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Taco Throwdown festival is Sept. 26 in Rock Falls
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Rock Falls Tourism is bringing back the Taco Throwdown Festival for its second year.
This year’s throwdown will be from 3 to 10 p.m. Sept. 26 at the RB&W District, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls. The throw-
down is a celebration held in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month.
Local food vendors will battle it out for the title of best taco, with attendees buying $2 sample tacos from each vendor and then voting for their favorite. The vendor with the most votes will take home $100 in cash, a trophy and bragging rights. Brito’s Grill was last year’s champion.
OnCall Imaging’s ‘Power in Pink’
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Join OnCall Imaging for its Breast Cancer Awareness Month event from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 11.
The Power in Pink celebration is a free event, marking the imaging center’s second annual breast cancer awareness and screening open house. The center is located at 1609 First Ave., Rock Falls.
Featured guests include Pink Heals Sauk Valley, HOPE Cancer Wellness Center, Birdies Fore Boobies and more. This year, Birdies Fore Boobies also will present funds to HOPE Cancer Wellness Center and Pink Heals.
Other events include annual mammogram scheduling, refreshments and giveaways.
The goal of the event is to encourage women in the Sauk Valley to get their annual mammograms.
OnCall Imaging takes pride in providing top-notch care, as well as heated robes, private changing rooms and experienced technologists who care for patients from start to finish, as well as same-day appointments with flexible scheduling that includes evenings and weekends.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
SVCC Art Gallery features local artist Les Allen’s photography Sauk Valley Community College will host local artist Les Allen for a new exhibit titled “The Shape of Light.”
The exhibit runs through Nov. 20 at the Sauk Art Gallery. The gallery is open during campus hours and is free to the public. The Sauk Art Gallery will host an artist talk and reception from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 20.
Allen is based in Dixon and specializes in fine art traditional black and white photography. Using a large-format view camera, Allen captures the surreal and abstract elements
A taco-eating contest begins at 6 p.m. ZOWA Live will bring high-energy wrestling action to the RB&W District with matches at 5 and 7 p.m.
From 8 to 10 p.m., DJ Cabralio will keep the party going with all your favorite hits. Browse local businesses, nonprofit organizations and craft vendors throughout the event.
event set for Oct. 11
of the world around him in the high resolution that a large film negative can achieve. With over 50 years of work in his craft, Allen is a master printer, creating luminous and mesmerizing images that challenge perception and invite viewers into a dreamlike realm. His photographs, a manifestation of his deep connection with nature, convey his instinctual understanding of light, shadow and composition. Evoking emotions, provoking thought and inspiring viewers to explore their own intuitive connections with the world, Allen’s work has earned him multiple awards.
For information on the SVCC Art Gallery,
contact SVCC art professor Glenn Bodish at glenn.s.bodish@svcc.edu.
CrossView Church lists menus for September
A free community meal is served on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:15 p.m. at CrossView Church, 703 14th Ave. in Fulton. Menus
Sept. 24: hamburgers and hot dogs, tossed salad, chips, ice cream bars
Oct. 1: hot chicken sandwiches, veggies and dip, nachos and cheese, assorted desserts
– Shaw Local News Network
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Sawyer Schindel, 5, and her mom, Candice of Tampico, check out the Pink Heals Fire Engine when it showed up on June 15 at the Rock River Riders Motorcycle Club’s Father’s Day Hill Climb. Pink Heals Sauk Valley will be a featured guest at the Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Month event Oct. 11 at OnCall Imaging in Rock Falls.
Hooked on travel: Morrison couple loves living on, off the road
Lynn and Dan’s home, ‘Caboose,’ comes with their adventures
By CODY CUTTER ccutter@shawmedia.com
Lynn Crafts and Dan Dougherty love to explore new places, but there’s just one hitch – and that’s all they need.
The Morrison couple spends a lot of time on the road, hitching up their home on wheels and exploring the country in their 16-foot Scamp travel trailer that they’ve dubbed “Caboose,” and then sharing their journeys online, in travelogues they call “Caboose Adventures,” on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
They share highlights of their trips, glimpses of the scenery they’ve seen, and information about their stops along the way, from the campsites they pull into to the sights they see.
State parks, wineries, distilleries and places with unique natural history are among their favorite adventures, and sometimes they have no problem taking the long way to get to them. Traveling with a small trailer allows the couple to navigate along smaller roads that aren’t suitable for large trailers and RVs, leading them to hidden gems tucked away in towns and along country roads.
Most recently, they explored sites including White Pines State Forest Park in Mt. Morris, Rock Cut State Park in Rockford, and Anderson Japanese Gardens, also in Rockford.
“We’ve found we’re a good fit for a couple of kinds of places,” Crafts said. “One is state parks, and we prefer state parks over a lot of the national parks because it’s less crowded, and we go to get away from people – saying that in the nicest way – preferring nature over people. We don’t need to plan too far in advance to go out, we can go at the last minute when we have a nice window of weather.”
The couple’s Scamp adventures began in 2020 when they lived in Las Vegas. They had enjoyed traditional camping with tents for years, but when they laid eyes on the Scamp for the first time during a trip to Utah, they decided to make the step up from tent to travel trailer.
“We were tent campers for a long time, and we were camping one time and saw a lady with a tiny trailer that was pulled by her Subaru,” Crafts said. “We found out that you don’t actually have to have a big truck to have some of the luxuries that are an upgrade from tent camping.”
Scamps aren’t found at RV dealers; they’re made and sold exclusively by Eve-
land’s Inc. in Backus, Minnesota, and the wait time to get one can be up to 18 months, Crafts said. Theirs is a 16-foot model that offers 13 feet of interior space, 7 feet wide and 8 feet tall, and features a kitchenette with microwave, sink, twoburner stove, dinette space, restroom and a sleeping area in the back.
The first two-and-a-half years they owned a Scamp, the couple traveled throughout the southwestern U.S., taking in historic sites and natural wonders, such as the ghost town of Bodie, California, LaMoille Canyon in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains, and Kershaw Ryan State Park north of Las Vegas, a place they discovered only after detouring from another destination, and one they immediately fell in love with – so much so that they decided to start filming their adventures on the road.
“It was just amazing, we probably went there five or six times before we moved this way,” Dougherty said. “The scenery was just awesome. We were already taking photos and videos of our travels, but just weren’t putting them together. We talked a little bit and started putting them on a YouTube channel.”
Dougherty studied media arts at Columbia College in Chicago and uses his expertise in filming to capture video of the voyages.
Crafts, who is retired, is originally from San Diego, and Dougherty, who is semi-retired, was raised in the Chicago
wine drinkers until exploring the wineries, but have come to enjoy sweet reds, as well as a house blend from Hawk’s Mill.
Traveling during the winter months wasn’t much of an issue when the couple lived in the southwestern part of the country, but Midwest weather is a different story. The caboose hibernates during the winter months as they put their travel plans on pause – but not their planning. The Scamp’s winter nap gives them time to plan their next adventures when the weather starts to get nicer.
suburbs. They moved to Morrison two years ago to be closer to Dan’s family, but they didn’t leave their Scamp adventures behind; they now have new territory to explore and enjoy, learning about their new home’s history and heritage. On a trip to Bishop Hill in Henry County, a town rich in Swedish history, they visited on a day when there was a Civil War reenactment taking place.
