Branden Klone (center), of Clinton, Iowa, is presented with a Quilt of Valor on Nov. 18 by River Cities Quilters Guild members Becky Koster (left) and Terri Hoogheem. Klone served in the U.S. Army. Story on page 4.
William J. Conboy, Pauline Williams / 4
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Take steps to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s
BEYOND TRIM
Sherry DeWalt
November was Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and I thought I would share something I learned recently that relates to the effect of physical activity on the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists say that Alzheimer’s develops when the neurons in our brain, which are the cells responsible for sending electrical and chemical messages throughout the body, become compromised by beta amyloid and tau proteins. Beta-amyloid forms plaques outside the neurons and tau forms tangles inside the neurons. As the neurons degenerate it gradually causes a loss of function.
In the Harvard Aging Brain Study, researchers are focused on identifying the early changes in the brain that sig-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Albany has full slate of Christmas events for December
Here’s a list of Christmas events taking place in Albany throughout December:
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon: Quarter Day Sale at Albany United Methodist Church, 502 First Ave. All yard sale items are 25 cents. A bake sale also will be set up, with prices as marked.
Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8:30-10 a.m.: Breakfast with Santa at Albany United Methodist Church, 502 First Ave. There is an opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa. Cost is a donation.
Saturday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m.: Wreaths Across America ceremony at Lusk Cemetery to honor all veterans. Memorial wreaths will be placed on all veterans’ graves.
Monday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m.: Community Christmas caroling. Meet at the Shell Station. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 9 a.m.: Breakfast with Jesus at Albany United Methodist Church, 502 First Ave. There will be a communion service followed by a cooked breakfast.
In addition, children can find Santa mailboxes at Albany Village Hall and Manon Overhead Doors in Albany. Form letters are available for the children. Children should be sure to
nal the transition from normal cognition to cognitive decline, and to understand how and when these changes begin to affect memory and cognitive function. It’s a long-term study that follows a group of people age 50-90 and Harvard is collaborating with many other researchers as well, sharing data and research results.
In a recent collaboration, a group of researchers examined the cohort (people enrolled in the study) to determine if physical activity affected the progression of the disease. What they found was that physical activity, measured by the number of steps taken in a day by study participants, was effective in delaying cognitive decline. In other words, the plaques and tangles formed more slowly in people who were taking more steps.
Cognitive decline was delayed by three years on average for people who walked just 3,000-5,000 steps per day, and by seven years in people who walked 5,000-7,500 steps per day. Individuals who were sedentary, defined as
sitting, reclining, or lying down for more than 10 hours a day, had a significantly faster buildup of tau proteins in the brain and more rapid declines in cognition and daily functioning.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to look closer at which aspects of physical activity may be most important. For example, do exercise intensity and activity patterns make a difference? They also plan to examine more closely the mechanism that links physical activity, tau build-up, and cognitive decline.
For now, it’s safe to say that being less sedentary and increasing our physical activity is important for preserving brain health. As one of the lead researchers commented, “Every step counts – and even small increases in daily activities can build over time to create sustained changes in habit and health.”
• Sherry DeWalt is the healthy lifestyles coordinator for the CGH Health Foundation in Sterling.
include their address so Santa can respond.
Prophetstown Area Historical Society’s annual sale set Dec. 13
The Royal Neighbors are presenting the Prophetstown Area Historical Society’s annual cookie and candy sale.
The sale will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13.
Stop in for some homemade treats and see the museum decorated for the holidays.
Edfors will speak about Beaver Island at Dec. 3 WWW program
Due to a medical emergency with Dana Starkell, the Volunteer Education Committee will replace its speaker for the opening of the Wild Winter Wednesday program season on Dec. 3.
She is a Fulton native and a naturalist with Clinton County Conservation. She spent a lot of time in the outdoors and on the river, which shaped her into the outdoor lover she is today. Doors at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton open at 8:30 a.m. with coffee, hot cider and mill treats, The program begins about 9:15 a.m. The building is disability accessible and the program is free and open to the public.
