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WEDNESDAY, AUG. 18, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Scoop Today

PHOTO COURTESY STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Scoop Today

Vendors will line Main Street in downtown Stockton on Saturday, Aug. 21, for the annual Fall Into Stockton festival.

A car show is part of the fun during the Fall Into Stockton festival. In addition to being open to all vehicle makes and models, this year’s show also is open to tractors.

Summer might be waning, but there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had when the Stockton Chamber of Commerce hosts Fall Into Stockton on Saturday, Aug. 21.

The festivities will start at 10 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m. on Main Street and on a section of Front Avenue in downtown Stockton.

p.m., BanD Acoustic from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Ten Gallon Hat from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The festival also includes a car and tractor show and a bags tournament. Day-of registration for these events will be available outside of Stella’s Café & Catering, 100 N. Main St. Games, caricature drawings, a kiddie tractor

Stockton hosts street festival this Saturday “This is a family-friendly event that has activities for all ages,” according to a chamber news release. “This annual event brings local vendors and businesses together … and allows a fun, old-fashioned street festival atmosphere.”

Live music will be featured throughout the day, with Mack Massingill from 11 a.m. to 12:30

pull and make-your-own treat stations will be available for children.

In addition to food vendors, beer and wine will be served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, go online to facebook. com/fallintostockton or email the chamber at info@stocktonil.com.

Highland students eligible for ag related grant Counting birds with a Master Birder on Fall Big Bird Day Highland students with a background in agriculture or farm experience can receive up to $7,000 a year in grant funding. Through Highland Community College’s partnership with the National Farm Workers Program $100,000 in funding is available to the College for any

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Highland student that has agriculture or farm experience.

Students studying any degree or certificate type can apply: this is not a grant for only ag students.

“The college is very excited to continue its partnership with UMOS,” said Scott Anderson, Vice President of

Business, Technology, and Community Programs. “Having $100,000 of grant revenue for our students to access is very exciting.”

UMOS is a nonprofit advocacy organization that provides programs and services which improve the employment, health, and housing

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opportunities of underserved populations.

Anderson adds, “What is unique about these funds is a stipend is paid to the student for their time spent in class. I would encourage any student that has worked in an agriculture environment to complete the simple application process.”

The grant is for anyone who has earned the majority of their wages through farm-related work in the past two years. The submitted application is good for two years. Proof of farm income is required through a W-2 or pay stubs with the application.

The grant can pay up to $7,000 a year toward tuition and fees, and cover books, rent, gas, and give a $7.25/ hour training stipend while students are in class. If a student is receiving FAFSA, the grant will still pay the stipend.

Students can apply by going to highland.edu/grants or speaking to their advisor by calling 815-599-3573.

The Eagle Nature Foundation (ENF) has just announced that Sept 4 will be its Fall Big Bird Day. On that day Mr. Terrence Ingram will count however many species of birds as he can see and hear at the Apple Creek Arboretum, Apple Creek Prairie, and Apple Creek Woods.

Big Bird Day was started about seven years ago as a way to help document the loss of birds due to agricultural spraying in the area. Before the sprays 60 to 70 species of birds could be seen on most any day during this time of the year. That number of species has dropped to about 25 to 30 during the past few years. Members of the public are invited to join Mr. Ingram on Big Bird Day as he will be counting from dawn to dusk.

Mr. Ingram is a Master Birder and has been a Master Bird Bander for the Fish & Wildlife Service for over 50 years. For years he had been a bird instructor at Audubon, Federation of Ontario Naturalists, and Eagle Nature Foundation camps in both the United States and Canada.

He has studied the birds living in this area for over 70 years.

When Mr. Ingram started his Big Bird Days, he thought that it could be a nice fundraising opportunity for ENF. Towards that end ENF is asking for pledges or donations for the number of species that he is able to document on that day. Send these pledges or donations to: ENF, 300 East Hickory St. Apple River, Ill. 61001.

After the day has been conducted a complete list of those species seen or heard will be sent to all those people who have sent in pledges. ENF received close to $1200 in donations from their last Big Bird Day.

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THE SCOOP TODAY / SHOPPER’S GUIDE

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021

Freeport Art Museum announces new exhibitions Beginning Aug. 20, the Freeport Art Museum will open three new art exhibitions featuring work by local and regional artists.

In the Ferguson gallery, a group show of fifteen artists affiliated with the Momentum Art Guild debuts recent work inspired by the 19th Century Luminism style of painting popularized by notable American artists such as John Frederick Kensett and Albert Bierstadt. The defining characteristic of the movement was the recreation of light reflected from water surfaces and the atmosphere.

Using this movement as a departure point, the Momentum Art Guild (MAG) members expand on this concept by exploring a broader definition. MAG is a regional organization dedicated to enhancing interest in the visual arts, and supporting the development of individual artists. Members of the guild recognize needs, foster opportunities, provide mutual support, and work for the general promotion of art and the advancement of those who create it. All artists are welcome, regardless of experience.

Artists with work in the Luminous exhibition include: Ellie Bartels, Phyllis Bergagna, Donna Burton-Klapp, Diana Garrett, Roger Goodspeed, Jane Goodspeed, Ellie Guthrie, Ann Haag, Fay Hughes, Larry McCoy, Edward Maglietta, Nanette Mosher, Ethel Schroer, Fran Shriver, and

FAM PHOTO The Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide

FAM’s Luminous exhibition will be displaying “Chopin’s Polonaise” by Roger Goodspeed beginning Aug. 20.

Kathleen Wilken.

In the Newell Gallery, Freeport artist Roger Goodspeed reveals a body of work that illustrates the effects of Synesthesia, a unique condition that is shared by only four percent of the population. Synesthetes can often “see” music as colors when they hear it, and “taste” textures like “round” or “pointy” when they eat foods. When Roger listens to music, his brain manifests visual sensations. Each of the included abstract paintings bears the title of the music he listened to as shapes and colors formed in his mind.

LUKE HEIDENREICH,

AMBER HEIDENREICH,

daughter of Paul & Xhemile Heidenreich of Madison, WI and granddaughter of David & Gloria Heidenreich of Stockton, IL, graduated Summa Cum Laude from UW Superior in May 2021.

Amber was accepted and will attend Law School at UW Madison, Fall 2021.

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son of Paul & Xhemile Heidenreich of Madison, WI and grandson of David & Gloria Heidenreich of Stockton, IL, graduated from UW Platteville with a Mechanical Engineering degree in May 2021.

He is employed by B W Paper Systems as a Field Service Engineer.

On Sept. 16, Roger will lead a painting workshop at the museum where he will lead participants in how to paint in response to music.

Some painting experience is preferred, but amateur painters and hobbyists are welcome. All supplies are provided. To register please visit: https://www.freeportartmuseum.com/programs In My Mind’s Mind: Carmen Turner of Rockford unveils recent works in the Contemporary Gallery that embrace unexpected outcomes. Her process builds upon layers of early marks and shapes to arrive at organic forms. Mixed with symbolic images, the work recalls the natural world yet echoes an otherworldly life.

The way the layers interact to form the final work is a large part of what makes them compelling. As Turner relates: “Much like every emotion, idea, or tangible object, what we perceive as one thing, is composed of endless circumstances.”

All three exhibitions will remain on display in the museum’s galleries through Saturday, Oct. 9.

