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Wednesday, February 23, 2022

THIRD PLACE

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Wyatt Doty, an Eastland High School student who wrestles with the Polo co-op team, defeats Richland’s Carson Bissey in the 126-pound weight class during the third-place match at the Class 1A state wrestling finals in Champaign on Feb. 19. Sports coverage starts on page 12.

Vol. 81 • No. 39 One Section • 20 Pages

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Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

2

McCombie refuses to wear mask or leave House floor

By GRACE KINNICUTT

Capitol News Illinois gkinnicutt@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – A local lawmaker was one of nine Republican members who were off the House floor Feb. 17 for their refusal to comply with face covering requirements, delaying the start of the legislative session for the third straight day.

In a 66-39 vote, Democrats voted to remove Reps. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, David Welter, R-Morris, David Friess, R-Red Bud, Chris Miller, R-Oakland and Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport.

While most of those lawmakers chose to participate remotely after that action, one, McCombie, remained on the floor, unmasked, without incident for the remainder of the Thursday session.

McCombie said when she was close to others she asked if they would be more comfortable if she wore a mask.

But the floor mandate was too far-reaching.

“Mind your own business, mitigate your own risk,” McCombie said.

The removed GOP members were accompanied by most of their caucus upon exiting the floor, and they went to a private caucus meeting for about an

hour before mask-compliant members returned.

The motion for the GOP removal came from Rep. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago.

“If you choose not to wear your Tony McCombie mask, do that outside of the chamber,” Collins said. “But while we’re in here, I ask that you respect the chamber’s rules, wear your masks and get the work done.”

Passed at the beginning of the pandemic, House rules require all members to wear a mask unless they are eating, drinking or speaking into the microphone.

“We’re not sitting over here and telling you to take off your masks. We’re merely asking you to respect us as we respect you,” Niemerg said.

The unmasked members speaking on the floor criticized what they called Democratic hypocrisy, citing the fact that Democratic members are frequently seen out in public at fundraising events without masks.

House minority leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, called on Democrats and Republicans to act with “civility” after receiving a letter from House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch about a week ago regarding the chamber’s need to “be more civil and

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE For information on classified advertisements, display advertisements or billing please dial: For information815-625-3600 on classified advertisements, Fax 815-625-9390 display advertisements or billing, please call: For editorial833-584-NEWS please dial: 815-625-3600 www.prairieadvocate.com Fax 815-625-9390 For editorial, please call: 833-584-NEWS www.prairieadvocate.com Publisher .......................................... Jennifer Heintzelman Circulation ........................................................ Abbie Clark Editor ........................................................... Earleen Hinton Advertising Sales ................................... Angelica Martinez The Prairie Advocate is published weekly by Sauk Valley Media, a division of B.F. Shaw Printing Co. Member of Shaw Newspapers and the Audit Bureau of Circulations.

The publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in adver tisements beyond the amount paid for space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred - whether such error is due to the negligence of the publisher’s staff or otherwise - and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement.

work more collaboratively together.”

Durkin noted that while the removal of members is within the House rules, it is a “very serious sanction,” and does not help the situation.

“It does not put me in a frame of mind that there is still a place for civility where we can actually have an honest discourse between both sides of the aisle,” Durkin said.

Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, noted that the main frustration among Republicans the past few days is there have been two votes to remove Republican members from the chamber, but the body has not yet taken a vote to impose COVID-19 mitigations beyond what has been put forth in executive orders from the governor.

“I find it pretty unfortunate that this is the second vote we’re having to remove members of the body and we haven’t taken one vote or held one hearing on the governor’s mitigations,” Batinick said during floor debate. “You guys have chosen to abdicate your duty to provide oversight.

Live with it.”

Rep. Steve Reick, R-Woodstock, said the House should make its own rules regardless of influence from the governor’s office.

Rep. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett, a freshman lawmaker, said he joined the rest of the GOP caucus in leaving the floor when his colleagues were asked to leave.

“I believe in masks, so wearing one is not a problem,” he said in an interview after the vote. “But at the same time, to kick out members of the caucus, we’re part of the Republican team.”

NEWS BRIEF West Carroll Student Council to host community blood drive

SAVANNA – The West Carroll Student Council will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, March 4, at the West Carroll High School gym.

“West Carroll is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations,” said Missy Hartman, student council co-sponsor. “This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.”

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life,” she said.

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.

For information or to make an appointment to donate, call the high school or signup online at redcrossblood.org.

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Pearl City Junior High Spelling Bee winners

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Here are the spelling bee winners from Pearl City Junior High. From left are Hendrix Feld (first place), Xander Krolow (runner-up) and Miles Corbin (alternate). Hendrix and Xander advanced to the regional spelling bee Feb. 15, which was an online competition this year.

In honor of the CGH Auxiliary’s 75th anniversary, the Auxiliary is selling raffle tickets for a quilt made by member Pat Specht and machine quilted by Jan Davis. The pattern is Lincoln Logs and measures 76 inches by 66 inches. Tickets are $5 each or a book of five tickets for $20.

Call 815-625-0400, ext. 5727, to buy tickets (cash or check) and arrange for curbside pickup at the hospital front entrance. The drawing will be Friday, March 4. For information, call the CGH Auxiliary at 815-625-0400, ext. 5727.

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CGH Auxiliary selling raffle tickets for quilt in honor of Auxiliary’s 75th anniversary

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

4 CARROLL COUNTY FARM BUREAU

Apply now for nurse practitioner scholarships through Farm Bureau program Applications are available for nurse practitioner scholarships through the Illinois Farm Bureau Rural Nurse Practitioner Scholarship Program.

There will be 15 scholarships, worth $4,000 each, granted this year.

The scholarship program, now in its 30th year, helps encourage and develop the pool of rural health practitioners to help meet primary health care needs in rural Illinois. Students who receive scholarships agree to practice for two years in an approved rural area in Illinois.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be Illinois residents and be a registered nurse accepted or enrolled in an accredited nurse practitioner program. Funding is provided by the Rural Illinois Medical Student Assistance Program (RIMSAP).

Applications are available on the Rural Illinois Medical Student Assistance Program website at RIMSAP. com, or by writing Donna Gallivan, Program Manager, Illinois Farm Bureau, PO Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702-2901. Applications are due May 1.

AT A GLANCE Chastity Welch ••• You likely will start seeing a new name out there, Chas Heeren.

Recently, Scott and I got married and the new name is throwing many off, including me. It is like when you change years. It takes a few days to get used to writing the new one.

The deadline is around the corner for the Carroll County Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships, which are due March 7. That date also is the deadline for the Ag in the Classroom Freezer Meal Fundraiser. Both forms can be found on our website at www. carrollcfb.org ••• It has been a while since we did the Harvest for All, but timing issues with all of us involved have been crazy in

Carroll County Farm Bureau members can place up to two free classified ads per week, with a limit of 250 characters per ad (not including spaces).

Ads are limited to personal or farm items for sale/wanted to buy, or farm labor or services available or wanted. No ads for the sale or rental of real estate, garage sales or commercial businesses will be accepted.