If River Bend Schools are closed, delayed or doing remote learning due to bad weather, the
WWW program will be canceled.
CrossView Church menus
A free community meal is served on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. at CrossView Church, 703 14th Ave. in Fulton. Menus
Dec. 3: Sausage, pepperoni and cheese mini pizzas, veggie and dip, cuties, desserts
Dec. 10: Chicken and dressing casserole, corn, Jimmy John’s bread, applesauce, assorted desserts
Dec. 17: Chicken and noodles, rolls, green beans, peaches, Scotcheroos
Morrison church to host Advent-themed concert Dec. 7
The “Be Still and Know That I Am God & Prepare for Christmas” concert will be Sunday, Dec. 7, at Ebenezer Reformed Church, Morrison.
The concert will begin at 4 p.m. and will feature local and regional musicians with vocal and instrumental performances in a unique blend of Advent-themed music.
The concert is free to attend. A nursery for toddlers and babies is available.
The church is located at 309 E. Park St., Morrison.
–ShawLocalNewsNetwork
Here’s a list of things to do this week in Morrison, Fulton, Erie and Prophetstown:
• Morrison Christmas Walk and Parade: Events take place Saturday, Dec. 6. Visit Santa from 3 to 5 p.m. at Millikan Park and watch the tree lighting at 5 p.m. at the corner of U.S. 30 and state Route 78. The parade starts at 6 p.m. There will be barrel cars, sleigh rides, window decorating and open storefronts.
• Morrison Music Theatre Association’s radio version presentation of “It’s a Wonderful Life”: Fans of the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” are in for a double treat the first weekend in December when the Morrison Music Theater Association performs the radio version of the show. At 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, the MMTA theater members will turn the stage of Crossroads Community Church, 300 W. South St. in Morrison, into the WBFR radio station in New York City in the year 1942. There is no charge for either show, but a donation of $10 for
adults and $5 for students is suggested. Light refreshments will be offered, and there might just be some Christmas carol singing going on. Audience members are welcome to dress in 1940s attire.
• Fulton Christmas Walk: Fulton’s Christmas Walk will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in downtown Fulton. Events include new games, reindeer races, a giant snowball fight, snowball hockey, a living window by the Fulton High School Thespians, lifesized Candyland, barrel train rides, a live Nativity scene, FHS choir performances and an illuminated run and walk. Santa also will be there.
• Erie’s Hometown Holiday: Hometown Holiday events from 3 to -5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Erie Fire Station include Santa pictures, face painting, games, crafts and snacks. The parade begins at 6 p.m.
• Prophetstown library hosts Dungeons and Dragons play: The role-playing game club meets every Monday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Henry C. Adams Memorial Library. This is for anyone ages 10 to adult. All materials will be available unless you would like to bring your own dice, pencils, books etc. Please stop by or call the library at 309-7142699 with any questions.
Timber Lake Playhouse to produce ‘Les
Misérables’ for 2026 season
TLP becomes one of
only a few theaters in country granted permission to present the musical
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Timber Lake Playhouse shared a major update to its 2026 summer lineup: The hit musical “Les Misérables” will return to the TLP stage from June 12 to 28.
Only a handful of theaters nationwide received the rights to produce the show next year, placing TLP in rare company and giving local audiences a chance to experience one of the most celebrated musicals of all time without traveling far from home.
“Les Misérables” replaces “The Cher Show” in the previously announced
season and marks the musical’s first appearance at Timber Lake since 2014.
Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Road in Mount Carroll.
Because the title has been restricted for the past decade, producing “Les Misérables” regionally has been almost impossible. Artistic director Tommy Ranieri has been checking in regularly over the past few years, hoping for the opportunity to bring it back.
“I grew up on ‘Les Mis,’ and it’s the show that made me fall in love with making theater,” Ranieri said. “Bringing it to our stage feels deeply personal; it’s the No. 1 dream show I’ve been chasing for years.”