The couple is also members of the Harvest Hosts traveling club, where members can travel to and camp at various places such as wineries, golf courses, farms and small businesses at no cost, outside of the club’s membership fee. Exploring local cuisine and spirits is another one of their interests, with recent trips to Lena Brewing Company in Lena and Hawk’s Mill Winery in Browntown, Wisconsin. They said they weren’t really
“Northwest Illinois has a lot to offer,” Dougherty said. “There are a lot of cool places. There’s a bunch of state parks that we haven’t gotten to yet, but they’re on the list.”
The Midwest isn’t new to Dougherty, but it is to Crafts, and she’s enjoyed seeing the countryside, with its farms, wooded areas, rolling hills and stretches of prairie land. She said it’s given her a new way of life to learn about, far from the big cities.
“When you’re in a city and it’s busy and it’s noisy, and life is chaotic when you’re go-go-going all of the time, to finding a place that is the opposite of that, it’s heaven for us,” Crafts said.
Find Caboose Adventures on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram (@ cabooseadventures) to see the adventures that Lynn Crafts and Dan Dougherty have made with their Scamp trailer “Caboose.”
Photos provided by Lynn Crafts
A recent trip to Johnson-Sauk State Park near Kewanee brought Lynn Crafts, Dan Dougherty and their “Caboose” Scamp trailer to interesting places such as the Ryan Round Barn on park grounds, unique for its architecture.
Crafts and Dougherty lived in Morrison, and have taken their thrill of exploration to the Midwest in their small Scamp trailer on Caboose Adventures.
Whiteside County CrimeStoppers present a check in Glenda Bruins’ honor to WACC’s criminal justice program. Seen are (from left) CrimeStoppers member Sally Douglas, Criminal Justice Coordinator Mike Wolfley, Sheriff John Booker and Sterling Police Chief Alex Chavira.
Born: August 5, 1957 in Freeport, IL
Died: September 18, 2025 in Morrison, IL
Whiteside County CrimeStoppers donate to Career Center
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Whiteside County CrimeStoppers are saddened by the death of longtime member Glenda Bruins, who dedi -
cated many years to supporting CrimeStoppers and their mission of keeping the community safe.
In her memory, a memorial donation of $5,000 was made to the Whiteside Area Career Center for the criminal justice program. This gift reflects
Bruins’ commitment to helping young people in the community succeed.
CrimeStoppers extends its deepest condolences to the Bruins family and friends and are grateful for her many years of service and dedication to Whiteside County.
Community State Bank in Rock Falls celebrating 50 years
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Community State Bank of Rock Falls, a full-service community bank, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
This signifies a remarkable milestone in its history, bank officials said in a news release. CSB of Rock Falls opened for business in 1975 at 1801 First Ave. in Rock Falls and today has grown to serve four additional communities: Sterling, Dixon, Morrison and Fulton.
“It has been the dedication and hard work of countless team members, community partners and customers that have made 50 years of service possible,” said Sally Scanlan, president and CEO of Community State Bank.
Although this is a celebration of a significant milestone, it also is a time to reinforce the business’s commitment to integrity, stability and community as it continues to grow its legacy, Scanlan said.
The bank plans to celebrate its history over the next few months with special events at every branch location, giveaways and community initiatives to honor its history, engage customers and reinforce its mission to remain an independent and highly successful community banking organization.
“It has been our commitment to community that has allowed the bank to prosper and attain this 50-year milestone,” Scanlan said. “Decisions are made locally alongside the employee that is your neighbor and
with your well-being as the priority. We are just a phone call away, and always with a live voice at the other end that you recognize and trust.”
She said the bank’s founding directors had a vision of what community banking should look like, and the employees embody that vision each and every day, not only inside the walls of the bank, but outside in the community by volunteering countless hours to support local needs.
BRIAN L. “HORN” VAN HORN, 68, of Morrison, IL, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, at his home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, officiated by Mr. Ken Renkes. Interment will be in Fenton Cemetery, Fenton, IL. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Brian was born August 5, 1957, in Freeport, IL, to Marvin L. and Sylvia J. (Endress) Van Horn. He graduated from Pearl City High School in 1975. On April 23, 2012, Brian married Ann J. Greeley in Las Vegas, NV. They shared their lives for more than 33 years together before her passing on September 27, 2022. Brian
“Working together is what makes the community a team that endures,” Scanlan said. “Thank you to our customers for your loyalty. Thank you to our employees for your support of the vision. Welcome to future customers. Come and enjoy the community banking experience.”
BRIAN VAN HORN
Born: August 5, 1957 in Freeport, IL
Died: September 18, 2025 in Morrison, IL
BRIAN L. “HORN” VAN HORN, 68, of Morrison, IL, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, at his home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, officiated by Mr. Ken Renkes. Interment will be in Fenton Cemetery, Fenton, IL. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Brian was born August 5, 1957, in Freeport, IL, to Marvin L. and Sylvia J. (Endress) Van Horn. He graduated from Pearl City High School in 1975. On April 23, 2012, Brian married Ann J. Greeley in Las Vegas, NV. They shared their lives for more than 33 years together before her passing on September 27, 2022. Brian worked as a mechanic the parts specialist in Morrison. He Poell’s in DeWitt, keeping busy ing on one project enjoyed riding hours building and Ann treasured where they spent craft fairs and anything, Brian children and Survivors include Osborn, Chris Chad (Karina) grandchildren, and Taylor and four great-grandchildren, and Adilyn; one Horn of Pearl McMullen of and nephews. He was preceded and one brother, Van Horn. To send online bosmarenkes.com
worked as a mechanic his entire life and was the parts specialist at Hunter’s Body Shop in Morrison. He also spent time working at Poell’s in DeWitt, IA. He was a man who loved keeping busy and could often be found working on one project or another. Brian especially enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spent many hours building and restoring his ‘57 Chevy. He and Ann treasured their trips to Wisconsin, where they spent time together exploring craft fairs and making memories. More than anything, Brian cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include three sons, Shane (Denice) Osborn, Chris (Maria Kempthorne) Osborn, and Chad (Karina) Osborn, all of Morrison; eight grandchildren, Max, Evan, Cameron, Sarah, and Taylor and Kaitlyn, Bricelyn, and Brynlee; four great-grandchildren, Kenryk, Kael, Avery, and Adilyn; one brother, Douglas (Karen) Van Horn of Pearl City, IL; a special friend, Joann McMullen of Sandwich, IL; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; and one brother, Bradley Eugene “Fat Jack” Van Horn.
To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com
AUDREY JEAN BALK
Audrey Jean Balk, 88, of Fulton, IL, passed on Monday, September 15, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Fulton, IL. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.
BRIAN VAN HORN
Photo provided by Whiteside County CrimeStoppers
The Apple and I
My husband recently brought me home a bag of apples from the local orchard. The man knows the way to my heart.
BEYOND TRIM
Sherry DeWalt
If you add up all the apples I’ve eaten in my lifetime as after-school snacks or in my grandmother’s apple dumplings, I’m sure the number is in the thousands. I love apples, and they are a regular part of my diet.
A healthy obsession with apples can benefit our health in several ways. Apples are one of the best sources of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidant nutrients that can prevent or reverse damage in your body’s cells caused by aging, the environment and your lifestyle. They also are a good source of fiber and vitamin B7 or biotin, an essential nutrient that assists in breaking down fats, carbohydrates and proteins in food.
