River Ridge High School inducted its newest National Honor Society members on Tuesday, Oct. 15. The new members are (front, from left) Elaina Doms, Sawyer Fry, Jaime Miller and Kaci Patterson; and second row, Sam Rife, Gracie Schnitzler and Sarah Winter. These students join the previous NHS members, (standing, from left) Katie Cobine, Laiken Haas, Graci Vanderheyden, Camden Flack, Isabella Haring, Nate Haas, Aizlynn Griffiths, Kayla Diehl and Kelly Chapman.
By Andrew Adams CaPITOl nEwS IllInOIS
Lawmakers in Illinois are asking voters to weigh in on three hot-button issues on their ballots this year: election interference, income taxes and reproductive health care.
Voters in Illinois are being posed three “advisory” questions that ask voters whether they support a specific policy but aren’t legally binding. Lawmakers may take the results into account when considering what policies to advocate for in future legislative sessions.
The three questions, as they appear on ballots, are:
• Should any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, State, or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker’s official duties?
• Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?
• Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including,
but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?
These questions are being asked because lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2412 in early May, instructing state election officials to add them to ballots.
“All three of the questions deal with issues that are top of mind for voters or are issues that have been reported on in the news media,” bill sponsor Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, said in an interview this week.
The last time advisory questions were placed on Illinois ballots statewide was in 2014. That year, three questions were posed to voters: one concerning a potential increase to the state’s minimum wage, one concerning whether insurers should be required to cover prescription birth control and one concerning a tax on income over $1 million.
While Hoffman said he has “learned not to predict” how votes like this will go or how they will be used, he said that the 2014 vote “ultimately led
to the passage of increasing the minimum wage.”
That measure passed in early 2019 after Gov. JB Pritzker made a personal appeal to lawmakers shortly after taking office.
This year’s advisory questions have generated little in the way of campaigning, but some Illinois politicians have voiced support.
See queStionS, Page 8
Harry HugH e s
Harry E. Hughes, 96, of Lena, IL passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. He was born on July 11, 1928, to Harold and Beatrice (McNeil) Hughes. He graduated from Lena High School and then served his country in the United States Army.
Harry married Nancy York on March 13, 1954. He was a truck driver for George McPhillips and then Werhane trucking and was a lifelong farmer in the rural Lena area. Harry was a past Lena Lions member. He enjoyed his morning coffee at the restaurant and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Harry is survived by his four children- Genise (Duane) Tessendorf, LeeAnn (Dan) Brinkmeier, Dan (Paris) Hughes, and Lori (Dan) Rankila; nine grandchildrenNicholas and Michael Trappen, Matthew Brinkmeier,
Marshall (Stephanie), Mason (Taylor), and Mitchell (Jordyn) Hughes, Morgan (Steve) Simmons, Brandon (Kayla) Rankila, and Jacob Rankila; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Nancy, granddaughter Jennifer Mielke, grandson Craig Brinkmeier, siblings- Doris Lobdell, Betty Stamm, and Jerry Hughes.
Visitation was held on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the Leamon Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Lena Burial Park. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.
susan McKee
Susan Lynn McKee, beloved mother, friend, and devoted farmer, passed away after a long illness on Oct. 15, 2024, in Rockford, IL. She was born on Feb. 21, 1955, in Freeport, IL, to Duane and Kay (Lyden) Broshous.
cial bracelet for every occasion.
The Lena Lions Club would like to thank area residents who supported the Lena Lions Candy Day!
We can now help those in need. THANK YOU everyone who contributed.
Sincerely,
Brock (BJ) and Jennifer Russell of Lafayette, Indiana are the proud parents of a baby boy. Pierce Joseph was born on Sept. 12, 2024, at Franciscan Hospital weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 21.5 inches long. Brothers Everett Brock (soon to be 11) and Graham David (9 1/2) are pleased to be big brothers. The happy and blessed grandparents are Ward and Becky Dawson of Davis, IL at Lake Summerset and Roger and Kay Russell of Lena, IL. Great-grandparents are Jan Fernsteadt of Cedarville and Art and Joyce Dawson of Freeport, IL.
The family of Terry Bonnet would like to thank you for the cards, flowers, memorials and kind expressions of sympathy shown following his passing. Your support at this difficult time was very much appreciated and a great comfort to all of the family.
Sue graduated from Stockton High School in 1973 and married her high school sweetheart, Brian McKee, on Dec. 18, 1971. Together, they cultivated a life full of love and hard work on their farm, where they raised dairy cows, hogs, horses, rabbits, and an array of animals, including cats, dogs, and yes, even raccoons. Her compassion for animals was evident as she hand-raised many of them, showcasing her nurturing spirit.
For 20 years, Sue worked as a patient service representative at the FHN OB Clinic.
In addition to her professional and farming endeavors, she was actively involved in her community. She was a member of the Greenvale Neighborhood Club, Freeport Western Riders, and the Rock River Valley Horse and Pony Exhibitors Association. She volunteered for Safe Haven, an animal rescue. She also served as an election judge and was a mentor to many, always willing to lend a helping hand.
Sue cherished her time spent with family and friends, creating lasting memories while farming and enjoying her animals. Known for her love of jewelry, she had a spe-
Her family fondly remembers her “grandma meals,” particularly her famous cheesy hashbrowns, which no one could replicate. Thoughtful, independent, and fierce, Sue found joy in surprising others with amazing gifts and experiences. She was adventurous, traveling to new places and even water skiing just last year. Her spirit of adventure and zest for life will be deeply missed.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Brian, who passed away on Aug. 8, 2005, as well as her parents, Duane and Kay Broshous; her parents-in-law, Cletus and Lila McKee; brothers-in-law, Lloyd and Allen McKee; sisters-in-law Lynette McKee and Carol Tucker; and Uncle Bill Lingle.
She is survived by her daughters, JoAnn (Jeff) Eden and Jennifer (Seth) Degnan; grandchildren Jamie (Nick) Ege and Justin Eden; sisters Peggy Drane, Kathy Broshous, and Laura Broshous; Paul Drane, sister-in-law Maureen McKee; nieces Leslie Drane, Ally Broshous, and Chloe Broshous; nephew Eric (Jordan) Drane; and great aunts Ardale (Marlow) Townsend and Gayle Lingle, and best friend Jan Zarn and grand-nieces Nora and Finley Drane.
Pictured are Stockton Elementary’s Little Blackhawks for the week. These
As harvest going full speed ahead, I thought I would share a few tips for motorists when they come across slow-moving farm machinery on the roads. Above all, slow down and be patient. Reduce speed when encountering farm equipment on public roads. Flashing amber lights mean “caution.” Slow down when you see the Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem - the orange and red reflective triangle warns you that the tractor or combine travels at a slow rate of speed. Keep a safe distance from the farm equipment so the farmers can see you. If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you. Pass wide, large farm equipment only if you know conditions are safe and you are sure the farmer will not be making a left-hand turn. Be cautious when pulling back in. It is illegal to pass in a no passing lane or within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing or bridge. Be prepared to yield to wide equipment. Always wear a safety belt and heed the road’s speed limit. Watch for the farmer’s indication of a turn. Newer equipment has one or more amber lights flashing rapidly to indicate a turn. Older equipment is typically not equipped with turn signals to watch for the farmer’s hand signals.
Let’s do everything that we can to make it a safe
By AnnETTE EggErS Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau
and bountiful harvest for everyone!