Audiences can expect a full, sweeping production, complete with a live 14-piece orchestra. The musical’s powerful score and emotional story have resonated with generations, and TLP’s staging aims to deliver the kind of theatrical impact fans expect from this landmark show.
FNB Holiday Open House
Friday, December 12th 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday, December 13th 8:00am - 12:00pm
Visit any of our FNB locations during our Holiday Open House & enjoy refreshments, FNB swag & holiday cheer! Thank you for being valued customers!
Steve Siefken file photo
Santa waves to the crowd as he rides in his sleigh in the lighted parade at Morrison’s Christmas Walk on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. This year’s walk and parade are set for Saturday, Dec. 6.
Morrison Community Hospital awarded 2 Quality Awards
Morrison Community Hospital has received two awards from the Illinois Rural Community Care Organization, an Accountable Care Organization dedicated to improving health care outcomes across rural Illinois.
For the 2024 performance year, IRCCO evaluated Quality and Annual Wellness Visit metrics across all member hospitals statewide.
The IRCCO announced that Morrison Community Hospital was named IRCCO’s “Best Overall” for both Quality and Annual Wellness Visits. The hospital also was honored as a co-recipient of the “Best in Quality” award.
ACOs are collaborative networks of doctors, hospitals, and health care professionals working together to deliver high-quality, coordinated care that enhances patient health while managing health care costs.
As part of this commitment, IRCCO meets monthly with Morrison Community Hospital’s clinic ACO team to review processes, share best practices, and identify opportunities to improve
OBITUARIES
WILLIAM J. CONBOY
Born: September 3, 1941
Died: November 28, 2025
William “Bill” J. Conboy, 84 of Morrison died Friday November 28, 2025 at Resthave home. He was born on September 3, 1941 in Sterling the son of John V. and Joyce M. (Kennedy) Conboy and was a 1959 graduate of Rock Falls High School. He married Judy A. Bohms on October 10, 1959. Bill was employed for over 42 years at General Electric in Morrison retiring as manager of manufacturing. He was a dedicated and proud member for 35 years of the Morrison Fire Department from November 1, 1972 until November 7, 2007, and had served as chief for 15 years. Bill was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Morrison.
PAULINE WILLIAMS
Pauline Williams, 102, of Prophetstown, passed on 11/23/2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.
workflows and patient care.
One key initiative supported by IRCCO is encouraging Medicare patients to schedule their annual wellness visits, which are fully covered under Medicare Part B.
River Cities Quilters Guild presents 27 quilts to veterans
The River Cities Quilters Guild had two Quilt of Valor presentations at Fulton Presbyterian Church. Twenty-seven Quilts of Valor were presented to area veterans,
The presentations took place Nov. 18, with family and friends in attendance.
Branden Klone of Clinton, Iowa, was one of the recipients, getting a Quilt of Valor from River Cities Quilters Guild members Becky Koster and Terri Hoogheem. Klone served in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm.
The guild is part of the Quilt of Valor Foundation, which has presented 425,000 to veterans nationwide since 2005.
Anyone wanting to nominate a veteran to receive a Quilt of Valor can call Regina Dahl at 563-243-2158.
– Shaw Local News Network
Survivors include his wife, Judy; son, Edward (Donna) Conboy of Tucson, AZ; daughter, Linda (Scott) Kaiser of Belvedere, IL; sister, Marianne (Gary) Day of Rock Falls; four grandchildren: Andrew (Jessica) Conboy, Matthew (Sarah) Conboy Margaret (Shawn) Ferguson and Mitchell Kaiser; four great grandchildren: Corbin, Cooper, Cayden and Crew; three nephews and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held on Thursday December 4, 2025 from 4-6 PM at the McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Avenue in Rock Falls. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Morrison. Burial will conclude at Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Memorials may be given in his memory to Parkinson’s Research and Resthave Home.
WILLIAM J. CONBOY
William J. Conboy, 84, of Morrison, passed on Friday November 28, 2025 at Resthave in Morrison.