When I was a kid, I can remember getting together with family members to make applesauce in the fall. We’d spend hours peeling apples. These days, I leave the peels on, even when making applesauce, because one of the antioxidant nutrients in the apple, quercetin, is concentrated in the peel. Quercetin can help reduce inflammation, allergy symptoms and blood pressure
Although I eat a lot of raw apples, there’s almost nothing that smells better to me than apples cooked with cinnamon and other spices. My grandmother’s apple dumpling recipe is famous in our family, but it’s a decadent treat better saved for holidays. Luckily, there are many healthier recipes that can be enjoyed more frequently. Here is one example:
Baked apple rings
• 1¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup apple cider
• 3-4 tart apples – cored and sliced crosswise into ¼-inch rings.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar combined with ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the paper with cooking spray. Add the flour and baking powder to a shallow bowl and whisk to combine. Add the apple cider and whisk until there are no lumps. Using a fork, dip the apple slices into the batter mixture on both sides. Lift and let excess batter drip back into the bowl. Place apple slices onto parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon mixture over the slices. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden. Enjoy warm.
If you love apples as much as I do, you also can find my recipes for applesauce and chai-spiced baked apples at the CGH YouTube channel: cghmc. com/health-resources/youtube-radio-interviews.
• Sherry DeWalt is the healthy lifestyles coordinator for the CGH Health Foundation in Sterling.
1985: Sesquicentennial celebration at post office
60 years
Sept. 22, 1965
Mayor Wiersema received a federal check for $37,425 to help pay for repairs to public facilities damaged by the April flood. The check represents 75 percent of the amount approved for a federal grant to Fulton for flood damage repairs.
Ten girls are in contest for Miss Flame. They include Sheryl Charneski, Ruth Kooi, Dianne Vance, Diane Faber, Diane Norman, Linda Abbott, Jacqueline Bonneur, Kathleen Huizenga, Bonnie Garrett, and Connie Bielema.
50 years
Sept. 24, 1975
The Lions voted endorsement of the flood control program after it was explained by Dwight Wiersema, a trustee of the Fulton Flood Control District, which is the local agency working with the engineers and other public agencies to advance the flood protection program. All but minor portions of the expense for the flood protection plan will be borne by state and federal agencies.
Fourteenth Avenue was officially opened to traffic after being under construction for the past two years. Illinois Route 136 has been changed to Fourteenth Avenue from Tenth Avenue and a four way stop control will be installed at the junction of Illinois Routes 84 and 136 on the east edge of Fulton.
40 years
Sept. 25, 1985
A copper box was recovered from the walls of the Fulton Post Office. The box was placed in the then-incomplete post office in 1935, the year Fulton celebrated their Centennial. The box will be opened at the opening ceremony of the Sesquicentennial celebration at the post office.
A new student pastor, Bob Bruhn, has arrived in Fulton to begin his one-year internship at First Reformed Church. His family includes wife Ellie, 4-year-old Sarah and six-month-old triplets Benjamin, Nathaniel and Charissa.
30 years
Sept. 20, 1995
State of Illinois still provides the bulk of the River Bend School District’s revenue, with 55%. Local taxes provide 42% and the federal government pro-
vides 3%. Local taxes bring in $2,470,802, the state $3,198,390 and the federal government $174,200. Total revenue to the district is $5,825,497.
Construction of the new gym/multi-purpose/ classroom complex at the Fulton high school is underway, with workmen digging trenches for the footing and foundation. The contractor will begin forming the walls from cement blocks as soon as the foundation is completed.
20 years
Sept. 21, 2005
In 2004-05, Exelon and ComEd employees pledged $2,224,199 to United Way and its agencies, and Exelon/ComEd pledged a corporate contribution of $1,052,100. Over 11,000 Exelon management and Local 15 union employees committed to this campaign. The final results are in for the campaign, and ComEd is pleased to present $10,401.10 to the Fulton Community Fund.
Council members voted to approve two ordinances and agreed to a dedication agreement with the Heritage Canyon Foundation. The first ordinance established the Heritage Canyon Cultural center; the second ordinance authorized the transfer of certain real estate and personal property to the City of Fulton. The dedication agreement between the City and the Heritage Canyon Foundation was also agreed upon.
10 years
Sept. 23, 2015
There was a ceremony at the Fulton (Martin House) Museum, it was the first building in Fulton to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A plaque was unveiled by Mayor Larry Russell, assisted by Marlyn Faber. The City of Fulton was bequeathed the Martin House property in 1998. With a lot of help and a goal to create a park where families could congregate and children could play, the Neighborhood Community Park became a reality and was dedicated on September 12. People gathered for a picnic at 11 a.m. to celebrate the collective efforts of sponsors, cash donations, and the hard work of the public works department. Wells Fargo Bank donated land to the City of Fulton and when the bank learned it was going to become a park, they donated an additional $7,500 towards furnishing it.
Fulton Association for Community Enrichment awards grants to 3 agencies
$5K checks presented to Fulton Fun Crew, for bike trail resurfacing, to Society of St. Vincent de Paul
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Fulton Association for Community Enrichment recently gave numerous cash awards to a variety of organizations.
FACE Board member Jean Roeder presented a check for $5,000 to the Fulton Fun Crew in support of the various events they sponsor throughout the year, which include Totally Tuesdays during the summer months, Dutch Days Eve Party by the Windmill, and the upcoming Fall Festival on Oct. 4.
Fulton Township Supervisor Dave Jindrich received a grant for $5,000 from Roeder. The donation will be put toward resurfacing the bike trail within Fulton’s city limits.
Roeder also gave a $5,000 check to Marge Hook, a representative of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The funds will be used for emergency assistance with rent or utility bills. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is affiliated with the local Immaculate Conception Parish.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH • 10AM-2PM NORTHLAND MALL • STERLING
Photos provided by FACE
LEFT: Fulton Township Supervisor Dave Jindrich (right) receives a grant for $5,000 from Fulton Association for Community Enrichment Board member Jean Roeder. RIGHT: Joan Roeder (left) presents a $5,000 check to Marge Hook of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Equity-eligible community solar project now online in Fulton
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
A 3.26-megawatt solar array developed under Illinois’ Equity Eligible Contractor program is now operational in Fulton.
Built by Equity Solar Illinois, the project – called Cattail Solar – consists of 5,616 solar modules spread across 15 acres and is designed to serve 15 municipal and business subscribers, according to a news release. According to ESI, those subscribers are expected to start seeing bill credits on their electricity statements beginning in November.
“From rural Illinois to the City of Chicago, we believe everyone should be able to participate in and benefit from the clean energy revolution,” ESI Principal Marcellus H. Moore Jr. said in a news release. “We’re excited about this first project and will be continually working to connect and balance our efforts in rural areas with opportunities in urban areas throughout the state.”
Cattail Solar is part of the state’s Community Solar program, which allows subscribers to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on their own properties.
A small business subscribing to the project could save about $650 annually, according to figures provided by ESI, while a small city could save about $6,700. Bill credits are tied to each subscriber’s share of the project’s energy production and regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
The company did not disclose the total cost of the project or its financing sources, but told Shaw Local it would follow up with estimates.
Cattail Solar qualified for several incentives, including a Renewable Energy Credit contract under the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a Smart Inverter Rebate, and a federal Energy Community tax credit, aimed at supporting clean energy development in former fossil fuel communities.
The project is expected to produce
more than 5.1 million kilowatt-hours annually – enough to power about 560 homes – and offset an estimated 4,530 metric tons of carbon dioxide, according to ESI.
Cattail Solar is fully subscribed, with no current openings for residential participation. ESI said future Community Solar Gardens may include residential subscribers.
“We recognize education and access to opportunities are barriers to participating in clean energy, ” ESI Principal Rena Henderson Mason said in the release. “We’re working to overcome those barriers and bring economic savings and development opportunities to the communities in which we operate.”
