Indian Creek Newsletter - August, 2008 on the web at frontiernet.net/~indiancreek compiled by Helen Mogill, hmogill@frontiernet.net, 728-2048
Water Report The 2007 Indian Creek Water and Homeowners Association Annual Consumer Confidence Report was distributed to your newspaper mail boxes in July. The report is now also available on the web at the Indian Creek Water page http://www.frontiernet.net/~indiancreek/icwater.htm. Click on 2007 Water Report. In summary, no violations were detected in the levels of the contaminents tested for: chlorine, haolacetic acids, trihalomethanes, arsenic, barium, fluoride, iron, manganese, and sodium. There was one violation regarding the recording of the chlorine level during the regular monthly bacteria sampling (but not in the level itself). The following note is from Frank Cottrell, the operator who monitors our water system. We had a violation this last year for not including the chlorine level taken on our regular monthly bacteria samples. I always check daily for chlorine levels and especially when sampling, but with this set of samples I had not written down that level on the report form for the distribution samples taken (October 1, through October 31, 2007 compliance period). We have no positive bacteria samples; this was just a paper work mistake. I will continue to do my best to provide your water supply the best quality water we can produce with our facilities. Frank Cottrell, Operator
Other Water News The ICWHA entered into a one-year contract with TriCounty Locators, effective August 1, 2008. TriCounty will now perform all JULIE water locate requests for the subdivision. This responsibility historically had been handled by the board's Water Chair. As soon as they arrive, magnets with TriCounty's phone number will be distributed to all homeowners via US Mail along with some additional information about how the locates will be performed. In the meantime, if you have any questions, contact either Brian Krause or Dave Schulthes. During dry periods please be sure to observe water conservation guidelines: water your lawn or wash your car on days that correspond to your street address, odd addresses on odd days, even addresses on even days. Swimming pools should never be filled using Association water. Adherence to these guidelines helps ensure an adequate supply of water for our community and prolongs the life of the water system equipment. Excessive water use also stirs up sediment in the water lines and may cause discolored and sediment laden water for all of us.
Sweet Corn & Tomatoes The farmer just around the corner on the Gridley blacktop (one or two miles northeast of Indian Creek) now has fresh corn for sale. We had some this week and it is wonderfully sweet and delicious. Red Bird farm, around the corner one mile east on Hudson road will have tomatoes as soon as they ripen. Watch for signs on Hudson Road.
Towanda Area Historical Society by Gail Ann Briggs The Towanda Area Historical Society will meet on Tuesday, August 26, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Building. Plans will be discussed regarding the group’s partnership with the McLean County Barn Keepers (web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/barn). The Barn Keepers are sponsoring a self-guided tour of old barns in the Towanda area on Saturday, September 13. The profit from morning coffee and a noon lunch will benefit TAHS. Volunteers are needed between 8:30 and 2:30 to serve coffee, fix and serve sloppy joe lunches, and clean up. Please call 728.2187 or email rgbriggs@frontiernet.net to signup to help if you are unable to attend the meeting. Rod Merritt is scheduling interviews with local veterans to capture and preserve their memories. These interviews are being conducted for our participation with WILL TV and the Alliance Library System in conjunction with the Library of Congress. New at the Towanda history website (http://towandahistory.org): · History of the Duncan Family, an extract of a book written by Nancy Miller, TAHS volunteer: http://towandahistory.org/Detail.cfm?id=1106. · Ida Hirst autograph book, from 1890: http://towandahistory.org/Detail.cfm?id=1105 · Mark White’s personal memories of growing up in the Towanda Area in the 1950’s and 1960’s: http://towandahistory.org/Detail.cfm?id=1104
American Legion Meals The Towanda American Legion will have a BREAKFAST on Sunday, August 3rd from 7am to 10am.  Breakfast will include eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit and drink for $7. The Towanda American Legion will have a STEAK DINNER on Friday August 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30.  Dinner will include 10oz ribeye, baked potato, salad, dessert and drink for $10. The public is invited and carry outs are available.
Recycling – NOT Local Any More The town of Towanda will no longer have recycling bins. Starting in August, Towanda residents will have their own containers for recycling to be picked up at the curb, provided as part of the village contract with their garbage collector. This service is not at this time available to Indian Creek residents.
Classifieds For Rent: John and Mary Ann Boyd, e-mail: rupeboyd@hotmail.com or call:531-0443 (cell) Looking to escape this winter? Our fully-furnished 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo is available for rent. It's located at Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club (http://www.kellygreens.com) in Fort Myers, Florida and is just minutes from the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Renters enjoy golfing and tennis privileges as well as the use of the clubhouse and pools. For Sale: Towanda District Library, e-mail: towandalib@yahoo.com or call 728-2176 · Metal table: $30 · Perpetual Used Book Sale: New gently-used books are added every week
Wind Farm
		If you look to the east as you drive along Towanda-Barnes road near Route 9, you will see the 240 majestic windmills of the Twin Groves Wind Farm arrayed along the wind-swept Bloomington Moraine near Ellsworth. With a wind speed averaging 15 – 35 mph, the windmills produce 396 megawatts of wind energy, enough to meet the annual energy needs of about 118,000 homes. Upon completion, Twin Groves was the largest wind farm east of the Mississippi River. Twin Groves has added substantial tax revenues to the county and local schools. Royalties are paid to 140 landowners whose land spans over 22,000 acres for an average of $5000 per windmill. The windmills take only 200 of those 22,000 acres out of crop production.