Arrangements entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory, Rock Falls
Clinton’s Symphony of Lights celebrates 30 years
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
This holiday season, the Symphony of Lights at Eagle Point Park marks its 30th anniversary, shining brighter than ever and honoring a legacy that began in 1996.
For three decades, this volunteer-driven celebration has grown into one of the region’s most beloved winter attractions, drawing thousands each year to Clinton to experience the magic of more than 250 illuminated displays along the Mississippi River.
A testament to its enduring popularity, the event welcomes between 5,000 and 6,000 cars annually, as families and visitors from across the region make the drive through dazzling displays.
“Funds raised through admissions and donations support the ongoing growth and innovation of the Symphony of Lights. In addition, these proceeds help provide scholarships for local students, and a portion of annual profits is donated to the city of Clinton’s Parks Department for improvements at Eagle Point Park, ensuring the event’s positive impact lasts well beyond the holiday season,” board member Sue Watkins said.
This year’s milestone is made even more special thanks to a transformative gift from Lawrence and Carol Bay. Their $250,000 donation has funded more than a dozen spectacular new displays and enhancements throughout the park. The Bays’ generosity is rooted in a deep, personal connection. For more than
20 years, they attended the Symphony of Lights together, inspired by the dedication of its volunteers and the joy it
brought to families across Clinton and beyond.
“The Bays’ support is more than
financial. It’s a testament to the power of community and the spirit of giving. Their dedicated funding will allow the Symphony of Lights to expand, innovate, and remain a highlight of the holiday season for years to come,” board member Louise Laurent said.
Upcoming events
• Craft & Vendor Fair: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 – Shop for unique gifts and holiday treats at Eagle Point Lodge.
• Santa’s Sundays: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21 – Bring the kids for a magical visit with Santa Claus.
• Drive-Through Experience: Through Dec. 30. Monday to Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m. Admission: $10 per vehicle (up to 10 passengers); $2 per person for larger vehicles
A vision for the future
With more than 500,000 twinkling lights and a growing roster of more than 250 lighted displays, the Symphony of Lights continues to rely on the passion of its volunteers and the generosity of supporters such as the Bays. Their gift already is inspiring new ideas and partnerships, with additional donations supporting future development and ensuring the event’s sustainability.
As the Symphony of Lights team works to make this 30th anniversary the best year yet, the community is invited to join in the celebration – whether by attending, volunteering, or simply sharing in the joy that has defined this event for 30 years.
Photos provided by Symphony of Lights
ABOVE: A Symphony of Lights display shows the name of the event. BELOW: Workers put together a Symphony of Lights display on Eagle Point Park’s castle.
My name is Isabel Merema, I’m a senior at Fulton High School, and I am a returning leader to the B.L.I.N.D program. I really enjoy being a leader and working with my group of freshmen.
It is an amazing experience to work with kids from all over at the retreat and really see connections being made. Even during the leader’s retreat, I meet a lot of new people and make new friends.
Everything we do with B.L.I.N.D has been very memorable and I hope to see more people become involved with this program.
When I graduate, I plan on pursuing further education and completing a veterinarian technician program where I can become a licensed technician. It has always been my dream to work with animals.
I am currently part of the Whiteside Area Career Center, where I take the Allied Health class, which has provided me and other students who are interested in health occupations a more extensive education than normal
classrooms can provide. As a bonus, each of us receives internship sites that we travel to twice a week to observe our career choices in person, and gather hands-on experience. For me, I travel to the Morrison Veterinary Clinic until January where I will switch to an office in Port Byron.
Some hobbies of mine include reading, spending time with my family, and hanging out with my friends. I always love to go shopping and play pickleball. I have a very busy schedule, but I enjoy having down time as well.
Spring and summer are my favorite seasons, and my favorite color is always changing.
I am excited to see where my future takes me, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of B.L.I.N.D and make positive differences in other people’s lives
FHS senior B.L.I.N.D. leader
profile: Lauren Guenther
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
I am Lauren Guenther. I am a senior at FHS and I have been a B.L.I.N.D. leader for the past two years.