This exhibition has been made possible by grants from the US Bank Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

About the Freeport Art Museum: Established in 1975, the Freeport Art Museum shares the visual and performing arts with the people of northwest Illinois. FAM’s mission is to create experiences that spark imagination and engagement in the arts for all people by presenting exhibitions and cultural events, advancing arts education and excelling in collection stewardship.

The museum’s collection contains nearly 4,000 artifacts from all continents and all time periods including ethnographic objects from Egypt, Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea; Pre-Columbian and Native American baskets and pottery; excellent 15th to 19th century European painting, prints and sculpture; and a significant collection of contemporary American prints, paintings, and sculpture. The Freeport Art Museum is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

The Freeport Art Museum, 121 North Harlem Ave. is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. Tours may be scheduled by calling the museum at 815-235-9755.

Admission to the Museum is free, however donations are gratefully appreciated.

FAM PHOTO The Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide

“Cheers” by Ellie Bartels will be on display in the Luminous exhibition.

FAM PHOTO The Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide

Carmen Turner’s “It’s a Process” will be on display in the Contemporary Gallery at the Freeport Art Museum.

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Slices of life

THE SCOOP TODAY / SHOPPER’S GUIDE

Page 3

Could every day be more like a vacation day?

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

are unnecessary accessories.

We wake when we are done sleeping. On our own time.

Monday is indistinguishable from Saturday. Both are vacation days filled with freedom and fun! Normal bedtimes are for the working world. You are on vacation!

Stay up late. Unplug the alarm clock. Live life on the wild side!

Next, consider money. We may pinch pennies during the regular, average week, but during vacation, money flows more freely. We’re more likely to eat out, to spend money on beaches, theme parks and tropical destinations. We purchase T-shirts, coffee mugs and other souvenirs that we don’t really need and won’t ever really use because we are on vacation and buying a memory feels right,

Obituary Jessica Amber Newingham, Jerod David McNett, Charles Raymond Bailey IV, her great grandchildren, Katrina Marie Weber, Mario Ruiz II, Shawn Bailey Heath, Rylan Christopher Heath, Hailey Grace Landreth, Layla Dean Selzer, and Rowan McGee; her siblings, Lorene Piatz, Floyd Hudspeth, and Debbie Cline.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; her siblings, John (JB) Hudspeth, Jessie Hudspeth, Ruby May Jones, Andy Hudspeth, Marie Bridget, Charlie Hudspeth, Janeen Smith, Anna May McGraw, Gerald Hudspeth, Betty Jo Kuter, and Jerry Hudspeth; her son-in-law, Jerry McNett.

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points or calories or carbs isn’t part of a normal vacation. Eating is! And often, we eat whatever we want, whenever we want because that’s how it’s supposed to be during those glorious seven days known as vacation.

Consider photos. We tend to take more photos while on vacation than during our normal, regular lives.

We gather for group selfies and stand smiling in front of monuments, mountains or goofy statues because we understand that this is just about the best it can get — to be here with the people we love, doing the things we love. So we try to seize the moment and hold it as a memory, a visual,

forever. And when we look back, we will understand that our smiles were more than smiles. We weren’t just grinning; we were beaming.

We were radiating the joy of the experience.

Vacation changes things.

We spend money more freely.

We enjoy freedom with time, schedules, food, drink and activities. We take more photos because we want to and we can. We focus on fun — seven to 14 days out of each year. We wait for those days. We look forward to them and the attitude that vacation brings with it.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could find a way to prolong the vacation-mode point of view? (Sign me up!)

Consider this: We don’t

have to officially be on vacation in order to harness the vacation mindset. Oh, sure, we may have to set the alarm and show up for work on time. But the attitude and outlook can stay on the vacation setting. We can keep it real while keeping it fun and vacaytastic. If vacation is better than every day, why not make every day feel like a vacation? Why not do that, as best you can, 365, 24/7?

It’s tempting, right?

Allow it to be more than tempting. Live it out. Starting now. Go ahead, go for it.

Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

IDPH launches online ‘Vax Verify’ system Check your COVID-19 vaccination record on new immunization portal The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is launching a new immunization portal, Vax Verify, that will allow Illinois residents 18 years and older to check their COVID-19 vaccination record.

Vax Verify can be accessed at https://idphportal.illinois.gov.

“As more businesses, events, organizations, and others require proof of vaccination, Illinois residents will be able to confirm using Vax Verify that

they have been vaccinated for COVID-19,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “With the current surge in cases, more people are making the decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine and this new tool will aid residents in confirming their vaccination where needed.”

The verification system follows best practices to protect confidential health information. In order to download proof of vaccination, residents

will go through a brief, onetime identity verification process to gain access to their immunization history. The State of Illinois utilizes Experian as its identity verification service provider.

After the verification process, individuals can see their own record in the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE).

Immunization records are

kept confidential and only the individual can access their vaccination history. Parents should talk with their child’s provider to confirm their vaccination status. Some individuals with very common names will need to take additional steps to securely prove their identities.

Go to vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you.

COVID-19 testing site at Highland Community College in September Stephenson County Health Department, Stephenson County Emergency Management, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Highland Community College are spon-

soring a COVID-19 testing site at Highland Community College.

The site will be open (weather permitting) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 21,

22, and 23. It will be located at Highland Community College - 2998 W Pearl City Rd. Lot C, Freeport.

This test is for the active virus, not antibodies. You will

receive your results by phone in four to seven days.

You do not need a doctor order.

No appointment is necessary.

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LOIS BAILEY Lois Marie Bailey, age 77, of Warren passed away Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021 at home.

She was born Aug. 18, 1943 in Bates, Ark to the late Euen and Iven (Kiro) Hudspeth.

Lois married Charles Bailey on Sept. 5, 1959 in Aurora, Ill.. Charles passed away Jan. 20, 2020.

Lois had worked as a Lab Tech for Faskure, Co. and had owned and operated Lily Lake Tap with her husband Charles.

She loved art, dancing, dance competitions, bowling, camping, and going to the drag strip.

Lois is survived by her children, Peggy Sue (Rick) Raper, Joyce Ann (Dean) Weber, Charles Raymond Bailey III, and Lisa Lynette McNett; her grandchildren, Stacy Ann Weber, Crystal Lynn Lemon, Ann Marie Heath, Nikolai McGee, Robert Charles Landreth, Christopher Todd Landreth,

somehow, in the moment.

Consider your vacation schedule. It’s created with one thing in mind: fun, happiness, pleasure, entertainment, laughter, joy, new experiences, respite, relaxation and possibly a little excess. It’s set up for you to do whatever you want, whenever you want. If you planned for the beach, but wake up feeling the vibe of a theme park, go for the vibe. If you wake up feeling something completely different — something not even on your vacation “schedule,” it’s yours for the taking.

Consider diet. During regular life, diet is a fourletter word. During vacation, it doesn’t exist. Counting

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Ah, vacation.

Whether it’s perfectly planned, or perfectly spontaneous, vacation is a time for recreation, leisure, adventure and new experiences. Even the word itself is perfectly balanced — with four vowels and four consonants. (I counted.)

However brief or extended, a vacation alters our mindset regarding everyday concepts.

Somehow, when on vacation, the regular reality of normal life no longer exists. We are in the vacation zone, where normal does not apply.