The Young Leaders committee wanted to give all some of you a treat during harvest this year. At their last meeting they put together combine care packages filled with some goodies that you can keep with you in the combine or your truck during harvest. We know that everyone will be putting in some long days during the coming weeks and wanted to make sure you had a few snacks to keep you going. The best part is it all comes in a five-gallon bucket! Who doesn’t need another one of those? Thank you to Ace Hardware in Stockton for donating the buckets. There are a limited number of these, but if you are interested, stop in at the office and pick yours up before they are gone.
new plat book accurately displays parcel boundaries, acreage data, roadways, waterways, railways, section lines, municipal boundaries, recreational areas, and includes an index to landowners. A 3D aerial map lies opposite each township parcel map and is very useful in providing a quick gauge to the use of a particular parcel.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the member
discounts from local businesses. Show your membership card at the business to claim your discount. For a full listing of local benefits, visit our website at jodaviesscfb.com. Go to membership, then local discounts.
October is National Apple Month. There is still time to visit one of our local, Jo Daviess County orchards and pick up some fresh, local apples.
For years I had hoped and prayed for a small farm where I could enjoy all the blessings of farm life and also be involved with teaching, coaching and preaching. I really wanted to have a small place to raise a few head of beef, sheep and maybe some pigs for meat. It was a dream of mine to raise my own family on a small farm so they could learn some of the lessons and joys that I learned while growing up. Well, that didn’t exactly happen. My
By Scott cernek Columnist
wife and I ended up living in town for twelve years and then in a subdivision for another fifteen. I always tried to have a big garden and raise a few rabbits and chickens, but that was about it.
After almost thirty years of looking and praying about it, we were finally able to buy a place from my brother with about fifteen acres to have our hobby farm. The farm is very near family, so it has worked out really well and I’ve even been able to purchase feed and use some of the machinery from my dad’s years of farming to grow some needed hay for my twenty some head of beef and also fifteen ewes.
There has been a lot written about grief.
I’ve contributed my fair share, because it’s a topic I’ve lived up close and personal.
“Write what you know.”
Some of the best advice ever given.
“Even if you wish you didn’t know it.”
That’s the rest of the advice no one ever includes.
So I write about what I know, and although I wish I didn’t know it, I have become somewhat of an expert on grief. I’ve even awarded myself a PhD (Personally hate Dying) in grief, but don’t tell anyone affiliated with a college or university.
Sometimes, I think this scares people - this speaking of and alluding to death.
(How morbid!)
They say that most people’s number one fear is public speaking. Ha!
I beg to differ.
By Jill Pertler Columnist
I never talked to my husband about one of us dying - not in the serious sense. We joked about caskets and cremation, but always with a jovial attitude. We were young; there wasn’t a need for such a difficult conversation.
And then he got sick and we still didn’t approach the topic. It was a brief illness, so to our defense, we didn’t have much time to process what was happening. We talked about him “beating it.” All our conversations centered around a futurewhen he got better. Even at the very end.
And then it was too late.
We are, my friends, universally afraid of death - and not necessarily our own death, because many of us believe something better awaits us after this lifetime.
We are afraid of losing the people we love. We are so afraid we can’t even let ourselves think about the topic. I can’t and I’ve already found myself at the front of the line for the grief carousel.
Round and round it goes…
Last Monday I did a funeral for a wonderful man who was our uncle on my wife’s side. He and his wife had raised their own wonderful family on the farm that he had also grown up on. The love and memories the family had from their childhood were awesome and the time their grandkids had on the farm was priceless as well. Their love for Jesus was a big part of their lives too. I can’t help but see a lot of similar things from their life and our own.
In this, I suppose we were weak. Or at least in denial. For sure in denial. Or perhaps a better word choice might be hopeful.
Even today, I’m not sure. My best advice: Talk about it before it is relevant. Before time is short. Talk about the nitty gritty details that no one wants to face because if you don’t, you will regret it, because those details involve important decisions and you truly do not want to have to make them alone. You don’t want to guess.
Rock Valley Publishing is seeking freelance reporters and photographers to produce local news and photos for your hometown newspaper. Weekly stories and photos needed for Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties. Writing and reporting experience a plus. Work from home as an independent contractor with no in-office requirement. PLEASE EMAIL RESUME TO: scoopshopper@rvpublishing.com
But I still have more to lose and I don’t want to consider adding to the the already fulfilled portion of grief in my life. I don’t want to bring it into focus in any sense of my reality or thought processes. I don’t want to go there.
None of us wants to consider grief, but just about all of us will experience it on a significant level at some point. You can never ready yourself for it, but you can ready yourself with information about your loved ones—about their wishes, their beliefs, their feelings, their vision of you going forward.
It is a wonderful thing to be able to have our grandkids on the farm as often as possible. They love to explore the haystacks. Help feed all the animals and eat apples and raspberries right off the branches. This week we were blessed with two sets of brand new baby lambs. I wasn’t really expecting them until later, but they came along just the same and are they ever cute. Some retired teachers have a cabin and a boat. I have grandkids and a farm.
And I think that’s mostly okay. To worry about and put your focus on losing that which is most dear to you, does no good. It causes anxiety and stress and we all have too much of those things already.
I, for one, am seeking peace, not stress.
But with all the fun of the animals, the greatest thrill is having a place for all of our grandkids to come and enjoy, and the cool part is that our grown kids get to enjoy it now too. Today, we had a another wonderful get together with nearly thirty of us enjoying a bunch of games, a great meal, a trip to my nephew and niece’s pasture for some family pictures, and then back to our farm for some more food and some hymns and worship songs with piano, guitar and violin. God has been so good to us, and we are so grateful for all His blessings.
It’s not the most pleasant of conversations. I understand that. But consider the alternative, and then consider living that out with all the regrets it might include.
I think about that every day.
So have the talk, please. Do it for me.
But what, then, do we do with the people around us who have experienced a significant loss? Their existence serves as a reminder of what could happen to us. God-awful.
Better yet, do it for someone you love.
The Lord has a way of blessing us beyond our greatest desire. In Psalm 37:4 we read these words; Delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. I have tried to always put the Lord first over the years and I believe He has been true to His word. Until next week, God bless.
Grief is one of the most universal, the most real of the realities that we all will deal with at some time in our lifetime and yet it is one of the most universal topics we choose to avoid.
Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
The Van Merchant Rural & Agriculture Fund will award $15-$20,000 in scholarships and grants yearly until funds are exhausted. The program is open to new and repeat applicants up to age 25 and area ag-based educational programs.
In two years, it has provided 35 scholarships totaling $36,500 in the following school districts where Van Merchant farmed including Lanark, Shannon, Pearl City, Stockton, Lena, Orangeville, Pecatonica, Winnebago, Scales Mound, Warren, River Ridge, Dakota, Durand, Forreston, Milledgeville and West Carroll.
Applications will be available through schools in the above communities or by emailing bddietz@outlook. com, starting Jan. 10, 2025. They should be submitted via email or postal service by March 31 to the listed address. Please do not drop off at the home address, as it may be missed.
Dietz said the 2025 awards will focus more directly on ag-centered careers and financial need. “There may be fewer awards given, but they will likely be larger scholarships. We’re not necessarily looking for the highest GPA or the student who is receiving loads of other scholarships in various career fields. We’re looking for young people who are focused on directly serving the farm community.”
Preference will be given to applicants who outline clear goals for an ag-based career: farming, diesel mechanic, animal science/vet, etc, demonstrate a financial need or challenging circumstances, submit a hand-written essay, which will be assessed on farm-based career goals (rather than composition). Type-written essays will not be considered. Special consideration may be given to those pursuing trade and tech paths. For more information about the Van Merchant Agricultural & Rural Grant Fund, students can check with their guidance counselor or email Deb Dietz atbddietz@outlook.com.
