In ICBA's 400 Towers of Strength (ICBA's 2009 Annual Roll Call of Top-Performing Members) June 18, 2010, Effingham, Illinois – The Independent Community Bankers Association recently published a list of Top-Performing Members, appropriately named the 400 Towers of Strength. The ICBA Independent Banker pulls data from the FDIC call-report each year to identify top performing community banks. ICBA's membership includes nearly 5,000 banks across America. Midland States Bank ranked # 2 among 330 Subchapter C Corporation bank members in each of the two areas of measurement: Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). When compared to both Subchapter S and C Corporation bank members, Midland States Bank ranked # 4 on ROE performance and #6 on ROA performance across the nation.

"In 2007, our employees, shareholders, and management team executed a plan to grow, without compromising bank performance. We were acutely aware of the economic conditions facing the country and the negative impact facing some financial institutions. Despite the national publicity surrounding the banking industry, our Board Members and Executive Management Team had faith in our ability to make sound decisions. When presented with options that were advantageous to the organization, we were poised to strategically set our plan in motion, and that's exactly what we did" said Leon J. Holschbach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Midland States Bank.

At the end of year, 2009, Midland States Bank reported an ROA of 3.54% and 34.14 % ROE. ROA is an indicator of how profitable a company is relative to its assets. It is also an indicator of how well management utilizes assets to generate earnings. ROE displays the profitability of a corporation by showing how much profit a company generates with the shareholders investment, also known as shareholders equity.

In Mr. Holschbach's 2009 Annual Shareholder Letter he commented "I reflect upon words of a former Midland States Bank (Effingham State Bank) President, who addressed the shareholders on January 11, 1939. He offered a view forward that seems appropriate to me today. Understand that Mr. Eversman wrote to shareholders in a period framed on one side by the subsiding of the Great Depression and the other side, the dawn of World War II; a period, like today in which you could be certain of very little. He finishes his letter with this message:

'Obviously no prophecy as to the future can be made at this time although there is every reason to feel that continued industry and cooperation will bring us our due reward as they have in the past.'"

To view the ICBA 400 Towers of Strength Article, visit www.icba.org.

Whiteside/Carroll County Enterprise Zone & Whiteside County Economic Development Administrator Betty Steinert would like to announce the upcoming educational event on July 13, 2010, 10-11:30 a.m., at the Sterling Schools Auditorium. This location has been chosen to accommodate the large number of people expected to attend.

This important meeting is to prepare for the many contracting and procurement opportunities associated with the proposed opening of the Thomson Prison by the Federal Bureau of Prisons(BOP). This meeting will include all Illinois and Iowa regional partners.

Vicky Miller, C.B.S. will be conducting the "Thomson Prison Contracting Event." Vicky has been a successful business owner and entrepreneur in the Quad City Region for more than 25 years. For the last 4 ½ years she has been running the new IL Procurement Technical Assistance Center at Black Hawk College. The center helps business learn how to gain government contracts. She has been given a High Achievement Award each year from the State of Illinois and received the Highest Achievement Award Designation in Illinois this year from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). She has advocated more than $460 million in government contracts that created more than 464 new jobs and retained over 4,566 jobs in her community.

Vicky will let you know of the many community services and products that will be used by the prison and learn how to engage your company to conduct business with the federal government. This will just be the beginning and there will be three, two hour training sessions at later dates. These classes are a must attend to be prepared. Vicky will have hand outs to enroll in these sessions that will be held in the region during the month of August. Services will be required at the time the BOP takes over the facility, now is the time to prepare to have everything in order to become a vendor.

Those who should attend in the Illinois Iowa region are, mayors, chambers directors, chamber boards, chamber members; economic development organizations; business owners, political leaders, financial institutions, real estate developers, realtors, and anyone involved in the construction industry.

More information on reserving your spot at this meeting will be forthcoming, but mark your calendar for July 13th and plan on attending!

