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STORM HAVOC
Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media
Electrical repair crews were still busy Saturday in Fulton clearing trees and repairing downed wires and damaged poles from the Aug. 10 storm. Story on page 2.
Vol. 81 No. 49
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STORM DAMAGE
Two Fulton icons weathered Aug. 10 storm, but toll taken on trees and power lines BY EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
FULTON — Fisher Boy and the de Immigrant Windmill weathered what Mother Nature threw at them last Monday, but that wasn’t the case for many trees and electrical pole and wires in this Mississippi River town. Hundreds of electrical repair workers and tree trimmers covered the town on Saturday working to clear fallen trees and replace electrical wires and shattered utility poles. Chainsaws and generators could be heard throughout the town as some residents endured their fifth day without electricity. Paul Banker was busy touching up paint on the backside of the de Immigrant Windmill. “We just had one window blow out,” he said. “The windmill is designed to withstand 100 mph winds.” Up the street, the large metal Fisher Boy was unscathed as nearby repair workers unraveled twisted electrical wires caused by a mature tree that was uprooted in the storm. The metal artwork was just recently moved from its former spot across the street. At the 1912 building located between Fisher Boy and the windmill, Jill Nederhoff carefully picked up shards of the glass entry door that was blown out in the storm. Downtown, the flag pole that honors Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I veterans was blown over. The memorial was presented by the Women’s Civic Club in 1927. One downtown block remained closed due with one store having its shattered window covered with plywood and another left with a twisted metal awning. Crews were busy in the residential area north of the downtown clearing trees and replacing power lines and poles. A large pile of broken limbs and tree trunks remained at the edge of the cemetery. The street to Heritage Canyon was closed to any traffic while crews worked to clear the trees and replace poles and wires. At the south end of town a large dumpster for spoiled food was nearly filled. “This is what we had at the bottom of our freezer,” said one resident. “It’s so sad. We have power now today, but the food was gone.”
Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media
ABOVE: Jill Nederfoff picks up shards of broken glass from the glass doors of a building in downtown Fulton on Saturday as the large Fisher Boy statue watches electrical repairs to one of the many utility poles damaged when high winds ripped through Fulton felling trees, and knocking out power. Fisher Boy had been recently moved across the street a couple of weeks earlier and was not damaged in the storm. BELOW LEFT: Electrical workers were staged at the First Reformed Church in Fulton on Saturday. BELOW RIGHT: The storm blew over the memorial flag pole that was placed in downtown Fulton in 1927 to honor servicemen.
SAVANNA
BY MICHAEL MILLER For Shaw Media SAVANNA —The Savanna City Council approved an array of funding requests for various city departments during an Aug. 11 Zoom meeting. Finance Committee Chairman Pat Sanchez delivered the highlights of the most recent committee meeting, including the following funding requests a $5,000 annual fee for Blackhawk Waterways participation and up to $2,500 for two computer monitors and laptops for the administrative department. The council also agreed to attempt to secure state funding for computers and laptops for the administrative department and Applying for an ITEP grant which could be applied to projects such as sidewalks, bike trails and street renovations. If approved, the grant would possibly net the city up to 80 percent of the project’s engineering estimates on projects up to two million dollars. The council also received an update on the nearly completed Wacker Road project, with MSA’s Jared Fluhr informing them that Sjostrom will be removing and
replacing concrete pads, as well as addressing some additional items. Fluhr said that Fisher had some striping and seeding left as well, and that after that the project should be nearly complete. The council approved two letters of inducement; one from Brook Frank, for 313 Main Street, and another for the presumptive purchaser of the former River Rats on Main Street (the second was approved with the condition of informing the potential buyer of the dynamics of the TIF process). The council also approved several Planning and Zoning Board recommendations, including ones for Stan Schleuning of 732 Viaduct Road, Randall Bonjour of 506 Eaton Street, and Brandon Sedivy of 837 Third Street. Mayor Chris Lain said the transfer station would be open everyday for the foreseeable future, due to the massive amounts of yard waste generated by the recent powerful storms. On that topic, the council thanked all the city departments, particularly fire, police and public works, for their efforts during that crisis, as well as the ambulance service.
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Lynette Forth/For the Prairie Advocate
The Mt. Carroll Ambulance received major damage when part of a tree fell onto it at the corner of Clay and Broadway during the Aug. 10 storm.
Mt. Carroll ambulance damaged during storm BY LYNETTE FORTH For Shaw Media MOUNT CARROLL — High winds associated with the Aug. 10 storm resulted in multiple emergency calls for trees on power lines, house fires, wires down, and major debris within Carroll County. The Mount Carroll Ambulance
received major damage when part of a tree fell onto it at the corner of Clay and Broadway. EMTs Dennis Asay and Mike Kehl were outside of the ambulance at the time, and both were injured, receiving minor injuries. Both were transported to Freeport Hospital, and later released.
CANCELLATIONS Walk-run in Thomson cancelled THOMSON – The 26th annual Min’s Mississippi Memorial walk-run has been canceled. The event was scheduled to be Sept. 5. Shirts are available for purchase, with proceeds going to the Melinda Wilkinson Scholarship fund. Call Melody at 815-275-7298 to
order a t-shirt or for more information.