McConnell American Legion Auxiliary
The McConnell American Legion Auxiliary is preparing for the 5th annual troop care package project and is seeking addresses of active military personnel stateside or deployed. These addresses can be emailed to mcconnellauxiliary@gmail.com or call Pat at 815-266-1165 or Terri at 815-541-6792. Addresses must be received no later than Nov. 8, 2024. All addresses are kept confidential.
The McConnell American Legion Auxiliary
The 5th annual troop care package drop-off and bake sale will be held on Oct. 26, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the McConnell Legion. Items for the troop care package and donations of baked goods would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Terri 815-541-6792 or Patty 815266-1165 with any questions.
Blood donors needed in Monroe
To help meet the continued national blood supply need,
Shepherd Lutheran Church
All are invited to worship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 118 E. Mason St. Lena, IL on Sunday, Oct. 27 for Sunday Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. This week’s gospel reading is from the Gospel Mark 10:46-52.
On Wednesday, Oct. 30 the Peace Corps Quilting group will meet from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
All the services will be recorded and be available on church’s Facebook page and website. Please visit our website and (http://goodshepherdlena.org/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ GSLCLenaIL) for information. Please contact the church office at 815-369-5552 with any questions.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pearl City, will celebrate Reformation Sunday on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 9 a.m. Five of our youth will be affirming their baptisms that day. A reception will follow in Luther Hall. Join us on Facebook if you can’t make it in person. Everyone is welcome to come to St. John’s to play cards and dominoes on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. and to play dominoes in Luther Hall
on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 9 a.m.
The November Grace Meal will be on Sunday, Nov. 17. It will include turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn casserole, cranberries, and a pumpkin dessert. Meals can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Nov. 17. Reservations are due in the church office by Thursday, Nov. 14. The meal is funded through the generosity of a grant from the Pearl City Lions Club and donations. If you are interested in donating to this ministry, reach out to the church office for more information.
St. John’s will be hosting a FHN Flu Shot clinic on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Adults under 65 will receive a $35 trivalent vaccine and those 65 and over can get a $85 high-dose vaccine. There will be no outof-pocket expense if you are covered by Medicare Part B or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN. Be sure to bring your insurance card. Immunizations may be paid for by cash or check and you can use your receipt for reimbursement from your health-insurance carrier. Per government regulations, no MEDICAID cards can be accepted at these clinics. For more information, call FHN Community Services at 815-599-7437.
The next Men’s Breakfast will be on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 a.m. at the Beltline
Restaurant in Freeport. The Healthy Wolves group will be packing backpacks on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 3:15 p.m. If you are interested in donating to this ministry, reach out to the church office for more information.
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Pearl City is an ELCA parish and is located at 229 First St. in Pearl City. We are handicapped accessible. If you need to contact the pastor or church, you may call 815443-2215 for information.
Calvary Church of Stockton holds its weekly worship service at 10 a.m. every Sunday. The next youth meeting will be on Saturday, Oct. 26 for any youth from 7th grade through 12th. Calvary Church is located just south of the Stockton Schools on the corner of Rush and Maple Streets.
Mark your calendars for upcoming events. The annual Calvary Bazaar will be on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year Calvary is offering a quilt raffle. Purchase your chance on a beautiful green and purple quilt size 90”x104” (queen or king size) from Calvary ladies or at the Bazaar if any are left. Lunch will be available plus the usual tables of crafts and food.
New this year there will be a turkey sandwich dinner next month on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Calvary will offer carryout, intown delivery or dinein. The pre-sale ticket price is $8 for a one-sandwich dinner and $10 for a two-sandwich dinner. More details will follow. Please call the church at 815-947-2414 with any questions.
The churches of McConnell and Orangeville are holding a Family Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Grace Free Methodist Church in downtown McConnell starting at 4 p.m. There will be hayrides, hot dogs, pumpkin decorating, a costume contest and more.
McConnell Community Church, located at 211 N. Hulbert Rd in McConnell, is holding its Annual Fall Ham Supper on Sunday, Oct. 27 serving from 4 p.m. to 7 pm. The Menu will consist of all-youcan-eat baked ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, dinner rolls, applesauce, beverages, and dessert of your choice. Tickets are sold at the door and cost $15/adult, $6/ kids age 5-10, and free for kids under age 5. Carry out is available at the kitchen window. The event is handicap accessible.
By Trenten Scheidegger
CORRESPONDENT
The Eastland-Pearl City (EPC) Wildcatz bounced back in a big way when they picked up an 18-14 win over the Morrison Mustangs last week. The Wildcatz were coming off a week seven loss to the top NUIC team in the Lena-Winslow Panthers. The loss snapped what was a four-game win streak for the Wildcatz.
EPC faced another challenge in week eight when they took on a 3-4 Morrison squad. Morrison was fresh
off a devastating 54-14 loss to the Stockton Blackhawks. Although the Wildcatz were the favorites on paper, their week eight matchup wound up being a showdown. Both teams took some time to settle into the game. The opening quarter featured zero points as the Wildcatz and Mustangs went into the second exactly where they started. It took a while, but it was Jaxsyn Kempel who put the Wildcatz on the board first. Kempel’s 15-yard scamper was followed by a failed two-point conversion,
leaving EPC with a six-point lead. It didn’t take long for Morrison to respond. Before the end of the first half, the Mustangs punched it in from two yards out. A successful kick gave them their first lead of the day as they went up 7-6 over EPC. Morrison managed to go back-to-back to close the first half and to open up the second. The Mustangs took a 14-6 lead with a 45-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. At the time, the Mustangs had an opportuni-
ty to go up by two scores if they went for the two-point conversion. They opted to kick the extra point, leaving it a one score game.
In 2024, when the Wildcatz need someone to make a play, Adam Awender has been the guy to do it. He did so again the third quarter of week eight. First, Awender plunged in from three yards out. Another failed conversion left the Wildcatz trailing 14-12. Before the end of the quarter, Awender tallied his second score of the game. This time, Awender
By Victoria Hansen
‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice and it seems like companies have turned almost anything into a pumpkin spice product including Blue Diamond Pumpkin Spice
Almonds, Pumpkin Spice Twinkies, PEEP’s Pumpkin Spice Latte, Native Pumpkin
Spiced Latte Deodorant, and possibly the item that kicked off the pumpkin spice/latte craze, the Starbuck Pumpkin spice latte.
Those who know me know I am usually accompanied by a cup of coffee. But one thing you will never find me with is a pumpkin spice latte, which I’ve tried many times and unfortunately, I am not a fan of this crowd favorite. However, I love pumpkin bars and pumpkin pie. Many students are learning about pumpkins. I wanted to share a few of the facts they are learning.
Illinois Farmers grow more pumpkins than anywhere else in the world. In fact, they grow 90-95% of the
pumpkins used for processing. Most of the processing takes place in Morton, Illinois, the Pumpkin Capital of the World. Did you know the largest pumpkin pie ever was baked on Sept. 25, 2010, and weighed in at 3,699 pounds! It was 20 feet in diameter. The pie was made with 1,212 pounds of canned pumpkin, 233 dozen eggs, 109 gallons of evaporated milk, 525 pounds of sugar, 7 pounds of salt, 14.5 pounds of cinnamon, and 3 pounds of pumpkin pie spice.