CLINTON, IOWA (June 4, 2010) – Ashford University is bringing its Master of Arts in Education program to its Clinton campus. Currently offered online, the MAEd program will also be available though Ashford's ASPIRE adult accelerated program beginning July 7. Students will be able to take the program's eight core courses in Clinton, and then take "specialization" courses online. Each specialization requires four or five online courses.

"While talking to area educators it was recognized that there was a demand for a Master of Arts in Education at the campus. We currently offer the degree online but there are many area educators that prefer the ‘face to face' delivery," said Dr. Hope Gardina, Ashford University vice president of Academic Affairs. "The delivery will be unique because we are combining the campus and online. The eight core education courses will be delivered at the campus, one night each week with each course being only six weeks long. Courses for the several different specializations will be offered online."

The Master of Arts in Education is designed to present a foundational perspective and increased specialization for educational leaders. Program core courses define the foundation of knowledge and skills for students to provide instruction to diverse populations. Students choose a specialization based on their personal interests and expertise.

Program specializations include Assessment and Measurement, Child Development, Culturally Responsive Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Distance Learning, Early Childhood Education, Education & Public Policy, Educational Technology Leadership, English Language Learner, Higher Education, Special Education and Teacher Leader. Students will benefit from opportunities to advance their careers with a degree in education at the Master's level, Gardina said. "While teaching positions may only require state certification, most school districts require candidates to hold a Master of Arts in Education before advancing to senior management positions," she noted. Among the many education careers available to graduates are school leader, district office administrator, program director, dean of students, school board member, curriculum developer, educational consultant and education policy analyst.

Successful completion and graduation from the Master of Arts in Education is not intended to lead to certification or licensure in any state. It is the student's responsibility to determine any individual state's certification or licensure requirements.

For additional information about the Master of Arts in Education program, please contact Ashford University at 866.200.0323 or go to www.ashford.edu/aspire.

Sterling, Illinois – June 1, 2010 – Kids Bowl FREE in June and July at Paone's Blackhawk Lanes. All kids must be members of the Paone's Blackhawk Lanes Kids Club and membership in the club is FREE. Sign up for the Kids Club may be done on the Paone's Blackhawk Lanes website (www.BlackhawkLanes.com) or a sign up form may be filled out in person, a parent or legal guardian's signature is required.

In June and July each youth will receive one game of bowling per day, Tuesday through Friday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. each day. Shoe rental is not included in this promotion and this offer may not be combined with any other offers.

Paone's Blackhawk Lanes Kids Club members receive an official Kids Club membership card, a free game of bowling, a birthday card with a free gift of bowling each year until their 18th birthday, free Kids Club email newsletter and specials only for Kids Club members.

There are also many other promotions for the rest of the family as well. These promotions can be seen at www.BlackhawkLanes.com or can be seen in our print version of the Sauk Valley Bowling News, which is available at Paone's Blackhawk Lanes or may be viewed on the website.

Paone's Blackhawk Lanes, Inc is a 20 lane bowling entertainment center with a fullservice bar, pro shop and restaurant, located at 2325 East Lincolnway in Sterling, Illinois.

Bob Barker used to end the "Price is Right" game show with his famous catchphrase: "Control the pet population. Have your dog or cat spayed or neutered."

Whiteside County Animal Control wholeheartedly agrees with that statement and is taking part in a state-wide program to provide low-cost spay and neuter services to people who are eligible for Food Stamps or receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

"The idea behind the Illinois Public Health and Safety Animal Population Control Act is to reduce the number of unwanted stray dogs and cats," said Vanessa Scott, Whiteside County Animal Control Warden for the past 18 years.

The Act is also known state-wide as the Anna Cieslewicz Act or "Anna's Law." Cieslewicz, of Evergreen Park, was mauled to death by a stray dog while jogging in the Dan Ryan Woods of suburban Chicago. She was 48-years-old.

The law was passed in 2005. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the program provides a means for low-income pet owners to have their dogs and cats spayed and neutered, as well as the animal vaccinated against rabies.

