,” Meyer said. “People are going to start thinking about their gardens.”

Meyer plans to meet gardeners’ excitement by making online purchasing readily available and increasing the scope of what the farm grows.

“People can already preorder plants on our website,” Meyer said. “Our big thing this year is we’re selling bedding plants during our spring sale.

We are selling potted herbs too.”

Meyer said he has also made an effort to have an informative and user-friendly online presence, allowing customers to find out when products will be available and allowing them to pre-order products online.

“Facebook is the place to get the most up to date information about what’s available,” Mueller said. “The website is the way people can order.”

Meyer is also adding onfarm sales this year as a way to appeal to a new customer base.

The idea for on-farm sales, Meyer said, was the result of customer surveys conducted online.

“We are trying to stay flexible and modern,” Meyer said.

“We are hoping to draw people to the farm from outside of the area. We want to bring people to the farm.”

According to Linda Mueller, Meyer’s grandmother, the farm was started in

the early 1990s, in large part, because the Muellers’ custom hay business was negatively impacted by changes in the agriculture industry.

“It really began because people plowed up their hay fields to plant corn,” Mueller said. “There was more money for people in corn than there was in raising cattle. That affected our business.”

As a result, Linda’s husband, Lari, began growing more vegetables on their land.

According to Linda, produce farming was particularly suited to marginal soils and sloping topography in the area.

After Lari passed away, Meyer took up the reins of the produce farm.

“I had grown up here helping in the summers,” Meyer said. “I quit working in kitchens and started farming full time.”

In addition to online and on-farm sales, Mueller Family Farm sells produce at farmers markets in Jacksonville, Springfield and Bluffs. Its produce can also be found at County Market locations and Great Scott Market in Winchester.

“Great Scott has supported us since the beginning,” Meyer said.

Meyer also plans to beef up the farm’s presence at Mueller Feed’s storefront in Bluffs.

Adding additional markets and outlets for the produce has been accompanied by increasing production capacity.

“I built a new walk-in cooler, bought a new water wheel transplanter, built a new greenhouse,” Meyer said. “We’re setting ourselves up for more sales.”

In fact, Meyer said the

David Camphouse/Scott County Times

Michael Meyer, who operates Mueller Family Farm outside Bluffs, checks on lettuce seedlings in a greenhouse.

Meyer says that over the course of the growing season, he will harvest about 50,000 heads of lettuce. Meyer sells produce at markets in Springfield, Jacksonville and Bluffs. This year, the farm is adding on-farm sales of produce and plants. The farm also offers online pre-orders.

farm has more than doubled its greenhouse capacity, which will allow more crops to be grown in the field.

“Our greenhouse capacity has gone from 6,000 plants to 20,000 plants at one time,” Meyer said.

Meyer has also been working on the business planning and legal side of the farm to make his grandparents’ legacy even more durable by incorporating the business.

“Just a couple months ago I incorporated as an LLC,” Meyer said. “I’m lucky to be the next generation to farm here and carry on that tradition.”

For more information on the farm visit www.muellerfamilyfarm.com or search for the farm on Facebook.

David Camphouse/Scott County Times

Michael Meyer waters potted sage plants in a produce washing building at Mueller Family Farm outside Bluffs.

A popular product of the farm is its bagged spring mix.

Mueller said a top priority of the farm is improving safety and convenience for customers.

David Camphouse/Scott County Times

A young Michael Meyer sells produce in Jacksonville with his grandparents Linda and Lari Mueller in the early 1990s. After Lari passed away, Meyer assumed many of the duties on the produce farm. Meyer recently incorporated the farm as a limited liability corporation and is making investments to increase the farm’s output.

EMS agencies receive on-site training grant Thirty-two emergency medical service (EMS) agencies in nine counties, including Winchester and Meredosia/Bluffs EMS, will receive more than $17,000 in grant money from the Memorial Medical Center Foundation to purchase instructional materials required for on-site training and certification.

The grant will allow the agencies to purchase American Heart Association instructional books for Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Pediatric Life Support (PLS) and will allow the groups to train and educate staff and increase the instructor pool at each agency.

“The American Heart Association requirements are a critical component of the Springfield Fire Department EMS training and education

program,” Heather Moore, division chief of Training and Education, Springfield Fire Department said. “The updated curriculum and hands-on training gives our department providers the sets and reps needed to build the muscle memory that leads to successful patient outcomes.”

The grant comes at a time in which many EMS groups are struggling to maintain operational budgets that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When new, evidencebased care shows improved outcomes for patients, it’s important that this new or updated information gets to EMS providers in a timely manner,” Dr. Matthew Johnston, EMS medical director at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, said. “Training and education is one of

the main ways we can assist agencies and ensure they have ongoing and up-to-date guidelines for the care of the patients they treat.”

The EMS agencies that will share the grant are associated with Memorial Health System, which serves as the resource organization for the groups.

“We work with agencies to achieve their Illinois Department of Public Health requirements to keep these vital EMS services available to our communities,” Sara Brown, manager, Memorial Health System EMS said.

“Maintaining certification can be an arduous and expensive process, and this grant will help relieve this particular burden on our agencies during the pandemic.”

The $17,821 grant to purchase the necessary training

COVID (Continued from A1) “In terms of COVID, we have had limited testing the last few weeks,” VanDeVelde said. “One week was due to the extreme freezing temperatures, and now it’s mostly because our days have consisted of preparing paperwork, scheduling and then having the COVID vaccine clinics, and we haven’t had the time to be able to carve out to do the drive-thru testing clinics like we have done in the past.”

While drive-up testing has been limited as of late and is not available again this week, SCHD is still available to those who want or need a COVID test. Residents are encouraged to contact the health department to schedule a test.

“We are, however, trying our best to accommodate folks who call and need a test, and we try to schedule a time for them that we will be available to do testing at the office,” VanDeVelde said.

VanDeVelde said that testing by appointment will likely remain the only testing option at SCHD until the rate at which the department is vaccinating residents slows down.

“Until we get the vaccine pushed out, this will be our continued method,” VanDeVelde said. “It’s too complex for us to be able to do the drive-through testing on top of all our other appointments, plus the vaccine clinics with the three nurses we have doing all of these things.”

Even with a very limited staff, SCHD, VanDeVelde said, has managed to vac-

and instruction books comes from the Memorial Medical Center Foundation. The board approved an off-cycle grant due to the urgency of the need to accommodate changes in the American Heart Association curriculum, which is updated every five years.

“Supplying these EMS agencies with updated instructional materials furthers our mission of improving the health of the people and communities we serve,” Melissa Hansen Schmadeke, executive director of the Memorial Medical Center Foundation said. “We are committed to helping our local EMS agencies continue their life saving work within our communities.”

The experts involved agree that when EMS groups receive support for training

and continuing education, the ultimate beneficiaries are the community members who rely on local EMS agencies to deliver care when an emer-

gency occurs.

“The coordination of care starts with our dedicated EMS providers,” Johnston said.

Wreck on Shipley Hill injures one

By BETH ZUMWALT Scott County Times A one-vehicle accident Monday afternoon about 3:13 p.m. injured a 12-year-old male from South Jacksonville while the driver of the 2001 black Durango pulling a loaded car trailer was uninjured as was another 12-year-old male.

The Illinois State Police

say preliminary indications are Timothy Thrasher, 46, South Jacksonville was traveling south on Old Route 36 at the bottom of Shipley Hill when he lost control and ran off the right side of the road.

The vehicle came to rest in a wooded area off the right side of the road.

One 12-year-old male was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

Gas prices cinate a large percentage of Scott County residents.

“In four days last week, approximately 500 doses were administered, including both initial and second doses,” VanDeVelde said. “This week we have around 150 doses scheduled.”

Once weather delays in vaccine delivery diminish with warmer weather, VanDeVelde is optimistic that SCHD will complete vaccinations of frontline essential workers and the elderly, before moving on to a broader population of residents.

“There have been delays in delivery of the vaccine with the weather the past week,” VanDeVelde said. “However, we are projected to get enough vaccine in the coming weeks to potentially finish our current list of eligible residents to be vaccinated. We are hoping to get approval to move forward with next groups soon.”

Residents who will be next in line to receive the vaccine include adults with underlying health conditions and individuals working in essential industries, such as transportation/logistics, food service, construction, finance, information technology, communications, energy, law and media.

VanDeVelde said that the COVID numbers in Scott County are headed in the right direction and encourages residents to remain vigilant and follow public health guidance, so communities can return to normal.

“Numbers look good right now, so we’re hopeful that normalcy is on its way,” VanDeVelde said.

How to reach us Scott County Times is published for the whole of Scott &RXQW\ $Q\ ZRUWKZKLOH SURJUDP WKDW ZLOO EHQH¿W WKH county will be backed by the Scott County Times.

Timothy F. Campbell President “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

-- Thomas Jefferson, 1787

Reporters: Beth Zumwalt, David Camphouse Subscription rates: $31 per year in Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Morgan, Pike and Scott Counties, IL and Lincoln, Pike and Ralls Counties, Mo. $62 per year elsewhere. $87 per year outside the continental United States.

College Rates: $26 nine months in

(Continued from A1) Davidsmeyer said Priztker will likely offer affected parties some assistance this week, possibly in the form of low interest loans.

On Tuesday, McIntire said the city is waiting to see what the city’s final February bill will be, which will be at the end of this week.

The city plans to offer assistance to residents to handle the excessive gas charges incurred in February.

“My idea is to charge people for February at the same rate as they paid in January,” Mcintire said. “After they pay that amount, it would leave a sizable bubble. My idea is to encourage people to pay one to two percent on what is left over. That would pay it off in about four years.”

McIntire used his own bill as an example.

“My bill is usually about $300,” McIntire said. “February’s will probably be $2,400. If I paid the $300, I’d have $2,100 left to pay off at one or two percent each month.”

McIntire said he intends to explore local financing options to cover the city’s obligation to its gas provider.

McIntire expressed his gratitude to the people of Winchester for attending the meeting and offering their concerns. He also thanked McClure and Davidsmeyer for their attendance and assistance.

Following the gas discussion, the city council also approved hiring two part-time police officers – Patrick Johnson and Josh Phares – at $15 per hour at the special meeting. The two serve as part-time officers in Bluffs and Waverly respectively.

Bluffs (Continued from A1) Traditional aspects of the Bluffs Community Picnic will also take place during the sesquicentennial event.

“Of course we’ll have our burgoo,” Shaw said. “We’ll still have our pageant and live entertainment. We want to have a bigger parade with more floats this year.”

A fireworks display Saturday night and a community church service in the park on Sunday are also planned. A Sunday luncheon will follow the service.

Of course, the committee is seeking additional committee members and is seeking funds E-mail: circulation@campbellpublications.net

Illinois. $34 nine months elsewhere.

Single copy: 75 cents.

Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Scott Couny Times, P.O. Box 407, Jerseyville, IL 62052.

The Scott County Times is published weekly by Campbell Publishing Co., Inc., USPS 686-060, Timothy F. Campbell,

to sponsor the sesquicentennial celebration.

Shaw said sponsorship letters were recently sent out to businesses and some community members.

“We’ve just started fundraising,” Shaw said.

“We’ve received three sponsorships already.”

Individuals interested in assisting with the sesquicentennial event should contact the village at 217-754-3033, email Maryon Shaw at maryonshaw@gmail.com or attend a Bluffs Community Picnic Committee meeting. The next committee meeting will be held Monday, March 1 at 6 p.m. at the Bluffs Senior Building.

Meetings occur the first Monday of each month.

Phone: (217) 742-3313 Fax: (630) 206-0320

president.

Periodicals postage paid at Winchester, IL. The Scott County Times welcomes letters to the editor. They must be signed and include your address. Letters without an individual’s signature will not be published. The Scott County Times will accept only letters to the editor that are written in good taste.

Libelous remarks will not be published. The editor reserves the right to make the deci-

Mail: P.O. Box 64 Winchester, IL 62694 sion of acceptance. Letters may be edited for clarity, brevity and fairness.