If you are looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or classroom, I encourage you to try your hand at making “pumpkin pie in a bag”. Early American settlers used to make pumpkin pie inside of the pumpkin shell. First, they sliced off the pumpkin’s top. Then they removed the seeds and filled the insides with milk, spices, and honey. It was baked in the hot ashes of a fireplace. It didn’t look like the kind of pie that you get at
Thanksgiving, but it was still yummy. You can make your own unique pumpkin pie too, just follow this recipe.
Items Needed:
Gallon Ziploc freezer bag
2 2/3 cups cold milk
2 packages (4 serving size) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Graham cracker crumbs
25 small cups
Scissors
1 can whipped topping
25 spoons
Directions:
Combine the milk and instant pudding in the Ziploc bag. Remove the air and zip it shut. Squeeze and knead with hands until blended for 1 minute. Add the pumpkin, cinnamon, and ginger. Remove the air and zip it shut.
Squeeze and knead with hands for 2 minutes until
blended. Place 1/2 teaspoon of graham crackers in the bottom of small cups. Cut the corner of the freezer bag and squeeze pie filling into cups.
Garnish with whipped topping.
Grants Promote
The Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) program remains a trusted teacher resource for educating Carroll and Stephenson County children about connections to agriculture. This week the program received funding to continue classroom lessons thanks to IAA Foundation grants to local county coalitions. Eighty-one coalitions serving 88 Illinois counties were awarded $647,000 in grant dollars which can be used for materials, training, educational lessons, and activities taking place during the 2024-2025 school year.
“Providing these grants ensures teachers have a local connection and access to engaging resources to integrate accurate agricultural content into their classrooms,” said
took it in from six yards out. Yet another failed conversion left the Wildcatz with an 18-14 advantage. That was all they would need to capture the win, however. The EPC defense stood tall in the fourth quarter when they thwarted every Morrison comeback attempt. Despite allowing the Mustangs to score to close the second and to open the third, the EPC defense managed to keep them off the board in the first and final quarters. That proved to be crucial as they held on to win by a final
score of 18-14. Despite not reaching the end zone, it was Draven Zier who led EPC in the rushing attack. Zier rushed for 86 yards on 14 carries. Kempel was next up with 12carries for 51 yards and a score. Awender had just 18 yards on five attempts, but two of them went for scores.
The Wildcatz wrap up their 2024 regular season with a home matchup against the Dakota Indians on Oct. 25. Dakota has struggled mightily on the season as the enter the final week winless at 0-8.
Kevin Daugherty, education director, IAITC. Last school year, 634,314 students and 48,380 teachers engaged in ag literacy lessons through IAITC. County AITC programs presented 32,232 individual programs throughout the state, an average of 400 per coalition.
County coalition grants are made possible through funding from the IAA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau. The IAA Foundation raises funds for the IAITC program each year, and in addition to county grants, provides funding for Ag Mags, teacher grants, Summer Ag Academies, and more.
Partner organizations of IAITC include Illinois Farm Bureau, Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education, University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy Association, Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. In addition, annual
donors include agribusiness partners and individuals with an interest in supporting the future of agriculture. For information on how individuals can contribute, or to view a listing of all major donors, visit www.iaafoundation.org.
For information on IAITC, visit www.agintheclassroom. org.
Stephenson County Farm Bureau to host open house
On Friday, November 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and again Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. 12 p.m. the Stephenson County Farm Bureau invites members and the community to visit their office, 210 West Spring Street, Freeport, IL 61032.
During these times there will be a McNess Truck sale going on, refreshments and giveaways, additionally you can purchase items from the Stephenson County Farm Bureau such as honey and pork spice. If you have questions, please reach out to the Stephenson County Farm Bureau office at 815-232-3186 or by emailing manager@stephensoncfb.org.
We did have a slight freeze in some places. Friends in Freeport said they really had a hard freeze. In Lena we didn’t seem to have gotten that. We will have a warmup to what they are calling September weather. We continue to offer fall recipes for your cooking pleasure. Have a great week of cooking!
This fall salad has a wonderful mustard dressing that brings out the flavor of the apples and cranberries. The pecans give just the right amount of crunch. Use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples for great apple taste. If you aren’t a blue cheese lover, you can substitute Gorgonzola or feta.
Pecans:
½ C. packed brown sugar
¼ t. cinnamon
¼ t. salt
2 T. water
1 C. pecans
Salad:
6 C. mixed greens
2 apples, thinly sliced
½ C. crumbled blue cheese
½ C. dried cranberries
Dressing:
2 T. cider vinegar
2 green onions, thinly sliced
½ T. Dijon mustard
½ C. extra-virgin olive oil
Pecans; In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and water until sugar is dissolved. Add pecans, simmer for 5 minutes making sure pecans are coated. Place pecan mixture on parchment lined baking sheet; let cool and break apart.
Salad: Place greens, apples, cheese and cranberries in a large serving bowl. Toss and refrigerate until time to serve.
Dressing: In a jar, place vinegar, onions, and mustard. Whisk or shake together until combined; add oil and whisk or shake until oil is emulsified. Drizzle over salad when
ready to serve.
If you want to jazz up ranch dip, these few simple ingredients added to the salad dressing mix will make an easy dip for veggies or pretzels.
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 C. sour cream
1 pkg. Hidden Valley ranch salad dressing
3 C. shredded cheddar cheese
½ C. coarsely chopped cooked bacon (6 slices)
Sliced green onions
In a large bowl mix cream cheese, sour cream, and Ranch dressing mix until well blended. Stir in shredded cheese. Stir in bacon and top with green onions.
There are lots of ways to make Brussels sprouts. However, it is important to toast the sprouts. Make sure they are crisp but don’t burn them. The balsamic glaze is different than balsamic vinegar; it is thicker and sweeter.
2 lbs. Brussels sprouts, halved
6 strips of bacon, chopped
2 T. olive oil
½ t. salt
½ t. pepper
2 T. balsamic glaze
Preheat oven to 450. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, bacon, oil, salt and pepper. Transfer to a 15x10x1 inch baking sheet. Roast, stirring halfway through cooking, until sprouts are tender and slightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze; serve warm.
Since the weather has turned cooler, soup is now
something that we can make for a weeknight meal. You can prep the vegetables ahead of time. You cook the veggies and chicken for 6 hours and remove chicken to cut it up. Adding the noodles for the last cooking time makes sure that they don’t get mushy. If you use Amish egg noodles, you will need to cook them less time. Enjoy this warm soup on a chilly night.
2 fresh baby carrots, cut into ½ inch pieces
4 celery ribs, cut into ½ inch pieces
¾ C. finely chopped onion
1 T. fresh parsley, minced
½ t. dried rosemary
½ t. dried thyme
½ t. pepper
2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 cans chicken broth
1 pkg. frozen egg noodles
Place the garlic cloves in a cheesecloth bag that is tied at the top. In a 5 qt. slow cooker, combine the carrots, celery, onion, parsley, rosemary, thyme, pepper and bag of garlic. Add chicken and broth. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Discard the garlic bag and remove the chicken to cool off enough to handle. Cut chicken into pieces or shred it. Place back in crockpot along with frozen noodles. Cook on Low for 30 to 40 minutes until the noodles are tender.
This recipe is an easy way to prepare pork tenderloin. If you can’t find pork tenderloin, you can substitute pork steak. October is pork month, so there are some good prices on pork in a lot of grocery stores.
¼ C. olive oil
2 T. soy sauce
1 T. Montreal steak seasoning
2 pork tenderloins, 1 lb. each
Cooked wild rice or mashed potatoes
In a 5 qt. slow cooker, mix oil, soy sauce and steak seasoning. Add pork; turn to coat. Cook, covered, on Low until a thermometer inserted in pork reads 145, 1¾ to 2¼ hours. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with cooking juices and wild rice or mashed potatoes.