Residents of Whiteside County who are eligible for the program can contact Animal Control which has vouchers to be filled out and returned. An approved voucher can be taken to a participating veterinarian at the time of the appointment.

Vouchers, along with a list of the participating veterinarians, will be available at Whiteside County Animal Control Office. Call (815) 625-3507 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Participants in the program must pay $15 co-pay, per animal, at the time of surgery.

ROCKFORD, IL – March 29, 2010 –AMCORE Bank, N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMCORE Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMFI), today announced that it has completed the sale of 12 branches and two stand-alone drive-ups to Midland States Bank of Effingham, IL. The branches are located in Dixon, Freeport, Mendota, Oregon, Peru, Princeton, Rock Falls and Sterling.

The transaction includes up to $430 million in loans, $495 million in deposits and sweep accounts, up to $400 million in trust and brokerage account relationships, as well as the branch facilities, related fixed assets and leases. In connection with the sale, AMCORE receives a 1.5% deposit premium and a $1.5 million trust account premium.

In making the announcement, AMCORE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William McManaman said, "I would like to thank the employees and customers of the central Illinois region for their loyalty and support over the years. We are confident Midland States Bank will continue to serve this region with the same high quality service that AMCORE has proudly provided."

ABOUT AMCORE
AMCORE Financial, Inc. is headquartered in Northern Illinois and has banking assets of $3.8 billion with 52 locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. AMCORE provides a full range of consumer and commercial banking services, a variety of mortgage lending products and wealth management services including trust, brokerage, private banking, financial planning, investment management, insurance and comprehensive retirement plan services.

AMCORE common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol "AMFI." Further information about AMCORE Financial, Inc. can be found at the Company's website at www.AMCORE.com.

ABOUT Midland States Bank
Midland States Bancorp Inc. is a community-based bank holding company headquartered in Effingham, Illinois and is the sole shareholder of its subsidiary, Midland States Bank ("MSB"). Established in 1881, MSB remains a locally owned and operated community bank, providing a full range of commercial and consumer banking products, trust and investment management, insurance, and financial planning services. As a community banking institution, the Company prides itself on establishing and maintaining relationships with its customers and is committed to serving the financial needs of the communities it serves.

MSB, which currently operates offices in Effingham, Centralia, Farina, Greenville, Vandalia, Columbia, Freeburg, Hecker, Smithton, Waterloo and Champaign, Illinois, and in Chesterfield, Missouri, has enjoyed the success of consistent profitability, increasing annual dividends, and capital well above regulatory requirements. Through local leadership, MSB has created a legacy of helping customers with all of their financial needs. For more

Lindgren, Callihan, Van Osdol & Co., Ltd. (LCV) has successfully completed a rigorous peer review of its accounting and auditing practice. The reviewers concluded that the Firm's system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice in effect for the year ended June 30, 2009, has been suitably designed and complied with to provide reasonable assurance of performing and reporting in conformity with applicable professional standards in all material respects.

LCV participates in the Peer Review Program, a practice-monitoring program approved by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the national professional organization of CPAs. A firm participating in the Peer Review Program must have an independent review of its accounting practice every three years. The review was conducted under the auspices of the Illinois CPA Society following the standards issued by the AICPA.

The peer review of LCV was performed by the firm of Heinold- Banwart, Ltd., of East Peoria, Illinois, who qualified under the program's requirements for service as a reviewer.

Lindgren, Callihan, Van Osdol & Co., Ltd. is a regional certified public accounting and consulting firm with offices in Sterling, Dixon, Rockford, Mendota and Freeport; serving financial institutions, industrial, non-profits, commercial, governmental, healthcare and individual clients for more than 45 years. Lindgren, Callihan, Van Osdol & Co., Ltd. is a member of the AICPA and the Illinois CPA Society.

Belleville, Ill. (March 17, 2010) –Illinois American Water's 2009 Water Quality Report indicates high-quality water service in all service areas throughout the state. The company is currently distributing the annual report as an insert in customers' bills.