Craft show cancelled ROCK FALLS – The 30th annual East Coloma-Nelson School Hometown Holidays Craft Show, scheduled for Nov. 22 at Harvest Time Bible Church has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All fees already paid toward the show will be reimbursed.
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City council approves funding requests
MOUNT CARROLL
Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, August 19, 2020
PRAIRIE ADVOCATE
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OBITUARIES EARL ROGER LISTON LANARK – Earl Roger Liston, 96, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Lanark, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020, at the Southern Arizona Veterans Home where he had been a resident for over a year. He was born Oct. 9, 1923 in Mitchell, South Dakota. During high school, his family moved to Pecatonica, where he met and married Harriet Kilbourn. During WWII he served in the Battle of the Bulge being one of only 17 men in his reconnaissance troop who wasn’t killed or captured. After coming home from the war, he proceeded to become a successful business owner for over 25 years, while raising a family of 3 boys in Lanark. They moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1971 for Harriet’s health. He continued to be an active member of the Masons and the local branch of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge for many years. He was awarded the National Order of The French Legion of Honour in the rank of Chevalier (Knight) on Nov. 6, 2013. He is preceded in death by his wife, Harriet; his two sons, Danny and Scott; his grandson, Andrew; and friend, Mary. He is survived by his sons, Roger (Janet) Liston of Powder Springs, Georgia, and Kent (Sharon) Liston of Greenbank, Washington, and daughterin-law Raena Liston of Arvada, Colorado;
as well as five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers we suggest donations to the American Legion Post 36, 5845 E 22nd St. Tucson, AZ 85711.
BENJAMEN D. STROHECKER STOCKTON – Benjamen Dean Strohecker passed away at home on August 8, 2020 after a brief but strong fought battle with cancer. Ben was born to Charles and Arleen Kingery on Feb. 28, 1985 in Sterling. Ben attended schools in Polo and Pearl City. He was a jack of all trades and had many jobs over the years including farm work, silage truck driver, F.S. Grain Services, and was most recently employed at Quinn Construction in Lena. Ben was a father to two great kids, Skyler Dirksen and Angela Strohecker. Ben then married Brittany Ils on Dec. 21, 2007 in Mt. Carroll and together they had three wonderful kids, Lilyann Lou, Casen Benjamen and Jaxson Dean. Ben enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, shooting fireworks, mud bogs, tattoos, spending time in the woods and at the river, building knickknacks for his family, and talking about how great red tractors are to his green tractor loving father-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Ben had a great sense of humor and was well known for his jokes and pranks, usually at the expense of his unsuspecting wife and kids. Ben is survived by his wife, Brittany; his children, Lilyann (12), Jaxson (8), Skyler (17) all of Pearl City and Angela (15) of Hanover; his mother and stepfather, Arleen (Ken) Kingery of Lena; his father, Charles Strohecker of Lena; his siblings, Donna (Ken) Quinn of Lena, Nicole (Jeremy) Kingery of Shannon, Jenny Kingery of Freeport and Justin Kingery of Lena; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hank and Lou Ils of Loran; his brothers-in-law, Elijah Ils and Teddy Ils of Loran; his sister-in-law, Montana Ils of Freeport; his grandmother, Donna Rife of Sterling; his grandfather-in-law, Carl Heidenreich of Savanna; his grandmother-in-law, Linda (Bill) Gempeler of Shannon; several very special nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and many, many great friends and coworkers. Ben is preceded in death by his son, Casen Benjamen Strohecker, Aug. 9, 2010 to Nov. 25, 2010. Visitation was Aug. 13, at Hermann Funeral Home in Pearl City followed by a private graveside service.
The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, kind words, meals and all other donations and support. It has helped more than words can say.
LINDA G. HILL SAVANNA – Linda G. Hill, 69, of Savanna, formerly of Eveleth, Minnesota, died Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Mill Valley Care Center, Bellevue, Iowa. Law-Jones Funeral Homes handled arrangements.
BRIAN JAMES KRUG ELIZABETH – Brian James Krug, 58, of Elizabeth, formerly of Freeport, died Sunday, August 10, 2020. Law-Jones Funeral Homes handled arrangements.
SHIRLEY A. LOCKWOOD SAVANNA – Shirley Ann Lockwood, 83, died August 3, 2020, at her home in Savanna. Law-Jones Funeral Homes handled arrangements. See OBITUARIES, Page 5
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WHITESIDE COUNTY Coroner: Whiteside County Jail inmate hanged himself BY KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com
MORRISON – A 50-year-old Whiteside County jail inmate found unresponsive in his cell Aug. 10 hanged himself, Coroner Joe McDonald said on Friday. Michael Kinison, of Sterling, was found during a routine check at 7 p.m. Monday. Whiteside Michael County sheriff’s deputies Kinison and Morrison Fire Department provided medical assistance, to no avail. An investigation into the events surrounding his death continues, Sgt. Charles Davidson of the Illinois State
Police Division of Criminal Investigation said in an email The ISP investigates other law enforcement agencies when the need arises. Kinison was charged with arson and was being held on $25,000 bond; investigators say he set fire to a garage in Rock Falls on July 17.