Opinions expressed in columns are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.

2021

NEWS/LOCALS

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Clevenger named January Passavant Colleague of the Month Amanda Clevenger, a registered nurse, is the Passavant Area Hospital Colleague of the Month for January. Clevenger personifies Memorial Health System values in her care for patients, even off the clock.

A patient’s husband noted Clevenger stopped as she walked into work to comfort his wife, who was experiencing anxiety and refused to leave the couple’s vehicle to attend a hospital appointment.

“Amanda addressed my wife in a direct and caring manner,” he wrote in his nomination. “She took the time needed to gain her confidence and trust.”

Thanks to Clevenger’s efforts, the patient agreed to attend her appointment.

“What I enjoy most about my position is the opportunity to be there for members of our community in their most vulnerable time, to listen to their stories, to educate them about their health and to build a trusting relationship with each one of them,” Clevenger said.

Clevenger is pursuing certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and medical nursing. Clevenger lives in Bluffs with her husband and three children.

A3

Winchester, Illinois

Submitted photo

Bluffs resident and Passavant RN was honored by being named January Passavant Colleague of the Month.

Clevenger, at center, is surrounded by her Passavant coworkers.

WINCHESTER

BY IRENE TREECE 217-371-1386

Hello Scott County, Prayers and condolences to the Pennell family for the loss of a loved one. It is so sad when someone should have a lot more life to live.

Warmer weather ahead, so cheer up! If we can all survive the cost of the last couple of weeks maybe we can make it. I know this will be a hardship on a lot of people. If we can’t afford to heat the home, we sure cannot afford plumbers fees to re-do the frozen pipes in our residences. If anyone has the answer we would sure like to hear it.

It is too bad the city workers do not have their own parking lot so they would not need to park along Main Street in front of businesses that elderly people shop at.

It really makes it hard when they have to park and walk a distance to shop, especially the ones with breathing problems. I supposed the answer is to not risk a fall or other health problems by staying home and letting the

businesses close their doors so the city gets less revenue.

It is sad when homes catch fire in the type of weather we have had.

It seems like that is when these things happen. Three fires in the Winchester and surrounding areas in the past several days. Certainly, a bad time to relocate, but it seems like this does happen and we somehow survive.

Please everyone stay safe and enjoy the upcoming warmer temperatures.

When I was young there was no respect for the youth.

Now that I am older there is no respect for the aged. I missed it coming and going.

Last Week’s Trivia - - Jamestown Next Week’s Trivia - - - In what year did the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower arrive in Plymouth Massachusetts?

New dialing procedure for customers within 217 area code JWCC board The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Monday reminded residential and business customers that, beginning Feb. 27, 2021, mandatory dialing will occur where all local calls made within the Illinois 217 Area Code will have to be placed using the 10-digit telephone number (area code + the 7-digit telephone number).

That day, the 447 area code will be added as an overlay to the region currently served by area code 217 to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers for the area. An overlay is the addition of another area code (447) to the same geographic region served by an existing area code (217).

The ICC ordered an area code overlay for the 217 Area Code on Aug. 15, 2006, to be implemented upon the exhaust of available, unassigned 217 prefixes. An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code or telephone number.

Beginning March 27, 2021, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 447 area code.

The most important facts for consumers to know about the upcoming 217/447 area code overlay are: Q Your current telephone number, including current area code, will not

change.

Q If you seek new phone service after March 27, 2021, you may be assigned a phone number with the 447 area code.

Q You will need to dial area code + telephone number for all local calls.

Q You will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for all long distance calls.

Q What is a local call now will remain a local call.

Q The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.

Q You can still dial just three digits to reach 911. You can also dial three digits to reach 211 and 811, as well as 311 and 511, where available.

Please remember to identify your telephone number as a 10-digit number (Area Code + 7-digit telephone number), and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates and customers, etc.

Customers should ensure all services, automatic dialing equipment, applications, software, or other types of equipment recognize the new 447 area code as a valid area code. Examples include life-safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers,

alarm and security systems, gates, ankle monitors, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions. Be sure to check your business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, and your personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included in your telephone number.

Important safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices, and alarm and security systems must be programmed to use 10-digit dialing.

Many systems operate on 10-digit dialing by default but some older equipment may still use 7 digits. Please contact your medical alert or security provider if you are not sure whether your equipment needs to be reprogrammed to accommodate the upcoming change to 10-digit local dialing.

Any needed reprogramming of alarm and home security equipment should be completed by February 27, 2021.

Remember that all local calls must be programmed using 10-digits and you need to add ‘1’ for all long distance calls.

For additional information, please visit the ICC website at www.icc.illinois.gov/ or contact your local telephone service provider.

Healthy Jacksonville, Central Illinois Foodbank to host food distribution The Passavant Area Hospital Healthy Jacksonville collaborative will partner with other local groups to provide a drive-thru food distribution in Jacksonville.

The food distribution will open at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at the Spirit

of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St., and will continue while supplies last. No preregistration is required to receive food.

Those who plan to receive food should wear a face covering and clear space in the trunk of their vehicle so

distribution volunteers can safely load the food. Participants should line up on East Street between Walnut and Wolcott.

Food is provided by DOT Foods in partnership with the Central Illinois Foodbank.

ICC urges residents to follow winter energy conservation tips The Illinois Commerce Commission is continuing to monitor the power situation in Texas and other areas of the country experiencing extreme weather events and warns that increases in wholesale energy prices could have an impact on some Illinois electric and natural gas customers. The ICC is urging customers to follow winter energy-saving smart tips to keep utility bills down.

“Despite all of the recent snow and cold, Illinois has not experienced significantly extended power outages.

Each fall, the ICC holds a winter preparedness policy session to make sure the utilities we regulate have adequate supplies on hand to meet the demands of a harsh winter. Advanced planning has served our state well,” ICC Chairman Carrie Zalewski said. “The ICC continues to monitor and learn from the situation in Texas and other areas of the country, and we encourage all consumers to protect themselves from potential price spikes by conserving energy as safely as possible.”

The role of the ICC is to ensure that natural gas companies that it regulates (including, among others, Ameren Illinois, Nicor, and Illinois Peoples Gas) plan ahead and have an adequate supply on hand. As a way to protect consumers from price spikes, these companies buy natural gas in advance of the season which they store in gas fields until needed.

The larger companies are also more diversified in their sources for gas, which keeps prices low. Similarly, electric

distribution utilities (ComEd, Ameren, Mid-American) that supply electricity to customers must also plan ahead to ensure adequate supply. This is in part done through electric procurements through the Illinois Power Agency and approved by the Commission. These companies also rely upon electricity and related services purchased through regional transmission organizations. The larger companies avail themselves of more diversified sources of electricity, which mitigates price spikes. However, for both natural gas and electric, inclement weather and rising demand may cause increased rates for customers.

It is important to note that municipal and cooperative systems, which could be significantly impacted by increased wholesale natural gas charges, are not regulated by the ICC. They are governed by municipal governments and their own elected boards.

Illinois customers who choose to buy their energy from Alternative Electric Retail Suppliers (ARES) or Alternative Gas Suppliers (AGS) may experience higher prices this winter as well because of variable rates in contracts.

Here are a few ICC Smart Tips you can follow to reduce your energy usage: Q Set your thermostat at 68 degrees while you are awake and home, lower at night and while you are away; Q Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees; Q If you have an older water heater tank, consider adding an insulated jacket or blanket; Q Cover the inside of drafty windows with heavy plastic

sheeting, seal tightly to the frame to avoid air infiltration; Q Use insulated curtains, shades, or other energyefficient window treatments; Q Schedule a maintenance service call for your heating system. Be sure to change filters on furnaces and heat pumps at least once a month.

For wood and pellet-burning heaters, clean the flue vent regularly and clean the interior of the appliances with a wire brush; 2Q VXQQ\ GD\V DOORZ QDWXUDO light to filter in south-facing windows to warm your home; 5HYHUVH WKH GLUHFWLRQ RI ceiling fan blades in the winter to circulate warm air; ,I \RX KDYH D ILUHSODFH NHHS the damper closed unless a fire is burning.

As a reminder, a voluntary moratorium is currently in place for all residential customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Liberty Utilities, Nicor, North Shore and Peoples Gas through March 31, 2021. In addition, Aqua Illinois, Illinois American Water and Utility Services of Illinois have agreed to cease disconnections of participants in the State’s LIHEAP or Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) and those who self-report to the utility that they are suffering financial or COVID 19 related hardship until March 31, 2021. The Commission strongly encourages consumers struggling or unable to pay their bill to call their utility immediately and explain their hardship situation.

In addition, funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps cover

hears report on trustee election The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees heard a report on the candidates for JWCC’s upcoming Trustee Election and an update on the Spring 2021 semester, during its regular meeting Wednesday, Feb. 17. The meeting was conducted virtually as permitted by the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two seats on the board will be filled in the consolidated election on April 6. The seats are for two, six-year terms. The three candidates in order in which their names will appear on the ballot are Paula Hawley of Griggsville, William (LB) Cornwell of Quincy and Don Hess of Quincy. Hess is an incumbent, while Hawley and Cornwell are challengers.

Trustees whose terms are expiring are Jim Gay of Rockport and Don Hess of Quincy.

The board also heard a report on JWCC’s Spring 2021 semester. ”Students are attending in-person and our semester is progressing well,” JWCC President Michael Elbe said.

JWCC is preparing for the Summer and Fall 2021 terms with registration just a few weeks away.

“We are optimistic as

the costs for natural gas, propane, or electricity used to heat a home remains available. To see if you qualify or for information about how to apply, call 1-877411-9276 or visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.

the pandemic is more controlled, this will continue to give students the confidence to move forward on their educational path,” Elbe said. “Our proven success model to date is allowing students to choose course delivery based on their comfort level and individual learning style.”

JWCC offers learning options aligned with IDPH health and safety guidelines including in-person, in-person with virtual components and online.

In other business, the board: Q Granted tenure for full-time faculty member Devron Sternke, effective at the beginning of the 2021-2022 academic year.

Q Accepted and authorized a $98,000 bid for the courtyard concrete improvements to Rees Construction Co. Q Approved the Memorandum of Understanding to the FY2019-2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement on section 3.17 – Selection and Evaluation of Department Chair which will change the Spring 2021 Department Chair selection from January to a later date in the Spring term.

The next meeting will be held March 17, at 6 p.m. at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center, located at 4220 Kochs Lane, Quincy.

Local Church Listings First Baptist Church 30 West Cross St., Winchester, IL 62694 (217) 742-3480 t fbcwinchesteril@gmail.com fbcwinchester.com t Like us on Facebook List with us 618-498-1234

Cooperating With God Pat Van DeVelde Peak Insurance Agency 16 S. Hill, 742-3316 First National Bank of Winchester 26 W. Cherry 742-3134

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

T

rust that God has everything under control and that the plans he has for you are beneficial. At the same time, we should realize that we must cooperate with those plans and be active participants in our success and our salvation. There is an old joke about a man needing to be rescued from a flood and praying for deliverance while up on the roof of his house. He turns away one rescuer after another, first turning away two boats, and then a helicopter, saying that he has faith that God will rescue him. The man is finally swept away by the rising waters and drowns. Upon entering heaven, he complains to God that he was expecting to be delivered by God from the rising waters, to which God replies “I sent two boats and a

helicopter. What more did you want?”

God works in the world through worldly means, and we should work in the same way to both effect our salvation and to bring about the kingdom of heaven on earth. We do this by acting charitably and loving our fellow man, and generally, obeying God’s law. It may not always be clear exactly what we need to do, but we almost always know when we aren’t doing the will of God. That is, when we are sinning, we almost always know it and the voice of God (i.e., our conscience) is clearest when we are not cooperating with God. –Christopher Simon

These religious messages are published each week in the Scott County Times as a service to our churches and are sponsored by the listed business firms.