Consider time. We all understand time. Monday is often the beginning of the workweek. (Well, except for the Monday after the Super Bowl.) We set our alarm clock so we wake on time each morning — often so we can go to work, a very decidedly non-vacation concept. We go to bed at about the same time each night. Saturday and Sunday compromise the weekend.

Time is a linear concept that regulates our days and nights.

Unless we are on vacation.

Then, often, alarm clocks

Page 4

THE SCOOP TODAY / SHOPPER’S GUIDE

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021

College’s Business Institute adds training coordinator

Tracy Brewer of Monroe, Wisconsin, recently joined the staff of Highland Community College’s Business Institute as a training coordinator. Brewer has worked in the community and technical colleges for the past 10 years, where she managed training and development programs.

“I am truly excited to be working Tracy Brewer with Highland and am anxious to get out and meet industry leaders and help in any way possible with workforce development needs,” Brewer said in a news release.

The HCC Business Institute provides training and consulting solutions designed to help clients maintain a competitive operation and a skilled, knowledgeable workforce.

“The program has earned a reputation for instructor excellence, relevant content and practical resultsoriented training,” the release said. “Highland prides itself on keeping up-to-date with issues and trends relevant to business and industry.” “(Brewer) has great vision and personal communication skills,” Scott Anderson, vice president of business, technology and community programs, said in the release. “She can work well with our internal and external partners and I expect her to help BI grow and better serve our community.”

Brewer earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University in exercise physiology and business administration.

For more information about the Business Institute, go online to highland.edu or email businessinstitute@ highland.edu.

Your weekly community news in your hands...

Start school with a smile by making time for dental health It’s August and that means back-to-school season. One of the most important things that should be on your to-do list is to schedule a dental exam.

While all children should receive routine dental exams, this is sadly not the case. Since oral health directly impacts overall health, the state of Illinois requires that children entering kindergarten, second grade, sixth grade and high school have a dental exam performed by a dentist.

Dental disease is not inevitable. In fact, it is completely avoidable. Unfortunately, thanks to our nation’s overall poor diet and non-adherence to daily, preventable care, dental emergencies still rank as the No. 1 reason for school absenteeism.

Every child deserves to enter school free of dental disease and pain. The purpose of a dental exam is to detect and treat dental disease before it affects a child’s health. Tooth decay and gum disease are

By

DR. STEPHEN PETRAS Illinois Licensed General Dentist

infections. Attending school while your immune system is fighting an infection and you are in pain takes a toll on your child’s academic performance.

Flossing and brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day is the most effective way to promote dental health. Take the time to make sure that your children are doing it properly, by having them demonstrate for you. If you need any assistance with teaching them a more effective technique, your dental team is happy to work with you.

More teachers are recognizing the importance of dental care and will schedule time for their students to brush their teeth after lunch. If this

32nd Annual Photography Contest and Exhibit

Now in its 32nd consecutive year, this exhibit consists of photographs entered in the Monroe Arts Center’s annual Photography Contest. The contest is open to both adult and junior (under age 18) amateur Find us online: photographers. rvpnews.com • indreg.com The photographs must have 393035 been taken after Sept. 1, 2020 and be the first time entered Weekly news such as: in this contest. Each photogCommunity news, police beat, local news, rapher is allowed to enter as oming events, church news, legals, auctions, classifieds...

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many photographs as they wish (based on available exhibition space). Cash and ribbons will be awarded to the top six places in the Adult and Junior categories.

The photographs will be on exhibit from Sept. 10 through Nov. 5. The judge for this year’s Photography Contest is Bruce Fritz, noted Madison photographer and News Photography Pulitzer Prize nominee.

“Committed to the communities we serve” EDITOR: Jenny Sharp Advertising Sales: Cyndee Stiefel: lenaads@rvpublishing.com Office Manager: Laurie Tanley

To Contact The Scoop Today & Shopper’s Guide:

Telephone: 815-369-4112 • 815-947-3353 • Fax: 815-369-9093 Email: News/Letters to the Editor: scoopshopper@rvpublishing.com Ads: ads@rvpublishing.com Classifieds: scoopshopper@rvpublishing.com Billing Office: businessoffice@rvpublishing.com Available online at: rvpnews.com Mailing Address: The Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide 240 W. Main Street, Suite B, Lena, IL 61048 TO SUBSCRIBE:

• Yearly subscriptions to The Scoop Today and Shopper’s Guide are available at $25 annually for Jo Daviess & Stephenson Counties and $39.95 annually for those out of the area. Subscriptions are non-refundable. Within our circulation area, The Scoop Today and Shopper’s Guide are free. You can pick up single copies of The Scoop Today or Shopper’s Guide at convenient locations throughout the area.

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• 8 AM: Pitmasters Check-In (Pre-registration required) Contact Kristin Dinderman 815-291-9922 • 9 AM: Baseball Bash, Contact Ryne Plager 815-291-9822 • 10 AM: Beer Garden Opens (open until 11:30 pm) • 11 AM: Parade (Registration at 10 am) Contact Nathan Pickard 815-821-2403 • 11 AM: Hog Roast Lunch/Dinner • 11 AM: Kids Activities • 11:30 AM: LIVE BAND Spotted Dog • 12:30 PM: Kiddie Tractor Pull, Sponsored by Stephenson County Farm Bureau, School parking lot • 2 PM: Kiddie Water Fights, Sponsored by PC Fire Department, School parking lot

• 2 PM: Alumni Baseball Game, Contact Ryne Plager 815-291-9822 • 4:30 PM: LIVE BAND Better Late Than Never • 6 PM: PC Pitmaster BBQ Samples available (while supplies last!)

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is not the case in your child’s class, teach them to rinse their mouth out after lunch. Make sure to pack a healthy lunch with crunchy vegetables, fresh fruit, cheese and a water bottle. Do not pack juice drinks, soda or sugary snacks that promote obesity and provide sugar for bacteria to feed on.

Many of our children go from school to extra-curricular activities or day care.

Teach your child to stay hydrated by drinking fluoridated water. Staying hydrated with fluoridated water is one of the body’s most reliable defenses against tooth decay and gum disease. Dry mouths breed harmful bacteria. Chewing sugarless gum does not take the place of brushing, but it can help rinse food debris from the mouth by promoting the production of saliva.

Teach your child not to chew on pencils or their nails when they are nervous, as this can lead to lacerations and chipped teeth. If your child is participating in sports, make sure you prevent oral trauma by providing them with a mouthguard.

August also finds many of our area students preparing for life in a dorm. Starting college is one of life’s big steps toward being fully on your own.

In all of the excitement and change, it can be easy to overlook your dental health. Being diligent about routine dental exams, daily oral hygiene and eating a healthy diet will serve you well as you enter this new stage and throughout adulthood.

Dr. Stephen Petras is an Illinois-licensed general dentist at the Stockton Dental Center.

FHN brings women’s health providers together

The FHN Women’s Healthcare team recently moved across town in Freeport.

FHN OB/GYN specialists Dr. Keith Martin and Dr. Lee Sesslar and women’s health nurse practitioners Danielle Siedschlag and Sara Smith are seeing patients on the second floor of FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive, Freeport.

“We believe this move will make it easier for our patients by bringing our care for women at all stages of life to the same place where they might see their primary care provider or family pediatrician,” Martin, who also serves as FHN chief medical officer, said in a news release.

