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Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Looking back at 2015 The year in news at a glance Compiled by Shannon Serpette
Throwing 911 a lifeline PCR photo/Dave Cook
In Illinois, 911 dispatch centers, such as the Putnam County center, manned here by Terrie Zilm, face legislation that begins Jan. 1 and will make all 911 surcharges uniform throughout the state and calls for consolidation of some 911 centers.
New legislation aimed at leveling playing field for centers By Goldie Rapp and Shannon Serpette
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
With the New Year right around the corner, 911 directors and coordinators are waiting to see how upcoming 911 legislation, set to begin Jan. 1, will affect their systems’ bottom lines. Decreasing revenue Over the past few years, 911 systems in the Illinois Valley have watched as their landline totals have dropped drastically — and with it, their revenue. BuEComm (Bureau Emergency Communications) in Bureau County for instance, has faced financial loss every year since 2008, in large part because of the sheer number of people who are abandoning landlines. In 2008, BuEComm was receiving surcharges on more than 16,000 landlines. “Each year that number has decreased by thousands. Today we have 7,778 landlines,” BuEComm Director Diana Stiles said. Bureau County isn’t alone. In neighboring Putnam County, landlines have been dropping too. When Putnam County Enhanced 911 began in 2005,
Vol. 148 No. 18 Two Sections - 28 Pages
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there was a total of 3,052 landlines. That has decreased steadily over the years. “Our landline count is approximately 1,566 lines,” Lynn Haage, 911 coordinator for Putnam County, said. New legislation The money a 911 center brings in is largely dependent on how many wireless lines they get paid for, as well as how many landlines they have and what the fee charged per landline is. New legislation hopes to level the playing field — it will create a uniform charge for all lines, whether landline or wireless. It will also ensure that what one person pays for a surcharge is the same – no matter which part of the state they live in. For example, residents served by BuEComm currently pay $1.95 a month for their landline charge and 73 cents per wireless line, while residents in neighboring Putnam County pay a monthly rate of $3.90 for a landline and 58 cents per wireless line. Beginning Jan. 1, all surcharges are to be a uniform 87 cents for both landlines and wireless lines.
911 Page 2
Digital distress: 911 enters world of video and texts By Shannon Serpette and Goldie Rapp news@putnamcountyrecord.com
Despite legislative changes, BuEComm and Putnam County 911 are forging ahead with plans of implementing Next Generation 911, which allows texting, video and other digital media usage. “Putnam County is part of a regional group known as the North Central Illinois System. Our Next Generation equipment is ordered and will be installed hopefully sometime in January 2016,” Lynn Haage, 911 coordinator for Putnam County, said. “However, the purchase and installation of the equipment is only the first phase of the Next Generation project. The next phase will entail completing a fiber
optic ring connecting all participants in the NCIS group. Due to budget constraints on many PSAPs, not everyone in the NCIS group was able to order their equipment at this time.” In Bureau County, BuEComm is still a part of the 10-county Next Generation Alliance, which is a think tank made up of representatives from Winnebago, Stephenson, Ogle, Lee, Jo Daviess, DeKalb, Carroll, Boone, Bureau and McHenry counties. Members of the alliance work together to determine ways to generate funds for Next Generation. The idea has been the more agencies the alliance can work with, the better possibility they could share equipment, resources and help work out kinks in the system.
Digital Page 3
Editor’s note: This is the first part in a series recapping what happened in the area in 2015. Jan. 7 An auction has been set for the contents of the former Hennepin steel mill. Many of the items listed are pieces of scrap or tools from the previous operations. The mill was recently purchased by IPS Steel. Jan. 14 The Granville Village Board voted 4-1 in favor of adding a third full-time police officer. Police chief Kevin Moore requested hiring a third full-time officer because the village has had high turnover for its part-time officers. Officers were leaving to take fulltime employment in other towns. The state’s Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act is behind schedule. The 22 centers were supposed to be announced in December, but so far the 159 applicants are still waiting to hear who has been selected. Jan. 21 Putnam County set aside its long-time basketball rivalry with Henry to make a generous donation to Henry coach Steve Self, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2014. The $500 donation was presented to Team Self at a game. Jan. 28 Brian Gonet, a part-time Granville police officer, was bumped up to fulltime status, beginning March 1. Granville police chief Kevin Moore asked the board earlier in January to consider hiring another full-time officer to reduce the level of turnover the village has been seeing with its part-time officers. The Hennepin Village Board expanded its fireworks budget by 10 percent. The 2015 fireworks budget was $15,400, compared to a 2014 budget of $14,000. In addition, the
2015 Page 3
2 • The Putnam County Record • Wednesday, December 30, 2015
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Granville woman dies in crash
At 9:42 a.m. on Dec. 22, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 89 near North 850th Avenue in Granville Township. A vehicle driven by Ann M. Ziegert, 60, of Granville was southbound on Route 89 and struck another southbound vehicle from behind. The other vehicle was driven by Ronald L. Brokaw, 60, of Walnut. Brokaw’s vehicle was slowed in traffic because another vehicle was attempting to turn west on North 850th Avenue. Ziegert was pronounced dead at the scene. Bro-
PCR photo/Dave Cook
Emergency personnel responded to a fatal rear-end accident on Route 89, south of Route 71, on Tuesday, Dec. 22. kaw was transported by PCEMS to St. Margaret’s Hospital where he was
911 From Page 1
Haage is cautiously optimistic the new legislation won’t negatively impact the Putnam County 911 system’s finances. “If the fee structure is figured how it was explained to me, Putnam County will not see an adverse result to the new fee structure. Again, it is difficult to come up with any concrete figures until we know exactly how the state implements the new fee structure,” she said. That’s not the only change 911 systems will see in 2016. Haage said all 911 centers in Illinois will now be governed by the Illinois State Police. “Besides seeing how the new fee structure shakes out, it will be interesting to see how the shift of administration at the state level will affect each PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point),” Haage said. “Currently the ICC (Illinois Commerce Commission) oversees the administration of the 911 centers and beginning Jan. 1, 2016, that administration will be transferred to the Illinois State Police.” In Bureau County, BuEComm currently receives just under $400,000 a year in surcharge money. While it’s still unknown just how much that number will
treated and released. The PCSD was assisted by IDOT, the Standard Fire
change with the new legislation on Jan. 1, Stiles said she was told that BuEComm should receive close to what it’s getting today —around $389,000. On a positive note, there will be a reduction in 911 network costs, which the state will pick-up. Stiles said it should make up the difference. Stiles said she believes the new legislation will have a positive impact on Bureau County in that it will establish a more fair and equitable distribution of 911 surcharges. “Some jurisdictions have a lot of money in reserves because of the way their agency budgets are implemented, or they run at a huge loss because they don’t collect enough on surcharge because of population. The state’s goal is to distribute funds so that everyone has an adequate amount of money to run their centers,” Stiles said. “The other positive with the legislation is to eliminate redundant 911 centers. It doesn’t make good business to have multiple 911 centers paying large costs to fund those centers within a few miles of each other when they could effectively be ran out of one center.” Consolidation efforts Another part of the new 911 legislation is calling for consolidation of 911 centers around the state by July 1, 2017. BuEComm has looked
Department, the Granville Police Department, the Illinois State Police
into a few consolidation options. Bureau County did join in on the Illinois Valley Regional 911 Planning Committee, however, planning hit a wall when the grant to build the facility did not come through due to budget issues at the state level. Bureau County has also looked at contracting services with another agency in a neighboring county who would be willing to take on the 911 services. Consolidating with another county, however, introduces new financial concerns for BuEComm, according to Stiles. If Bureau County was to consolidate with another county, its current ETSB Board would have to cease to exist and consolidate with the county it merges with; meaning all monies and fees from Bureau County would then be sent away to that county. Stiles said it’s a big risk for Bureau County to give over roughly $400,000 a year with no guarantee on how it would be spent for services in the area. “My fears are giving all of our funding revenue to another county or agency and those funds not being used in Bureau County in the most optimum manner or Bureau County not having a fair representation for those fund uses,” Stiles said. “An intergovern-
mental agreement would give us some protection and would help to regulate the use of our funds, but I still believe the best use of our funds and the best option for Bureau County residents is to stay here focusing 100 percent of our revenue in Bureau County.” Stiles said BuEComm has extended the offer to any agency that would like to consider coming to Bureau County for 911 services, because they either cannot afford to continue within their own county or are not happy with their consolidation choices in their own county. “We would be open to working with them for us to do their dispatching, either as a contracting of services or possibly as a consolidation of services. Of course, we would make sure that we are not compromising our 911 services within Bureau County if we do this,” she said. In October, Stiles addressed the Bureau County Board about the new legislation and its impact on BuEComm. She requested Bureau County Board Chairman Dale Anderson appoint members to a committee that is now working with the Bureau County ETSB to find a solution to keep 911 services afloat in Bureau County in the midst of new legislation demands.
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reconstructionists and the Putnam County death investigator’s office.
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Wednesday, December 30, 2015 • The Putnam County Record • 3
Keep your family safe this winter SPRINGFIELD — With cold temperatures during the winter, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal encourages residents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by ensuring their homes have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas byproduct of burning fossil fuels. At elevated levels, carbon
monoxide (CO) causes sickness and, if not detected, death. Simply having working carbon monoxide detectors in your home and regularly testing them can prevent awful consequences. Fossil fuels like natural gas are used to heat the vast majority of American homes, and faulty heating equipment accounts for nearly one third of accidental carbon monoxide
2015 From Page 1
board hired Paul Miskowiec as a fireworks consultant. Feb. 4 The unemployment rate for December 2014 in Putnam County was 7.1 percent, above the nationwide level of 5.4 percent. In comparison, LaSalle County’s level was 7.8 percent and Bureau County’s was 7.4 percent. Feb. 11 Granville Village Board discussed hiring a third full-time employee for the public works department. One member of the board was not at the Feb. 3 meeting, and for that reason, the board did not commit to hiring anyone yet. Instead, the board voted to only advertise for applicants at this point. Feb. 18 Hennepin native Theresa Irizarry Johnson was nominated for Military Spouse of the Year for beginning the Fisher House Hero and Remembrance Run, Walk or Roll, which honors fallen servicemen
deaths. These can include your home heating system, improperly vented gas appliances, kerosene or propane space heaters, charcoal grills and Sterno-type fuels. “Most carbon monoxide fatalities happen in the winter months when residents understandably dial up their thermostats,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “Make sure your home has working
and women. Putnam County did not land the medical marijuana cultivation facility — the contract for Illinois State Police District 17 went to a site in Oglesby. Twenty-one cultivation center permits were to be awarded in Illinois — one for each state police district, except District 15, which patrols the state’s tollways. Feb. 25 Hennepin village president Kevin Coleman addressed the 20 percent increase in water and sewage bills at the Feb. 18 village board meeting. The increase is because the water district is running in the red by about 40 percent each year. Putnam County High School senior Austin Biagini signed a letter of intent to play baseball for the Rock Valley Eagles in Rockford. March 4 Out of 12 Putnam County Thundercats wrestlers to compete in the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation regional, 10 advanced to sectionals in Rock Island. March 11 Michael Glenn, a Putnam County
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carbon monoxide alarms, so if something goes wrong with your heating system, you know when to get outside.” Perez also reminds residents to never use a gas generator, grill, oven or range to heat the inside of their home or garage. Illinois reported 11,481 carbon monoxide related incidents to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) in 2013.