A4

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Winchester, Illinois

SPECIAL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021

CAMPBELL PUBLICATIONS

THE PEOPLE’S MARKETPLACE CLASSIFIEDS

AUCTIONS Virtual Online Auction – Bid @ www.SullivanAuctioneers.com

Adams & Hancock County, IL

LAND AUCTION

MONDAY, MARCH 8 AT 10:00 A.M.

('$# ( ( (&#'$& (SUBJECT TO SURVEY)

Tract 1 is located approximately 4 miles east of Plainville, IL or 7 miles southeast of Payson, IL or 15 miles southeast of Quincy, IL. (The Southeast Quarter of Section 21, T3S-R6W, Richfield Township, Adams County, IL).

Tracts 2 - 6 are located ½ mile west of Plainville, IL or 3 miles southeast of Payson, IL or 15 miles southeast of Quincy, IL. (The South Half of the Southwest Quarter of Section 22, and the Northwest Quarter of Section 27, all in T3S-R7W, Payson Township, Adams County, IL).

Tract 7 is located approximately 15 miles south of Warsaw, IL or 20 miles north of Quincy, IL. (The Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 26, T3N-R9W, Rocky Run Township, Hancock County, IL).

DOUGLAS E. VOTH ESTATE | SELLER OF TRACTS 1-6

500 FOR SALE

900A-NO TRESPASSING CALHOUN COUNTY

NON GMO Farm Fresh Eggs. 217NO TRESPASSING or hunting 440-4351. 3.3.21 allowed on the land in Batchtown owned by Steve and Cin600 dy Meszaros. Violators will be HELP WANTED prosecuted. 9.8.21 NO TRESPASSING or hunting OFFICE, HOUSKEEPING, Mainallowed on the land in Batchtenance, Server positions availtown owned by Marcy Klockable. Call 217-734-2526 Heartland enkemper, Judy Lamer, Jeremy Lodge. 3.10.21 Russell, Bonnie Stepanek and Cindy Mezzos. Violators will be 615 prosecuted. 9.8.21 HUNTING NO TRESPASSING of any kind is permitted on the Kim Kamp ARE YOU looking for extra Income? and Joe Stelbrink farm located We are looking for a place to hunt. on Summit Grove Rd., KampsMike (cell) 314-560-8865. 4.14.21 ville. Violators will be prosecuted. 8.26.21 900A-NO TRESPASSING

CALHOUN COUNTY NO TRESPASSING on William and Geraldine Schleeper Farms.

6.9.21

ADVERTISE WITH US!

900D-NO TRESPASSING PIKE COUNTY

Feb. 24

- “Siwinowe Kesibwi” (The Shawnee Sun) was issued as the first Indian language monthly publication in the U.S. - Mr. William S. Otis received a patent for the steam shovel.

- Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of Britain’s Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.

- The Dow Jones industrial average closed above the 1100 mark for the first time.

- The Los Angeles Vinyard Society was organized.

- A U.S.congressional commission released a report that condemned the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

- The first shipment of perforated postage stamps was received by the U.S. Government.

- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, of the Los Angeles Lakers, got his first three-point shot in the NBA.

- Arizona was organized as a territory.

- An exploding supernova was discovered in the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy.

- In Washington, DC, an American flag made entirely of American bunting was displayed for the first time.

- The U.S. House of Representatives impeached President Andrew Johnson due to his attempt to dismiss Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. The U.S. Senate later acquitted Johnson.

- Thomas Edison and Mina Miller were married.

- The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a $200,000 award to Rev. Jerry Falwell that had been won against “Hustler” magazine.

The ruling expanded legal protections for parody and satire.

- Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini sentenced Salman Rushdie to death for his novel “The Satanic Verses”. A bounty of one to three-million-dollars was also put on Rushidie’s head.

- New York City Mayor Van Wyck signed the contract to begin work on New York’s first rapid transit tunnel. The tunnel would link Manhattan and Brooklyn.

The ground breaking ceremony was on March 24, 1900.

- A United Airlines 747 jet rips open in flight killing 9 people.

The flight was from Honolulu to New Zealand.

- In Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, an area was leased to the U.S. for a naval base.

- Tracy Gold began working on the set of “Growing Pains” again. She had left the show due to anorexia.

- A thermit was used for the first time. It was used to break up a 250,000-ton ice jam that had clogged the St. Lawrence River near Waddington, NY.

- In Los Angeles, Garrett Morris was shot during a robbery attempt. He eventually recovered from his injury.

- The first nylon bristle toothbrush was made. It was the first time that nylon yarn had been used commercially.

- The U.S. The Food and Drug Administration named six brands of birth control as safe and effective “morning-after” pills for preventing pregnancy.

- The U.S. Government stopped shipments of all 12-gauge shotguns for sporting use for the wartime effort.

- Dick Enberg received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

- The Voice of America (VOA) aired for the first time.

- In southeast China, a domestic airliner crashed killing all 64 passengers.

- During World War II, the Philippine capital of Manilla, was liberated by U.S. soldiers.

- Juan Peron was elected president of Argentina.

- The city of Cleveland invoked a 1931 law that barred people under the age of 18 from dancing in public without an adult guardian.

- NBC premiered the TV movie “Harper Valley P.T.A.”

NO TRESPASSING and no hunting of any kind, is permitted on any property owned by Double Creek Farms. Can be prosecuted. 4.7.21

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

ILLINOIS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK HEALTH

WANTED

GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY FOR WEIGHT LOSS? If you or a loved one had this surgery and suffered serious injury or death? You may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727

FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans.

R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

Convenient. Certified Professionals.

Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

MAYFAIR FARMS ground North of Highway 10 East of Nebo is private property. Trespassing is forbidden.

Violators will be prosecuted. 1.5.22

This Day In History - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled itself to be the final interpreter of all constitutional issues.

900D-NO TRESPASSING PIKE COUNTY

- “Wayne’s World” opened in U.S. theaters.

- The Virginia General Assembly passed a resolution expressing “profound regret” for the state’s role in slavery.

- Cuba’s parliament named Raul Castro president. His brother Fidel had ruled for nearly 50 years. https://www.on-this-day.com/ onthisday/thedays/alldays/ feb24.htm

GREAT RIVERS BANK, ADMINISTRATOR 694 BAINBRIDGE ST, BARRY, IL 62312

DOUGLAS E. VOTH ESTATE & RICK PEIKETT SELLER OF TRACT 7 Representing Attorney: William L. Siebers Scholz, Loos, Palmer, Siebers & Duesterhaus, LLP 625 Vermont | Quincy, IL 62301 | (217) 214-1909 LAND AUCTION MANAGERS: John Borrowman (217) 430-0645 & Joe Sullivan (844) 847-2161

No-Reserve Timed Online

FARM ESTATE AUCTION ITEMS BEGIN CLOSING

TUESDAY, MARCH 9 AT 10:00 A.M.

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 1627 N 200th Ave. | Plainville, Illinois Selling late model John Deere tractors, farm machinery, hay equipment, wagons, late model vehicles, trailers, large selection of construction tools including scaffolding, building materials, tools and a large selection of other quality items.

LARGE AUCTION!

DOUGLAS E. VOTH ESTATE GREAT RIVERS BANK, ADMINISTRATOR 694 BAINBRIDGE ST, BARRY, IL 62312

Campbell Publications

&DOKRXQ 1HZV +HUDOG *UHHQH 3UDLULH 3UHVV Jersey County Journal 3LNH 3UHVV Scott County Times

EQUIPMENT AUCTION MANAGERS: Matt Sullivan (309) 221-7001 & John Borrowman (217) 430-0645

SULLIVAN AUCTIONEERS, LLC 0 5 ++ 5 + ( (5 5 12!$$* 4!' *& 1'&

2&$ 2!$$* 4!' *& 1'& 5 5.*'15 +++333(3

A6

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Winchester, Illinois

ACTIVITIES

Horoscopes ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you may be falling behind on keeping resolutions, but that is alright.

It’s easy to get back on track once you set your mind to it. Ask a friend to keep you accountable.

TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, right now your mind is focused on “the more the merrier” but you have to find ways to safely connect with others. Keep everyone’s health in mind.

GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 It may have seemed like the last few months of 2020 flew by, Gemini. A new year provides a chance to restart, slow down and smell the proverbial roses.

CANCER Jun 22/Jul 22 This week can prove to be epic if you just go with the flow a little bit, Cancer.

Let others take the lead and simply follow along. You never know where things will lead.

LEO Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, figure out how to align your priorities with what you do for a living.

It could mean changing careers. Even though it may seem risky right now, start exploring the waters.

VIRGO Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, some down time and R& R can do a body good. Ask your partner to cover for you and then reciprocate so you can both unplug and refresh.

LIBRA Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, a midweek business proposition or a real estate endeavor may present itself. This could lead to some exciting changes for your family.

SCORPIO Oct 24/Nov 22 You don’t mind defending your opinions or your ideals, Scorpio. In fact, you are highly skilled at constructive conversation. Your negotiation tactics may be put to the test.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23/Dec 21 The early part of the week may be pretty uneventful, but things heat up as the week progresses, Sagittarius. You may not have time to do everything you desire.

CAPRICORN Dec 22/Jan 20 Boredom isn’t a bad thing when you desire a respite, Capricorn. While others may be looking for ways to chase away cabin fever, you may be perfectly content snuggling in.

AQUARIUS Jan 21/Feb 18 Unexpected partnerships can yield some amazing results, Aquarius. This may be the opportunity you are looking for at this juncture in your life. Push ahead for the time being.

PISCES Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, momentum swings in your favor and you can sail through all of your tasks and goals in record time.

Enjoy the ride.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS FEBRUARY 21 Jordan Peele, Actor (42) FEBRUARY 22 Drew Barrymore, Actress (46) FEBRUARY 23 D’Angelo Russell, Athlete (25) FEBRUARY 24 Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Athlete (44) FEBRUARY 25 Rashida Jones, Actress (45) FEBRUARY 26 Nate Ruess, Singer (39) FEBRUARY 27 Kate Mara, Actress (38)

Coloring

Would you like to see your masterpiece in print? Send your coloring page to Campbell Publications for a chance to be featured in your local paper.

9 Drop off in person: 832 S State St., Jerseyville, IL 62052 9 Mailing address: PO Box 407, Jerseyville, IL 62052 9 Email: circulation@campbellpublications.net

COOKING

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Winchester, Illinois

A7

A8

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Winchester, Illinois

PUBLIC NOTICE/CLASSIFIED/SPORTS

Cougars defense stumbles in second; gives Tigers the win

By KENT COULTAS Scott County Times Beardstown scored 24 second quarter points and beat West Central 54-49 in boys’ basketball Feb. 20 at Beardstown.

West Central led 19-11 after one quarter, but Beardstown outscored the Cougars 24-8 in the second quarter and led 35-27 at halftime.

Beardstown led by as many as 12 points, 40-28, in the third quarter. Noah Smith grabbed an offensive rebound and scored, and Zach Evans made a three-point basket to get the

Cougars within 40-33. West Central missed a three-point shot and had two turnovers in its next three possessions, and Beardstown extended its lead to 44-33.

Evans made a three-point basket late in the quarter to get the Cougars within 44-36.

Smith scored to get the Cougars within 50-49 with 2:47 remaining in the game.

West Central came up with two steals and Beardstown’s next two possessions. The Cougars, however, missed a three-point field goal attempt and the front end of a one-and-one on its possessions. The Cougars

missed two three-point field goal attempts and three free throws in the final 2 minutes of the game.

Beardstown went 10-for13 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, and it was 18-for-22 from the line in the game. West Central was just 6-for-14 from the line in the game.

Smith scored 17 points and had seven rebounds for the Cougars. Brayden Little scored 12 points and had seven rebounds and five assists.

Evans scored nine points and had five steals. Ethan Slagle scored nine points.

Lathan Barnett scored two points.