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• OBITUARIES Continued from Page 4
ELIZABETH – John Bradley “Sully” Sullivan, age 80, of Elizabeth, passed away Monday, August 10th, 2020, at Mercy One hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. A private Mass for immediate family only was Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton, followed by full military rites at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. John was born May 29, 1940 in Stockton. He was one of 10 children born to Philip and Leonilla (Carroll) Sullivan. He lived in Stockton throughout his childhood until he graduated from Stockton High School in 1958. After high school, John met his love, his confidant and soulmate and his rock, June Ann (Webster) Sullivan. He enlisted in the Army on April 15, 1959 and shortly thereafter, John and June were married on June 27. John embraced patriotism and achieved the rank of E-4 before being honorably discharged on Feb. 6, 1961. After completion of his military service, John returned to Stockton for one year until relocating to Platteville, Wisconsin, where he began his career as a full time meat cutter for Dicks Supermarket. During his 7 years in Platteville, he learned more of the meat cutting trade and other valuable tools for success. Most significant was how important it is to be fair to your employees, vendors, and his customers. In September 1967, John and June moved to Savanna, where they pur-
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Sunday, August 23 a drive-by parade will take place at WinnPrairie. Those wishing to participate are to meet at 12:30 in the Highland Community College parking lot (east lot off of Kiwanis Dr.). We will proceed at 1 pm. Birthday wishes may be sent to WinnPrairie 1545 S. Forest Road Freeport, IL 61032
ings - John was simply too busy gearing up for truckload meat sales, coordinating produce tent sales, preparing customer appreciation days or even scrubbing floors! Despite being a successful businessman, John would acknowledge his greatest accomplishment was his family. Together, John and June were family oriented, raising six wonderful children. He was a family man, with a loving heart, an iron rule and an Irish spirit. John loved spending time with his family, whether it be on the Mississippi river, traveling the United States loaded up in a motor home, or perhaps the most memorable, a trip of lifetime to Ireland with his full entourage of children and grandchildren by his side. Outside of his children, John also enjoyed time and conversation with his siblings, as long as it wasn’t about politics! He also enjoyed his trips with his many friends, whether it be fishing in Canada, hunting, rafting or jeeping in Colorado, or his annual Wisconsin motor cycle adventures. But his ultimate paradise was his time spent with June on their farm in Derinda. As John would say, “I think I’ve said enough, it’s time to get back to work!” John will be forever missed by his
wife, June Sullivan of Elizabeth; six children, Kathryn (Steven) Christensen of Savanna, Scott (Jeanie) Sullivan of Savanna, Bryan (Christine) Sullivan of Savanna, Susan (Kent) Dauphin of Elizabeth, John Michael (Jennifer) Sullivan of Savanna, and Julie (Andrew) Mensendike of Stockton; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and eight siblings, Philip (Mona Lisa) Sullivan, Judy Doherty, Peggy (Richard) Magee, Ann Testa, Stephen (JoAn) Sullivan, Jim (Deb) Sullivan, Kelly (Doug) Dawson and Mary Stanton, in addition, many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Leonilla; and one sister, Colleen McNett. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hermannfuneralhome.com. Due to the pandemic, there will be a celebration of life announced at a later date.
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JOHN B. ‘SULLY’ SULLIVAN
chased their own grocery store, previously under the banner Sullivan’s Super Valu, and now known as Sullivan’s Foods. He went on to expand his stores, at highest count a total of 16 grocery stores and two Ben Franklins, quite an achievement as an independent grocer. John was successful in expanding because he was an entrepreneur, a visionary man before his time, and an innovator of change. He was one of the first to introduce scanners at the checkout, and to operate 24 hours a day. His marketing skills netted him a world record as he merchandised the largest Pabst Blue Ribbon beer display. Although John’s work ethic was endless, he was also very civic minded and a faithful citizen to his community and his trade. He always felt it important to give back to his community. His volunteer services included being an active member and President of the Savanna Chamber of Commerce, member of the Savanna School Board of Education, President of Savanna Hospital Board for 10 years, Honorary Fireman (both Savanna and Platteville), he helped establish the Savanna Ambulance Department, Chairman of the Local Redevelopment Authority at the Savanna Army Depot, Knights of Columbus 4th degree, an active member of his church serving on his church council, a member of the American Legion, Moose, VFW and The Elks. Within his trade, he served as a board member of the National Grocers Association, President of the Illinois Food Retailers Association, and in 2006 he was honored with the highest recognition as Illinois Grocer of the Year. It should be noted, he was also a member of the Savanna Rotary Club on three separate occasions, but was kicked out of the club because he couldn’t make the weekly lunch meet-
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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 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 sucharising error isoutdue publisher be liable- whether for damages of errors in ad to the negligencetisements of the publisher’s staff or otherwise and there shall be no beyond the amount paid for space actually occupied by that por 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.