To place an ad, call the Farm Bureau office at 815-244-3001 by 3 p.m. Thursday to get your ad in the following week’s paper.

The Farm Bureau office compiles the ads and Shaw Media runs them in the Prairie Advocate as a courtesy in conjunction with the column. Shaw Media is not responsible for the ads and any errors or corrections need to be made to the Farm Bureau office.

For Sale: Round bales of hay 4th crop alfalfa. Also, rye, wheat, clover wet bales, wrapped. Call 815-590-5265.

For Sale: Echo CS-370 chain saw, $220, 815-244-0819.

For Sale: First and second large round bales net wrapped, stored inside, no rain, 815-244-9223. trying to line up the final numbers. We will be having our ad in the March 9 issue announcing the final amount along with presenting the checks to the food pantries.

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THOMSON – The Sportsman’s Banquet will be Saturday, Feb. 26, at Majestic Pines in Thomson.

Organizers are raising money for local conservation activities. The midwinter Sportsman’s Banquet is hosted by the Mississippi Flyway chapter of Waterfowl USA and is aimed at returning the money raised to local wetland conservation.

This year’s banquet will have items of interest for deer hunters, duck hunters and coyote hunters. The chapter

encourages hunting families to attend the banquet and sets up games for children to play to win items. A raffle also will take place.

“Hunting families will enjoy the banquet as kids will receive decoys and a chance to win hunting guns,” volunteer Ron Kaufman said. “What drives the banquet is the members themselves. Many generous sportsmen and members of the conservation group donated extra toward the kids raffles.

As many as seven youth guns will be

awarded to young hunters on Saturday night. Also, the very young will get a chance to win BB guns.”

Adam Johnson from Miles, Iowa, has volunteered to run the auction during the event. Wildlife art, barn wood art, figurines, decorative decoys and sporting goods will be sold. A black lab female pup from Barn Ridge Kennel will be on Johnson’s list to sell at the banquet.

“The AKC lab will make someone a pet and hunter and comes from good

bloodlines,” Kaufman said.

“To welcome our guests, Eric Engaldo will serve as the emcee for the event. Eric is a fellow waterfowler and will add a lot of excitement to the night.”

Banquet doors open at 5 p.m., and organizers have lowered the price this year to help keep the banquet affordable,” Kaufman said.

For information, call Ron Kaufman at Waterfowl USA at 309-887-4390 or send an email to ronkaufman1@msn. com.

Road Scholar Speakers Bureau program.

Members of the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) were the first women other than nurses to serve overseas in World War II. Schaffer’s mother, Mollie Weinstein Schaffer, was one of them. Drawing upon excerpts from Mollie’s letters written home during the war, this presentation provides a romantic, yet frightful, glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in history.

The speaker has requested that all attendees wear masks.

Help Center offers scholarships to graduating seniors

Program on backyard birds is March 5

NEWS BRIEFS Book about WACs to be topic at meeting

LANARK – The Lake Carroll Women’s Club is partnering with the Lanark Public Library and the Friends of the Lanark Public Library to host speaker Cyndee Schaffer, co-author of “Mollie’s War: The Letters of a World War II WAC in Europe.”

Schaffer will speak at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at the Heritage Center, 106 S. Broad St., in Lanark.

Her presentation is being made possible by a grant from the Illinois Humanities

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The Carroll County Help Center is offering three scholarships to graduating high school seniors, one for each Carroll County School District. Graduating seniors in Carroll County interested in pursuing training at a community college or a vocational, technical or trade school, should contact their high school guidance counselor for details and an application.

The application for the Lois Frank Memorial Scholarship with essay and recommendations is due by March 18.

FREEPORT – The Stephenson County Association for Home and Community Education is sponsoring Backyard Birds of Illinois at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 W. Spring St., Freeport.

Bird enthusiast Rich Hofmaster will give information and show pictures of the many species of birds you might see in your own backyard.

The free program is open to the public. No reservations are required.

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5 PRAIRIE ADVOCATE Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

Sportsman’s Banquet to take place Feb. 26 in Thomson

ALEX T . PAS CHA L/AP ASC HA L@ SH AW M E

Amboy high-schooler Dana Merriman says she learned an important lesson as a student-teacher: “It’s taught me that I can make a difference in someone else’s life.”

IN A

M CO A. DI

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

6

OF HER OWN

By Cody Cutter | Sauk Valley Media

When an Amboy student took on the task of teaching an ag class, she discovered that her students weren’t the only ones learning to grow

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The bell rang to dismiss class in the middle of the day, and Dana Merriman joined her fellow students as they spilled into the halls at Amboy’s newly enlarged junior/senior high school building.

While the rest of the students went about their hallway hustle and bustle, dodging and darting on the way to their next destination, Dana was on her way to begin her temporary promotion in the junior high wing.

That’s when she became Miss Merriman to the eighth-graders in her Discovery Ag class.

During the fall semester, Dana jumped at the chance that Amboy High senior agriculture students have every year: the opportunity to put their ag know-how to work and teach it to future high school students for half of the year.

Opportunities like this don’t come along all that often, and Dana was eager to take a turn as a student-teacher.

“It’s taught me that I can make a difference in someone else’s life,” Merriman said. “That’s what my whole idea of this was, I really wanted to connect with students and let them know that there are so many opportunities with agriculture.”

The school’s Discovery Ag class is the earliest entry-level class catered specifically to agriculture.

The 9-week course is required for each student to have before moving on to high school-level ag classes, where there’s a more advanced introductory class as well as specialized ag classes.

Being a student, and having been in that same class just a few years prior, helped Dana to relate to the students, and vice-versa.

But as she would find out, that didn’t mean there still weren’t a few students who just weren’t that interested, or tough to convince of the benefits of learning about agriculture.

But even the challenges were a chance to learn for Dana, who drew on her own experiences to spark an interest in students. She taught a variety of ag topics, which • See MERRIMAN on next page

• MERRIMAN from previous page

game that taught the kids how hunting and gathering worked within the very beginning stages of agriculture,” Dana said. “Once all of the animals were gone from their area, they had to move from place to place. It taught them to keep looking for food, and it was just kind of a cool way to see who

survived, and who didn’t.”

Another friend, Emma Dinges, raises goats and brought them to class to show the students, who learned how to show them as if they were at a fair. Another memorable day involved touring the high school ag wing and seeing • See MERRIMAN on next page

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gave her a chance to be creative while sharing her love of agriculture with others, she said, adding that the students’ enthusiasm and interest made the whole experience fun.

“They were so interactive, they were always joking around, and they were really into the lessons,” Merriman said. “That’s what made it fun and a great experience. The fact that the students were still interacting and being engaged in the topics showed me that I was doing a good job, and that they’re liking what I’m doing.”

The experience was a familiar one for Dana, whose class had its own student-teacher, Justin Yocum, when she was in eighth grade. That experience inspired her to want to follow in Justin’s footsteps when she became a senior.

Her ag teacher, Jim Heavner, was all for it, and helped her with lesson plans and other tools she needed to make her experience a success. She also got plenty of help from her principal, Janet Crownhart, and her music teacher, Travis Kemmerer.