The move will give the women’s healthcare team more space to educate patients and collaborate with specialists as well as updated exam rooms equipped with the latest technology, the release said.

The office phone numbers will stay the same — 815599-7750 or 877-538-0958.

“If you’re due for a checkup or need to establish with a provider, now is a good time to come in and see us at our new location,” Sesslar said in the release.

The team is accepting new patients.

For more information, go online to www.fhn.org.

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Obituaries EILEEN M. KEEFFER Eileen Marie (Willis) Keeffer, 81, of Stockton, Illinois, passed away at FHN hospital on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Eileen was born on March 1, 1940, in Freeport, Illinois, to Lowell and Helen (Brocious) Willis. Eileen’s childhood was spent growing up with her two siblings, whom she holds very dear, Shirley (Tom) Leitzen and Larry (Ann) Willis on a farm in Willow. She was an active member in 4-H and loved to show cattle. She attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in Willow, and later graduated from Stockton High School in 1958.

Eileen married her high school sweetheart, Bill Keeffer, on Aug. 12, 1961. Together they created a wonderful life, raising three children, Teresa (Jim) Blair of Stockton, Nancy (Joey) Hunziker of Ridott, and Steve (Janelle) Keeffer of Galena. Eileen was always extremely proud of the hard work they put into their home. They built their own house, had a beautiful yard full of flowers and trees and a large garden. She enjoyed watching the flowers bloom and canning and preserving food from their gardens. Her children and

Bill were her life, and they were a very close family, making memories at home and traveling together on family

trips.

Eileen worked in health care from 1959 to 2004, with much of her career as a LPN at Lena Continental Manor, and later as a pharmacy tech at the Lena Drug Store. She had a passion for taking care of others that was evident not only in her nursing career, but to her family and friends.

She devoted her life to helping others, always willing to lend a helping hand or to volunteer to help in her community. She was a 4-H leader for the Triple S 4-H club, made food and pies for the Willow Folk Festival for many years and helped with food for functions at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton, of which she was a member.

Later in life, she was blessed with eight grandchildren, Rachael (Lonny) Nielsen, Ben (Julia) Blair, Tristan (Jessica) Gallagher, Cody (Michelle) Gallagher, Erin Keeffer, Bridgett Hunziker, Elyse Keeffer

and Gavin Hunziker. She was very involved with her grandchildren, passing on the love for 4-H and country life by teaching them to bake, sew, garden, raise different animals and do many other crafty projects. She was also very proud to be the great-grandmother to Anna Blair and Keegan Gallagher.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Lowell and Helen Willis; her in-laws, Chet and Mildred Keeffer; and her brother, Larry Willis. She will be dearly missed and will be remembered most for her generosity, her gift of the gab and talking on the phone for hours on end, her sense of humor, her love for flowers and animals, her continual worry and concern about people’s well-being and most of all her love for her family.

A visitation and funeral Mass were held Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton with Father Michael Morrissey officiating.

Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www. leamonfh.com.

Village of Stockton seeking police officers The Village of Stockton has immediate openings and is accepting applications for police officers (full and parttime) *Candidate must be a U.S. citizen *Candidate must have a high school diploma or GED *Candidate must be willing to establish residency within 25 miles of the Village of Stockton Officers work a 12-hour

shift with every other weekend off. Must be available for weekend and holiday shifts.

Starting wage for full-time is $22.64 per hour and starting pay for part-time is $18 per hour.

The Village provides employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, IMRF pension, vacation, personal and sick days, and paid holidays to full time officers.

Applications can be picked

up at the Stockton Police Dept. 105 W. North St. If you are long distance, you can call 815-947-3157 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in order to reserve your application and arrange for delivery.

All applications and accompanying documents must be postmarked or delivered to the Stockton Police Dept. c/o Chief Kevin Stewart by Sept. 1, 2021.

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things, but nothing more than his family. He especially loved spending time with his grandson, Bobby, taking road trips in the Buick, delivering flowers to the graves on Memorial Day, the many trips to Manny’s and Dairy Queen and just spending time with him. He was heartbroken when his brother passed away and treasured their closeness and memories.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established.

Condolences may be shared with Jerry’s family at www. hermannfuneralhome.com.

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Probation Officer. He also enjoyed his time co-owning Doug and Jerry’s gun shop in Stockton with his lifelong friend, Doug Wierema.

Jerry loved hunting, fishing, telling stories, and traveling.

He fondly remembered his trip to Egypt with his brother Bob and spending time in the UK visiting his friends Eric and Margaret Rillie. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his sons, Tom (Teresa) and their sons, Justin and Jeremy, Joe (Stacey) and their son, Robert; his nephews, James and John Rillie and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert and sister-in-law, Mary Rillie. Jerry loved many

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JERRY LEE RILLIE Jerry Lee Rillie, age 82 of Stockton, Ill. passed away Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 of heart failure. He was born July 21, 1939 at home in Kent, Ill. to the late George and Dolores (Weible) Rillie. Jerry attended Kent and Stockton Elementary School and graduated from Stockton High School in 1957 and went on to attend UW Platteville where he graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He was drafted in 1963 and spent the next two years serving in the U.S. Army. He was a 51year member of the Stockton American Legion.

Jerry married Kathleen Kuhl at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton in December of 1963. Through the years, Jerry had worked at Economy Fire and Casualty, Rillie’s Insurance and for his last 20 years of employment he was a Stephenson County

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Page 6

THE SCOOP TODAY

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021

Young specialty grower working on Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois sweet future in Champaign County updated COVID-19 guidelines

By Kay Shipman FARMWEEK

While the August update is not what we had expected, we continue to make decisions based on making the health and safety of our members and their families our top priority. As guidelines and recommendations regarding COVID-19 and group activities and gatherings change, we will do our best to keep you updated with the most current information.

We are not able to send numerous emails at this time, so we strongly encourage all GSNI members, supporters, and stakeholders to check our website and social media frequently for updates related to COVID-19.

The most recent guidelines are dated Aug. 14, and include masking guidelines based on current CDC and State of Illinois guidelines. As always, you may find GSNI’s guidelines remain stricter than the state guidelines. This is due in part to GSNI referencing multiple sources in the preparation of our guidelines and to the fact that a large portion of our membership is under the age of 12 and do not currently qualify for the vaccine.

Girl Scout Activity Guidelines in Response to COVID-19 Effective as of Aug. 14, 2021.

Please note that at times, GSNI’s guidelines may be stricter than the State’s guidelines.

This is due in part to GSNI referencing multiple sources in the preparation of our guidelines and to the fact that a large portion of our membership is under the age of 12 and do not currently qualify for the vaccination.

When in doubt of what to do, please put the safety of our members first and follow these basic principles: • Be a sister to every Girl Scout and take precautions to protect girls, volunteers, and families from potential exposure to COVID-19.

• Keep families informed of your troop’s precautions/processes.

• Wear a mask.

• Maintain social distancing of 6 feet.

• Wash or sanitize hands often.

• Stay home if not feeling well.

Help is needed for Fall into Stockton We could use some volunteer help for this weekend for Fall Into Stockton. There are a few spots to fill for manning our road closures on either end of Main Street for the day of the event. Two people must man each end for safety

and we divide them into 1 1/22-hour slots If you or a friend or someone you know are interested in volunteering please reach out to Caitlynn Greve at the Chamber. We appreciate it so much! Thank you

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240 W. Main St., Suite A, Lena, IL 61048 815-369-4225 401656

Sixteen-year-old Jill Uken understands when even horticulture experts question her uncommon specialty crop in Champaign County. Then the Mahomet-Seymour High School junior points to her 500 thriving sweet potato plants as agronomic proof.