I have really enjoyed this opportunity. My favorite part of being a B.L.I.N.D. leader is having the opportunity to get to know some of the freshmen and to participate in all the different activities that we do with B.L.I.N.D. I really enjoy both the Leader retreats and the Freshman retreats. I also love spending time with my freshmen group when we have meetings.
Outside of B.L.I.N.D., I am involved in many different activities in school. I am Thespians president and I have been a part of nine productions with
our troupe. I am also in Band, Choir, Show Choir and Jazz Band and I play piano in my free time.
I am a captain for both Speech and Scholastic Bowl and I have been Class President for the past four years. Finally, I am NHS President and a Key Club Secretary.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, singing and spending time with my friends and family. I live with my mom, my dad, my younger brother and our two dogs, Trapper and Klinger. In addition to my other activities, I also work part time at Krumpets.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR RIVER BEND COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT NO. 2
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax increase for River Bend Community Unit No. 2 for 2025 will be held on December 17, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. at the River Bend District Office, 1110 3rd Street, Fulton, IL, 61252.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Dr. Darryl Hogue, Superintendent of Schools, 1110 3rd Street, Fulton, Illinois (815-589-2711).
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $6,350,880.10
The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $7,153,000. This represents a 12.63% increase over the previous year.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2024 were $763,667.04.
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2025 are $725,026. This represents a 5.06% decrease from the previous year.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $7,114,547.14.
The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $7,878,026. This represents a 10.73% increase over the previous year.
Isabel Merema
Lauren Guenther
2005: Thirty-four snowmen to be on display in downtown area
60 years
Dec. 1, 1965
A garage at 719 12th Ave. was damaged when hit by an automobile driven by Mrs. Selma Workman. Mrs. Workman backed her car into the building. She was charged with reckless driving and driving without a license.
The proposal to issue $1,250,000 in bonds for constructing a new Whiteside County Nursing Home was defeated by 2,675 votes “Against” to 2,310 votes “For” in a special election held throughout the county.
50 years
Dec. 3, 1975
An open house is planned for the new First Trust and Savings Bank of Albany on Saturday. The new facility includes an expanded drive-up service, additional and larger facilities throughout and an enlarged parking area for bank customers.
River Bend School Board met to discuss short- and long-range plans for the district. First priority was the poor con-
dition of the Fulton grade school building. Supt. Leininger said while the building has been made safer during the past 10 years, it is still in bad need of repair. The older portion of the building, constructed in 1915, has extensive termite damage as well as an antiquated boiler system for repair parts no longer made.
40 years
Dec. 4, 1985
Car owners who do not pay their Wheel Taxes before Jan. 1, 1986, will have to pay $10 instead of $7.50. Truck owners will pay an even higher increase.
During Thanksgiving week, the kindergarten classes at Fulton Elementary School culminated November activities with a Thanksgiving feast. Turkey, fruits and vegetables, corn bread, cranberry bread and popcorn were served. Students also made their own butter.
30 years
Nov. 29, 1995
Mark Evers, owner of Riverside Custom Woodworking in Fulton, is planning
an open house to view the operation and to see the many finished pieces of fine furniture produced in his Fulton shop. Mr. Evers’ shop was the first building to be erected in the new industrial park at 1225 22nd Ave.
In a photo is a model of the proposed Presbyterian Church of Fulton. The church building will be located on the site of the former VanZuiden farmstead. Construction of the project is proposed for 1997. The building will use residential framing methods to allow much of the construction to be done by local contractors.
20 years
Nov. 30, 2005
Thirty-four snowmen will be on display from Dec. 2 through Feb. 28 in the downtown area. Fourteen snowmen will be hung from the downtown light poles and nine small snowmen will be on posts at the corners of Fourth Street and 11th Avenue. The remaining snowmen will be located at several businesses.
