Biosolids in Agriculture: Turning Waste into Growth

By Curt Jacobs
Geneseo Current


What if something we flush every day could help grow the food we eat?

That’s the idea behind biosolids—nutrient-rich organic materials created from treated sewage. After going through a thorough cleaning and stabilization process at wastewater treatment plants, biosolids can be safely applied to farmland. Farmers across the country are using them to build healthier soils, boost yields, and cut down on synthetic fertilizer use.

At a glance, the benefits are hard to ignore. Biosolids are packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. They also add organic matter to the soil, improving structure, water-holding capacity, and microbial life. For farmers, that can mean better crops and fewer input costs.

They also offer an environmental win: recycling nutrients back into the land rather than sending them to landfills. Some even help with carbon sequestration, locking carbon into the soil.

But like any agricultural tool, biosolids aren’t one-size-fits-all.

There are a few things to be aware of. Depending on the source and treatment process, biosolids can contain trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. The good news is there are strict EPA regulations in place to monitor and limit these levels. Still, it’s something to stay informed about.

Researchers are also keeping an eye on “emerging contaminants” like pharmaceuticals and PFAS—chemicals found in many everyday products. These trace compounds can make their way into wastewater and, eventually, into biosolids. While current levels are low and health risks remain under study, it’s an area of active research.

And yes—biosolids can sometimes raise eyebrows with the public. Odor and the “ick factor” are real concerns. But with proper treatment and management, many of these concerns can be addressed.

Curious about how biosolids are made? Or how they're applied on real farms? There’s a lot more to the story—and it’s worth digging into.

Geneseo School District Has a New Superintendent - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Dr. Laura Delgado

   Dr. Laura Delgado has been named Superintendent of the Geneseo Community Unit School District, with the Geneseo School Board expected to formally approve her hiring at the next school board meeting which is at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, in the School District Office meeting room.

   She will assume her role in Geneseo on July 1.

   The April 10 meeting will include recognition of outgoing school board members - Barry Snodgrass, Jackie Mickley and Karen Urick.

   Delgado will succeed Dr. Adam Brumbaugh, who has accepted a position in Germantown Hills School District, after serving as Superintendent of Geneseo Schools since 2018.

   Delgado and her husband, Rafael Delgado, have one son, Xavi Delgado, a freshman student at Loras College, Dubuque.

   Delgado has worked as Director of Elementary Education for the Bloomington School District since 2021.  From 2017-2021, she was principial of Carlock Elementary School, McLean County School District in Normal where she also served as District Library Specialist; from 2019-2021 she was an Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University; from 2015-2017 she was a classroom teacher in the McLean County Unit 5 School District in Normal; from 2013-2015 was an Instructional Literacy Coach, McLean County Unit 5 Schools in Normal; from 1999-2013 she was an elementary school teacher in Ann Arbor, MI; and her career in teaching began in 1996 when she taught elementary grades in the Howell Public Schools in Howell, MI.

   Delgado’s education includes earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI.

   She received a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration in the spring of 2017 from Illinois State University in Normal; and a Doctor of Education Degree, PK-12 Educational Administration in 2024 from Illinois State.   

   Her Professional Certifications and Credentials include:
  -Superintendent Endorsement, PK-12, State of Illinois.
  -CSBO Endorsement, State of Illinois.
  -Administrative Endorsement PK-12.
  -Professional Educator License, Elementary Education, Grades K-9 (self-contained, All Subjects).
  -Teacher Evaluator Training.
  -Principal Evaluator Training.

Do Ducks Eat Worms? - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Flew the Coup

  I’m trying to figure out just why the disappearance of birds at our feeders. Is it because they can find food more easily now with no snow and the advent of spring?  Could it be the birds have found their mates and are busy building nests, or the bird virus it taking its toll on our local bird population? 
I miss asking Glen Anderson (now deceased) on questions concerning our feathered friends. He was the expert. 
This morning, as I type this, a northern flicker paid us a visit. I had not seen one since one time during the winter. The U.S. Agriculture Dept. has said that more than 12,000 individual birds recently tested positive with the virus.  That number of dead birds is not in those numbers as dead birds were not in the count. Northern cardinals and other kinds of birds like to visit bird feeders, but they can become infected and die. Bald eagles can become infected by eating infected dead animals.
Ducks, like mallards, can shed the virus in their feces or saliva which infects other birds or mammals. So far, the experts say that feeders are somewhat safe, but should be cleaned regularly.  The risk of the bird flu virus spreading to people from bird feeders is very low.