Mixing chocolate and pumpkin is a new kind of brownie recipe. It is a lot like the cream cheese marbled brownies that have been in this column several times. See if this chocolate pumpkin combination will be a new hit at your house.
1 C. sugar
¾ C. flour
¼ C. baking cocoa
½ t. salt
¼ t. baking soda
½ C. canola oil
2 eggs, room temperature
1 t. vanilla
Pumpkin batter
1 C. sugar
1 C. flour
½ t. salt
½ t. pumpkin pie spice
¼ t. baking soda
¾ C. canned pumpkin
2 eggs, room temperature
Preheat the oven to 350. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper, letting ends extend up sides; grease paper; In a large bowl, whisk sugar, flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda. In a small bowl, whisk oil, eggs and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Pumpkin batter: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, salt, pumpkin pie spice and baking soda. In a small bowl, whisk pumpkin and eggs; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Spread half the cocoa mixture into prepared pan (layer will be thin). Drop
half of the pumpkin mixture over top; gently spread to cover most of brownie mixture. Drop remaining pumpkin and cocoa mixture by tablespoonfuls over pumpkin layer. Gently spread and swirl. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Lifting with parchment, remove from pan to the wire rack. Cut into bars.
Yet another pumpkin dump cake recipe was given to me. This one uses evaporated milk. It uses more pumpkin pie spice than other recipes which will give a lot of pumpkin flavor. Try it and see if you like it!
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
3 eggs, room temperature
1 C. sugar
4 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
¼ C. butter, melted
1½ C. chopped nuts
Vanilla ice cream or whipping cream
Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, beat the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle with cake mix and drizzle butter. Top with nuts.
Bake for 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.
It is getting closer to Halloween. Football playoffs will be soon starting, and volleyball season has its final week before regionals. Fall is racing. The first freeze didn’t seem to do anything about bugs or a lot of vegetation, and we are still looking for rain. October is half over, and Christmas decorations are appearing in a lot of stores. I hate that Thanksgiving isn’t given its proper celebration. St. John’s Church in Lena will be having their annual noodle luncheon on Election Day. Be sure to mark your calendars for that great meal.
We will be looking for some good squash and apple recipes, so send some favorites our way. We also will be looking for some pork recipes as well as some soup recipes. If you find some recipes to share, you can contact us by email at scoopshopper@ rvpublishing.com or by mail at From Lena’s Kitchens, The Shopper’s Guide at Rock Valley Publishing, 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115. Have a great week.
Former Gov. Pat Quinn is touring the state to encourage a “Yes” vote on an increased tax for incomes over $1 million.
“It is important to let folks know that we do have a chance not only to vote for candidates, especially president, but we also have a chance in Illinois to vote on issues, issues that can make a difference in a family budget for years to come,” Quinn said at a recent Capitol news
conference. The referendum, in addition to being similar to an advisory question in 2014, echoes parts of a constitutional amendment that was put to voters in 2020. That amendment would have repealed the state’s constitutional requirement for a flat income tax rate—a step that would still be necessary to implement the policy described in this year’s advisory question.
When voters went to the
polls in 2020, they rejected the amendment – a bruising result for Gov. JB Pritzker, who gave $58 million of his personal fortune to a campaign in favor of the graduated income tax.
Some groups angled to get different questions on the ballot this year to no avail. Parents Matter Coalition, a conservative group launched
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late last year and backed by former Republican state Rep. Jeanne Ives, ran an unsuccessful signature-gathering campaign for a ballot question concerning parental disclosure for gender-affirming therapy and counseling.
That effort gathered only about 100,000 of roughly 328,000 needed signatures, according to Ives. But the group was ultimately preempted by the legislature because only three advisory questions may appear on a ballot in a given election.
At the time SB 2412 passed, Ives called it an “incredibly undemocratic way to defeat an electorate you oppose.”
In an interview with Capitol News Illinois this week, Ives again suggested that including three ballot questions was a way to quash her group’s effort.
“They didn’t wait to see if we even had the signatures,” Ives said, later noting that she intends to revive the effort and get the question on a future ballot.
Hoffman didn’t comment directly on Ives’ characterization of the questions, and instead said that they were selected because of an interest from the public.
“These three questions
were on the forefront of the news media when we passed these,” Hoffman said.
Other lawmakers attempted to put constitutional amendments up for a vote, including proposals dealing with ethics reforms, guaranteeing hunting rights, voting qualifications and abortion.
In total, 34 constitutional amendments were introduced since the start of 2023 that could have appeared on this year’s ballot. They came mostly from Republicans, although five came from Democrats and one was introduced with bipartisan sponsorship.
None were considered in a legislative committee.
Several counties will also weigh in on a local measure that is part of a broader secessionist movement in Illinois.
Voters in Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Iroquois, Jersey, Madison and Perry counties will be casting votes to opine on whether downstate counties should consider separating from Cook County to form a new state.
Since 2019, at least 25 other counties out of Illinois’ 102 have posed similar questions to voters. With the addition
of the seven counties considering the issue in 2024, about 10.9% of Illinois’ population outside of Cook County will have had the chance to vote on the issue since 2019.
In each of the counties that have already considered this, the results have leaned heavily in favor of separation.
Between 70% and 83% of voters in those counties favor exploring a split from Cook County, according to Illinois Separation, a group that advocates for these referendums. The proposal faces long odds of ever coming to fruition. It would require action in Springfield and in Congress and has only happened three times in American history. Kentucky broke from Virginia in 1792, Maine broke from Massachusetts in 1820 and West Virginia broke from Virginia in 1863.
Additionally, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul told Jersey County’s state’s attorney in a 2023 memo that he believed counties without home rule powers do not have the legal authority to secede from the state.
In May, at an unrelated event in Madison County, the largest county to consider the question so far, Gov. JB Pritzker said proposals like these “should not be on the ballot.”
“It shouldn’t be something that’s part of the lexicon and discussion of politicians,” he said. “We’re one state. We’re supporting each other.”
Other counties and municipalities have referendums about several issues. For example, the village of Oak Park and Peoria County are considering switching to ranked choice voting for future elections. They also include routine referendums on levying new taxes for schools, fire districts and other local governments.
The Lena Lions Club recognized the many years of support the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Reserve has provided to the Annual Fall Festival with a donation that will cover a much needed replacement AED for their trailer. Pictured right, President Lion Dave Williams and Treasurer Lion Jim Meyers making the presentation outside the Lena Village Hall.
Part of ‘Click It or Ticket’ and ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaigns
Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 1 has announced they will conduct Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (STEPs) in Lee, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties during November.
These STEPs allow the ISP to focus on the fatal four violations that contribute to the majority of traffic crashes and fatalities: impaired driving, occupant restraint, speeding, and distracted driving.
The ISP will increase their daytime and nighttime patrols to ensure the safety of vehicle travelers through enforcement of all traffic safety laws. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Likewise, speeding is a factor in almost one-third of fatal crashes nationwide, and nearly 50% of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were not buckled up.
This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The U.S. Postal Service will again deliver millions of rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits to households across the nation.
In collaboration with the White House and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, USPS will facilitate the distribution of these test kits through COVIDTests.gov, where people can order their kits at no cost.
Test kit ordering began Sept. 26. More than 12 million COVID-19 tests have already been shipped by the USPS with more than 6 million delivered to households across the nation.