While Dana enjoyed having more of a say in the classroom, she was under a teacher’s supervision. Jacqueline Owensby, an eighth-grade math teacher, observed each class session, helped Dana learn the ropes when it came to running a classroom, and offered guidance on getting students’ attention.

“They gave me a lot of good insight on how to keep everything on time, and time management with creating lesson plans and stuff like that,” Merriman said.

Having trusted friends also helped. One of them, Ashley Althaus, taught the same class 2 years ago and provided Dana with some of the lesson plans she used. She edited them to fit her own goals and style, which included a more interactive classroom where students worked in groups and moved about the

room to learn different things.

One of them was a lesson in hunting and gathering … candy.

Dana hid candy throughout the classroom; one type represented water and the other represented food, but the trick was that there wasn’t enough for everyone.

“It was a hunting and gathering

ALEX T. PASCHAL/ APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM

• MERRIMAN from previous page

those classes in action. Students also got to see the big picture, learning how agriculture was all around them: Students read a list of everyday items and learned how they wouldn’t be possible without farms.

“I had a list of all of the things that you get from swine,” Dana said. “They use everything on the animal, and they learned a lot of things that they didn’t know, like lipstick, the dye comes from different parts of it; and there’s other things, like the bristles on a hair brush.

“They looked at the list, and they would be like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is something that comes from a ...’ They were real surprised.”

Despite her current agriculture interests, Merriman doesn’t live on a farm. She, her parents Dave and Brenda Merriman and brother Dillon live in Amboy. She also is the school’s FFA secretary, and was elected vice president of Section 2 of Illinois’ FFA chapter, which includes several high schools in the north central part of the state.

There’s more on top of that outside of the agriculture realm: In addition to her studies, Merriman also participates in Student

Council, Leo’s Club, Outdoors Club, softball, being the school band’s drum major and singing in choir; and she’s gearing up to play the title character in the school’s spring musical, “Moana Jr.” from March 11-13 at the high school auditorium. She also won the 2021 Miss Amboy pageant, which she considers one of her proudest

achievements. those concepts have made their While going to high school way from the farm to the stage, opened the door for all of those where students can apply what opportunities, learning more they’ve learned to the building of about agriculture made the biggest sets for “Moana,” including the impact on her. Growing up in boat used in the play. town, she didn’t know a whole After high school, Dana plans lot about agriculture, and even to continue with her agriculture less about FFA. When some older studies in college. She hasn’t friends got to talking about the chosen yet where to attend, but their involvement in FFA, it evenby mid-January she had been tually caught Merriman’s attention accepted to Illinois State, Southern and pulled her in.

Illinois and Iowa State universities.

“I didn’t really know that much As far as what field she’ll go into, about it, but being in FFA for 4 she’s still thinking about it. Who years has really opened my eyes knows. She may even become a to everything that ag has to offer,” teacher again.

Dana said. “I started falling in love “I really enjoyed it,” she said of with it. I started taking [more] ag her time as a student-teacher. “It classes and trying to soak up evwas a good experience. It was realerything that I could and constant- ly fun. I’d definitely do it again.” ly learning new things.”

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Membership drive underway for Driftless Region Scenic Art Loop Map 9 spring 2022 printing and distribution of 25,000 maps.

ARRT’s 2022 release will be the fifth edition of the Driftless Region Scenic Art Loop Map, a self-guided art tour taking regional visitors through 120 square miles of the Tri-State area’s most scenic counties in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

The Driftless map directs travelers

to artists creating in their studios and galleries and points them to artisan businesses such as wineries, craft breweries, distilleries, artisan restaurants, music and theatre venues.

ARRT’s map will feature more than 100 artists and artisan businesses that are creating a variety of art experiences year-round in their environ-

ments. It provides regional visitors with reasons to escape and explore, all while seeing art and meeting artists.

For information, interested artists and artisan businesses are welcome to visit The Scenic Art Loop website at www.ScenicArtLoop.com or contact creator and producer Henry Matthiessen III at StonedArtStudio@gmail.com.

Eagle Nature Foundation’s annual meeting is March 26

Also during the business meeting, certificates of appreciation will be presented to people and businesses that have supported ENF during the past year, and the results of ENF’s latest research will be presented.

Cost for the 25th anniversary luncheon is $25 for members of ENF and $30 for nonmembers.

Those interested in attending the meeting should send a check for as many seats needed to ENF, 300 E. Hickory St., Apple River, IL. 61001.

Co. announced it will relocate its corporate headquarters to Rockford by Sept. 1.

The announcement comes after the formerly family-controlled company was sold in 2021 to a subsidiary of Easy Bio, an agriculturally based multi-national headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.

In McNess’ announcement, the company cited “proximity to Chicago and air transportation and advantages in recruiting talent in and near larger metropolitan areas” as primary reasons for the move.

Mark Poeschl, Furst-McNess President and CEO, indicated that all 35 Freeport-based employees are expected to remain with the company following the relocation, either by remote work or commuting to the Rockford location.

BRIEFS Toastmasters Club to meet March 1 in Freeport

FREEPORT – The Inspiring Speakers Toastmasters Club will commemorate its 35th anniversary with an open house at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 1. There will be a special guest speaker, club history and samples of meeting activities.

Toastmasters builds communication and leadership skills in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. The club meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Freeport Public Library.

Guests are welcome.

There is an online option via Zoom.

For information, contact Tom Willison at 815-275-7111 or tomwillison3@ gmail.com or visit toastmasters.org.

APPLE RIVER – The public is invited to attend the Eagle Nature Foundation’s annual meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at the Apple River Event Center.

The meeting will start with a silent auction at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. that will be catered by the Apple River Side Track Inn. An auction will be at 12:30 p.m., followed by a business meeting at 1 p.m., program at 2 p.m. and board meeting at 3 p.m.

During the business meeting, ENF’s membership will nominate three board members. Board members whose terms expire at the meeting are Dr. James Breed, Terrence Ingram and Kathleen Ordracek.

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SHANNON - $284,900 3804 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3.5 Baths, 1.76 Acre Lot, Pool

PRICE REDUCED

The Mississippi Flyway is a wetland conservation group that works to provide waterfowl nesting habitat in our area.

Limited ticket sales at the door.

PRICE REDUCED

LAKE CARROLL - $149,900 2.99 Acre Waterfront Lot Part Wooded/Part Clear with Deeded Slip

SM-ST1950151

Join us for a night of fellowship of hunters and outdoorsmen.

Sporting goods, pistols, shotguns, deer hunting equipment, art auction and raffles.

Young hunters can win hunting firearms. We will draw to give away 7 or more hunting guns for kids attending with Waterfowl USA members.

PRICE REDUCED

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

All River Road Talent announced its membership drive for artists to participate in the 2022 Driftless Region Scenic Art Loop Map. ARRT, a nonprofit, produces the Driftless Region’s only year-round art-exclusive art and artisan map.

Applications for this unique guide will close March 1 in preparation for a

10 PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT SHOPPING FOR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

As people age, oftentimes their living arrangements need to be adjusted.