 Quiz

  Let’s see how smart of angler you are?

1)     What is the easiest way to wade across a river?
2)     Which is faster, a boat traveling at 10 knots or one
travelling at 11 mph?
3)     Which common fish is sometimes called a bowfin or flake?
4)     What is a calm part of water on a river called?
5)     What is ‘Tenk fishing?

Answers below.

 Yeah, right!

 The 10 most popular sports in the world are? 1) Football (soccer),
2) Cricket, 3) Hockey, 4) Tennis, 5) Volleyball, 6) Table Tennis, 7) Basketball,8) Rugby, 9) Boxing, and 10) Horse Racing & Equestrian. So, ‘yer going totell me more people participate in Rugby, Boxing or Table Tennis than Fishing?       

Ikes Fish Fry

  Make sure you circle April 12th on ‘your family calendar or iphone. That is the date of the Geneseo Izaak Walton League “Spring Fish Fry.”
If you like walleye, sauger, bluegill, crappie and catfish, you’d better show up for quite a feast. Fish and all the trimmings will be served in the Ike’s Lodge, Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo, off Rt. 82.
The event starts at 6 p.m. for all members and guests.  Bring a dish or two to share. It’s all free and believe me, it is “sooooo” good!

Tom Simpson, Colona, caught these nice crappies last week at a private lake.  He also caught some big bass, but let them go.  

 Got a Double

  I haven’t caught a “double” in a long time. Ha! I have a hard time catching a “single” let alone two. A “double” is when you’re fishing with two hooks on the end of your line. It happened last week when I caught two nice crappies on the same line.

 When I wasn’t Old

   This happened a long time ago and I probably shouldn’t bring it up, but maybe it will save some other “guy” an embarrassment. I had a small duck that a friend gave me. I decided to take a bath and I thought Mr. Duck would enjoy the bathtub, too!  Well, I’m not quite sure how to say this, but I don’t know if it was hungry or mad, but it bit me and it held on for a few seconds. Moral of the story is, guys, “do not take a bath with a duck!”

Oh, and yes, ducks have teeth, or at least that duck did.

 Quiz Answers

1)Go downstream. 2) 10 knots (11.51 mph). 3) Dogfish. 4) An Eddy.
5)A form of Japanese fly fishing.

Humor

What do you call a fish with no eye? Ans: “A Fsh.”

Why do oceans never go out of style? Ans: “Because they’re always current.”

True….Make sure to get enough sleep when traveling through Ecuador. Yawning in public is considered tacky.

Quiz

  “A government big enough to give you everything you want. But strong enough to take everything you have.”                                         - Thomas Jefferson

The Tell-Tale Farce: A Comedy

By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current
April 3-13, 2025

Picture this… Anywhere, USA, © 1840. A wealthy widow, her niece and granddaughter, her butler and maid, and a ragtag group of male suiters… what do you get? Nonstop laughter!

Richmond Hill Players opens their spring 2025 season with Don Zolidis’ The Tell-Tale Farce: A Comedy, which promises to be a rip-roaring time! New to the Round are Jacob Lund (Henry Whitford), Cali VanZandt (Mary), Shyna DeVoss (Abigail Dowling) and Lena DeLellis (Light & Sound Operator). And making come-back appearances are Derek Bolme (Poe- the real one), Elizabeth Hulsbrink (Helena Dowling), Eric Landuyt (Edgar/ Richard Muffinbridge), Eric Friedman (Rufus Griswold), David Shaffer (Brinsley), and Dana Skiles (Sarah Dowling, Light & Sound Designer), as well as additional crew members Suzanne Rakestraw (Costumes), Jim Skiles and Mike Skiles (Set Builders).  

Making her directing debut, Elizabeth Shaffer, with stage manager, Pat Kelley, found the perfect group of new and seasoned actors to bring you this fabulous farce filled with twists and turns, secret love affairs, deafness, and far too much opium.

Here is the scoop: Comedic gem, The Tell-Tale Farce, is a brilliantly absurd take on Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic tale. This play masterfully blends fast-paced humor, witty dialogue, and over-the-top characters, making it a delightful experience for both performers and audiences.