The project site at 18734 Frog Pond Road in Fulton was chosen based on a combination of grid access, land availability, flat terrain and a cooperative landowner, according to the company. It was also seeded with native pollinator habitat and is located more than 1,200 feet from the nearest road, with a railroad embank-
ment and trees helping block its view from nearby homes.
ESI said the permitting for Cattail Solar was processed through the Whiteside County Board, as the property falls under unincorporated county jurisdiction. The project sits within a 1.5-mile boundary of the city limits – this limit is typically known as the planning area and needs signoff by the city to proceed with the county process. According to ESI, the mayor of Fulton gave approval to proceed with the County Board in 2022.
Excess energy produced beyond subscriber demand flows to the local grid, and ESI is responsible for decommissioning the site once it reaches the end of its 20- to 40-year operational life.
While ESI declined to disclose profit margins, it told Shaw Local that local taxing bodies, including Fulton Township, Whiteside County and the River Bend Community Unit School District 2, are expected to see increased tax revenues now that the project is operational.
My GEAR Outreach helps children in foster care in Whiteside and beyond
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
When children are torn from everything they know and thrust into foster care, one woman’s program steps in to give them hope, comfort and a sense of belonging on their very first night.
Liz Estilow started My GEAR Outreach, a nonprofit organization that supports local children from infancy through age 18 as they enter foster, adoptive or kinship care. The organization provides “first overnight” bags and welcome boxes to help ease the transition into new homes.
After working as a social worker for 20 years, Estilow stepped away from direct service but wanted to remain connected to foster families. She founded the nonprofit as a way to continue supporting the children and families she cares about.
“It’s a way to give back to our kids and to let our kids know that they’ve got a community that is supporting them and loving them,” Estilow said. “And then also letting our foster families know that they have some support too, and they’ve got someone to reach out to when they need things.”
First overnight bags include new pajamas, socks, underwear, a pillow, pillowcase, blanket, Bible, crayons, pens, pencils, journals, coloring books, age-appropriate toys and activities and a stuffed animal. Welcome boxes contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, water bottle, hair brush, fun wash cloth, comb, liquid bath soap and a night light.
Estilow said the reality of foster care removals is often sudden and traumatic, with many children entering the system carrying only a handful of belongings. She hopes the welcome boxes and overnight bags will ease that transition.
“Most removals are emergency removals,” Estilow said. “They happen right this minute, the child needs to be removed, and often, children will take whatever little belongings that they have in a black garbage bag, and that’s how they enter foster care. And it’s just not OK. It’s not OK for our kids to know that that is their worth.”
Now in its 10th year, My GEAR began in Clinton County, Iowa, and has since expanded its reach to children in nine additional counties across Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, including Lee, Ogle and Whiteside.
Estilow said she would love to
expand the program into additional counties, but she does not have the time or the money. She said that launching the program in a new county costs about $3,000, with annual operating expenses ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 a county.
“I’m kind of at my limits right now. I work full-time. I am a foster care recruiter for Four Oaks on the Iowa side,” Estilow said. “Volunteers to help with fundraising is what I really need... someone who writes grants and someone who likes to fundraise.”
She said donations can be made through the organization’s website, where supporters can also find information about ongoing fundraisers. The group’s Facebook page, My Gear Outreach, regularly posts information on current needs.
Monetary contributions are accepted via PayPal, Cash App, Venmo and other common platforms. Supporters can fund welcome boxes for $50 a box or overnight bags for $150 a bag.
In addition to financial support, the organization welcomes donations of new items for the welcome boxes and first overnight bags. Interested donors are encouraged to contact the group through their website to arrange donations or pickups.
“These kids are going through one of the most traumatic experiences they’ll ever experience, and they deserve new things,” Estilow said.
Estilow also shared some sobering statistics about the foster care system, highlighting the critical shortage of available homes for children in need. She said that in Iowa, there is roughly a 43% deficit in foster homes compared to the number of children entering care – a problem that she said is mirrored in Illinois.
“This shortage means kids are often removed not only from their homes but also from their communities, schools, and activities,” Estilow said. “They can end up an hour or even three hours away, making it harder to stay connected to their biological families and support systems.”
Estilow said that the ultimate goal of foster care is reunification – helping families heal so children can return home safely. She said that Iowa sees about 4,000 children entering foster care each year, while Illinois, with larger population centers like Chicago, has numbers closer to 23,000 annually.
For those considering becoming foster parents, basic requirements vary slightly by state but generally include being at least 21 years old, having a
home with appropriate sleeping quarters for children, passing background checks and completing training classes through local agencies. Marital status and income are not barriers to fostering.
Recognizing that fostering can be emotionally demanding, Estilow encourages people who may not want or be able to foster to find other ways to support foster families. This could include helping with meals, transportation, donations or volunteering with nonprofits like My GEAR Outreach.
“There’s also a lot people can do simply by talking about foster care and raising awareness,” Estilow said.
“Sometimes, the conversation alone can inspire others to step up and help.”
Those interested in becoming foster parents in Illinois can start by visiting the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services website at dcfs. illinois.gov.
“My GEAR Outreach ensures every dollar donated goes straight to local kids and families,” Estilow said. “If people want me to speak to their organizations about foster care or our work, I’m always happy to share.”
For more information on the program or to make a donation, visit mygearoutreach.org.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
My Gear Outreach gives foster children overnight bags, clothing, personal supplies and other items, to help make the transition to a new home a little less intimidating.
Fulton Fall Fest arrives Oct. 4
Busy day of running, shopping, kids’ activities and live music
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Fulton Fall Fest kicks off at 8 a.m. Oct. 4, at Denny O’s Bar, 307 10th Ave., with the 5K run/walk.
All ages are welcome and prizes will be awarded to all age groups (10under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over). The overall male and female finishers win $50 and fallthemed prizes for first, second and third male and female finishers in each age group.
The fee is $25 to register. Make checks payable to Fulton Fun Crew and mail to Jean Roeder, 301 Fourth St., No. 7, Fulton, IL 61252. Phone is 563-249-7629. Race day registration starts at 7 a.m. Runners can register online at getmeregistered.com.
Also at 8 a.m., Fulton’s Fittest Competition at KT3 Fitness, 912 Fourth St., starts. Scaled and RXd divisions for all fitness levels will be available. For registration details, go to www.kt3fitness.com/fultonsfittest.
From 10 to 4 p.m., there are a lot of activities planned. The public can shop at local vendors, businesses and food trucks. Adults can visit the beer garden.
The best beard contest will be decided. The winner will get $400 to donate to a local charity of their choice.
The Kid’s Zone and other activities include:
• Trolley rides to Heritage Canyon & Petting Zoo
• Bounce houses
• Corn box
• Face painting
• Pumpkin painting
Live music will be going most of the day near the windmill, starting with Dan Peart (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), followed by Kelly & Sarah (1-4 p.m.) and concluding with the Lynn Allen Band (5-8 p.m.).
Northwest District Elks free children’s podiatry clinic set for Oct. 23 in Morrison
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation, in cooperation with Northwest District Elks Lodges, will sponsor a free children’s podiatry assessment clinic Thursday, Oct. 23, at Morrison Family Care Clinic.
The clinic is at 303 N. Jackson St. in Morrison. Dr. David Yeager is the clinician in charge.
The clinic starts at 8 a.m. and is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call the Illinois Elks Children’s Care office at 1-800-2720074 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are no charges for any services at this clinic.
No medical referral is necessary for the clinic, but physicians are welcome to refer patients to the clinic for a specific reason or a second opinion. School nurses are welcome to refer
children and families to the clinic.
The Elks Organization has been working with physically challenged children since 1928 and this is one of the 15 clinic locations throughout Illinois.