"We are pleased to report that the water supplied to our customers is of higher quality than required by state and federal drinking water standards," said Karla Olson Teasley, president of Illinois American Water. "Our team of water quality and plant operations professionals works hard every day to ensure the highest quality water service for our customers. These results are a testament to their dedication."

The annual report measures the quality of Illinois American Water's drinking water to the state and federal quality standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The annual report details drinking water sources, testing conducted on the water, and substances detected in the water. Commonly asked questions and answers concerning drinking water are also included.

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 1 .2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

CLINTON, IOWA (March 4, 2010) – Ashford University has been named to the 2009 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

"This is the third consecutive year that Ashford University has been named to the Community Service Honor Roll," said Dr. Jane McAuliffe, President of Ashford University. "We are very proud of our students, faculty and staff for the many hours they devoted to community service projects last year. There has been an overwhelming commitment to helping others and this honor brings attention to the many good things that are happening at Ashford."

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized more than 700 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from poverty and homelessness to environmental justice. On campuses across the country, thousands of students joined their faculty to develop innovative programs and projects to meet local needs using the skills gained in their classrooms. Business students served as consultants to budget-strapped nonprofits and businesses, law students volunteered at legal clinics, and dozens of others organized anti-hunger campaigns.

"Congratulations to Ashford University and its students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities," said Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. "Our nation's students are a critical part of the equation and vital to our efforts to tackle the most persistent challenges we face. They have achieved impactful results and demonstrated the value of putting knowledge into practice to help renew America through service."

The Honor Roll includes six colleges and universities that are recognized as Presidential Awardees, with an additional 115 named to the Distinction List and 621 schools named as Honor Roll members. Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors including the scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses. A full list of Honor Roll recipients can be found at http://www.learnandserve.gov/about/programs/higher_ed_honorroll.asp

Ashford University was named to the Community Service Honor Roll for its involvement in several projects, including:

• Work study in the community
• Academic coursework which contained a community service component
• Student organization service learning projects
• Involvement with area schools

College students make a significant contribution to the volunteer sector; in 2009, 3.16 million students performed more than 300 million hours of service, according to the Volunteering in America study released by the Corporation. Each year, the Corporation invests more than $150 million in fostering a culture of service on college campuses through grants awarded by its programs; the education awards that AmeriCorps members receive at the conclusion of their term of service to pay for college; and through support of training, research, recognition, and other initiatives to spur college service.

The Corporation oversees the Honor Roll in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the American Council on Education.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov.

About Ashford University
Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

Destinations Travel was recently honored for its sales achievement In 2009, among 180 travel agency members of the MAST Travel Network, at an awards ceremony held recently in Des Plaines, Illinois. Destinations Travel was a recipient of the All-Star Award In Recognition of Exceptional Performance for highest sales in 2009 with 30 nationally-known tour and cruise companies.

Contributing to the success of Destinations Travel, is the Agency's commitment in providing superior customer satisfaction, and expert vacation planning. The selection of like-minded travel Suppliers entrusted with the agency's clients, ensures that Destinations Travel continues to be a thriving business in the community.

This prestigious recognition ranks Destinations Travel among the top 15 percent of travel agencies in the MAST Travel Network, a sales and marketing organization comprised of travel agencies and suppliers known for exceptional customer service and quality.

Sterling, Illinois (Grassroots Newswire) 3/1/2010 -- In response to the recent devastation in Haiti, Curves of Sterling is supporting the cause. The local fitness center has stepped up to the plate by purchasing 50 specially-designed Haiti relief T-shirts from Curves International, which will allocate 100 percent of the sales to Haiti disaster relief.

"This initiative presented us with a unique way to contribute to the cause," said Bonnie Segura, manager of Curves of Sterling. "By purchasing 50 of these specially-designed T-shirts, which cost $10 each, we have made a donation to the Haiti victims of $500 on behalf of the residents in the Sterling area."

