1 • Wednesday, April 10, 2019 - The Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide
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VOL. 85 • NO. 15
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There is no sound quite like bees hovering over a flower garden or a broad expanse of grassland prairie. The bees come to collect pollen and while doing so, they pollinate other plants, crops and fruit trees. The bees also begin the process of making food for themselves. The food is honey and for thousands of years, humans too have enjoyed honey in its many forms. Honey of course, comes from bee hives. To create honey, a typical colony of bees will visit 25 thousand flowers each day. To create one pound of honey 2 million flowers will be visited by bees. Today, honey has come to be thought of as a natural health food. This idea, along with the publics desire to have more organic foods available has boosted interest and sales of fresh, locally produced honey. Ed and Karin Strenski of Galena have been beekeepers for nearly 20 years. Ed and Karin sell their product through established retailers such as flower and garden shops or small local retailers. Ed Strenski, who is also the Land Manager for the Northwest Illinois Prairie Enthusiasts said, “Right now, we have eight hives. Typically, we produce about 30 gallons of honey each year. “The type bees most often found in Northwest Illinois are the Carnolian and Italian. We have noticed a decline in their numbers. In recent years it has been difficult for the dormant bees to survive the winter. The number of bees that have been coming to the hives during the spring and summer has dropped significantly. This reduction in the number of bees, of course, reduces the amount of honey that can be harvested.” Jake and Cathy Rausch who live near Stockton have 2 hives and have
been keeping bees for 8 years. Annually, Rausch and his wife produce about 10 gallons of honey. Jake Rausch said, “Bees will range about one and a half miles from their hive. A major cause of the reduction in bee numbers, we believe, is the loss of habitat. If the bees don’t find pollinator plants, flowers that is, within their range, they can begin to die off. Prairies, open pasture lands, and gardens are a necessity of the bees’ productivity and life cycle. “There is also the question of agricultural chemicals. Pesticides and some herbicides may be causing bees to die off. There hasn’t been a single, definitive answer to this question.” Jake and Cathy Rausch sell their honey by word of mouth. They also have used the old fashion barter system to profit from the fruits of their bee keeping. Jake Rausch said, “We often barter with others who raise goods from agricultural pursuits. Over the years we’ve traded our honey for eggs, beef and other home raised products.” If anyone would like more information about bee keeping or has an interest in becoming a bee keeper, they can contact the Stateline Bee Keepers Association which is headquartered in Freeport. The Association is a collection of regional bee keepers who afford themselves the opportunity to come together and discuss issues related to their craft whether its new technology, science or current events that influence bee keeping. Stateline Bee Keepers can assist those interested in starting out as a bee keeper with information, classes and the how and where of obtaining equipment and supplies. Stateline Bee Keepers meets monthly in Freeport at the Farm Bureau. They can be contacted through their Facebook page.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019
Beekeeping can be a honey of a lifestyle REPORTER
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NAHS Food Drive
COURTESY PHOTO The Scoop Today
At a recent monthly NAHS meeting students created artistic doodles and uplifting messages and tucked them inside each collected food drive item. Members from standing L-R are Linzy Friedlein (Stockton Senior), Echo Taylor (Stockton Senior), C.J. Cowell (River Ridge Junior), Sammi Digman (Galena Senior), and McKensy Bader (Scales Mound Sophomore). Kneeling from L to R are Maddi Anderson (Scales Mound Freshman) and Bella Cole (Scales Mound Freshman.) The food was donated to the Elizabeth Food Basket.
Safe Haven announces open house The Safe Haven Humane Society invites the public to an open house on Saturday, April 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate our recent renovations made possible by the 2018 Seamans Family Double the Love fundraising campaign. Those driving by on Hwy 20 the past few months may have noticed the extensive building project taking place at the
shelter. Much needed improvements include an updated grooming room, garage for safe loading and unloading of animals, and a new cat atrium. Staff and board members will be on hand for tours and there may even be some recently born puppies to visit! Safe Haven is located at 1471 US Hwy 20 just west of downtown Elizabeth, IL.
Safe Haven is a county wide humane society supported by community donations and dedicated volunteers. We believe that together, we can make a difference in the lives of adoptable stray and unwanted companions animals and the people who open their hearts to them. Please visit safehavenforpets.org when looking for your next furry family member.
2019 Summer Registration Dates
Lena American Legion: Saturday, April 6 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Wednesday, April 24 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Questions please call the Park District Office 815-369-5351
341577
Postal Customer **ecrwss