Needs evolve as children move out or other situations arise. One of the scenarios that may come to pass as a person ages is the need for more specialized help that just isn’t possible at home.

When failing physical or mental health affects one’s ability to be independent a and live safety at home, moving into an assisted living facility may be the nex next step. The National Center for Assisted Living indicates assisted living offer offers the little bit of help some people need when they can no longer manage a living alone.

Typically these facilities provide assistance with bathing or dressing, medicatio management and other care, while also catering to people who may not medication require the a around-the-clock medical care most often associated with nursing homes.

Vetting is an impo important component of finding assisted living facilities.

Family caregivers need to educate themselves about services, costs and other resources provided by assisted living facilities. AARP says assisted living facilities provide residents with a range of services that can include supervision, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and personal care. Residents usually have their own apartments or private rooms. Because they are mostly regulated at state level in the United States, there is a lot of variety among these facilities. That means family caregivers need to assess their needs and desires in a facility to find the right one that fits. Assisted living A Monroe Clinic Lifestyle Initiative facilities offer a home-like environment, and the amenities available vary based on cost.

SM-ST1960552

Paying for assisted living differs from paying for nursing homes. Largely government-subsidized health programs like Medicare and Medicaid pay for nursing home care.

Those who would be best serviced by assisted living may find they may not qualify for government support, nor may the facilities accept anything other than private payment or long-term care insurance to cover room and board.

Other considerations in assisted living facilities are size, specialties, atmosphere, location, and the ability to transition to higher forms of care. Assisted living may fill a void currently, but it’s often not a permanent situation for all, and eventually certain residents may have to move on to skilled care facilities. Potential residents and their families should visit various assisted living facilities to get a feel for what they are like. Speak with the staff and residents, request a meal and get a sense of the environment. Apart from cost, how the home feels is one of the most important factors in shopping around for this type of residence.

Luxurious amenities and services offering each resident their own blend of independence and assistance.

Within Your Means.

Beyond Your Expectations.

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11

SAVING STRATEGIES AS RETIREMENT DRAWS NEAR Professionals on the cusp of retirement are often excited about what lies ahead. Some prospective retirees may look forward to traveling once they no longer have to go to work each day, while others may plan to return to school. Regardless of how adults envision spending their rretirement, they’re going to need money when they’re no longer being paid by their employers.

As retirement nears, some professionals may be concerned that they haven’t saved enough. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in regard to how money people will need in retirement. People who are worried they haven’t much mone can try various strategies to build up their account balances before saved enough c they officially call it a career.

Take advantage of catch-up contributions. Adults who are 50 or older are eligible to take advantage of catchup contributions. These are designed to help people over 50 contribute more to certain retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA, than statutory limits would otherwise allow. There are limits that govern the amount of money people can designate as catch-up contributions, but taking advantage of this perk can help people save more as retirement draws closer.

Consider relocating. A recent study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that housing costs accounted for 49 percent of seniors spending. Professionals nearing retirement who live in areas traditionally associated with a high cost of living can begin to rethink their long-term housing strategy. Relocating to an area with a lower cost of living is one option, while those who prefer to remain in their current town or city can consider downsizing to a smaller home to reduce their property taxes and monthly utility bills.

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Continue investing. Conventional wisdom suggests moving away from investing in stocks the closer you get to retirement. Though that’s a sound strategy, professionals who are trying to build their retirement savings in the final years before retiring could be missing out on significant growth by abandoning stocks entirely.

Speak with a financial advisor about stockbased investments and your risk tolerance.

Maintaining a diversified portfolio with a little risk can be a great way to grow your savings as retirement draws near.

Professionals approaching retirement may be dealing with a mix of excitement and anxiety, particularly if they’re concerned about their retirement savings.

Various strategies can help quell such anxiety and make it easier for professionals over 50 to build their savings as retirement nears.

Checking and Savings Accounts Various types of loans Online Banking

Mobile App Debit Cards 24 Hour ATM

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Doty brings home third-place medal at 1A meet

By EDDIE CARIFIO

ecarifio@shawmedia.com CHAMPAIGN – Polo had a pair of medalists at the Class 1A IHSA state wrestling tournament Feb. 19.

Wyatt Doty took third at 126 pounds and Daniel Engel was sixth at 285.

Erie-Prophetstown’s Jase Grunder was fourth at 145, and Fulton’s Zane Pannell was fifth at 170.

“We brought two and they were both top six. I’m so happy,” Polo coach Jesse Culbertson said.

“A lot of people see these kids out here and think it’s so individual. But with their practice partners pushing them and the kids in the room, it’s a team sport. A lot of people don’t realize that.”

Doty, an Eastland junior, won his third-place match with a late takedown against Carson Bissey of Richland County, holding on for a 4-2 victory.

“I knew I’ve got to go, keep pushing him,” Doty said. “He was pushing me.

We were going at it. I secured my sweep, got the two. Then I knew I had

See WRESTLING, Page 14

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Wyatt Doty works against Richland’s Carson Bissey during the Class 1A third-place match at 126 pounds at the IHSA state wrestling meet.

Now Available

OBITUARIES RICHARD ‘DICK’ BAILEY

WAYNE BARR WIEGERT

Richard “Dick” Bailey, 81, of Hanover, Illinois, passed on February 12, 2022.

Arrangements entrusted to Law-Jones Funeral Home, Hanover, Illinois. Additional information: 815-591-3317.

Wayne Barr Wiegert, 96, of Savanna, Illinois, passed on February 13, 2022.

Arrangements entrusted to Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, Illinois. Additional information: 815-273-2264.

WILLIAM ‘MIKE’ MILLER

LARRY D. WILKINS

William “Mike” Miller, 62, of Hanover, Illinois, passed on February 14, 2002.

Arrangements entrusted to Law-Jones Funeral Home, Hanover, Illinois. Additional information: 815-591-3317.

Larry D. Wilkins, 83, of Prophetstown, passed on 2/11/2022.

Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Fulton. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081

Winter 2022

d WH

ALSO

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Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

12 STATE WRESTLING FINALS

INSID

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CO IXON

B an IN CLU

EN RO

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S SOA

RED

To request your FREE copy, simply call us at (815) 632-2566 or email your requests and address to: knull@saukvalley.com

BOYS BASKETBALL REGIONALS

POLHILL’S INC.

led 9-7 after one quarter and 17-16 at halftime, but were outscored 16-2 in the fourth quarter of a 1A Indian Creek Regional loss in Shabbona.

Connor Simpson scored 10 points, and Ian Eller added nine for Amboy.

Grant Schlorff hit four 3-pointers and scored 20 points for Indian Creek.

Dakota 53, Polo 45: The Marcos fell in a 1A Alden-Hebron Regional quarterfinal in Dakota.

Byron 56, Oregon 29: The Hawks’ season came to an end with a 2A Oregon Regional quarterfinal loss to the rival Tigers in Byron.

Erie-Prophetstown 95, Alleman 43: The Panthers rolled to victory in a 2A Riverdale Regional quarterfinal in Prophetstown, and will face Rockridge in a regional semifinal at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Port Byron.

