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The Highland Community College Foundation invites supporters of the institution to attend its Legacy Celebration Gala on Saturday, May 11 beginning at 4 p.m. on Highland’s campus in Freeport. The evening highlights the presentation of the HCC Delbert Scheider Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition honors an individual who has made a lasting impact on the college and its success, and this year is awarded to Todd Weegens, former Highland Foundation president.

There will be a formal program and a Toast to Transformation — with this year’s focus on the more than $4.6M raised as part of the College’s Legacy Campaign. The Legacy Gala begins at 4 p.m. with complimentary cocktails at stations around campus highlighting investment in capital and program

improvements on campus. The fundraising event continues with a formal dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and the “$6,000 in six minutes” challenge for the H.O.P.E. student emergency fund.

“It’s important to note Highland’s success began from visionary leaders,” said Dan Dick, Executive Director of the Foundation. “This year marks the 61st graduating class. As we celebrate 60-plus years, we look back at the leadership and legacy of those who came before us. The trust they’ve instilled in us to continue serving our students and community is something we should never lose focus on.” Tickets to attend are $75; bidding in the online auction does not require attendance and can be accessed at highland. edu/celebration24, or by calling the Foundation office at 815599-3413.

Congratulations to Alaina Dinderman as she steps into a new role as the Orangeville

Obituaries

William m itchell

The appointed days have been completed for William “Bill” Mitchell. He passed away at Lena Living Center on April 26, 2024. Bill was born February 7, 1927 to William and Bessie Mitchell and was raised among five siblings; Lois, Lavern, Evelyn, Ruth and Marian. He lived in and around Woodbine and Stockton and Kent, went to school and farmed. He married Evelyn Hamann in August of 1949 and raised four children while participating in worship at Calvary Church in Stockton, horseback riding with the Jo Daviess Co. Mounted Patrol and Le Aqua Na Riders, card club, square dancing, 4H and fair projects help, as well as auctions, garage sales and church suppers.

Bill had held a trustee position at his church and a vice

Davi D t hill

David C. Thill, 93, of Freeport, IL passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024, at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 20, 1931, to William and Ruth (Bruss) Thill in Clayton, WI. David married Patricia Heyer on October 12, 1954, at the Nazarene Church in Stockton, IL.

David proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954-1956 during the Korean War. After David was discharged from the Army, he started working for F/S Stephenson Service Company as a petroleum salesman. David worked his way up to management and retired in 1997 after 40 years of service.

David was a member of the Freeport Legion. He was a 30-year volunteer fireman for the Freeport Rural Fire Department and served multiple terms as the county clerk

president role with the Mounted Patrol. He especially enjoyed listening to his daughter’s readings at church, performing search and research operations for the Mounted Patrol, and overseeing the “Fun Day” obstacle course for young riders in Elizabeth. He suffered the losses of his parents, his son Neil, his wife Evelyn, and all of his siblings in his 97 years.

Other things he endured with patience were a machine shed fire, a barn fire, the loss of a few fingers, severely reduced eyesight, moving to a nursing home at 96, and the difficulties of several infections in his last months.

He is survived by his

for Florence Township. He enjoyed being outdoors; traveling, camping, fishing, and woodworking. He also enjoyed square dancing in his younger years, and going to craft shows with his wife Pat. David is survived by his wife Patricia of Freeport, their children; Michael (Vicki) Thill of Lena, Colleen Thill of Springfield, Tim (Mary Beth) Thill of Freeport, and Chari Thill of Freeport, grandchildren; Jeremy Thill, Nicole Thill, Kristin Tiesman, Ashley Jackson, Trent Thill, Erin Thill, and Emma Thill, great-grandchildren; Lincoln, Zack, Cordell, Addison, Alijah, Lydia, Antonio, and Kehlani, great-great grandson-Ol-

offspring Vicki, Mark, and Gail, and their spouses (Ray Croffott and Kevin Schippman), four grandchildren, (Vanessa Knapp, Valerie Briggs, Matthew Mitchell, Michael Mitchell), and three great-grandchildren (Katie Campbell, Madison Mitchell, Phoenix Mitchell), in addition to many nephews, other relatives, and friends, particularly his special friend Anne Harmston.

Mourners may pay their respects on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again prior to the funeral on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Calvary Church in Stockton at 10 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at www. hermannfuneralhome.com

iver and his brothers; Ronald (Harriette) Thill, Lowell Thill, and Carlisle (Clarissa) Thill. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Marvin and Wesley Thill, great grandson Kaine; Brothers-in-Law- Gordon Heyer and Lester Mahon and Sisters-in Law- Janice Heyer, June Mahon, Betty Thill (Marvin), Betty Thill (Wesley) and Sonja Thill (Lowell). Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL. A visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of services on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL. Pastor Rachel Smith will officiate the services. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.

ton i ReeD

Toni R. Reed, 58 of Lena, IL passed away on Jan. 3, 2024, at FHN. She was born on March 30, 1965, at Dr. Boeke’s office in Winslow, IL to Bob and Karen (Bauer) Johnson. She married Dave Reed on Nov. 7, 1981, at the Lena Methodist Church and together they raised a family. She kept busy throughout the years. She worked at Gilley’s Supperclub in her younger years where she had a lot of fun and made friends. She also spent many years babysitting nieces and nephews and became like a second mother to them. The past 18 years she was a devoted caregiver for the elderly.

Toni enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting, baking, watch-

v ivian KepneR

Vivian Ruth Kepner passed away April 24, 2024, at her home on the family farm where she has lived for over 75 years. She was 99 years old, born July 1924 in Jackson County, WI. She was the fifth of seven children of Sever and Hulda (Nordeen) Fieldstad, a close farm family that endured the Depression. Her father was compelled to leave Central Wisconsin in 1936 and move to South Wayne, WI in search of better farmland and opportunities.

Vivian liked to frame her Depression era childhood by reporting that she weighed only 70 lbs. upon her eighthgrade graduation. Her family moved to a farm in Nora Township in 1941 and she graduated from Winslow High School in 1943. She took teaching classes at Platteville WI. She taught in one-room schoolhouses in three districts: Rowe’s Corner, Eden School, and the Puckett School, located at the Southeast corner of the intersection of IL RT 78 and Canyon Road. She met her husband and life partner Hubert Kepner at a dance at the Warren Opera House in 1943. They married on November 28, 1948, living

ing 49ers play, genealogy, and sight-seeing. She enjoyed memorable trips to Florida, Colorado, Minnesota, and Salem, MA. She will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

She is survived by her boyfriend Todd Lloyd, her children; Randy (Amanda) Reed, Nicole (Justin) Hesselbacher, Samantha Reed, Dylan (Jordyn) Reed, and Erik Huerta; mother- Karen Johnson; sister- Brenda (Rod) Hale; grandchildren-Preston, Sidney, Beau, Liv, Bram, Jada, Max, Ethan, Clairissa, Aurora, Wyatt, Baby Reed

and working together on the family farm located south of Nora IL for 65 years until Hubert’s death in 2013. Vivian and Hubert had four children: Robert (Theresa), Dr. Barbara Kepner, George (Rogene), all of Lena IL, and Charlie (Martha) of Chicago, IL.

Besides being instrumental in the farming operation, Vivian taught GED/Adult Education classes for Highland Community College for 25 years beginning in 1970. She assisted numerous individuals in passing their GED and acquiring their HS diploma. She loved teaching math and was a proficient tutor, not only to her many students, but also to her children and grandchildren.

Vivian was a devoted daughter who adored her father, cherished and supported her husband, and guided her children. She admired men who toiled in fields, raised livestock, and could repair equipment. Her father was born in Norway and her mother was raised in Chicago by Swedish immigrant parents; she was extremely proud of her Nordic background and roots, corresponding with distant overseas relatives and researching family lineage.

due in July, and Vae; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Bob Johnson; grandpa and grandma Bauer, grandpa and grandma Johnson, aunt Janice Truax and Connie Bauer, uncles; Bob Bearbower, Larry Truax, Tom and Ron Johnson, Cousins; Bobby Truax, Cindy Garwood, and Tom Johnson Jr. and nephews Christopher and Raymond Love Jr.

A celebration of Toni’s life will be held following a brief memorial service starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 7926 N Five Corners Road in Lena, Illinois. Cremation rights have been accorded. Condolences may be sent to the family at www. leamonfh.com.

with her kitchen as the farm’s HQ, and always ready and able to feed at a moment’s notice anyone who stopped for respite.

Surviving Vivian are her four children; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Valerie (Ryan) and Sadie Deal of Monroe, WI; Paul (Alicia), Mackenzie, Noah and Evelyn Kepner of Lena, IL; Alison Kepner (Brandon Larson) of Baraboo, WI; David (Sara), Vivienne and Harrison Kepner of Waunakee, WI; Claire Kepner ( Jordan Rainey) of Mont Alto, PA; Olivia Kepner ( Levi Davis) of Gratiot, WI; Peter Kepner (Madison Smith), Elizabeth Kepner (Jake Hesslau) and Katherine Kepner, all of Chicago, IL. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Hubert Kepner; siblings: Leonard Fieldstad, Vernon Fieldstad, Inez Biesemeier, Helen Boynton, Robert Fieldstad and Kenneth Fieldstad; four infant great-grandchildren: Kyle Joseph Kepner, Madalyn Janice Deal, Ava Theresa Deal and Sydney Jane Kepner.

The Kepner Family would like to thank the caregivers that cared for Vivian in her final years, allowing her to stay in her beloved house and farm, including Barbara Kepner, Dale, Maureen, Sherri, Mary Jo and Bill.

Congratulations to Marianne Janicke, BSA/Fraud Specialist, on her retirement from Citizens

and

the 27 years

Vivian and Hubert took the trip of a lifetime in 1995 when they visited ancestral farms and churches in Norway and Sweden and met extended family. She loved writing letters and corresponding with family and friends, composing meaningful and heartfelt letters, with a practiced and distinctive penmanship that she employed into her final weeks. She had a compelling need to know what was happening on the farm and know who was doing what, when, and where,

Services will be at Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, IL. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 3 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. The funeral will be officiated by Reverend Rick Bader and will be held Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. with burial at Elmwood Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Warren Community Building. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the benefit of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Nora Community Church, and Highland Community College.

Rare cicada emergence expected this spring

By Rhiannon Branch FarmWeek

Illinois will experience a rare phenomenon of nature this year as two broods of periodical cicadas are scheduled to emerge at the same time. And this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence won’t happen again until 2245.

Kacie Athey, a specialty crop entomologist at the University of Illinois, said the Northern Illinois Brood that emerges every 17 years and the Great Southern Brood, which emerges every 13 years, will come out simultaneously for the first time since 1803. Stragglers from the Mississippi Valley Brood

might also appear in 2024. While the two broods will emerge at the same time, there will likely be only a few places in central Illinois, around Springfield, where they will emerge in the same area, according to the University of Illinois Extension.

Illinois residents should expect to see and hear them from late May to mid-June.

“They start coming out of the ground when the soil temperatures hits 64 degrees Fahrenheit at the depth that they’re actually at, which is 7 to 8 inches deep,” Athey told FarmWeek.

But what impact will these insects have on agriculture?

Illinois State Veterinarian

Mark Ernst said they don’t pose a notable threat to livestock and University of Illinois Field Crop Entomologist Nick Seiter confirmed cicadas won’t harm row crops.