Zolidis takes the eerie suspense of The Tell-Tale Heart and flips it on its head, infusing it with chaotic misunderstandings and slapstick moments that keep the laughter rolling. The exaggerated characters, from the increasingly frantic narrator to the clueless guests, provide endless comedic opportunities that make this script a perfect choice for high school and community theater productions.

Beyond the humor, The Tell-Tale Farce is a well-structured play that allows for dynamic staging and physical comedy, which challenges the cast while keeping the energy high. The clever wordplay and rapid-fire pacing ensure that audiences remain engaged from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a play that delivers non-stop laughs while paying homage to a literary classic, The Tell-Tale Farce is a must-see! On a side note, I feel like this is one of the best comedic shows to come out of Richmond Hill Players… but with all due respect, I’m a little biased!

Newcomer Sally Eberhardt elected, Vorac, Klavohn and Henson re-elected to Library Board

Newcomer Sally Eberhardt elected, Vorac, Klavohn and Henson re-elected to Library Board.
Monica Vorac, Jan Klavohn and Jim Henson were reelected to the Geneseo Public Library Board in Tuesday’s election.
As reported on the Henry County Elections website, current board members Vorac received a total of 17% of the vote with 737 votes, Klavohn received a total of 11% of the vote with 498 votes, and Henson received a total of 11% of the vote with 491 votes. 
Former teacher Sally Eberhardt was the newly-elected board member who received a total of 16% of the vote with 689 votes.
Library Director Claire Crawford was thankful for all those who came out to vote on this April Fool’s Day.  “Congratulations to Monica, Jan and Jim on being reelected.  I know you will continue to serve the best interests of the community well,” said Crawford.  “I am happy to welcome Sally Eberhardt to the board.  I know she will be a real asset.”
Outgoing board members are Anne Lobdell, Karen Turner and Lee Fluck.
The Library Board will install its new members at its next board meeting on Monday, April 14 at 6:30 pm, to be held this month only in the Central Bank Room at the library (because of a presentation in the Foundation Room by former resident and author Dave Markward). 

Just 5 Paragraphs - By Dan Dauw

Before you Check Out

  I realize most of us don’t really want to talk about our ending, but it would be one less problem for your spouse and children in dealing with the obituary. 
I had an uncle that wrote out his OB and I thought that might be a helpful task to do before I go to the great beyond. I tried to keep it short with just 5 paragraphs. I have heard that it is expensive to have one’s obituary in the local newspaper.  Instead, maybe I could just mail my OB to all my friends. Five or six should do it.   

 It’s a Bird, it’s a Plane, it’s?

   I sent the following “happening” to some friends who know I’m not completely “off center.” Last Saturday, in the afternoon, I sat outside on our upper deck watching the birds at our feeders.  The sky was cloudless with calm winds.
I happened to look up in the sky and saw a mature bald eagle.  That’s not real unusual as we’ve seen eagles before in our area.  However, this time was different.
All of a sudden, a very bright object and about 1/3rd the size of an eagle, appeared out of nowhere and seemed to go after the eagle.  Well, Mr. Eagle took after the “thing” and grabbed it in mid-air. In a second or two it released the thing.
Then it just vanished. Then entered another eagle that came on the scene and no, we are not talking about turkey vultures. With their white heads and tails, they were mature, for sure! What I cannot understand how this “thing” could vanish.
Was it a drone? I have never seen a drone in flight.  Still, how could it disappear, off and on?  I did not hear the thing make any noise, but then I didn’t have my hearing aids in either.
When the eagle grabbed the thing wouldn’t that harm the drone, or even the bird?  I guess I will never know what I witnessed on that Saturday afternoon, but one thing is for sure, it was mighty weird.

When I Wasn’t Old

  I remember, when in grade school, that we shot free throws underhanded. That was the norm. I don’t remember seeing that in high school. When I was a kid I remember flying kites. We flew them just west of Stephan’s Park. No cell phones or electronic devices. Outdoors was the name of the game!
Any of you remember the Royal American Shows? It was held in
Davenport along the river. A train brought all the tents, and other circus gear. We went to the RAS every time it was in town. It was lots of fun.
I loved reading comic books. I remember we had milk delivered to our house in Moline from Baker’s Dairy. The milkman put the milk in an insulated box on our porch.
One time we heard on WHBF radio that there was a car in the Rock River. We were not far from the bridge going into Milan so a buddy and I went to the accident. I won’t say the name of the lady who was in the car. When the wrecker pulled the car out of the water, she fell through the broken windshield. I won’t go through the details, but I remember it to this day. Not a pretty sight. 