Rockridge 91, West Carroll 14: The Rockets built a 50-10 halftime lead and rolled to a 2A Riverdale Regional quarterfinal win over the Thunder in Edgington.

Garrett Law paced West Carroll with four points, while Tanner Diestelmeier and Connor Townsend added three points each.

Caleb Cunico and Kameron Bohnsack scored 18 and 12 points, respectively, to lead Rockridge.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Eastland’s Kellen Henze drives the lane and puts up a shot as Morrison’s Brady Wolf defends during the Class 1A Eastland Regional on Saturday in Lanark.

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PRAIRIE ADVOCATE Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

Eastland and Fulton advanced to the semifinals in their respective regionals on Saturday.

Competition continues this week.

Eastland 43, Morrison 34: The Cougars survived an upset attempt by the Mustangs, hitting nine free throws in the final 1:32 to pull away for the Class 1A Eastland Regional quarterfinal win in Lanark.

Kellen Henze’s basket with 3:04 to play was the last field goal for Eastland, which will face Newman in a regional semifinal at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Lanark. Henze had 22 points for the Cougars, and Andy Anderson finished with 15.

Alex Anderson scored 14 points to pace Morrison, while Danny Mouw added eight and Brenden Martin chipped in six.

Fulton 62, Pearl City 22: The Steamers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in a 1A Eastland Regional quarterfinal at Stan Borgman Court.

Ian Wiebenga and Ethan Price both scored 14 points to lead Fulton, which will play Aquin in the regional semifinals at 6 p.m.

Wednesday in Lanark.

Aquin 68, Milledgeville 58: The Missiles’ season came to an end with a loss in a 1A Eastland Regional quarterfinal in Freeport.

Indian Creek 41, Amboy 26: The Clippers

13

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

14

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Riverdale’s Collin Altensey works against Jack Seacrist of Stillman Valley during the Class 1A 152-pound championship match at the IHSA state wrestling finals Feb. 19.

• WRESTLING Continued from Page 12 to hold him down just 10 more seconds.”

Engel was pinned late in his fifthplace match, taking sixth.

“Earlier in the season I was out for a month and a half with COVID,” Engel said. “I felt like I could have had my cardio up a little better.”

Pauses due to COVID-19 mitigations were common for many schools.

Erie-Prophetstown coach Tod McCullough said he was impressed with how his team pushed through multiple COVID-19 pauses this year.

Erie qualified three wrestlers, with Grunder taking fourth at 145 after a 6-2 loss to Harvard’s Ivan Rosas.

“It’s not the performance he wanted,” McCullough said. “He had a good performance last round. We thought his emotions would be up. But the kid controlled the pace a little bit.

We weren’t able to get a good shot on him.

“I know his dream would have been higher. He lost a heartbreaker last night, 1-0. Hopefully he remembers this next year; it’s a feeling he doesn’t want to have.”

Pannell had a pin in his fifth-place match in the third period against LeRoy’s Tyson Brent. In the consolation semifinal, he lost a 17-15 shootout

to Canton’s Joseph Norton.

Three other local wrestlers also wrestled in wrestleback bouts on Saturday, but lost in the consolation quarterfinals to finish 2-2 in the tournament and just miss out on medals.

Sterling junior Tommy Tate lost 10-2 to Geneseo’s Anthony Montez at 160 pounds in Class 2A, while Morrison senior Kayden White was pinned

by Westville’s Rylee Edwards at 182 in 1A. Dixon senior Justin Dallas lost 9-7 to Hillsboro’s Magnus Wells at 220.

Two champs Riverdale had two state champions: Brock Smith won the 132-pound state title with a 2-1 win in a tiebreaker (double OT) over Dakota’s TJ Silva and Collin Altensey won the 152-pound state title with a 6-1 win over Stillman Valley’s Jack Seacrist.

“I’m really stoked,” Altensey said.

“I came in knowing I could do it but I wanted to take each match one at a time. It worked out. I knew he was going to come hard to the head and pound my head. I just wanted to go underneath and it worked.”

The win made for a perfect season for Altensey.

“I went 47-0. That’s always good,” Altensey said. “I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates. I came into this tournament not thinking about my record. If you’re worried about that, you’re going to take people for granted.”

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Brock Smith of Riverdale celebrates his 132-pound championship over Dakota’s TJ Silva.

Smith also was thrilled with his finish.

“I’m on top of the world. I’m blessed,” Smith said. “Everybody has helped me get this far and believed in me and I pulled it off. Gritty match, man. It was the longest match this year. And I haven’t practiced at all this

week. I was sick, had strep. It’s all just built me up, made me stronger.”

Smith said the key to avoiding a takedown in the final overtime was to keep his focus. “Just keep wrestling,” he said. “All the last couple weeks have been is a lot of effort. I put a lot of effort in and I got it.”

15

What’s happening at CCSSO & CCT Hello everyone, At this time we are asking people NOT to bring any more books in. Currently our book room is overflowing. Also we will no longer be taking VHS tapes. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

Tax season is going very well. The AARP volunteers still have a few appointments left, so if you need an appointment please call 815-244-1800.

Our first Rules of the Road Class will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 27. You can call anytime to get your name on the list. Call 815-244-1800.

Please note the newest scam going around. A person calls you and asks for

you Medicare number because they are issuing new Medicare cards with a chip in them. This is not true at all. Please tell them you know this is a scam and hang up immediately.

We will be sponsoring another Hearing Clinic at CCSSO from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 31. Please call 815-244-1800 to set up your appointment.

Veterans Coffee will be at 9 a.m. Friday, March 4.

If you are a veteran and you haven’t had the chance to attend this meeting, you are missing out on some great conversation and of course yummy snacks.

The next Area Agency Meeting will be at 9 a.m. Friday, March 18, at the Carroll

County Senior Center.

Bingo will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1 and March 15. Jim Wiebenga from Allure will be calling Bingo on the third Tuesday of the month.

Remember Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 13. Don’t forget to move your clock ahead.

Remember if you need to schedule a ride please call CCT Dispatch at 815-244-0011.

This is the direct line to schedule your ride.

If you have any questions, please contact me (Deb Conner) at 815-244-1800 or Alicia Kness at 815-244-0011.

God bless all of you Deb Conner, director

Let us help you get your message out!

Contact Angelica at 815-632-2560 to find out how we can help. Email: amartinez @shawmedia.com

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

VA Coffee will meet at 9 a.m.

Friday, March 4

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

16 GRAPEVINE NICAA Golden Meals has expanded to include more home-delivery routes NICAA Golden Meals program has expanded its services to include more home-delivery routes in the Shannon area, for the town of Shannon and the rural areas surrounding it.

The Home-Delivery program is for any senior citizen age 60 or over who would benefit from having a meal delivered to their home on a daily basis.

Delivery will be available Monday through Friday. For more information or to sign up for the program, call 815-232-8896.

Sign up is quick and easy and meals can start within a day or two.

To sign up for Savanna, Mt. Carroll, Thomson, Chadwick or Milledgeville area, please call 815-273-4875 to set up for meal delivery.

