Ducks float in the Kishwaukee River. At 1 p.m. Sept. 11, a duck in the Great Genoa Duck Race will be the $500 winner for its owner.

STATE

Survey: Illinois is one of worst  states to live in for taxes 

Illinois has been ranked one of the nation’s worst states for taxes in a survey released recently by financial forecaster Kiplinger. The survey ranked Illinois as the nation’s ninth-worst state for taxes. Kiplinger’s review included a tenuous forecast for the state’s taxes, despite the fact the state’s income tax dropped to a flat rate of 3.75 percent from 5 percent at the start of 2015.

Citing numbers from J.P. Morgan Chase, the report claimed the flat tax may not last because total liabilities are exceeding assets by 48 percent and the state needs to raise taxes by 17 percent, cut services by 16 percent or increase worker pension contributions by 400 percent.

According to the report, Illinois has the nation’s second-highest property taxes. Kiplinger found that the property tax on the state’s median home value of $171,900 is $3,952. Additionally, the combined state and local sales tax average is 8.64 percent, but in some municipalities that number is as high as 10 percent.

Additionally, the state’s gas taxes and fees are listed at 34 cents per gallon and qualifying food and prescription and nonprescription drugs are taxed at 1 percent.

California was ranked the No. 1 worst state for taxes.

How can Illinois residents combat the tax situation? One way may be to move to Wyoming. The survey named the “Like No Place on Earth” state the most tax-friendly state. Wyoming has no state income tax and an average state and local sales tax of 5.42 percent.

DeKALB

Poultry historical marker to be dedicated Sept. 12

DeKalb’s significant contributions to poultry will be recognized through the dedication of a historical marker located at the site of the original poultry testing facilities.

The DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association’s ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 12 at Oak Crest Retirement Center, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive, DeKalb.

For more information, contact Donna Langford at (815) 756-8737.

Monthly meet-and-greet is for veterans

The DeKalb County Forty and Eight is coordinating a Veterans Coffee Meet-and-Greet at 10 a.m. Sept. 14. The event is open to all veterans or anyone interested in attending and should last about one hour.

The event will be hosted by Heritage Woods of DeKalb at its office, 2626 N. Annie Glidden Road. Call Lindsey Oas at (815) 787-6500 if you plan to attend.

A similar gathering was held in August. The DeKalb County Forty and Eight, a local chapter of the not-for-profit national veteran organization, hopes  to hold a monthly veterans’ meet-and-greet on the second Wednesday of each month at various locations.

GENOA

Beer brewers, wineries are the stars of fest

Craft beer brewers and wineries from within 60 miles of Genoa will showcase their best offerings during the Craft Beer and Wine Tasting under the Alan Browne Chevrolet Big Top at Genoa Volksfest Sept. 10. From 3:30-7:30 p.m., a $25 general admission ticket will get each participant samples from more than 20 artisan beer and craft wine vendors. A $50 VIP ticket will get participants food and unlimited wine and beer samples for an additional time, 2-3:30 p.m.

But the Sept. 10 event is only part of what is planned for the Volksfest, which will run Sept. 9-11, at Carroll Memorial Park, on the western edge of Genoa along the banks of the Kishwaukee River.

The second Volksmarch 6K and 10K noncompetitive Walking Event, starts between 8-11 a.m. and finishes by 2 p.m. Sept. 10. Pre-registration for award and credit is $9 and credit only fee is $3. Cost of the award at the event will be $10. There is no fee just to walk the trail. Contact Carolyn Tobinson (815) 761-4660 or kvwanderers@gmail.com about the walk.

A Sunday outdoor breakfast will be sponsored and staffed by the local Boy Scout organization. Tasty Boy Scout breakfast burritos will be served in a beautiful outdoor setting. The Scouts will also off an assortment of pastries and milk and orange juice, 8:30-11 a.m. Sept. 11

The Great Genoa Duck Race, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 11, will feature more than 30 vendors under the Alan Browne Chevrolet Big Top including local businesses and restaurants. Music will be provided from the G-K Jazz Band and local D.J. legend Jamie Frye. Children’s activities will be offered. The duck race will be held at 1 p.m. when more than 2,000 ducks will compete for a chance to win $500. Buy ducks at NB&T, Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce, Tobinson’s Ace Hardware, Resource Bank, Northern Illinois Rehab, Karlsbad Tavern, Vapor Physics and Heartland Bank. Ducks also can be purchased until noon on race day at the event site. Two ducks cost $5; 12 ducks, $25; and 50 ducks, $100.

Visit genoavolksfest.org for more information.

SANDWICH

County fair held through Sept. 11

The 129th annual Sandwich Fair will run Sept. 7-11. Established in 1888, the Sandwich Fair is the oldest continuing county fair in Illinois.

The Sandwich Fair pays homage to old traditions and offers new surprises where friends and family come together to enjoy national entertainment, motor events, great food, a large carnival midway, exhibits, livestock judging and more.

Gates at the fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, will open at 8 a.m. Buildings will be open 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Events are planned at the Ag Land Stage, Home Arts Stage and children’s and other activities throughout the fairgrounds. For full schedules, go to sandwichfair.com.

Grandstand event and entertainment schedule is as follows:

• Sept. 7:  Harness Racing, 11 a.m.; All-American Lumberjack Show, 6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 8:  NTPA Sanctioned Truck Pulls, 6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 9: Frankie Ballard, 8 p.m.
• Sept. 10: NTPA Sanctioned Truck Pulls, 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 11: Demolition Derby, 1 and 3:30 p.m.

— DeKalb County Briefs —