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Wednesday, January 6, 2021

WINTRY MIX

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Even the Dutch man pushing the wheelbarrel full of tulips was battling a runny nose following last week’s weather that dumped ice and snow across the region. Story on page 2.

Vol. 81 • No. 17 One Section • 12 Pages

© Prairie Advocate

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

2

REGIONAL WEATHER

Mother Nature ends 2020 with snow, ice, rain

BY TIMOTHY EGGERT teggert@shawmedia.com STERLING – A rolled-over FedEx truck and multiple traffic incidents kept area police busy last week.

A range of struggles faced drivers Dec. 29-30 as heavy snow fell across the Sauk Valley, part of a winter storm meteorologists forecasted would feature frozen precipitation and cause dangerous conditions.

Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties were under a National Weather Service winter storm warning until last Wednesday.

Snow began falling in Whiteside County around 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 29, quickly limiting visibility to less than half a mile and accumulating on roads.

Around 2:55 p.m., a FedEx truck delivering packages on the northwest side of Sterling took the curve on West Science Ridge and McCue roads too fast, causing it to leave the road and roll into the ditch.

No injuries to the truck’s driver were reported, and fire crews cleaned a minor fuel spill, according to emergency radio communications.

Less than an hour later, emergency responders managed a slew of calls reporting minor vehicle collisions and vehicles that had left the road, ending up in ditches or on highway medians.

As the sun’s light fell, so, too, did the snow.

By 5 p.m., emergency responders worked through a stack of reports of vehicles failing to make it up the First Avenue hill in Sterling, their tires hampered by the slippery pavement beneath the wet snow.

“If anyone wants to come help push, we could use it,” an officer said over the radio.

After pushing out one minivan from a curb of snow on the street, a pair of officers watched as it again spun its tires attempting to turn onto Second Street.

“Is it really stuck again?” an officer asked over the radio, before pushing the van forward through

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Plow operators hit Rock Island blacktop outside of Dixon. Blizzard conditions hit the area last week bringing snow and high winds. the intersection.

As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, around 3 inches of snow had fallen in southern Carroll and northern Whiteside counties, according to the National Weather Service’s Quad Cities location.

Lee and Ogle counties saw less snow, with just over 2 inches reported by the same time.

All four counties were reporting light snow and an increased visibility of three-quarters of a mile.

Winds, coming from the southeast, were steady in the high teens.

Gusts of 26 mph were reported in Savanna and Sterling, while gusts of 29 mph were reported in Rochelle.

The freezing rain also weighed down tree branches and utility lines.

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Publisher............................................................Don T. Bricker T. Bricker Publisher ................................................................................ Don Circulation Manager...............................................Abbie Clark Circulation Manager.....................................................................Abbie Clark Advertising Director................................Jennifer Heintzelman Publisher ................................................................................

Advertising Director ....................................................

Jennifer Heintzelman Don T. Bric Editor................................................................Earleen Hinton Circulation Manager.....................................................................Abbie C Advertising Director .................................................... Jennifer Heintzel

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The Prairie Advocate is published weekly by Sauk Valley Media, a divisio The publisher B.F. shall Shaw not bePrinting liable for of errors inand adver Co.damages Member arising of Shawout Newspapers the Audit Burea tisements beyondCirculations. the amount paid for space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisementThe in which the shall errornot occurred - whether sucharising error isout due publisher be liable for damages of errors in ad to the negligencetisements of the publisher’s staff or otherwise and there shall be no by that por beyond the amount paid for-space actually occupied liability for non-insertion any advertisement beyond the amount for suchsuch error is of the of advertisement in which the error occurredpaid - whether advertisement. to the negligence of the publisher’s staff or otherwise - and there shall be liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for s advertisement.

Winter Weather

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Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Horses walk in the snow and ice in a field between Fulton and Morrison in Saturday. A wintry mix fell across the region last week prompting area residents and livestock to watch their step on the ice and snow.

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

4

COVID-19 UPDATES

Eleven consecutive days under 12% positivity rate The Whiteside County Health Department announced four new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday involving people their 20s and 70s and two older than 80.

Lee, Ogle and Carroll counties did not report updated statistics on Sunday.

Whiteside County has had 5,022 cases, 4,175 recoveries and 125 deaths. Lee County has had 2,515 cases, 2,046 recoveries and 49 deaths.

Ogle County has had 4,020 cases, 3,425 recoveries and 55 deaths.

Carroll County has had 1,318 cases, 1,247 recoveries and 30 deaths.