But Athey said tree fruit producers should keep an eye out for them.

“Cicadas do damage by cutting into small branches and laying eggs inside of them,” she said. “So if you are a tree fruit producer here in Illinois and you have young trees, you do need to protect them if cicadas come out in your orchard.”

Athey said the most harm will be to young trees but mature trees that are planted in high densities are also at a

high risk for cicada damage. “Those trees really resemble young trees more than a traditional mature tree,” she said. “And so those orchards need to be protected.”

Emergence patterns are scattered across the state, but Athey said the periodical cicadas won’t be seen everywhere so preventative measures shouldn’t be implemented until cicadas are confirmed in the area.

She said males will emerge first and emit a loud singing noise, so if producers hear it they know to act before the females emerge to lay eggs.

For large-scale producers, she said there are several insecticides labeled for cicada

control, but small-scale fruit tree growers and homeowners with young trees should start by wrapping the trees.

“You can wrap your tree in mesh that is one-fourth of an inch or smaller, and as long as you tie it around the trunk, you’ll be fine.” She said to choose a mesh that will allow the tree to get plenty of sunlight and leave it on through June or until you no longer hear the cicadas.

Later in the year, producers may hear annual cicadas but Athey said those are not a problem. “They don’t come out in the numbers that the periodical cicadas come out in and so even though our annual cicadas lay eggs in

exactly the same way periodicals do, there’s just not enough of them to make a difference.”

While they will be loud, Athey encourages people to embrace the rarity. “Periodical cicadas don’t exist anywhere else on the planet except this part of North America,” she said. “This behavior is strange and it’s kind of cool so if you can, sort of appreciate the weirdness that are these creatures.”

This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com

Vulnerable livestock continue to face black vulture attacks

By Rhiannon Branch FarmWeek

Spring is often a time to welcome new life on a livestock operation, but black vultures are disturbing the peace by attacking newborn calves, lambs and birthing mothers.

USDA Wildlife Biologist Scott Beckerman said black vultures have increased in numbers and scope over the past 30 years and milder winters have enticed populations to remain in Illinois instead of migrating farther south.

“Black vultures have been primarily observed south of I-70 in Illinois, although we have received unconfirmed reports of them as far north as Macoupin County,” Beckerman told FarmWeek. “Some estimate that there are several thousand of the scavengers inhabiting our state during the spring, summer and fall months.”

Black vultures are smaller and have a dark grey head in comparison to red-headed turkey vultures, also native to Illinois. Both play an important role in the ecosystem by feeding on dead animals,

which contributes to disease suppression. But the predatory behavior of black vultures also pushes them to target living animals including vulnerable livestock, usually beginning with the eyes and soft tissue.

A producer’s instinct might be to get rid of the birds. But Beckerman said they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the vultures, so their nests and eggs cannot be destroyed without a Federal Migratory Bird Depredation Permit and an Illinois Nuisance Animal Removal Permit.

Illinois Farm Bureau has secured a federal statewide permit for 2024 and has opened applications for affected producers to obtain a free sub-permit allowing them to remove up to three black vultures to support on-the-farm livestock predation prevention efforts.

While the process to obtain the permits has been streamlined and simplified, Beckerman said there are some things producers can do right away.

stacey.block@countryfinancial.com (815)369-4581

“We recommend they immediately contact the USDA’s Wildlife Services program at 1-866-4USDA-WS,” he said.

“Wildlife Biologists will provide free technical assistance to assess the threat of livestock predation and provide recommendations for the producer to consider implementing regarding local habitat management, husbandry, and methods of dispersing vultures from the farm.”

Producers should remove attractants like open garbage, livestock carcasses and roadkill from the farm as soon as possible. Depredation can also be minimized by having livestock birth in barns or in pastures near buildings with human activity.

“Producers should also disperse vultures from pastures used for calving/lambing to prevent the birds from establishing a pattern of use in the area,” Beckerman said.

He said sound and light producing devices like starter pis-

tols, cap guns and air dancers may be used to disperse vultures. Special attention should be focused on dispersing black vultures in the evening hours to prevent them from roosting on the farm overnight.

“In addition, a correctly positioned black vulture effigy,

or dummy, can be very effective at dispersing the birds from a localized area.”

In 2023, IFB issued eight sub-permits to producers in seven counties across southern Illinois toward black vulture depredation efforts. Those interested in a 2024

permit should email tbunting@ilfb.org

This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow. com

McCombie to host DMV event in Stockton

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is partnering with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office to bring DMV services directly to area residents. At the upcoming “Mobile DMV” event, residents will be able to access regular DMV services, like renewing their Illinois driver’s licenses, purchasing vehicle license plate stickers, and more. The upcoming event will be held on Wednesday, May 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stockton Township Library 140 W. Benton Ave., Stockton

“I encourage anyone who is in need of renewing items at the DMV to take advantage of

There are not enough words to fully express our gratitude. Whether you kept us in your thoughts and prayers, sent an arrangement, gave a memorial donation or helped out in any way, your love and kindness brought us great comfort in our time of loss and will always be remembered. Thank you.

this easy access opportunity,” said Leader McCombie. “This event will help you avoid wait times and experience the convenience of the DMV right at your fingertips.”

The Secretary of State’s mobile office will help patrons renew, replace, or correct driver’s licenses and state ID cards; purchase vehicle registration renewal stickers for license plates, passenger vehicle license plates, and B-truck plates; register vehicle titles; and receive parking placards for persons with disabilities. REAL ID Driver Licenses will also be offered at this event. Patrons are required to

present proper identification at the time of service. Residents looking to attend the event are required to pre-register online, at https:// repmccombie.com/rep-mccombies-mobile-dmv/.

Acceptable forms of payment include personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. Cash cannot be accepted. Please note that seniors age 75 and up need to visit a DMV to renew a driver’s license.

With questions about the upcoming event, contact Leader McCombie’s district office at 815-291-8989.

Kathleen Cruger

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OpiniOn

In my opinion

The teacher shortage is real

I have been fortunate to spend 22 years in the school human resources role. More recently, I have also been working as the executive director of the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators (IASPA) representing more than 560 educational human resources professionals in Illinois.

We are here to tell you: The teacher shortage is real. At the start of my career, it was so easy to find teachers in some areas (looking at you, high school English and PE) that filling vacancies was not a worry. The landscape has completely changed. Join any group of educational human resources folks, and you will hear us worrying about staffing shortages.

By Kimberly

We search high and low to find qualified candidates for all our positions—traveling to job fairs and posting our jobs on sites far and wide. While some districts are struggling to find a single, great candidate for a position, other districts are forced to go without. Whether it is an elementary art position or a high school science position, there are classrooms in Illinois where students do not have the benefit of a qualified teacher

… all year long.

The statistics are alarming. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 53 percent of public schools reported being understaffed entering the 2022-23 school year. Nearly 20 percent of teachers leave their positions within the first three years, and approximately 40-50 percent leave within the first five years (NCES).

This turnover not only disrupts continuity in classrooms but places a significant strain on school resources as we continue to invest in recruitment and retention of new talent. Furthermore, we know the pandemic exacerbated this issue. The challenges of remote learning, concerns about health and safety, and the overall stress of the past couple of years have driven even more teachers out of the profession. How could this not impact students’ decision to go into the field of education? It’s no wonder that enrollment

in teacher preparation programs has been declining steadily, indicating a shrinking pipeline of new educators entering the field.

As educational leaders, it is our responsibility to address these systemic issues and create an environment where teachers feel respected, valued, and adequately compensated for their contributions. This requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses policy reforms, increased investment in education, and innovative strategies to attract and retain educators.

This year’s Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) survey on the teacher shortage indicates that while schools are making encouraging progress in filling classrooms, more work needs to be done.

IASPA is working hard to be part of the solution.

Slices of life

All hills go down

Yesterday, the TV was playing in the background and I thought I heard Homer Simpson say one of what I thought was the most prolific quotes of all time.

“Why can’t all hills go down?”

This gave me cause to pause. Homer certainly has a point. Why do hills have to go up? Doesn’t that just make things harder?

I smile writing this.

Why can’t all hills go down is the question, and a good one at that.

And here is the truth. (Are you ready, Homer?)

All hills do go down. On both sides. Every day. 24/7.

All hills go down. It just depends on your perspective on the matter. Or, perhaps better put, where you are coming from—or going to.

If you are at the top of the hill, no matter which way you look, your hill gestures downward.

If you are at the bottom of the hill, the opposite is true.

For most of life, we go up and we go down in equal increments. That’s physics— and gravity. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Physically, yes. Mentally, no.

Because climbing a hill can be just as easy and rewarding as descending one. Going up can be equally as beneficial as sliding down. It’s all how you see it.

It’s all how you experience it. Ups and downs. Downs and ups.

All hills go down. But they also go up. The same hill may be headed both ways at any given day or moment, depending on who is climbing or descending.

This is because the hills themselves don’t change. Read that again. The. Hills. Don’t. Change. We do.

We change. Our perspective changes.

It’s up to us. And only us.

A glass that is half full or half empty. Skies mostly blue or partially cloudy.

By Jill Pertler

Life starting at 40 or just beginning.

Hills going up or down.

Take your pick, because it is your choice.

It’s a choice each of us makes. Every day: to put one foot in front of the other and believe we are moving down the hill—whether gravity is against us or not. Belief in where we are going is half the battle.

More than half.

We climb and we descend, and in-between we breathe and grow. We see the sun rise and set, the moon go through her cycles. The world changes and we keep moving - up and down, down and up. Through it all, we find our truth in what surrounds us. Is the hill leading us upward, or downward? Was today easy—or hard? What will tomorrow bring?

How will we choose to perceive that?

Why can’t all hills go down? I guess it’s a rhetorical question because they all do. They already do.

At the start of this column, I posed this question from Homer Simpson. But you know what? I can’t find this particular quote anywhere on the Internet, so perhaps it’s the Mandela effect, or I made it up, or something even weirder than that.

Either way, having all hills go down is worth a thought— or even two, because if you learn to see life that way, maybe the hills you face will change their slope and their scape.

Thanks, Homer.

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

Columnist

Chambers Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators See Shortage, Page 6

Little Blackhawks

Pictured are the Stockton Elementary Little Blackhawks of the week. These students have been recognized for doing great work and having excellent behavior. Congratulations for doing great things at school.

Lions Tootsie

have sent a donation to help underwrite the Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide. For those of you who haven’t done so in the past year, but enjoy this newspaper and would like to help us pay for its operation, please send a donation in any amount to:

The LENA LIONS will be on the streets of Lena offering Tootsie Pops and accepting contributions. LIONS Tootsie Pop Days supports Camp Lions, a camp for disabled children. Your support will help those in need. Thank You!

your favorite newspaper.

Church news

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

All are invited to worship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 118 E. Mason St. Lena, IL. on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Holy Communion will be celebrated in this service. This week’s gospel reading is from the Gospel John 15:917.

On Wednesday, May 8 the Peace Corps Quilting group will meet from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. No quilting experience necessary and all are welcome to join. Come and tie the quilts and make difference in the world.

On Thursday, May 9 Friendship Club will meet. A potluck will be at 12:30 p.m. with entertainment by Glenda Linneman. Come enjoy an afternoon of enjoyable music and fellowship.