According to Segura, the generosity of the Curves community begins at the top with the efforts of Curves founders Diane and Gary Heavin and their 501c3 nonprofit charity -- the Gary and Diane Heavin Community Fund. In late January, the pair armed their company jet with doctors, engineers and medical supplies, and took off for Haiti to donate their time and resources to help the earthquake victims.

"Gary and I feel very strongly that every dollar donated through our Haiti relief T-shirt initiative should go directly to help the Haitians," said Diane Heavin, who notes that all money raised through the T-shirt initiative goes to the Whitefield Overseas Evangelical Ministries, the Chihuahuan Connection, the Timoun Lakay Foundation, and other U.S.-based charities that work directly with organizations in Haiti. "Curves centers that participate in this effort can feel sure that their donation will personally impact the lives of suffering Haitians, and they can be proud to be affiliated with a community of people who care."

Heavin goes on to note that the company originally planned to sell 10,000 shirts to Curves franchisees, but the response was so remarkable that over 30,000 have already been sold. As of February 10, more than $300,000 has been raised through the initiative, every dollar of which will go directly toward purchasing and delivering food, water and medical supplies to the Haitians.

"Our founders truly lead by example, and we are honored to partner with them in their efforts to restore the quality of life in Haiti," added Segura. "We look forward to continuing this initiative and representing the people of the Sterling area as we fight for this cause."

The T-shirts purchased by Curves of Sterling are currently available at the center located at 1814 North Locust Street, Sterling. For more information about Curves of Sterling, located at 1814 North Locust Street, contact Bonnie Segura, manager at 815-625-5502 or curves.com.

About Curves
Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to around 4 million women globally, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. With nearly 10,000 locations worldwide, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit:
www.curves.com.

Belleville, Ill. (February 2, 2010) – Illinois American Water announced today that the application process is now open for its 2010 Environmental Grant Program to support innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and community drinking water supplies.

The company will award grants of up to $10,000. The program is designed to support diverse types of activities, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.

"The goal of this program is to positively impact watersheds and our drinking water resources," said Karla Teasley, president, Illinois American Water. "We encourage municipalities, schools, environmental organizations and civic groups to apply for a grant to support projects that will benefit a watershed in their community."

To qualify, a proposed project must be located within an Illinois American Water service area and address a source water or watershed protection need in the community. All projects will be completed between May 1, 2010 and November 30, 2010. Criteria will be judged on the program innovation for the community, the partnership with other organizations and program sustainability.

In 2009, a total of 25 projects were supported by American Water environmental grants totaling more than $114,000. Four of these projects are located in Illinois. They included:

• Below the Surface based in Libertyville was awarded $3,000 for its "90 ways in 90 days to clean and conserve water" program.
• Pontiac Township High School in Pontiac received $5,000 to help fund its P2D2 Pontiac Prescription Drug Disposal Plan.
• Sun Foundation for Advancement in the Environmental Sciences and Arts based in Washburn received a grant of $3,000 to create a model for its Clean Water Celebration.
• Will County Land Use Department based in Joliet received $3,000 to help fund the debris removal and stabilization of Fiddyment Creek.

Grant information and application forms can be found online at www.illinoisamwater.com. Applications must be postmarked by March 22, 2009, and mailed to Karen Cotton at Illinois American Water, 123 SW Washington, Peoria, IL 61602 or emailed to karen.cotton@amwater.com.

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

(Rockford, Illinois – January 13, 2010) LCV Wealth Management, Ltd. (LCV) of Rockford, Illinois is a member of Bright Sky Group, an innovative alliance of independent investment advisors. The alliance was formed based on a mutual commitment to protecting client interests, and a fresh approach to investment and wealth management.

Bright Sky Group was created as a forum for investment advisors committed to putting client interests first. To be invited for membership, firms must meet Bright Sky's high standards, including an unsurpassed commitment to regulatory compliance and fiduciary responsibility. All members are subject to independent compliance review and must have in place a comprehensive code of ethics supported by ongoing training and education.