“Not a lot of people grow sweet potatoes in Illinois,” Uken said, adding the vegetable is more common in North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana and other southern states.

Uken, the daughter of Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken and his wife, Christine, is growing her second crop in a 75-by-75 plot near Mahomet. During the Illinois State Fair, she’ll share her venture as the Illinois Specialty Growers Association’s Farmer of the Day in the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent.

Planting starts after the potential for a last frost. By hand, Uken plants sweet potato “plugs” of 6-inch vines that are shipped from a Tennessee supplier. Two inches are planted below ground with the rest remaining above the soil surface. Planting a couple of hours before sunset protects the plugs from drying out. Currently Uken is growing two varieties; one is favored for larger, baking potatoes.

The young grower has encountered few pests and no disease problems thus far.

Deer favor the tasty vines, and Japanese beetles got into a previous crop, but Uken applied a mixture of Dawn dish soap and water to wash beetles off the plants.

Sweet potatoes are very susceptible to frost. Uken intends to dig her crop by hand around the first week of October, but last year was surprised by an early frost.

“The frost hit, and two days later, the vines were all black.

We got them (sweet potatoes) out of the ground as soon as we could,” she added. On

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL UKEN The Scoop Today

Champaign County’s Jill Uken, 16, grows and markets sweet potatoes, an unusual specialty crop in her area. Uken will share information about her venture during the Illinois State Fair as a “Farmer of the Day.”

average, growers harvest 3 pounds of sweet potatoes per plant.

After the sweet potatoes are dug, Uken spreads them on a tarp under a roof to allow them to cure. Soil must be gently wiped off because the newly harvested crop is soft. Uken lets the harvested potatoes rest for seven to 10 days, which allows the starch to turn to sugar and the skins to cure.

The young grower sells her bagged crop by the pound. Last year, the pandemic caused Uken to pivot when anticipated restaurant and catering markets closed.

Instead, the teen began marketing sweet potatoes on Instagram, @jills_sweet_potatoes_il, a practice she will continue this fall. She also sold her crop in an outdoor booth at Curtis Orchard and

Pumpkin Patch, Champaign, and plans to sell there again this fall.

Uken can thank her two older brothers, Nicholas and Tyler, who first started the family’s sweet potato venture. Not only did the youngest Uken take on her siblings’ crop, but she also grew sweet potatoes as her FFA supervised agricultural experience project (SAE). Her unique crop set Uken apart as the only specialty crop SAE in her section, but she was joined this year by another FFA member who grew pumpkins.

As Champaign County’s youngest sweet potato grower awaits her second harvest, Uken keeps her friends updated by sharing the latest images of her crop’s progress and may entice them to join her for a sweet harvest this fall.

Editor’s note: This sto-

392198

School bus safety reminder

The Pearl Police Dept. and School District want to remind you to please obey the school bus laws. Do Not Pass when the stop sign is extended and lights are flashing. Our officers take this seriously and you face hundreds of dollars in fines when they catch you.

There are cameras on every bus that record anybody that violates the law.

Please help us make sure our children get to and from school safely.

APPEARANCE IS EVERYTHING! SEE US FOR THE BEST FINISH IN THE BUSINESS!

Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m & 10:30 a.m.

Awana Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Listen to pastor’s weekly sermon at www.lenafreechurch.org

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THE SCOOP TODAY

Page 7

Upcoming events at the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation Wildflower Walk at Wapello – A Facebook Live Event Aug. 19 at 10 - 10:30 a.m.

Join us for our popular Facebook Live series, which explores all things nature related in and around Jo Daviess County. We will be joined by a member of the volunteer group, Friends of Wapello, who is also an expert on the many amazing plants found in the restored prairie there.

Join us as we head out on the trail to learn about the prairie, which is in full bloom and is a sight to see. We thank the Apple River State Bank/First Community Bank of Galena for sponsoring our Facebook Live series.

Guided Tour of Casper Bluff Aug. 21 at 9 - 10 a.m.

One of Jo Daviess County’s most cherished sites just got better.

“We receive a lot of questions from visitors to Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve. So, we’ve created guided tours, by trained volunteers, to help answer many of these questions about this beloved place,” said Steve Barg, JDCF Executive Director.

The public is invited to join newly trained volunteer guides for an experiential tour of this magical place where nature’s treasurers meet with history’s secrets. Tours will be given the first and/or third Saturdays and third Tuesday of each month beginning June 5th and ending October 19th.

Saturday tours will begin at 9AM and Tuesday tours at 7PM over mowed trails with rolling terrain. The cost is $10 per person. RSVPs are required.

Casper Bluff commands some of the best views of the Mississippi River and its backwater sloughs and is home to many rare and wondrous birds including the red-headed wood pecker, barn owl, eastern bluebird, wood duck, and blue winged warbler. Herons, American white pelicans, and bald eagles also frequent the preserve, making it a popular spot for bird watching yearround. A system of mowed trails takes visitors to part of the Aiken Mound group, a series of Native America mounds that were built in approximately 700-900 A.D. as part of the Effigy Mound culture and includes a rare, intact effigy mound in the shape of a Thunderbird. Trails also wind through acres of restored native prairie and oak savanna habitat. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to discover all that Casper Bluff has to offer. Casper Bluff is open daily dawn to dusk, 870 S. Pilot Knob Road, Galena.

You can explore the beautiful oak savannahs at Casper Bluff.

COURTESY PHOTOS The Scoop Today

Casper Bluff commands awesome views of the Mississippi River.

(Left) Take your family on a walk through the prairies of Casper Bluff.

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THE SCOOP TODAY / SHOPPER’S GUIDE

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021

From Lena’s Kitchen

The not so skinny cook

We sure had the hot and humid weather last week. It seemed we were waiting for a storm to happen every day.

The weather finally gave us some relief by the weekend.

Hopefully, when you get this paper, the kids and teachers going to school won’t be sweltering in heat.

This week we have some more garden fruits and vegetables. Enjoy cooking if you aren’t too hot.

1 T. minced green onion 2 t. white wine vinegar 1 t. chopped fresh thyme ¼ t. pepper ¼ C. pecans, toasted and chopped Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350. Place Brie in shallow 1-quart baking dish. Combine preserves, green onion, vinegar, thyme and pepper in a bowl. Spoon peach mixture over Brie. Bake until Brie is melted, about 20 minutes.

Sprinkle with pecans and serve.

BLT Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is an easy salad to make. It is also a salad for those people who don’t like dressings. It is light and has all the “stuff” for a BLT. 1 lb. rigatoni 2 T. olive oil Baked Brie and 1 red onion, sliced Salt and pepper Peaches with Pecans 8 slices bacon, cooked and 1 (8 oz.) wheel Brie or chopped into pieces Camembert cheese 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 jar peach preserves

halved 2 C. baby arugula or spring mix salad greens Cook pasta per package directions. Meanwhile, heat oil in medium skillet on medium.

Add onion and sauté until just tender. Transfer contents of skillet to large bowl. When pasta is cooked, drain well; add to bowl with onion and ½ t. each of salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Fold in bacon, tomatoes and salad greens.