The North region (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties) has seen 11 consecu-

tive days under the 12% positivity rate. The region’s positivity rate increased to 10%. Currently, 30.8% of medical/surgical beds are available and 24.4% of ICU beds.

The region has 11 consecutive days above the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and 11 consecutive days above the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

Hospitalizations have decreased 8 out of the past 10 days in this region.

Within this region, DeKalb County’s positivity rate increased to 12.9%, Lee County’s rate increased

to 3.5%, and Whiteside County’s rate increased to 12.1%.

Finally, within this region, there are 42 available, staffed ICU beds out of 179 total, and 261 ventilators out of 343 available.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 4,469 new cases and 81 deaths Sunday. Statewide there have been 979,821 cases and 16,755 deaths.

Sterling has had 15,380 tests and 1,864 cases. Rock Falls has had 7,301 tests and 1,077 cases. Dixon has had 25,998 tests and 1,831 cases. Rochelle has had 8,887 tests and 1,333 cases.

Nursing homes: 51 new cases, 5 more deaths in week

BY TIMOTHY EGGERT teggert@shawmedia.com There were 51 confirmed coronavirus cases and five more COVID-19-related deaths linked to nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the Sauk Valley in the last week, updated state data shows, revealing a notable decrease in both metrics as residents and

OBITUARIES EARL R. MOORE MILLEDGEVILLE – Earl R. Moore, 86, of Milledgeville, died on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Rock River Hospice Home in Sterling.

Earl was born on June 8, 1934 in Bureau County, the son of Earl and Viva (Musser) Moore. He married Kathryn Hagie on May 25, 1957 in Milwaukee, WI. Earl was employed at Northwestern Steel & Wire for 40 years. He enjoyed riding bicycles, motorcycles, and camping.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn of Sterling; two daughters, Susan (Greg) Jasinski of Westfield, WI, and Jane Green of Fulton; three sons, Mike (Lora) Moore of Savanna, David (Jody) Moore of Forreston, and Andrew (June) Moore of Sterling; three brothers, Norman Moore of CO, Dennis Moore of Amboy, and Les (Gail) Moore of WA; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Robert Moore; three

staff are expected to receive inoculations starting this week.

As of Dec. 25, the Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting that 166 COVID-19-related deaths and 1,167 confirmed coronavirus cases have been recorded at 28 nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties since March.

The figures released Friday mark

the fourth consecutive week of fewer than 100 new cases, and the first time since the week ending Nov. 6 that fewer than 10 deaths were reported in a week.

Both milestones are significant shifts in the virus’ course through long-term care centers, which have been epicenters of transmission and fatalities.

In Whiteside County alone, 530

cases and 82 deaths have been linked to 14 congregate care facilities since March.

The figures released Friday come as the coronavirus vaccine developed by drug manufacturer Moderna is slated to be administered to long-term care facility residents and workers across the state this week, after it was granted Emergency Use

sisters; and three brothers.

Graveside service was Monday, January 4, 2020 at South Elkhorn Cemetery in Milledgeville, with Pastor Roger Carlson officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com

retiring in 2019, at the age of 79.

He was a faithful member of the First Lutheran Church of Chadwick, where he dedicated many years as a council member. He was a volunteer on the Chadwick Fire Department for many years as well.

The most important thing in life to him was his family. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his dear wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was an incredible example to all who knew him of the importance of dedication to a job well done, of kindness and giving, honesty, godliness, and caring for others above yourself.

His second love was anything softball.

He began the sport by playing slow pitch softball for many years.

He also was an encouraging, dedicated coach for both men’s slow pitch softball and girls’ summer softball.

Lastly, he became an official umpire for girls’ softball. He dedicated many days to this sport that he loved so much.

If you didn’t find him on the ball field,

you would find him at home cheering on his Cubs!

Arden is survived by his wife of 57 years, Verna; two daughters, Cynthia (Kregg) Farmer of Milledgeville, and Jody Mertz of Chadwick; 10 grandchildren, Caleb (Laura) Farmer, Alayna (Nathan) Turcotte, Haley McAuliffe, Micah Farmer, Courtney (Dantrion) Dodd, Jeanna Farmer, Stephanie Hale, Katryna Farmer, Gable Hale, and Ali Mertz; and five precious great-grandchildren.

He also is survived by one brother, Therol Anderson; two sisters, Shirley Erickson and Loralie (Ralph) Butts; and several nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind his dear little companion, Scooter, whom he loved and enjoyed very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Valerie (Tommy) Hale.

A private funeral service was held Dec. 30 with burial at Chadwick Cemetery.

Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mount Carroll handled arrangements.

ARDEN M. ANDERSON CHADWICK - Arden M. Anderson, 81, of Chadwick, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford.

Arden was born the son of Meredith and Ruby Anderson of Prophetstown. He married the love of his life, Verna Tegeler on Aug. 23, 1963.

They lived in rural Chadwick and farmed for 25-plus years. He and his brother also operated Anderson Brothers Corn Shelling for over 10 years.

In 1985, he began working at Elkay Manufacturing and continued there until

See COVID, Page 6

YOUR HEALTH

T

hanks to a relatively mild fall, many of us were able to get outside more than normal, and that’s a good thing. You can be sure that there will be many cold days ahead, though, and I want to suggest that you get outside, however briefly, even on those days when you are tempted to cuddle up by the fire.

One of the less-well-known benefits of spending time outdoors is the effect it has on our sleep patterns.

Light exposure plays an important part in our circadian rhythm of sleep and wakefulness.

Thanks to electricity, many of us spend hours each day in well-lit environments, but the daylight from the sun is far more intense than electric lighting. Getting outside, especially in the morning, can help to keep your internal clock in sync.

If you can find a sheltered spot facing the sun on a front porch or patio, you might be surprised at how pleasant it is to take your coffee outside in the morning and how it improves your sleep at night.

If you like to exercise outdoors, there can be benefits to doing so

BEYOND TRIM Sherry DeWalt in colder weather. According to an article in Harvard Men’s Health Watch, cold weather may improve endurance because your heart does not have to work as hard, you sweat less, and expend less energy.

Some studies have also shown that exercise in cold weather can transform fat found in the belly and thighs to “brown fat,” which is more metabolically active, meaning it uses more calories. And, if you typically exercise early in the day, you can get the dual benefit of that morning daylight.

Of course, one of the best reasons this year for spending time outdoors is that outdoor activities can pose a lower risk of spreading the COVID19 virus. When you are outside, fresh air is constantly moving, dispersing the respiratory droplets that contain the virus.

It’s not foolproof, so if you can’t maintain enough distance from oth-

Alex T. Paschal/Shaw Media

Samantha Powell, 10, lords over a snow mountain outside of her home in Dixon.

Shoveling or sledding were two options to residents of the Sauk Valley after snow and ice blanketed the area. ers, be sure to wear a mask.

I jumped into a lake in the middle of winter several years ago as a participant in a “polar plunge” charity event.

The water temperature that day

was 37 degrees. I planned on it being a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I haven’t changed my mind about that. I do, however, plan to spend more time outside this winter, and hope you will consider joining me.

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Beyond Trim: Baby, it’s cold, but go outside anyway

5

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

6

SPECIAL EVENT

Midwinter bald eagle count set for Jan. 30-31

Volunteers needed to help count birds

The Eagle Nature Foundation (ENF) will host its 61st Annual Midwinter Bald Eagle Count on Jan. 30 and 31, 2021.

On these days hundreds of volunteers will be searching the skies and trees for bald eagles from Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota to Tennessee and from Indiana to Nebraska to document the bald eagles that are wintering in their areas.

Anyone is interested in joining this effort to document our winter-

• COVID Continued from Page 4 Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 18.

The Moderna vaccine was shown to be 94.1% effective after two doses 4 weeks apart. It requires less-intense refrigeration levels than the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, which must be stored at ultra-cold temperatures.

State officials have said the distribution and administration of the Moderna vaccine to care facility individuals will be managed by the federal government through contracts with the national drugstore chains Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy.

CVS in a news release last week said it would begin vaccinations Monday, and that it will be responsible for nearly 900 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across the state, with the potential for reaching 150,000 people.

“While we are beginning with long-term care facilities, we will

ing bald eagles they should contact the Eagle Nature Foundation.

“Bald eagles normally wintered along the waterways and still do to some extent, but they seem to not be able to find the necessary food they need, so many of them are moving inland to look for road kills and other carrion,” said Terrence N. Ingram, executive director of the Eagle Nature Foundation. “Immature bald eagle numbers peaked about the years 2001-4. Their adult numbers peaked about 2008-10. For the past eight years the percentage of young has been declining and now the numbers of adults are

See EAGLES, Page 7

eventually provide vaccines to the general public in our 10,000 CVS Pharmacy locations across the country in 2021 with more details to come,” the release said.

Gov. JB Prtizker at a news conference on Wednesday said that any long-term care facility resident or staff member who refuses to receive the vaccine during the initial round of inoculations will have to wait until the next phases of distribution, scheduled for 2021, to get another chance at inoculation.