Basketball

  There sure has been a lot of good men and women basketball games these past several weeks.  I wish Iowa State men and women teams could have gone a bit further.  Their men’s team played horrible their last game.  Nothing seemed to work in their favor.
My favorite, Notre Dame women’s team, was great to watch. My all-time favorite is Hannah Hidalgo. They are really going to miss seniors, Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld.  I think freshman, Kate Koval, needs to improve. Coach Niele Ivey is an awesome coach. I have to laugh as sometimes she dresses like she is going to some ball. That’s just fine, she’s a pretty lady. “Go, Irish!”

 Humor

  Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only two have survived the test of time. The Great Pyramid of Giza and Dale Collis of Galva.

What is a soda machine’s favorite dance? Ans: The can-can! 

Why did the cabinet go to the psychiatrist? Ans: It kept talking to its shelf.

Quote of the Week

   “You will be better advised to watch what you do instead of what you say”      - John N. Mitchell

Geneseo School Board Candidates in 2025 Election - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Voters in the Geneseo School District will have the opportunity to vote for school board candidates at the upcoming April 1 election.  The seats are four-year terms.
   Kane Causemaker is seeking re-election to the board and three newcomers will be elected to the school board.   Current board members Jackie Mickley, Barry Snodgrass and Karen Urick are not seeking re-election to the board. 
   The newcomers are Casey Disterhoft, Tyler Robertson and Kelly Storm. 
   In our quest for information regarding the qualifications of each candidate, we put together a list of questions for them to answer, and asked the candidates to answer each question in 200 words or less.|
  All photos are submitted and the candidates are listed in alphabetical order with their responses:

KANE CAUSEMAKER (SEEKING RE-ELECTION) – Kane Causemaker and his wife Christina have a daughter Kolby (16); and a son Knox (14).
   He graduated from high school in Geneseo in 1995 and earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University.
   Causemaker is employed as Protein Procurement lead for JBS.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOLBOARD? – “There isn’t a profession more vital to a child’s potential than a legitimately great teacher.  Just as important is the creation and maintenance of a suitable learning environment.  After college, I regrettably did not pursue a career in education, and this is just my way of attempting to be an asset to Geneseo’s school district.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM?  - “My greatest concern is for the students in our district to have everything they need that helps them maximize their potential in the future.  We have to manage their needs and also create a work environment conducive to quality teacher retention, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.  We can accomplish this with sound and open communication between the BOE (Board of Education) and administration.”

CASEY DISTERHOFT - and his wife Angelica have one son Noah, and two daughters, Keira and Isla.
   Disterhoft graduated from JD Darnall High School (now Geneseo High School) in 1995; and earned a Bachelor’s Degree after attending Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University.  
   He is the City of Geneseo, Chief of Police. 
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD? – “I’m running for school board to be part of an elected unified team representing the Geneseo School District area voters, ensuring our most valuable resource, the children, have a safe learning environment and a top tier education that gets them prepared for success in the rest of their lives.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? –   - “Sustainability of a growing district population and taking steps by looking at what could be done to make the Geneseo School District even more desirable to other families when they make the decision to relocate.”
“Recruitment and retention of high-quality staff.  We have great staff here in this school district at every building, in every unique section of the educational experience, and working with them to make sure this district exceeds in the future is something I look forward to.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
   “I’ve dedicated my life to serving others, it is part of my soul and faith.  I see serving on the school board as another opportunity where I can give back and make a positive difference in this community that I love.
  I look forward to this opportunity of working with parents, staff and the children, making sure the children that come through this school district get a great education and are set up for success in their future so they can reach their goals and dreams.”