Fulton Fire Department EMT Becky
Goebel left Nov. 28 for a two-week deployment in New Orleans. Goebel will be with a detachment from the Salvation Army from Clinton, Iowa, and surrounding areas. She will be deployed to the city of New Orleans. She will spend her time during her stay conducting humanitarian duties to the citizens who are in the process of trying to get back into their home and those still in shelters.
10 years
Dec. 2, 2015
Unity Christian preschoolers have been busy collecting canned and boxed food items for the Fulton Food Pantry. With lots of hard work and determination the preschoolers collected more than 1,000 items to donate to the pantry. The Whiteside Cattlemen’s Association donated more than 650 pounds of 1-pound packages of ground chuck to Whiteside County food pantries. In a photo are members of the association: Eric Benson, Don Dykema, Gary Dykstra and Scott Wetzel.
Northern Illinois Food Bank sees 25% increase in need
Residents on SNAP share their stories: ‘People are just trying to get by’
By CAMDEN LAZENBY, MEGANN HORSTEAD and KELSEY RETTKE contact@shawmedia.com
The Northern Illinois Food Bank is expected to feed more people this holiday season than in previous years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite government support such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program being reinstated to help put food on the table.
NIFB services 13 counties across Illinois, operating in food pantries, soup kitchens, food programs and more, said Katie Heraty, director of media relations. She said the organization has noted a 25% increase in need.
NIFB, in turn, faces a $3 million to $4 million funding gap due to the surge in need this holiday season, likely affected by delayed SNAP benefits and economic realities facing many residents.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a coalition of 22 other
attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to stop the federal government from what the coalition said is unlawfully cutting off SNAP benefits for thousands of lawful permanent residents, according to a statement from Raoul’s office.
“We’re serving over 600,000 neighbors a month, and that is more than during the pandemic,” Heraty said. “So, in order to serve more neighbors and get the food out, we need more food. We’ve purchased more food. We are reaching out to manufacturers, retailers [and] donors, asking people, ‘If you can give, now is the time.’”
The food bank, headquartered in Geneva, also has centers in Joliet, Lake Forest and Rockford.
SNAP benefits are flowing again to low-income households after the longest government shutdown in American history.
But food insecurity remains, and some SNAP users could face new work requirements in the future, The Associated Press reported.
Donations of nonperishable items accepted at any JCE Co-op
Donations will benefit: Albany Food Pantry, Apple Canyon Bread of Life Food Pantry, Chadwick/Milledgeville Helping Hands Food Pantry, East Dubuque Food Pantry, Elizabeth Food Basket, Erie Food Pantry, Fulton/ Thomson Food Pantry, Geneseo Food Pantry, Hanover Food Pantry, Mt. Carroll/Savanna Food Pantry, Stockton Food Pantry, United Churches of Galena Food Pantry, Warren/Caring Neighbors.
Photos provided by Katie Heraty
Volunteers pack boxes to be distributed to area food pantries from Northern Illinois Food Bank. The bank expects to service thousands this holiday season, noting the need to address food insecurity is higher than numbers recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farm bill extended again in government reopening
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek
The Ag Department resumed normal operations while the farm bill was extended for a third year after the president signed a funding package Nov. 12 that reopened the government.
The legislation, which was approved after a record-breaking 43-day federal shutdown, funds USDA and several other departments through fiscal year 2026, and extends the 2018 farm bill through Sept. 30, 2026. The legislation provides continuing appropriations for most other federal agencies through Jan. 30, 2026.
Farmers will see the Farm Service Agency resume farm loan processing and the reauthorization of programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which expired with the 2018 farm bill in October.
Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan said he is glad to see the shutdown end and Congress pass a funding package to ensure farmers have access to critical USDA programs and millions will regain access to essential food assistance services.
“The legislation also addressed key provisions such as extending the U.S. Grain Standards Act, funding for farm bill programs not addressed in reconciliation and the authorization of USDA’s FY2026 budget,” Duncan said. “Our fight doesn’t stop here. While the bill provides much needed assurance for farmers, we must continue to prioritize and work toward a modernized five-year farm bill. Farming is too vital to Illinois’ economy to ignore, and that is critical for our leaders to understand.”