“But as for now, I certainly want to encourage residents and their family members making decisions for them, and all the staff at those long term care facilities, to take advantage of the fact that those vaccines will be brought to them in their long-term care facility and made available to them nearly immediately over the next 4 to 8 weeks,” Pritzker said.

According to the IDPH’s vaccination plan, Phase 1A calls for health care personnel and long-term care facility residents to receive a vaccine.

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An immature eagle feeds on a rabbit in a cornfield in Ogle County. Volunteers are needed to count bald eagles at the end of this month.

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Wednesday that every eligible member of Phase 1A would be vaccinated before inoculations begin for members of Phase 1B. The next group, 1B, includes people 75 and older and essential frontline workers outside the health care industry.

Injections at nursing homes and care centers will be done by employees hired by the drugstore chains, while vaccinations of the public could be administered by local public health department employees.

Of the people to contract the virus in the past week, 13 were staying or working in Lee County care centers, six were staying or working in Ogle County care centers, and 32 were staying or working in Whiteside County care centers.

Of the people living or working at long-term care centers and nursing homes who died from the virus in the last week, one was in Lee Coun-

ty, three were in Ogle County and one was in Whiteside County.

Identifying factors such as age and gender are not included in the data, which is updated weekly on the IDPH website.

Of the 28 facilities, 23 facilities have an “open,” or active outbreak, which the IDPH defines as a positive test result in the last 28 days.

No new active outbreaks were reported in the 7 days spanning Dec. 19 and Dec. 25.

While these numbers tell some of the story of how the coronavirus has impacted long-term care facilities, they do not tell the whole story.

Help Sauk Valley Media report on the pandemic across our area. We’re looking for nursing home administrators, workers, residents and family members who are willing to share their experiences with us.

Contact reporter Jeff Helfrich at jhelfrich@shawmedia.com.

BRIEFS

PEARL CITY – St. John’s Lutheran Church, 229 S. First St., will have a Community Grace Meal from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17.

The menu will be a meatloaf dinner.

The meal will be curbside pick-up only with all meals ordered no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15.

Call St. John’s at 815-443-2215 or email prshadmin@gmail.com to reserve your meals or for more information.

Council offers free Indoor air quality assessments ROCK FALLS – Blackhawk Hills Regional Council is scheduling free Indoor Air Quality Assessments for local businesses, nonprofits, libraries, and municipal-

• EAGLES Continued from Page 6 declining as well.

“We must determine the cause for this poor reproduction, before it is too late. Wintering areas which had as many as 800 bald eagles at their peak now have only 10 or 20. There are many things affecting the present bald eagle population including:

ities in Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties.

In addition to economic development and natural resources planning, BHRC was awarded grant funding to assist the region with COVID-19 recovery.

Indoor spaces that lack ventilation pose a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission than do well-ventilated spaces.

BHRC staff have been trained to conduct IAQ Assessments and provide recommendations that can increase air quality in a specific room or building.

The data collected from all IAQ Assessments are for business eyes only; individual results are private and not shared. The goal of these assessments is to help Northwest Illinois establishments better understand certain environmental health risks and be informed of strategies to improve air quality

indoors. This testing has application beyond the scope of pandemic response and can increase comfort for customers and citizens alike.

Please contact Tara Walters at 309269-2875 or tara.walters@blackhawkhills.com to schedule an IAQ Assessment or for more information.

West Nile Virus, Wisconsin River Eagle Syndrome, bald eagle hepacivirus, vehicle trauma, and lead poisoning,” he said.

Ingram said determining which of these is the cause for their poor reproduction is not going to be an easy task.

“The first step is to determine what the population is presently, which will be determined by the results of the Annual Midwinter

Bald Eagle Count. We need many more volunteers to thoroughly cover the above described area in two days of the count,” he said.

For count forms, call 815-594-2306 or write ENF, 300 East Hickory St., Apple River, IL 61001.

For more information contact Ingram at 815-594-2306

Meeting schedule set for Blackhawk Hills Regional Council ROCK FALLS – Blackhawk Hills Regional Council has announced its 2021 Board of Directors’ meeting schedule. All meetings are at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

The dates are Jan. 25, March 22, May 24, June 7 (annual meeting), July 26, Sept. 27, and Nov. 22. The public is welcome to attend. Attendance is recom-

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Community grace meal in Pearl City

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

8

FARM BUREAU COLUMN

Farm Bill/Crop insurance updates offered virtually C

OUNTRY Financial and Illinois Farm Bureau have teamed up to bring you the Farm Bill/Crop insurance updates virtually.