Future Farmers of America member from Magnolia, was named Star Farmer for Section 5. Dina Lunken, a dentist, was appointed by the Putnam County Board to the Bureau-Putnam County Board of Health. Lunken is filling a vacancy created by the resignation of dentist Robert Dawe. March 18 A lawsuit involving Putnam County, Marquis Energy and Illinois Valley Community College entered into its 48th month. The suit stemmed from a tax abatement dispute IVCC had with Putnam County and Marquis Energy. Mark Marquis of Marquis Energy said IVCC had spent more than $680,000 in legal fees on the suit. At stake is $1.4 million in tax revenue throughout the course of 10 years. March 25 The IVCC Board instructed school lawyers to drop the lawsuit against Putnam County and Marquis Energy on March 18. Putnam County spent a reported $250,000 to defend itself against the lawsuit.
Bernabei: ‘We’re optimistic’ By Dave Cook and Shannon Serpette news@bcrnews.com
Though the rules have yet to be finalized concerning new legislation for 911 surcharges and plans are still being developed for a regional 911 center, change is coming. Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei, who is also chairman of the Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch Center Planning Board, isn’t sure what the new legislation will do to the plan several cities were exploring for a regional center with a tentative location in LaSalle County. “We don’t know yet because the rules haven’t been finalized, and we don’t yet know what the exact terms are going to be; but we’re optimistic the plans will work out. The legislation only covers the broad parameters and gives power to a 911 advi-
Digital From Page 1
“The state will mandate Next Generation in the future and the most cost effective way of being able to offer it is as a part of a combined alliance,” Diana Stiles, BuEComm
sory board to implement terms,” said Bernabei. Because of the rapid development of technology and the tightening of budgets which all communities are working to get through, regionalization may be unavoidable for some 911 systems. “Other than the fact of the budget fight in Springfield, I’d like to believe it’s a good thing. In the grand scheme of things, regionalization has to happen because of changing technology, and someone has to take the lead. We don’t have a choice. I wish we did, but we don’t,” said Bernabei. Other 911 systems, like Putnam County, say they won’t be required to consolidate under new legislation. “Legislation regarding consolidation of PSAPs does not affect Putnam County due to our population and the fact that we currently have one PSAP with one ETSB Board serving the entire county,” Lynn Haage, 911 coordinator for Putnam County, said. director said. “No matter what direction we take in Bureau County for 911 services, I believe we need to continue to work with those counties and this alliance to make sure we can offer the most advanced 911 services in the most cost-effective manner.”
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4 • The Putnam County Record • Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Madigan joins coalition in defense of EPA Clean Power Plan Coalition cites critical need for rules to protect the public, environment and grow our communities CHICAGO – Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced recently Illinois is joining a coalition of 25 states and cities filing a motion to intervene to defend the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan against legal challenges. The motion to intervene in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit responds to suits that several states and industry groups have filed challenging the rule. The Clean Power Plan rule requires fossil-fueled power plants, the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation, to cut their emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. “The Clean Power Plan is an important next step toward cleaner, healthier and more affordable energy,” said Madigan. “This plan ensures that states like Illinois can develop our own strategies to reduce carbon pollution while improving our economy.” The EPA adopted the Clean Power Plan through an extensive stakeholder process that drew heavily on the experience of states and utilities in reducing power plant greenhouse gas emissions. The finalization of the Clean Power Plan marks the culmination of a decade-long effort by states and cities to require mandatory cuts in the emissions of carbon pollution from fossil fuel burning power plants under the Clean Air Act. The Clean Power Plan, along with the companion rule on new, modified and reconstructed power plants, will control these emissions by setting limits on the amount of carbon pollution from power plants. The rule for existing plants is expected to eliminate as much carbon pollution as is emitted by more than 160 million cars a year – or 70 percent of the nation’s passenger cars. The states of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, the District of Columbia, the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boulder, South Miami, and Broward County (Fla.) have all joined the coalition
5 ways to be charitable on a budget By Nathaniel Sillin Special to the PCR
If you’ve ever wondered if you can be charitable with only a few extra dollars in your wallet or a little bit of free time, the answer is yes. You just have to get a little creative. In the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s latest analysis of charitable giving, it appears people who earned less were giving more. Based on state-by-state tax data, the nonprofit industry trade publication reported between 2006 to 2012, Americans earning more than $200,000 gave a smaller percentage of their income to charity while those earning less than $100,000 actually gave more during the same period. Wherever you stand on the income scale, stretching charitable dollars or time should begin with a little planning. Here are five steps to consider. • Check your finances first. Helping others is a worthwhile lifetime habit. However, before you start writing checks or handing out cash to various individuals or groups, check your budget to determine whether you actually have extra money to spare for charitable donations in any form. If you itemize, check the IRS rules (www.irs. gov) on charitable giving or consult with a qualified tax professional to see if there are charitable giving options that fit your circumstances. • Screen charities you’re considering. It’s never been easier to evaluate a potential charity or nonprofit organization. Leading online databases like CharityNavigator.org, CharityWatch.
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org and Guidestar.org provide extensive data on thousands of national, state and local charities and nonprofit organizations. The Better Business Bureau also operates Give.org, a national charity database that accredits and notes complaints. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Charity Scams website offers breaking news on illegal fundraising activities and best practices for evaluating charities and nonprofits year-round. What else can you do? Play reporter. Even if an organization checks out through these reputable sources, do an online search of news media just to make sure no unsavory developments have occurred that discourage your donation. • Research what’s needed. If the charity in question accepts physical items or volunteer work, see if you’re interested in providing help that way. Check with the charity either online or by phone to determine what they will and will not accept – donating the wrong items simply wastes staff and volunteer time. If you would like to volunteer, ask about opportunities and make sure that volunteer assignment fits you before you commit. Remember, charities really count on their volunteers, and your enthusiasm for an assignment can help them keep their turnover to a minimum. Some organizations may also have travel-based service missions that can provide charitable travel opportunities that allow you to help while seeing the world. • Ask if your employer will match your donation. Even if your cash
donation is modest, some employers can make your contribution go farther if they have a matching gifts program. Check with your human resources department or benefits manager. Also, many nonprofits, universities and charitable organizations keep their own online databases of employer matching gift programs. • Go micro. If you can only find a few dollars to give, don’t let that discourage you. Organize like-minded friends and family members to pool funds, attend events or volunteer time for a cause, or consider a particular nonprofit’s organized crowdfunding (https://www.councilofnonprofits. org/tools-resources/crowdfunding-nonprofits) efforts that will allow you to make an impact with only a few dollars. Still short on cash and want to help? Pick up the phone or email the charity and ask if they accept small items or in-kind services. Some ideas might include gift cards (including ones with unused balances), office supplies, stamps, catering for events or board meetings or help with writing, fundraising or technology. Bottom line: Making a difference in the world doesn’t always require big bucks, but big know-how helps. Check your finances first; research charities you’re interested in; and investigate how small donations of time, money and physical items can make an impact. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.
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10/07/50 – 12/31/09 God looked around His garden And found an empty space. Then He looked down here on Earth And saw your loving face. He put His arms around you, And lifted you to rest. His garden must be beautiful Because He only picks the best. In our hearts you hold a special place A million times we’ll miss you, No one could ever fill. A million times we’ll cry. It broke our hearts to lose you If love could have saved you, But you did not go alone. You never would have died. For part of us went with you In life we loved you dearly The day God took you home. In death we love you still.
Missing You, Wayne, Jeff, Melanie, Mike, Stephanie, Hanna, Olivia, Morgan, Brayden, and Ryan
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 • The Putnam County Record • 5
Obituaries
ISP announces Roadside Safety Check results LASALLE — The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the results of a Roadside Safety Check (RSC) held during the late evening hours of Saturday, Dec. 19, and the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 20. The detail was conducted on Route 251 at North 25th Road, south of Peru, by ISP District 17 troopers. There were two written warnings given for registration offenses; one warning given for a driver’s license offense and two citations issued for occupant restraint offenses. There were zero arrests made for DUI offenses or other drug/alcohol offenses. There were a total of four citations issued and 20 written warnings given during the detail. Alcohol is involved in nearly 40 percent of fatal crashes in Illinois. RSCs are designed to remove alcohol-impaired drivers from the road. However, when other violations are observed such as driving with a suspended or revoked license, operating a vehicle without a valid registration or insurance or safety belt violations, enforcement action may be taken. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Transportation Safety.
ISP releases results of Nighttime Enforcement Patrols LASALLE — The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the results of Nighttime Enforcement Patrols (NITE) held during the late evening hours of Friday, Dec. 18, and the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 19. The patrols were conducted in LaSalle County by ISP District 17 officers. There was one citation issued and two written warnings given for registration offenses; one citation issued for a driver’s license offense and one citation issued for an occupant restraint offense. There were zero citations/arrests made for DUI offenses or other alcohol/ drug offenses. Troopers issued a total of 15 citations and gave out 35 warnings during the detail. Alcohol is involved in nearly 40 percent of fatal crashes in Illinois. NITE patrols are designed to keep roads safe by removing alcohol-impaired drivers. However, when other violations are observed such as driving with a suspended or revoked license, operating a vehicle without a valid registration or insurance or safety belt violations, enforcement action may be taken. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety.
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Rev. Ann Ziegert
Leslie Grant
GRANVILLE — Rev. Ann M. Ziegert, 60, of Granville died on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, in an auto accident. Ann was born July 30, 1955, in West Bend, Wis., to Jim and Betty (Wilcox) Ziegert. She graduated from West Bend East High School and attended St. Paul Lutheran University, where she received her Master of Divinity. She was employed by the First Lutheran Church in Granville and Emmaus Lutheran Church in McNabb. She belonged to WELCA, a women’s Rev. Ann Lutheran organization. Ann loved history Ziegert and enjoyed reading. Ann enjoyed serving her parishioners and the community. Ann is survived by one brother, Jim Ziegert of Oklahoma; two sisters, Ellen Ziegert of Granville and Mary Spaeth of Wisconsin; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and two great-greatnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one niece, Janel Spaeth. A celebration of her life was at noon Saturday, Dec. 26, at the Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel in Granville with the Rev. Tim Kenyon officiating. Cremation rites were accorded following the service and burial will be in Wisconsin at a later date. Visitation was from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 26, at the funeral home. Contributions may be directed to Back Pack Buddies Program for Putnam County or Putnam County After School Program. Online condolences may be made to her family at www.dcfunerals.com.
HENNEPIN — Leslie S. Grant, 64, of Hennepin died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Les was born June 23, 1951, in Decatur to James A. and Betty Jane (Baldwin) Grant. He married Carlene Meuser on Feb. 8, 1971, at Sacred Heart in Granville. Les graduated from Putnam County High School in 1969. He attended Illinois Valley Community College and received his associate’s degree in 1976. He served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1974. He was the owner Leslie Grant and operator of a printing company in Spring Bay, Ill. Les was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hennepin, Lions Club and had been a member of the Hennepin Fire Department. He was also a Putnam County School Board member. He was actively involved in the T.E.C. and Cursillo communities for more than 30 years and was awarded “Spirit of TEC” along with his wife in 2014. He directed the first two Putnam County Education Foundation musicals. He is survived by his wife, Carlene of Hennepin; two sons, Tim (Liza) Grant of Highland Park and Phil Grant of Peru; one daughter, Lesly Grant of Highland Park; four brothers, William Grant of Denver, Colo., Jack Grant of LaSalle, Rick Grant of Bloomington and Mark Grant of Athens; and three grandchildren, Alexa, John and Tommy Grant. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Timothy. Prayers were at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at the Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel in Granville followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granville. Monsignor James E. Kruse and Father Patrick DeMeulemeester officiated. Cremation rites were accorded following the service. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, at the funeral home. At 4 p.m., Chaplet of Divine Mercy was recited. Contributions may be directed to Masses, Peterstown T.E.C., Illinois Valley Cursillo or St. Jude. Pallbearers were Harold E. Fay, Amy Fay, Carlton Fay, Kevin Fay, Harold N. Fay, Dave Pyszka, Tim Pyszka and Justin Judd. Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com.