There is a visitors’ Lookout, on County Road 2900 East, off Route 9. The lookout is on your right about ½ mile up 2900E after your turn onto it from Route 9. Watch carefully as it is not labeled and is hard to spot. Two storyboards provide information about wind turbines and the development of Twin Groves. See more about the Twin Groves Wind Farm at http://www.horizonwind.com/projects/whatwevedone/twingroves/.
Towanda Area Garage Sales The Annual Fall Garage sales will be held Thursday, September 18 – Saturday, Septenber 20. Information about your sale (times, location, items you have to sell) and your contact information are due to Gail Ann Briggs, along with $7 advertising fee by Monday, September 8, to be included on the map. Mail to 112 Hunt St. Emailed information will receive a reply: rgbriggs@frontiernet.net
Towanda Library News (on the web at towandalibrary.org) 4^th of July Book Sale Sunny skies on the 4th of July drew record crowds who leisurely enjoyed the Flea Market and celebration by browsing the used books sale and enjoying ice-cold lemonade. This equated to record profits for the Friends. The impressive total was $1,000! Thanks to everyone who donated books, to those who purchased books, to Jim Kellenberger who donated the use of his hay rack, and to the members of the Friends for their efforts in making the sale a success. Indian Creek residents who are members of the Friends are Tish Hamblen, Kay Liebenow, Ruth Parson, and Helen Mogill. You can donate your no longer needed books, videos, CDs, DVDs and audio books all year long for next year’s sale. Friends of the Library, Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00pm The next meeting of the Friends of the Library will be Wednesday, September 10 at 6:00pm at the library.  All are welcome to attend. Come join the group! Towanda Reads, Wednesday, September 10, at 7:00pm The next meeting of the Towanda Reads book club will be Wednesday, September 10, at 7:00pm at the library.  Refreshments will be served. The book to be discussed, Little Heathens: High Spirits and Hard Times on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression by Mildred Armstrong Kalish, is a much-acclaimed book about growing up in rural Iowa during the days of the Great Depression. It seems that everyone has a family story to tell of survival during the 1930's. This book makes it clear that fond memories remain - even after difficult times. All are welcome to join the discussion group. Share your memories! Calendars The Towanda District Library has a supply of free Getting Ready for Kindergarten calendars available to McLean County families who have a four-year-old in the household. They are courtesy of the McLean County United Way. While you are at the library, be sure to register your pre-schooler for TDL Preschool Story Hours.
Fire Department Brett Lueschen will be replacing assistant chief Skip Nelson who retired earlier this year. Good luck in your new position Brett. Don't forget the new Junior Firemen program TFD is offering for girls and boys age 15-17 starting August 11 2008. Contact Tom Wagner for more information. Runs for July: Car accidents - 4, Medical - 6, Mutual aid -1, Powerlines down -1.
4th of July - 2008 - Wrap Up Meeting Monday, August 25 - 7:00 p.m. - Community Building
Towanda Lions sponsored Steve Liebenow Memorial Scholarship. The Towanda Lions Club is sponsoring a $500.00 scholarship for a 2008 High School college bound senior and/or currently enrolled college student attending classes full time from the Towanda area.  This is a one-time scholarship, not open to renewal. Applicants for this scholarship must meet the following criteria: 1. The applicant must have a Towanda mailing/residence address. 2. Average grade of at least a C, verified by a high school transcript. 3. In 250 words or less, submit a letter of application containing a brief biographical profile which includes your college plans, school activities, community service activities, and work history. Indicate your plans for using the scholarship money and why you are deserving of the award. 4. Submit two letters of recommendation: one from a teacher, counselor, or administrator, and one from a non-relative in the Towanda area. 5. Submit a copy of your fall 2008 class schedule of the college/university you will be attending. 6. Letter of application, recommendation, transcript, and class schedule must be received by the Scholarship Committee Chairman by September 15, 2008.  Mail to: Steve Liebenow Memorial Scholarship c/o Robert Hancock 7 Bent Tree Lane Towanda, Illinois 61776 The Towanda Lions Club committee will review all applications and select one scholarship winner.  All applicants will be notified by mail of the committee's choice.
V.F.W. POST 462 Towanda Post 462 would like to thank everyone who helped with our 4th of July food tent. All of us at post 462 would like to thank the Towanda community for their support and making this a great 4th of July. A special thank you goes to SGT.STEVEN WAGNER, who drove the Humvee in the 4th of July parade. SGT.WAGNER will be deploying to AFGHANISTAN in October for a year long tour. We wish him a safe tour and return home safely to his family and loved ones.
School / Unit 5 Registration: The Unit 5 website - http://www.unit5.org/curriculum/registration.shtml - contains information about registration for those new to the district, or who did not mail in registration packets. School calendar: · Wednesday, Aug 20 Half-day of school · Thursday, Aug 21 First full day of 08-09 school year · Monday, Sep 1 No School / Labor Day
THCE News by Pat Pulokas, 728-2118; palp@mchsi.com We wish to thank the people who came out to the July 3^rd Spaghetti Supper and enjoyed food and fellowship in our community. Money earned from the Spaghetti Supper help our Towanda HCE unit to support community and county projects and concerns. It was beautiful weather and we always have fun seeing you and serving you up delicious food. We do not meet in August, but plan on attending our next meeting on Monday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m.  Our educational program will be presented by Robin Bagwell, McLean County Extension Staff on “FARMERS MARKETS”.   Call Cindy Kelley, 663-4796, for further information about the Towanda Home and Community Education group.
	Search Search capability has been added to the Indian Creek website and Newsletters, so now if you need to refer to something you remember reading in a past newsletter, you will be able to find it quickly. See the new search function at http://www.frontiernet.net/~indiancreek/.