You can go to www.countryfinancial.com/agwebinars to sign up for the webinars along with a library of recorded in-depth seminars that you can watch from the comfort of your own farm. Topics include: Farm Bill Updates COUNTRY Financial Private Product Updates COUNTRY Financial Crop Claims Review COUNTRY Financial Precision Planning & Drone Technology Overview Agrivisor Market Outlook for 2021 In addition to making recorded resources available to assist you, COUNTRY and Illinois Farm Bureau staff will also host four live webinars throughout January and February to provide you updated information and answer viewer questions in real-time.

County Farm service agency lists county election results

COMMENTARY AT A GLANCE Chastity Welch

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.

RFD’s Rita Frazer will host these 90-120-minute live meetings, and each session will cover crop/farm bill updates (Doug Yoder, COUNTRY Financial), legislative updates (Adam Nielsen, Illinois Farm Bureau) and provide a farm legacy planning overview (Joe Buhrmann, COUNTRY Financial).

Choose the meeting date and time that best fits your schedule: Tues., Jan. 19 at 8:30 a.m. Wed., Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. Tues., Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 25 at 12 p.m.

While participants may not all be gathered in the same room this year at locations throughout the state, COUNTRY and Illinois Farm Bureau staff look forward to helping you plan for a successful 2021 crop

year and beyond.

This year there will also be virtual On the Road seminars. Right now our region is scheduled for March 2 and March 4.

There will be a morning time and an evening. Once I have more infor-

mation for you, I will be passing it along.

I know none of this is your preferred method for information however we are still in that world, where we do need to still hold virtual programming.

MOUNT CARROLL – Carroll County U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency announced that Chris-

topher Fink of Lanark was elected to represent his local administrative area during the recent county committee

election.

Kyle Ruter of Shannon will serve as

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REGIONAL NEWS

Young America’s Foundation looks to preserve home

Gorman led a donation campaign during the last few years focused on funding repairs and renovations to the historic home and visitor’s center, following decades of deferred maintenance. They completed more than 100 upgrades, including projects during the summer after winning a $100,000 state grant.

Marilyn Shippert, president of the Ronald Reagan Home Preservation Foundation, said YAF will be a great asset in showcasing the home to future generations.

“In addition to the home’s availability to the public, the foundation will be promoting Reagan’s legacy along with the conservative values he learned as a young man in his hometown,” Shippert said. “I view this as a win for both our community and the values of Ronald Reagan.”

The nation’s leading conservative youth organization, YAF emphasizes the importance of Reagan’s belief that “there is a flickering spark in us all which, if struck at just the right age … can light the rest of our

lives,” YAF said in a news release.

In 1962, Reagan joined YAF’s National Advisory Board, eventually becoming the organization’s honorary national chairman. In 1974, the foundation sponsored a nationally syndicated radio program featuring Reagan as the then-California governor.

During each year of Reagan’s presidency, he hosted students attending YAF’s National Conservative Student Conference at the White House.

“It is my hope that by sharing the story of Ronald Reagan’s early years through his boyhood home in Dixon, we will give young people and all visitors a new appreciation for one of our nation’s greatest leaders and the values he learned and fought for,” said former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, CEO and incoming president of YAF. As with the Reagan Ranch, YAF will preserve the home through private funding rather than through state or federal taxpayer dollars.

“Patriotic Americans in Dixon, Illinois, have done great work in preserving this important piece of American history for many decades,” YAF President Ron Robinson said. “Young America’s Foundation looks forward to a strong partnership with the Dixon community.

The involvement of the community in the Santa Barbara area is still strong more than two decades after YAF acquired the Reagan Ranch.

YAF plans to build on that model while we open this historic presidential site to visitors from across the country and around the world.”

Reagan’s son, Michael Reagan, said he was excited to see YAF acquiring the home.

“From the outset, they have done exemplary work preserving Dad and Nancy’s beloved ranch,” Reagan said. “They’ve stayed true to Dad’s values and beliefs and have always treated our family with the utmost respect. I trust YAF to bring the same care and professionalism to dad’s home in Dixon.”

Janet Schmidecamp, Adviser.

County committee members impact the administration of FSA within a community by applying their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, emergency programs and eligibility.

County committee members provide a service to local producers through their

decision making and help shape the culture of a local FSA office.

