The Central Illinois Farm Network

6-16-13

         There are only some slight chances for rain in the coming week for Central Illinois, according to the National Weather Service.

         There is only a 20 percent chance of showers and storms today (Sunday) with a high near 84 under partly sunny skies. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low of 64 before another 30 percent chance of showers on Monday with a high once again near 84.

         Mostly sunny skies will prevail Tuesday through Thursday with daily highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. There are more chances for some showers and thunderstorms Thursday night into Friday.

6-16-13

          PONTIAC - During Thursday's Livingston County Board meeting, a contract for the special public defender was approved.

          The contract is similar to one authorized by a county committee last week and includes a 30-day out clause for a party that enters into it and a salaray of over $57,000. The contract involves independent contractor Bill Bertram and must still be approved by him. Bertram has held this position since 1996.

          Also this week, Livingston County Board members discussed whether or not to amend the county tattoo ordinance and zoning ordinance to allow tattoo parlors. The county will now look into various zoning options and a resolution on lifting the ban.

6-12-13

          Governor Pat Quinn wants Illinois residents to have more access to healthy food. 

          That's why he was among the crowd at Woodlawn's 61st Street Farmer's Market Saturday to promote the fact that state residents can now use their LINK cards at similar markets across the state. 

          Even better, the state has stepped forward at 38 farmers' markets to make double value coupons as well.  The governor said the initiative is designed to get more people to give up junk food and buy more fruits and vegetables.

6-6-13

         FAIRBURY – To say the month of May was wet for this area is an understatement. Try downright saturating.

         Rainfall for the month totaled well over six inches at the Central Illinois Farm Network headquarters in southern Livingston County. This compares to 1.8 inches in May 2012 and 4.1 the year before that.

        Many farmers took advantage of a dry period early in the month to get crops planted but the rain started up again and never eased up. Rainfall occurred May 3, 4, 9, 15, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31.

         The average high for the month was 72.8 with an average low of 55.2. The warmest temperature of 89 occurred May 19 with the coolest temperature of 34 occurring May 13.

6-5-13

         A wild horse and burrow adoption is planned for Saturday, June 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Ewing, Illinois.

         A preview of the animals will take place the day before. Animals can be adopted for a nominal fee on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Ewing Wild Horse Facility is located about 20 miles south of Mount Vernon. For details, call 866-468-7826.

6-1-13

         Turkey hunters bagged fewer birds in the state this spring and the cold, wet weather is to blame.

         The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports a preliminary count of 14,133 turkeys shot compared to 15,941 the previous spring.
Jo Daviess County had the most turkeys bagged at 552.

5-27-13

          GRAYMONT – Patriotic singing and inspirational messages filled the Rooks Creek Chapel west of Pontiac Sunday afternoon, during the 129th Rooks Creek Memorial Day service.

          A community choir under the direction of Kathy Starks provided music selected from a cantata entitled, “With Liberty and Justice for All.” Also, Elisa Ruiz, a student of Graymont Grade School, continued a longtime tradition in reciting the Gettysburg Address.

          Navy veteran Tony Arrigo gave the roll call of those veterans who have passed on and are connected to Rooks Creek Township in some way. The list of veterans goes all the way back to the War of 1812.

          Arrigo spoke of our freedoms and also pointed out increased security measures across the country.

          “I can remember when we could carry a pocket knife anywhere and liquids or gels could be carried by anyone,” said Arrigo. “Our intricate freedoms are being tested.”

          Arrigo said our service men and women are appreciated more and more since they continue to volunteer even with numerous service-related deaths reported each day.

          Korean War veteran Jack Murphy gave Sunday’s address. After Murphy served in the infantry in Korea, he returned to Washington, D.C. where he was a member of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Honor Guard.

          Murphy is a life member of the Pontiac VFW and was instrumental in helping to establish the Livingston County War Museum, where he currently serves as the president.

         “When you come back from these situations, you can’t come right back and be like you were when you left,” said Murphy.

         “Nobody goes off to war to die for your country, but you put yourself in a situation where that can happen. I think it is important for those who return to remember the ones that didn’t”

          Murphy praised the military we have today and said the memories of war are never forgotten.

         “Realistically, too many schools and too many families place emphasis on Memorial Day as a vacation day. We shouldn’t forget the folks that sacrificed so much for their country.”

          Following the service in the chapel, the crowd proceeded to the nearby Rooks Creek Cemetery where the Flanagan American Legion Post conducted military honors. Jackie and Belle Huxtable served as trumpeters for Taps.

          Larry Ahdrends serves as chairman for the annual event, assisted by Fran Ryerson, Pete Starks, Kathy Starks and Mona Zehr.

5-25-13

         BLOOMINGTON - At the regular meeting of the McLean County Board on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, the McLean County Board approved a joint resolution to incorporate McLean County into the DeWitt-Livingston-Logan-McLean Service Region.

         The Board also approved an Intergovernmental Agreement to fund the DeWitt, Livingston, Logan and McLean Counties Educational Service Region.

         The County Board approved a resolution establishing the Budget Policy for Fiscal Year 2014 as well.

5-22-13

         PONTIAC – The Livingston County Agricultural Fair Association is offering its annual $250 scholarships to present and past 4-H club members.

         Applications may be picked up and returned to the University of Illinois Extension Office in Pontiac Monday through Friday. All applications must be postmarked or returned to the office by May 31.

         Scholarships will be presented on Monday, July 15 during opening ceremonies of the Livingston County Ag Fair and 4-H Show. There will be a minimum of two $250 scholarships awarded.

         For more information, call 815-822-3998 or 815-842-1776.