The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development. If your child has feet pointing inward or outward or complains of foot pain, they can be seen at this clinic.
The Elks will provide financial assistance to the best of their ability for children needing further treatment or specialty equipment when the family lacks sufficient resources to do so.
In the past, the Elks have purchased therapy services, corrective shoes, braces, wheelchairs and augmentative communication devices to help children overcome a variety of physical challenges.
FARM & FIELD
2025 HARVEST SECTION
The many ways a thriving agricultural sector is beneficial
Inflation has been a hot topic for several years running. Many businesses have been forced to raise their prices in an effort to combat a host of variables, including materials costs, labor shortages and political uncertainty across the globe. That’s been hard on consumers’ and business owners’ pocketbooks, and precisely when inflation will simmer down remains a mystery. Though the cost of many goods and services has skyrocketed in recent years, discussions about inflation often focus on the rising cost of groceries. According to USDA Economic Research, food prices in the United States rose 23.6 percent between 2020 and 2024. That’s led many people to cut back on luxuries like dining out. As people dine out less, they may be looking to expand their culinary horizons at home, and that goal is best achieved when the agricultural sector is put in position to meet consumer demands. Indeed, that link is just one of the many ways that a thriving agricultural sector benefits everyone.
· A strong agricultural sector greatly benefits the economy. Job creation is widely cited as a pathway to economic recovery, and a well-supported agricultural sector can create millions of jobs. The agricultural tech firm Sabanto estimates 2025 began with around 2.4 million unfilled jobs within the agricultural sector. A 2022 report from Maryville University indicated the agricultural sector contributes $7 trillion to the U.S. economy, employing as much as 10.3 percent of the nation’s workers. The link between a thriving agricultural sector and a strong economy is undeniable, making it a worthy endeavor to support policies that prioritize agriculture.
FARM & FIELD
2025 HARVEST SECTION
The many ways a thriving agricultural sector is beneficial (cont.)
· A thriving farm is a productive farm. Modern grocery stores offer an abundance of healthy foods, and many of those foods are grown on farms. The Farm Bureau reports that a single acre of land can grow various crops, producing as much as 50,000 strawberries or just under 2,800 bushels of wheat. Consumers who enjoy visiting grocery stores that offer an array of fresh, nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, should know that those options are only available when a thriving agricultural sector is prioritized.
· Farms are vital to production of other products as well. Maryville University notes a thriving agricultural sector is involved in more than just food production. IFP Energies notes that bio-based chemistry uses raw materials derived from biomass, such as plants like wheat, corn and potatoes, to produce an array of products, including inks, dyes and detergents. So it's not just the foods people eat that can be traced to a thriving agricultural sector. Bio-based chemistry also is considered green because it promotes a reduction of the environmental impact of industrial production. There's no shortage of reasons to support a thriving agricultural sector. Indeed, consumers from all walks of life benefit in myriad ways when the success of the agricultural sector is prioritized.
Sauk Valley Community College names Jon Mandrell as next president
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
Sauk Valley Community College has chosen one of its own to lead the institution into its next chapter.
The board of trustees unanimously selected Jon Mandrell, vice president of academics and student services, as the college’s seventh president. He will officially begin his presidential duties June 1, 2026.
“In Dr. Jon Mandrell, we have found a leader who embodies the spirit of the Sauk Valley community while bringing a vast amount of experience to our students, faculty, and staff,” SVCC Board Chair Bob Thompson said in a news release. “Dr. Mandrell’s application process was supported by an overwhelmingly positive campus-wide evaluation recommending him in all aspects required of an exceptional college president. We are confident that Jon will lead our institution with integrity and humility,
embracing our mission and building on an unparalleled legacy left by our retiring president, Dr. David Hellmich.”
For Mandrell, who first set foot on campus as a child and later as a student, the appointment represents a lifelong dream.
“I’ve spent my entire life at Sauk. … I met my wife there as a student. I proposed to her in the parking lot where we used to meet before going into class together,” Mandrell told Shaw Local. “I just always wanted to lead the college as much as I possibly could. I feel like Sauk has been the common denominator in my life.”
Mandrell will be the first Sauk alumnus to hold the presidency. That fact, he said, carries deep significance.
“I think that’s where I became really emotional when I found out that I had been selected,” Mandrell said. “I felt this weight of, I am one of us. As a student and an alum, I bear a lot of responsibility, but that also inspires me to do a great job and to best prepare the college for the future.”
Over the years, Mandrell has worked to expand dual credit opportunities, career-technical programs and partnerships with K-12 schools. Looking ahead, he said a major focus will be on strength-
ening the school’s role in meeting the region’s workforce needs. He highlighted initiatives in nursing, teaching and law enforcement, as well as a proposed public safety building that would house the criminal justice program and the police academy.
“By moving our criminal justice program and our police academy together, we can bring in other partners around the community into that space and become more efficient,” Mandrell said. “We could also use that vacated space to expand health care programs.”
Mandrell said community colleges will face significant hurdles in the years ahead, pointing to competition, funding pressures, and the need to better prepare students for higher education. He said improving college readiness and addressing workforce development will be top priorities, with strong collaborations with area employers playing an essential role.
While many colleges nationwide have faced declining enrollment, Sauk has seen growth. Mandrell attributes that success to long-standing relationships. He also pointed to opportunities for future expansion, particularly in health care, public service, manufacturing, and technology
fields such as cybersecurity.
Mandrell said he is grateful to build on Hellmich’s legacy. He pointed to the Sauk Valley Leadership Program as one of Hellmich’s lasting contributions that he intends to continue.
“He has left some very big shoes to fill, but I’m so proud to see how he has positioned our college,” Mandrell said. “I feel so inspired to be able to step into that with who we are as a college and what our future looks like.”
Mandrell, who has also served as president of Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Murfreesboro, brings experience in both higher education and law enforcement. He began his career as a police corporal in Oregon, later becoming chief of police in Polo.
During that time, he taught as an adjunct professor at Sauk, an experience that deepened his connection to the college. He said he is grateful for the trust placed in him as he prepares to take on the presidency.
“I want to thank our college community and our board of trustees for trusting in me to be its seventh president,” Mandrell said. “I’m so honored, and it is one of my life’s greatest milestones.”
Jon Mandrell
E-P moves to 10-2 after win at Rock Falls
First-year E-P coach leading experienced group coming off first Sweet 16
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Erie-Prophetstown picked up where it left off after last year’s breakthrough season. And it’s happened with a new head coach.
The Panthers are off to a 10-2 start after a 25-17, 25-21 win at Rock Falls on Sept. 11.
It was a rematch of last year’s Class 2A regional final that E-P won 25-15, 25-21 for its first regional title as a co-op. The Panthers reached the Sweet 16 before falling to El Paso-Gridley, which went on to take fourth at state. E-P finished 32-4-2 last season.
Facing the Rockets (5-6) again, Lauren Abbott’s eighth kill finished the road sweep.
RF led the first set 10-9 and the second set 12-11, but E-P’s senior-led bunch took control down the stretch in each win. Rock Falls led the second set 3-0
before E-P scored nine straight points.
“I think being able to swing around the block and find different scoring spots helped us a ton,” said Abbott, who
added two aces. “And I think our passing was really on point today.”
One of 11 seniors on the team, Abbott said experience and energy have helped the team in the big moments.
“The positivity never really lets up,” Abbott said. “To me, that means a lot when someone is giving me positive feedback when I’m on the court.”
She said the team hopes to have another big season.
“I definitely think all of us want to go big places,” Abbott said.