They also ensure the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs in their counties and are accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Members conduct hearings and reviews as requested by the state committee, ensure underserved farmers, ranchers and foresters are fairly represented, make recommendations to the

state committee on existing programs, monitor changes in farm programs and inform farmers of the purpose and provisions of FSA programs.

They also assist with outreach and inform underserved producers such as beginning farmers, ranchers and foresters, about FSA opportunities. For more information, visit the FSA website at fsa. usda.gov/elections or contact the Carroll County FSA office at 815-244-8732.

BY RACHEL RODGERS rrodgers@shawmedia.com DIXON – The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home has a new caretaker, and officials are confident it’s in good hands.

The Young America’s Foundation has announced that it’s the new caretaker and owner of home and visitors center at 810 and 816 S. Hennepin Ave. in Dixon.

Since 1998, the YAF has owned Reagan’s 688-acre Rancho del Cielo in Santa Barbara, California, known as the Reagan Ranch and the only home he owned while president.

Pat Gorman, the boyhood home executive director, said he looks forward to a smooth transition and ongoing partnership with the YAF. “I am pleased to announce Young America’s Foundation has chosen to carry on the work we have been doing since 1980 to share Ronald Reagan’s life and legacy as a critical part of Dixon’s and America’s history,” Gorman said. “For the past year, in our discussions with YAF’s leadership, it was clear this was the right decision, not only financially, but also to secure the future of the home in Dixon for many years to come.”

The Ronald Reagan Home Preservation Foundation has owned the home, which was built in 1891, since 1980. It was there, in the 1920s, that Reagan spent his formative years in Dixon, which he always considered his hometown. Reagan was born in Tampico.

“All of us have to have a place we go back to. Dixon is that place for me. There was the life that has shaped my body and mind for all the years to come,” Reagan had said.

• ELECTION Continued from Page 8 the first alternate.

Every FSA office is served by a county committee made up of local farmers, ranchers and foresters who are elected by local producers.

Other members currently serving on the FSA county committee include Larry Alexander, Christopher Flikkema and

Shaw Media File Photo

The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon is under new ownership by the Young America’s Foundation.

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Reagan Boyhood Home under new ownership

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EXTENSION NEWS

CLASSES OFFERED Extension upcoming classes for Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties

Melinda Charbonneau, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator for Ogle and Carroll counties, was recognized by the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education for outstanding effort, dedication, and support for quality education programs in agriculture.

Ag in Classroom coordinator receives leadership award OREGON – Melinda Charbonneau, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator for Ogle and Carroll counties, was recognized by the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education for outstanding effort, dedication, and support for quality education programs in agriculture.

Charbonneau received an Advocacy Award in recognition of the agricultural programming she provides for youth in kindergarten through 8th grades.

Charbonneau’s passion resonates in her presentation as she brings hands-on learning into the class-

MT. CARROLL – The University of Illinois Extension for Carroll. Lee and Whiteside counties will have the following upcoming classes.

Master Naturalist Training, monthly, Jan. to Nov. at home University of Illinois Extension’s Illinois Master Naturalist Program is designed for adults of any age that want to learn about and positively impact their local environment. Master Naturalist training will start in January, utilizing a “flipped classroom” style.

Participants will be given a reading assignment, along with a variety of videos and podcasts to watch at their own pace before the monthly meeting for discussion and additional information. For more information, contact Mary Nelson at mnelsn25@illinios.edu Wee Naturalist, Jan 9, monthly video viewing, at home The Wee Naturalist Series is for nature-loving children ages 4-7. Families and educators are given the opportunity to explore a different nature theme monthly from November to May

room showing students where their food and fiber originates.

She is always looking for new ways to keep students engaged and interested in agriculture.

With this being Charbonneau’s 13th year in the position, she has switched from in person presentations to ag bags filled with supplies and lessons, live at the farm events, and virtual programs.

For more information about the Ag in the classroom program, call the Ogle County Extension Office at 815-732-2191.

Personalized Banking in the neighborhood Bank where people care about what matters most to you. For more than 78 years, we’ve been helping our neighbors meet their goals with quality banking products.

Come See What We Can Do For You! 451 N. Main Ave. SM-ST1843568

Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

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815-225-7171

through provided lessons and videos.

Register online at go.illinois.edu/ WeeNaturalist for one or all of the sessions. The cost to participate is $5 for a household or classroom per month.

The pre-recorded hour-long program will be available the first Saturday of the month and can be accessed and viewed any time after. Other monthly topics are: Animal Tracks, Animals and People in Winter, January 9; Dirt is Misplaced Soil, February 6; Spring has Sprung, March 6; Earth Gifts, April 3; and Roots Slurp, May 1.