TRANSPORTATION CCT now has four buses and 10 vans, all wheelchair accessible, available to take people to meals, medical appointments and to do shopping and other errands in towns and around the county or to Freeport, Sterling or Clinton.

We have now added medical appointment to Monroe, Rockford and Iowa City with a 3-day notice.

If you need a ride, call 244‑0011 at least 48 hours in advance to schedule your trip. For shopping trips, there is a 5-bag limit due to space issues.

We provide this service to assist those who no longer drive or would rather have someone else do the driving.

Please remember our drivers are not allowed to go into your home per IDOT regulations, so if you are not able to get yourself out to the van or bus you would need to have someone there to help you into the van or bus and off the van or bus to go to your appointment.

We can accommodate a few more riders. If our services would be of use to you, just give any of our dispatchers, Tina, Lisa, Tawny or Bebe, a call at 815-244-0011 and they will be happy to get your ride scheduled.

CARROLL COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES ORGANIZATION Mission Statement The mission of the Carroll County Senior Services Organization is to facilitate a variety of services and activities to enrich the daily lives of the citizens of Carroll County.

Carroll County Senior Services Organization receives Title III Older Americans Act and State of Illinois General Revenue Funds through the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging

Board of Directors Russ Gies, Thomson, Chairman Jane Law, Mt. Carroll, Vice Chairman Butch Hasz, Lanark, Treasurer Donna Green, Chadwick, Secretary Darla Burkholder, Lanark Joyce Schubert, Mt. Carroll Mary Stevens, Shannon Pam Darrow, Savanna Letha Rahn, Lake Carroll See CCSSO, Page 17

Nonagenarians and Centenarians Birthdays for March March 7 - Fredrich Sinkovits, Lanark....................94 March 7 - Elaine Bicker, Lanark...........................100 March 8 - Geraldine Bealer, Thomson .................90 March 12 - Betty Shipman, Milledgeville..............97 March 14 - Mary Jo Tracey, Savanna.....................90 March 15 - Omar Deets, Milledgeville...................94 March 17 - Melvin Katzenberger, Lanark..............95 March 17 - Don Schriner, Savanna.........................90 March 18 - Albert Notz, Mt. Carroll........................93 March 18 - Marie Brkljack, Savanna .....................94 March 20 - Norma Floming, Mt. Carroll.................90 March 21 - Jean Griswold, Savanna.......................96 March 22 - Lois Simmons, Milledgeville ..............97 March 25 - Betty Carroll, Lanark............................94 March 25 - Phyllis Schneider, Milledgeville ..........0 March 26 - Frank Nester, Mt. Carroll ....................90 March 30 - Neil Libberton, Mt. Carroll...................98 Happy Birthday to all of you from all of us here at the Senior Center.

Trouble hearing on the phone?

Illinois Telecommunication Access Corporation (ITAC) has added a program to help those with cellular service that are having trouble hearing on the phone.

The program provides free amplified telephones and captioning telephone to Illinois residents that are hard of hearing. Applicants must be certified as hard of hearing by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or audiologist; live in Illinois; and have a service that remits to the program.

Lee County Council on Aging (LCCOA) and Whiteside County Senior Center (WCSC) are selection centers for

ITAC. Walk-ins are welcomed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the WCSC. Potential applicants can call the WCSC 815-622-9230, ext. 194, or LCCOA 815288-9236 in advance to set up an appointment to see about qualifying.

Cellphones must be Bluetooth capable.

Applicants applying for this program, should bring in the cellphone. Please bring a phone bill with all the pages for landline service or cellular service (prepaid cell uses that don’t receive a phone bill must bring the cellphone) and proof of address (driver’s license, state ID, or a bill with the applicant’s name and address on it).

SERVICES Exercise Equipment

The Senior Center has six pieces of professional-grade equipment, treadmill, rowing machine, Stair Stepper, E-Force Cross Trainer exerciser and recumbent bicycle.

You are welcome to use any of these anytime the Senior Center is open, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

These six pieces of exercise equipment have been

donated to help seniors get some needed movement and cardio work that can improve both their physical and mental states.

And as anyone can tell you, a few minutes walking or riding a bike can go a long way.

Remember in our new building we have no steps so the equipment is so much easier to get to.

So bring a few friends and all of you can work out together, and the best part is it is FREE!!!!

We ask that COVID-19 protocols be observed and after using the equipment that you sanitize with the wipes provided for everyone’s safety.

What do you do with your old cellphones?

Carroll County Senior Center has a donation box for old and broken cellphones.

We recycle them by sending them into a company that refurbishes them for emergency 911 phones for areas devastated by disasters and for sale to low-income people. We currently have a box at the Senior Center.

If you know of anyone looking to get rid of old cellphones, have them drop them off at the Carroll County Senior Center during our regular business hours 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

GRAPEVINE

Clip Out and Return

____ $5 ____ $10 ____$20

____$50 ____$100 ____$500

Memorial_________________________________________________________ Other_____________________________________________________________ Name_____________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State ________ Zip ______

MAIL TO: Carroll County Senior Services Organization PO BOX 89, 17612 E. Benton St., Mt. Carroll, IL 61053

• CCSSO Continued from Page 16 Shirley Fritz, Savanna Craig Dimmick, Mt. Carroll Jim Calhoun, Mt. Carroll Ann Crouse, Mt. Carroll Charlie Dauphin, Savanna Director Deb Connor SHAP/SHIP Counselor Deb Connor, Karen Holm, Sandra Aude Office Manager Karen Holm NIAAA Advisory Board Jane Law, Darla Burkholder NIAAA Board of Directors Donna Bausman County Board Liaison Gary Imel Mission Statement The mission of CCT is to provide safe, reliable, and cost effective public transportation to citizens of Carroll County. We are committed to enhancing quality of life through affordable and accessible transportation service. Our Carroll County Transit team pledges to provide courteous service to our customers and meet the changing needs of our region.

Carroll County Transit receives Title III B Older Americans Act and State of Illinois

General Revenue Funds through the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging, Operation Assistance from Federal (5311), and Down State Operations Assistance Program (DOAP).

CCT Operations Manager Alicia Kness CCT Dispatchers Tina Hughes, Lisa Disher, Tawny Loper, Bebe Irons CCT Grants Manager Mary Maszk CCT Transit Drivers Leo Gelwicks, Dennis Plattenberger, Mike Miller, Austin Wallestad,Wayne Becker, Lisa Disher, Danny Prowant, Karen Phillips, Taylor Bensching , Kristin Knapp, Carolyn Olsen, William Kee, Alvin Haan, Kim Haan, Joseph Czurylo, Brad Wilson CCT Advisory Board Mike Doty-CCT P-Com Mary Maszk, CCT Administrative Manager Alicia Kness, CCT Dispatch Manager Anna Gray, Allure of Mt. Carroll Edward Heflin-RTAC Jon Murray-Rolling Hills Jane Law - CCSSO Board Liaison Dawn Holland, CC Health Department Connie Davis – Sinnissippi Deb Connor, CCSSO/CCT Director Carroll County Transit 815-244-0011 Fax: 312-278-0142

Carroll County Veterans Assistance Commission The Carroll County Veterans Assistance Commission, located at 17612 E. Benton St. P.O. Box 126, Mt. Carroll, is operated by and for veterans.