All the services will be recorded and be available on church’s Facebook page and website. Please vis-

it our website and (http:// goodshepherdlena.org/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GSLCLenaIL) for information. Please contact the church office at 815-3695552 with any questions.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pearl City, will celebrate the sixth Sunday of Easter on Sunday, May 5.

The next Men’s Breakfast is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1 at 7:30 a.m. at the Garden View Restaurant in Lena. Everyone is welcome to come to St. John’s to play dominoes in Luther Hall on Tuesday, May 7 at 9 a.m.

The May Grace Meal will be on Sunday, May 19. Meals can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on May 19. Reservations are due in the church office by Thursday, May 16. The menu will be BBQ, potato chips, green

The Scoop Today and Shopper’s Guide are now available by FREE eSubscription to residents and businesses in Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties.

As an alternative to mail, a free digital eSubscription will be available by request. A link to your eSubscription will be emailed to you every week. Now is your chance to get your hometown news before the newspaper is hot off the press!

The Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide eSubscription can be read on a computer, laptop or tablet. There will be no telemarketing calls, no solicitation, no strings attached, just convenient, free delivery, compliments of our advertisers.

bean casserole, peaches, and cookies. This meal is possible due to donations and a grant from the Foundation of Northwest Illinois.

The Healthy Wolves group will be packing backpacks on Thursday, May 2 at 3:15 p.m. If interested in donating to this ministry, reach out to the church office for more information.

St. John’s will be hosting a Wellness Screening on Saturday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The screenings done will include blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol for adults (fasting is not required). It is open to the public and free of charge.

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Pearl City is an ELCA parish and is located at 229 First St. in Pearl City. We are handicapped accessible. If you need to contact the pastor or church, you may call 815-443-2215 for information.

Around the Northern Hills

The Illinois Farm Bureau grassroots policy development process provides every voting member the opportunity to make known their concerns about issues important to them. When properly supported through the grassroots policy development process, these concerns are considered and may be adopted by the voting delegates at the organization’s annual meeting each December. That delegate action dictates the direction the organization follows in carrying out its programs each year. It is from this grassroots input and direction that Farm Bureau realizes its strength as an organization serving the needs of our members. These policies become the position for the organization the following year.

If you have any issues or concerns that you think need to be addressed in Illinois Farm Bureau’s policy, you are always welcome to address any of our board members or myself. We are

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By Annette eGGerS Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau

always interested in what our members’ concerns are.

Jo Daviess County’s best burger contest

This spring’s Quest for Jo Daviess County’s best burger is entering a new phase this week. Three eateries have a seat at the table and can claim the top spot in the contest via voting that’s currently underway. Participants have until May 14 to vote for their favorite burger. The top three nominees include Chubz Pub & Grub, Dirty Gurts, and Thumser’s 19 th Hole.

The winning restaurant will be announced on May 15 on the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Facebook page as well as other media sources and will win a plaque and a one-year Farm Bureau membership. All participants who nominated or voted for a top restaurant will automatically be entered for a random drawing for a $50 Lena Maid Meats gift card.

Go to www.jodaviesscfb. com or the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Facebook page to enter or receive more information about the contest. Go to our website for a direct link to vote at www. jodaviesscfb.com.

and I can tell you how you can become a member. You will be able to take advantage of the many membership benefits that Illinois Farm Bureau and Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau has to offer. You can also go to http://www. ilfb.org/membership/join/ to join online or stop in the office and fill out a paper application.

FS patronage benefits

Did you know that if you are a Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau member and a customer of Stephenson Service Company that you may be eligible for FS patronage benefits?

Qualified purchases you make from FS gives you the potential to become an owner of the company, thereby giving you a voice in its governance.

Each year, the FS Board of Directors considers the payment of patronage refunds based on each division’s sales and profitability and only pays patronage refunds to Farm Bureau members. If you are not already a member, please contact our office at 815-858-2235 or sign up at www.myifb.org.

Family Farm signs

It’s that time of year that we are all thinking of planting (okay, maybe wishing) and sprucing things up around the farm. Why not add a “This is a Family Farm” sign to your landscape? The signs are 17.5” X 23” and cost $30.

Farm Fun Fact

Become a member

Did you know that you don’t need to be a farmer to be a farm bureau member?

Give me a call at the office

• Shortage

We routinely offer professional learning to help combat the teacher shortage.

May is National Hamburger Month. Did you vote for your favorite burger in Jo Daviess County?

(Continued from page 4)

This year’s annual conference in January included six breakout sessions related to hiring, retention, the educator pipeline, student teachers, and creating pathways to teaching.

Our April 26 online Administrator Academy, Managing Bias In HiringInclusive Hiring Practices, ensured that hiring administrators are trained to manage a fair and equitable hiring process. Since 2022, IASPA has hosted the Illinois Virtual Educator Job Fair, an opportunity for school districts and candidates to connect in a synchronous,

online fashion without needing to be out of the office or incur the expenses of travel. Our March 6 job fair included more than 1,200 candidates. The next is scheduled for June 6.

The teacher shortage is a complex issue that requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By investing in our teachers and administrators, supporting their professional growth, and advocating for policy reforms, we can build a stronger future for all kids in Illinois.

Dr. Kimberly Chambers serves as executive director of IASPA and is director of human resources at Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 in Lincolnshire.

Our Area Churches Welcome You

APPLE RIVER UMC

102 E. Baldwin St., P.O. Box 188, Apple River, IL 61001

Pastor Libby Rutherford (815) 990-1428 Church (815) 594-2223

• Sunday Worship – 9 a.m.

• Bible Study - Every Monday 9 a.m.

Friendly Folks - Casual Attire - Join Us!

CALVARY CHURCH OF STOCKTON

315 W. Maple St., Stockton, IL 61085 815-947-2414

E-Mail: calvarychurchofstockton@yahoo.com

• Sunday Worship – 10:00 a.m.

• Sunday School – 8:45 a.m.

• Communion and Potluck every 1st Sunday (except no potlucks during summer)

• Wednesday Night Bible Study - 6:30 p.m.

• Every other Sat. Youth Group - 6 - 8 p.m.

You may find our facebook page and weekly messages by searching for “Calvary Church of Stockton on facebook.com

You are welcome! Please visit us!

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

ELCA STOCKTON

600 N. Main St., Stockton

Pastor Chrissy Salser (815) 988-9450

E-Mail: clc600@mediacombb.net

Find us on Facebook at ChristOnMainSt

• Worship times: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.

• Sunday School: Sunday, 9 a.m.

EBENEZER – SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST P.O. Box 102, Pearl City, IL 61062

Pastor Randy Nicholas See Facebook or call 815-291-1965

• Sunday Worship: Currently 8:30 a.m.

• May worship is at Ebenezer-UCC Church 5421 S. Stone Church Road

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LENA

720 N. Freedom Street, Lena, IL 61048 815-369-5591

Pastor Casey Dwyer, Pastor

• Adult bible study and Children’s Sunday School - 8:45 a.m.

• Sunday Morning Worship Service and Children’s Church/Nursery – 10:00 a.m.

• Awana Wednesdays at 6 p.m. (Sept. - April)

• Pastor’s weekly sermons at www.lenafreechurch.org

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

309 S. Main Street, Elizabeth, IL 61028 email: firstumcofelizabeth@gmail.com

Pastor Donna Hoffman 608-293-0163 email: dchoffman8@gmail.com

• Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m.

• Women’s Faith Group1st Tuesday monthly - 9:30 a.m.

We are handicapped accessible Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fumcelizabeth

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH

118 East Mason Street, Lena, IL 61048

Pastor Thomas Mosbo (815) 369-5552

• Sunday Worship – 9:30 a.m.

• Sunday School – 10:45 a.m. (Sept. - May)

• Piece Corps Quilters –Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

GRACE BIBLE CHURCH OF WOODBINE

1904 S. Vel Tera Road, Elizabeth, IL 61028

Pastor Michael Burdett (815) 858-3843

• Sunday Worship – 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

• Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

• Prayer meeting – Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday services broadcasted at 11:30 a.m. on Radio WCCI 100.3 FM

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH

223 E. Front Avenue, Stockton, IL 61085

Father Mike Morrissey (815) 947-2545

• Saturday Evening Mass – 4:30 p.m.

• Sunday Mass – 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Reconciliation Saturday – 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.

• Parish Hall for Rent – Seats 200

LENA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

118 West Mason Street, Lena, IL 61048

Pastor Melwyn Alagodi (815) 369-5291

• Sunday Worship – 9:00 a.m.

• Sunday School – 10:30 a.m.

• Daily Dial-A-Devotion 815-369-4411

MARTINTOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH

W8996 Lena St., Martintown, WI 53522 (1 mile north of Winslow, IL)

Pastor Kevin Cernek • 608-558-0974

• Sunday Worship – 8 & 10:30 a.m.

Worship inside or watch from the parking lot on the jumbotron

• Sunday School for all ages – 9:30 a.m.

• Sunday Youth - 6 p.m.

• Tuesday Bible Study - 10:30 a.m.

• Thursday Prayer & Bible Study - 6 p.m.

McCONNELL COMMUNITY CHURCH

211 Hulbert Rd. P.O. Box 97, McConnell, IL 61050 815-868-2324

Email: mcconnellcmtychurch@yahoo.com

Pastor Jordan Cernek

• Sunday Worship – 9:00 a.m. Fellowship hour after every service

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ mcconnellcommunitychurch.com

* We are handicapped accessible

NEW VINE COMMUNITY CHURCH

621 W. Lena St., Lena, IL 61048 (Coach’s Gymnasium)

Pastor Doug Carroll 815-541-4112

• Sunday Worship – 9:00 a.m. with fellowship following

• Communion first Sunday of each month

Bible Study Groups available newvinelena.com

Facebook: New Vine Community Church of Lena, IL

* We are handicapped accessible

PROVIDENCE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH

15010 W. Howardsville Road Lena, IL 61048 217-357-3723

Pastors Robert Webb & Rob Webb

• Sunday Worship - each 3rd Sunday - 10:30 a.m.

Potluck lunch following service

SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

8491 West Salem Road, Lena, IL 61048

(Turn on Salem Road at Eleroy Rest Stop)

Pastor Christopher Ham (815) 369-4511

• Sunday Worship – 10:00 a.m.

• Adult Sunday School - 9 a.m. (before service)

• Children’s Sunday School - 10 a.m. (during service)

*We are handicapped accessible

Watch our services or see our upcoming events on Facebook at: https://www.facebook. com/OldStoneChurchWithTheLightedCross/

SCHAPVILLE ZION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

635 East Schapville Road, Elizabeth, IL 61028

Pastor Dottie Morizzo (815) 845-2272

Cell (815) 238-0670

www.schapvillezion.org

• Sunday Worship Service – 10:00 a.m.

• Sunday School – 10:00 a.m.

• Bible Study Classes Available

SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS

LUTHERAN CHURCH

536 E. Schapville Road, Scales Mound, IL 61054

Church number (815) 845-2061

Rev. James Mehltretter

Website: www.shepherdofhill.com

• Sunday Worship – 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

• Sunday School (Sept. – May) – 8:45 a.m.

• Holy Communion is celebrated weekly.

ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH

608 East Railroad, Warren, IL 61087

Father Andrew Hernandez (815) 745-2312

• Sunday Mass – 8:00 a.m.