Sauk Valley Bridal Fair Does your business sell products and services for weddings, receptions, catering, flowers and more? If so, the Sauk Valley Bridal Fair is a perfect venue to showcase your products or service. Sauk Valley Media is accepting vendor booths for the 2016 Sauk Valley Bridal Fair on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sauk Valley Community College, located on Route 2 between Sterling and Dixon. Bridal Fair 2016 is considered the area’s largest bridal fair and is an event designed for brides to help plan their perfect wedding, all in one stop. The bridal fair will feature exhibits from cakes to tuxedos and everything in between. All brides who register could win fabulous prizes including $75, $150 and $300 certificates to use at the vendor of their choice plus more than 30 other door prizes from participating vendors. For information about becoming a vendor, call Jennifer Heintzelman at 815-625-3600, ext. 5630, or email marketing@saukvalley.com.
Send us your press/news releases The Putnam County Record is happy to help promote your upcoming event. Send your press/news releases to the Putnam County Record at news@putnamcountyrecord.com. We will also publish photographs to go along with your release. Photos should be in focus and people in the photo should be identified. Please include a telephone number with your release, where we can call if we have any questions.
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6 • The Putnam County Record • Wednesday, December 30, 2015
The Editorial Page
Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
What I wish for 2016 As always, my list of New Year’s resolutions is long. Just like every year, the same old things keep showing up on my list of items I want to change ... I could probably write a book on all the resolutions that I’d like to accomplish, but it would have to be fiction, since few of them actually ever materialize. Get organized, read more, lose weight, exercise more, write more letters, keep in closer contact with faraway friends, practice patience, be more optimistic ... it’s an endless list I keep close to my heart, and every year about this time, they tend to resurface — hoping there’s a breath of a chance that I’ll let them breathe in my world and give them a chance to survive. Terri It’s usually about Simon the middle of January when I realize COMMENTARY I’ve stuffed those goals into the back of my mind — hoping I’ll allow them to resurface before the year comes to an end ... or at the very least, at the start of the next new year, which gives me about 11 and a half months to get it all together again. Funny how that happens. Our best intentions to change or mend our ways is difficult, and I’m not sure why. I wake up every morning with thoughts of many of those resolutions, but somehow I let life get in the way of all the things I need to do for myself, rather than someone else. While I guess that’s not a bad thing to think of others, I know deep down I have to take care of myself first before I can help take care of others. And so another year begins, and I’m left thinking about what I want to change most in 2016. Like I said, there’s a plethora of things I need to work on, but instead, my heart tends to lead me into a scattered mess of oblivion, where I have trouble sorting out which resolution should take priority over the next. Obviously, the aforementioned list is too long to tackle in one year, so I’m left with the futile attempt to choose one or two things from the list to really work on and master. Hmmmm ... which one or two things do I really think I can tackle this year? I’d be kidding myself — and you too — if I decided on one or two of those resolutions. People much smarter than me have taken polls; studied those who make, keep and/or kick resolutions to the curb; and attempt to change their ways at the beginning of a new year. Why those resolutions are so difficult to keep, I’m not sure, but perhaps instead of looking at what we need to personally change, we should concentrate on a bigger picture — a broader more inclusive picture that encompasses more than just ourselves. With 2016 just a few days away, I’m thinking about our world as a whole — not just my comparatively tiny corner of life, but our towns and villages, our county, our country, our nation and our world. What if instead of attempting to change those things about ourselves, we had the insight ... and the foresight to think about each other — not from a political or personal point of view, but from a heartfelt perspective that speaks of kindness ... and bottom line, just being nice. I know what you’re thinking. There she goes again. That Terri Simon is such a dreamer ... like kindness and being nice are going to make a difference in this mess of a world we call home. And you’re probably right ... but that’s not going to keep me from wishing and hoping for a place in time where we treat each other with kindness, respect. It’s not going to keep me from remembering there are two sides to everyone’s story, and it’s clearly not going to keep me from dreaming of a place where we offer the basic element of being nice to those we meet along our way. Shedding pounds, getting more exercise, writing more letters ... those are wonderful things, but personally, I think it’s time we set our goals a bit loftier and work on the ways we treat each other. Be kind. Be nice. Be understanding ... Now those are resolutions I can keep. May 2016 be a happy and healthy one for each and every one of you, my friends. Putnam County Record Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@putnamcountyrecord.com.
A lesson on the court ... and in life I saw a friend’s Facebook post the other night about her child and his first basketball season at a school in Bureau County. I had just posted a few sentences about how proud I was to see my own son score his first basket in his fifth-grade basketball game, so I was immediately interested when I caught the word basketball in her post, thinking it would be similar to mine. Ready to celebrate her son’s milestone, I read on. When I was finished, I was appalled. She wasn’t posting to applaud her son’s efforts, although she certainly is a proud mom. She was venting about how harshly her son had been judged by other parents in attendance at the game. To make matters worse, the people were parents of her son’s teammates. Instead of noticing positives about the boys and the learning process that goes along with the first year in any organized sport, they were making critical remarks about my friend’s son and his supposed lack of skills on the court. My heart broke for her ... and for him. As he was out there giving it his best effort, excited to be part of a team and learning something new, he was oblivious to the fact he was being judged and dismissed
Shannon Serpette COMMENTARY by a set of people sitting in the bleachers. A set of people who should know better than that. A set of people who are hopefully teaching their own children to be kinder than they are themselves. Noticing who the star players are is second nature as you watch a game. They stand out, and there’s nothing wrong with praising someone who is doing a great job. But to point out another child’s flaws, knowing the parent is likely sitting just feet away from you and can probably hear you? That’s pretty low. You can praise your own child for their skills without feeling the need to belittle someone else’s child. Maybe my friend’s son will decide at some point that basketball isn’t for him. But you know what? Maybe this season will light a fire in him, and he’ll decide to give basketball everything he has. Maybe he’ll be great someday. Maybe he hasn’t had the opportunity to play as
much basketball as the so-called “better” kids have had. But maybe with a little practice, he’ll end up better than them. Maybe they’ll plateau, and he’ll grow. Or maybe he will just keep doing what he is doing now, what too many children aren’t allowed to do these days — play for the fun of it. There’s certainly no shame in that. The point is, they are only in fifth grade. Anything can happen. Don’t pigeonhole a 10 year old. They should be able to learn and have fun without parents saddling them with their own weird hang-ups about winning and competition. At that age, everyone’s game needs improvement, whether your child is the star player or not. Maybe your child needs some extra practice on defense; maybe he needs extra work on his shot; or maybe your son is a great player, but he is a ball hog and he needs to learn the concept of being a team player. Playing ball at that age is a learning experience. And apparently children aren’t the only ones who could use some lessons. Putnam County Record Copy Editor Shannon Serpette can be reached at sserpette@bcrnews.com.
My Socks stink Ironically, I’m not known as a pleasant person when I’m sitting around trying to think up all this funny stuff. My wife just informed me so much when she said, “Oh boy! You’re a barrel of fun right now!” I hate it when she’s more sarcastic than l am. Whenever it’s time to knuckle down and figure out what to type on this iPad, or even when I’m trying to come up with something for one of my comic strips, it’s always been best if I’m just left alone. Hence, for me, the creative world can be a lonely existence. In the houses that my family has lived in, we’ve always designated some barren, isolated corner of the basement where I can set up my drawing table and do my thing in peace and solitude. Unfortunately, that place is usually in close enough proximity to the washer and dryer that my wife could yell down and tell me to put in a load of whites. I bet Superman never gets requests like that at his Fortress of Solitude. So when we recently moved out to the family farm, I was excited that there would be a place to put together my own rudimentary art studio. A place where I can draw or paint or write or whatever without much possibility of human contact. A place of peace and quiet. A place where I can be flatulent without even having to say, “Excuse me.” This place was formerly known as my dad’s workshop. It’s a 10-by-16foot wooden shed that is located about 20 feet or so from the back door of my house. Dad has built all sorts of cool stuff in that workshop over the years. The farm is covered with bluebird and other birdhouses that he has made from that location. He has made numerous wood carvings in that shop also. The thing that he really got into was building doll houses. I would
Greg Wallace COMMENTARY hate to put a number on how many that he has made over the years, but it has been a lot. He made them, and Mom would decorate them. I’m happy to say that my daughter has the last one they put together, and we also recently got a hold of one of the first doll houses they ever made. Made right there in that little workshop. I’ve always wanted my own Bat Cave, just like the one Bruce Wayne has deep in the bowels of stately Wayne Manor. With Dad’s workshop, I’m getting closer to realizing that dream. A place where I can go out of the house and be creative, make stuff and if need be, catch bad guys. Dad and I have different skill sets. He can put pieces of wood together and make these beautiful doll houses, I’m more into putting pencil or pen to paper or canvas. So converting his workshop has been a work in progress. I’ve moved out a band saw and put in a light table. The old refrigerator has gone from holding wood stain to holding blank sheets of paper and finished comic strips. Where he used to cut out tiny mahogany roofing shingles, I now write this drivel. Recently, as I was working in my inner sanctum, converting it from wood shop to art shack, I had left the door open to let some fresh air in and some old sawdust out. As l struggled to move some stuff around, I heard a small “meow” behind me. Enter into the picture a feline named Socks. When we moved out to the farm, l
not only got this shed, but my family inherited some cats. The technical terminology for these animals is “farm cats.” Sometimes I refer to them as “#@$&ing cats.” Among this group of cats, is a gray and white, long-haired kitten that my daughter has named Socks. This kitten has quite the personality. It’s always under your feet trying to get your attention. Whenever you pick her up to pet her, she loudly purrs her approval. As much as I like my solitude from other people when I’m working, I’ve always thought it be nice to have an animal mascot hanging around the “studio” to keep me company without having to actually talk to anyone. As I looked down at that little gray ball of fur, I couldn’t help but think that I had found my mascot. Socks would be perfect. I could already picture her laying around and purring while I worked on cartoons and newspaper columns all day long. It would be the perfect relationship. She could be the Robin to my Batman. Gazing down at her cute little face, she batted her eyes and seemed to sense the decision that I had come to. We both smiled. She then arched her back, gave a little shudder and walked out of the open doorway leaving behind a steaming, stinky pile of what kittens do best. #@$&ing cat. Socks and I are no longer on speaking terms. She has been banished from my domicile. So I’m back to being on my own. I have come to the conclusion that I don’t need a mascot. Especially one that poops. But I’ll be fine. Because, after all ... I’m Batman. You can contact Wallace at gregwallaceink7@gmail.com. You can follow him on his blog at http:// gregwallaceink.blogspot.com.