While a budget reconciliation bill passed in July included farm bill provisions that strengthen the farm safety net, the legislation did not replace a fiveyear farm bill. Some farm bill programs could not be included in reconciliation because they are policy, not budgetary. While those programs have been brought out of limbo with the farm bill extension, updates still must be addressed in what many are dubbing a “skinny farm bill” or “farm bill 2.0.”
In a statement released shortly after the House vote Nov. 12, House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, said now that government operations are being restored, lawmakers can turn their focus back to delivering “real solutions.”
“Extending the current farm bill gives us the time needed to finalize farm
bill 2.0, a bipartisan package that builds on the success of (July’s) One Big Beautiful Bill,” Thompson said.
At the center of the Democrats’ holdout to approve the funding package was the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax breaks in December. The deal to end the shutdown does not address those tax breaks, but Republicans promised a future vote on extending subsidies for health insurance plans.
Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman, R-Arkansas, said ending the government shutdown ensures critical USDA services resume so vulnerable families no longer experience disruptions to nutrition benefits, farmers can access the programs and personnel they rely on to keep their operations running efficiently and disaster assistance is delivered.
“We advanced long-overdue farm bill policy improvements in the One Big Beautiful Bill, including enhanced risk management tools farmers have been calling for, and we’re continuing work to reauthorize other key initiatives. Extending the farm bill and the U.S. Grain Standards Act gives us more time to finalize these programs essential to farmers, ranchers and rural America.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall applauded the
end of the shutdown.
“Farmers and ranchers rely on critical USDA services and disaster relief programs during these tough economic times, as do Americans who need access to food assistance programs and other services,” he said, adding he looks forward to Congress returning its focus to policies that will improve the farm economy and expand opportunities for America’s farm families.
The continuing resolution also:
• Includes $10 billion for farm loans “to ensure that our producers have access to necessary capital.” The bill also includes language preventing USDA from closing any FSA county offices. FSA also would receive $15 million to hire new employees to fill vacancies and expected vacancies at county offices.
• Extends the Grain Standards Act. That bill sets marketing standards for grains and oilseeds and sets standards for inspections and weighing. Notably, the budget deal extends only the current version of the act. The Senate Ag Committee recently advanced a reauthorization of that bill that would run through 2030. Congress is expected to continue with those efforts.
• Automatically provides $30 billion in annual funding to the Commodity Credit Corp., which is used to fund man-
datory farm programs such as commodity and conservation payments.
As the farm economy continues to struggle with high input costs, depressed commodity prices and trade uncertainties, the Trump administration previously said a federal farmer relief program was being evaluated and could be approved after the government reopened. U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-North Dakota, further said a Market Facilitation Program is “all teed up and good to go,” but it was being held up by the ongoing government shutdown.
A specific timeline has not been announced.
The House approved the continuing resolution 222-209 with six Democrats joining 216 Republicans to reopen the government. Two Republicans sided with 207 Democrats to reject the funding bill. Illinois’ congressional delegation voted along party lines, except U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, who was one of eight Democrats who agreed to end the shutdown by a vote of 60 to 40 Nov. 10.
This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com.
Photo provided by Catrina Rawson of FarmWeek
The Ag Department resumed normal operations and the farm bill was extended for a third year after the president signed a funding package Nov. 12 that reopened the government.
Continued from page 8
Jennifer Fencl, 33, of Genoa, became a SNAP recipient about two years ago, when she was pregnant with her child. About a month ago, she got engaged and is moving to the Chicago area with her fiancé and 13-month-old.
“People are just trying to get by,” Fencl said. “I understand that there are people out there abusing it, but a lot of people aren’t abusing this. A lot of people need this support. I’ve worked my whole life, and I’ve never used government benefits. And I’ve had to once I got pregnant.”
She said fruits and vegetables are common grocery items for her daughter, and they eat plenty of pasta.