Ashlyn Johnson (six digs) added six kills, Aubrey Huisman had five kills, and Kaylee Keegan had 21 assists and an ace. Keegan recently eclipsed 1,000 career assists.
E-P’s first-year coach, Rachel Bramm, a 2016 Erie grad, said the team did a good job of limiting Rock Falls’ runs with the home crowd on their side. She’s enjoyed having the talented team in her first year. E-P became a co-op in 2018.
PANTHERS, page 16
Alex T. Paschal Erie-Prophetstown’s Lauren Abbott eyes the ball against Rock Falls on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Riverbend Bulldogs O-line rolls past Mendota
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Riverbend Bulldogs showcased another dominating performance Saturday, Sept. 13, defeating Mendota 42-6 in Fulton. The Bulldogs improve to 5-0 with the victory.
Mendota won the opening coin toss and chose to receive, but Riverbend’s defense set the tone, forcing a quick three-and-out. On the ensuing punt,
• PANTHERS
Continued from page 15
“It’s such a blessing to have not only these girls, but my amazing coaching staff,” Bramm said. “Having that support and then having the girls actually follow through with it and do the things that I’m asking them to do on the court ... I’m blessed beyond measure.”
She coached Abbott during club season and is also familiar with other players’ families.
“A lot of these kids are like my former coaches’ and teachers’ kids. So I’ve known them since they were, you know, knee-high,” she said. “But a lot of these kids are brand new to me. So I’m learning to coach them, and they’re learning how to be coached by me.
“And so far it seems to be going pretty well for us.”
Abbott said it’s been awesome having Bramm coach the Panthers. Bramm, nee Cobert, won two regional titles with Erie and played at the University of Illinois Springfield. She earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at St. Ambrose
Brantley Easley electrified the crowd with an 80-yard touchdown return, giving the Bulldogs a lead they would never relinquish.
Riverbend struck again two plays into their next possession when quarterback Mavrick Hamstra found Easley streaking downfield for a 47-yard touchdown reception, pushing the lead to 14-0.
The Bulldogs’ offense continued their momentum, putting together four more scoring drives of 38, 23, 58 and 46 yards.
University, where she also served as a graduate assistant for the men’s volleyball team.
“I think that she’s definitely a very positive influence on our team,” Abbott said. “I think she brings a lot with her background knowledge of volleyball, playing too.”
Rock Falls coach Jolene Bickett said her team has started to turn the corner. The Rockets started the year 0-4.
“I thought mentally we were better prepared, but they’re just a really nice team clicking on all cylinders,” Bickett said. “That’s why we like to play good teams. We’re not going to get better playing teams at our level.”
Kaltrina Lecaj led Rock Falls with four kills and added eight digs. Miley Bickett had 12 digs and 11 assists, and Ari Reyna (three kills) had three blocks. Addison Miller (three kills) and Jessa Adams had two blocks.
“Erie-Prophetstown’s good, and they’re playing like you should be playing in October right now in September,” Bickett said. “We’re just not quite there yet, but I really think my girls have a great mindset.”
Riverbend finished the day with 248 total yards of offense, spreading the ball around as Easley tallied three total touchdowns, while Andrew Betts, Austin Betts and Briar Spooner each added their own scores.
Mendota managed to break through late, but the Bulldogs’ defense held firm throughout, keeping the game firmly in Riverbend’s control.
The Riverbend Bulldogs’ offensive line was named Players of the Week
after a dominant performance in the Mendota win. The unit – made up of Lucas Huen, Dylan Petersen, Drake Dauen, Byron Pessman and Aidden Betts – set the tone and controlled the line of scrimmage for the entire game.
The group’s physical play opened running lanes all afternoon, allowing the Bulldogs’ backs to break free for big gains. In pass protection, they gave Hamstra (QB) plenty of time to operate, helping fuel the Bulldogs’ explosive attack.
Alex T. Paschal
Rock Falls’ Kayla Hackbaerth hammers a shot against Erie-Prophetstown Thursday, Sept. 11.
Riverbend 7th-8th graders take win over Riverdale, 42-30
By SAUK VALLEY MEDIA STAFF REPORT
It was a clash of undefeated 7th/8thgrade teams when Riverbend and Riverdale met in a physical, hard-hitting contest that lived up to the hype. The Bulldogs came away with a 42-30 victory to remain perfect on the season.
The game started with fireworks. Riverdale bobbled the opening kickoff, and Riverbend recovered. Four plays later, quarterback Mavrick Hamstra connected on a 2-yard touchdown pass to Lucas Huisenga, with Brantley Easley adding the two-point conversion. Riverdale then fumbled on its third offensive play, but Riverbend was unable to capitalize, going three-andout.
Penalties plagued both teams in the first half. A 46-yard touchdown run by Easley and a 29-yard scoring dash by Anthony Horsley were both called back due to penalties. Still, Riverbend found a way to score. Easley powered in from three yards out with 4:45 left in the half to extend the Bulldogs’ lead.
Riverdale answered with a score in
the final minute before halftime, seemingly seizing the momentum. But on the very next play, Hamstra hit Easley on a perfect 58-yard touchdown strike with 44 seconds left. The celebration was short-lived, as Riverdale took the ensuing kickoff back for a touchdown to cut the lead to 22-14 at the break.
Riverbend struck quickly to start the second half, extending its lead to 28-14. Riverdale responded with a long drive, capped by a fourth-down touchdown from the 13-yard line and a successful two-point conversion to make it 28-22.
From there, Riverbend took control. The Bulldogs put together a bruising nine-play drive, capped by a 16-yard Easley touchdown run, chewing up valuable clock. They never looked back, finishing off a 42-30 win in what was a true test for both squads.
Player of the Week honor went to quarterback Mavrick Hamstra, who turned in an outstanding performance under center. Hamstra was nearly flawless through the air, completing four of five passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
Hamstra showcased strong on-field
leadership, taking an active role in play calling and keeping the offense composed in key moments. His biggest highlight came just before halftime, when he launched a perfectly placed 58-yard touchdown strike with only 32 seconds left on the clock.
Hamstra’s poise, accuracy, and leadership set the tone for the offense.
BULLDOGS RAM THE RAMS
The 5th/6th-grade Bulldogs continued their winning ways by defeating the Riverdale Rams, 24–14, in a game that was never close. The Bulldogs came out as physical and aggressive as we have seen them all season, setting the tone early on the first play from scrimmage when Ross Pessman stomped through the middle of the Rams’ offensive line and delivered a nice tackle, forcing the ball loose from the Rams running back. Pessman fell on the fumble and delivered the ball to the offense. Three plays later, Kane Temple went around left end 33 yards to the end zone for the first of his four TDs for the game.
The Bulldogs never looked back after the great start, controlling the line of
scrimmage on both sides of the ball and controlling the time of possession with 23 minutes to 13 minutes. The Rams were able to push one score across the end zone on a broken play from scrimmage before halftime, making the score at halftime respectable at 12-6, and then one more on a long pass with under a minute to go in the game to cap off the scoring on the day.
The Bulldogs had no turnovers and only one penalty. This led to domination up front from the big men on the offensive line and a great day from the backfield, racking up almost 250 yards of total offense (combined rushing and passing).
The player of the game was tone setter Ross Pessman. Right out of the gate he was creating and capitalizing on turnovers all due to his effort on the D-line. Subbing into the O-line in the second half, Ross was able to sustain drives for the Bulldogs’ offense while having to go against the biggest parts of the Rams’ D-line. On defense, he tallied two solo tackles, two assisted tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
We Support Our Local Schools!
GO STEAMERS AND KNIGHTS!