Everyday Environment Webinar Series, 1 p.m. Jan 14, Feb 11, March 11 at home These webinars will both provide new information on natural resources and help you learn how to make small changes in your lifestyle to have a positive impact on the environment. From lawn care, native plants, and managing home waste to understanding coyote behavior and atmospheric optics, there is never a shortage of new things to learn about your everyday environment. Register online at: go.illinois. edu/everydayenvironmentwebinars

Dental Care for the Whole Family 120 S. Broad St. • PO Box 43 Lanark, IL 61046 815.493.2244 Dennis J. Walters D.D.S

815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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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.

HOMES FOR RENT

310

CHADWICK 3BR country home, Chadwick, 2 car gar. 815-499-0463

CLOTHING

730

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

In Thomson area Temporarily closed due to health & safety reasons 815-541-3178

WOOD / FUEL

FARM EQUIPMENT AUCTION

746

Better Efficiency and more heat output than traditional wood heating. Central Boiler Classic Edge Titanium HDX OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE. Call Today!!

Silver Streak AG Services LLC 815-718-3414

SATURDAY JANUARY 16, 2021

See pictures at: www.daviddamhoff.com • *Please bring your mask and follow Covid Regulations.

9:30 AM- SHARP • VIRTUAL 11:00

Having rented the farm, Orville Bush and the Estate of Lauren Bush will sell by public auction the following at 16333 Hazel Road Morrison, IL. Going East from Morrison on RT30 Approx. 1 mile, Lyndon Road Turn Left (North), 1 Mile to Hazel Road, Turn Left ½ Mile. Watch for Signs TRACTORS AND PICKUP NH TG285 FWA SN JAW133867 2468 Hr PS Trans 4 Hyd QA Auto Steer FT & Rear Wts 580/85R34 w/Duals, CIN MX210 SN JAZ 126680 5370 Hr PS Trans FT & Rear Wts 4 Hyd 480/80R/46 w/Duals , CIH 8940 FWA SN AJB0086384 5000 Hr 18 Sp Mech PS Trans QA 3 Hyd Ft & Rear Wt Lg PTO 380/85R/30 480/80R/46 w/ Duals, NH T5050 FWA SN Z8JN00722 1675 Hr Shuttle Trans QA 2 Hyd 340/85R/24 460/85R/34 w/NH 820 TL Ldr 82” Mat’l Bucket w/QA Wobble Stick Control, IH 5288 SN 25820004U004934 8286 Hr 18 X 6 Trans 3 Hyd 3 Pt 1000 RPM, CIH 5230 SN 55F1057926 Hr 16 X 12 Trans 2 Hyd Roll Cage, QA 16/9/38 w/CIH 520 Loader 8” Bucket Wobble Stick Control, CIH 2394 SN 9945918 7663 Hr 12 X 3 Trans 3 Pt 4 Hyd 20/8/28, Case 2090 SN 10266087 8703 Hr PS Trans 2 Hyd Ft Wts 460/85R/38, CIH 2096 SN 17898598 7605 Hr 12 X 3 Trans 3 Pt 4 Hyd 18/4/38 w/ CIH 96L Loader Tine Bucket, IH 995 4388 Hr 3 Pt 2 Hyd 18/4/34 (New) 1000/540 w/2250 Loader Tine Bucket Wobble Stick, IH 684 SN 10007B002009 2395 Hr 3 Pt 1 Hyd 15/5/28, Oliver 1655 G SN 56521073 6371 Hr WF 2 Hyd Ft Wts 15/5/38, 94Dodge Ram V10 Magnum Pickup Truck 4 WD 150,993 Mi Auto Trans PL

AUTOMOBILES 905 '03 Acura RSX 2 Dr, 4 cyl automatic 147,000 mile, new breaks, runs good, $2495 1227 N. Vernon St., Princeton 708-752-3742

TRUCKS

TILLAGE 06 JD 1900 Bean Air Seeder 30 Ft 24 Row 15” 350 Monitor Rate Controller GT 400 Scale CCS 6” Fill Auger (New , Needham Boots & Bushing), JD 726 Field Finisher 24’ Spike Harrow, JD 637 Disk 26 Ft Tine Harrow w/JD Rear Hitch, J & M Rolling Baskets 28’ (2) Sets of Baskets, Great Plains 24’ Turbo Till Fingers & Basket, Blue Jet Sub Tiller III 5 Shank, Blue Jet 13 Knife NH3 Hiniker Monitor (Extra Parts)

910

For sale. 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500. 2WD, reg cab. 33,689 miles.