• Reconciliation Sunday – 7:30 - 7:50 a.m.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 625 Country Lane Drive, Lena, IL 61048

Rev. Jason Shaw (815) 369-4035

• Saturday Evening Worship – 5:30 p.m.

• Sunday Worship – 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

• Blast Program at 9:00 a.m.

• High School & Adult Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America 229 S. First St., Pearl City, IL 61062 www.stjohnspearlcity.org 815-443-2215

• Sunday Morning Worship – 9:00 a.m.

• Christian Education for all Ages - 10:15 a.m. Handicapped Accessible

ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

8315 S. Massbach Road, Elizabeth, IL 61028

Pastor David Russell Church: 815-589-3367

• Sunday Worship – 10:00 a.m. “Celebrating 165 Years of Faith”

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH

105 West Webster, Apple River, IL 61001

Father Andrew Hernandez (815) 745-2312

• Saturday Mass – 6:00 p.m.

• Reconciliation Saturday – 5:30 – 5:50 p.m.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH

410 West Lena Street, Lena, IL 61048

Father Andrew Hernandez (815) 369-2810

• Saturday Mass – 4:00 p.m.

• Sunday Mass – 10:00 a.m.

• Reconciliation Saturday – 3:30 – 3:50 p.m.

ST. PAUL’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) 411 W. Catlin St., P.O. Box 506 Elizabeth, IL 61028

Pastor Mike Nesbit - Cell: 815-858-5621

Church: 815-858-3334

www.stpaulelizabeth.org

All services are available to watch online@ Facebook: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Elizabeth, IL

YouTube channel: Pastor Mike Nesbit

• Sunday Worship – 9:00 a.m.

• Adult Bible Study - Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Super Sunday on the first Sunday of the month, with Sunday School from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Worship services will be held outside during the summer. Please bring a lawn chair. ALL ARE WELCOME.

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCHKENT

The Little Church with a Big Heart 1334 Sunnyside Road, Kent, IL 61044 1/2 mile north on Kent Road

• Sunday Worship – 9:30 a.m.

• Holy Communion every Sunday

• Women Meet at 9 a.m. on the 2nd Sunday

• Chair Lift to Sanctuary

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Corner of Hudson & Benton St., Stockton, IL 61085

Pastor Melwyn Alagodi (815) 947-2541

• Sunday Worship – 11 a.m.

• Adult Bible Studies Available

• Communion Every 1st Sunday

• First Sunday potluck following church services.

Find us on website StocktonWUMC.org or Facebook-Stockton Wesley United Methodist Church

* Handicapped Accessible

WINSLOW GRACE BIBLE CHURCH

197 Carver Street, Winslow, IL 61089

Pastor Robert Patin (815) 230-1862 608-669-5770

• Sunday Worship – 10:45 a.m.

• Sunday School – 9:45 a.m.

ZION COMMUNITY CHURCH

10100 W. Sabin Church Rd., Pearl City, IL 61062

Pastor Wayne Fischer • 815-266-6260

Pastor Chip Sohl • 815-541-1425

• Sunday Worship Service – 9:00 a.m.

• Children’s Church - during church service

• Prayer Shawl Knitting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

• Bible Study Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Hornets pick up much needed win over West Carroll

By Trenten Scheidegger

CORRESPONDENT

The Scales Mound-River Ridge (SM-RR) Hornets picked up their first two wins of the 2024 softball season last week. Coming into the week, the Hornets were just 0-11 on the season. They were coming off a 12-6 loss to the Fulton Steamers over the weekend.

On Monday, April 22 they suffered another grueling defeat, falling 11-1 to Eastland. At that point, the Hornets were 0-12 and had been outscored 160-55 by their opponents. Sometimes a team just needs to experience a win to get things going. That’s what the Hornets are hoping for after two big victories and a close game with an impressive team.

On Tuesday, April 23 SMRR took on the west Carroll Thunder in what turned out to be a breakout performance for the Hornets. They wasted little time in running away with this one as the Hornets combined for 15 runs in the first two innings.

Five different Hornets had three-hit games against the Thunder. Laiken Haas had an excellent day, going three for three with a walk, four runs scored, and four runs batted in. Katherine Bilderback was nearly perfect, going three for four with three runs scored and four RBI. Amie Richmond was three for five with four runs scored and three RBI. Evelyn Walters was three for three with two runs scored, a walk, and two RBI.

Finally, Sarah Winter was three for four with two runs scored and two RBI. It didn’t stop there for the Hornets. Millie Boden was two for three with two walks, four runs scored, and two RBI. Alyssa Wentz was one for two with two runs scored and a trio of RBIS. Anna Wachter was one for five with two runs scored as well.

It was just what the Hornets needed. Nearly every player had a reason to come out of that game with added confidence. They would need it too as they took on the 9-6 Galena Pirates the very next day.

The Hornets could have easily rolled over against the favorite Pirates. Instead, they showed up and played one of

their best games of the season. Boden got the game started with a loud bang as she drove a homerun over the left field fence. That sparked some early energy for the Hornets.

Haas continued to build off that momentum from the pitcher’s circle in the bottom half. Three quick outs were just the start of what was an excellent day for Haas. Her pitching kept SM-RR in the game until the final out.

The Hornets have struggled with defensive errors this year, and that proved to be fatal against the Pirates. In the bottom of the fourth, Haas struck out back-to-back batters for two quick outs. On a grounder right back to her, Haas had a defensive error that kept the inning alive. Then, another

error allowed a run to score, which tied the game 1-1.

Hindsight is 20-20, but if it weren’t for that unearned run, the Hornets did everything they needed to do in order to upset the Pirates. Haas pitched an excellent game, allowing zero earned runs after SM-RR took the early lead. Galena tying the game allowed the game to go into extra innings.

That’s where things fell apart for the Hornets. A walk and an error by Wentz put the Pirates in an excellent position. In the bottom of the eighth, the Pirates eventually walked the game off with a double to right as SM-RR fell 2-1.

Haas pitched seven and two third innings, allowing

zero earned runs while striking out 10 and walking just one. At the plate, Boden had the Hornets’ only hit of the game, albeit a big one. Fortunately for the Hornets, they managed to bounce back when they faced off in a rematch with West Carroll. It was another big day for Boden, who went two for four with two runs scored and two RBI. Walters also went one for two with two runs scored and one RBI in the game. Richmond was a perfect four for four as the Hornets beat the Thunder 10-4.

The victory improved SM-RR’s record to 2-13 on the season. This Thursday, May 2 the Hornets are scheduled to travel to take on Warren-Stockton at 4:30 p.m.

Wildcats defeat solid Durand-Pecatonica baseball team

By Trenten Scheidegger

CORRESPONDENT

Saturday, April 27 was a great day to see some quality baseball as two impressive teams in the River-Ridge Scales Mound (RR-SM) Wildcats and the Durand-Pecatonica Rivermen faced off.

Coming into the game the Rivermen held an overall record of 10-5. Meanwhile, the Wildcats were 8-7. RR-SM was riding a two-game winning streak having picked up 19-1 and 10-0 wins over West Carroll in the previous days.

The Wildcats were playing some of their best baseball of

the 2024 season and they needed it against the Rivermen.

The Wildcats trailed early on, and the closing innings turned into an offensive shootout. It was the Rivermen who jumped out to a lead in the bottom of the first. Back-to-back doubles gave Du-Pec an early 1-0 lead that would hold for two innings. RR-SM cracked into the score column in the top of the third. Both teams had defensive struggles in the game, and we saw that in the third. An error by the Rivermen’s second baseman Brody Black allowed a pair of runners to reach home safely. It

was Joe Winter’s hit that gave the Wildcats their first lead of the day.

The Rivermen would respond in the bottom half. After an error by George Winter, a single up the middle allowed a run to score. After the Rivermen tied the game 2-2, Damon Dittmar shut things down with back-to-back strikeouts.

Coming into the top of the fifth, the Wildcats held a 3-2 advantage. That’s when it looked like they finally earned some breathing room as a trio of runs came across the plate. Ben Richmond got the inning started with a bang as

ANTIQUE FARM EQUIPMENT AUCTION

SATURDAY, MAY 11 • 10 A.M.

(Storm Date: Sunday, May 12)

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HOUSEHOLD-ANTIQUE: Round Oak Table with Chairs; 2 Oak Chest of Drawers with Mirrors; Side- by- Side Secretary; Show Cases; Player Piano; Flat top Trunk; 50+ Assort. Wood Chairs & Extra Tables; Seed Corn Sign; Wagon full of Magazines (5,000 – 1950s-1970s – perfect cond.) incl: Life, Time, Post, Look, Prairie Farmer, Successful Farmer, Farm Journal, Movieline, McCalls, Flight Journal, Hoard’s Dairyman, Country Music, Popular Mechanics, Hot Rod, PLUS MUCH MORE – SEE WEBSITE FOR LIST OF ALL MAGAZINES REPRESENTED; Leaf River School Year Books; Glassware; Assort. Farm Toys; 200+ Records & Albums 45, 78, etc.; Old Adv. Items; Washer & Dryer. NOTE: Extremely large sale of old items, many not listed. Many restorable tractors & implements. All property sold as-is condition! For further information call Jamie Stukenberg at 815-601-9413.

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he crushed a homerun over the left field fence. Later in the inning, Camden Flack drove in a run with a single to left. Ethan Walter’s would eventually score on a wild pitch, giving the Wildcats a 6-2 lead.

Once again, the Rivermen had a response. All they had to do was take what the RRSM defense gave them. A pair of walks and an error by Sam Rife allowed two runs to come in, bringing Du-Pec within one.

The RR-SM bats were sure to get those runs back in the top of the sixth. With two outs and the bases loaded, Walters hit a line drive to left, bringing in a pair of runs. Rife followed

up with an RBI single up the middle, putting the Wildcats up 9-4.

The Rivermen would cut into the lead in the bottom of the sixth. An error by Mason Smith let Du-Pec get on base to lead off the inning. Eventually, a single and a double would bring in a pair of runs to cut the lead to three.

RR-SM would tack on an insurance run in the top of the seventh, but they didn’t need it. With Ty Spahn on the mound, the Wildcats made quick work of the Rivermen in the seventh. Back-to-back strikeouts helped Spahn pick up the save as the Wildcats won 10-6.

Walters led the way at the

plate, going two for three with a walk, two runs scored, and two runs batted in. George Winter was right there with him, going two for four with a walk, a run scored, and one RBI. Richmond had the big hit with the homerun as he went one for three with a pair of walks, a run scored, and one RBI. Dittmar picked up the win on the mound. In six innings, Dittmar allowed just two earned runs and six hits while striking out nine.

This week the Wildcats have another exciting matchup as they are scheduled to travel to take on Warren-Stockton on Thursday, May 2. The game is set to begin at 4:30 p.m.

SOS+ and Larry Lyons present the History of Lyon’s Well Drilling and Rescue Dogs

Larry Lyons of Stockton will share the history of his family business “Lyons Well Drilling” on May 9, 2024. The Senior Outreach of Stockton + Surrounding Areas (SOS+) invites all seniors of the area to come and enjoy a day of fellowship and learning of the Lyons Legacy. The program will begin at 2 p.m. in Calvary

Church of Stockton’s Fellowship Hall.