The commission is committed to providing services and financial aid to qualified military veterans and their families who reside in Carroll County.

Information can be obtained from this office on VA disability compensation, VA pensions, VA burials, VA health care, educational benefits, lost discharge certificates and other benefits administered by the VA. Carroll County Transit, which takes our veterans to the Madison, Wisconsin, VA Hospital, can now take veterans to the Iowa City Hospital for their medical needs.

The trips to either hospital are free to the veteran. The VAC also will pay for medical appointment trips to Monroe, Rockford and the Quad Cities.

The medical appointments at these locations will be through The Commu-

nity Choice Act and will be scheduled for you.

They will NOT schedule your transportation for you. If you are unable to keep your medical appointment, please call and reschedule right away.

If you do not, or miss your appointment, you may lose your VA coverage.

If you are new to this service, please call Carroll County Transit at 815-2440011 to reserve your seat in the van. To do so, please make your appointment to either place at least 2 days before your medical appointment.

To schedule your appointment to coincide with Carroll County Transit, please make your medical appointments no later than 1:00 p.m. Carroll County Transit runs their vans Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

If you have any questions, you can call the Carroll County VAC at 815-9060133 or 815-906-0134. If we can’t answer, please leave a message.

Bingo Bingo is held at the Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For the month of March, the dates are Tuesday, March 1, and Tuesday, March 15. On the third Tuesday, Jim Wiebenga, from Allure, will be calling Bingo for our players. Our bingo is played with nickels and dimes so make sure and bring some of your extra change as sometimes there are “big” winners.

No charge. Coffee is provided. In case of bad weather please listen to WCCI Radio (100.3) for closing information.

Do you qualify for a discount on your Illinois license plates?

SHIP Counselors Karen Holm, Sandra Aude and Deb Connor are all SHIP Counselors and Certified Information and Referral Specialists for Aging. Karen and Deb are available for information and/or assistance to clients and their caregivers on Medicare, Medicaid, prescriptions (i.e. Medicare Part D, Social Security Extra Help and patient assistance programs).

Karen and Deb can also assist with these; license plate discount (Benefits Access Program), free amplified phone program (ITAC), Property Tax Assessment Freeze, etc. Stop at the office, 17612 E Benton St., Mt. Carroll, IL or call 815-244 1800 for assistance or to set up an appointment.

Here are the income guidelines for the license plate discount. If you qualify, you can apply for the Benefits Access Program, (Formerly Circuit Breaker) and receive a discount on your license plate sticker.

The new income guidelines for the license plate discount (gross income) are: 1-person household, $33,562; 2-person household, $44,533; 3-person household $55,500.

The age requirement is 65 or disabled. Applicants need to bring in 2020 income to file (1040 &1099s). Call 815244-1800 if you have any question.

Please note that is gross income not AGI.

Hospice Services

We now have Hospice brochures at the Senior Center for anyone that may be needing this service. They are a wonderful service to help prepare family and friends for the loss of a loved one, and also provides additional support often needed after the loss occurs.

Their emphasis is to assist families who desire to care for their loved one during the final phases of life. They care for the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of their patients and their families as they deal with this period of illness and bereavement.

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

DONATION FORM FOR CCSSO

17

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

18 GRAPEVINE

March Calendar of Events

Tuesday, March 1 Bingo 12:30 p.m.

Friday, March 4 VA Coffee 9 a.m.

Saturday, March 12 Lanark & Milledgeville Paper Pick Up 8 – 10 a.m.

Tuesday, March 15 Board Meeting 9:15 a.m.

Bingo at 12:30 p.m.

Friday, March 18 Agency Meeting 9 a.m.

Saturday, March 19 Chadwick Paper Pick Up 8 – 10 a.m.

Area Agency meeting

The Area Agency Meeting will be held on Friday, March 18, at 9 a.m. This meeting will be held at the Carroll County Senior Center, 17612 E. Benton St., Mt. Carroll. Call 815-244-1800 for additional information.

Paper, aluminum can pickup schedule for March Lanark

Saturday, March 12 (subject to availability of volunteers) 8 to 10 a.m.

Bank parking lot

Milledgeville

Saturday, March 12 (subject to availability of volunteers) 8 to 10 a.m.

Main Street parking lot by Railroad Depot

Chadwick

Saturday, March 19 (subject to availability of volunteers) 8 to 10 a.m. at City Hall

Shannon

Lake Carroll

PLEASE no aluminum pie tins.

Please place papers in the plastic container provided.

STATISTICS (2021/2022)

Mt. Carroll

Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

Weekdays 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Senior Center

Please place in trailer if after hours.

Do not leave at the front door.

NOTES

No paper pickup if it is raining. Phone books are welcome. Recyclers cut off the binding and are able to use the paper.

Please, please no cat or dog food cans. We are not able to recycle those cans.

Corrugated cardboard is no longer accepted.

Please, no magazines, no advertising no slicks, no glass or plastic bottles, books, video tapes, etc. or steel cans.

No Pick Up Until April

Paper sold: February..............0 tons Money rec’d YTD: Jan........ $496.85 Paper sold YTD:............... 5.230 tons Total YTD:....................... $496.85 5 cent cans sold February ...... $0 5 cent cans sold YTD............$164 Pounds of Aluminum beverage cans sold for February...........126 pounds Total for aluminum beverage cans sold for January................... $118.40 Pounds of aluminum cans sold year to date................ 1,074 pounds Cans sold year to date........$615.08

CONTRIBUTIONS The CCSSO would like to thank the following who have made contributions to the Senior Center during the month of February: DONATIONS Stan & Janice Westerman Wendy Bradley BJ & Debbie Miller Vern & Mariann Taylor Patrick Majors Danny & Jody Prowant

Jerry & Susan Carter Patty Robinson Larry Medenblik Kenneth & Ursula Kingery Verna Shaner Crystal Zeller Janice & James Dillow Diane Daggert Dallas Kosier Larry Buckholz Mary & Brian Maszk Marcia Handel

Lucy & Bill Stinson Larry & Judy Klein Shirley Stoddard Jeannie Williams Blaine & Elinor Hardacre Dawn Michl Joyce Morgan Jim & Mary Jo Speer Bobby & Melody Charneski Margaret Pociecha James Dunlap Natalie Marshall

Bill & Judy Stinson Antonio & Martha Barragan CHURCHES Hope United Methodist Church, Chadwick

For a complete listing of donors FY2020-2021, see the annual report.

Copies are available at the Senior Center office.)

Prairie Advocate Classifieds Loran Township Annual Meeting Agenda Notice is given that March 1, 2022 is the last day for any 15 or more LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES registered voters in Loran Township to Loran Township request an agenda Annual Meeting item for consideration by the electors Agenda Notice is given that at the annual meetThis is done March 1, 2022 is ing. by giving written the last day for notice to: any 15 or more Deb Foust registered voters in Township Clerk Loran Township to 215 E. South request an agenda Street item for considera- Pearl City IL tion by the electors 61062

SPRING ROADclassified@shawsuburban.com Call: 833-584-NEWS (6397) or E-mail: POSTING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLOTHING

CELEBRATE RECOVERY! A program based on the Bible.