First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Constitution of the United States, 1789
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 • The Putnam County Record • 7
Sports Lady Panthers edge Somonauk SOMONAUK — The Putnam County Lady Panthers beat Somonauk 48-47 on Monday, Dec. 21. Presley Hatton had 19 points to go with five rebounds during the game while Paige Veronda chipped in with 12 points, four steals and six rebounds. Margaret Voss added nine points and eight assists. The game was close throughout as Somonauk held a 12-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. The score was tied at 27 at halftime with Putnam County taking a one-point lead at the end of the third quarter, 40-39. The Lady Panthers held onto that narrow lead in the final quarter to post the one-point win. Tori Smoode added five points. Brea Schorn scored two and Ashlyn Haage had one point during the game. Up 48-46 with 7 seconds left, PC missed the front end of the 1-1. Somonauk came down the floor and PC fouled them as time expired. Somonauk made the first one and missed the second free throw. “We just did a lot of small, extra things last night,” said coach Jared Sale. “Lindsey (DiazDeLeon) and Ashlyn were on the floor time after time fighting for loose balls and down the stretch that made a huge difference for us. Presley really stepped up and shot the ball well and knocked down shots when we needed them the most. I’m extremely happy with our collective effort and it’s nice to finally get a close one to go our way.”
What’s happening Hall hitting clinic SPRING VALLEY — The Hall Red Devils will hold a hitting clinic for both baseball and softball players with former pro player and internationally-known hitting instructor, Mark Doran. The baseball portion of the clinic will be Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, and the softball portion will be Sunday, Jan. 24. For more information, check the Hall High School athletic website and click on the clinic tab.
Princeton Shootout
PRINCETON — The Princeton High School Athletic Boosters will be hosting the 23rd annual Princeton Boys Shootout Feb. 27-28 at Princeton High School and Logan Junior High School. Thirty-two teams from Bureau County, Quad Cities, Rockford, western suburbs and the Peoria areas will be represented. Teams will compete in the Grade 7-8 brackets Feb. 27 and in the Grade 5-6 brackets Feb. 28. Tournament games will be scheduled between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout both days. In addition, a 3-point shot and Hot Shot competition will also be held. The public is encouraged to attend the tournament with one gate fee for all locations each day. Tournament T-shirts can be purchased at all admission gates. Entry deadline is Feb. 1. For more information, call or text 815876-7021.
SBA Cuties Camp
PERU — The St. Bede Academy cheerleaders will hold a Cuties Cheerleading Camp with practices from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, and Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, and a performance during halftime of the Bruins varsity basketball game Friday, Jan. 15, 2016. Cost is $30 per cheerleader. Checks payable to St. Bede Academy cheerleading may be sent to St. Bede Academy, C/O St. Bede Cheer, 24 W US Highway 6, Peru, IL 61354. For more information, contact Lauren Passini at 815-4812728 or Lauren_Passini@outlook.com.
Rifle Club
Photo courtesy/Erebos Photo Studios
PC-Hall wrestling co-op The next meet for the Putnam County-Hall wrestling co-op will be at home against Morrison and Riverdale at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 6. Squad members are (front row, from left) Austin Larson, Denver Wyatt, William Zaragoza, Ben Just, Kyle Leitner, Issac Leal, Eduardo Gavina; (second row) Patrick Cousar, Nick Bouxsein, Joe Berg, Luke McCook, Evan Kiphart, Elian Rivera, Jimmy Hewitt; (back row) Kurt Nabers, assistant coach Joe Rue, Juan Aranda, Eric Cissell, Riley King, Nick Jefferies, Marcquis Briddick, Ben Aranda, head coach Jerry Kriewald, and assistant coach Chris Quigley.
Today’s ticket Jan. 2 Boys wrestling: At Kewanee with AFC and Farmington, 10 a.m. Jan. 5 Boys basketball: At Stark County, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 Boys wrestling: Morrison and Riverdale, home, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 7 Girls basketball: At Marquette, 7:30 p.m.
Early tilling creates problems for duck season The Northern Zone duck hunting recently came to a close. This year we made it through the whole 60-day season with hardly a freeze over. In years past, the thermometer took a dip as early as Thanksgiving and even though the 60-day season sounds good on paper, we probably didn’t get more than 30 due to ice. The mild weather did however cause other problems. This year, the farmers got into the fields after harvest and were successful in getting their tilling done early. This caused some ducks who would normally stay here longer to fly on south. My friends and I spent some plus and minus days in the blinds. We don’t know how long we have to wait, but you have to put the time
in to harvest the ducks. The Central Zone continues until Dec 22. Snow geese continues through Jan.14. Dec. 6 saw the seven-day deer shotgun season come to an end. Weather, fall farming, and some enthusiastic hunters saw the totals surpass 2014 by a sizable margin. Last year in Bureau County, we harvested 1,029 whitetails. This year, almost 100 more at 1,027. The state figures rose from 76,575 in 2014 to 86,771 in 2015. We still have muzzle-loading season left to add to the total. Mark your calendars for Jan. 22, because you won’t want to miss the annual National Wild Turkey Federation’s annual banquet. The local chapter, the Bureau Creek
Lee Wahlgren COMMENTARY Gobblers, will again put on a fancy spread along with great raffle and auction items. More details in my next column. Looking ahead quite a bit, I did receive the dates for the Illinois River Classic which is the big walleye tournament we all look forward to each spring. The dates are April 2-3. Lee Wahlgren is the PCR Outdoor Columnist. Contact him at pdub52@ gmail.com.
CHILLICOTHE — The Marshall-Putnam 4-H Shooting Sports is now accepting enrollment for .22 rifle club. The deadline to sign up for .22 rifle is Jan. 6, 2016. The club, which is open to all youth ages 10-18, will meet at the indoor range at the Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club on Route 29. The cost is $15 with your own .22 rifle, or $20 if you use a provided .22 rifle. The club will meet Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 14, 2016. Enrollment forms and a complete calendar can be found at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/blmp/4hss/3163.html or at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Henry. Contact the University of Illinois Extension office, 509 Front St., Suite 4, Henry, or Anne at 309-364-2356 or by email at amscheel@illinois. edu for more information. All paperwork and payment must be completed prior to the first club date.
Fat 50 run
MCNABB — The 21st annual Fat (Rear) 50 will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan 9, 2016, at Putnam County Junior High School in McNabb and finish there. It is a 50K run and runners are welcome to run as much or as little as you want. There are no fees. For more information, contact Bob Rehn at 815-882-2120 or email to rehnfarms@ nabbnet.com.
Photo contributed
Pete Kasperski, a retired Hall High Photo contributed School teacher/coach, was named Winners of the 2015 Spring Valley Walleye Club’s Members Only Tournament as the Spring Valley Walleye Club’s were Gary Merkel and John Smith. Volunteer of the Year.
8 • The Putnam County Record • Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Community
River Valley Players auditions announced
Draper receives degree EDWARDSVILLE — Alexander Draper of Granville received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
Invitation to a public forum on Jan. 12 GRANVILLE — Putnam County Community Unit School District 535 will have a public forum conducted by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Division of Special Education Services, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, in the Putnam County High School auditorium in Granville.
The district has been selected for a focused monitoring review regarding educational placement decisions for students with disabilities. The ISBE team leader will explain the focused monitoring process about placement decisions and provide the audience an opportunity to share their comments.
Hopkins Alumni Corporation will meet GRANVILLE — The Hopkins Alumni Corporation will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at the home of Linda Bean, 202 E. Front St., Granville. The meeting will be conducted by president Bob
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Peterson. The business will include additional plans for the alumni reunion on Aug. 6, 2016, at the Spring Valley Boat Club on Route 89 north of Granville. All members and friends of the alumni are encouraged to attend.
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HENRY — River Valley Players auditions for the musical comedy “Somethings Afoot” will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at St John’s Community Center, 1301 Second St. in Henry. In this spoof of classic Agatha Christie detective stories, 10 unfortunate souls are invited for “a marvelous weekend in the country air” at a secluded English estate, but find quite a different scenario when they’re stranded during a thunderstorm. When someone is found murdered, it’s a frantic race against the clock for the guests to escape the strange happening within the mansion. As tensions rise, each guest becomes a suspect. Who will eventually be identified as the devious culprit to the mayhem that lurks in every room? Set in 1935 with a rousing vaudeville-style score, this suspenseful satire is a smashing good time – and far funnier than foul play should be. Audiences just might die laughing. Roles are available for six men and four women (one of the male roles, Dr. Grayborn, may be cast with a
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Diet dilemmas, fads and facts. Sound too good to be true? It seems like you can’t pick up a paper or magazine without seeing articles on quick weight loss. According to the Center for Disease Control, one-third of adults in the United States are considered obese. This translates into approximately 79 million individuals. Many Americans begin the New Year with quick-fix weight loss methods
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or diet fads that promise weight loss without the work, an easy fix. Join the University of Illinois Extension for a class, “Diet Dilemmas, Fads & Facts,” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan, 19, at the Peru Public Library, 1409 11th St., Peru, and learn the facts about diet fads and popular special diets like “LowCarb” and “Gluten-Free.” Instead of jumping on the diet
craze, begin 2016 with winning strategies for long-term success in weight management. Learn how to put together a health plan to achieve small changes that contribute to lifelong health and wellness. And, enjoy a healthy snack made in class. To register for this class, call the University of Illinois Extension at 815-224-0889 by Tuesday, Jan. 12, to register.
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16 to 32 bars of a musical theatre song that best shows your range. Bring sheet music in your key, as an accompanist will be provided. If you do not have sheet music, a selection of music books of familiar songs will be available for you to use. Be prepared to read from the script and demonstrate simple stage movement. The characters have accents ranging from cockney to upper class British accents. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes that allow freedom of movement. If you are unable to attend the scheduled auditions, contact Charlotte Balensiefen by calling 309-3643563. Copies of the script are available at the Henry Public Library and may be checked out for one week. Scripts must be returned before auditions. Rehearsals will be held at St. John’s Community Theatre and will usually be Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring to auditions a list of potential conflicts with scheduled rehearsals. There will be five performances — April 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24.
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female): • Lettie: The saucy maid. Mezzo Soprano/Alto. • Flint: The caretaker. Tenor. • Clive: The fussy butler. Baritone. • Hope Langdon: The ingénue. Soprano. • Dr. Grayburn: The family doctor. Tenor. • Nigel Rancour: The disreputable black-sheep nephew. Tenor. • Lady Grace Manley-Prowe: The grande dame. Mezzo Soprano. • Colonel Gillweather: The old Army man. Bass. • Miss Tweed: The tweedy, elderly amateur detective. Mezzo Soprano. • Geoffrey: The young uninvited guest. Tenor. Also needed are five to six stage hands to create the magic involving the intricate set and special effects needed for the show. Although the cast is limited to the characters listed, there is opportunity to be involved with making the show come to life. It is only necessary to attend one of the auditions. Newcomers and theatre veterans alike are welcome and encouraged to audition. Prepare
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Wednesday, December 30, 2015 • The Putnam County Record • 9
New signage at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge HENNEPIN — With a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund and other support, the Wetlands Initiative (TWI) is adding new educational signage at its Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes, located south of the village of Hennepin in Putnam County. The signs will be placed along the new Marquis Oak Ridge Trail, which received full funding in 2015 from site neighbor Marquis Energy of Hennepin. This 2.7-mile hiking and biking trail leads from the north end of the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge south to the center of the site, where it ends in a short loop around the 70-acre Oak Ridge area. Major construction on the trail has been completed, and it will officially open in the first half of 2016. “As we open up the interior of the refuge to public access for the first time, interpretive signs are important so that visitors can learn more about these new places they’re exploring,” said Paul Botts, the Wetlands Initiative’s executive director. “We think the signs will really enhance people’s enjoyment of the site.” Three new signs will cover the refuge’s drainage and restoration history, its rich marsh habitats, and the globally rare savanna being restored at Oak Ridge, along with information and photos of the plants and wildlife found in these ecosystems. “Until our Hickory Hollow expansion is completed, Oak Ridge is the only area that will feature high-quality bur oak savanna anywhere at the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge,” said
‘I on Diabetes’ education classes set Registration and payment are due Jan. 5
Gary Sullivan, TWI’s senior ecologist. “You can already see red-headed woodpeckers and bald eagles using Oak Ridge, and it has a great view over the diverse marsh habitats where waterfowl gather. This is a unique place with a lot of history, and we look forward to sharing that through the signs and trail.” Individual donors to this project provided the private match for funding from the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund Grant Program. The program, offered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is designed to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and enhance non-game wildlife and native plant resources of Illinois through preservation of an ecologically balanced environment. Funds for this grant program are from contributions made through the tax check-off on Illinois income tax returns. Three other new signs about prairie and wetland habitats will also be placed near the north end of the Marquis Oak Ridge Trail. Those
signs were created with support from Dynegy Hennepin Power Station and individual donors to the Wetlands Initiative. Created in 2001, the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge is a habitat restoration project of the Wetlands Initiative that now totals more than 3,000 acres. The site is freely open to the public 365 days a year for hiking, nature viewing and photography, and excellent bird-watching. In addition to the soon-to-open Marquis Oak Ridge Trail, the site features an observation tower, a prairie-wetland boardwalk, and a milelong Seep Trail that leads through the forested south end of the site from its boat launch parking lot. The Wetlands Initiative is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the wetland resources of the Midwest to improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat and biodiversity and reduce flood damage. TWI has been restoring and managing the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge since 2001.