TYLER ROBERTSON – and his wife Renee have four children, Shaw (12 years); Harper, (10 years); Ryder (eight years); and Reed (six years). 
Robertson is self-employed as business owner at Geneseo Child Care LLC, a DCFS licensed child care and preschool with two locations in Geneseo; also, owner at Charming Geneseo Farmhouse Airbnb Rental of Geneseo.  He is president of Life’s Little Miracles, Inc., a DCFS licensed child care and preschool in Port Byron.
   He graduated from JD Darnall High School in 2007 (the last year the school was known as JD Darnall High School before being renamed Geneseo High School) and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. 
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD? – “My interest in running for the school board is vested in seeing our school district provide the children of our amazing community just as many great educators, role models, and opportunities as it has provided to myself growing up in Geneseo.  I’m proud to be from Geneseo and am proud that we already have a great district by many standards. 
After attending board meetings for the past year, my interest to be involved was sparked at the many critical choices our district faces, which affect and shape our community.  I consider myself very connected to our area through my own children’s activities, through church, and through my business, all of which gives me a strong understanding of the wants and needs of our community.  All facets of our community thrive when we have a great school district to build around.
   Geneseo is home to a wonderful array of early learning programs that feed into the district, and I know many of these young learners personally. I’d love to see these children continue to succeed in our primary and secondary educational programs and beyond.  The current school board has expressed the goal to not only be good at what we do, but to be great at it, and I am aligned with that vision.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? – Efficient and effective use of district funding always remains a critical balancing act.  Striving for improvement while maintaining balanced funding is difficult, especially with the rate of inflation we’ve seen in recent years.  To go along with challenges in funding, our district is also experiencing an ongoing, steady decline in enrollment with the overall number of students served.  Yet, our population with IEPs has been increasing and is forecasted to continually increase, which presents challenges regarding resource allocation and how to best serve this population in the future.  I believe my diverse business management experience will enable me to bring data-driven, as well as ‘outside-the-box’ solutions to the board.
   Another issue that will require further attention and evaluation is our grading scales.  Our current pilot of the standards-based program has raised concerns about clarity for parents and students and the need for a singular direction across the district is important for the progress of making successive decisions, like curriculum, to support the chosen scale. 
My goal will be to facilitate open dialogue on all issues like this one, exploring options, and to develop solutions that maximize the potential of every student.  I think it is also important to note that all issues that face the district come with many complexities, and so it will be crucial to collaborate with the board team members on solutions that benefit all students.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS – “Geneseo CUSD #228 will be transitioning to a new Superintendent to lead the next chapter in the history of Geneseo academic performance.  The success of anyone in this position hinges on the support they receive from the community and that success ultimately is tied to the success of our district.  Therefore, I would encourage the community to welcome whomever the Superintendent may be, and foster positive support when the time comes to ensure a smooth transition and a successful future for all.”

KELLY STORM – and her husband, Tyler, have two sons, Chambers, (seven years old); and Chesney (four years old).   Storm is employed as a commercial insurance producer.
   She graduated from Annawan High School and pursued General Studies at Quincy University.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD? – “I’m running for the school board because I’m committed to strengthening our schools and supporting Geneseo’s tradition of excellence. 
With a background in community involvement and a clear understanding of the challenges we face, I want to work closely with teachers and administrators to create a supportive, high-achieving environment for students and staff.  Serving on the board will allow me to help preserve and build on Geneseo’s strong community values, district support, and outstanding leadership.
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTGRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? – “Joining any board, I believe it is essential to fully understand all topics and issues before proposing any recommendations or changes, particularly at a time when we’re welcoming a new superintendent.  This transition presents a unique opportunity to reassess and refine our strategies to better serve the entire district. 
As a new member at this critical juncture, I am committed to collaborating closely with the new superintendent and other board members to implement the necessary adjustments and enhancements.  My goal is to ensure that our policies and practices are effectively aligned with the needs of all stakeholders in the district, thereby optimizing our educational environment and outcomes.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS – “I am eager to serve our community and help maintain Geneseo Community School District #228 longstanding reputation for educational and athletic excellence. I am committed to supporting our educators, administrators and coaches in fostering an environment where learning and achievement are prioritized.  I look forward to contributing to a district that not only values excellence, but also nurtures the potential of every student and staff member.”

Leslie Goddard to Portray Lady Bird Johnson April 9 at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Leslie Goddard will present two different programs within a week at the Geneseo Public Library.

   At 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, historian and author Leslie Goddard will portray the American entrepreneur, fashion designer and socialite Lilly Pulitzer.

   Goddard returns to the Geneseo Library at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, where she will characterize Lady Bird Johnson.