Five different players scored at least eight points, and West Central won the junior varsity game 58-38.

Jaydon Howard scored 14

points, and Mason Berry scored 10. Jackson Ford, Peyton Hartley and Chance Little each scored eight points. Tyson Brown scored five points, and Cole Meyer scored four. Jacob Bangert scored one point.

offensive rebound and scored, and Tyson Mast made a three-point basket to give West Central a 22-18 lead.

West Central led by five at halftime as Little scored on a layup just before end of the quarter.

The Cougars went just 8-for-24 from the free throw line in the game, including 6-for-17 in the fourth quarter. They made eight three-point baskets in the game, including four by Evans. Mast made two, and Little and Moore each made one.

Slagle scored 11 points and had seven rebounds. Smith scored 10 points and had seven rebounds.

Little scored nine points and had 12 rebounds and five assists. Mast scored seven points.

Lathan Barnett scored four points. Moore scored three points and had four assists.

Evans and Peyton Hartley combined to score 23 points, and the Cougars won the junior varsity game 52-22.

Evans scored 13 points to lead West Central, and Hartley scored 10. Jackson Ford and Mason Berry each scored six points. Tyson Brown, Jaydon Howard and Chance Little each scored four points. Cole Meyer scored three points, and Matt Hopkins scored two.

Smith and Slagle come on strong vs. Hawks

By KENT COULTAS Scott County Times West Central’s Noah Smith and Ethan Slagle combined to score 37 points as West Central beat Carrollton, 67-40, Feb. 19 at Bluffs.

The game was tied at 12 before Zach Evans and Slagle scored, and West Central led 16-12 after one quarter.

West Central led 16-14 before Slagle scored, Tyson Mast made a free throw, and Lathan Barnett scored to extend the lead to 24-14.

Carrollton got within 24-17, and Smith scored after Brayden Little grabbed an offensive rebound, and Slagle scored.

The Cougars scored the last 10 points of the quarter and led 38-18 at halftime.

Smith scored the first four points of the

second half, and West Central led 42-18. The Cougars led 61-32 after three quarters.

Evans scored 21 points and had five rebounds for the winners. Slagle scored 16 points and had eight rebounds.

Evans scored eight points, and Mast scored seven points and had five assists. Ryan Moore scored four points. Little scored three points and had eight rebounds and eight assists. Cole Meyer and Jaydon Howard each scored two points.

West Central allowed just two first half points and won the junior varsity game 47-14.

Howard scored 13 points, and Peyton Hartley scored 11. Jackson Ford scored six points. Meyer and Mason Berry each scored five points. Tyson Brown scored four points, and Jacob Bangert scored two. Chance Little scored one point.

Submitted photo

Winchester Bowl wraps up youth leagues The Youth League at the Winchester Bowl finished strong. Bowlers were Ryker Hart, Bella Jones, Skylar Suhre, Jacob Hart, Ronald Bentley. There will be another league beginning in the fall.

! " " # $ % & '

# ( & ) * + % , - ' % + . & % & ' / $

0 ++ + 1 & & + & + 2 3 44 ! & 5 & ++ 44. & ! ! ! $

# 6 / 3 - +$ 6 " # $ % & ' & '

Switch & Get

CLASSIFIEDS

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

WE ARE HIRING

FREE

% 1 7UXFNLQJ is looking to fill full time positions out of the Quincy and Mt. Sterling, IL area.

We offer full benefit packages.

Call &KXFN at 217-214-2022 or .HQW at 217-289-3555 for details.

ZZZ EQWUXFNLQJ QHW

GENERAL INFORMATION

Cell Tech Electronics, an Authorized Agent of UScellular™ 1404 Windy Ln., Jerseyville, 618-498-7276 Requires a new line, postpaid Smartphone service plan, port-in, credit approval, qualified Smartphone purchase and comes via monthly bill credit on a 30-mo. RIC. 5G capable device required to experience 5G. 5G coverage not available in all areas. See uscellular.com/coverage-map for details. Taxes, fees, and additional restrictions apply.

Things we want you to know: New consumer or small business (25 lines or less) postpaid Smartphone service plan, new line and port-in required. Tax due at sale. A Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee applies; this is not a tax or gov’t-required charge. Additional fees, taxes, terms, conditions and coverage areas may apply and vary by plan, service and phone. Credit approval required. Offers valid at participating locations only and cannot be combined. See store or uscellular.com for details. OFFER DETAILS: Purchase a Samsung GS21, GS21 Plus or GS21 Ultra via 0% APR, $0 down, 30-mo. Retail Installment Contract (RIC) and receive an $800 bill credit divided into 30 monthly credits. Bill credit applied within 3 bill cycles and ends when balance is paid. Line must remain in good standing with required price plan for entire 30-mo. RIC. In the event of cancellation of service, customer will be responsible for the entire RIC balance. Free offer applies to base model and memory. 5G capable device required to experience 5G. 5G coverage not available in all areas.

See uscellular.com/coverage-map for details. Kansas Customers: In areas in which UScellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning service availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Limited-time offer. While supplies last. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Offers valid at participating locations only and cannot be combined. See store or uscellular.com for details. ©2021 UScellular

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALFRED K. RYDER, Deceased No. 2021-P-2 Notice is given of the death of the above.

Attorney for the Estate: Thomas J. Magee Nicholas A. Scholz HeplerBroom LLC 130 N. Main Street Edwardsville, Illinois 62025 (618) 307-1285 Phone (618) 656-1364 fax ns1@heplerbroom.com

$ & $

No Hidden Requirements

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SCOTT COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Decedent departed this life on April 16, 2020 Date letters were issued: February 16, 2021 Personal Representatives: Heather S. Loy, W. Thomas Ryder

Payson makes run at Cougars

By KENT COULTAS Scott County Times Zach Evans scored 16 points to lead West Central to a 60-49 win Feb. 16 at Payson.

The Cougars led 28-23, but Payson cut the margin to 28-27 early in the third quarter.

West Central went on a 16-2 run to extend the lead to 14 points.

Evans made two three-point baskets to start the run. His second came after Ryan Moore grabbed an offensive rebound. Moore made a three-point basket to give the Cougars a 37-27 lead before Payson scored to get within eight points.

Ethan Slagle scored inside, and Evans made another three-point basket and scored on a layup, and the Cougars led 44-29 with 2:46 remaining in the quarter. They led 49-33 after three quarters.

Payson got within 58-49 with 1:20 remaining in the game. Slagle and Brayden Little each made free throws in the final 1:05.

The game was tied at 10 after one quarter, and Payson led 18-15 with 6 minutes remained in the second. Evans scored, Noah Smith grabbed an

CLAIM NOTICE

Ph: 217-742-3313 Fax: 630-206-0320 Submit your news: sctnews@campbellpublications.net Advertising information: jcjadvertising@campbellpublications.net Public notices: publicnotice@campbellpublications.net A D V E R T I S I N G 5x7-$9.00; 8x10-$10.00.

POLICY: We are not ADVERTISING RATE: responsible for more than $11.95 per column inch. one incorrect insertion Example: of display and classified 1 column by 3 inches advertising. Please let us would be know immediately upon publication of any errors. 3 col. inches x $11.95 = $35.85 Responsibility is limited to the cost of the space For more information error occupies in the ad. about display rates, quanAll transactions under $50 tity discounts and insert must be paid in advance. rates, contact the Scott Proper identification of County Times at 217-285the person placing the ad 2345. is required. Scott County CARDS OF THANKS, Times reserves the right to MEMORIALS: $8.00 reject or edit any advertise- minimum; 25¢ per word ment submitted for publi- after 65 words, pre-paid. cation.

SUBSCRIPTION DEADLINES: Reunions - RATES: $31 per year in 5 p.m. Thursday; Society, Adams, Brown, Calhoun, weddings, birthdays, anni- Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, versaries, engagements, Madison, Morgan, Pike 12 p.m. Friday; Classified and Scott Counties, IL and ads, 3 p.m. Monday; Lincoln, Pike and Ralls Display advertising, 5 p.m. Counties, MO. $62 per Monday. We reserve the year elsewhere. $90 per right to reject any photo year outside the continenthat will not reproduce tal United States. clearly.

TO MAIL A SINGLE DROP OFF LOCATION: ISSUE: $4.

Scotty's Winchester COLLEGE RATES: $27 Convience. nine months in Illinois. $36 PHOTO REPRINTS: nine months elsewhere.

Claims against the Estate PD\ EH ¿OHG LQ WKH RI¿FH RI the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Scott County Courthouse, 35 E Market St, Winchester, IL 62694, or with the Personal Representative or both, on or before August 18, 2021 and DQ\ FODLP QRW ¿OHG ZLWKLQ WKDW period is barred. Copies of WKH FODLP ¿OHG ZLWK WKH &LUFXLW Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the Attorney of Record, if any, within 10 days after it KDV EHHQ ¿OHG DQG WKH FODLPDQW VKDOO ¿OH ZLWK WKH &RXUW SURRI RI any required mailing.

Heather S. Loy and W. Thomas Ryder, Personal Representatives of the Estate of Alfred K. Ryder, Deceased 2.17, 2.24, 3.3

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SCOTT COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ROBERT JOHN JOHNSON, DECEASED. NO. 2021-P-5 NOTICE OF CLAIM DATE Notice is given of the death of Robert John Johnson of Manchester, Illinois. Letters RI 2I¿FH ZHUH LVVXHG RQ )HEUXDU\ WR 'DWKDQ 0 -RKQVRQ 1HZ &LW\ 5G Rochester, Illinois, 62563, ZKRVH DWWRUQH\ LV 5LFKDUG 1 Gillingham, 220 Sixth Street, Carrollton, Illinois, 62016.

Claims against the Estate PD\ EH ¿OHG LQ WKH &LUFXLW &OHUN¶V 2I¿FH *UHHQH &RXQW\ &RXUWKRXVH &DUUROOWRQ ,OOLQRLV RU ZLWK WKH $GPLQLVWUDtor, or both, on or before the WK GD\ RI $XJXVW DQG DQ\ FODLP QRW ¿OHG RQ RU EHfore that date is barred. CopLHV RI D FODLP ¿OHG ZLWK WKH FOHUN PXVW EH PDLOHG RU GHOLYHUHG E\ WKH FODLPDQW WR WKH Administrator and to his AttorQH\ ZLWKLQ WHQ GD\V DIWHU LW KDV EHHQ ¿OHG DQG SURRI RI VDLG PDLOLQJ RU GHOLYHU\ PXVW EH ¿OHG ZLWK WKH FOHUN 'DWHG )HEUXDU\ Dathan M. Johnson, ([HFXWRU RI WKH (VWDWH RI Robert John Johnson Richard N. Gillingham $WWRUQH\ DW /DZ 220 Sixth Street Carrollton, Illinois 62016

5HJLVWUDWLRQ ULFKDUGJLOOLQJKDP#XVD QHW 2.17, 2.24, 3.3

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SCOTT COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HAZEL M. PETERSON, Deceased.

NO. 21-P-6 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Hazel M. Peterson of Manchester, Scott County, Illinois. Letters of Of¿FH ZHUH LVVXHG RQ )HEUXDU\ 8, 2021, to Cindy L. Fry, P.O. Box 13, Manchester, Illinois 62663; Richard M. Peterson, 1732 Coal Creek Road, Roodhouse, Illinois 62082; and to Thomas L. Peterson, P.O. Box 56, Manchester, Illinois 62663, as IndepenGHQW &R ([HFXWRUV ZKRVH attorney is John D. Coonrod, 44 East Side Square, Winchester, Illinois 62694. &ODLPV PD\ EH ¿OHG RQ RU before August 18, 2021. Any FODLP QRW ¿OHG RQ RU EHIRUH that date is barred, except WKDW FODLP RI D FUHGLWRU ZKR KDV EHHQ QRWL¿HG E\ PDLO RU delivery of notice shall be barred on said date or three months from the date of such PDLOLQJ RU GHOLYHU\ ZKLFKHYHU LV ODWHU &ODLPV PD\ EH ¿OHG LQ WKH 2I¿FH RI WKH &OHUN RI VDLG Court at the Scott County Courthouse, Winchester, IlliQRLV ZLWK WKH ,QGHSHQdent Executor, or both.