ALBANY
Albany United Methodist Church
502 N. First Ave., 309-887-4781
Pastor Toni Lucas
St. Patrick Catholic Church 1201 N. Bluff St., Albany
Father Timothy Barr, Pastor CORDOVA Cordova Baptist 602 Third Ave. South, Cordova
Pastor Carmen Jordan 309-654-2501 - www.cordovafbc.com
EAST MOLINE
Sycamore Baptist Church
5323 180th Street North, East Moline 309-200-2505 www.sycamorebaptistchurch.com
Wildwood Baptist Church 18717 Hubbard Road, East Moline 309-496-9397 office@ wildwoodchurch.com
Pastors Brian Smith, Andrew Robinson, Andy Thomaston and Matt Winquist
Zion Lutheran Church 17628 Hubbard Road, East Moline Rev. Gary A. Wright - 309-496-3592
ERIE
Erie Baptist Church 8th Ave. and 11th Street, Erie Call Ron Kimball for info: 309-230-3584
Erie Christian Church 715 6th Ave., Erie, 309-659-2561
• Amber Blumhoff to Terrisa M Lenox and Brady K Lenox, 28336 Logan St., Rock Falls, $255,000.
• Nancy E Matthews to Roxanne Riggin, 1106 W. 5th St., Rock Falls, $190,000.
• Christopher Grasso to Crystal L Sparks, 808 W. 5th St., Rock Falls, $73,000.
• Edith M Bass and Bradley J Bass to Travis J Day, 2705 Pine St., Rock Falls, $150,000.
• Ashley N Insley, formerly known as Ashley N Knox, and Robert E Insley to Christian Temiquel, 623 Grace Ave., Rock Falls, $135,000.
• Fisch Properties Llc Series II to Devin Andrew Dunaven, 512 7th Ave., Rock Falls, $107,500.
• Gary L Sandrock to Zachary Miller and Emma Miller, one parcel on Rock Ridge Drive, Rock Falls: 17-21-252-020, $30,000.
• Aaron Buntjer to Matthew K Shere and Hannah N Hensley, 401 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls, $130,000.
• Jody M Bethel to Cpepp Services Llc, 527 E. Wall St., Morrison, $33,500.
• Ralph S Weaver to Jeffery A Tully, one parcel on Erie Road, Erie: 20-09-300-003, $42,500.
• Eric J Goodhart and Shelby L Goodhart to Tara Jean Francke and Adam E Francke, 800 13th Ave., Fulton, $197,900.
• George M Graham to Charles T Dykstra, trustee, Mardelle Dykstra Trust and Charles T Dykstra Trust, 1009 4th St., Fulton, $76,000.
• Cheryle A Colmark to Gary C Stanley, 708 1st Ave., Sterling, $120,000.
• Robert W Norman and Margaret Norman to Ryan Eissens Construction Inc, 1101 12th Ave., Fulton, $35,000.
• Newrez Llc, Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing Dba, to Jose M Arrez and Libertad V Arrez, 10440 Hussung Drive, Rock Falls, $80,000.
• Linda Ann Vandamme to Linda Ann Vandamme Trust and Walter E Vandamme, trustee, 13-12-400-008, 14-07-300-003 and 14-08-100-004, $0.
Quit claim deeds
• Robert A Miller and Bobbie L Beswiek, now known as Bobbie L Miller to Bobbie L Miller, 21176 Balk Lane, Fulton, $0.
• Donald E Richards Jr to Steven J Cody, 2809 Kaufman St., Rock Falls, $1,000.
• Billy R Council Jr to Corey A Council, one parcel on Elston Road, Fulton: 01-34-104003, $0.
• James W Garvin and Debra Garvin to Gwen Hurd, 655 Sawyer Road, Prophetstown, $0.
• Melinda J Vegter to Allan D Brown, 714 12th Ave., Fulton, $0.
Trustees deeds
• David J Brands, trustee, Diane F Hendrickson, trustee, Robert J Brands Family Trust and Irma J Brands Family Trust to Edward M Murney and Victoria A Murney, 515 Anthony St., Morrison, $199,000.
• David A Goodell Trust and Casey L Goodell Trust to Richard E Edge and Gayle L Edge to 203 E. Third St., Prophetstown, $140,000.
• Suzanne Padalino Living Trust and Charles M Padalino Living Trust to Kelly J Urrutia, 1401 Avenue A, Rock Falls, $149,000.
• Matthew W Prescott Trust to Peter J Harkness and Susan Harkness, 17627 Grandview Drive, $875,000.
• Michael K Odonnell, trustee, and Odonnell Family Trust to John Grulkowski and Tammy Grulkowski, 103 Riverview Drive, Albany, $155,000.
• Arlene Evelyn Considine Trust to Eric J Goodhart and Shelby L Goodhart, 3460 Stone St., Albany, $221,350.
Deeds
• Oralia R Marruffo Estate to Nancy Lyneigh Hummel, 911 Avenue G, Sterling, $72,000.
• Mei Gui Huang to Wjth Llc, 726 Main St., Erie, $130,000.
• David V Morris Estate to Eric Foutch, 1002 S. Cherry St., Albany, $140,000.
Source: Whiteside County Recorder’s Office
BUSINESS AND SERVICE
Drs. Terry and Sarah Foust
“Serving Large and Small Animals”
602 N. High Street, Port Byron, IL
Phone 309-524-6484
Fax: 309-524-6485 www.riverviewvets.com
- INDUSTRIAL We Sell and Service All Major Brands 309-887-4447 16262 Waller Rd., (Rt. 84), Fulton, IL
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Shaw Local Radio in Dixon, IL is looki ng for a full-time Morning Show H ost to lead the day on WIXN AM/FM.
What You'll Do :
Host a compelling, local-focused morning show that informs, entertains, and connects with listeners across the Sauk Valley
Deliver news, weather, interviews & community updates with energy & authenticity.
Engage with listeners on-air, online, and in person - become a trusted local voice
Collaborate with our production team to create high-quality audio content & promos. Represent WIXN at community events, remotes, and station promotions.
What We're Loo king For:
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Experience in radio broadcasting, audio production, and Adobe Audition preferred. Ability to write, voice, and produce engaging segments and commercials
Passion for local news, events, and building community relationships. Comfortable with social media and digital platforms to extend your reach
Why J oin Us:
At Shaw Local Radio, we believe in the power of local voices You'll be part of a team that values creativity, community, and connection. If you're ready to wake up the Sauk Valley with energy and purpose, we want to hear from you!