   ABOUT LADY BIRD JOHNSON:

   It’s 1969 and Lady Bird Johnson has returned to Texas at the end of her husband’s presidency.  As she welcomes visitors to her home, she reminisces about her years in Washington, the experiences that brought her to the White House, and how she forged her own path as an advocate for the environment, civil rights and her husband.

   Lady Bird Johnson was born Claudia Alta Taylor on Dec. 22, 1912, in Karnack, Texas, in an antebellum plantation house.  Opinions differ about whether the name Lady Bird refers to a bird or a ladybug.  The nickname virtually replaces her first name for the rest of her life.  Her father and siblings called Her Lady and her husband called her Bird, the name she used on her marriage license.  As a teenager, some classmates called her Bird to provoke her since she reportedly was not fond of the name.

   As First Lady, she broke new ground by interacting directly with Congress, employing her prese secretary and making a solo electioneering tour.  She advocated beautifying the nation’s cities and highways, saying “Where flowers bloom, so does hope,” and “The environment is where we all meet, where we all have a mutual interest.”

   The Highway Beautification Act was informally known as “Lady Bird’s Bill.” 

   Information from the Geneseo Library states that Lady Bird Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional God Medal in 1984, the highest honors bestowed upon a U.S. civilian.  She has been consistently ranked in Siena College Research Institute surveys as one of the most highly regarded American First Ladies per historians’ assessments.

The Moon is Like My Dentures - By Dan Dauw

Illinois Spring Trout Season

  It opens on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 5 a.m. (Hennepin Canal Parkway opens at 6 a.m.) While the ‘Parkway at Sheffield and Moline’s Prospect Lagoon are closer to drive, we like the Centennial Park Pond in Rock Falls, IL. It’s not quite as crowed and the ground is more level. 
Make sure besides your fishing license that you have also purchased the $6.00 trout stamp. You are allowed a limit of 5 trout.  You can purchase an Illinois fishing license and trout stamp at E-Z ‘Livin Sports Center, 231 – 1st Ave West, Milan, IL.    

 Illinois Outdoor News

   This is an interesting outdoor newspaper that contains a lot of hunting, trapping and fishing information about our great state of Illinois. In the recent March 7th issue there was an article by editor, Ralph Loos, on raising the cost of Illinois fishing licenses. 
For some years now, I’ve wondered about that very thing?  The IL-DNR does a pretty good job considering all the various aspects of what that department is responsible for. Maybe it’s not that easy to increase the license fee, but I would think raising the fee by a buck or two is hardly catastrophic.

 More Deer

  So far this year we’ve seen an increase in deer in our backyard and woods. One day our neighbors had 5 in their yard and two in ours.
We had a large doe a few days ago and lots of deer tracks. I set-up a trail camera at night and besides a deer it showed all kinds of creatures. One animal we don’t see much of anymore are rabbits.  Maybe coyotes and/or red-tailed hawks are responsible.
I miss deer hunting, but my health and age works against me. However, I am “not” giving up on fishing. Only until I’m 6 feet under the grass shall I not cast my twister tail.

 Basketball

Geeez, I think I’ve spent more time in front of the TV watching men and women’s college basketball.
We’re fans of Iowa State, Illinois and Illinois State. We have a grandson who attends Unv. of Nebraska so “Go, Big Red!”  The Notre Dame women’s team was really great to watch, but they kind of fell apart towards the end of the season.  They should win their first round in the NCAA tournament. I’m glad we have a good selection of favorites in the tournament.     

Brights Off or On

   With today’s modern vehicle headlights, night driving can be a challenge when approaching on-coming vehicles in the other lane. It seems to me some headlights have a yellow tint to them while others are brightly clear. 
It almost looks like headlights have become more brighter even though the brights are not on.  I know sometimes I don’t have my brights on, but the other vehicle thinks I do.  I’m wondering if car manufactures should tone down their headlights a tad. 

Humor

 After landing on the moon is it true that our astronauts found Alice Kramden?

The moon is like my dentures. Both come out at night.

John Adams once said, “One useless man is a shame, two are politicians and three or more are a congress.”

Which underwear brand do seniors love best? It Depends.

“If you don’t read my column, you are uninformed. If you do read my column, you are misinformed.”

 Quotes

   “Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live.”

-  Vittorio Alfien