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OGLESBY — Every 19 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes. Statewide, 827,000 residents manage the chronic condition daily. Locally, between 7.5 and 10.5 percent of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes. And, nearly 1 in 4 adolescents has diabetes or prediabetes. Having a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes puts the individual at an increased risk for heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower extremity amputations. The University of Illinois Extension will offer “I on Diabetes” to individuals and family members who want to learn more about prevention or management of this chronic disease. The class will be led by Susan Glassman, nutrition and wellness educator. “I on Diabetes” provides four educational sessions and each class includes easy-to-prepare recipes, tasted in class. Participants will learn about diabetes and the disease-related complications, how to plan and manage meals, including
eating out. The importance of reading food labels, spacing meals and snacks throughout the day, and those confusing sugar substitutes will also be covered. Healthful tips on ways to decrease the risk for other health-related problems, as well as planning for a doctor’s visit, will be discussed. A recent “I on Diabetes” graduate commented, “I have never found a more comprehensive class — U of I Extension put it all together so I could understand it.” “I on Diabetes” education will take place Thursdays, Jan. 7, 14 and 28, and Feb. 4, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, in Room CTC-123. Advance registration is required by calling University of Illinois Extension at 815224-0889 or by registering online at https://web. extension.illinois.edu/ registration/?RegistrationID=13481. Registration and payment is due by Jan. 5. There is a $30 fee, per person, to cover materials and supplies for all four sessions. For more information contact Susan Glassman by calling 815-224-0889.
Due to the New Year’s holiday our sales deadlines for the following publications will be as follows: Saturday, January 2 - Bureau County Republican
Tues. & Thurs. • 3pm - 6pm
Deadline will be Tuesday, December 29 at 5 pm
Happy Hour Drink Specials!!
Thursday, January 7 - Illinois Valley Scene
Deadline will be Wednesday, December 30 at 12 pm
Wednesday, January 6 - Putnam County Record Deadline will be Wednesday, December 30 at 5 pm Deadline will be Thursday, December 31 at 3 pm
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10 • The Putnam County Record • Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Need to return or exchange a Christmas present? ROCKFORD — What do you do if you receive a Christmas present that doesn’t fit? Or one that you don’t want? Returns and exchanges are common, but the BBB cautions consumers that these actions are privileges a business provides, and not a consumer’s right. “If you find yourself with an unwanted gift, many stores will allow refunds or exchanges for the sake of good customer relations,” said Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau. “However, customers need to remember these actions are privileges stores may allow. They are not consumer rights.” Horton urges that no matter whether the item was purchased in a brick-and-mortar store or
online, it is wise look up and understand the return policies to avoid surprises and confusion. Here are several tips and hints to make the process easier for all involved. • The most important first step is to determine where the item was purchased. • If you have a gift receipt, it makes the return situation much easier. However, if you don’t have a receipt, you need to prove that the item was purchased at a given store. Another more basic issue is the question of whether or not the store will take back the item for either a refund or exchange without proof of purchase. • Refund and exchange policies differ. Each store, and in some cases different depart-
ments within stores, may have varying refund and exchange policies. These can depend upon the product or usage. Policies about returns and exchanges are usually available from the cashiers, stated on the sales slip, or available online. • Expect to pay some fees. Return shipping charges are common. You may also be subject to restocking fees. Again, it pays to know the store’s policy ahead of time. • Time limits may apply. Many times stores have a time limit on how long you can keep an item and still return it. This is usually stated on the receipt or on the company’s website. • Unsure, ask the gift giver. If you are not certain where the gift you want to return was pur-
chased or if you don’t have a receipt, ask the gift giver where the item was purchased. If that person has a receipt, perhaps they could exchange it for you. If this isn’t possible for personal reasons, you unfortunately have a dilemma. You can try to return it to the store where you believe the item was purchased. However, they do not have to accept it back for either a refund or an exchange. “When questioning a return or exchange policy, look at the situation from the store’s perspective, Horton said. “How does that retailer know that the gift was purchased there? What evidence do you have that you aren’t trying to cheat the store?” And Horton noted that not all stores have liberal refund and
exchange policies. Many have strict requirements about what can be returned and the timeframe of when it can be returned. Also, some stores are charging a restocking fee even if you do have a receipt. “Companies with liberal return policies recognize the customer relations value of them,” he explained. However, for them to continue these policies, it’s best not to abuse the privilege. An example of abuse would be purchasing six or seven similar items to try on, recognizing that you will only be keeping one of them. This type of product prospecting abuses the privilege the store offers to its customers with its exchange and refund policy.” For more consumer information, visit www.bbb.org.
Local water quality among IVCC honors projects OGLESBY — Water quality, teen/college drinking and tuition costs were among the projects presented at Illinois Valley Community College’s annual “Honorspalooza” recently. As part of their honors project, Brittany Blomquist of Hennepin, Trevor Finnan of Utica, Matt Goluba of Seneca and Brandon Miller of Ottawa investigated water pollution in the Illinois Valley and will present their conclusions about the safety of local rivers to the Peru Rotary Friday, Dec. 18. Madison Dhesse and Vanessa Olivares of Spring Valley, and Nicole Stevenson of Otta-
wa investigated teen/college drinking in the Illinois Valley and discovered that, while we do not have many teenage/college drinkers, there is still need to educate youth about the dangers of drinking. The trio presented their findings to Hall High School students Nov. 30. As an independent project for chemistry, Aubrey Molln of LaMoille created and performed a lab for forming a silver mirror inside a Christmas ornament. She also wrote lab instructions to replicate the process, which chemistry instructor Promise Yong will use as a future lab for the course.
As an independent project for principles of macroeconomics, Caleb Dougherty and Sean “Mickey” Walker of Ottawa studied the rising cost of higher education and discovered tuition has risen much faster than the rate of inflation the last 40 years. However, they found the value of a community college and four-year degree remains high due to the significant income increase graduates enjoy over a lifetime. The group encouraged peers to look at transfer institutions outside of Illinois such as Florida State, which may be less expensive than Illinois’ public universities.
English instructor and honors program director Adam Oldaker credited instructors Alan Philips, anthropology, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, economics, Larry Ault, chemistry, Dominic Sarsah, physics and mathematics, and Yong for assisting with the projects. Oldaker taught the orientation, project and portfolio courses. “I am proud not only of our honors students, but also the great professors who helped the students learn to their fullest potential and create some amazing projects,” Oldaker said. Oldaker said 16 first-semester students presented plans for the
orientation course, seven presented results of civic-engagements for the project course, 13 presented special projects for cultural anthropology, four presented independent projects in economics, physics and chemistry and one student exhibited her honors portfolio. IVCC President Jerry Corcoran and Oldaker published an article about IVCC’s program in the 2015 fall/winter edition of the Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council. For information about the honors program, contact Oldaker at 815-224-0326 or email adam_ oldaker@ivcc.edu.
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Wednesday, December 30, 2015 • The Putnam County Record • 11
IVCC’s Adult Education Center serves hundreds annually OGLESBY — Pawel Rozycki, a Polish immigrant who earned his High School Equivalency certificate earlier this year at Illinois Valley Community College, is a role model for adult education students who struggle learning a second language while pursuing their college dream. Rozycki’s success story represents hundreds of students whose lives are enhanced by IVCC’s Adult Education Center each year. Shortly after arriving in Illinois, Rozycki worked with an IVCC I-READ Adult Literacy volunteer tutor prior to transitioning into an English Language Acquisition (ELA) class in the fall of 2013. He studied in the ELA and HSE (formerly GED) classrooms simultaneously and completed the bridge to manufacturing program. “He worked twice as hard due to the language barrier to fulfill his education and career goals,” said instructor Luke Olivero. “Pawel had to overcome many obstacles upon his arrival and the hard work has paid off.” While many students in his position might have given up, Rozycki persevered to graduate from a program that provided him fundamental skills to
succeed in a college classroom. “He had the dedication, courage and motivation to succeed academically,” said Adult Education Center Director Sara Escatel. Today Rozycki is enrolled at IVCC full-time and plans to obtain his associate’s degree before pursuing a career as a pilot. For more than 30 years, the Adult Education Center has prepared students for the GED and helped them transition to a career, college or employment. Participants are over 16, lack sufficient basic educational skills to be self-sufficient in society, do not have a high school diploma or are unable to speak, read or write English. Priority populations include: low-income, lowskill adults; the disabled; single parents, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients, and displaced homemakers; unemployed, underemployed and those not in the labor force who demonstrate a deficiency in basic skills; and individuals with multiple educational barriers. In 2014, (2015 figures are not yet available) IVCC’s program exceeded the state’s five performance measures: • 46 percent of IVCC’s
T’was the night before Christmas and all through the shop, not a rug was dirty, not even a mop. The rugs were all hung on the rack with care, with hopes
Photo contributed
Pawel Rozycki (third from right) is commended at the May GED ceremony by IVCC President Jerry Corcoran (right) for completing the bridge to manufacturing program. participants increased their educational functioning level; statewide goal is 37 percent. • 33 percent entered employment; state goal is 32 percent. • 65 percent retained employment; state goal is 60 percent. • 66 percent earned the high school equivalency; state goals is 57 percent. • 54 percent entered post-secondary education; state goal is 32 percent. Of IVCC’s 400 adult education students in 2015, 177 are in ELA, 207 are
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second floor of the Peter Miller Community Technology Center, IVCC provides courses at its Ottawa Center, LaSalle County Jail in Ottawa, Northbrook Elementary School in Mendota, Lincoln Jr. High in LaSalle and JFK Elementary School in Spring Valley. GED Testing Service reports: • 39 million U.S. adults do not have a high school diploma and high school dropouts cost the country $1.8 billion annually. • GED graduates earn
the same level of wages as high school graduates, increasing their earning potential by about $115 per week. • 97 percent of colleges and employers accept the GED credential. • 60 percent of recent GED graduates are enrolled in college. “The data demonstrates the profound impact adult education and literacy has on our society,” said Escatel. “Locally, our presence is providing hope and opportunity to hundreds each year.”