Creamy Potato Salad

I have a friend who loved fennel. This potato salad has a little different taste to it because it uses fennel and tarragon. The dressing also has a little bit of kick to it because instead of yellow mustard, Dijon is used. In the many cooking shows I watch, they are all agreed that you should salt the water the potatoes are in, and you always start your potatoes in cold water. Both my mother and grandmother always used red potatoes for

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potato salad. Try this new way to serve a summer favorite.

2½ lbs. red new potatoes cut into ½-inch pieces Kosher salt and black pepper ¼ C. sour cream ¼ C. mayonnaise 3 T. fresh lemon juice 2 T. Dijon mustard 2 stalks celery, very thinly sliced 1 small bulb fennel, quartered, cored and very thinly sliced 1/3 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1 T. fresh tarragon, chopped 2 hard-boiled eggs, cut into wedges.

Place potatoes in large pot and cover with cold water.

Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Add 2 t. salt; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are just tender, 10 to 12 minutes; drain. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, lemon juice and mustard. Season with ½ t. each of salt and pepper.

Add warm potatoes and toss to coat. Let cool to room temperature. Add celery, fennel, parsley and tarragon; toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Top with egg wedges just before serving.

Chicken Tortilla Bake

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If you are looking for an easy supper, this casserole is a quick prep with ingredients you probably have. If you want to substitute another can of diced tomatoes (basil or garlic), you can do that also.

2 cans of cream of chicken soup 1 can (16 oz.) can of diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained 12 6- to 7-inch corn tortillas, cut into thin bite-size strips 3 C. cubed cooked rotisserie chicken 1 C. shredded Mexican cheese or Monterrey Jack Cheese Preheat the oven to 350. In a bowl, combine soup and tomatoes. Sprinkle one-third of the tortilla strips in a 3-quart rectangular baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top with half of the chicken and half of the soup mixture. Repeat layers.

Sprinkle with remaining tor-

tilla strips.

Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until edges are bubbly and center is hot. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered for five minutes more or until cheese is melted. If desired, sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Reuben Burger

These deli-style burgers make for a different kind of cookout sandwich. The spices in the burger are the spices used in corned beef. The dressing is a take-off on Thousand Island dressing. You can make these in the broiler if you don’t have access to a grill. Serve these sandwiches with a dill spear and chips.

1½ lb. ground beef ¼ t. ground allspice ½ t. dry mustard ½ t. ground coriander Salt and pepper 4 buns 8 slices Swiss cheese Cooking oil 1/3 C. mayonnaise 2 T. ketchup 1 t. prepared horseradish ½ t. Tabasco ½ t. Worcestershire sauce Pinch of paprika 1 C. sauerkraut In a medium bowl, combine, ground beef, allspice, dry mustard and coriander.

Shape into four patties. Salt and pepper both sides. Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan or plate. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes up to overnight. In a small bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire and paprika. Drain sauerkraut.

Preheat grill; place grill pan or a large cast-iron skillet and heat to medium high.

Brush cut sides of four buns with canola oil. Place cut side down on grill or in pan; cook one to two seconds or until lightly toasted. Transfer to a large plate. Brush patties with oil. Cook four to five minutes per side or until desired degree of doneness. Top patties with eight slices of Swiss cheese (two per patty); cover and cook for 30 seconds or until cheese is starting to melt. Spread mayo mixture evenly on cut sides of buns.

Top each bottom half with a patty, sauerkraut and top bun half.

Peach-Pecan Bread

There have been some great peaches available to us. I have been on a peach cooking kick.

This bread is pretty because of the fresh peach topping and moist because of the buttermilk. Enjoy this delicious seasonal bread warm from the oven.

3 eggs 2½ C. sugar 1 C. buttermilk 1 C. vegetable oil ½ C. whole milk 1 t. vanilla 3 C. flour 1½ t. baking powder 1½ t. salt 1½ C. mashed pitted and peeled fresh peaches 1 fresh peach, peeled and sliced Preheat the oven to 350.

Spray 2 (9–by-5) loaf pans with baking spray with flour.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs.

Add sugar, buttermilk, oil, milk, and vanilla, whisking until combined. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Fold flour mixture into egg mixture. Fold in mashed peaches and pecans. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes. Gently place peach slices on top of batter.

Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 45 minutes to one hour more, loosely covering with foil to prevent excess browning if necessary. Let cool in pans for five minutes. Remove from pans, and let cook completely on wire racks.

Lemon Coconut Sheet Cake

This cake is a perfect dessert for summer if you like lemon and coconut. The recipe calls for cake flour. You can make your own cake flour by measuring out 1 C. regular flour and removing 2 T. of the flour, returning the 2 T. flour you removed to the canister.

Add 2 T. cornstarch to the flour and mix up the flour and cornstarch. One cup of this mixture makes 1 C. cake flour.

1 C. unsalted butter, softened 1½ C. sugar 4 eggs, separated

See KITCHEN, Page 9

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• Kitchen

Birth

(Continued from page 8) mixer speed to medium, and beat until fluffy, one to two minutes. Add remaining 1 T. coconut milk to achieve a spreadable consistency, if needed. Spread frosting onto cake. Garnish with coconut and lemon if desired.

Final thoughts Just a reminder that school is starting. There will be kids on bicycles, kids with backpacks and kids chasing each other. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am always fearful that some little one (or big one who is texting) will run out in front of me or go behind me when I am backing up. Please be careful!

August will be half over by the time that the paper comes out. Time seems to fly even faster!

I told you I have been making a lot of peach stuff.

The flavor of the peaches this year is fantastic. Many of my friends are putting up corn in the freezer for the fall, winter and spring. A lot of recipes make the corn taste just as good in December as it did in August. I continue to enjoy the vegetables and fruits of the season. Hopefully you all are doing the same. As we move into the end of the summer season, check those recipes.

If you have any summer fruit and vegetable recipes you would like to share, contact us in person, by mail at From Lena’s Kitchens, Shopper’s Guide, 240 W. Main St., Lena, IL 61048 or email us at scoopshopper@rvpublishing. com.

ARIA JANE HEIM Aria Jane Heim was born to John and Carmen Heim of Dixon, Illinois, on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Aria has a big sister, Gabriella, 4. Grandparents are Al and Karen Hudson of Monroe, Wisconsin, and John and Deb Heim of Lena, Illinois.

Great-grandparents are Iola Hudson of Freeport, Illinois, and Ebert and Doreen Hobbs of Toronto, Ontario.

Page 9

Museum hosts Kraft family member

The Stockton Heritage Museum will host a visit from Bill and Charlotte Kraft from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21.

Bill Kraft is the grandson of Will Kraft, one of the brothers of J.L. Kraft, who started the Kraft Company and established the first Kraft cheese plant in Stockton in 1914, according to a museum news release.

Bill Kraft will share stories and sign copies of the Krafft Family Cookbook (the family name originally was spelled Krafft).

The museum is located at 107 W. Front Ave. Call 815-9472220 for more information.

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2 T. lightly packed lemon zest 2 T. fresh lemon juice 1 t. coconut extract 1 t. vanilla extract 3 C. cake flour 1 t. baking powder 1 t. baking soda ½ t. salt 1¼ C. unsweetened canned coconut milk Lemon Coconut Frosting ¾ C. unsalted butter, softened 1 T. lightly packed lemon zest 1 t. coconut extract 7 C. powdered sugar 6 to 7 T. unsweetened canned coconut milk Cake: Preheat the oven to 350.