This initiative marks the seventh time the Postal Service has played a crucial role in distributing free at-home test kits to Americans. Since the program began in the winter of 2021, ASPR and USPS have distributed approximately 900 million tests, free of charge, to American households nationwide, with an average of just 1.2 days from shipment to delivery.
“The distribution of these at-home test kits is a vital public health initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.
“We are proud to continue our partnership in ensuring that every household has access to the resources they need to stay safe and healthy.”
USPS delivers more mail than any other post in the world, serving nearly 167 million addresses in the country –covering every state, city and town – and prides itself on going the last mile to deliver the mail.
Every U.S. household, including those in U.S. territories, is eligible to receive these tests. To ensure widespread access, each residential address can request four free tests.
This program aims to provide communities with easy access to rapid at-home COVID-19 tests in the coming weeks, especially when Americans prepare for travel and gatherings through the 2024 holiday season, empowering individuals to test as needed.
When placing an order, customers will have the option to provide an email address for updates, including a confirmation email. Upon shipment, customers will receive an email with an estimated delivery date and a tracking number to monitor their order’s progress on usps.com.
The COVIDTests.gov website has more information, including testing guidance.
The Stockton Education Foundation thanks the Many Supporters Who Supported our Students and Teachers by Pledging at the 2024 Radio-a-thon.
Through your generosity, the Foundation raised over $17,000. Money raised will support more technology hardware and software for students and teachers as well as other classroom needs. If you missed the Radio-a-thon, there is still time to pledge and contribute. Send your pledge to the following address:
Approximately 17.3% percent of our nation’s population is over 65. Statistics project that by the year 2030, that will rise to 20%. The needs of individuals over 65 can vary significantly depending on their functional abilities. Although many older adults understand the benefits of preventative oral care and are retaining their natural teeth, many older Americans often face significant obstacles to achieve oral health. Healthy aging focuses on maintaining functional abilities and the well-being of the entire population.
Aging changes occur in all of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Cells renew at a slower rate and function less efficiently, tissues become thinner and less elastic, bones become less dense and strong, and the immune system can become weaker, so infection can occur more quickly, and healing takes longer. These changes affect all parts of the body, including the teeth and gums, which increases the risk for oral health problems in later years. In addition, taking certain medicines can also affect oral health.
Periodontitis is a prevalent oral disease in older adults and is associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, respiratory disease, and cognitive impairment. Loss of the supporting structures of the teeth (periodontal ligament and supporting alveolar bone) results from an inflammatory response to the bacteria residing in the space between the teeth and the gums. As
By Dr. Stephen petraS Illinois Licensed General Dentist
teeth lose support, mobility and tooth drifting increase, and periodontal abscesses may occur. Left untreated, the result is tooth loss. As the disease intensifies, bone loss around affected teeth can advance with a worsening infection that can have systemic consequences.
Older Americans are also more likely to experience root caries. Severe tooth loss— having fewer than nine teeth— and untreated tooth decay diminish health and quality of life. People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk for these oral conditions. Common risk factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, a reduced capacity to care for one’s teeth and obtain professional dental care, and direct or indirect biological mechanisms—such as low salivary flow caused by medications—also contribute to tooth decay and tooth loss.
The relationship between general health and oral health is bidirectional, with poor oral health exacerbating chronic conditions and systemic disease affecting oral health. Recent studies also highlight a link between cognitive decline and deteriorating oral health. Adequate nutrition is also dependent on oral health. Older adults with compromised dentition
may struggle with proper nutrition, leading to a cycle of health decline. Oral disease prevention and treatment at early stages of oral disease is critical in maintaining systemic health, function, independence, and quality of life.
Analyses of insurance claims have shown that preventive dental care in older adults with chronic disease is cost-effective. Preventative oral health education and access to oral care not only prevents frailty, loss of independence and necessity for long-term care, it also reduces the incidence and costs of treating oral health issues in emergency and acute care medical settings.
Unfortunately, Medicare, the primary form of health insurance for millions of older Americans, excludes dental benefits except in certain narrow circumstances.
America is not the only country trying to meet the oral and overall health needs of an aging population. Healthy aging is a critical global issue. Efforts to integrate oral health with broader healthcare policies will be vital in ensuring that older adults can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Policy changes to integrate oral health into overall healthcare have been instituted in Japan, China, Germany, Sweden, and Australia. Providing patientcentered and preventionfocused services that address the interrelationship between oral and general health are proving to be effective in reducing frailty and enhancing quality of life.
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Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
CLUES ACROSS
1. “60 Minutes” network
4. Train line
10. Go quickly
11. Straightforward
12. Canadian province
14. At any rate (abbr.)
15. Genealogy
16. Make changes
18. Utter repeatedly
22. In a way, turned up
23. Type of ship
24. Agents of one’s downfall
26. Not out
27. Something to scratch
28. Round water pot
30. Refreshing green fruit (slang)
31. Promotions
34. Primordial matters
36. One-time world power (abbr.)
37. Source of illumination
39. The content of cognition
40. An Arab ruler
41. South Dakota
42. Gnawed at with teeth
48. Hawaiian island
50. Smaller
51. Of a single person
52. Rigid bracelet
53. Barbary sheep (Fr.)
54. Not even
55. Specific gravity
56. Engage in petty bargaining
58. Boxing’s “GOAT”
59. Split between parties
60. Notable offensive
CLUES DOWN
1. A place to lounge
2. Skewed views
3. Peacefully
4. Commercial
5. Auxiliary forces
6. Large mollusk
7. Take out again
8. Sharp and forthright
9. Knight (chess)
12. Source of fiber
13. Flesh covering some birds’ beaks
17. Energy
19. Night monkeys genus
20. Small, sharp nails
21. Pleasant-smelling liquid
25. Affirms one’s hold
29. CNN’s founder
31. Texans can’t forget it
32. “Oppenheimer” actor Matt
33. Expression
35. Vessel
38. Lacking poetic beauty
41. Tall, swift and slender dog
43. Sports personality Michelle
44. Robber
45. Liquefied natural gas
46. Snakelike fishes
47. The most worthless part of something
49. City in Crimea
56. Bad grades
57. Reichsmark
By Rhiannon Branch FarmWeek
Ag machinery sales are taking a hit as farmers’ balance sheets tighten, but the equipment industry has been preparing for the downturn.
“Over the course of history, the price of corn and the sale of tractors over 40 horsepower tend to track one to one,” Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Senior Vice President Curt Blades told FarmWeek. “And we know corn prices are down right now, so it is to be expected.”
AEM’s August equipment sales report showed total sales of ag tractors in the U.S. dropped 19.4 percent and combine sales fell 19.6 percent from a year ago.
Blades said the industry learned some hard lessons from the most recent economic downturn and is better prepared for this next phase in the cycle.
“Manufacturers have been working closely with the
dealers to understand what the supply chain needs are and what the market demand is,” he said. “The last thing you want is too much inventory at the dealer lot because that has a negative impact on the dealer, used prices and the rural economy.”
A report by Moody’s Ratings suggests the three largest agricultural equipment manufacturers (AGCO Corp., CNH Industrial and Deere & Company) are better positioned to deal with weakening demand compared to the 2014-16 downturn.
“We expect that, even in the face of significant declines in revenue, EBITA (earnings before interest, taxes and amortization) margins in 2024 will remain in the 9-20 percent range for all three companies, thanks in part to key operational changes, good cost management and more flexible manufacturing processes,” the report said.
The report showed the top three manufacturers are cut-
al manager of PTx, a business unit of AGCO. He told FarmWeek that investing in companies like Precision Planting and Trimble has helped them remain innovative and focus on farmers’ needs.