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CRIME WATCH
Suspect shot at police, now charged with felonies Chicago man faces multiple charges after fleeing in Lee County BY KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com DIXON – The suspected car thief wanted in Indiana on a weapons charge who apparently slipped away in a stolen SUV after a pursuit from Rock Falls to Dixon last week now is facing multiple local felony charges after shooting at police during the
chase. According to investigators: On Aug. 6, Donald E. Powell, 34, of Chicago, stole his uncle’s white Dodge Charger from Aurora, ColoraDonald E. do after shooting the Powell family’s dog in the head with a stolen .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. He fled from Indiana to Illinois, where, on Aug. 7, he was pulled over in Rock Falls for an equipment violation. After Powell was identified and the vehicle was confirmed as stolen,
he drove off on Interstate 88 and was pursued at a high rate of speed into Lee County, shooting at officers during the pursuit. He exited at state Route 26 and broadsided an occupied Lee County Sheriff squad car as the deputy was attempting to set up stop sticks, injuring the deputy but not seriously. Powell ditched the Charger, fled into a field and escaped, possibly by stealing a gray 2019 Subaru Outback from a house about a mile-and-a-half away from the collision. The stolen SUV has been sighted several times in the Chicago area since, investigators said.
Powell is charged in Lee County Court with possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated fleeing to elude, aggravated battery, possession of a stolen vehicle, and leaving the scene of personal injury accident. Police have released a “be on the lookout” alert for Powell, who is Black, 5-foot-5 and 145 pounds, with long dreadlocks and a tattoo on his left arm. The SUV plate is BT21144. He should be considered armed and dangerous, and if spotted, or if you have information, call the Lee County Sheriff Department at 815284-6631 or 911.
Lee, Ogle and Carroll counties did not update their statistics on Sunday. Whiteside County has had 400 cases and 17 COVID-related deaths. Lee County has had 187 cases, 147 recoveries and one
death. Ogle County has had 438 cases, 394 recoveries and five deaths. Carroll County has had 82 cases, 59 recoveries and four deaths. Illinois announced 1,562 new cases and 18 deaths on Sunday.
The state has seen 206,081 cases and 7,744 deaths. Sterling has had 1,802 tested and 153 cases. Rock Falls has had 1,070 tested and 75 cases. Dixon has had 3,352 tested and 152 cases. Rochelle has had 2,350 tested and 212 cases.
COVID-19 UPDATE Seven new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday in Whiteside County Whiteside County had seven new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. The new cases involved two people in their 30s, two in their 50s and people in their 20s, 40s and 60s.
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August is the month of melons for the Mitchell family BY SARAH FORD For Sauk Valley Media TAMPICO – For the Mitchell family, August is the month of melons. For 50 years, the Mitchells have been raising and selling the sweet, juicy crops, making Mitchell Melons a destination during the brief but bountiful harvest. With fresh-from-the field watermelon, cantaloupe, and sensations (a variety of cantaloupe), the Mitchells have created a niche market that draws visitors daily. The Mitchells also grow corn and soybeans at the farm at 5549 Luther Road, but “melons are our livestock,” he said. Midwestern summers and marketing are the biggest challenges during the brief season, which is “labor intensive” and dependent on the weather. The hope is for a 40-day selling season, or at least one that lasts through Labor Day.
Sarah Ford/For Sauk Valley Media
Pictured at the melon rack at Mitchell Melons in Tampico are Donna Crowe (left), Jeanne Mitchell, Mike Kelly, Doug Mitchell, Whitney Mitchell-Dewitte and Brandon Dewitte. “We always set goals, even if we’re not sure we can make it,” Doug Mitchell said. This year, Mitchell hired a small crew of college students to help out in the fields. “They are phenomenal. My job is a whole lot easier if I have good people working hard,” he said.
Doug also credits the season’s success to the five generations of family members who devote many hours of their August to the various tasks, making the days go smooth-
ly. Donna Crowe, a longtime friend of Mitchell’s mother’s, also is at the farm “from daylight to dark” to
See MELONS, Page 10
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LANARK – A pair of Eastland High School power lifters took home top honors in an online edition of the Powerlifting Nationals. Eastland’s Cadin Colehour took first place in the 220-pound weight class with a 1,250 total. Eastland’s Eli Dertz won the 275pound weight class with a total lift of 1,480. The Good Athlete Project’s online powerlifting tournament was put together in the spring when COVID-19 wiped out in-person powerlifting competitions around the nation. Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media Athletes recorded video of themEli Dertz, performs a dead lift May 14 in his selves doing a squat, bench press garage, where he has been training since and deadlift and uploaded the the pandemic. Dertz andCoatney classmate Cadin video. Eastland’s Lydia Colehour took home top honors in an online Winners were announced this Eastland’s Lydia Coatney edition of the Powerlifting Nationals. week.
have an unpaid rent balance that began on or after March 1 because of a loss of income related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords also must submit documentation for the tenant application. Once an application is submitted, an email will be sent approving or denying the application within 2 to 3 weeks. $5,000 is available for lowApplications will be submitted to income households that owe IHDA and then selected by a third-parback rent because of COVID-19 ty randomization service, not first come, first served. STAFF REPORT If approved, the payment will be wired directly to the landlord within The Illinois Housing Development 10 business days, or 15 to 20 days if Authority’s Emergency Rental Assisby paper check. tance Program provides eligible For help applying or for more inforrenters affected by the coronavirus mation, call Rock Island Economic $5,000 for back rent or prepay. Growth Corp., 309-788-6311 or 855Funds are available through Decem- 788-6311, or the IHDA, 312-883-2720 ber, or until they run out. or 888- 252-1119. Applications, which are due by Dec. Help is available in English, Spanish 21, must be filled out online at era. or ASL. ihda.org. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing To be eligible, householdErin income Eastland’s Henze or speech-impaired can contact Navimust be at or below 80% ofEastland’s the area Erin Henze core Solutions for free assistance at median income. The tenant must 877-274-4309 (TTY).