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Hispanic, 35 have disabilities, 21 are Illinois Department of Human Services recipients and 24 are transition-to-college students. Bridge to healthcare and manufacturing courses allow career exploration while also providing skills, services, and self-awareness needed to achieve employment in those high-demand areas. In 2015, 451 GED students and 178 ELA students were served by 90 I-READ volunteer tutors. Aside from its offices and classrooms on the
Please present this at time of service.
__________________________________________________
12 • The Putnam County Record • Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Center for Rural Affairs raises more than $10,000 LYONS, Neb. — The Center for Rural Affairs announced it has raised $10,635 in the Newman’s Own Foundation Challenge for #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide. Individual donors gave $10,635, and Newman’s Own Foundation provided $10,000 in matching funds. The Center for Rural Affairs is dedicated to establishing strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship and genuine opportunity for all,
while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their live and the future of their communities. Funds raised in the challenge will be used to help low income people grow their own food organically in community and individual gardens. “We are so appreciative of the opportunity that Newman’s Own Foundation provided to us to double our donations! This money will help us fund our work of reaching some of our most vulnerable populations to improve their food security,” said Kathie Starkweather with the Center for Rural Affairs. Occurring this year on Dec. 1,
#GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday giving season. The day is designed to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. The challenge was hosted on CrowdRise, a crowdfundraising platform for nonprofits. A total of 24 organizations were selected to participate by Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.
Sheriff Reed announces applications are available PRINCETON — The Bureau County Sheriff’s Merit Commission will accept applications for deputy sheriff during the month of January. Interested individuals must meet all Illinois statutory requirements, the requirements of the Bureau
County Sheriff’s Merit Commission and the requirements of the sheriff of Bureau County. Applications are available at the Bureau County Jail, 22 Park Ave. West, Princeton, and on the Bureau County Sheriff’s website, www.bureaucoun-
– Classifieds – General Terms and Policies The Putnam County Record reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion. CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Wednesday Paper deadline Thursday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com
- 200 Employment 232 • Business Opportunities ********** THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of the Putnam County Record Does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is. Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number. Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by”900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis. The Putnam County Record Classifieds makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader. If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact: Better Business Bureau 330 North Wabash Chicago, IL 60611 312 832-0500
NEED MORE INCOME? Check out the Putnam County Record Classified. You might find opportunities to earn that extra income!
- 400 Merchandise 450 • Under $1000 Hockey skates CCM Champion 90, size men's 10, included blade Doctor 1/2 radius. $40 firm. Call 815-437-2012 Two Bowflex systems. XTL $200; Power Pro $150, or best offer. Excellent condition. Call 815-878-5191 ************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Put your ad in for FREE Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 time. Limit of 5 lines. Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week. No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales. E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number) No Phone Calls!
- 700 Real Estate For Sale 767 • Mobile Home Sales **************** PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call, HUD tollfree at 800 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800 927-9275
tysheriff.org/employment.htm. All applications must be delivered to Bureau County Sheriff James Reed at 22 Park Ave. West, Princeton, or 700 S. Main St., Room 208, Princeton, prior to or postmarked by Jan. 31, 2016.
IVCH Briefs Live Life group will meet Jan. 11 PERU — The Live Life pre- and post-transplant support group will next meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, in the conference room of the Illinois Valley Community Hospital office building at 1305 Sixth St. in Peru. Live Life is an IVCH support group for Illinois Valley residents who have had transplant surgery or who are on waiting lists for transplants. The group meets on the second Monday of each month.
Compassionate Friends group to meet PERU — The next meeting of the River Valley chapter of Compassionate Friends, a support group that assists families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age, is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in the meeting room of Illinois Valley Community Hospital’s Sixth Street office building in Peru. The Compassionate Friends is a self-help support organization that offers friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings. For more information, call Rita Studzinski at 815-223-7663. ••• Visit us online at www.putnamcountyrecord.com
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
F14120101SVT RLM IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 10TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PUTNAM COUNTY- HENNEPIN, ILLINOIS Bankof America, N.A. ) Plaintiff, ) vs. ) Nancy J. Watson; Unknown Owners and ) Non-Record Claimants ) Defendants. ) CASE NO. 15 CH 1 Property Address: 8934 North 600th Avenue, Hennepin, Illinois 61327 NOTICE OF SHERIFF SALE Public notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a judgment of said Court entered in the above-entitled cause on June 4, 2015, I, Sheriff, Kevin Doyle of Putnam County, Illinois, will hold a sale on January 21, 2016 , commencing at 9:00 a.m., at the Putnam County Courthouse, 120 N. Fourth St., Hennepin, IL 61327, Room Lobby. to sell to the highest bidder or bidders the following described real estate, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy said decree, to-wit: THAT PART OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 32 NORTH, RANGE 2 WEST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 35; THENCE NORTH 88° 22’27” WEST 107.00 FEET ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 35, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUING NORTH 88° 22’27” WEST 200.00 FEET ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 35; THENCE NORTH 1° 37’33” EAST 1100.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 88° 22’27” EAST 200.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 1° 37’33” WEST 1100.00 FEET; TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, AND ALL BEING SITUATED IN HENNEPIN TOWNSHIP, PUTNAM COUNTY, ILLINOIS. AND ALSO CONVEYS A NONEXCLUSIVE EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS TO THE PREMISES ABOVE CONVEYED OVER AND ACROSS THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PREMISES TO WIT: THAT PART OF THE SOUTHEAST
QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 32 NORTH, RANGE 2 WEST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 35; THENCE NORTH 88° 22’27” WEST 307.00 FEET ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 35; THENCE NORTH 1° 37’33” EAST 34.00 FEET ON THE EAST LINE OF PARCEL 28 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 1° 37’33” EAST 100.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 46° 37’33” WEST, 70.71 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 1° 37’33” WEST 50.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 88° 22’27” EAST 50.00 FEET; TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND ALL BEING SITUATED IN HENNEPIN TOWNSHIP, PUTNAM COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 8934 North 600th Avenue, Hennepin, Illinois 61327 P.I.N.: 01-25-277-000 First Lien Position; Single-Family Residence; Judgment Amount $100455.08 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c) (1)(H-1) AND (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), AND 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY, OTHER THAN A MORTGAGEE, SHALL PAY THE ASSESSMENTS AND LEGAL FEES REQUIRED BY SUBSECTIONS (g)(1) AND (g)(4) OF SECTION 9 AND THE ASSESSMENTS REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (g-1) OF SECTION 18.5 OF THE ILLINOIS CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT. Terms of Sale: CASH - 10% down at the time of sale and the balance due within 24 hours of the sale. All payments for the amount bid shall be in certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Putnam County. The person to contact for information regarding this property is: Sales Department at ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563 (866)402-8661. For bidding instructions, visit www.alolawgroup.com 24 hours prior to sale. This communication is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Rd., Ste 120
Naperville, IL 60563-4947 630-453-6960 | 866-402-8661 | 630-428-4620 (fax) Attorney No. Cook 58852, DuPage 293191, Kane 031-26104, Peoria 1794, Winnebago 3802, IL 03126232 THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR. R410 Published in the Putnam County Record Dec. 16, 23 and 30, 2015.
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F14120101SVT RLM IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 10TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PUTNAM COUNTY- HENNEPIN, ILLINOIS Bankof America, N.A. ) Plaintiff, ) vs. ) Nancy J. Watson; Unknown Owners ) and Non-Record Claimants ) Defendants. ) CASE NO. 15 CH 1 Property Address: 8934 North 600th Avenue, Hennepin, Illinois 61327 NOTICE OF SHERIFF SALE Public notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a judgment of said Court entered in the above-entitled cause on June 4, 2015, I, Sheriff, Kevin Doyle of Putnam County, Illinois, will hold a sale on January 21, 2016 , commencing at 9:00am, at the Putnam County Courthouse, 120 N. Fourth St., Hennepin, IL 61327, Room Lobby. to sell to the highest bidder or bidders the following described real estate, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy said decree, to-wit: Commonly known as: 8934 North 600th Avenue, Hennepin, Illinois 61327 P.I.N.: 01-25-277-000 First Lien Position; Single-Family Residence; Judgment Amount $100455.08 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 735 ILCS 5/151507(c)(1)(H-1) AND (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), AND 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY, OTHER THAN A MORTGAGEE, SHALL PAY THE ASSESSMENTS AND LEGAL FEES REQUIRED BY SUBSECTIONS (g) (1) AND (g)(4) OF SECTION 9 AND THE ASSESSMENTS REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (g-1) OF SECTION 18.5 OF THE ILLINOIS CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT. Terms of Sale: CASH - 10% down at the time of sale and the balance due within 24 hours of the sale. All payments for the amount bid shall be in certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Putnam County. The person to contact for information regarding this property is: Sales Department at ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563 (866)402-8661. For bidding instructions, visit www.alolawgroup.com 24 hours prior to sale. This communication is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Rd., Ste 120 Naperville, IL 60563-4947 630-453-6960 | 866-402-8661 | 630-428-4620 (fax) Attorney No. Cook 58852, DuPage 293191, Kane 031-26104, Peoria 1794, Winnebago 3802, IL 03126232 THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR. R410 Published in the Putnam County Record Dec. 16, 23 and 30, 2015.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 • The Putnam County Record • 13
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14 • The Putnam County Record • Wednesday, December 30, 2015
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Wednesday, December 30, 2015 • The Putnam County Record • 15
16 • The Putnam County Record • Wednesday, December 30, 2015
HENNEPIN FOOD MART
CHRISTMAS BASKET THANK YOU
OP PEN 8 a..m. - 6 p. . Da l a..m. - Noo S n ayy -7 7
Thank you to the Putnam County community. On Saturday, December 19th we distributed Christmas baskets to 124 Putnam County families. 415 people were grateful recipients. This number included 173 children and 72 seniors. Without the help of all of you who bought, made and wrapped gifts, donated food, money, clothes, towels and books, and put together, filled, carried and helped deliver baskets this project would not have been possible. Many groups and individuals contributed to this county- wide annual event in one way or another. Special thanks goes to the Granville United Church of Christ for opening Bonucchi Hall to us for our preparation activities, John Shimkus, our manager, and Cathy Oliveri from Toys in the Pantry who prepare all year, and to the PC Record for publishing the press releases related to the project. Workers from Fagan Inc who are constructing an addition to Marquis in Hennepin made a huge donation of food, toys and bikes! What a wonderful surprise.This is the twenty-eighth year the Pantry has sponsored this project! Our best wishes to all of our wonderful volunteers and contributors for a peaceful and joyous 2016.
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12-Site Council Meeting 10a Blood pressure & glucose checks 10-11:30a Card Party 12:30p
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Call PCCC at (815) 339-2711 to get a FREE “Welcome to Putnam County” Bag! Become familiar with the area & receive a few goodies too!
