18 minute read
Classifieds 2
by Shaw Media
2 THE REVIEWRAPIDS CITY REVIEW BEAT OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 THE REVIEW BY SARAH FORD For Shaw Media The board next heard from Rapids City resident Lynn Hunt, Vice President of like to have the village solicit multiple bids from multiple companies, while Water loop project closer to bidding phase The Review • Tuesday, February 16, 2021 SUBSCRIPTIONS Upper Rock Island County Lower Whiteside County - 24 months - $52 12 months - $32 Outside Whiteside Co. 24 months - $66 12 months - $38 Outside Illinois 24 months - $86 12 months - $49 Single-copy price is $1 To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 815-632-2520 Monday through Friday or send an e-mail to wnsnews@shawmedia.com. The Rapids City board approved a $44,000 agreement with village engineering firm MSA Professional Services on Feb. 9. It’s the next step for the water loop project that will bring more water pressure and less emergency shut offs to all the residents living north of the railroad tracks. Chris Cooper with MSA provided an update on the efforts to extend the water main under IL 84 and the tracks, near the south end of the village. MSA has been working with Canadian Pacific Railroad and IDOT this past year to acquire the permits, and the agreement will allow for the next phase of planning and bidding to begin. Plans include borSales at the Quad Cities Visitors Bureau. The organization is seeking the village’s support in hosting a bass fishing tournament July 26-30 at Shuler’s Shady Grove Park and requested access to the launch site and amenities that week. Schneider was concerned with the “exclusive” launch site use in the agreement, and the board agreed that exclusive access may not be allowed due to IDNR regulations, but the village could accommodate both the tournament and any recreational users. “I believe we can make things work, we just need clear communication. We can make this happen,” said Village President Harold Mire. The board unanimously agreed to the partnership with the QCVB, approving also checking with the company who did previous remediation work over the summer. Mire agreed, asking office staff to contact that company to see if there was a guarantee in the contract. “We can make a decision at next month’s meeting. I don’t want to prolong the process, but Craig’s points are taken,” Mire said. He recommended that the board consider best practices by seeking other bids before the next meeting. In other action: • Mire is working with the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office in establishing a non-emergency number; residents will be provided that information when available. • Approved the budget meeting and ing under the railroad tracks to install their use of facilities, electricity, and Committee of the Whole schedules, with CLASSIFIED SALES and connect the water main. boat launch access, with trustee Rick plans to approve the final budget read815-632-2554 ksauer@shawmedia.com Classified Ad Deadline: Thursday at 4 p.m. Cooper said the main will be “fairly deep in the ground” due to the composition of bedrock. He estimated that the water loop project will cost $367,000, Fiems appointed as liaison for the event. The board also reviewed an $11,269 quote from MidAmerican Basement Systems for water and mold remediation in ing on April 22. • Agreed to refund a $1,000 building permit fee after the applicants withdraw their application due to changes RETAIL SALES 815-632-2554 ksauer@shawmedia.com depending on different scenarios. The village has been planning and budgeting for the project for the past year and was able to acquire a 30K grant the Village Hall due to concerns for the “health and safety of employees,” stemming from an ongoing issue where water is seeping in through the walls. in plans. • Learned that the general fund was negative this month, so some financial realignment may be necessary at the LEGAL NOTICES to help pay for some of the costs. Trustee Craig Schneider said he’d next meeting. 815-632-2565 khoffmiller@shawmedia.com PORT BYRON OBITUARIES 815-632-2534 phartman@shawmedia.com Deadline for obituaries is Monday at 9 a.m.
SEND NEWS wnsnews@shawmedia.com
Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com
THE REVIEW (USPS No. 607-600) is published weekly by Sauk Valley Media, Shaw Media.
Periodical postage paid at Port Byron, Illinois, 61275
POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Review P.O. Box 575, Port Byron, Illinois 61275
Erie area residents: Correspondence may be mailed to: P.O. Box 357, Erie, Illinois, 61250 or emailed to: reviewnews@shawmedia.com
No decision yet on extending TIF district
BY SARAH FORD
For Shaw Media
A decision on extending the TIF District may take another six months, Mayor Bruce Peterson told the Port Byron Village Board on Feb. 1.
Peterson said there was no new TIF business since he didn’t go to the school board meeting as planned due to weather.
He doesn’t expect the school board’s decision on extending the TIF District for at least six months. The Board of Education has requested materials such as TIF account information, balances, and what to anticipate for the next 5 years.
In other action the board: • approved $2,200 for new air dryers for the village hall restrooms, paid out of water and sewer funds. • discussed plans to codify the village ordinances to meet state regulations. Village Clerk Engels said the last update was in 2014, and every ordinance passed since then will need to be codified with the state.
Village staff will be working on the project, which may cost the village $12,000 or more.