Dated this 10th day of February, 2021.

Cindy L. Fry, Richard M. Peterson, and Thomas L. Peterson, Independent Co-Executors of the Estate of Hazel M. Peterson, Deceased By: /s/ John D. Coonrod their attorney 2.17, 2.24, 3.3

TWO RIVERS

-*,#(!

edition 2021

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO: CALHOUN NEWS-HERALD · GREENE PRAIRIE PRESS · JERSEY COUNTY JOURNAL PIKE PRESS · SCOTT COUNTY TIMES

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Investing in our Community,

Page 2

One Farm at a Time.

Call us today to discuss your equipment, planting, and farmland financial needs.

117 S State Street (618) 498-2151 | www.royalbanksofmo.com

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 3

County fairs reflect; hope to see comeback in 2021

By CONNOR ASHLOCK Campbell Publications Within the five-county region of Pike, Calhoun, Jersey, Greene and Scott counties, six agricultural fairs are hosted throughout the summer every year, consisting of the Jersey, Greene, Pike and Calhoun county fairs, along with the Scott County 4-H and Junior Agricultural Fair and Western Illinois Fair in Griggsville.

One by one, just like with every other agricultural fair in Illinois in 2020, they either canceled or opted to postpone before realizing there was no other choice but to cancel.

Some fair boards stuck it out as long as they could before finally opting to call it, but with mounting factors such as carnivals not being permitted to operate, restrictions on event sizes and concern for public health, fair boards resolved to make 2020 the year without a fair and instead focused on planning for the next fair that would be able to happen.

Ken Tyrrell, president of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs, being involved in county fairs himself, knew that the desire to hold a fair was strong all throughout the state, but there was more at stake in holding a fair than there was in canceling.

“As the spring progressed in 2020, all fairs came to the conclusion, some sooner than others, they would support the mandates in the interest of public safety and preservation of their organizations,” Tyrrell said.

Public sentiment was mixed, although an overwhelming amount of support was cast in favor of boards deciding to cancel.

Jerry Joyce, the Greene County Fair Association president, shared that his board waited until there was less than a month before the fair should have been held before voting to officially cancel it.

“It was about the last week in May,” Joyce said. “We pushed as long as we could before we actually knew we were going to cancel.”

The Greene County Fair board’s decision to cancel came just a few weeks after the Pike County Fair board announced its fair’s cancelation, doing so on May 5, 2020. The Pike and Greene fairs are the two earliest fairs in the five-county region, both being held in June. The fair that was earliest to make its decision in the region, though, was the Western Illinois Fair board, which initially postponed its fair in February.

“We postponed it with the thought we might be able to reschedule at a later date, but things never materialized,” Lynn Freeman, a 60-year board member of the Western Illinois Fair Association, said. “It’s a lot easier to have it scheduled and know you don’t have to do anything last minute. After we learned there was no way we could participate in a fair, we canceled it completely.”

The Western Illinois Fair is held in late

June. The board decided to officially cancel in March, although opted to not advertise the decision until April in the hopes that something would change.

Greene County initially decided that they, too, would postpone the fair, but after realizing that multiple factors were mounting against them, the board thought it best to cancel altogether.

“We didn’t want to miss a fair because we’re one of the longest running fairs, so we thought we could postpone and have a two or three day event to at least say we had a fair,” Joyce said. “I think our biggest factor was we were trying to protect the health of the community.”

Now, county fair boards across the state are watching the vaccination progress unfold and are holding out hope that maybe — just maybe — they’ll be able to get back in the game this year, as they are extremely eager to do so.

“My conversations with fairs and fair board members across the state indicate that fairs are moving forward with plans for 2021,” Tyrrell said. “On Jan. 27, during the virtual IAAF meeting, I asked Tim Norman, bureau chief of county fairs and horse racing, for thoughts or plans as to how the industry should proceed. Unfortunately, he was unable to provide any direction. We are proceeding day by day.”

According to Tyrrell, one fair in northern Illinois received an eight-page rule booklet that detailed regulations for gatherings that were given to them by their local health department.

“I would hope that as the crisis lessens these restrictions can be abbreviated to a lesser degree as time passes,” Tyrrell added.

Thankfully, no county fairs in Illinois closed permanently as a result of the pandemic, although as time goes on, finances might get tighter for several county fairs.

Joyce shared that for Greene County, if the fair wasn’t able to go on for another year, any subsequent concerns that would arise would be financial.

“We’re big on building maintenance, and when you’re not there for maintenance for two years, when you go to turn on track lights, they aren’t going to turn on. You’ll have all that expense in one year,” Joyce said.

For many fairs in the state, especially in the local region, they serve as an important cultural and community-building element, and this is especially seen in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Fair, which canceled on Aug. 5, plays an immensely important role in the community, so much so, that not only was the fair affected, but several community organizations that relied on it were, as well.

CONTINUED ON PG. 4

40 245-44 ) 7 1 2 ( Ave. • n o t r o est M ts.com i W e 0 h 0 h 2 c 2 bu

e h t e r Explo a f o s e i t i l i b Possi . . . e f i L r e l p Sim

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 4 submitted photo

GREENFIELD FFA

Front row, left to right: Zack Wright, Gavin Rynders, Jimmy Stewart, Blake Woelfel, Bryce Stuart, Jessa Vetter, Sam Walker, Jayden Smith, Torrie McAdams, Delaney McEvers and Michaela Theivagt. Second row, left to right: Tyson Goode, Danyn Moore, Luke Lorton, Tanner Goode, Bradley Rynders, Carson Knittel, Brody Reif, Alexis Pohlman, Clayton Woods, Addison Armold and Anna Triplett. Third row, left to right: Doug McWhorter, Will Smith, Drew Hallock, Anthony Smith, Drake Stuart, Courtney Meyer, Hannah Theivagt, Jenna Dickerman, Claire Woods, Kamryn Theivagt, Aubrey Garrison, Emma Ratliff and Colby Crafton. Back row, left to right: Lane Eheart, Hayden Vetter, Emma Woods, Conner McEvers, Michael McWhorter, Gracie Retherford, Allie Burrow, Rachel Armold and Joelle Ford.

Fairs, CONTINUED FROM PG. 3 “What it hurt the most was the food stands,” Terry Strauch, president of the Calhoun County Fair Association, said. “All of our people that run food stands— the Legion, St. Norbert’s School, the swimming pool association and high school yearbook club— they were missing the income. They run all four of our food stands and that’s where a lot of them make most of their money. It hurt the community.”

Indeed, as Tyrrell pointed out, financial damage, to some extent, has been felt all across the Illinois county fair industry.

“This loss of revenue has affected not only fairs and their long-term interest, but also carnivals, concessionaires and vendors,” Tyrrell said. “All supporting towns and community organizations depend on revenue earned during fair week. For many organizations, this is a major source of revenue for their yearly programs.”

Additionally, young livestock exhibitors count on premium earnings to help them with their college funds, livestock exhibitors of all ages count on shows to help market their livestock, and general projects exhibitions provide a way for exhibitors to make a little money off of their efforts in such areas as gardening, sewing and hobby skills.

Though all ages enjoy them, what most encourages exhibit superintendents is the young people who participate. In fact, it’s the young people that are the driving force behind why county fair officials want to hop back onto the saddle as quickly as they can.

Joyce echoed similar sentiment.

“To me, the biggest thing was losing it for the community, especially the kids,” Joyce said. “Our board is ag-minded. We host the FFA show for the district and the 4-H sale, and we lost that sale, which is a big asset to those kids because they get scholarship money.”

With organizations and individuals eager to get back in the game, such as 4-H and FFA, as well as the countless families that participate in county fairs throughout the region, be it in grandstand events, general project exhibits or livestock showing, it appears that it won’t be too difficult to get

back in the game, despite the fact that people went through a year without a county fair to participate in.

“The last fair we had was a good one,” Strauch, with the Calhoun fair, said. “We had great attendance, everyone made some money for their organizations, there was a good turnout for livestock and the queen contest— everything went very well and I want that to be able to continue. I don’t want to lose that momentum with us having time off.”

Although, with folks not being able to enjoy their yearly summer traditions such as watching their favorite grandstand event, riding some rides or enjoying fair food, as well as the fact that folks will be eager to get out and enjoy themselves again, concerns over a loss of momentum aren’t a pressing matter for fair officials.

Indeed, community support for fairs hasn’t seemed to wane throughout the 2020 season, as was seen at the Western Illinois fairgrounds when two foodstands were able to make a stop to sell fair food to Pike County residents.

“Boy! They did a bang up job and we were excited to have them in,” Freeman said.

“We were fortunate to be one of the few to get them in here.”

People lined up and remained in their cars as orders were taken to provide for social distancing.

Tyrrell noted that some downstate fairs hosted fall events in hopes to garner some revenue and semblance of a fair.

“Some had demo derbies and virtual fairs.

It has been reported the communities were receptive and returned a positive result,” Tyrrell said.

Additionally, Tyrrell noted that 16 fairs were hosted in the United States last year, although they were mostly constrained to the west.

“These fairs reported success, however, these were states with low populations and operated under very strict COVID mandates, and many lessons were learned. There is a way forward. However, many of these fairs had staff and tax money to soften the way,”

Tyrrell said.

Now, as the 2021 fair season looms in the distance, fair officials are waiting to see what the direction from the state will be concerning county fairs, but in the meantime, they are preparing as normal for their annual exhibitions, including all of those in the local region.

“Everybody I’ve talked to seems to feel that they’re planning on having a fair,” Tyrrell noted. “We’ve talked to carnival people and everybody is planning on moving forward.”

Currently, many fair officials believe that fairs are likely, but they might not be what folks are traditionally accustomed to.

Presently, local fair officials are working with their county health departments to make sure that they are moving forward in the right direction, but at the end of the day, it’s all still up in air as to what this summer will look like for county fairs.

Regardless, officials are proceeding as normal with planning their annual exhibitions until health authorities say otherwise.

INTEGRITY. HISTORY. TRUST. For two centuries, Bunge has worked to improve the global agri-food chain. We are at home on the farm, in the city and everywhere in-between. Thank you for trusting Bunge SCF Grain. We look forward to 200 more years of serving you.

Griggsville: 217-833-2527 Maschhoffs: 217-833-2392

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

It’s a GREAT Time to Build with

COUNTRYSIDE!

UÊ , Ê -/ / -ÊÊÊUÊ , Ê- "*-Ê ÊUÊ ,9Ê-/", ÊUÊ 9Ê 1 UÊ +1 -/, ÊÊÊUÊ , -ÊÊUÊ 6 -/" Ê "1-

0RQWFODLU *RGIUH\ ,/ +RXUV 0 )

ZZZ EXLOGZLWKFRXQWU\VLGH FRP We also offer a WIDE VARIETY of Portable

Buildings!

Page 5

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 6

YOUR CARE IS OUR PASSION

jch.org

Our Specialty Services 2

5 Y?

6 YB 8 Y<

> d6

>

?

Y< ?

?

B YF

Call (618) 498-CARE to make an appointment.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 7

Young agrarian brings family full circle with startup

By CONNOR ASHLOCK Campbell Publications Adam Fritz is an up-and-comer in the regional agricultural community, quickly making his mark in the industry that he was raised in.

Brought up on the family farm six miles east of Jerseyville, Fritz is a third-generation farmer with a deep passion for agriculture.

Though he was involved in 4-H for a few years as well as FFA, his time wasn’t as preoccupied with those organizations as it was on the farm.

And even though he didn’t have a lot of projects or career development events to worry about, the life of a farm kid doesn’t ever involve rest and relaxation. After all, that’s what sleep is for.