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Tickets are now on sale for the PUTNAM COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER
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2 2 • Winter 2015
Ag Matters
To ‘bee’ or not to ‘bee’ Honey bee population facing recent decline, affecting natural pollination By Eric Engel eengel@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — “If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live.” — excerpt from “The Life of the Bee,” by Maurice Maeterlinck. Jeremy Widmer is a man of action. He was raised to contribute to every cause worthy of effort, so he does not stand around idle when work is at hand. After learning 40 percent of privately-kept bees in the U.S. died from “colony collapse disorder” in 2014, Widmer knew it was time to “bee” part of the solution, so he started his own hive. Widmer said he began with a single queen bee cell and a couple frames of bees, and before long he had to split the hive, which involves purposely creating two separate hives, each with a queen and tens of thousands of worker bees. He said the goal is not only to keep all your bees and make an income off selling bees and the honey they produce, but to also lit-
Shaw Media photo/Eric Engel
Princeton native Jeremy Widmer shows his son, Garrett, how to properly tend to their bees at Widmer’s bee farm north of Princeton. erally keep the world fed. “Raising bees has been a thing for over 2,000 years, as if mankind has always understood its need for pollination,” Widmer said, as farmraised bees along with wild bees are responsible for the pollination of an estimated 80 percent of food crops in the United
States. Widmer explained bees land on a male plant and collect pollen to bring it back to their hive. In the process of landing on hundreds of different plants, excess pollen from one plant is unintentionally, and yet
“Researchers think some of the recent issues are due to pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture because it confuses the bees navigational system.” Jeremy Widmer
Bees Page 3
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3 Winter 2015 • 3
Ag Matters
Bees From Page 2 unintentionally, and yet naturally, spread to the next plant by the bees. The end result of this cross-pollination is essentially the fruit of their efforts. Less bees means less pollination, which means less fruit. “Researchers think some of the recent issues are due to pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture because it confuses the bees navigational system,” Widmer said, noting bees will travel up to three miles looking for nectar, and they will perform a ‘waggle dance’ when they return to the hive, an intrinsically understood language of movement that indicates to the other bees where the pollen is located. He also said mites, known as varroa destructors, live on the back of a bee and feed off them and fall into the comb before an egg is capped and feed off the larvae. The varroa destructors, as well as trachealmites, lower the bees immune systems, as do different diseases. Chalkbrood is a fungal disease that starves the larvae by stealing their food. American foulbrood spores are ingested by larvae and rob the nutrients necessary for the larvae to Shaw Media photo/Eric Engel continue maturation. Viruses associated with wing defor- North of Princeton, Jeremy Widmer’s bees stick to their task of producing honey from pollen they collect. mity or paralysis eliminate a bee’s ability to fly, and obviously a grounded bee will not survive. Although considered improvements in the field of agriculture, Widmer explained how recent innovations in pesticides and herbicides have eliminated many flowering weed plants bees have commonly relied on as a pollen and nectar source. If ingested by bees, certain sprayed chemicals certainly cause anatomical deterioration, and extensive stretches of cold weather and excessive moisture also negatively affect the growth of plants bees depend on. “There are a bunch of factors that contribute to colony collapse; if it was just one thing we could fix it,” Widmer said, noting a new program called Drift Watch, an online resource warning when farmers will be spraying their fields, allows beekeepers to lock up their apiaries for a few days to protect their bees. Widmer has an obvious enthusiasm for his boxes full of buzz, and a humble appreciation for the wondrous natural asset bees are to our integral routines as human beings. “There are so many things going on inside of a bee hive; it’s hard to fathom a little group of insects have such an impact on what we have,” Widmer said, understanding his responsiShaw Media photo/Eric Engel bility to his fellow man in maintaining a healthy bee popula- Individual planks are easily removed from the hive at Jeremy Widmer’s bee farm so he can properly analyze his bees tion. “Their pollination techniques are vital to our way of life.” and their product.
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4 4 • Winter 2015
Ag Matters
All the buzz ... Princeton native has a ‘sweet’ time farming bees while assisting his habitat By Eric Engel eengel@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — Raw honey sells for around $10 a pound on the market these days, but to produce one pound of honey, bees have to collectively gather pollen from over eight million flowers. It’s a good thing Jeremy Widmer has 90,000 bees at his disposal. Widmer, of Princeton, was talking to his chiropractor last year and learned about the vast depopulation of honey bees in the U.S. throughout the last decade. He acquired a queen cell and a couple frames of bees from his chiropractor, and his bee farm northeast of Princeton has been humming ever since. “There’s big money in bees with honey and the
Buzz Page 5
Shaw Media photo/Eric Engel
Bees do many different “dances” that provide directions to pollen sources for their fellow hive dwellers or show a perceived enemy they are not in the mood to be messed with. A bee will travel up to three miles to find pollen used in producing honey.
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5 Winter 2015 • 5
Ag Matters
Buzz From Page 4
selling of bees the main sources of income for a bee farmer,” Widmer said, indicating three pounds of bees and a queen can net a bee farmer $150 per transaction, and when a percentage dies off, everyone’s buying the next spring. “The goal is to not let your bees go off into the wild and swarm somewhere, but to get them into a box, and then you’re making money off them,” Widmer said. Aside from financial prosperity, Widmer is also helping the agricultural infrastructure of his surroundings, as bees are responsible for pollinating the majority of food crops we rely on year after year. The dwindling bee population directly affects the proper accumulation of necessary food sources on both a culinary and cultural level, as the pollinated crops are integral to a great number of industrial materials as well as family meals. Widmer said bees are preparing for winter each year from the initial days of spring onward. After a nurse bee takes care of young brood bees and feeds larvae for a number of weeks, they transition to field bees and collect pollen on a constant cycle of flight to and from the hive. A bee’s lifespan lasts no more than a few months. “They literally work themselves to death, as they are coming back and forth so much during the nectar flow,” Widmer said, explaining they will travel up to three miles in search of pollen and perform a “waggle dance” upon returning that acts as a navigational language to their cohorts indicating the location of sweet spots. “If I move the hive 20 feet, all the worker bees that are out will come back and hover where the hive was and not know where the hive is,” Widmer noted, reiterating the precision of the intrinsic directional system bees use to survive. A single queen bee exists in each hive, and all the worker bees are female. After a mating flight with male drone bees each spring, a mated queen bee accepted by the colony will start laying up to 2,000 eggs each day. When a hive is deemed overpopulated, scout bees are sent out to find a new hive location, and the queen will lay new queen cells before exiting with half the hive. The remaining bees tend to the new queen cells.
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“The misconception about bees is they’re here to sting you, but you’re robbing them when you take their honey.” Jeremy Widmer When multiple queen cells hatch, there is a fight to the death resulting in a single new queen. If all queen cells falter, a new queen must be bought, because a hive without a queen results in lame workers. Through natural or human efforts, hives can be split as many times as is mandated for reproductive or spatial needs. Despite the monumental amount of pollinated flowers necessary to produce honey, Widmer said his bees will likely produce close to 100 pound of honey in a given season, which involves fanning nectar until the moisture content drops from 90 to 20 percent. Pure, organic honey is anti-bacterial and helps with allergies, and honey has been found in ancient tombs that was still fresh enough for human consumption. He warned against messing with the hive during the evening or when the bees are irritated, as he has been stung multiple times and said the “roar” of an aggressive swarm can overwhelm a person quickly. “The misconception about bees is they’re here to sting you, but you’re robbing them when you take their honey,” Widmer said, adding the bees will give warnings not to steal their food before fronting an attack, and a farmer only takes the surplus of honey. “They produce more than what they need.” With diseases, mites, agricultural chemicals and weather all adversely affecting the national bee population lately, Widmer enjoys offering a helping hand — and landing a few coins never hurts. “There’s so much going on with bees. You learn something new every day because they have such a big social structure,” he said, embracing a booming bee farm and the prospects of a honey vendor enterprise next year with his 4-year-old son, Garrett, under the moniker, “G’s Bees.” “Show bees to someone, and the next thing you know they want to get into it,” he said. “They are such a unique creature.”
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Shaw Media photo/Eric Engel
Jeremy Widmer uses a fogging machine to calm his bees before he handles the planks of comb inside their hive.
Shaw Media photo/Eric Engel
Although he started only one year ago, Jeremy Widmer’s bee farm already houses 90,000 bees.
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6 6 • Winter 2015
Ag Matters
High tunnel growing videos available to farmers/educators URBANA — Through an Illinois Department of Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture grant, University of Illinois Extension in partnership with Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) conducted high tunnel vegetable production research during the winter of 2014 and produced a series of videos on topics for building beds, planting, growing, pest management, and harvesting. The videos are available to educators and farmers wanting to teach or learn how to start production in a high tunnel. High tunnels are minimally heated, low-cost, plastic-covered greenhouses that use little or no energy from fossil fuels to heat or ventilate the structure. Within the structure, solar energy is trapped and used to warm the air and soil. Crops are grown directly in soil without the use of artificial media. Benefits of using high tunnels include extending the growing season of many high-value crops such as melons, peppers, tomatoes and strawberries; protecting crops from weather extremes such as temperature, sunlight, strong winds, driving rain and destructive hail; and protecting crops from harmful insects, wildlife and diseases that can lower marketable yield. High tunnels can be used to intercrop many vegetable species. On a small plot of land, high tunnels permit intensive production of food crops. Experienced growers Gus Jones and
Andy Heck of Small Axe Market Gardens managed the daily farming practices in the high tunnels. The project used a diverse crop plan to demonstrate a practical scenario for local direct market farmers. The project goals looked at utilizing existing high tunnel technologies for sustainable farming research of winter production in order to increase the diversity and year-round availability of local produce, while giving farmers the tools they need to increase winter profits through season-extending high tunnel practices. View the videos at the U of I Extension YouTube channel playlist at https:// www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIq7XlTOe3aniYq-lA4NJd-tx1q9VHrIY, Winter High Tunnel Project or at www. llcc.edu/llcc-garden. Additional information about high tunnels, such as the publication, “Growing Under High Tunnels in Illinois and the Midwest” by Zachary Grant, a local food systems and small farms Extension educator, can be found on the University of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms website (go to Information and Resources for You and click on High Tunnels). For more information about the videos and the project, contact Marnie Record at marnie.record@llcc.edu or Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant at cvnghgrn@illinois.edu. Source: University of Illinois Extension.
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Small farms webinar series to begin in January URBANA – University of Illinois Extension will present a weekly educational series for the small farm community. This series will provide practical knowledge on emerging topics that advance local food production in Illinois. Online presentations will give small farm producers a look at how leading practices in production, management and marketing enable operations to improve profitability and sustainability. This year’s series includes new topics such as farm pond ecology, producing Shiitake mushrooms, the emerging local grain economy in Illinois, raising meat birds on pasture, and growing great blackberries. The free webinars will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays during January through March. The topics for this webinar series include: Jan. 14 – Lean Farming: Cutting Waste and Maximizing Efficiency on Small Farms, Zack Grant, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Jan. 21 – Soils and Soil Fertility for Small Farms, Mike Roegge, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Jan. 28 – Farm Pond Ecology: Managing for Desirable Plants and Fish, David Shiley, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Feb. 4 – Producing Shiitake Mushrooms, Grant McCarty, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Feb. 11 – Managing Horse Pastures
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on Small Farms and Acreages, Jamie Washburn, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Feb. 18 – The Emerging Local Grain Economy in Illinois, Bill Davison, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Feb. 25 – Food Safety Modernization Act: Changes for Small Scale Producers, Laurie George, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Mar. 3 – Getting Your Beehives Ready for Spring, Doug Gucker, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Mar. 10 – Raising Meat Birds on Pasture, Andy Larson, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Mar. 17 – Using Cover Crops on Small Farms, Nathan Johanning, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Mar. 24 – Growing Great Blackberries, Bronwyn Aly, U of I Extension local food systems and small farms educator. Mar. 31 – Setting Up a Grazing System on a Small Farm, Jay Solomon, U of I Extension energy and environmental stewardship educator. Register at go.illinois.edu/WinterWebinar2016. The webinars can be accessed online from any computer. Participants can also register to view an archived, recorded version of each webinar. Information will be provided via email the Monday after airing for viewing. The webinars can also be accessed at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ smallfarm/webinar.html.