"Decades of historical data – and the turbulent markets of the past 18 months – prove how difficult it is to predict the movement of stock prices. Still Wall Street continues to promote stock picking and market timing as preferred investment strategies," says Scot Roche, Executive Officer at LCV. "We feel strongly that allocating money to a range of asset classes is a far better alternative for the investor. We're proud to be part of Bright Sky Group, a leading voice for asset class investing," Roche says.

Bright Sky Group is a national alliance of independent SEC-registered investment advisors who provide wealth planning and fee-only investment advisory services to individual and institutional clients. The group's 21 member firms, with a combined $4.1 billion under advisement as of September 30, 2009, share a strong commitment to ethical conduct and an investment philosophy that focuses on disciplined asset allocation and long-term financial planning.

"We see a quiet revolution underway today, where investors are looking for more than the traditional Wall Street model was designed to deliver," says Rodney Van Loon Chief Operating Officer of Bright Sky and principal of AVL Wealthcare of Gulfport, MS, "Our members are committed to meeting these rising client expectations – for more useful information, stronger planning, and more respect. That's what Bright Sky Group is all about."

About LCV Wealth Management, Ltd.:
LCV Wealth Management was founded in 1996 by Lindgren, Callihan, Van Osdol & Co. Ltd. a leading CPA and consulting firm in Illinois. We serve clients principally in the Midwest, focusing on the unique needs of high net worth individuals. Offering an advisor relationship built on personal trust and company-wide integrity, LCV serves as a fee-based registered investment advisor to individuals, families, corporations, qualified retirement plans, partnerships, and not-for-profits. For more information, visit either www.lcvwm.com or www.lcvcpa.com.

Contact:
Scot Roche, J.D., CPA, PFS, Executive Officer 815.399.7700 sroche@lcvwm.com

About Bright Sky Group Visit Bright Sky at www.BrightSkyGroup.com.

Sterling, IL (Grassroots Newswire) January 13, 2010 - Curves of Sterling will be joining other Curves facilities throughout the world this January in a company-wide campaign called Stronger + Together, an international movement to make one million women healthier in 2010. The program will rely heavily on women sharing their success stories and providing confidence and inspiration to others.

The heart of the program lives online at www.Curves.com/StrongerTogether, where women can find useful information about the new campaign, register for the campaign to join the cause, share their personal stories about how they were able to start a healthier lifestyle, and find a myriad of useful tools, such as easy-to-send emails designed for women to send messages of inspiration to loved ones and the option to create a personal profile to promote their story on the Web site.

According to Curves Founder Diane Heavin, a strong component of Curves' new campaign is that if one woman is able to share her strength in wanting to improve her health, she can help another woman gain confidence, become fit, discover focus and avoid disease. "By making your own health a priority, you become a strong link in the chain and have the power to affect those around you," she said.

"We decided to take on this new, ground-breaking challenge because there are so many women out there suffering from preventable diseases. If we can get just a million women focused on getting healthier and stronger, those diseases can be avoided," Heavin said. "It's important that women make their health a priority, and we are here to help every step of the way. We challenge women to take charge of their lives: live better, longer, healthier and with more confidence."

With the campaign comes a "join now and get 30 days free" promotion to get women on the bandwagon of getting healthy. According to Jennifer Koyak of the Curves in Sterling, the mission starts with helping women take concrete steps to help achieve their health and wellness goals.

"Our existing members in the Sterling community have demonstrated that they are committed to improving their health by joining our programs; we want to use that confidence as an example for other women to also make that commitment," Koyak said. "It just takes that first step to get the cycle going, and that could be joining a regular exercise program like Curves, being informed of health topics, or listening to success stories to inspire you to stay focused. We are excited to help make women stronger in our own community, as well as throughout the world, with this campaign!"