Indeed, everyone has a different experience in this massive field we call agriculture, and for Fritz, his experience was more hands-on related in the realm of husbandry with a homegrown education on the family farm.

“I always wanted to be a vet growing up,” Fritz said. “I went to SIUE and got my bachelor’s in biology in hopes of going to vet school, but never applied.”

Growing up, Fritz was always more inclined to working with livestock, so it made sense that he would navigate toward the area of animal science.

“I always had animals growing up,” Fritz said.

Whether it was taking care of his goats as a kid, or working for Moore’s Shorthorns as he grew older, hanging around the barnyard just made sense for a guy like Adam.

“I had a lot more hands-on experience as opposed to organizational experience,” Fritz said.

Waking up early to feed before school, helping his dad feed a bale of hay at the end of the day, tagging a calf after school or nursing one in winter— this was Fritz’s world growing up and it was something that he wanted to invest in as a career.

But, after he started to put his nose to the grindstone in college in preparation for vet school, Fritz had a change of heart — not about livestock — but about his career path in general. Even though he had to figure out what his end goal in particular was, he knew it was still going to involve animal agriculture.

“I wanted to be more farm-oriented as a veterinarian, but I knew, at least in my area, that I would probably be more clinic-based, which really wasn’t what I was looking for in a career,” Fritz said.

So, when Fritz graduated with his undergraduate degree in integrative biology in 2016, he decided that he would attend the University of Illinois to obtain his graduate degree in beef cattle nutrition, graduating in 2019.

Currently, Fritz works as a nutritional consultant for Pike Feeds, where he gets to work with like-minded people from as far reaching as Montgomery County, Mo., to Fayette County, Ill., south to Pope County and everywhere in between.

All things considered, Fritz is just your average young farmer. He’s making his way in the world, getting himself established in the region and still

focuses much of his attention on keeping the family place going. Not only that, but he’s fallen in step with the pattern of young agrarians such as himself by keeping up with the Farm Bureau and even getting involved with the Future Directors Board of the Jersey County Fair.

Now, Fritz has recently decided to raise the bar a little bit higher in his agricultural pursuits by starting up his own local business, which has actually served to bring his family full circle back to their roots.

Fritz’s Pork made a quiet entrance onto the scene with Fritz creating a Facebook page for the business in late January. His business plan is to provide fresh, local pork to area consumers.

“I got my first group of pigs in September 2019 and sold that group off in March 2020,” Fritz said. “Then I got another group in April 2020 and sold those last September.”

Now, Fritz is currently raising his third group of hogs that will be sold next month. His pork business, though, wasn’t the product of years of dreaming, but of an idea that sprung up seemingly out of the blue.

“I saw the opportunity and seized the opportunity,” Fritz said. “I have a friend who needed someone to take some pigs off her hands, so we fed them out and butchered them. I had to buy a water tank and feeder, so then I thought, ‘Why not buy some more?’ I ended up with 12. I broke even the first time and I realized that I enjoyed it, so here I am.”

So what started out as goats and cows for Fritz growing up has now turned into pigs, and in this endeavor of his, it turns out that he brought the Fritz family full circle to where they started.

Adam’s grandpa, Herschel Fritz, owned and maintained a Duroc operation back in the day, although this was long before Adam’s time.

“My dad did construction work, so once my grandpa got to where he couldn’t take care of them, they ultimately got rid of the pigs,” Fritz said.

From what Fritz knows, his family had some pretty good Durocs back in the day. Sadly, his grandpa died when he was three, but as is usual for farm kids, the roots run deep, so as Herschel’s grandson works to bring the family back to where they came from, friends of the family have been sure to encourage Adam along the way.

“Honestly, I feel a sense of pride in starting up this operation,” Fritz revealed. “Working for Ron and Tom Moore, it turns out they had hogs too back in the day and bought Duroc boars off my grandpa. I don’t have many memories of him, so it feels good to hear things like, ‘Your grandpa would be proud to see you today.’”

A lot of farm kids know what it feels like to walk the same path to the barn, feedlot or fortyacre tract that their grandparents walked back in the day, and Fritz is no different. Indeed, it often helps drive the point home that you’re working on something bigger than yourself.

“I raise my hogs in the same spot where my grandpa raised his hogs,” Fritz said. “It goes back to when people remind me that my grandpa would be proud of me. There’s a sense of pride I have in building something that’s my own, yet I’m re-building something of the family business

where he built it on.”

Not only is Fritz simultaneously building something from the ground up while building on a family legacy, he’s taking steps to ensure that it passes down in the family.

“My niece shows pigs. In fact, she showed in some Illinois Club Pig Association-sanctioned shows last year,” Fritz said. “We were hoping for some county fairs last year, which didn’t happen, so we’re shooting for this year.”

Now that he and his family are moving forward with the family business, Fritz has noticed how more opportunities have become available for him than what he realized.

“So, I wasn’t really planning on breeding, but my 11-year old niece wants piglets, and when your niece is 11, well, she gets whatever she wants,” Fritz said with a laugh. “But I think this will be a good opportunity to not just teach her about agriculture, but life in general. She can learn a little about business and maybe even put some money back for college. I see that as a win, even if we only break even.”

Fritz is even contemplating using the business’ Facebook page as a platform for educating the general public about pig production and the pork industry.

“Another goal of mine is to educate people about animal agriculture,” Fritz said. “I feel like there’s a lot of disconnect between consumers and where their meat comes from and how it’s raised.”

Submitted photo

Adam Fritz feeds his hogs at his family farm east of Jerseyville.

All things considered, from supplementing his income, carrying on a family tradition, being a part of the growing buy-local movement and bringing up the next generation of Fritzs’ in the empowering realm of agricultural education, Fritz is thankful for the spot he’s worked to be in and hopes to continue on the upward slope of growing his business.

In a world where it seems opportunity is harder to come by and where things like tradition and doing things for the love of them seems to become less important, Fritz has learned for himself that for those who put forth some initiative and passion, there’s still a world for people to carve out for themselves if they’re willing to work for it.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 8

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 9

4-H adapts and prepares amid pandemic

By CONNOR ASHLOCK Campbell Publications The 4-H organization, a branch of the Extension, began 2020 by planning for workshops and the upcoming fair season as normal, but when COVID threw a stick in the spokes in March, they had to quickly find their bearings and make the necessary adjustments.

“We start fair planning as early as December,” Jessica Jaffry, the 4-H and youth development coordinator for Jersey County, said. “That’s when we start doing livestock committee meetings, looking for judges for shows and scheduling dates.”

So, when COVID changed the usual way of doing things, Jaffry and her colleagues took a deep breath, “pledged their head to clearer thinking,” and traveled down the uncharted course of virtual 4-H. “Our unit did a great job of embracing the challenge of moving everything virtual. We moved it to offer virtual workshops and opportunities through zoom,” Jaffry said. “It actually worked really well, but a large part of what 4-H shows are for is so that our kids can experience that conference judging or project interview they get with that judge. And, while our judges did a fantastic job providing comments and advice, kids missed that face-to-face experience.”

Indeed, just because one can doesn’t mean they always should, so when things eventually start going back to normal, the plan is to go back to the face-to-face format of project judging.

It’s hard to keep kids focused when they have to do almost everything virtually. It’s especially hard in the 4-H format, given that the program is designed to incorporate a great deal of interpersonal and group communication.

April Littig, who is the 4-H and youth development educator for Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan and Scott counties, expressed that keeping kids engaged has been a prime concern for those who work in the realm of 4-H and the Extension service.

CONTINUED ON PG. 10

Logan Agri-Yield Premium Foliar 7 key nutrients to promote enhanced plant growth and plant health Balanced mix of macro and micronutrients for optimal plant growth Excellent tank-mix compatibilities with foliar pesticides Foliar nutrition to help defend against stresses the plant may incur Maximizes yield potential and return on investment

Custom Blended with a Biostimulant Package Boosts plant growth and development for higher yield potentials Improves stress tolerance Enhances nutrient uptake and utilization Enhances photosynthesis and respiration

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 10

Jerseyville FFA Submitted Photo

Left: Jerseyville FFA students who opted for the in-person learning format last fall sit socially distanced in their agriculture classroom.

Submitted Photo

Below: Jerseyville FFA students rehearse with the high school marching band in preparation for honoring local veterans last fall. The Jersey Community High School FFA is known for their annual participation in community events, such as the Veteran’s Day parade, where they honor the sacrifices made by veterans through their procession of the American flag while in their official dress.

4-H, CONTINUED FROM PG. 9 “The one thing we wanted to make sure when we were working from home was keeping the kids engaged,” Littig said. “They’re already doing virtual meetings everyday, so you still want to make sure they’re having fun.”

Litton kept things lively with Facebook live videos, covering topics like public speaking and challenging 4-H members to post updates of their projects, be they livestock or general projects.

Littig has been professionally involved in 4-H for 20 years, so from her perspective, it has been an educational curve.

“It was a disappointment [for 4-H members] to not be at the fair with their friends. It’s that socialization– whether it’s school, sports– they missed out,” Littig explained. “For us in Extension, it was a different year, but it was a learning process. I didn’t think I was ever going to do a Facebook live video in my lifetime, but you learn new skills and adapt.”

In Jersey County, Jaffry noticed that, in overseeing virtual workshops that are normally in-person, there was a surprising level of participation.

“All my workshops are offered to anyone in 4-H, but the workshop itself is in Jersey County. Now, I’m offering stuff virtually, which allows kids to participate without transportation being an obstacle,” Jaffry said. “We’ve had kids participate from outside the state because they don’t have to

worry about travel.”

Jaffry is aware, though, that not all workshops can be effectively executed virtually, which is why she doesn’t plan on keeping the completely online format going any longer than is necessary, although it has given her insight into how she might better serve 4-H members going forward.

“I can see in the future continuing with some hybrid options,” Jaffry said. “I see that for 4-H and all of Extension because for areas such as economic development, horticulture and nutrition and wellness, the population targeted can’t get out of the house. Being able to offer workshops in different settings allowed us to expand in different ways we hadn’t originally thought about.”

Though this past year has worked to help expand horizons using a virtual format, 4-H members are eager to get back into a more hands-on, face-to-face format, but that all depends on what state authorities decide.

“All these kids want to show what they’ve accomplished this year,” Littig said. “You’ve got to think positive. This year may be a little different, but we’re going to make it work.”

Of course, it goes without saying that Jaffry, Littig, their colleagues and 4-H’ers are anxious to get back to a normal format, but they’re more prepared this year than last year for whatever may come their way, whether it be virtual, face-toface or a mix of the two.

As of now, local 4-H and Extension professionals are waiting to hear about what the plan is for the rest of 2021, but they are preparing for both the best and the worst outcomes in the meantime.

“To be honest, we haven’t gotten the guidance yet,” Littig said. “We’re hoping to hear soon.”

Jaffry expressed a similar statement. “[The decision] will be made by the state. Now, will that apply for the entire state or will it be local, we don’t know.

We don’t know if it’s month by month, region by region or county by county. We’re hoping the decision will be made soon, but it’s incredibly hard to make that decision,” Jaffry said.

Currently, Littig and Jaffry are preparing for the upcoming fair season, as are Extension and 4-H professionals throughout the state. Though naturally there is some apprehension in proceeding as normal, it’s still the best option for the moment.

“I’m hopeful we’ll put together a great experience for the kids this year. At this point, we’re rolling with the punches,” Jaffry said.

Despite the strangeness of the past year, 4-H is still accepting new members as normal. Those interested in joining the youth development organization are encouraged to contact their local Extension office.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 11

Property owners still dealing with pipeline issues

By CONNOR ASHLOCK Campbell Publications In December 2019, Spire announced that it had completed its STL pipeline project, which was the construction of a natural gas pipeline that now runs through Jersey, Greene and Scott counties.