COVID-19 variant detected in Rock Island County
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced the first case of another COVID-19 variant (B.1.351), this time in a Rock Island resident.
This variant was first identified in South Africa.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the variant was confirmed in a Rock Island resident. The release said 22 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant have been reported in the United States after being first identified in the United Kingdom.
RCFPD ACTIVITY
December report
Members of the Rapids City Fire Protection District and Port Byron Fire Department responded to 32 calls for assistance in December 2020.
A breakdown of those calls included: • Village of Rapids City – One EMS call, one traffic accident, and one down power lines. • Village of Port Byron – Eight EMS calls. Fire Protection District (Rural) – 15 EMS calls, three traffic accidents, and one fire alarm.
In 2020, RCFPD volunteers responded to a record 479 calls.
The district is currently taking applications for volunteers - contact Fire Chief Don Carey at the station by calling 309-523-2511.
ROAD TO RECOVERY Erie man home after long battle with COVID-19
Bull-headedness helps man recover, wife says
BY SARAH FORD
For Shaw Media
February 6 was a cold and blustery Saturday, but that didn’t stop people from lining the streets to welcome home Erie resident Richard “Skip” Jepson after a 5-month battle with COVID-19.
“It’s small-town USA,” said Karen Jepson, Skip’s wife of 54 years. “We had happy tears that day, finally.”
A brigade of emergency vehicles met the Jepson family at the Shell station in Hillsdale last week to lead the family on the final run home, with sirens going the whole way.
Fire Chief Doug Rutledge, Jamie Melton, and Jodie Wells of the Erie Fire Protection District, Officer Bruce Franks of Prophetstown, and Albany Fire Chief Leo Geerts and Police Chief Wyatt Heyvaert, both relatives of the Jepson family, wanted to be sure to give Skip, 76, a homecoming to remember.
Along the route, friends and community members cheered, waved, and held up signs of support as the procession went by. They circled the Erie triangle, where they saw crowds of community members expressing their love and support.
Finally, the family made it home to watch as the parade of people drove past their house.
“They were wishing me well,” Skip said, almost teary-eyed. Karen was emotional in remembering the day too. “It was a great day for more reasons than one. It’s been a long road to get where he’s at now.”
For the Jepson family, that journey home marked the end of a heartbreaking and challenging year, but also the beginning of one where faith is now stronger. The couple lost their eldest son Bart Jepson on March 27, who passed away at age 52 after a battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma. With the ongoing pandemic, nothing could be normal in a time of such shared grief.
In late September, Skip suspects he caught the virus from an asymptomatic carrier, which began his 5-month battle against the deadly virus. In the months that followed, as he held on for life, the family documented the journey that had him in four different hospitals and facing the odds in his fight against COVID-19.
The couple both tested positive for the virus during a clinic at Hammond-Henry in Colona on Oct. 5. Skip was coughing while Karen had fatigue and lack of energy.
After a check-in from their son Chad on Oct. 10, and the coughing only getting worse, they called an ambulance which brought him to Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo. After a day there, with pneumonia and fluid filling his lungs, he was flown by helicopter to Bloomington, where he would spend ten days on a ventilator and under round-the-clock care.
During this time, with so much uncertainty and anxiety, the family relied on each other, prayer, faith, and medical miracles.
Karen expressed gratitude for all the doctors, nurses, and the right medicines and machines to get him through the battle. While home and alone, Karen said she often looked at a horse painting on her wall, a connection to her son Bart, and felt an angelic and divine influence. “The good Lord was working in his direction,” she said.
Skip was transferred to Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport on Oct. 27, where he would spend another 13 days on a ventilator. His birthday, Nov. 3, was the first time in that period that he was able to see his wife and children through the windows of the room, though he struggles to remember.
Karen said his eyes would light up during family visits, but in mid-November the hospitals were again closed to visitors due to COVID-19.
On Dec. 4, Skip was transferred to Illini Restorative Place in Silvis, which was much closer to home as well as his daughter’s Amy Ashmore, who’d been visiting him nearly every day of his hospitalization.
With therapeutic care from the staff and the support of his family, friends and faith, he gained strength and started to return to his old self.
On Jan. 6, he was moved to a room with a window, and nurses could finally start to see a difference.
“That was the last place, and they did wonders with him there,” Karen said, though adding that some of the nurses had worries about his prospect for recovery.
But for the next few weeks, therapy care focused on his throat muscles, impacted by weeks on a ventilator. Skip hadn’t had solid food or water for nearly three months, relying on a peg tube for nutrition.
He was finally able to taste a meal on Jan. 25, his first once since Oct. 3. By the end of January, his progress was enough that he could finally prepare to go home.
Now after a week at home, resting and readjusting and getting lots of visits from grandchildren, Skip continues to recover his strength while reflecting on the experience.