Studies have shown that regular exercise has long-lasting benefits to health. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It helps reduce risks of a myriad of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and some cancers. Besides preventing the risk of disease, regular exercise also improves your mental health and mood, your ability to do daily activities, and increase your chances of living longer, the organization says. Curves' 30-minute circuit training helps women work every major muscle group, strengthen their hearts and burn up to 500 calories with each workout. For more information about Curves of Sterling, located at 1814 Locust St. and its participation in the Stronger + Together campaign, contact Jennifer Koyak at 815-625-5502 or 9ZA1XZN@curvesmail.com.

About Curves
Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to around 4 million women globally, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. With nearly 10,000 locations worldwide, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: www.curves.com.

AARP tax aides will be preparing 2009 tax returns again this year for low and middle- income taxpayers. It is not necessary to be a member of AARP or of a particular age to participate in this program.

Whiteside County Senior Center 1207 West 9th Street, Sterling Noon to 4:00pm. on Monday's only starting February 1st, no appointment needed

Lee County Council on Aging's Senior Center 100 West 2nd Street, Dixon noon to 3:00pm. on Monday and Thursday starting January 25th by appointment only. Call for appointment at 1-815-288-9236

Odell Public Library 307 South Madison Street Morrison 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Wednesdays starting Feb 3rd, no appointment needed

Sterling YWCA 412 1st Ave Sterling noon to 4:00pm on Thursdays starting February 4th, no appointment needed

Tax preparation will be for individual taxes, not for businesses such as farm income, rentals, partnerships or other business returns.

Taxpayers are reminded to bring a copy of last year's tax return, Social Security cards or other official documentation for themselves and all dependents together with any of the following documents that apply to 2009:

• W-2 forms showing income from each employer.
• Unemployment Compensation statements.
• SSA-1099 forms showing Social Security benefits received.
• RRB-1099 or RRB-1099R forms showing railroad retirement benefits received.
• All forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, etc) showing interest and/or dividends.
• Documentation showing original purchase prices of assets sold.
• 1099-MIS forms showing any miscellaneous income.
• 1099-R forms for pensions and annuities.
• All forms indicating income taxes paid.
• Dependent care provider information (name, address, employee ID or Social Security number).
• Receipts, cancelled checks, or other records for itemizing deductions.
• Real Estate Tax receipt with the registered lot number.

Peoria, IL. (December 15, 2009) – Dale Carnegie Training®, the global business training company with nearly 100 years of operation, is proud to announce that Steve Garland of S.J. Grant and Associates, Inc., has received a Trainer Quality Index (TQI) score that places him in the top 10 of approximately 2,500 trainers across the nation.

Steve Garland has been with S. J. Grant and Associates, Inc., the local franchise of Dale Carnegie Training®, for eleven years and has enlisted such clients as State Farm Insurance, CEFCU, Archer Daniels Midland, and Wells Fargo. He leads courses including "The Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Communications and Human Relations" and "High-Impact Presentations", as well as specializing seminars to his clients needs.

Belleville, Ill. (December 14, 2009) – Illinois American Water has completed its 2009 United Way employee-giving campaign, raising over $76,400 for United Way agencies across the state. Employee pledges and corporate donations increased by $3,500 over the company's 2008 United Way campaign.

Illinois American Water employees volunteered to coordinate the local United Way campaigns in their communities, which ran through the month of October in every Illinois American Water district, from as far south as Cairo to as far north as South Beloit. Volunteers hosted informational meetings, offered bake sales and organized casual days and other events to raise funds and complete the successful campaign.

"Illinois American Water has supported United Way for over 75 years," said Karla Olson Teasley, president of Illinois American Water. "Each year I am impressed by the generosity of our employees. Through United Way, we are able to touch the lives of individuals in the communities we serve everyday."

United Way is an Illinois American Water "charity of choice" because the organization helps to address critical community needs, such as investing in youth; overcoming disease and disabilities; caring for families and seniors; providing emergency food and shelter for families in need; and building stronger and safer communities.

Whiteside County Health Department will be opening up its supply of H1N1 to all people starting Tuesday, December 15th on a walk-in basis at the Rock Falls Health Department Facility (across from Rock Falls High School) Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Special extended hours will be available Tuesday the 15th, Wednesday the 16th and Thursday the 17th till 7:00pm.