Spray a 9-by-13 pan with cooking spray. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, three to four minutes. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add lemon zest and juice and extracts, beating to combine.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with coconut milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined and after each addition. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold egg whites into batter. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake until a wooden toothpick comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter at medium speed until creamy. Beat in zest and coconut extract. With mixer on low speed, gradually add powdered sugar, 1 C. at a time, alternately with one tablespoon coconut milk at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Increase

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Page 10

Classifieds

THE SCOOP TODAY / SHOPPER’S GUIDE

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021

Rock Valley Publishing

Call

815.369.4112 to place your ad

AD DEADLINE:

Friday at 4 pm

SERVING NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND SOUTHERN WISCONSIN employment Employment

Real Estate rentals & real estate For Sale/Rent

for sale Merchandise

Automobiles For Sale automotive

services offered Plumbing Services

help wanted

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800-487-9477 TEXT

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CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE

Vicki Vanderwerff, Director of Advertising Email: vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com Fax: (262) 725-6844

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203 SOUTH ST. AUG. 19, 20 & 21, 9-5 Women’s XS-4XL, maternity, baby & kids clothes, beer mugs, books, misc.

Announcements

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For immediate consideration send resume/job history to:

Lena

for sale

OR APPLY ONLINE

Rock Valley Publishing, your hometown newspapers serving the stateline has an opening for an experienced Media Sales Representative to call on current and new accounts in a protected sales territory.

Growing area with many new businesses, this is a great opportunity for the right applicant.

We publish newspapers, shoppers and niche publications throughout the stateline. You have the opportunity to sell into all Rock Valley Publishing. L.L.C. publications, making your paycheck much larger!

Estate Sales 321 VALLEY VIEW DR. LENA Aug. 20, 21 & 22, 8-4 Women’s clothing & coats M-L, shoes, purses, Lia Sophia jewelry, home decor, antiques, household, furniture, glassware, toys & games.

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To place an ad in our Help Wanted Section...

Call (815) 369-4112

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Agriculture ROUND BALES GRASS/HAY excellent quality, priced reasonable, stored inside. 815-2912381

State tax dollars benefit downstate region more than others

By Kay Shipman FARMWEEK

Illinoisans living outside of Chicago and the collar counties receive a higher return on their state tax dollars – as much as $2.88 for every $1 paid – according to a recent study from Southern Illinois University’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

SIU Public Administration Professor John Foster and John Jackson, a visiting professor with the institute, examined tax revenue and state expenditures by geographic regions based on budget data from fiscal years 2013 through 2016. During the Illinois Farm Bureau Board’s July meeting, the Illinois Government Committee was briefed on the professors’ report entitled “The Politics of Public Budgeting in Illinois.”

Jackson told FarmWeek he and Foster tested a regional perception they’d heard for decades “that we in southern Illinois get the short end of the (tax revenue) stick and support urban counties and Chicago.” That perception fueled recent outcomes in central and southern Illinois ballot initiatives, he noted.

Rather than receiving the lion’s share of state tax revenue, Cook County and the five collar counties contribute more to the state than the state spends in those counties in return, based on data from the bipartisan Commission on Forecasting and Government Accountability. In 2016, Cook County generated $12.43 billion; suburban counties, $8.5 billion; and downstate, $8.2 billion. In return, the state spent in Cook County, $12.18 billion; suburban counties, $5.1 billion; and downstate, $13.9 billion.

When adjusted in 2016, Cook County residents received 98 cents for every $1 paid in state taxes, while suburban residents received even less – 60 cents. Mean-

while, downstate residents received $1.70 for every $1 paid. In 2016, the largest ratio between taxes generated and state expenses came in southern Illinois, where residents got $2.88 for every $1 paid in taxes.

“In these polarized times when people are told things they want to hear as opposed to the truth, we need the right information,” said Mark Raney, IFB associate director of state legislation.

The budget years the professors studied included the two years during Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration when the state had no budget, which was especially hard on southern Illinois. “Because in downstate we do get a bigger part of our total revenues from the state, the two years without a state budget and the cuts entailed hurt downstate, especially southern Illinois, harder than it hit northeastern Illinois,” Jackson noted.

Consider geographic state expenses Most of the state universities and prisons are located downstate as are state parks and recreation areas, compared to Cook County and the collar counties. Even though the budget impasse reduced spending for higher education and other state expenditures, the state still spent significantly more in downstate regions than it collected in revenue from downstate residents.

Additionally, Medicaid, which often is thought of as an urban program, is the largest state expenditure of General Revenue Fund dollars.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, approximately 25.5% of down state’s population is enrolled in the Medicaid program. In comparison, less than 24% of Cook County’s and the collar counties’ populations are in Medicaid.

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It is recommended when sanitary sewer cleaning is being conducted to keep all of your toilet lids closed.

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LEGAL NOTICES ASSUMED NAME PUBLICATION NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that on August 4, 2021, a certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Stephenson County, Illinois, setting forth the names and post-office addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as Mountain Creek Woodcrafts located at 6841 N. Flansburg Rd., Lena, Illinois 61048.

Dated this 4th day of August 2021.

LISA K. BARKALOW, Deputy Clerk (Published in The Shopper’s Guide Aug. 11, 18 & 25, 2021) 401432

THE SCOOP TODAY / SHOPPER’S GUIDE

Classifieds

Page 11

Rock Valley Publishing

Call

815.369.4112 to place your ad

AD DEADLINE:

Friday at 4 pm

SERVING NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND SOUTHERN WISCONSIN employment Employment

for sale Merchandise

Real Estate rentals & real estate For Sale/Rent

Automobiles For Sale automotive

services offered Plumbing Services

transportation Automobiles 1969 FIREBIRD Rolling Chassis. Good project for muscle car. $2,800. 1940 Rat Rod Pick up, Rolling Chassis. $3,500. Call 608-214-0668.

2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Great shape, runs great. Many new parts! $3000. OBO. Call 262-745-2294.

2008 FORD FOCUS 4 dr, 4 cyl., 87,400 miles. $5,500. 262-9309109.

2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA Limited Sport. Granite Crystal, triple sunroof, heated and Air cond. seats. All power. 11K. $44,900 (262) 210-7329

Boats 2005 21’ CHAPARRAL SSI W/ trailer, 8.3 Merc MPI V6 190 HP 368 hrs. extras. Excellent cond. $19,900. 262-308-6201 ROUNDABOUT BOAT 14’ aluminum, 18hp outboard engine Evinrude. Needs some work. Call 847-445-2334. Leave message for Morris.

SMOKER -16.5” On trailer. 30HP Evinrude Never been in water. 2 tanks, foot control troller. $4,500 Text (262) 989-4112

Campers and RVs 2000 DAMON DAYBREAK 34’ gas RV, 1 lg. slide, hydraulic levelers, 2 AC, generator, 54k mi., awnings, runs great. $15k obo.

815-347-0496 2014 26 FT. SKYLINE WALKABOUT 23LC pull behind Camper. Excellent condition. Selling because of health. Everything included. $20,900. OBO. 414218-6398.