“They’re the innovators that feed that dedicated channel which helps us gain traction with those innovations, so it’s a nice reinforcing cycle,” he told FarmWeek. “We’ve been able to operate (PTx) independently, and it’s helped our growth.”
Crawford said the Precision Planting division allows the company to bring technologies to market that help farmers enhance their existing fleet of equipment.
ting back sharply on production in 2024 to decrease inventory levels in preparation for 2025.
Blades said the manufacturing industry is also focusing on options that farmers want and the variety of advantages they look at when considering equipment.
20 percent more fuel efficient than the previous generation, allowing farmers to reduce diesel costs.
For example, Blades said this generation of machines is
“Farmers see these as business decisions, not just emotional decisions, and they are investing in technology to make sure that they are as operationally efficient as they possibly can be to survive those downturns,” Blades said.
Seth Crawford is the gener-
“So they don’t need to make that big capital investment. They can make a small investment with a fast payback that can bring them an almost instant return in one operating cycle,” Crawford said. “And we do that in a scalable way to help the farmers achieve profitability even in the most difficult times.”
This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com.
please consider participating in SSM Health’s Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The Blood Drive will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the St. Clare Conference Center at the main clinic located at 515 22nd Avenue in Monroe. Appointments are encouraged but not required. To schedule, please visit Bloodcenter.org or call SSM Health Monroe Hospital Volunteer Services Coordinator, Mary Berger, at 608-324-1569.
Bake sale fundraiser
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, there will be a Bake Sale at Helm Truck and Equipment, 2290 Business Rt. 20 East from 9 a.m. to 1:30 pm. Helm Truck and Equipment will match all proceeds of the bake sale to support two deserving families in the com-
munity. There will be pies, cupcakes, cookies, snacks, cakes, brownies and more.
SSM Health at Home Offering Holiday Grief Support Group in Monroe
The holidays are an especially challenging time of year for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Handling the Holidays will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Monroe Engraving located at 1005 30th Street in Monroe. This free group is open to those ages 18+ who have experienced the death of someone special. Seating is limited and registration is requested. For more information or to register, please call SSM Health at Home at 608-3241143 or visit ssmhealth.com/ classes
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
JO DAVIESS COUNTY, ILLINOIS
NEWREZ LLC
D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, PLAINTIFF, VS. DAVID C THOMPSON; THE GALENA TERRITORY ASSOCIATION, INC.; SHENANDOAH HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION, DEFENDANTS. NO. 2023FC11
4 APPALOOSA LANE GALENA, IL 61036
NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE
FORECLOSURE ACT
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered by the Court in the above entitled cause on September 3, 2024, Judicial Sales Corporation will on November 20, 2024, in JoDaviess County Courthouse 330 North Bench Street, (east door), Galena, IL 61036, at 10:00 AM, sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, situated in the County of Jo Daviess, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment:
TION 33; AND IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER; THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER AND THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 27; ALL IN TOWNSHIP 28 NORTH, RANGE 2 EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, GUILFORD TOWNSHIP, JO DAVIESS COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED SEPTEMBER 6, 1979 AS DOCUMENT NO. 153059 IN PLAT BOOK 14, PAGES 90, 91 AND 92 AND NOW LOCATED IN PLAN HOLD B OF PLATS, NOS. 53-B, 54-A AND B, 55-A AND B AND 56-A. TAX NO. 08-110-047-00 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 4 Appaloosa Lane Galena, IL 61036
Description of Improvements: The property is a single family home.
The Judgment amount was $378,807.31.
Sale Terms: This is an “AS IS” sale for “CASH”. The successful bidder must deposit 10% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS.
foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For Information: Visit our website at http://ilforeclosuresales.mrpllc.com.
Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 1 N. Dearborn St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel. No. (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file# 23-15186IL PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Bids for the lease of said property are hereby invited and will be received by the Village Clerk, Stefanie Hatley, in person at the Village Hall, 155 W. Front Ave., Stockton, IL or by mail at P.O. Box 186, Stockton, IL 61085. Bids shall bear the legend “Bid-Lease of Farm Ground” and the name and address of bidder. Bids will be accepted until the close of business on November 8, 2024. Bids should be accompanied by a check for 10% of the lease amount bid for 1 year and be made payable to the Village of Stockton. Said lease shall be for the three (3) year term beginning March 1, 2025 and ending February 28, 2028. The cash farm lease shall provide half of the annual amount of the rent to be paid on March 1st of each year of the lease term and the balance to be paid by December 1st of each year of the lease term.
All bids received will be opened and read during the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Village Hall on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM.
The legal notice deadline for this paper will be changing to FRIDAYS at 3:30 p.m. beginning November 8, 2024 for the following week’s paper
462913
LOT 47 IN SHENANDOAH UNIT NO. 10 OF BRANIGAR’S THE GALENA TERRITORY LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER; THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER; THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER; THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER; THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER AND THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 28; THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SEC-
The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bills, etc., and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the bid amount, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.
The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the
Plaintiff’s attorney is not required to provide additional information other than that set forth in this notice of sale.
I3252981
(Published in The Scoop Today Oct. 9, 16 & 23, 2024) 462287
NOTICE OF LEASE OF PROPERTY OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF STOCKTON AND INVITATION TO BID
The Village of Stockton will accept bids for the lease, under the successful bid, of the following described property:
36.4 acres, more or less, of farm ground commonly referred to as the “landfill farm ground” located in part of the NE 114 of Section 18, Township 27 North, Range 5 East of the 4th P.M., Jo Daviess County, IL, located in the general vicinity of the Stockton landfill near the former railroad tracks in Wards Grove Township.
A lease may be awarded to the highest bidder whose bid is found to be in the best interest of the Village of Stockton. The Trustees reserve the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bidding. The Trustees further reserve the right to review and study any and all bids and to make a lease award within 30 days after the bids have been opened and read. The checks of unsuccessful bidders shall be promptly returned by mail.
Additional information concerning terms and conditions may be obtained by contacting the Village Clerk at (815) 947-2515. (Published in The Scoop Today Oct. 16 & 23, 2024) 462673
to place your ad
Rock Valley Publishing is looking for a PartTime Advertising Sales Executive. Approximately 20 hours per week. We publish newspapers, shoppers, and niche publications throughout the stateline. You have the opportunity to sell into all Rock Valley Publishing. L.L.C. publications, making your paycheck much larger!
For immediate consideration send resume/job history to: Vicki Vanderwerff, Director of Advertising Email: vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com Fax: (262) 725-6844
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-9279275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.
DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.
7
1977 OLDSMOBILE CUTLAS BROUGHAM Mint condition. $11,000, OBO. Call 262-3794161.
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Many details still needed before lawmakers can put
By Andrew Adams Capitol news illinois
Public transit agencies in downstate Illinois are joining Chicagoland rail and bus operators in asking the state for help balancing their budgets.
A state committee met with leaders from a half dozen downstate agencies last week—the sixth and final scheduled hearing on the subject since lawmakers began a series of workshops on transit in July.
The Senate Transportation Committee hearings were meant to host conversations about public transit as lawmakers and advocates work on proposals that could yield sweeping reform to how public transit is financed and governed.
Funding for public transportation has become a top priority for some lawmakers over the past two years as transit agencies in Chicagoland have sounded alarm bells on a looming financial crisis.
The Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra commuter rail service and Pace suburban buses, forecasts a $730 million gap in its 2026 budget—roughly 20 percent of RTA’s annual operating costs. That gap could widen to more than $1 billion by 2030.