In its 20th year, SOS+ enjoys bringing talented and interesting programs to our Seniors. Meetings are held at 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month March through December. Volunteers are always needed to help contribute to the success of the ministry. If interested in volunteering, sharing talents or suggestions for upcoming programs, please call Mary Feltmeyer 815-297-5425, Nancy Rice 815-275-0303 or Shirley Toepfer 815-9473639. If in need of a ride to attend the programs, please be sure to call so accommodations can be made.

Stephenson County Farm Bureau news

By Victoria Hansen

This past week was National Volunteer Week. I would like to take a moment to thank the many volunteers who help make Farm Bureau and our programing possible. We have a wide variety of individuals who dedicate their time and talents to our organizations; some serve on our boards and help guide the organizations, some serve as presenters for Ag in the Classroom Programs. Others host tours at their farms and businesses and the list goes on and on. It is hard put into words exactly how much we appreciate those who give and make it a point to support our organization and its mission. I will sum it up simply by saying thank you to all of those who volunteer for the Farm Bureau; our organization would not be the same without you.

Travel preview June 12 at 6 p.m.

Everyone is invited to join the Carroll and Stephenson County Farm Bureaus and Tri State Travel for a preview meeting on Wednesday, June 12 at 6 p.m. at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau. During these presentations a Tri State Representative will highlight the upcoming Magnolia Markets and more. This trip is scheduled for November 11 through November 17, 2024.

Trip highlights include Pioneer Woman and Mercantile store, JDH Iron Design Center, Magnolia Market and Silos, and much more. If you have questions or are planning to attend this preview please call your county Farm Bureau, Carroll County 815244-3001 or Stephenson 815232-3186.

Department of Agriculture schedules clean sweep collection in central Illinois Residents of 11 Illinois counties can dispose of unwanted agrichemicals for free this year through the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s (IDOA) agricultural pesticide “Clean Sweep” program. A “Clean Sweep” collection has been scheduled in late summer for Bureau, Carroll, Henry, JoDaviess, Lasalle, Lee, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago Counties, IDOA announced today.

The collection, which rotates among Illinois counties, is open to farmers, retired farmers, nursery owners, private pesticide applicators, structural pest control applicators and landowners who inherited unwanted agricultural pesticides with their property. “There are two main reasons to take advantage of this program,” said Brad Bea-

ver, Bureau Chief of Environmental Programs. “The Department is able to provide the service free of charge thanks to a grant obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If individuals were to properly dispose of agrichemicals on their own, it could be expensive. Secondly, the state of Illinois, not the

program participant, will assume liability for the proper disposal of all materials collected.”

Participants must register the products they plan to dispose of by July 26. Registration is required to give the waste disposal contractor time to prepare for the different kinds of materials

being collected. Forms can be obtained either by calling the IDOA Pesticide Hotline at 1-800-641-3934, online at agr.illinois.gov/pesticides/ pesticide-clean-sweep-program.html or by visiting one of the program sponsors listed below. Completed forms should be mailed or faxed to the Illinois Department of Ag-

riculture. The mailing address is: Clean Sweep Program, Illinois Department of Agriculture, State Fairgrounds, P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL, 62794-9281. The fax number is (217) 524-4882.

Participants then will be sent a reservation card indicating the date, time and location of their collection.

Statement from Illinois Farm Bureau on Temporary Summer E-15 Sales: The Biden Administration through the Environmental Protection Agency announced today a temporary waiver for summertime sales of E-15, See NewS, Page 10

Appetizers

BEND GOLF COURSE &

Coconut Shrimp | Sausage Stuffed Portobella Mushrooms

Breakfast

Appetizers

Served with cheesy hashbrown casserole and fruit salad.

Salmon Benedict

Breakfast

Asparagus Cheddar Quiche

Strawberry French Toast Biscuits and Gravy

Lunch

Salmon Benedict

Coconut Shrimp | Sausage Stuffed Portobella Mushrooms

Served with cheesy hashbrown casserole and fruit salad.

Served with garlic mashed potatoes and candied carrots.

Asparagus Cheddar Quiche

Roasted Prime Rib

Seared Salmon

Pineapple Honey Pork chops

Oven Roasted Mahi-Mahi

Lunch

Herb Stuffed Chicken Breast

Strawberry French Toast Biscuits and Gravy

Chicken Caprese Pasta

Soup- Lobster bisque

Roasted Prime Rib

Salad - spinach and strawberry salad

Seared Salmon

Kids menu

Strawberry French Toast- 2

For reservations: MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH W OODBINE BEND GOLF COURSE & RESTAURANT

Oven Roasted Mahi-Mahi

Served with garlic mashed potatoes and candied carrots.

Pineapple Honey Pork chops

Herb Stuffed Chicken Breast

Chicken Caprese Pasta

Soup- Lobster bisque

Salad - spinach and strawberry salad

Stephenson County 4-H Youths honored for leadership and project mastery achievements

Stephenson County 4-H has two youths who are being recognized for their outstanding achievements in leadership and project mastery at the state level. These achievements come from exploring pathways in 4-H that help the youths pursue a career they are passionate about.

Aliana Dinderman

Aliana Dinderman, from the Snappy Snazzers 4-H Club, has achieved the Emerald Award in Project Mastery. Dinderman is an eight-year 4-H member who has chosen dairy as her main pathway in 4-H. She enjoys working with her dairy animals and taking them to shows. Besides showing her cattle, Dinderman also shares her knowledge with youth in her 4-H Club and her local community by giving talks on dairy products, helping hand out ice cream, cheese, or yogurt for June Dairy Month, and leading demonstrations on different dairy topics.

Dinderman has participated on the local 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl team, the Louisville 4-H Quiz Bowl as a part of the Illinois State Team, and the North American International Livestock Exposition Dairy Quiz Bowl. In addition, Dinderman has shared her love for

the dairy industry by giving speeches on topics related to both dairy and the agriculture community across the State.

Jordan Heimann

Jordan Heimann, from the Lena Lucky Clovers 4-H Club, has achieved the Diamond Award in Leadership. Heimann is a nine-year 4-H member who has grown her leadership skills through the

4-H program and by being a three-year 4-H Ambassador member. Heimann has grown in her leadership skills by being an officer for her 4-H club, helping at community events with 4-H Ambassadors that allow her to promote and encourage youth to join and participate in 4-H, being a 4-H Camp Counselor, and being a committee member on her local fair committee.

“The 4-H program in Stephenson County allows youth today to challenge themselves by stepping out of their comfort zones and getting involved in their local communities, stepping into a leadership roles, and advancing their skills through an individual 4-H project,” says Kelly Lafferty, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties 4-H Youth Development Educator. “We would like to congratulate these two youths on their hard work and dedication in their respective accomplishments. This is a wonderful example of Making the Best, Better.”

Stephenson County Association for Home and Community Education shares the history of the county fair

The Stephenson County Association for Home and Community Education sponsored a program on The History of the Stephenson County Fair on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Farm Bureau.

The speaker was Fair Historian Susie Dvorak who has been a member of the Stephenson County Fair Board since 2012. Dvorak brought her extensive collection of fair memorabilia, with some pieces dating back to the 1800’s. The first county fair was held in Stephenson County in October 1854. This year the fair is 170 years old.

During her program, Dvorak shared slides and informa-

tion on how the fair started in Stephenson County. Over the decades, there were years the fair ran into several obstacles which caused it to be canceled. In 1861, the Civil War broke out and the fairgrounds became Camp Scott, a training ground for Union soldiers before they were sent to Camp Butler in Springfield. There were flooding rains in 1879 that resulted in the bankruptcy and several years without a fair. A polio epidemic caused the fair to be canceled in 1949. Even with all the setbacks from weather to wars to bankruptcy, the Stephenson County Fair has continued to the present day.

The Illinois 4-H program recognizes its 4-H members through an Experience Award. Youths who took part in activities and events in the categories of Participation, Community Service, Leadership, and Project Mastery can qualify for the award. Bronze, silver, and gold level winners are recognized at a county level only. 4-H members who exceed the county level must have expanded their 4-H experience beyond just their county. These 4-H members can earn a diamond or an emerald award.

• News

(Continued from page 9)

a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, to address extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances.

The following is a statement from Illinois Farm Bureau

President Brian Duncan.

“This announcement is a win-win for Illinois farmers who produce and deliver more than 657 million bushels of corn to the 13 ethanol plants in our state, producing 1.84 billion gallons of ethanol. We believe year-round sales of E-15 will yield a significant, measurable and noticeable economic and environmental benefit for rural, suburban and urban residents.

“Additionally, increasing access and growing demand for biofuels such as E-15 is vital to enhancing our nation’s energy independence while offering a more affordable fuel option for consumers.” Duncan added that IFB is greatly appreciative of recent bipartisan efforts of Illinois lawmakers who sent letters requesting this waiver.

submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing Susie Dvorak, Fair Historian, displays a poster advertising the Northern Illinois Agricultural Association Fair in September 1908.

submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing Stephenson County 4-H member Aliana Dinderman has achieved the Emerald Award in Project Mastery.

submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing Stephenson County 4-H member Jordan Heimann has achieved the Diamond Award in Leadership.

River Ridge FFA places eighth in State Lena American Legion news

A five-member team from the River Ridge FFA Chapter traveled to Champaign to compete in the State Poultry Career Development at the University of Illinois U-C on April 19th. Teams from 56 different schools competed at this year’s event which had nine different sections for the competitors to test their poultry knowledge in. Junior Izzy Haring (Chapter Vice President) led the team to a top-ten finish when the team came in at eighth place. Other team members were Avery Engle, Nick Cobine, Ian Wachter and Lucas Holland.

both the interior and exterior quality of eggs, grade ready-tocook carcasses, judge pens of laying hens, identify poultry carcass parts, identify defects in further processed poultry products and also take a written exam on general poultry knowledge. This was a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn more about our food and the food processing/grading industry as well as to be on a college campus testing themselves against the best in the state.

At the state competition, students were tested on their ability to accurately judge

The May meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at the Lena American Legion Home at 6 p.m. It will include the crowing of Miss Poppy, a discussion of the Memorial Day breakfast, and making tray favors for the hospitalized veterans. Poppy distribution will also be planned and dues will be collected. New members are always welcome. Rose Marie Bruegger is in charge of the social hour.

Memorial Day breakfast

A breakfast is being held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024, at the Lena American Legion Home, 316 W. Main St., Lena, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. It will be served from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with a memorial service to follow.

The menu will include scrambled eggs, French toast, biscuits and gravy, sausage, ham, coffee cake, fresh fruit, juice, milk and coffee. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10 years old. Carryout meals will be available.

Pearl City routes Orangeville-Aquin in weekend baseball matchup

By Trenten Scheidegger

CoRResPoNdeNt

The Pearl City Wolves and the Orangeville-Aquin Broncos are two teams that have struggled to compile wins in the 2024 baseball season. When the Wolves and Broncos faced off on April 27, Pearl City held an overall record of 4-11 while the Broncos were 3-12. Pearl City was riding a four-game losing streak, while Orangeville-Aquin was on a fivegame skid themselves. It’s

safe to say both teams were eager for a win when they showed up to play on Saturday.