But, among landowners in these counties who were affected by the pipeline, there are several that have taken issue with the Spire STL pipeline project and have sought redress for the company’s activities on their properties.

One of these landowners is Kenny Davis, who lives in Scott County. Davis has consistently vocalized for over a year that Spire caused considerable damage to his property.

“They were supposed to put my property back to pre-construction,” Davis said.

“They didn’t do that.”

Davis lives on several acres in southern Scott County that he privately utilizes for hunting and timber. When Spire first approached him about the pipeline in 2017, he was told by Spire that they would be going down the east side of his property.

Davis wasn’t keen on the project coming down his property, but agreed to have the company install the pipeline.

“They were supposed to go down the east side of my property and they didn’t,” Davis

AGRICULTURAL

said. “They went down the middle.”

Davis was informed that the decision was made to go down the middle of his property less than a week before the work began.

“I called the project manager and asked him if they were going down the east side or the middle and he said down the middle,” Davis noted.

What stood out to Davis was the response he received about the decision.

“I was told that they would be going down the middle and there wasn’t a dang thing I could do about it,” Davis said.

Davis hunts deer on his property as well as harvests timber for burning in the winter months. Since the pipeline’s construction on his property, Davis asserts his hunting and wood harvesting activities have been affected. Additionally, Davis planned to eventually build a house on the property, as he has recently retired and was hoping to enjoy the coming years living on the land.

“I was going to build a house on the property. I’ve got rural water that I put in a long time ago because I intended on building a house,” Davis said. “I can’t build a house on it, and my hunting has really suffered for it.”

In going down the middle of his property, work crews had to remove timber that stood in the right-of-way, and Davis claims that he wasn’t allowed to harvest the timber, which was one of the reasons why he initially

RESIDENTIAL

bought the property, as he utilizes the timber for heat.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has been out to Davis’ property to test the soil to determine if any damage was sustained, and according to Davis, there was.

“We dug 36 inches deep and measured how much compaction there was. We found chunks of rocks not natural to the ground, stick and stakes in my crop field, found all kinds of debris, so what IDOA says is to de-rock it 42 inches deep, then put down new topsoil, because it was mixed with the subsoil,” Davis said.

Now, Davis says that Spire hasn’t done anything to fix the problems he claims they caused on his land. Further, Davis expressed aggravation against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversaw construction of the Spire STL pipeline.

“FERC has not done their job at all,” Davis said. “If FERC would do their job, we would get some action. They didn’t enforce any of their rules to begin with.”

Complaints have been filed in court, but thus far, landowners have not seen much progress since they began pursuing legal action. A hearing is expected to be held in March.

A few weeks ago, Davis had to have another soil sample taken from his property, stating that he needed a more up-to-date

Submitted photo

Kenny Davis took this picture of work crews digging in wet conditions on his property during the installation process of the Spire STL pipeline.

test.

“I’ve got nine to 11 inches of topsoil on my property and it’s a light brown. It’s timber born, not black, but you can still see the difference between the topsoil and the subsoil. Inside the right-of-way [of the pipeline] you can’t determine which is which. It’s all gray clay,” Davis said.

CONTINUED ON PG. 13

COMMERCIAL

Locally owned, operated and guaranteed.

You can rely on Pike County Lumber to supply your metal building requirements through our employees’ experience and knowledge, our products’ quality and strength, and our commitment to customer service. All of these qualities are combined to achieve 100% customer satisfaction when you buy products from Pike County Lumber.

-ETAL s &ASTENERS s 0LUMBING s %LECTRICAL s (ARDWARE s 0OWER 4OOLS (AND 4OOLS s $OORS s 7INDOWS s 3HINGLES s 3IDING AND SO MUCH MORE! Proudly serving farmers in Pike County & the surrounding areas

Pike County Lumber 7EST 7ASHINGTON 0ITTSlELD ),

YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIER OF CHOICE Agronomy | Seed Crop Protection | Custom Application AgFinance | Propane | Fuels Lubricants | Precision Farming Grain Marketing www.prairielandfs.com | 888-978-7637

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

$9$,/$%/( 6(59,&(6 Q PLANT & MAINTAIN CRP, CP 42 & OTHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS Q NEW BOOM MOWER FOR CLEAN -UP! Q SKIDSTEER, BULLDOZER & EXCAVATOR

SERVICES Q INSTALL ROADS, TRAILS, CULVERTS Q FENCE-ROW CLEAN-UP AND REMOVAL Q BRUSH CUTTING/CLEARING & MOWING Q NO-TILL PASTURE RENOVATION/FOOD PLOTS Q CUSTOM HARVESTING

CALL RYAN BLAND

618-535-5611

Page 12

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 13

New pumps to increase Sny Levee’s drainage power

By CONNOR ASHLOCK Campbell Publications The Sny Island Levee Drainage District protects 114,000 acres consisting of productive cropland, cross-country pipelines and an economy that spans over three counties that know the untamable force of the Mississippi River.

About 1,200 residents live in the district’s immediate confines, but thousands have been affected by flooding, as has been seen in 1993, 2008 and most recently, 2019.

The Sny has been making headlines lately for the district’s construction of two new pump houses, one immediately adjacent to Pump Station 1, located at Hull, and another one at Pleasant Hill right next to Pump Station 3a.

With two new pumps being added at each pump house, coupled with the existing pumps that were installed in the 1960s, Mike Reed, district superintendent, hopes that the district will stand a better chance at combating the effects of increased interior flooding due to rainfall and more intense water seepage into the interior from the river.

“There are so many variables that go into this, but we fully anticipate [the new pumps] to be operational this year, hopefully by this summer,” Reed said. “But again, so much depends on weather and the river.”

The levee district’s history formally begins in 1879, when sleds pulled by mules and horses were used to construct the levee system.

“It’s the oldest and first levee and drainage district in Illinois,” Reed said.

Given its 142-year history, it’s seen a lot of change in how the Mississippi behaves.

There was once a time when portions of the river would dry up if the conditions were right. Farmers drove teams of horses through shallow water or even dry land to farm the islands that scattered the surface of the water. Despite this, though, the river was also known to spill beyond its banks, prompting early residents to barricade themselves against its encroachment.

Through the years, locals have come to learn that not only do they have to account

for the river itself, but water from all sources.

“Obviously our recent past would suggest we’re having more frequent higher-flood events,” Reed said. “There have also been a lot of changes within the Mississippi River Basin within the last 30 to 40 years.”

Reed explained that with more development in area communities, which translates to more non-permeable ground that allows runoff at a faster pace, as well as more drain tile being employed by farmers to more efficiently drain land, the river channel is being fed more water at a faster rate than in previous decades.

Additionally, there has been heavier, more frequent and more intense rainfall, according to Reed.

Reed’s assertion is based on a study by the American Geophysical Union in 2016 that observed the frequency, duration, intensity and volume of rainfall throughout the United States.

An area in which all four of those factors increased was between Rock Island and St. Louis, according to Reed.

These factors, combined with increased development in the Mississippi River Basin, explain why floods such as the 1993 and 2019 floods aren’t as rare as people would like them to be anymore. These factors likewise impact pumping efficiency in the Sny. “The river elevation impacts pumping capacity because the higher the river, the less capacity you have to pump water out of the interior part of your system,” Reed explained.

“So, the increased river stages we have been seeing here the last several years, coupled with more intense and frequent rainfall, has dictated we need additional pumping capacity to keep the interior part of the system dry.”

According to Reed, the river has been gradually increasing in height over the years, which poses a significant problem in interior drainage.

“The pumps we now have were designed for river stages we saw in the 60s, 70s and 80s, when a 22 or 23-foot river was high.

Now, that is almost an every-year occurrence, and some years, it’s much worse than that,” Reed said. “The problem we were encountering with the existing pump stations

Pipeline, CONTINUED FROM PG. 11 Davis would like for his ground to be returned to how it formerly looked, but he knows that it’ll never be that way again.

“I had all timber ground, and it ain’t ever going to come back,” Davis said.

“They had to have workspace, so they had 90 feet of workspace and 50 feet of right-of-way, so they destroyed 140 feet and took all my timber off. I can’t grow trees there.”

Davis commended the Illinois Department of Agriculture for their work, stating that he was glad they got involved.

“I’m glad they got involved and did what they did, but they can’t take it any farther than that. Someone has to enforce it, and FERC is that guy,” Davis said.

As affected landowners such as Davis continue to explore what can be done to rectify the situation as best as it can possibly be, they are aware that the damage is done, but after the matter is eventually settled, at least for Davis, he hopes that in the least, there will be some consideration for what he has gone through because of the Spire STL pipeline project.

were they were not designed to pump against these higher river stages. The higher those stages grow, the less efficient the existing pumps go.”

These higher river stages and more frequent rainfall events are contributing to decreased efficiency of the pumps because they’re getting an extended workout that they weren’t ever designed to handle. The solution, then, has been to bolster the overall efficiency of the Sny through the addition of more pumps.

The pumps at Hull, both the old and the new, are 58-inch diameter pumps, while both the new and old pumps at Pleasant Hill are 72-inch diameter pumps.

“We’re putting in the same size, they’re just designed to be more efficient,” Reed explained.

The incorporation of these pumps into the district’s drainage efforts has been a long time coming, as it’s getting more difficult to keep the water out from the interior of the levee.

Indeed, water seepage was already a serious issue when the third-highest flood in the Upper Mississippi Valley region’s modern history made drainage efforts difficult in 2008, but the situation hardly changed when the second-highest flood on record struck in 2019.

“Seep water is always coming into the drainage district,” Reed said. “There’s always

that pressure from the river, but during flood events it’s even worse— significantly worse.

So the seep water is the issue, coupled with heavy rain events at the same time.”

And, even though the levee hasn’t endured a breach since the Great Flood of 1993, the seepage, which is intensified by higher river stages, as well as heavier rains the last several seasons, have contributed to thousands of acres of crop loss.

“It wasn’t from river flooding, but because of higher river stages,” Reed said. “These new pump stations are state-of-the-art and designed to be more efficient, allowing more pumping capacity during high-river events.”

Once the new pumps become fully operational though, work in the Sny Levee Drainage District will still be a long way from completion, as there will need to be plenty of interior infrastructural work to make sure water is being diverted to the pumps and out into the river.

“There will definitely be different drainage patterns,” Reed said.

Culverts will have to be enlarged to ensure the pumps can be used and steps taken to ensure seep and rainwater have the ability to efficiently move to the pump houses.

But, before those issues are tackled, Reed wants to take care of getting the pumps fully operational first. The new pumps are expected to be in working order by the end of summer 2021.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 14

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 15

Fiber internet to impact Calhoun infrastructure

By CONNOR ASHLOCK Campbell Publications A major infrastructural project is currently underway in Calhoun County that will affect how residents will interact with the internet.

Since 2013, the Illinois Electric Cooperative has been undertaking the enormous task of supplying fiber optic internet throughout the entire county, the largest project ever undertaken by the cooperative in its nearly 85-year-long history in terms of cost and construction, according to Illinois Electric Cooperative General Manager Randy Long.

Fiber optic internet promises faster internet speed than traditional means of internet access like dial-up and satellite, which has proven all the more necessary as society becomes more digitized.

Now, people can earn degrees online, start and manage online businesses, execute official government duties and stay connected with a global community, unless they have a poor internet connection, which is a common problem in rural areas such as Calhoun County.

Though different government agencies define rural and urban differently, the area encompassed

by Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Pike and Scott counties is classified by the United States Department of Agriculture as rural. The same is largely true for the Census Bureau, aside from the three urban clusters of Jerseyville, White Hall and Pittsfield, which are dubbed as urban by the Census Bureau because they possess populations greater than 2,500 persons.

“Rural residents don’t have the same opportunities as their counterparts,” Long said. “Especially since the pandemic started, people have become more aware of how much broadband is needed in these areas. The need is there and we recognize it more than ever.”

Many people, though, are aware that the internet has a history of making itself scarce.