Two fromHenze Eastland take to SVM all-area team Coatney, named first in powerlifting competition, online BY SVM SPORTS STAFF
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MAN’SSERVICE VICE 309 Washington
P a could beCARROLL here for COUNTY Your Business Savanna-Thomson StateLOCKER Here! OUTHSIDE advocate HOME $18 / week Bank PACKING Prairie ERVICE $18&/BUILDING week could be hereSavanna for 815-273-2261 CENTER PROCESSING Reserve Call Reserve your space now RETAIL MEATS HOME CHANGES,• Paint REPAIRS, Lumber $18 / week ERVICE Thomson 815-259-2455 PACKING $18&OIL /•BUILDING week your space now to get this low price! CENTER TIRES & ALIGNMENTS • Plumbing • Electrical SAVANNA (815) 273-2261 • THOMSON (815) 259-2455 MT. CARROLL (815) 244-2261 Member www.stsb4U.com Our ATM and Drive-up services are still available.
S
NORTHWEST ILLINOIS’ NEWS SOURCE • prairieadvocate.com
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017
Sales • Service
Service on most models & makes
Sales • Service PROCESSING Mt. Carroll 815-244-2261 Reserve get this low price! 405 Meyers Ave. for details. 122 E. CARROLLOIL STREET Service on most models & makes Reserve your space now CHANGES, REPAIRS, • to Hardware • Lumber • Paint RETAIL MEATS 815-493-3016 Call for details. LANARK 815-493-2370your space Call for details. now Milledgeville to get this low price! 115 Savanna, IL www.stsb4U.com TIRES & ALIGNMENTS • Plumbing Electrical 604• Main, W. IL Route 64, Lanark M-F 7:30-5; Closed 12-12:30pm (815) 493-2560 815-632-2560 (815) 625-3600 to get this low price! 405 Meyers Ave. milledgevillebank 122 E. CARROLL STREET 815-273-4304 815-499-1234 M-F 8:30-5:30, Sat by appt. Sat. 8-Noon or by appt. • Hardware 815-493-3016 Call for details. LANARK 815-493-2370 Call for details. Milledgeville
milledgevillebank
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
(815) 625-3600
M-F 7:30-5; Closed 12-12:30pm Sat. 8-Noon or by appt.
115 Savanna, IL 604 Main, W. IL Route 64, Lanark (815) 493-2560 M-F 815-273-4304 8:30-5:30, Sat by appt.
815-499-1234
9 15
SPORTS |
STATE NEWS
PRAIRIE ADVOCATE Advocate / prairieadvocate.com •Wednesday, • Wednesday,March August18, 19,2020 2020 Prairie Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com
SPORTS GIRLS BASKETBALL
BROTHERS INN HILL’SPOLHILL’S BROTHERS INN FAMILY RESTAURANT FAMILY RESTAURANT LANARK C. LANARK INC. Jcts. Rt.73 & Hwy 52 @ Rt. 64
hington eville
SPORTS | Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com •Wednesday, March 18, 2020
tney, Henze named to SVM all-area team
15
FARM BUREAU COLUMN
How about a shout out to school administrators? I got ahead of myself in last week’s column. Unfortunately, we are going to be cancelling our Meet the Candidate for the Circuit Judges at this time. For all who ordered peaches, thank you! For all those who helped unload and load peaches, thank you! And for Fred and the Home Center for coming with a forklift to assist in unloading the truck, that was very appreciated. It made life much easier for sure. Also, the Boy Scouts who were able to help were also very appreciated.
•••
In the crazy world we are in right now I want to give a “we are thinking of you” shout out to all our school administrators. I feel very fortunate I do not have to worry about the decisions that parents are experiencing this year. It is not an easy one and everyone has to make their own decision based on what is best for their family. The school administrators are working diligently making decisions as best as they can as this world seems to be changing faster than we can all keep up with. I don’t envy their jobs as they are under a magnifying glass. During these unprecedented times I believe they are trying to do the best they can.