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7 Winter 2015 • 7
Ag Matters
Studies show how crop prices and climate variables affect yield and acreage URBANA – When corn prices increase, farmers reap higher yields by making changes. According to a recent University of Illinois study, about one-third of the yield increase derives from more intensive management practices and twothirds from cropping additional acreage. Agricultural economist Madhu Khanna says the findings dampen the ongoing debate about the food price and land use changes due to corn ethanol. “There has been a lot of controversy about the impact of biofuel production and corn ethanol production on corn prices because it affects the estimates of the indirect landuse change caused by corn ethanol,” Khanna said. “This in turn affects the carbon-intensity calculations for corn ethanol used to estimate how corn ethanol can comply with the Low-Carbon Fuel Standard in California which seeks to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of transportation fuel in California by 10 percent by 2020. From this research, knowing that corn yields are responsive to corn prices lowers the magnitude of land-use change related to carbon-intensity of corn ethanol.” The study drew from 30 years of data (1977 to 2007) from the National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) of the USDA on
county-level corn and soybean yield and acreage in the rain-fed region of the United States—east of the Great Plains. The study also looked at climate variables, both for the 30-year period and in predictions for what temperature and precipitation will be in the years 2040 to 2050 and in the longer range to 2080. “Using predictions from a variety of climate models, we simulated what the changes would imply for corn and soybean yields,” Khanna said. “There is a lot of variability. We can expect anywhere from 7 to 12 percent reduction in corn yields under slow-warming scenarios to as much as 40 percent reduction on average under the more rapid-warming scenarios. “We also find that, by including the potential for prices to impact corn yields, it actually reduces the adverse impact on corn yields that can be attributed to climate variables,” Khanna said. Previous studies show climate change leading to a much larger reduction in yields in the long run. “When you take into account that there is adaptation and farmers can change their practices in response to prices, we find those estimates to be about 10 percent higher than what they would be without farmers’ responsiveness.” Khanna says it’s import-
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ant not to attribute all of the change that might occur in response to climate change to climate variables alone, but to recognize the potential for adaptation while trying to understand what the future might look like under climate change. “We know from this study that higher crop prices will lead farmers to invest more and improve production on their existing land,” Khanna said. “And although we cannot disaggregate and specify what the changes were that led to increases in yield, we do find a statistically significant relationship between higher corn prices and higher yield per acre. And we don’t find the same results in the case of soybeans. Based on some of our other research, we know that when a farmer expands corn production, the expansion is onto soybean land and soybean moves onto more marginal land. That’s why we see more of that price increase.” In examining growing degree days, the study found, as expected, that having a longer growing season and warmer weather is beneficial to a crop, but as it creeps closer to threshold levels, more warming can actually have a negative effect. Khanna said it has a U-shaped effect on crop yields. “We also find clear evidence that having a large
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number of days above the threshold has a significant adverse impact on crop yields,” Khanna said. “Compared to temperature, precipitation changes have a smaller impact – but also a U-shaped effect where, up to a point, precipitation is good, but too much rain can have a negative impact on crop yields. In general, the study found that south and southeast regions will have a much more negative impact from climate change than the upper Midwest. “Our findings provide evidence of the potential for adaptation because
farmers can be expected to respond to higher crop prices that may accompany climate change,” Khanna said. “Consequently, the net impact of climate change may not be as negative because farmers are going to be able to use better practices in order to compensate to some extent.” Khanna stressed that any assessment of the landuse effect of corn ethanol should consider what this study learned about the responsiveness of corn yield to prices. It is particularly important because the estimate of the indirect
land-use change caused by higher corn prices due to corn ethanol uses global equilibrium models and the responsiveness of corn yields to corn prices is an important parameter in those models. The results of this study can help guide the discussion about models which estimate the carbon footprint of corn ethanol. “Responsiveness of crop yield and acreage to prices and climate” was written by Ruiqing Miao, Madhu Khanna, and Haixiao Huang and published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics.
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8 8 • Winter 2015
Ag Matters
Ethanol production and corn consumption prospects for 2016 URBANA – Estimates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicate that U.S. production of fuel ethanol totaled 14.313 billion gallons during the 2014 calendar year. That quantity is 1.02 billion gallons more than produced in 2013. University of Illinois agricultural economist Darrel Good provided the analysis of ethanol production and corn consumption prospects for 2016 that follows. For the first nine months of 2015, EIA monthly estimates indicate that domestic ethanol production was 3.6 percent larger than during the same period in 2014. Weekly EIA estimates indicate ethanol production in October and November this year exceeded that of a year ago by 3.1 percent. Production in December is expected to be slightly smaller than the record monthly production of 1.295 billion gallons in December 2014. For the year, ethanol production will likely be at least 3 percent larger than in 2014, reaching about 14.745 billion gallons. Production at that level will require about 5.25 billion bushels of feedstock, mostly corn, for conventional ethanol production in 2015. Estimates of domestic ethanol consumption are based on EIA estimates of the volume of fuel ethanol production, imports, exports, and changes in domestic stock levels. Consumption was a record 13.444 billion gallons in 2014. Of that total, about 13.353 billion gallons was conventional ethanol made almost entirely from corn. Consumption during the first nine months of 2015 was 4 percent larger than during the same period last year. Consumption for the year is on pace to reach 13.982 billion gallons, with about 13.897 billion gallons being conventional ethanol. Domestic ethanol consumption during the year ahead will be influenced by two related factors. The first follows from the biofuels volume requirements in the EPA final rule making for 2014-16 RFS standards released on Nov. 30. Those standards require 18.11 billion gallons of biofuels con-
sumption in 2016, 1.18 billion more than required in 2015 and 710 million gallons more than in the preliminary rule making released in May. The requirement for advanced biofuels was set at 3.61 billion gallons, 730 million more than the 2015 requirement and 380 million more than was required in the preliminary rule making. The difference between the total and the advanced requirement is the implied requirement for conventional biofuel (ethanol). The conventional requirement is referred to as an implied requirement because it can also be satisfied with discretionary blending of advanced biofuels. That implied requirement is at 14.5 billion gallons for 2016, up from 14.05 billion gallons in 2015 and 14.0 billion gallons in the preliminary rule making for 2016. The second and related factor that will influence domestic ethanol consumption is the expected level of domestic gasoline consumption because the blending requirements are actually enforced as a fraction of gasoline consumption. Based on EIA projections, consumption is expected to increase from 139.38 billion gallons in 2015 to 139.96 billion gallons in 2016. That expected increase of 580 million gallons follows an expected increase of 2.9 billion gallons in 2015. The conventional ethanol mandate of 14.5 billion gallons reflects an expected small increase in the E-10 blend wall and a “push” to include larger quantities of higher ethanol blends (E-15 and E-85) in the domestic fuel supply. If the 2016 gasoline consumption forecast is correct, the E-10 blend wall will be 13.996 billion gallons. Because some gasoline is consumed without ethanol and some with higher ethanol blends, the effective E-10 blend wall is thought to be 13.856 billion gallons (9.9 percent of gasoline consumption). A portion of the 13.856 billion gallons will be provided in the form of advanced ethanol, including cellulosic, but mostly imported
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Brazilian ethanol. The EPA projects consumption of advanced ethanol in 2015 at only 85 million gallons. We estimate that about 70 million gallons of that total will be Brazilian ethanol. That consumption is projected to increase to 249 million gallons in 2016 based on much larger imports of Brazilian ethanol in response to changing fuel standards in California. That would leave the conventional ethanol E-10 blend wall at 13.607 billion gallons. In addition to E-10, however, some ethanol will be consumed in higher blends, mostly E-85. The EPA has projected E-85 consumption in 2016 at 400 million gallons. That would be equivalent to 296 million gallons of ethanol, assuming an average blend of 74 percent ethanol. Total consumption of conventional ethanol would be projected at 13.903 billion gallons, essentially the same as consumed in 2015. The difference between the RFS requirement of 14.5 billion gallons and the projected consumption of 13.903 billion gallons (597 million gallons) would have to be met with some combination of retirement of RINs stocks, additional quantities of E-85, or blending of additional quantities of advanced biofuels. If ethanol exports in 2016 are near the level of 2015 and there is no change in the level of ethanol stocks in 2016, the projected level of domestic consumption of conventional ethanol in 2016 points to about the
same requirement for conventional ethanol feedstock (mostly corn) in 2016 as in 2015. This outcome is very different from the initial reaction that an increase in the implied conventional ethanol requirement from the preliminary to final rule making for 2016 of 500 million gallons would result in a measurable increase in feedstock consumption. The projected level of domestic conventional ethanol consumption in 2016 developed here could be conservative for two reasons. First, the projection of domestic gasoline consumption appears conservative. A more plausible scenario with continued low gasoline prices might be for gasoline consumption to be about two billion gallons larger than the current EIA projection. Second, the projection of ethanol imports may be too aggressive, depending on how California fuel policy unfolds. On the other hand, the EPA projection of E-85 consumption in 2016 may be a bit too high. Domestic conventional ethanol consumption in 2016 could be about 200 million gallons larger than projected, requiring an additional 70 million bushels of feedstock. Still, feedstock consumption would be only slightly larger than in 2015. A larger increase in feedstock consumption will require some combination of a larger increase in domestic gasoline consumption, larger consumption of higher ethanol blends, and an increase in ethanol exports.
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9 Winter 2015 • 9
Ag Matters
USDA announces $3.4 million available through International Wheat Partnership Research Program WASHINGTON, D.C. – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of $3.4 million for research projects in support of the new International Wheat Yield Partnership (IWYP) program. “Wheat is one of the world’s most important staple crops, providing a significant amount of daily calories and protein throughout the world,” said Secretary Vilsack. “By 2050, the demand for wheat as part of a reliable, affordable, and nutritious diet will grow alongside the world population, and continued wheat research will play an important role in ensuring its continued availability.” Awards for this program will be made through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), which is authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. The new International Wheat Yield Partnership program seeks to enhance agriculture research that can benefit the global community and support the G20 nations’ Wheat Initiative with the key aims of enhancing the genetic component of wheat yield and developing new wheat varieties that are adaptable to different geographical regions and environmental conditions. The programs priorities will focus on breakthroughs for
wheat breeding using new technologies and also discoveries that lead to significantly greater yield; further, applications that demonstrate coordination and collaboration with international partners are encouraged. Applications are due May 3, 2016 and more information may be found in the NIFA-IWYP Request for Applications. Along with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the international partners involved with IWYP include the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council of the United Kingdom (BBSRC); Grains Research and Development Corporation of Australia (GRDC); Department of Biotechnology of India (DBT), from Mexico, the Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo (CIMMYT); Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC); from France, the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA); and from Switzerland, the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA). AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grants program and was established under the 2008 Farm Bill. The program addresses six priority areas to continue building a foundation of knowledge in fundamental and applied food and agricultural sciences critical for solving cur-
rent and future societal challenges. These priority areas include: 1. Plant health and production and plant products; 2. Animal health and production and animal products; 3. Food safety, nutrition and health; 4. Renewable energy, natural resources and environment; 5. Agriculture systems and technology; and
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Ag Matters
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Ag Matters
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Ag Matters
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