TON-11-06-2015

Page 1

1 Front Volume 141 No. 48

Friday, November 6, 2015

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Weathering the weather 2015 harvest is ahead of last year By Goldie Rapp news@tonicanews.com

It seems the Illinois Valley has lucked out this autumn season with dryer-than-normal conditions and warmer temperatures that lingered well into October. The near-perfect weather conditions have allowed family and friends to enjoy the outdoors just a little longer this year, as many have had plenty of opportunities to take part in the traditional autumn activities that are brought on by the season. The dryer-than-normal conditions have also allowed area farmers to harvest their crops at a much quicker speed this year, compared to last year.

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), about 85 percent of corn crops have been harvested in the state. That was a much higher percentage compared to last year at this time, when only 42 percent of crops had been harvested. NASS reported the corn condition to be 5 percent very poor; 10 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 43 percent good and 13 percent excellent. As far as soybeans, 85 percent of crops have been harvested in the state. Also, a major increase from 2014 during this time, when only 36 percent of soybeans were harvested. While many farmers continue to finish harvesting their final crops this week, the area is gearing up for a major down-turn in temperatures. According to meteorologist Eric Sorenson of WQAD News Channel 8, parts of the upper Midwest could see its first snowflakes of the season including Duluth, Rhinelander and Marquette, where 1-3 inches of snow was expected last week.

What’s in store this winter?

The Weather Channel Professional Division has released its outlook on what the Midwest is expected to experience weather-wise during the winter months, from December 2015 to February 2016. It’s good news for those who dislike the cold weather winter months, as the outlook is calling for warmer than average temperatures in the Midwest, as well as Northeast and West Coast portions of the country. The outlook is calling for cooler than average winter temperatures for the Southern and East Coast portions of the country. Weather experts are saying El Nino is expected to play a large role in the temperatures this winter. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the El Nino is expected to impact the position of the pacific jet stream, therefore influencing the weather and climate patterns.

From Chicago to paradise

The warmest farm in Granville By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

​GRANVILLE — It’s only a few miles north of Granville, but Hidden Paradise Alpacas seems as though it’s a world of its own. It’s 10 acres, and those who live on them are calm, quiet and unfailingly friendly. Its residents convey the impression they’re quite aware of the fact they’re well loved, and no one is hesitant when it comes to making new friends. Mike and Anna O’Sullivan were born and raised in Chicago and worked their entire careers within the Windy City, where both worked for the Chicago Transit Authority. As they approached retirement, they decided they wanted a change. “I told the agent we were looking for a house with a little bit of land. She asked what we were going to do with it, and I said ‘Maybe we’ll raise alpacas.’ It just popped into my head. I didn’t even know what an alpaca was; I had just heard of it somewhere. I said it as kind of a joke because we didn’t know anything about raising livestock,” said Anna. Anna’s joking led them to an alpaca show where they purchased half a herd. “Tiskilwa Farms Alpacas were willing to split a herd because we didn’t want that many animals. We took five, and they took six. Then, because I didn’t get the sixth, I made a deal with him for two llamas. Our llamas are the guard dogs for our alpacas,” said Mike. “We’ve gotten our knowledge off the Internet from magazines and other alpaca owners,” added Anna. Alpacas were domesticated thousands of years ago in the high grasslands of the Andes. Their wild ancestor is believed to be the Vicuña, one of two wild South American camelids, a relative of the llama and the smallest of the six species of camel. Alpacas produce one of the world’s finest and softest fibers which were once reserved for Incan royalty. It’s lighter and warmer than wool, hypoallergenic, grows in many nat-

Paradise Page 2

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

Michael and Anna O’Sullivan, owners of Hidden Paradise Alpacas in Granville, IL. The O’Sullivans had no knowledge of Alpacas when they started their small farm in the pleasant countryside. They’ve since seen it grow from a small herd into a successful and often visited local attraction.

Embers of fire safety By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

One of the hallmarks of the autumn season is the scent of burning wood drifting through the air. Whether its source is a pile of burning leaves and yard debris, a bonfire or a fireplace lit to take the chill from the night air, safety should be the first and main concern. If not composting yard waste, burning it safely can be accomplished with a few easy steps. Bonfires, campfires Vol. 141 No. 48 Two Sections - 16 Pages

and burning debris share many of the same safety concerns. The first is to follow local regulations. Contact your local fire department in advance and ensure you’re complying with all state, county and local agency rules. According to the Tonica Fire Department, property owners may be required to obtain a permit in advance following an inspection of the intended burn area. They will also advise you with regard to weather conditions. Weather changes, such as a shift in wind conditions, can unsettle burning debris and spark an uncontrolled fire.

Fire safety Page 3

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Choosing a safe burning location is also important. Select a site away from utility lines, overhanging limbs, structures and vehicles. According to www.smokeybear.com, you’ll need to have a horizontal clearance of twice the height of the debris pile and a vertical clearance of at least three times the height. Heat from fire extends well past the visible flames. The ground around the site should be surrounded by gravel or dirt for at least ten feet in all directions. Keep the

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