“I’m doing real well. I have to use my walker for my exercises and walking around. It’s been a rough year but I’m glad to start this one on a better foot,” he said.
Ongoing therapies will include visiting nurses and therapy sessions three times a week for the next four months. He’s also had two doses of the vaccine, and he monitors his oxygen levels daily.
His first homecooked meal from Karen was cheeseburger and fries, and he’s taken a liking to soup after never really being a fan of it. He’s awaiting the time he can chew on his favorite Scotcheroos, made by his sister-in-law.
Family and friends continue to bring food, comfort, and time together. Skip has also been watching his favorite E-P sports, now that the kids are back in the game and online. He especially likes wrestling and basketball.
The couple, who’ve lived in Erie since 1974, are just grateful for a return to some sort of normalcy. They’re both Erie High school graduates – he grew up in Fenton, and she in Portland. He retired from Case-IH in East Moline and she from GE in Morrison.
“We went the opposite direction every morning,” Karen said.
There’s talk of them heading down south for future winters, but Skip chuckles that he’s a homebody who doesn’t want to miss out on watching his grandkids’ winter sports. But he did get a little more tech-savvy during his recovery time, setting up Facetime with Karen so they could continue to see each other. “I got real good at that,” he smiled.
Family is key, with daughter Amy and son Chad remaining close and connected, along with grandsons Bryce, Carter, Aidan, Tucker, Lukas, Jakob, and Kallen. They also have a great-grandson Jase and great-granddaughter Kaley. If anything, Skip said his faith is stronger, as are the family bonds.
Ultimately, the couple are just happy to be home, even if they have to endure another cold Midwestern winter. They cherish their time together, and the journey that they endured this year.
“We were fortunate. Lots of lots of prayers were answered,” Karen said. “We appreciate everything that everyone’s done for us,” she said, especially the heartwarming homecoming that was a reminder of the joys of small-town USA.
“He’s kind of a miracle. He’s got a good, strong heart,” Karen lovingly says of her husband. “And his bull-headedness paid off.”
Supplied
Skip and Karen Jepson pose for a photo in their home. Skip returned home on Feb. 6 after being hospitalized and on a ventilator for COVID-19.
MORRISON – Amanda Maray Eisman (Hart-Patrick), 32, of Morrison, passed away Friday, February 5, 2021, at home while surrounded by her loved ones.
Amanda was born April 7, 1988, in Rockford, where she was raised by her parents, Tonya and Warren Swinbank. She attended Jefferson High School in Rockford. Amanda married Steven Eisman III on July 26, 2014. Amanda loved the outdoors, where she spent time camping and fishing with her children.
She is survived by her parents, Tonya and Warren “Butch” Swinbank; five siblings, Brandon Swinbank, Azlin Hart, Ayahna Hart, Aleaya Hart, and Samantha Pratt; three children that were the pride of her life, Heaven Lewis, Hailey Lewis and Jordan Lewis; one grandchild, Maray Carpenter; grandparents, Freddie (Chris) Patrick, Brenda (Allen) Plum, Warren (Martha) Swinbank, and Cindy “G Ma” (Gary) Cole; several uncles, aunts, and cousins; and many friends.
There will be no service, as a celebration of life will be held for family and friends at a later date.
This has been prepared in memory of Amanda’s late grandmother, Betty Patrick. To send online condolences, go to www.bosmarenkes.com
ARLENE HANSEN
ERIE – Arlene Hansen, 71, of Erie, died Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at Genesis Medical Center Silvis in Silvis.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown, is assisting the family.
A memorial has been established by the family.
Arlene was born Nov. 9, 1949, in Caraway, Arizona, to James and Imogene (Delk) Russell. She attended Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa. Arlene married William B. Hansen on Aug. 24, 1974, in Prophetstown.
She was employed at Drives in Fulton, IL. She then bartended and waitressed at the Other Place and the Glass Rail in Erie. Arlene enjoyed being online especially Facebook. She liked going to flea markets and yard sales. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Bill; two sons, Scott Jones of Eldridge, Iowa, and Larry Hansen of Quincy; six grandchildren, Heather (Austin) Minson, Ashley Jones, Isiah Hansen, Noah Hansen, Sarah Grace Hansen, and Emma Marie Hansen; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bonnie Hamernan of Omaha, Arizona and Theresa Faircloth of Circleville, Ohio; and one brother, Timmy Russell of Wetherford, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Sharon Hebdon; and one brother, Tony Russell.
GRETCHEN A. COSSMAN
FULTON – Gretchen A. Cossman, 85, died at home Monday, February 8, 2021.
Gretchen was born on March 2, 1935 in Savanna the daughter of Merle and Lucille (Hanna) Chase. She married Paul Bush on July 15, 1953. He died in October 1988. Gretchen later married Gerald Cossman on in April of 1989 in Fulton. He died on July 7, 2015.