But transit systems serving riders outside of the Chicago area said Tuesday they could also use the state’s help in balancing their finances.
“We are approaching a similar fiscal cliff to the northeast region,” Karl Gnadt, managing director of the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, said.
Gnadt said CUMTD is expanding to a point where the state may not be able to cover necessary costs.
The state funds up to 65
percent of downstate transit agencies’ yearly costs through the “Downstate Operating Assistance Program,” but transit agency heads say the program is underfunded and can’t keep up with planned expansions.
David Braun, the managing director of the transit system in Bloomington-Normal, said that without that support, his agency could be forced into a “contraction era.”
“People that have become dependent on us have chosen where to live based on the service we provide and if we start pulling back service, if we have to contract—and all of us will have to contract to be below what the downstate operating fund can provide— then that will suppress the growth of our communities, it will suppress residential building, it just becomes a chilling effect all through downstate,” Braun said.
The head of the Rock Island County Mass Transit District, more commonly known as Quad Cities MetroLINK, said state funding might fall short by as early as 2026. These downstate systems are much smaller than the systems that make up the RTA. But they often serve vulnerable populations who have no other means of transportation.
“A large majority of our riders don’t use public transportation out of convenience. They use it out of necessity,” Sara Nollman-Hodge, managing director of the South Central Illinois Mass Transit District, said.
The pandemic was a frequent theme last week—and in previous transportation committee hearings. While many sectors of the economy have bounced back from the worst of the pandemic’s effects,
public transportation agencies across Illinois are still fighting to recover.
Ridership—a key statistic for public transit agencies— remains below pre-pandemic levels for most transit agencies in Illinois. The CTA provided 20 million passenger trips in the first eight months of 2024, about two-thirds of what it provided in the first eight months of 2019, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Downstate agencies face similar shortfalls. Using the same comparison, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit has reached 87 percent of its pre-pandemic levels. Rock Island reached 67 percent. Rockford reached 80 percent. For the 18 Illinois transit agencies that report ridership data to the federal government, 2024 saw about 64 percent of the trips taken in the same period in 2019.
But the heads of some of these agencies painted a more nuanced – and sometimes rosier – picture for lawmakers last week.
Gnadt, speaking about Champaign-Urbana, said certain segments of their riding population are back to pre-pandemic levels. Champaign students, who take public transit to get to school, have recovered and riders associated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are nearing a full recovery, but his agency is still facing issues stemming from an “employee shortage.”
Other agency heads noted that they are nearing pre-pandemic ridership levels. But the slowdown of passenger traffic means less revenue for agencies to work with, adding to funding challenges.
Some agencies also struggle with implementing require-
ments from the state to offer free fares to some residents, according to Nelson.
The problems facing public transit in Illinois—and in particular the problems facing the Chicagoland region—have animated bipartisan calls for state action.
“Do I believe the state has a larger responsibility in funding mass transit? Absolutely,” Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said last week. “I think the state has to make mass transit across the state, not just the metropolitan area, a priority.”
But the next steps in how to fund transit systems are still up in the air. Senate Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, repeated a line he’s used throughout this year again last week: “no funding without reform.”
Late last year, proposals from the state-backed Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the private, nonpartisan Civic Club of Chicago both outlined sweeping reforms that would see Chicago-area transit agencies combined into a new entity or giving new authority and oversight powers to the RTA.
The most drastic of these reforms have been met with pushback from some influential interest groups. Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea noted last week his organization opposed consolidating the RTA agencies.
“We’re looking at everything right now and trying to figure out what, in our opinion, will be the best type of governance,” Drea said.
DeWitte, meanwhile, hinted at backing an “empowered” RTA over a total restructuring of northeastern transit agen-
cies.
Beyond the ongoing negotiations surrounding the RTA, Villivalam also noted that he and others on the transportation committee need more details about the transit problems facing Illinois.
“We certainly need to understand governance and the funding models for downstate and central Illinois better,” Villivalam said. “We need to understand the opportunities for interconnectivity as well.
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, said as much to the City Club of Chicago last month.
“Oh gosh definitely not in veto session,” Welch said when asked about a timeline for transit reform. “This is probably an end-of-May issue.”
Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield in November for a brief fall veto session, but passage of transit reform is unlikely to happen before the spring legislative session begins in January.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT JO DAVIESS COUNTY, ILLINOIS NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, PLAINTIFF, VS. DAVID C THOMPSON; THE GALENA TERRITORY ASSOCIATION, INC.; SHENANDOAH HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION, DEFENDANTS. NO. 2023FC11
4 APPALOOSA LANE GALENA, IL 61036
NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ACT
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered by the Court in the above entitled cause on September 3, 2024, Judicial Sales Corporation will on November 20, 2024, in JoDaviess County Courthouse 330 North Bench Street, (east door), Galena, IL 61036, at 10:00 AM, sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, situated in the County of Jo Daviess, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment: TAX NO. 08-110-047-00
COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 4 Appaloosa Lane Galena, IL 61036
sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the bid amount, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.
The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For Information: Visit our website at http://ilforeclosuresales. mrpllc.com.
Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 1 N. Dearborn St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel. No. (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file# 2315186IL
Description of Improvements: The property is a single family home.
The Judgment amount was $378,807.31.
Sale Terms: This is an “AS IS” sale for “CASH”. The successful bidder must deposit 10% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS.
The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bills, etc., and is offered for
PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Plaintiff’s attorney is not required to provide additional information other than that set forth in this notice of sale.
I3252981
(Published in The Scoop Today Oct. 9, 16 & 23, 2024) 462288
Northwest Illinois Economic Development (NWILED), in partnership with the Jo Daviess Carroll Career Technical Educational Academy (CTEA), hosted their fourth annual Manufacturing & Trades Day event on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, with record attendances.
The event takes highschoolers into area manufacturing facilities for site visits and to the CTEA for interactive hands-on learning sessions lead by area trades focused businesses and small manufacturers to showcase the potential of their industries and foster career interest. The event also featured numerous area agencies and businesses who came and offered information on their educational and apprenticeship opportunities.
Manufacturing & Trades Day is a true regional event that is not only fun for the students, but it also creates a great workforce development opportunity for em-
ployers. This October’s event had all nine high schools from Carroll and Jo Daviess counties participating, plus Lena-Winslow High in Stephenson County. That combined plan sent upwards of 360, primarily sophomore students, to the event
Helping facilitate their experience was about 30 area businesses and agencies, including JCE Coop, Arrow Solar, Adkins Energy, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, Highland Community College, Citizens State Bank, Galena Area Chamber of Commerce, Gradient Coaching & Consulting, Jo Daviess County Board, Nicor Gas, ComEd, Galena Territory Association, Prairie Ridge of Galena, Guy’s Towing & Service, University of Illinois Extension 4-H, MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions – Metform, East Dubuque Nitrogen Fertilizers, Carroll Innovative Manufacturing, Origin Design, Tri-State Travel, Business Employment Skills
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Stockton High School students following their site visit to JCE Coop in Elizabeth, IL during the annual Manufacturing & Trades Day. Regarding the event, NWILED Regional Director David Schmit stated, “It is NWILED’s hope that by offering this experience to our region’s youth that they better understand the opportunities and quality of life available to them in Northwest Illinois after they graduate from high school.”
Team, Forster Products, Midwest Medical Center, McCoy Group, Helm Group, ProTect
Metal Sales, Hirschbach, and the United States Penitentiary – Thomson.
For more information about NWILED or our Manufacturing & Trades Day
event, contact NWILED directly at 815-297-7361 or dschmit@nwiled.org