Children age 9 and under are encouraged to get their 2nd shot.

Dixon, IL - The Alzheimer's Association, Rock River Branch, is selling the 2009 third in the series hand blown holiday ornament by regional artist Hiram Toraason during the holiday season. The limited-edition ornament is especially designed for the Central Illinois Chapter with shades of purple and platinum with a touch of aqua. This year he has added a touch of white for an entirely new look and added dimension.

The ornament is available at the office located at 93 S. Hennepin Avenue; Merlins Greenhouses & Flowers, Oregon; Country Floral, Polo; Country Floral Too, Milledgeville; SBM Equipment Center, Sterling, and Golden Key Gifts, Sterling.

The ornament sells for $30 with proceeds benefitting the Rock River Branch. The Rock River office can ship the ornament for a $7 postage and handling fee. For more information or to order please call the office at 285-1100.

About the artist: Hiram lives and works in his studio in Peoria, Illinois. After receiving his degree from Southern Illinois University, he went south to Asheville, NC to continue his passion for glass. After four years of working for other artists he moved back to the Midwest and started a family as well as a business.

As a full time artist, Hiram is able to put all of his energy into the creation of one of-a-kind pieces of art glass. The use of glass as a medium gives Hiram the ability to utilize color similar to a painter mixing color on the surface of a canvas. The magnification qualities of glass create movement as the viewer interacts with each piece. Glass allows him to combine all of his experiences in art simultaneously.

The Alzheimer's Association, Central Illinois Chapter is a donor supported, not-for-profit health organization serving 20 counties in central and west central Illinois. Its three office locations, Peoria, Quincy and Dixon, are committed to providing educational and supportive services to help people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers understand and deal with the disease and it impact on their lives. Its core programs include Information and Referral, Care Consultations, Education, Support Groups and Safety Services.

After a year and half absence from Quad City area airwaves, long-time Meteorologist and local favorite Terry Swails is taking to the road with his new book, new website (terryswails.com), and new outlook on life with the first ever Terry Swails Live Tour. He will be at the Bushel Basket Candle Company located at Northland Mall in Sterling on December 12th from 1-3 p.m. Since his abrupt departure from financially strapped KWQC-TV (NBC) in 2008, Swails is back on television as the 6 p.m. meteorologist at WQAD-TV (ABC). Despite his long absence from television; in recent polls Swails was voted the Quad City Times and Clinton Herald's most popular television personality.

Terry wants to thank all the people who have supported him over the years and frankly just talk a little weather. During his hiatus from television, the eastern half of Iowa was hit with two devastating weather events that will be long remembered for the unprecedented damage and heartache they caused. The EF5 tornado and the historic floods of 2008 are carefully researched and recorded in Swails' newest book, Un-Natural Disasters: Iowa's EF5 Tornado and the Historic Floods of 2008. The Des Moines Register praised Swails' newest release saying, "The book is amazingly well researched and is historically significant. Every public school and library…should have a copy."

Swails is also on the cutting edge with his new weather forecasting website, terryswails.com. Swails is among the first in the nation to offer customized local weather information for his viewing audience and beyond. "With today's lifestyle, it just makes sense to offer people the very best weather information possible when they want it. Why wait for a newscast if you need the information now," said Swails.

During his stop at the Bushel Basket Candle Company, Swails will be handing out free terryswails.com rain gauges and have a visual display of some of the largest super storms to hit the bi-state area. He will hold a drawing and one lucky person will win a copy of his new book "Un-Natural Disasters." Plus he will also be available to sign copies of Un-Natural Disasters or just answer weather questions and shake a few hands.

The Terry Swails Live Tour will be on the road for the months of November and December. Come out and say "hello" and talk a little weather with the area's foremost recognized weather expert.

If you are interested in an interview with Terry Swails, please call 309 523 9116 or email Terry at terry@nps1.com.