She was employed at General Electric in Morrison for over 25 years. Gretchen was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton and Gym Club at General Electric. She loved to travel and was an avid golfer.
Survivors include one son, Kevin (Okcha) Bush of Fulton; one sister, Shirley Drenner of Albany; three brothers, William Chase of Fulton, Gary (Georgia) Chase of St. Joseph and Terry Chase of Fulton; seven grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Paula Medema; two sisters, Jean Eizenga and Betty Kozyer.
Visitation was held Feb. 12 at the McDonald Funeral Home in Fulton. Private burial will be held in Fulton Township Cemetery at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com
JAMES FERRIS SHAHEEN
DADE CITY, Fla. – James “Jim” Ferris Shaheen, 69, of Dade City, Florida, formerly of Bettendorf, Iowa for 26 years, passed away on February 4, 2021.
He was born on Jan. 31, 1952, in Moline, to Ferris and Phyllis (Spellman) Shaheen.
Jim grew up in Erie and attended Erie High School (Class of ‘70) before going on to attend Illinois State University to study music and theater. He was an avid musician who played and sang lead in many local bands, at a number of restaurant venues and weddings, as well as wrote songs and lyrics.
In 1991, he graduated from Hamilton Technical College with an associate’s degree in electronic technology. Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and services from Western Illinois University in 2009.
In his early years, Jim worked in his family’s businesses, Shaheen Brothers Royal Blue grocery store, and The Open Hearth restaurant, both in Erie. He worked for Elko Industries in Rockford, and then later at Premier Computer Services in Moline.
In 2019, Jim retired from Vista Technical Services, LLC at the Rock Island Arsenal where he worked as a LAN Administrator. He was a member of the Erie Christian Church. Jim enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, Scarlett, kayaking, fishing, traveling across the country in his RV, and meeting new people.
He is survived by Bill Dallas, Zach Dallas, and Ashley Smith; his brother, Robin Shaheen of Erie, sister, Karen (Jim) Steele of Tonica, and brother, Mark (Lesli) Shaheen of Erie; nephews and nieces, Jimmy Steele, Jeff Steele, Jennifer (Roger) Konczak, Megan Mattingly, Monica (Charlie) Kyarsgaard, Alexis Shaheen, and Kadin Shaheen; three grandnephews; and two grandnieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dale.
Memorial services are pending.
JUDITH ‘JUDY’ L. DYKSTRA
WAUPUN, Wisconsin – Judith “Judy” L. Dykstra of Waupun, Wisconsin, passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021 at her home.
She was born to John and Dena (Sikkema) DeWeerdt on Sept. 6, 1943 in Clinton, Iowa. Raised in Fulton, she was the youngest daughter of 17 children. She married Wesley Dykstra on May 29, 1963. They moved to Waupun, in 1966 where they raised their six children.
In 1986, Judy was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was told she had only three weeks to live. With determination and the support of family, friends, faith, and community, she turned those three weeks into 35 years. She used that time to spread love, friendship, and laughter to all those who came into her life. Judy’s grandchildren brought her tremendous joy – her favorite people called her, “Grandma.”
Judy is survived by her children, Natalie Vande Zande, Shelly (Lenny) Moore, Randall (Lori) Dykstra, Charles (Patricia) Dykstra, Collin (Mary) Dykstra, and Carrie (Lisa DeSimone) Dykstra; her grandchildren, Sydney, Henry, and Alyssa Moore, Samantha, Ryan (Elizabeth Redmond), and Ella Dykstra, Abigail and Katherine Dykstra, and Wesley and Jacob Dykstra; and her siblings, Arlene Dykema, Robert (Carol) DeWeerdt, Leon (Elsie) DeWeerdt, Gene (Diane) DeWeerdt, and Larry DeWeerdt.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, John and Dena DeWeerdt; and her siblings, Marvin DeWeerdt, Eunice Norman, Lois DeWeerdt, Arnold DeWeerdt, Vernon DeWeerdt, Russell DeWeerdt, Betty Merema, Beverly Bonneur, Irma Swanson, Arthur DeWeerdt, and James DeWeerdt.
The family would like to thank Judy’s care team and extended family at Waupun Regional Dialysis Center for the years of treatment and support they provided. The family also extends gratitude to Marquardt Hospice Services for enabling Judy to spend her final days at home among her children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Judy’s name to be directed to Waupun Regional Dialysis Center.
A graveside service, to take place in Fulton, IL, is being planned for a future date. Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun is serving the family.
Please visit www.WernerHarmsenFuneralHome.com to share memories and send condolences.
PAULINE WIERSEMA
FULTON – Pauline Wiersema, 99, a lifelong resident of Fulton, passed away at Allure of Prophetstown, Illinois, on February 9, 2021.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at the Fulton chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with Pastor Richard Rambo, associate pastor at Full Gospel Church