Myles Freedlund was on the mound for the Wolves, and he helped his team get off to a quick start. In the top of the first, Freedlund showed great poise in a tough situation. After hitting a batter and allowing a walk, the Broncos had runners on with just one out. Freedlund then threw three consecutive balls to the next batter, making matters worse.

The Pearl City pitcher fought his way back. Back-to-back strikes without a swing loaded the count. With a groundout to shortstop, Brycen Voegeli gave the Wolves two outs. Freedlund then struck out the next batter to get out of the inning.

In the bottom half, the Wolves got on the board thanks to some defensive miscues by the Broncos. An error and a hit by pitch allowed the first run to come in. Freedlund would eventually score

on a wild pitch, giving Pearl City an early 2-0 lead.

The Broncos would respond in the top of the second. After Matthew Soddy took a leadoff walk, Colton Veruchi singled up the middle, advancing him to third. The Broncos then pulled off a successful play as Veruchi was caught stealing second, but Soddy reached home safely.

That was as close as the Broncos would get for the rest of the day. The Wolves combined for six runs in the

bottom of the second. Will Birchen got the scoring started when he drove in Parker Allen with a single to left. After stealing second and third, Birchen would score on a Jared Runkle ground out. Later on, Lexton Endress singled up the middle, giving the Wolves a 5-1 lead.

By the end of the second, Pearl City had already jumped out to an 8-1 lead. The Broncos scored runs in the second and third innings, but it wasn’t enough to keep them in the game. After four innings of play, the game was called due to the mercy rule as Pearl City picked up an 18-3 victory.

The Wolves had just six hits in the game. Seven walks and another four batters getting hit by the pitch allowed the runs to come pouring in.

for disaster.

Freedlund wound up pitching all four innings, allowing one earned run on two hits. Freedlund struck out three and walked four while picking up the win. At the plate, Birchen led the way, going one for two with two runs scored and two runs batted in. Allen was one for three with two runs scored and one RBI, while Jayden Downs was one for two with two runs scored and one RBI. Endress, Freedlund, and Runkle each added RBIS in the victory. Kayden Pfieffer went one for three, while Nathan Briggs was one for two with one RBI.

Combine that with Orangeville-Aquin’s six errors in the game and that is a recipe

With the Wolves improving to 5-11 on the year, they are hoping to get things back on track. This week the Wolves are scheduled to hit the road to take on Orangeville-Aquin in a rematch on Thursday, May 2.

Se Habla Espanol

Freeport Police Department report

Shots fired incident

On April 21, 2024, at 12:32 a.m., Officers of the Freeport Police Department responded to a report of gunshots being fired at Benchwarmers, 2143 W. Galena Avenue. When Officers arrived on scene, there was a large group of individ-

uals leaving the establishment and the parking lot. Officers collected evidence showing more than one firearm had been discharged inside of Benchwarmers and out in the parking lot. There have been no reports of injuries at the time of this press release.

Lady Wolves defeat Durand in shootout

By Trenten Scheidegger

CORRESPONDENT

The Pearl City Wolves picked up their twelfth victory of the 2024 softball season last week. Coming into the week, the Wolves held an overall record of 11-5. They were coming off a heartbreaking 8-6 loss to the Lena-Winslow Panthers. Things didn’t get any easier when they traveled to take on the Durand Bulldogs on Tuesday, April 23.

It was Durand who got off to the hot start. By the end of the first inning, the Bulldogs had jumped out to a 2-0 advantage. With the pressure on, the Pearl City bats quickly went to work.

In the top of the second, the Wolves had an early opportunity to when Jorja Johnson hit a double to put two runners in scoring position with no outs. Mackenzie Lotz eventually drove in the game’s first run when she hit a ground out to second base. Johnson would score on a passed ball, giving Pearl City a 2-0 lead before the end of the inning.

Lotz was in the pitcher’s circle for the Wolves. With the momentum on her side, she quickly got the Pearl City bats back to the plate. Three strikeouts in the bottom of the second helped to keep the fire lit.

The Wolves then took a commanding lead as they combined for five runs in the top of the third. Kamron Downs singled to right, driving in Kylie Campbell and Kaydence Miller to score. Later, Kendra Kuhlemeier singled up the middle, driving in Downs and putting the Wolves up 7-2.

Durand never quite went away. A trio of runs in the bottom half made it a two-run game. The Bulldogs came within one with another run in the bottom of the fourth.

The Wolves did just enough to maintain their lead over the Bulldogs. A pair of runs in the top of the fifth put the finishing touches on what would be a 9-7 victory over Durand.

Those runs were all they needed as Lotz continued to impress from the circle with another three-strikeout inning in the bottom of the sixth and a one, two, three inning in the seventh. Lotz wound up pitching a complete game, striking out 12 while allowing three earned runs on seven hits.

With the victory, Pearl City improved to 12-5 on the year before facing off with the Bulldogs once again. This week, the Wolves are scheduled to travel to face off with Orangeville-Aquin on Thursday, May 2. The game is set to start at 4:30 p.m.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. The Freeport Police department is asking for the assistance of anyone who was inside of Benchwarmers or out in the parking lot to contact either the Freeport Police Department at 815-235-8222, the Stateline Area Crime Stoppers at 866-TIPSNOW or through texting at Tip411.

Unlawful use of a weapon by a felon arrest

On April 24, 2024, Freeport Police Officers arrested 19-year-old Freeport resident, Dahayven Ishmon, on warrants at a residence in the 1200 block of W. Logan Street. During a search of the residence pursuant to a search warrant, Officers discovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine in close proximity to where Ishmon was located.

The Stephenson County State’s Attorney approved a felony charge of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon and Possession of a Firearm Without Requisite FOID for Ishmon. Ishmon was transported to the Stephenson County Jail where he is being held pending the outcome of a detention hearing.

The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial, at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Stolen vehicle leads to juvenile arrest

On April 24, 2024, Freeport Police Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of W. Roosevelt Street in reference to a blue Kia Soul that had just been stolen from the resident’s

driveway. Approximately one hour later, Officers received a report of a blue Kia Soul driving recklessly in the area of E. Wyandotte Street and S. Fruit Avenue. Shortly after receiving this report, Officers located the stolen Kia in the area of S. Bauscher Avenue and E. Garden Street. Officers attempted to stop the Kia as it turned west on to E. Empire Street from S. Bauscher Avenue. The Kia did not stop when Officers turned on their emergency lights and sirens and sped up faster. Officers blocked traffic at Galena Avenue and Empire Street to prevent an impending colli-

sion as it was apparent the Kia would not stop for Officers. After the Kia cleared the intersection, it ended up crashing in the 500 block of E. Empire Street. Officers converged on the Kia and were able to take into custody the sole occupant, a 14-year-old male juvenile. The steering column of the Kia had been damaged and altered to allow the Kia to be started without a key fob. There were no other reported injuries or property damage. The juvenile male was a resident of Freeport. He was taken to the Police Department where he was processed and released to a parent.

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF STEPHENSON, STATE OF ILLINOIS

CROSSCOUNTRY

MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff(s), vs. RAYMOND D. PHILPOT, UNKNOWN OWNERS, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant(s).

Case No. 22 FC 13

PUBLICATION NOTICE

The requisite Affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you: RAYMOND D. PHILPOT, NONRECORD CLAIMANTS and UNKNOWN OWNERS, Defendants in the above entitled suit, that said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Stephenson County, Chancery Division, by the said Plaintiff, against you and other Defendants, praying for foreclosure of a certain Real Estate Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: LOTS 206 AND 207 IN SAXBY HEIGHTS ADDITION TO THE TOWN (NOW CITY) OF FREEPORT, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AUGUST 16, 1910 IN BOOK C OF PLATS, PAGE 47, AND THE WESTERLY 7 FEET OF THE ADJACENT ALLEY LYING EASTERLY THEREOF. SITUATED IN STEPHENSON COUNTY IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

Tax Number: 18-13-36309-005

commonly known as 823 S PARK BLVD FREEPORT IL 61032; and which said Real Estate Mortgage was made by RAYMOND D. PHILPOT, and recorded in the Office of the Stephenson County Recorder as Document Number 201900171928; that Summons was duly issued out of the said Court against you as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said named Defendant, file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein,

in the office of the Circuit Court of Stephenson County, located at 15 NORTH GALENA AVENUE, SECOND FLOOR, FREEPORT, IL 61032, on or before May 17, 2024, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint.

LAW OFFICES OF IRA T. NEVEL, LLC

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ira T. NevelARDC #6185808

Timothy R. YueillARDC #6192172

Greg ElsnicARDC #6242847

Aaron NevelARDC #6322724

Andrew ChuARDC #6285924 175 North Franklin St. Suite 201 Chicago, Illinois 60606 (312) 357-1125 Pleadings@nevellaw.com KP # 22-00146 I3242064

(Published in The Shopper’s Guide April 17, 24, May 1, 2024) 454091

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF STEPHENSONFREEPORT, ILLINOIS

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee for LBIgloo Series IV Trust Plaintiff, vs. Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Jerry Moutrey; The Bank of New York Mellon FKA the Bank of New York, as Successor for the CWABS Master Trust, Revolving Home Equity Loan Asset Backed Notes, Series 2004-C; Mariah Moutrey; Kipp E. Meyers, as Special Representative of Jerry Moutrey; Michelle Moutrey; Pamela Moutrey; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants, Defendants,

22 FC 25

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above

NOTICE OF SALE

entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the hour of 1:30 p.m., Security First Title Company, 205 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate:

LOT 3 OF A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTH HALF OF OUT LOT 8 OF WINNESHEIK ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FREEPORT; SITUATED IN THE CITY OF FREEPORT, IN THE COUNTY OF STEPHENSON AND STATE OF ILLINOIS..

P.I.N. 181432328019.

Commonly known as 818 East Shawnee Street, Freeport, IL 61032.

The improvement on the property consists of a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act.

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 LUCERNE DRIVE, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130. (440) 572-1511. ILF2203047 IJSC INTERCOUNTY

JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales. com I3242376

(Published in The Shopper’s Guide April 24, May 1, 8, 2024) 454249

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF STEPHENSONFREEPORT, ILLINOIS

US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust Plaintiff, vs. Shanin J. Solt; et. al. Defendants,

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the hour of 1:30 p.m., Security First Title Company, 205 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: LOT 3 OF WINDHAVEN ACRES PLAT NO. 1 RECORDED NOVEMBER 10, 1998 IN BOOK “M” OF PLATS, PAGES 93-93A AS DOCUMENT NO. 9893524, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF A PART OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 26 NORTH, RANGE 6 EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN. SITUATED IN THE VILLAGE OF PEARL CITY, STEPHENSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

P.I.N. 89-02-17-08-477003.

Commonly known as 504 Breezeway Dr., Pearl City, IL 61062.

The improvement on the property consists of a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act.

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Sale Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527. (630) 7945300. 14-23-06280

INTERCOUNTY

JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales. com I3242382

(Published in The Shopper’s Guide April 24, May 1, 8, 2024) 454252

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

STEPHENSON COUNTY IN PROBATE

In Re the Matter of the Estate of:

DARLYNE CAMPBELL, Deceased No. 24-PR-25

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATIONCLAIMS

Notice is given of the death of Darlyne Campbell, of Winslow, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on April 5, 2024, to: Aslan A. Stouffer Cuny P.O. Box 598

Freeport, IL 61032 as Independent Executor of the Estate of Darlyne Campbell, whose attorney is Anthony V. Coon

Attorney At Law 10 N. Galena Ave., Ste. 210 Freeport, Illinois 61032

The estate will be administered without Court supervision unless, under Section 28.4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/284), any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a Petition To Terminate to the Clerk.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at the Stephenson County Courthouse, 15 N. Galena Avenue, Freeport, Illinois 61032, or with the representative, or both, on or before October 18, 2024, and any claim not filed on or before said date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

Date: April 8, 2024.