2019 KEYSTONE COUGAR 29 RES, 34’, excellent shape, comes w/all camping gear, made to pull behind 1/2 ton pick-up. $32,000 OBO 605-390-7188 2020 40’ 5TH WHEEL Coachman Chaparal, 2 bdrm., 4 slideouts, lg. gar., asking $50,000, pd. $65,000. 262-492-3962 leave message.

Sports/Classic Cars 1987 COUGAR 20th Anniversary, 118K, owned since 1989. Excellent condition. $3500. Can text or call (262) 989-4112 2005 Mustang Convertible ex. cond. $7100. 815-947-9082

Farm Machinery

AMC CARS & PARTS For sale.

Text (262) 989-4112

CUB LOWBOY 154 Underbelly mower. Extra tires, belts & parts. $3,200. 262-822-7895.

Trucks & Trailers

N. H. FEED Chopper $475 Cash.

4-1978 Cutless tires in full dress $145. Call 608-325-5803

1975 FORD F250 4X4 TRUCK 390 - 4 Speed, $1800. OBO. Call 414-897-2022

STEAM ENGINE REPLICA Full size, homemade, runs on gasoline. $2,000 262-862-7070

‘87 FORD 150 with topper. Super nice grill guard with fog lights, lights in sun visor. Built in lights-rare for parts or restore. $400 cash. 608-325-5803

Motorcycles 2006 CLASSIC KAWASAKI Black w/shield, low mi, good condition. $7,500. 224-399-9400.

2010 YAMAHA TW 200 road & trail. Excellent cond., senior ridden, under 1200 miles. $4,000.

Leave message. Call will be returned. 847-445-4639.

Parts & Accessories RICHMOND 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION, less than 3,000 miles, part #72-21003, with new Hurst shifter & yoke. $1700 OBO 262497-1898 USED 16K LB HUSKEY 5TH wheel trailer hitch. Asking $275.

815-233-2628

CH18 TRITON alum. utlty trailr 102”Wx18’L, elec. brks, Exc. cond. $7200 obo. 815-369-4638

Vans, Mini Vans 2006 MAZDA MINI VAN Roscoe, IL. 90,000 miles, one owner, selling as is. $2,500 815-543-0960

for rent

Apartments LENA 1BDR Ground floor apartment. Appliances furnished. $375/month. No Smoking 815369-2827

FIND BARGAINS IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

help wanted Health Care

Lena Living Center

Lena Living Center

is currently seeking a Marketing and Wellness Director to join our team!

HELP WANTED

If you are outgoing, passionate and care about people we would like to speak with you.

Activity Aides Dietary Cooks & Servers Housekeeping/Laundry PM Shift CNA’s

Our ideal candidate will have experience in marketing activities, and a creative mind to help us stay fresh and competitive and restart our Wellness Program as Illinois begins to reopen.

If this sounds like you, email your resume to kbronston@sakmgmt.com 400693

Call 815-369-4561

401991

The Village of Lena will be cleaning sanitary sewer mains Aug. 24 through Sept. 10. The area of the Village affected will be West Main St. south to Dodds Dr. from Leet St. and Meadow Ridge Lane east to Schuyler.

“It’s important for people to understand the facts,” Jackson said. “We make a case for opinion to be driven by fact.

We have a lot of division in the state. We make the case that leaders in this state ought to make more of a case about what is positive and healthy about Illinois rather than so often emphasizing the negative and what divides us.”

Raney agreed: “It is important for Farm Bureau and the public in general to hold elected officials accountable for what they try to say is happening. It is totally fair and right where there are differences of opinion; but on any issue, we need truthful information before an honest opinion can be made.”

This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association.

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021

Find your next home in the classifieds

Page 12

THE SCOOP TODAY

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021

In my opinion

2022 will be a rebuilding year for Illinois GOP

To borrow a popular sports metaphor, 2022 is likely a rebuilding year for an Illinois Republican Party that is on the ropes (can’t get away from sports lingo). To be honest, chances of the GOP winning statewide offices next year are slim, but not impossible. And unless overturned by the courts, the hideously tortured redraw of legislative and congressional districts — an affront to citizens in a democracy — will if anything build on the two-thirds majorities Democrats hold at the district

By

JIM NOWLAN

level.

I suggest the Illinois Republican Party focus on nominating a broadly attractive slate of state candidates, which will be hugely difficult in and of itself. Second, the party should also focus on the

one potential bright spot opportunity — electing a majority on the sevenmember Illinois Supreme Court — for the first time in six decades! After all, it is the Dem majority on the state high court that has repeatedly blocked efforts to provide voters fair districting, and has over the decades reliably blocked any court matter that would importune Cook County Democrats.

Here’s the situation: At the top of the ticket is inoffensive U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Army

helicopter pilot who lost her legs fighting for our country.

Next on the ballot is Gov. JB Pritzker, who is rich as Croesus and willing to spend the same $171 million, more if necessary, that he put into his first race for guv.

How would you like to go up against those two?!

Complicating matters is the shadow cast by Donald Trump. The Donald is wildly popular in small town and rural Illinois. This means that candidates who trumpet their Trumpism are odds-on favorites to win statewide

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So, ideally, the Illinois Republican Party should somehow identify the best of the prospects across the state, and say to them, “We will find money to back your campaigns for state office in both the primary and general.

If you lose, we will find positions for you at good law firms or companies until you have a better shot at electoral success. We have your back.”

That is, obviously, easier said than done. Instead, I worry that the party will, out of impotence, endorse an open primary, leave the field to Trump acolytes, and go down in a ball of flames in November.

Now, to the GOP opportunity: The Dems created new state Supreme Court districts, and there are races to fill judicial slots in two, possibly three, of the five new districts. Even though the Dems redrew the districts to give them a chance at holding on to their 4-3 majority, Republicans have a good shot at winning all the open seats, which would give the GOP a 4-3 majority.

I am betting the issues in the court races will be: 1) law and order, and 2) “A GOP court is the only way to prevent total, absolute Democratic control of the state, which is never healthy.”

For the present, the Illinois Republican Party ought to be looking to a post-Trump world, by building a bench now that can win, if not now, in the future.

Jim Nowlan is a former state legislator and aide to three Illinois governors.

A retired professor of American politics, he writes a newspaper column on “Understanding Illinois.”

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GOP primaries — and lose the general election in the vote-rich Chicago suburbs where women tend to disdain Trump.

When I was a kid in politics half a century ago, the GOP party organizations at the state and county level still had some influence over who would win primary nominations. That, by the way, was the historic purpose of party organizations: To influence, even control, primary nominations, by rallying the precinct workers on behalf of candidates the party leaders felt had the best chance of winning the general election.

Not today, when GOP party organizations have many chieftains, but almost no Indians to work the trenches. And no money unless a Daddy Warbucks sort, like billionaire Ken Griffin, once again matches Pritzker.

The Cook County Democratic Organization has always done a good job of building a bench of attractive up-and-comers, promising them good jobs in government should they lose, until the next elective opportunity came along.

Look at it this way. If you were an attractive young GOP contender, why would you put yourself up against the Democratic state slate, likely lose, and then watch others walk over your dead political body to run when prospects might subsequently be better?

I think of attractive GOP prospects in just my central Illinois, such as state Sens. Jason Barickman (Bloomington) and Sue Rezin (Morris) and Rep. Ryan Spain (Peoria; a former student of mine).