Weekly Meeting Every Friday from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at York Community Church, Thomson, IL. Contact: Robert Heath @ 815-2593550.

RIP -N- TEAR: Sewing RepairsBlue Jeans, Work Clothes & Zippers Replaced.

In Thomson area 815-541-3178

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Need to place an ad?

Call us today!

833-584-NEWS

atEMPLOYMENT the annual meeting. This is done by giving written notice to: Deb Foust Township Clerk 215 E. South Street Pearl City IL 61062oldest, Shaw Media is proud to be the third

continuously owned and operated February 23, 2022 family newspaper in the nation.

Our legacy of success dates back to 1851.

We have opportunities to join us:

Business News Editor - Crystal Lake Reporter - Crystal Lake Account Executive - Multimedia - Crystal Lake Controller - Crystal Lake Visit our Careers Page at

www.shawmedia.com/careers

for complete information on these positions & to apply.

Shaw Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

ATTENTION N PR PRESS RESS OPERATORS and other Skilled Folks!

FRANTZ Manufacturing Company is growing, and we have an URGENT NEED for PRESS OPERATORS to setup and run our Steel Stamping Press machines.

Positions in Assembly, Heat Treat, Maintenance and Tool & Die are available, too.

Anyone with experience is welcome, and we offer a great starting wage and excellent benefits with:

Immediate Medical/Dental insurance, Quick Vacation plus Earned Paid Time Off, Retirement 401k w/Co Match, and Monthly Bonuses!

February 23, 2022

NOTICE LEGAL NOTICES The Whiteside County Highway Department has announced the posting of spring weight limits for County Highways.

These postings will go into effect on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 and will remain in effect until further notice. roads (Township may vary, so it is suggested that each township be contacted regarding their postings.)

For questions concerning the postings on County Highways, please contact the Highway Department at EMPLOYMENT 815-772-7651.

SPRING ROAD POSTING NOTICE The Whiteside County Highway Department has announced EMPLOYMENT the posting of spring weight limits for County Highways. February 16, 22, CUSTODIAN / MAINTENANCE These postings will 2022 $25keffect to $42konper year, hours varied. goPayinto East Coloma-Nelson School District Tuesday, February 22,Email 2022to: clensing@ecolomanelson.net and will remain in effect until further notice.

(Township EMPLOYMENT roads EMPLOYMENT may vary, so it is suggested that each township be contacted regarding their postings.)

For questions concerning the postings on County Highways, please contact the Highway Department at 815-772-7651.

February 16, 22, 2022

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

We are growing at Sloan Implement in Lanark, IL & have the following positions open immediately!

We are a John Deere farm and Lawn & garden equipment dealer.

February 16, 22, 2022

EQUIPMENT DETAILER BULK OIL DRIVER need CDL license in good standing

Go to Sloans.com/career to apply on line OR stop by the store to pick up an application

Sloan Implement is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits include health insurance and 401K plan.

Multiple shifts and part time available. Contact us today to learn more!

SM-ST1956162

Email us at: HR@frantz-mfg.com or Come in person or send resume to: 3201 West Lefevre Rd, Sterling, IL 61081.

Call us at: (815) 625-7063

E.O.E M/F

EMPLOYMENT

26208 US HWY 52, LANARK, IL 800-344-8023 or 815-493-2191

19 PRAIRIE ADVOCATE Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

weight limits for County Highways.

These postings will go into effect on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 and will remain in effect until further notice.

(Township roads may vary, so it is suggested that each township be contacted regarding their postings.)

For questions concerning the postOTICES LEGAL Non ings County Highways, please contact the Highway Department at 815-772-7651.

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

20 GIRLS BASKETBALL REGIONAL Morrison falls to Eastland in Class 1A regional semifinal; Galena ends Cougars season

The Eastland girls basketball team knocked off Morrison 50-39 on Feb. 15 in Lanark to advance to the Class 1A Eastland Regional final against Galena. Galena ended Eastland’s season with a 47-32 win Feb. 17.

Against Morrison, Eastland got momentum on its side midway through the first quarter with a 7-0 scoring run.

Morrison shook off the slow start, using a 6-2 run in the final 2:30 to cut the margin to 13-10 at the end of the first quarter. Jordan Eads and Camryn Veltrop scored back-toback baskets in the final minute to complete the run.

Early in the second quarter, the Fillies continued to apply pressure. About 35 seconds in, Diana Robbins drove from the right wing into the right side of the lane, looping around a crowd on her way to a layup. The shot made it a one-point game at 13-12.

Eastland was able to widen its lead to 18-12, but Morrison fought its way back to within 18-16 with a Robbins give-and-go layup in the middle of lane that was assisted

by Shelby Veltrop. Morrison later closed the deficit to 21-18 after two Shelby Veltrop free throws.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Eastland’s Delana Erbsen shoots as Morrison’s Shelby Veltrop defends during their Class 1A Eastland Regional semifinal in Lanark.

In the last 1:01 of the first half, the Cougars stretched their lead to seven points, pulling ahead 25-20.

In the third quarter, Morrison chipped away at the deficit until it took a 33-32 lead with about 2:20 to play. Eads hit a top of the key 3-pointer with about three minutes left to pull Morrison to within 32-31. Shelby Veltrop

got a steal moments later, the Fillies set up their half-court offense, and Camryn Veltrop scored the go-ahead basket off the glass from the left side of the lane.

“In the first half, our defense was probably killing us the most,” Shelby Veltrop said.

“They had two girls that were hurting us pretty bad, so we switched our defense and

we got our defense a little bit better. And then we ran our offense better, too, so I think that helped.”

Eastland was able to get the lead back at 37-34 by the end of the third quarter, but Morrison wasn’t backing down.

For most of the fourth quarter, the game was tightly contested. The Cougars got some energy around the 3:50 mark, extending the lead to 41-34, but Morrison answered quickly.

With 3:33 remaining, Robbins hit a free throw and Shelby Veltrop put back the missed second shot, drew a foul and completed the three-point play to cut Eastland’s lead to just four points at 41-37.

Over the final two minutes, however, the Fillies got in foul trouble and gave up two backbreaking offensive rebounds.

Morrison was led by Shelby Veltrop with 13 points, three rebounds, three blocks and three assists.

Eads had 11 points and two rebounds for Morrison. Robbins tallied eight points for the Fillies, while Camryn Veltrop pitched in six points and six rebounds.

For the Fillies, it was a tough way to end the season, but coach Kerry Grim feels they’ve got a lot to build on next season.

Fulton fell to Galena 57-18 at the regional to end its season Feb. 14.

ATTENTION BUSINESSES Reserve your booth now!

Home Show 2022 Saturday, March 12 10am - 5pm •

Northland Mall • Sterling, IL Virtual Event Monday, March 7th- Friday, March 11th

To Reserve Your Booth Contact Sauk Valley Media at 815-632-2566 or marketing@saukvalley.com

DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 23RD