Aslan A. Stouffer Cuny Executor

By: Anthony V. Coon

Anthony V. Coon, Attorney At Law

Anthony V. Coon, #6269568

Attorney at Law

10 N. Galena Ave., Ste 210 Freeport, IL 61032

815-235-2212 Fax 815-232-5500 tonycoonlaw@aol.com

(Published in The Shopper’s Guide April 17, 24, May 1, 2024) 453927

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF STEPHENSONFREEPORT, ILLINOIS US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE

TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. TOM FIELD AKA TOM L. FIELD; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 23 FC 45 NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the hour of 1:30 p.m., Security First Title Company, 205 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate:

LOT 12 OF PLAT OF PLEASANT VIEW SUBDIVISION IN LANCASTER HEIGHTS, OF A PART OF SOUTH WEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTH WEST QUARTER OF SECTION 22 TOWNSHIP 27 NORTH RANGE 8 EAST OF THE 4TH P.M..

P.I.N. 07-14-22-353-013. Commonly known as 2267 Lancaster Heights Road, Freeport, IL 61032. The improvement on the property consists of a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act.

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 LUCERNE DRIVE, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130. (440) 572-1511. ILF2302017 IJSC INTERCOUNTY

JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales. com I3242381

(Published in The Shopper’s Guide April 24, May 1, 8, 2024) 454255

From Lena’s Kitchen

We continue the roller coaster of Spring weather.

My tulips braved several frost warnings, but are drooping as I write this. Hopefully as it warms today, they will bounce back. This week brings the Kentucky Derby.

Many people in Illinois have Derby parties. The recipes today reflect that horse racing weekend. You might find them interesting to try. Have a great week cooking.

Pimento Cheese Spread

Pimiento cheese, sometimes called the pâté of the South, is a classic dip served throughout the South, notably at events like the Kentucky Derby. The three essential ingredients for making pimiento cheese are cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimientos. This recipe has a little zip to it.

2 C. (8 oz.) yellow cheddar cheese, finely shredded

1 jar (4 oz.) pimientos, drained and chopped 1/3 C. mayonnaise

2 T. finely grated onion

1½ t. Tabasco

In a medium bowl, stir cheddar cheese, pimientos, mayo, onion, and Tabasco. Stir well until incorporated. Season with salt. Chill for at least an hour. Serve with crackers or vegetables. It is great on a charcutier board.

Spring Vegetable Salad with Benedictine Dressing

Benedictine dressing was invented as a cucumber spread for cucumber sandwiches by a restaurant owner in Louisville, Kentucky in the late 1890’s. It now is used as a topping for baked potatoes and salads. It is a favorite at the Kentucky Derby.

Bag of spring mix salad

1/3 C. frozen peas, unthawed

4 radishes, sliced

1 carrot, peeled and cut into ribbons using peeler

1/3 C. cherry tomatoes cut in half

6 snow pea pods, julienned

2 T. sunflower seeds, toast-

ed

1 small shallot, minced

3 oz. white vinegar

½ English cucumber

washed with skin on, cut in half and seeds removed

1 T. chives, chopped

1 T. parsley chopped

¼ t. salt

6 oz. cream cheese room temp

2 T. mayonnaise

Place shallot in small bowl and cover with white vinegar; let sit for 10 mines. Strain out shallots and place in blender. Discard vinegar. To the blender with the shallots, add the cucumber, parsley and a dash of salt. Blend on high for 15 to 20 seconds or until pureed and bright green. Add the cream cheese and mayo and blend until creamy and light green; add salt and pepper to taste. Place in refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Place salad greens in large salad bowl; toss with enough dressing to coat. Garnish with peas, radishes, carrot, cherry tomatoes, and pea pods. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds.

Judy’s Macaroni Salad

This salad is also a favorite for Derby goers. It is often served with the Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches, a staple on Derby weekend.

2½ C. uncooked elbow macaroni

1½ C. mayonnaise

¼ C. sweet pickle juice

½ t. salt

¼ t. pepper

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

6 hard cooked eggs, chopped

6 sweet pickles, chopped Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain well. In a large bowl, combine the mayo, pickle juice, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese, eggs, and pickles. Add macaroni; toss gently to coat. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

These are a staple at most buffets and restaurants during the Kentucky Derby. They are also popular anytime in Kentucky! This recipe is for 2 sandwiches; you would have to double it for four sandwiches. Many restaurants use Texas toast for the bread.

4½ t. butter

4½ t. flour

2/3 C. milk

¾ t. chicken bouillon granules

2 slices, bread toasted

4 thin slices of deli turkey

2 slices cheddar cheese

4 to 6 slices tomato

2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 350. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually stir in milk and bouillon. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from the

heat; set aside. Place toasted bread on a baking sheet. Top each slice with 2 slices of turkey; spoon sauce over turkey. Top with cheese and tomato. Bake, uncovered until lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with bacon.

Turkey Cordon Bleu with Alfredo Sauce

If you want a more formal food for the Derby, this recipe uses the traditional sandwich and makes it for a crowd. Try this unique turkey dish that is rich in Derby tradition.

8 slices mozzarella cheese

8 thin slices deli honey ham

8 slices turkey breast cutlets

2 C. panko breadcrumbs

2 eggs, lightly beaten

½ C. flour

½ t. salt

¼ t. pepper

¼ C. canola oil

1 jar, (15 oz.) Alfredo sauce, warmed

8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

¼ C. Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Place 1 slice mozzarella cheese and ham on each cutlet. Roll up each from the short side and secure with a toothpick. Place panko crumbs in a pie plate; place beaten eggs in a second pie plate. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in another pie plate. Dip turkey into flour mixture, then eggs, then breadcrumbs. In a large skillet, brown turkey in oil in batches. Place in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, until turkey juices run clear, 20 to 25 minutes. Discard toothpicks. Spoon Alfredo sauce over turkey. Sprinkle with bacon and Parmesan cheese.

Chocolate Mint Creams

If you are featuring Kentucky Derby recipes, you have to have something with mint in it. These mint cream cookies are featured at a Kentucky Derby party. Keep the recipe because they would make a great addition to a Christmas plate too!

1 C. butter, softened

1½ C. powdered sugar

2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

1 egg, room temperature

1 t. vanilla

2½ C. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. cream of tartar

¼ t. salt

Frosting:

¼ C. butter, softened

2 C. powdered sugar

2 T. 2% milk

½ t. peppermint extract

Green food coloring

Cream butter and pow-

dered sugar until light and fluffy, 5 to 7 minutes. Add chocolate, egg, and vanilla; mix well. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, beating well. Divide dough in half; shape each half into a 2-inch diameter roll. Wrap in waxed paper; refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400. Unwrap dough and cut crosswise into 1/8-inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until edges are firm, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting: combine frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Spread over cookies; let dry completely. Store in airtight containers.

See kitchen, Page 18

The not so skinny cook

Pritzker says state

2010 law

By Hannah Meisel Capitol News illiNois

With a month-and-a-half left in the General Assembly’s spring session, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration is readying its proposal to address Illinois’ chronically underfunded pension system.

But the governor also acknowledged in the strongest terms yet that any plans to finally get the state on track toward fully funding retirement plans for public school teachers, university employees and state workers could be derailed by a looming legal fight over a 14-year-old law.

Pritzker’s comments came as Illinois’ two influential statewide teachers unions were wrapping up a “week of action,” encouraging their members to call and email lawmakers and urge them to

essentially “undo” a 2010 law that created a new less generous pension system for those who began their jobs after Jan. 1, 2011.

The General Assembly and then-Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn quickly approved that law in the wake of the Great Recession, which forced state leaders to grapple with decades of underfunding in Illinois’ pension systems.

But in the years since, economists and labor leaders have repeatedly warned that the retirement benefits in the Tier 2 system are so low, they might violate federal “Safe Harbor” laws. Those laws dictate Social Security replacement plans, like pensions, can’t offer benefits that don’t at least match Social Security.

Lawmakers—the majority of whom were not in the

shrunk pension benefits

legislature when Tier 2 was passed—have picked up on those warning signs, and in the last few years have been studying the issue in occasional committee hearings. In February, Pritzker signaled his willingness to get ahead of the looming legal issue, and on April 18, he took a big step forward in his position.

“We need, obviously, to make some changes to Tier 2 to make sure that we’re meeting the Social Security Safe Harbor,” the governor said at an unrelated news conference in his Capitol office. “We don’t yet really know what that’s going to cost.”

Earlier in the day April 18, Pritzker’s top budget advisor, Governor’s Office of Management and Budget Director Alexis Sturm, told a House committee that the governor

was “open to that conversation” about increasing the cap on Tier 2 pension earnings to match Social Security.

Ahead of Pritzker’s annual budget address in February, Sturm and other top staffers laid out a larger plan to address Illinois’ underfunded pension systems, which included a nod to the Social Security issue.

At the time, the plan merely encouraged the boards of the state’s retirement systems for teachers, university employees and state employees, along with the legislature, to “review and adjust, if necessary, the structure of the Tier 2 pensionable earnings cap.”

But in acknowledging the Tier 2 issue on Thursday, the governor also signaled to New York-based credit ratings agencies that he was still

committed to fiscal moves that would earn the state further credit upgrades. Pritzker said state leaders “just need to be exceedingly careful” about pension “sweeteners”—including any fix made to Tier 2 pensions.

“So that, in a way, is a sweetener in the sense that it’s going to cost taxpayers something,” Pritzker said. “But we have to do it because the alternative would cost the taxpayers much more.”

There is no official price tag on tweaking the law to comply with Social Security rules, but one analysis run for the state’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability last year estimated it could cost the state $5.6 billion through 2045, or about $255 million annually.

Path to 2048

Sturm’s appearance in a House committee April 18 was intended to sell lawmakers on the governor’s plan to fully fund Illinois’ pensions by 2048. Pritzker’s team had laid out the proposal ahead of his budget address in February, and one credit rating agency immediately signaled its approval.

The plan would alter a 1995 law signed by then-Republican Gov. Jim Edgar that put the state on a 50-year ramp to get Illinois’ pension systems to a 90 percent funded level by 2045.

Pritzker wants to extend that deadline three more years, but up the funding goal to 100 percent. He’s also pushing to keep spending half of the amount of money Illinois is currently spending on debt repayment for old bonds taken out in 2003 and 2017 when they’re retired in the early 2030s and put that money toward the pension systems.

The 2003 bonds were taken out to pay for pensions during Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration, and the 2017 bonds were sold in the aftermath of the state’s two-year budget impasse under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to help pay down Illinois’ record near-$17 billion backlog of unpaid bills accumulated during the political struggle.

Sturm called the plan a “balanced” way to address Illinois’ longstanding practice of not paying enough into its pension systems, creating an ever-growing sum of unfunded liabilities.