• MELONS Continued from Page 7 greet and talk to customers. In addition to selling on site, the Mitchells also offer wholesale and retail sales (at Shaw’s Marketplace in Prophetstown, Sullivan’s Foods and Fareway in Geneseo), booths at country markets, and delivery within an 80-mile radius. This weekend, Mitchell Melons is trying something new: COWS – Coffee on Wheels – will be available
COMMENTARY AT A GLANCE Chastity Welch
I don’t think our emergency responders, police staff and sheriff’s department get the kudos they deserve in times like last week. I really wish people would stop saying what can happen next as the months in 2020 certainly like to out do themselves. We were fortunate enough to have no damage here at the office, just the inconvenience of no phones, internet and power. I feel for those who were without power, phones, etc. for days. We were without phones and internet at the office for nearly two days and when it did come back it was spotty.
•••
If you are a farming member who has not received your dues notice in the mail, please let me know. They were mailed the last week of July and should have been in your hands well before now. We appreciate your continued support of our organization. We hope you noticed the information in the packet in regard to Abenity. Abenity was new a few years ago
Carroll County Farm Bureau members can place up to two (2) 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. For Sale: MANTIS tiller/cultivator, air cooled, commercial 2-stroke cycle gasoline engine, includes wheel assembly set, border/edger and planter/furrower tines, weight about #20 lbs, easy to manipulate in the garden, used less than 25 hours, 815-440-5616. For Sale: Women’s golf clubs with bag, lady Tour #5-6-7-8-9-P-S. First Flight Woods #1-3-5-7. Call 815-440-5616. For Sale: 1950 JD B tractor, restored, runs great, 12V, $2,800, 815-493-6241. For Sale: For Canning and Freezing: Carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. Chadwick, 815-266-1345.
and it is a membership benefit site/ app that provides over 305,000 discounts available to members. If you have any issues creating a sign in for the site/app, please let us know as we will be happy to assist you.
•••
If you missed out on the know the labels of your food, you missed a good program. Raghela did a great job of explaining what those confusing labels like non GMO, organic,
TOLL FREE (866) 493-2300
at the farm from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering a variety of summer drinks. Melon sales are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Watermelon and sensations cost $5 each, the cantaloupe is $4. To place an order or for more information, call 815-535-8901 or find Mitchell Melons on Facebook.
FOR RENT
MILLEDGEVILLE $400 MO., $400 DEPOSIT
950 sq. ft., 1+ BR, 1 Bath, No Pets, No Smoking. 815-238-8360
LANARK - $29,900
1432 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2 Baths, 0.25 Acre Lot, 1+ Car Garage
OPEN HOUSE
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS KEVIN MILLER —
certified organic, all natural, etc., mean. I know Zoom is something new to all of us as we negotiate these times. There is a link to watch online for programs but there is also available a call-in number as well. We plan to continue working with our neighboring counties to host programs for our members. Please feel free to let us know if there is a topic you are interested in.
110 W Carroll, Lanark 815-493-2323 24490 Payne, Shannon 815-864-2390 Amy Barnes, Designated Managing Broker www.BarnesRealtyInc.com
SATURDAY 8/22 1:00-3:00 203 W PEARL, LANARK $124,900
General Contractor
3 BR, 1.25 Baths
www.lakecarrollhomebuilders.com
• Mod l r • Site B
LANARK - $79,900
1426 sq. ft., 3 BR, 1.5 Bath, 0.15 Acre Lot, 2 Car Garage
WOODED ACREAGE
LANARK - $124,900
2106 sq. ft., 3 BR, 1.5 Baths, 0.33 Acre Lot, 4 Garage Stalls
LANARK - $725,000
4462 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3 Baths, 75.81 Acres, 2 Car Gar., 30x90 Bldg.
lt
Builder of fine e qualityy hom s for o er 25 ars alo g ith h garages, dec s, remodeli g and more... Our knowledge and experience make it easy y to turn our unique vision into realit .
CALL KEVIN @ 815-493-6576
f r all y ur build ding needs. (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wee ends and Evenings by ppointment)
MORRISON - $89,900
SM-ST1740660
Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, August 19, 2020
PRAIRIE ADVOCATE
10
864 sq. ft., 2 BR, 1 Bath, 0.18 Acre Lot, 1 Car Garage
SAVANNA - $280,000
2644 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, 3.85 Acre Lot, 3 Car Garage
SHANNON - $69,900
1233 sq. ft., 3 BR, 1 Bath, 0.16 Acre Lot, 2 Car Garage
Prairie Advocate Classifieds LEGAL NOTICES
101
LEGAL NOTICES
101
INVITATION TO BID THE CITY OF LANARK HEREBY REQUESTS BIDS TO CASH RENT A FARM COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE "LANARK CEMETERY FARM" FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS BEGINNING WITH THE 2021 CROP YEAR. BIDS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2020. BIDDING FORMS AND INFORMATION ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT THE OFFICE OF EDWARD J. MITCHELL, ATTORNEY AT LAW, 110 N. BROAD STREET, LANARK, ILLINOIS, AND MAY BE PICKED UP AT NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15, 2020. THE BID OPENING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 AT 7:15 P.M. FORMS MAY ALSO BE REQUESTED BY PHONE AT 815-493-6339 OR EMAIL AT ed@ejmitchelllaw.com AUGUST 19 & 26, 2020
LEGAL NOTICES
APARTMENTSFURNISHED 305 MORRISON 1BR Apt. 815-499-2853
310
101
3BR country home, Chadwick and/or Mt. Carroll, 2 car gar. 815-499-0463
LEGAL NOTICES
MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT
315
EMPLOYMENT
505
NOW HIRING CDL Drivers
•Full/Part Time & Seasonal •Competitive Wages and Benefits Please call Luis 815-359-2002 or apply online at fsgrain.com
Need to place an ad? Call us 625-3600 284-2222
CHADWICK
www.prairieadvocate.com 101
124
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
Visit the classifieds online! LEGAL NOTICES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
101
ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT FOR ELKHORN GROVE TOWNSHIP Financial Statement as of March 31, 2020
LEGAL NOTICES
101
EMPLOYMENT
505
WANTED: LICENSED NURSES 1FT,1PT Avonlea Cottage of Sterling Following IDPH COVID GUIDELINES PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT /APP 815-626-5439
FARM HELP WANTED 513 PT Farm Truck and/or Tractor Drivers needed for Fall harvest. Flexible hours., Exp. req. 815-499-0463
Great Garage Sales Call
625-3600
LEGAL NOTICES
101
AREA GARAGE SALES 624
WOOD / FUEL
AREA GARAGE SALES 624
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
Moving Sale Two Families Friday, August 21 10 am - 4 pm Saturday, August 22 10 am - 1 pm Plus Table with free stuff! Great finds! Quality furniture, home decor, newer small kitchen appliances, antique collectibles, art work, and more. No early birds please! 114 South Walnut St. Shannon, IL 61078 Everything must go!