If multiple people in one area are using the same interest source, it will normally lag. Though it harkens back to the days when someone had to wait to browse the web because another was on the phone, today the situation is a little more serious. As the pandemic has shown, it can be difficult to get much of anything done if you have multiple people under one roof working from home and remote learning at the same time, as the internet will be too slow for people to work efficiently.

As time moves forward, this situation will remain commonplace unless something is done about it, and this is where fiber internet comes in.

“Fiber internet allows individuals and families to do more online at the same time,” according to the frequently asked questions page on calhounfiber.com. “Unlike DSL or satellite internet service, fiber has enough bandwidth to handle virtually any amount of internet use.”

Currently, 56 miles of fiber optic cable has already been installed that spans the entire length of the county.

“It extends up to Pearl, where the fiber source is, and we built south to Brussels,” Long said. “We followed existing poles through the length of the county.”

Long expects that over the course of the next

five years, approximately 700 miles of fiber will be strung or buried in the county, reaching 3,000 consumers. He also anticipates the project to cost about $15 million, although grant monies have been assisting in the project’s funding.

The 56 miles that have already been stretched down the county will serve as the backbone for the whole fiber optic system, which was achieved in part through the help of Brussels Unit School District and Calhoun Unit School District.

“The school districts applied for and received E-rate money that provided partial funding to get broadband service to the school,” Long said. “The Hardin and Brussels schools now have fiber broadband service and we have this backbone running down the county that we can build off of.”

E-rate money is provided through the Federal Communications Commission and is set aside for schools and libraries so they can better their telecommunications systems and internet access.

Additionally, the co-op was awarded a $3,443,670 Connect Illinois grant, which allows it to build in specific areas of the county.

“The grant will allow us to build in Brussels, Hardin, Winneberg, Batchtown and Kampsville,” Long explained. “The requirements of the grant are that we have to build in those areas in the next three years.”

Arguably the mightiest task for the co-op, though, is obtaining all the required easements in order to see the project through, which has taken, so far, five years to get to the point they’re at now.

Long explained that the co-op has met with landowners and has held community meetings to generate support, answer questions and get the necessary easements signed that will allow for the fiber optic to be installed where it needs to be to ensure access to co-op members and other Calhoun residents.

“We have an enormous amount of easements already, and the people of Calhoun have been great about that, but [securing easements] dictates the speed in which we build,” Long said. “A refusal of easements could delay the project or make it impossible to build into some areas.”

But, as time goes on, more easements are expected to be obtained, which will allow the co-op to build into the most rural regions of the county.

Of course, broadband fiber connection benefits the agricultural community as well, especially Calhoun farmers.

Calhoun farmers produce a variety of products that contribute to the state’s reputation for diverse agricultural products, including apples, peaches, beef, pork, pumpkins and grain crops, among others.

Those engaged in farming today, no matter the type of operation, are interacting increasingly more with precision agriculture, and growth in research and use of this technologically advanced approach to farming is dramatically affecting all levels of the economy, from local to global.

In order to engage effectively with precision agriculture, though, strong and reliable internet is critical.

Aside from precision agriculture, farmers in and beyond Calhoun are more than aware of social

media’s usefulness in promoting agricultural products to broader audiences. Online advertising and marketing strategies expand one’s reach from a small locality to an entire region.

And the internet hasn’t served to solely broaden the horizon of farms, but farmer’s markets, county fairs, University of Illinois Extension services and other elements of agricultural life. “[Fiber broadband] opens up another avenue to markets and gives farmers the ability to get the data they need in their industry,” Long said.

Both agricultural and non-agricultural businesses are relying more on fiber broadband access, meaning that it brings an economical edge to the county as a whole.

“It tends to stimulate the economy as a whole,” Long said. “Studies have shown that in rural communities that have adopted broadband access, unemployment tends to fall and employment tends to rise, so it’s probably one of the best economic development tools for today.”

For Calhoun County, fiber broadband access is the best option for internet access for another reason, which is the county’s topography.

Undulating hills, steep bluffs, long hollows and high ridges add to the distinctiveness of the penninsular county, as well as contribute to its issues with internet access.

Julia Eberlin, a Calhoun resident, farmer’s wife and vice president of the Illinois Electric Cooperative’s board of directors, explained that the project has proven to be long and arduous, but in the end,

the board is convinced that the countywide fiber broadband access will positively impact the county in numerous ways, some more obvious than others.

“I think it will bring more people in,” Eberlin said. “What we see in rural areas all the time is our young people moving to other places for bigger and better opportunities, so hopefully this will persuade more of them to stay. As a Calhoun resident, I’m very excited about getting fiber.”

From an agricultural standpoint, Eberlin noted that farm-related activities are requiring faster and more reliable internet than in the past.

“GPS, mapping, precision application of fertilizers and chemicals– it takes more and more internet all the time. For instance, my husband was taking a pesticide application test and it was all online and the licensing was all on the internet,” Eberlin said.

As the world continues to transition into a more online format, giving rural residents the tools they need to succeed in business, education and life will include reliable internet access.

The effort to provide this reliable access to the residents of Calhoun will take several more years to accomplish, but steps like this are those in the right direction to ensure that better opportunities for individuals are found close to home.

Calhoun residents who have yet to sign an easement and are interested in doing so can start the process at www.calhounfiber.com. The website will also be of assistance to those who would like to know more about the project to bring fiber internet to Calhoun County.

A Community Bank

Rooted in Local Agriculture We pride ourselves on ÁH[LEOH ÀQDQFLQJ VROXWLRQV, FRPSHWLWLYH UDWHV, IDVW GHFLVLRQV DQG SHUVRQDOL]HG VHUYLFH WR KHOS \RX JURZ \RXU EXVLQHVV WRGD\ DQG SUHVHUYH LW IRU IXWXUH JHQHUDWLRQV “We’re Central To Your Banking Needs” Since 1928

5 Locations To Serve You! Pleasant Hill

Clayton

Quincy

701 Quincy St. Pleasant Hill, IL 62366 (217) 734-2356

100 W. Main St. Clayton, IL 62324 (217) 894-6596

900 S. 12th St. Quincy, IL 62301 (217) 223-0500

Kinderhook

Pittsfield

175 W. Quincy St. Kinderhook, IL 62346 (217) 432-8309

847 W. Adams St. 8Q\\[ÅMTL 14 (217) 285-5847

+RXU 7HOHSKRQH %DQNLQJ 7ROO )UHH &6%

,QWHUQHW %DQNLQJ $YDLODEOH 0RELOH 'HSRVLW Visit us at www.csb123.com

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 16

Pittsfield High School FFA Submitted photo

Front row, left to right: Issac Leon, Lauren Dunham, Katie Graham, Avery Heavner, Ella Constable, Willow Claus, Eden Littlefield and Nicole Antonlin.

Second row, left to right: Landon Hettinger, Preston Bonds, Caden Anstedt, Nick Chaplin, Austin Fernandez, Stormie Bergman and Alexis Ator. Third row, left to right: Corey Guthrie, Ethan Gratton, RJ Allred, Aiden Baxter, Charlie Cooley, Sophie Gresham, Emma Gay and Chole Chastain.

Fourth row, left to right: Joe Ladner, Liam Bonnett, Kyle Bradshaw, Quinn Franklin and Layken Ebbing. Fifth row, left to right: Dylan Fox, Nate Anderson, Courtney Bell, Gavin Graham, Leif Carter and Aubrey Graham.

Sixth row, left to right: Ashton Ionson, Braden Lindsey, Maggie Guthrie.

Submitted photo

First row, left to right: Aaron Shaw, Amber Proffit, Addy Terpstra, Lizzie Whitman and Joey Swan-Vandee. Second row, left to right: Wyatt Potter, Jackson Throne, Doug Smallwood, Anna Sidwell, Sadie Weir, Lanie Marable and Allison Stambaugh.

Third row, left to right: Adam Musgrave, Danial Walston, Lane Yelliot, Landon Hettinger, Corey Guthrie, Kayla Martin and Isabella Rennecker. Fourth row, left to right: Justin Pennock, Jonah Thomas, Joseph Thomas, Wyatt McClintock and Spencer Snyder.

Submitted photo

Front row, left to right: Kadin Hittner, Shelby Bauer, McKayla Jennings and Chloe Lemmons. Second row, left to right: Logan Howland and Mason Davis.

MORE PITTSFIELD FFA ON PG. 20

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 17

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Junction 99 & 24 Mt. Sterling, IL (217) 773 2216 (800) 770-2216 www.mtsterlingimplement.com Proudly Serving Agriculture Since 1949

Page 18

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 19

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 20

Pittsfield High School FFA CONTINUED FROM PG. 16 Submitted photo

First row, left to right: Katie Cox, Raegan Smithers, Taylor Scott, Emma Saxe, Brayden Musgrave, Rylee Shaw, Cami Ostrander and Haley Smith. Second row, left to right: Brianna Smith, Vanessa Winsell, Lauren Williams, Emma Nash, Walker Rennecker, Remmington Snyder and Sarah Sharrow. Third row, left to right: Cameron Walker, Skyler Smith, Frank Smith, Jason Mckee, Weston McCallister and Kile Martin. Fourth row, left to right: Logan Shin, Bobby Stout, Stone Wintjen, Garrett Toelke and Joshua Rumple. Fifth row, left to right: Abe Wellbourne, Nate Scranton, Collin Nash, Jagen Wood, Colton Story, Noah Turnbough and Scotty Seman.

your farm is special. your coverage should be too. simple human sense

-IVI XS LIPT ]SY

Ask about our E-Z Trak financing!

Long-term fixed rates for farm real estate loans without all of the paperwork.

NAMEAgency B & PAGENCY Insurance GOES HERE 7INCHESTER s 0ITTSlELD s CITY • 000.000.0000 peakbarberins.com bestinsuranceagency.com

3,776),(/' JƊȲɯ yƊɈǞȌȁ

*5,**69,//(

07 67(5/,1*

RƊɯǶƵƵ §ȲǞƵȺɈ

JȲƵǐ àȌȲɈ

10/6 0HPEHU )',&

10/6 10/6 )1%*

(TXDO +RXVLQJ /HQGHU

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 21

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 22

Pleasant Hill FFA

Submitted photo

Front row, left to right: Harley DeCamp, Draven Winchell, Dani Lewis, Hannah Hill, Madison Daniels, Becca Kidd. Back row, left to right: Bowen Taylor, Jeremie Taylor, Kaleb Freesmeyer, Aadyn Meyers, Preston McKinnon, Garrett Benjamin and Kali VanStrien. Not pictured: Dawson Niffen.

Submitted photo

Left to right: John Smith, Nick Barton-Moore, Marie Beavers, Macy McKinnon, Gracie Crowder, Chandler Helms, DeaCoridon Dolbeare, Thorne Holcomb, Zach Onits and Cameron Bolton.

Submitted photo

Left to right: Caleb Hammett, Aiden Johnson, Kenton Freesmeyer, Shaun Meyer-Mowen, Conner Heatherly, Harvey Evers, Carter Dolbeare, Nick Barton-Moore, Jacob Taylor, Zane Fesler and Gwen Martin. Not pictured: Shelby Turner.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Spring Ag Mag 2021

Page 23

DOWNSTATE’S LEADING AGRICULTURAL LENDER Serving Area Farmers for Generations

Dan Borrowman Julie Plattner VP Lending VP Lending Pittsfield Pittsfield

Jeff Haskell VP Lending Roodhouse

Jeff Duncan VP Lending Winchester

Diane Williams VP Lending Greenfield

NMLS# 673069

NMLS# 737246

NMLS# 723164

NMLS# 619030

NMLS# 673093

UCBbank.com Pittsfield

Roodhouse

Winchester

Greenfield

1 Professional Plaza 217-285-2176

215 S. Morse St. 217-589-4331

21 E. Market St. 217-742-3121

402 Main St. 217-368-2171

NMLS# 571147

The Leader of Community Banking