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Tremere Morney; Il linois Hous ing Development Authority; Unknow n Heirs and Legatees of Joy L. John son; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants DE FENDANTS No. 2025FC169 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Joy L Johnson Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1624 20th Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201 and which said Mortgage was made by: Joy L Johnson the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Guaranteed Rate, Inc., as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Rock Island County, Illinois, as Document No. 2020-17496; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now
Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Joy L Johnson Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1624 20th Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201 and which said Mortgage was made by: Joy L Johnson the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Guaranteed Rate, Inc., as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Rock Island County, Illinois, as Document No. 2020-17496; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Tammy R Weikert Rock Island County Courthouse 1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 101 Rock Island, IL 61201 on or before October 23, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Tammy R Weikert Rock Island County Courthouse 1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 101 Rock Island, IL 61201 on or before October 23, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300
ISLAND, SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF ROCK ISLAND, IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300
DuPage # 15170
Winnebago # 531
Our File No. 14-2505292
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3273332
Sep. 23, 30, Oct. 7, 2025
DuPage # 15170
Winnebago # 531
Our File No. 14-2505292
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3273332
Sep. 23, 30, Oct. 7, 2025 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS FREEDOM MORTG AG E CORPORATION, PLAINTIFF, VS. ALLISON WALSH, SPEC IAL REPRESENTATIV E OF MICHAEL J BAIRD, DECEASED; CITY OF ROCKLAND FINANCE DEPARTMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; AMANDA OHM; NICKOLAS BAIRD; NICKOLAS BAIRD AS NEXT FRIEND OF C.B.; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MICHAEL J BAIRD, DE FENDANTS. NO. 2025FC33 2507 29TH AVENUE ROCK ISLAND, IL 61201
JUDGE PR ESIDING JUDGE NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO YOU, Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants
COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS FREEDOM MORTG AG E CORPORATION, PLAINTIFF, VS. ALLISON WALSH, SPEC IAL REPRESENTATIV E OF MICHAEL J BAIRD, DECEASED; CITY OF ROCKLAND FINANCE DEPARTMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; AMANDA OHM; NICKOLAS BAIRD; NICKOLAS BAIRD AS NEXT FRIEND OF C.B.; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MICHAEL J BAIRD, DE FENDANTS. NO. 2025FC33 2507 29TH AVENUE ROCK ISLAND, IL 61201 JUDGE PR ESIDING JUDGE NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
LEG AL NOTICES
Commonly known as: 2507 29th Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201 and which said Mortgage was made by, Michael J Baird a/k/a Michael Baird Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc as nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Rock Island County, Illinois, as Document No. 2021-06598; and for other relief.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO YOU, Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Michael J Baird defendants, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: LOT NUMBER TWO (2) IN SOUTH LAWN THIRD ADDITION TO THE CITY OF ROCK ISLAND, SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF ROCK ISLAND, IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 2507 29th Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201 and which said Mortgage was made by, Michael J Baird a/k/a Michael Baird Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc as nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Rock Island County, Illinois, as Document No. 2021-06598; and
UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case, on or before October 23, 2025, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. You have been sued. To participate in the case, you MUST file an official document with the court within the time stated on this Notice called an "Appearance" and a document called an "Answer/Response ". The Answer/Response is not required in small claims or eviction cases unless ordered by the court If you do not file an Appearance and Answer/Response on time, the court may decide the case without hearing from you, and you could be held in default and lose the case. After you fill out the necessary documents, you need to electronically file (e-file) them with the court. To e-file, you must create an account with an efiling service provider For more information, go to ilcourts.info/efiling. If you cannot e-file, you can get an exemption that allows you to file in-person or by mail. You may be charged filing fees, but if you cannot pay them, you can file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees It is possible that the court will allow you to attend the first court date in this case in-
allows you to in-person or mail. You may charged filing f but if you cannot pay them, you file an Applicat for Waiver of C Fees It is possible that the court allow you to atten the first court d in this case person or remot by video or ph Contact the Circuit Court Clerk's o or visit the Court's website to find whether this possible and, if how to do Need help? Cal text Illinois Court Help at 833-4111121 or go ilcourthelp.gov information abo going to co including how to out and documents. can also get legal informa and legal referrals at illinoislegalaid.or All docume referred to in Notice can found ilcourts.info/forms.
Other docume may be availabl from your lo Circuit C Clerk's office website. ¿Nece ayuda? Llame envíe un mensaje de texto a Illinois Court Help al 833411- 1121, o visite ilcourthelp.gov para obt información sob los casos de corte y có completar presentar formularios PURSUANT THE FAIR DE COLLECTION PRACTICES A THE PLAINTIF ATTORNEY DEEMED TO B DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING COLLECT A D AND AN INFORMATION WILL BE U FOR TH PURPOSE. McCalla Ray Leibert Pierce, Attorney Plaintiff 1 N. Dearborn Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 Ph. (312) 346-9088 File No. 20757IL-1200702
I3273361 Sep. 23, 30, Oct. 2025 IN THE CIRCUI COURT OF THE 14TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ROCK ISLAN COUNTY, 210 15TH STREET ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF Be Lou F. Collis, DECEASED. 25 PR 185 Notice is given Unknown H
14TH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT
AL NOTICES
LAND, TUATED IN THE COUNTY OF CK ISLAND, IN STATE OF LINOIS. mmonly known 2507 29th enue ck Island, IL 61201 which said rtgage was de by, chael J Baird a Michael Baird rtgagor(s), to rtgage ctronic gistration ystems, Inc as nominee for dom Mortgage Corporation rtgagee, and rded in the ce of the corder of Deeds Rock Island County, Illinois, as cument No. 2021-06598; and other relief.
UNLESS YOU file answer or herwise file your ppearance in this se, on or before ctober 23, 2025, JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY FAULT MAY BE KEN AGAINST U FOR THE IEF ASKED IN COMPLAINT. have been d. To rticipate in the se, you MUST an official cument with the urt within the stated on this ce called an "Appearance" and document called nswer/Response The nswer/Response ot required in small claims or viction cases unless ordered by court If you do file an ppearance and nswer/Response ime, the court decide the se without hearing from you, you could be in default and the case. After fill out the cessary cuments, you ed to ectronically file -file) them with court. To e-file, must create an ccount with an efiling service ovider For more mation, go to ilcourts.info/efiling. ou cannot e-file, can get an exemption that ws you to file in-person or by . You may be ged filing fees, if you cannot them, you can an Application Waiver of Court es It is possible the court will w you to attend first court date this case in-
LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES
allows you to file in-person or by mail. You may be charged filing fees, but if you cannot pay them, you can file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees It is possible that the court will allow you to attend the first court date in this case inperson or remotely by video or phone. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office or visit the Court's website to find out whether this is possible and, if so, how to do this. Need help? Call or text Illinois Court Help at 833-4111121 or go to ilcourthelp.gov for information about going to court, including how to fill out and file documents. You can also get free legal information and legal referrals at illinoislegalaid.org. All documents referred to in this Notice can be found at ilcourts.info/forms. Other documents may be available from your local Circuit Court Clerk's office or website. ¿Necesita ayuda? Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a Illinois Court Help al 833411- 1121, o visite ilcourthelp.gov para obtener información sobre los casos de la corte y cómo completar y presentar formularios
PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP
Attorney for Plaintiff
1 N. Dearborn St Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602
Ph. (312) 346-9088
File No. 2520757IL-1200702
I3273361
Sep. 23, 30, Oct. 7, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 14TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, 210 15TH STREET, ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
ESTATE OF Betty Lou F. Collis, DECEASED.
25 PR 185
Notice is given to Unknown Heirs
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, 210 15TH STREET, ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
ESTATE OF Betty Lou F. Collis, DECEASED.
25 PR 185 Notice is given to Unknown Heirs who are heirs or legatees in the above proceeding to probate a will and whose names or addresses are not stated in the petition to admit the will to probate, that an order was entered by the court on August 28, 2025, admitting the will to probate. Within 42 days after the effective date of the original order of admission, you may file a petition with the court to require proof of the will by testimony of the witnesses to the will in open court or other evidence, as provided in section 5/6-21 of the Probate Act of 1975 (Ill. Compiled Stat 1992, Ch. 755, par 5/6-21)
You also have the right under section 5/8-1 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat 1992, Ch. 755, par 5/8-1) to contest the validity of the will by filing a petition with the court within 6 months after admission of the will to probate The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat 1992, Ch. 755, par 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk.
Joanna B. Long Long Law Group (6313370) 1717 North Naper Boulevard, Suite 111 Naperville, Illinois 60563 (312) 344-3644 I3272750 Sep. 16, 23, 30, 2025
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