Call/text Christopher @ 815 535 8037 for pics and more details. Asking price $14K O.B.O

Visit the classifieds online! www.prairieadvocate.com

HAY EQUIPMENT NH 570 Baler w/72 Kicker Vermeer 605 K Auto Weave Rd Baler, Vermeer 1030 Disk Pro Hay Conditioner 3 Pt Hitch, 8- 8 X 16 Bale Cages 11L 15” Tires, 2- 16’ Hayracks, 2-10 Slot Rd Bale Movers, 3- 22 Ft Sm Bale Cages, 3 NH 258 Dollie Wheel Rakes w/ NH Twin Roller, H&S 2 GL Tedder, 16’ & 18’ Bale Conveyor, Land Pride RCM 5515 Batwing 15’ Mower (Hard Tire), Woods PKD 7200 & BB 72 3 Pt Mowers (Hard Tires), Rd Bale Feeder, 3Pt Rd Bale Mover, Bestway Sprayer 80’ 1200 Gal Poly Tank Foamer Wash Tank Raven Monitor, 320/90/46 Tires, Blumhart Sprayer 60’ 1000 Gal Poly Tank Duo Lift 1200 Gal Nurse Tank Duo Lift 1200 Gal Nurse Tank, 6 HP Honda Pump 2”, 1300 Gal Tank on Hayrack w/Pump, 7- DMI Big Little Wagons 390 & 1 Arts Way Big Little 390 w/ Lights, Eaziload Seed Tender 2- Box w/Honda Eng Elec Start, Westfield Augers: 10 X 61 w/25 HP 3 PH Motor 2- 10 X 31 PTO Drive, Brandt 10 X 35 w/10 HP 3 PH, Farm King 8 X 61 w/15HP 3 PH, Katolight KLM 1-25 Generator PTO 120/240V 1-PH, 500 Gal Skid Tank, 8’ Fuel Trailer w/150 Gal Tank 12V Pump w/Ramp, MCS XL95R Port Heater Kero/Elec 146K BTU, Redi Haul Trailer 12’ Tam Axle 12000 lb, 2- 8’ 3 Pt Rear Blades, 80,000 lb Tow Rope (New), Ant 2 Board Wooden Wagon w/JD End Gate Seeder, Cat 2 Quick Attach TERMS: Cash or Good Check. Picture I.D. Required. Not Responsible for Accidents or Thefts. All Announcements Made the Day of Sale Take Precedence Over Written Material. Everything is Sold “As Is”, “Where Is” Dave’s Note: This auction will be a Virtual Internet Auction with Both Live & Internet Bidding. See Equipment Facts for online bidding instruction and information.

Auctioneer: David Damoff JR SIMS SM-ST1846818

DAVID DAMHOFF AUCTION AND APPRAISAL SERVICE 18661 Holly Road, Morrison, IL 61270 Cell: 815-535-4470 IL Licensed Auctioneer #440-000345

Clerks: D.A.S. Computerized Auction Service

OUTGROWING YOUR HOUSE? CheCk out the great houses listed for sale in Prairie advoCate’s Classified ads.

Call 815-284-2222 or 815-625-3600 To Place Your Classified Ad

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Prairie Advocate Classifieds

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Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

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Our mission is to provide an atmosphere of respect, comfort and grace, where quality of life is of the utmost importance.

Life is a journey. Make the most of it at Windsor Manor.

Windsor Manor Morrison, IL features 40 one and two bedroom apartments each with its own private bath and kitchen or kitchenette.

Personal laundry and housekeeping services are provided, as is assistance with the activities of daily living.

Designed to help residents feel safe and secure, additional building features include a personalized emergency wireless pendant and round-the-clock assistance. Convenient access to highways and scheduled transportation to shopping, medical services, restaurants and places of worship facilitate mobility, making it easy for residents to continue to enjoy all of their favorite activities. Windsor Manor also offers 1 memory care studio apartments in its Windsor Gardens.

Some of the friendly faces you’ll meet every day at Windsor Manor.....

Nicole Shepard RN, Executive Director

Dawn Quick Dietary Director

Jerry Lehr Maintenance

Kim Straight Business Office Manager

“Excellence in Senior Living, Every Day”

Assisted Living Community 403 Scenic St., Morrison, IL (Up the hill from Medical Associates) 815-772-4031 www.windsor-manor.com/morrison

SM-ST1845457

Angie Strobbe Activity Director

Shelby Engaldo LPN, Director of Health and Wellness