CLOTHING
730
RIP -N- TEAR: Sewing RepairsBlue Jeans, Work Clothes & Zippers Replaced. In Thomson area 815-541-3178
LEGAL NOTICES
746
PETS & PET SUPPLIES 775
REVENUE: Carroll County Property Taxes $ 69,844.27 State of Illinois - Replacement Taxes $ 1,098.17 Interest Earned $75.81 Transfer from Town Fund $ 26,500.00 Transfer from Road & Bridge Fund. $ 5,000.00 Refunds $ 507.00 TOTAL INCOME $103,025.25 EXPENSES: Kim Miller $ 9,584.53 Eagle Creek Quarries $ 15,435.84 Matz, Inc $ 7,778.94 Transfer to Building & Equipment Fund $ 5,000.00 Ray Hutchison $ 3,061.67 Carroll Service Company $ 4,972.44 Wysox Township $ 5,705.00 Milledgeville State Bank $ 35,374.89 Ewers Garage, Inc $ 1,303.24 West Side Tractor $ 2,830.54 Civil Construction $ 7,385.00 Vendors under $2,500.00 $ 2,563.27 TOTAL EXPENSE $100,995.36 SUMMARY Bank Balance, April 1, 2019 $ 41,083.56 Deposits for Fiscal Year $103,025.25 Total Funds Available $144,108.81 Expenses for Fiscal Year $100,995.36 Bank Balance, March 31, 2020 $ 43,113.45 I, Keith Oncken, Supervisor of Elkhorn Grove Township, Carroll County, Illinois, do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Annual Supervisor's Report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. KEITH ONCKEN, Supervisor ELKHORN GROVE TOWNSHIP
REVENUE: Carroll County Property Taxes $ 86,727.64 State of Illinois - Replacement Tax $ 1,175.76 Interest Earned $ 1,262.43 Election Reimbursement $ 72.50 Marking Fees $ 250.00 Refunds $ 51.76 TOIRMA - Dividend $ 664.00 TOTAL INCOME $ 90,204.09 EXPENSES: Steve Bazzell $ 6,273.75 Dave Thorngren $ 510.00 Ray Hutchison $ 15,699.60 Allied Insurance $ 650.00 United States Treasury $ 5,304.28 TOIRMA Insurance $ 4,523.00 Keith Oncken $ 2,770.50 Deb Judas $ 2,770.50 Mark Dettman $ 277.05 $ 304.75 Scott Thorngren Keith Wagenknecht $ 304.75 Charles Faulkner $ 304.75 Transfer to Building & Equipment Fund $ 26,500.00 $ 2,004.08 Carroll Service Company Vendors under $2,500.00 $ 3,364.88 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 71,561.89 SUMMARY Bank Balance, April 1, 2019 $115,323.90 $90,204.09 Deposits in Fiscal Year Total Funds Available $205,527.99 $71.561.89 Expenses for Fiscal Year Bank Balance, March 31, 2020 $133,966.10 I, Keith Oncken, Supervisor of Elkhorn Grove Township, Carroll County, Illinoisdo hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Annual Supervisor's Report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. KEITH ONCKEN,Supervisor ELKHORN GROVE TOWNSHIP
August 19, 2020
August 19, 2020
AUTOMOBILES 905
Corn fed Beef, have locker apts. ¼ & ½ available. 815-499-5385 for more information.