“It was there in the ‘90s, it was there in the ‘70s and the ‘40s,” Sturm said of the pen-

sion debt.

She also clarified that Pritzker is “not interested” in issuing any bonds to put an infusion of cash into the state’s pension systems, a move made under Quinn in 2010 and 2011 several years after the state borrowed $10 billion in the 2003 bond sale under Blagojevich.

The April 18 discussion on the pension plan was subject matter only, meaning it did not receive a vote from the committee. It’s unclear if the measure will pass before lawmakers adjourn their spring session in May.

Just as in the past, public employee unions will likely have tremendous influence over whether the legislature approves the governor’s pension plan.

Pat Devaney, the secretary-treasurer of the Illinois AFL-CIO organized labor umbrella organization, told the panel Thursday that the We Are One Illinois coalition—a group of unions that formed after the Tier 2 pension system law passed—was not yet taking a stance on Pritzker’s plan.

“It is difficult to provide comprehensive comments on the governor’s proposal without having specific legislative language and funding projections to review,” he said.

“That said, the problematic nature of the current funding ramp is well-documented.”

The coalition, Devaney said, “generally” supports making larger-than-necessary contributions to the state’s retirement systems.

“The state has always set forward with a plan to underfund the pension systems,” he said.

“We’re encouraged that the governor has a plan to actually fund it to 100 percent and come out with a deliberate, responsible way to provide that funding.”

Tier 2 history

But Devaney had a much more strident position to share with House members about Tier 2 pensions.

“We can do that,” he said of Pritzker’s plan to shore up Illinois’ pension systems.

“But we can also address the illegal, immoral, and, frankly, things that are hurting the operations of government at every level with the Tier 2 benefit level.”

After a long pause, state Rep. Steve Reick, R-Woodstock, signaled his agreement—with a big caveat.

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“Yeah, but how?” Reick said. “That’s the thing that we need to get people together in a room and talk about because this isn’t gonna get any better for the next 20 years. I’m not going to be here 20 years from now but ... I’d like to leave knowing that we started something that would get us to where we want to be.”

Reick said his email inbox has been inundated with messages about the Tier 2 pension system. The Illinois Federation of Teachers and Illinois Education Association – the state’s two largest

teachers unions – have encouraged their members to flood their local lawmakers with requests to address the Tier 2 pension system.

As of April 18, union members had sent more than 55,000 letters this week to lawmakers urging them to “fix” Tier 2 pensions, according to the Illinois AFL-CIO.

“I mean, I get a lot of emails from people who demand that we do away with Tier 2 altogether and go back to Tier 1,” Reick said later on during the hearing. “Um, that’s not going to work.”

As Illinois began its slow

recovery from the Great Recession, lawmakers were facing a sudden jump in unfunded pension liabilities, due in part to poor investment returns as the stock market hobbled its way to recovery. But the General Assembly also felt the squeeze from decades of decisions from their predecessors shorting the state’s pension systems.

Beginning in 2009, credit rating agencies began a series of downgrades to Illinois’ ratings of creditworthiness, making it more expensive for the state to borrow money via bond sales. In explaining

REAL ESTATE NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF STEPHENSONFREEPORT, ILLINOIS

US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust Plaintiff, vs. Shanin J. Solt; et. al. Defendants,

NOTICE OF SALE

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF STEPHENSONFREEPORT, ILLINOIS

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23 FC 45

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the hour of 1:30 p.m., Security First Title Company, 205 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate:

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The improvement on the property consists of a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act.

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF STEPHENSONFREEPORT, ILLINOIS

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual

their reasoning at the time, the influential agencies repeatedly noted the state’s pension systems were underfunded.

The financial downturn came not long after the state skipped out on paying half of its pension obligation for two years under Blagojevich, which came on the heels of more than 11,000 state workers taking early retirement under Republican Gov. George Ryan. Both moves increased the liability to the

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22 FC 25

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PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the hour of 1:30 p.m., Security First Title Company, 205 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 181432328019.

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The improvement on the property consists of a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act.

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The property will NOT be open for inspection.

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state’s pension systems by billions of dollars.

So in 2010, the Democratic-controlled General Assembly created the new Tier 2 system, which nixed the Tier 1 practice of 3 percent compounded annual cost of living adjustments for retirees, raised the age for retirees to get full benefits from 62 to 67 and changed eligibility for full benefits from five years of service to 10 years.

Tier 2 also caps the maximum salary a pension can be

(Continued from page 15)

Apple Rhubarb

Crumb Pie

This recipe is one that is used on buffets at Derby parties if you can believe that. The pairing of rhubarb and apple is unique to our area because it is usually paired with strawberries. Enjoy this different rhubarb pie.

1 refrigerated pie pastry from a 2-pack package

Filling:

5 C. thinly sliced peeled Fuji or Honeycrisp apples

2 C. sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb, cut ½ inch thick

½ C. sugar

3 T. flour

½ t. cinnamon

Topping:

1/3 C. flour

¼ C. sugar

¼ C. quick-cooking oats

1/8 t. salt

1/8 t. cinnamon

2 T. butter

Preheat the oven to 375. Unroll pastry sheet into a 9-inch pie plate flute edge. Refrigerate while preparing filling and topping. In a large bowl, combine apples and rhubarb. In a small bowl, mix

sugar, flour, and cinnamon; add to apple mixture and toss to coat.

Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, oats, salt, and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Transfer filling to crust; sprinkle with topping.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until topping is lightly browned and filling is bubbling. Cover edge loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes if needed to prevent over browning. Remove foil. Cool on a wire rack.

Final Thoughts

I know that people have started plants at home for their garden. I was at a meeting last week and a master gardener said not to put plants in the garden or flowers in outside pots until after May 15. My grandmother always said Mother’s Day or May 15 which ever was the latest. She always had beautiful vegetables and flowers. She probably would have been considered a master gardener without taking classes.

based on and changes the calculation of the base salary to discourage a practice known as pension “spiking,” wherein those close to retirement age would seek raises to substantially increase their pension under the Tier 1 system. Because it takes a decade to “vest” in the Tier 2 pension system, those who made late-career switches to government employment have begun to be eligible for retirement only in the last few years.

I know people have been seeing asparagus popping up, but mine is still hiding out. I don’t have to worry about covering it. Many of my friends have been covering rhubarb; maybe after this week that won’t be a problem.

The track meets and ball games are still going strong. Prom at Lena-Winslow has come and gone, but other schools are still celebrating them. Graduations are creeping up soon. Where has spring gone? When have we really had it? These are ageold questions that I am not wise enough to know the answers!

We continue to look for spring recipes; it is time for rhubarb and strawberry recipes, so send some favorites our way. If you find some recipes to share, you can contact us by email at scoopshopper@rvpublishing.com or by mail at From Lena’s Kitchens, The Shopper’s Guide at Rock Valley Publishing, 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115. Have a great week.

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If you or your children enjoy trivia, the following information may surprise and/or amuse you. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that kissing a donkey would cure a sore tooth.

Unlike humans, all sharks are born with teeth. Most sharks’ teeth are positioned in five to 15 rows within their mouths. When a shark loses a tooth, all the teeth behind it move up a row to fill the gap. The shark then regrows teeth in the back row. Sharks generally have about three hundred teeth, but the whale shark has 3,000.

Did you know that eating cheese can protect your teeth? This food creates a layer over the top of your teeth that protects it from being damaged by plaque or acid. Cheese has high levels of calcium and phosphate, which aid in strengthening your teeth from the inside as well. Cheese also balances the pH level in your mouth, meaning that your saliva is less acidic and forming fewer cavities.

Dolphins use their teeth to grab only, not to chew,

By Dr. Stephen petraS Illinois Licensed General Dentist

as dolphins’ jaws have no muscles. Their teeth are permanent and, just like trees, dolphin’s teeth have rings inside them that tell how old they are.

It takes 43 muscles to frown. It only takes 17 to smile. Fifty percent of people say that someone’s smile is the first physical trait they notice. Fiftyseven percent of people say that a smile from a stranger makes them want to smile and can improve their day. Forty-eight percent of young adults have untagged themselves from a photo on Facebook because of their smile. Taking care of your teeth extends your life. Studies show that when you smile and laugh, you are strengthening your immune system. Laughing and smiling releases serotonin to boost health and help

stave off disease. The more time you devote to taking care of your teeth, the more confidently and frequently you show off your smile. Antarctica is the coldest and windiest place on Earth. Evacuation back to medical care in Australia is impossible for at least part of the year. During an expedition to Antarctica in July 1911, explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard’s teeth chattered so violently that they shattered. There are doctors posted at each Australian Antarctic and sub-Antarctic station, should expeditioners to the South Pole ever need them. These doctors are highly skilled, but their training in emergency dentistry does not stretch to wisdom teeth extraction. For that reason, if a dentist identifies that an expeditioner’s wisdom teeth may cause them a problem whilst they are away, they must have them removed. Alligators can have up to 3,000 teeth throughout their lives. Alligator teeth look big and scary, but they are not actually very sharp. In order to chew their food,

alligators must bite down really hard. This can cause their teeth to break. Because they break so many teeth and grow new ones to replace them, alligators can grow up to 3,000 teeth during their lives.

While it can be considered rude to stick your tongue out in most cultures, in Tibet it is a common greeting. This ancient tradition dates back to the ninth century, during the reign of a cruel King who was known for his black tongue. Tibetans were forced to stick their tongue out to show that they did not have black tongues, they were not doing black magic, they were not a reincarnation of the evil King, and they could be trusted.

The common cold can lead to dental problems. Infection in the sinuses, for instance, can cause toothache. In fact, ninety percent of systemic diseases have oral manifestations.

In 1994 a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope and used it to climb a wall and escape. Your dog’s and/or cat’s teeth are similar to your

teeth. They are made up of the same three layers that your teeth have. They have an outer hard shell of enamel that covers a layer of dentin, and under that a layer of pulp exactly like your own teeth do. And just like humans, puppies and kittens lose their baby teeth when they are about four months old, so their adult teeth can emerge.

Sports-related injuries account for approximately five million missing teeth per year. Did you know that they are also a leading cause of chipped teeth? That is why it’s always recommended to wear a mouthguard during sporting events.

Teeth (human and animal) have been used as currency in some parts of the world. In Papua New Guinea, for example, teeth from wild pigs were used as currency until the early 20th century. In the Solomon Islands, dolphin and bat teeth were used as currency. Meanwhile, in the Fiji Islands, the tooth of the sperm whale was considered the most valuable form of currency until the 20th century.

Rabbits, squirrels, and rodents have teeth that never stop growing. They must chew on tough foods like nuts, leaves, and bark to wear down their teeth and keep them from growing too long.

Have you wondered why cows chew so much? It’s because cows have no upper front teeth. Cows have lower incisors and an upper “dental pad” (area of hard gum tissue). When they chew food, they grind it against the roof of their mouth with their bottom teeth. It takes a long time to chew that way, which is why cows can chew for up to eight hours a day.

Giraffes have no upper front teeth. They have 32 teeth, but most of these are in the back of their mouths. They use their lips and their 18-inch tongue (the strongest tongue of any animal) to grab their food (grass, leaves, twigs, fruit, and vegetables), then grind them up with their back teeth. Your teeth are just like fingerprints. This means that no one in the entire world has the same smile as you.