1998 Gold Chevy Malibu, 124,500 Mi, Great Cond. $2500 OBO 815-440-0320
Cub Cadet BOATS/MOTORS 940 LGTX-1054, 27 HP, 54” deck, Hydro foot drive, Boat For Sale: Cruise Control, 1993 Lowe Jon Runs good. $1100 OBO Boat, Trailer, and Motor. $2100 OBO 815-625-1606 815-632-4535 815-716-0848 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
3 (male) Black standard Golden Doodles. 563-212-7307
Barn Kittens needing homes! All colors! Free to good homes! 815-273-7444
101
ELKHORN GROVE TOWNSHIP Financial Statement as of March 31, 2020
MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE
NEEDED: Furever home for 8-9 month, neutered, indoor only, handsome black and white, male cat, very friendly. 815-595-4260
EMPLOYMENT
505
AUCTION
SAT., AUG. 22ND 9:00 AM MT. CARROLL FARM BUREAU 811 S. CLAY ST., MT. CARROLL LOCATED JUST N. OF JCT. 64/78
PLEASE FOLLOW COVID-19 GUIDELINES STILL UNPACKING, CHECK WEBSITE WEEK OF AUCTION HOUSEHOLD: Glass-top kitchen table/4 chairs; sofa; loveseat; chairs; lift chair; usual household; Longaberger baskets; few p. tools; ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: secretary; cane rocker; quantity JD toys & memorabilia, including pedal tractor; DeLaval items; Remington typewriter; costume jewelry; stenograph; MANY MORE ITEMS TERMS: CASH OR CHECK MUST HAVE PHOTO ID TO REGISTER JIM CALHOUN, AUCTIONEER IL LIC.440000333 MT. CARROLL 815-244-9660 FOR FULL LISTING & PICTURES WWW.CALHOUNAUCTION.COM
EMPLOYMENT
505
EMPLOYMENT
505
DENTAL ASSISTANT LANARK DENTAL CLINIC The Lanark Dental Clinic is seeking a full time, Dental Assistant to join our dental practice. Experience is preferred but will train the right candidate. We are looking for a motivated team player, a selfstarter, who can work efficiently and independently. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: Greet and prepare patients for dental care, gather patient information and health background, assist the doctor and hygienist as needed, set-up and breakdown of the dental operatory, manage infection control- prepare and sterilize equipment, take quality X-rays, maintain dental supplies and inventory, and administrative tasks as needed. Monday- Thursday work schedule.
Please call Kris at Lanark Dental Clinic 815-493-2244 to schedule Attn: Kris 120 S. Broad St. a time to complete an PO Box 43 application, or send a Lanark IL 61046 resume to
SM-ST1807435
CLASSIFIED Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, August 19, 2020
815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222
11
Prairie Advocate / prairieadvocate.com • Wednesday, August 19, 2020
PRAIRIE ADVOCATE
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Dinners Make a Difference FOCUS ON PREVENTION Family Contributed by: Carroll County Substance Education Coalition
Coalition Corner
Did you know...
Eating dinner with your children
reduces their risk of substance misuse?
Family Dinners The ANTI-drug! PARENTAL GUIDANCE REQUIRED
TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT USING DRUGS
While it’s true that children often idolize sports heroes and celebrities, they also idolize YOU. As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to help shape their attitudes about drugs. One way to do that is by talking to them regularly about what is going on in their lives. Kids who learn about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use than those who do not. Talking to your child about drugs and alcohol doesn’t mean lecturing. In fact, there are many things you can do (or may already do!) to provide the type of environment that may keep your child from experimenting with drugs or alcohol. One is to spend more time with your child. A national survey about the importance of family dinners revealed that 18 percent of teens said they would like to spend more time with their parents. Family dinners are an excellent way to spend time with your child. And make no mistake—those family dinners matter. Teens who have fewer than three family dinners per week are almost four times as likely to have used tobacco, more than twice as likely to have used alcohol, and two and-a-half times as likely to have used marijuana. Imagine! Simply spending time with your children may make them less likely to try drugs or alcohol. Family dinners don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Think of simple, inexpensive ways to make the meal fun, such as eating a picnic meal in the back yard, having a contest to see who can create the best pizza, or setting up a burger bar with outrageous toppings. Enjoy the process, and spend the time together talking with your children about their day. Simply being there for your child—day or night—is also helpful. A child who feels you are available will be more likely to come to you with questions about drugs, or challenges with peer pressure or other situations that make your child feel uncomfortable. It is especially important to be there for your child during times of transition, such as changing schools, moving, or divorce, because the risk of drug use increases greatly during these times. As children advance from elementary school to middle school, for example, they face new social situations. They will be exposed to cigarettes and alcohol—if they haven’t been already— and friends may encourage them to try new things. Later, as they go from middle school to high school, they will face a larger variety of substances and have more of a desire to fit in or seem cool to their classmates. Additionally, teens who attend religious services four or more times a month are less likely to have used tobacco, consumed alcohol or used marijuana than those who attend such services less frequently or not at all. Remember, preventing the first use prevents abuse, and preventing abuse prevents addiction. You can change your child’s future. (Source: DEA) For more information on how to encourage drug-free behavior and guide good choices,visit our website at:
www.drugfreecarrollcounty.org
GET THE FACTS:
For information on how to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol – if you need help talking to your teens contact the Carroll County Substance Education Coalition at 815-244-0063 or email ccsec04@gmail.com.