“I’m not going to lie – being a mom and working, sometimes I buy the quick things,” Fencl said. “We do go through a lot of milk. She does whole milk. We go through a lot of freaking milk. A lot of eggs, a lot of cheese I put in eggs. ... A lot of times she eats what I eat.”
SNAP provides monthly benefits –averaging about $190 per person – to about 42 million people nationwide. During the first couple of weeks of November, many of those recipients missed their regular allotments as Pres-
ident Donald Trump’s administration battled in court over whether to tap into reserves to fund the program while the government was shut down.
About 1.9 million Illinoisans are enrolled in SNAP this year, according to the Department of Human Services.
In its 26th year, NIFB’s holiday meal program expects to serve about 50,000 holiday meals to Illinoisans, Heraty said. That will include a box of holiday trimmings, rice, beans, stuffing, vegetables, canned fruit, dessert and other side dishes, along with a turkey, ham or turkey breast, she said.
“This is just a way to make sure our neighbors [are taken care of] during the holidays, which is a time of year that can add added stress and expenses,” Heraty said. “But we want everyone to be able to enjoy a special meal with their loved ones.”
NIFB always welcomes volunteers and accepts food, monetary and other donations.
Those in need also can visit solvehungertoday.org to find a food pantry in their area and get set up for grocery deliveries if transportation is a barrier. Grocery items can accommodate dietary restrictions, too. The website can help determine if one qualifies for SNAP and assist in applications.
NIFB also has programs that help feed the elderly and schoolchildren year-round.
Heraty said that in recent weeks –from SNAP uncertainty to government employees out of work due to the shutdown – food pantries have seen more new people seeking help to put food on the table.
“We don’t just provide food, we provide hope for our neighbors,” Heraty said.
SNAP stories
Zayden Rudd of DeKalb has used SNAP for a long time.
“I grew up on SNAP in a single-parent household,” Rudd said. “I’ve been on and off SNAP my entire life. But my most recent case I’ve had since about 2018.”
Rudd, who is self-employed and lives on his own, said he works on and off as a professional tarot reader and has been declared to be legally disabled by the Social Security Administration since 2014.
“It’s just me, myself and my cat, thankfully,” Rudd said. “I don’t think if I had dependents that we would be housed right now.”
Rudd said the cost of not being employed weighs on him.
“Being self-employed is very expensive, tax-wise,” Rudd said. “You have to pay for stuff to see.”
In a typical grocery shopping trip, Rudd will buy coffee, eggs, chicken, salmon, peas, broccoli and oatmeal, all things he said he considers standards that he has to cook himself.
Rudd said he was diagnosed in 2014 or 2015 with celiac disease, a disease of the small intestine in which the body is hypersensitive to gluten intake.
“Things like pasta and things like bread are not cheap options for me to eat,” Rudd said. “Before that, I didn’t know why I couldn’t gain weight. I didn’t know why I was in so much pain all the time. And that’s because celiac will, if you’re eating gluten, it will deplete your body’s ability to digest nutrients and absorb calories, slowly wasting away without knowing it.”
The amount of SNAP benefits Rudd said he receives monthly varies.
“Because I’m self-employed, it changes month to month, unfortunately,” Rudd said. “The most I’ve received is $230 a month, which is pretty comfortable. Sometimes I don’t hit up the food bank when I get that much.
See SNAP STORIES, page 11
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Continued from page 10
The past few months, I’ve been getting between $160 and $190.”
Rudd said he does his best to prioritize how he spends SNAP benefits.
But he also uses other resources in the community, such as food banks, as needed.
“I hit up the food banks at least twice a month, even with food stamps,” Rudd said. “I often use the food stamps to get the gluten-free stuff or fresh vegetables. Because even though they have fresh fruits and vegetables [at] some food banks, it will be mixed in with stuff that is covered in mold. Without SNAP, it’s harder to get safe, fresh food.”
And despite SNAP payouts returning to residents in need after the government reopened, some food pantry organizers said local residents still feel the financial strain.
“Every time they mess with SNAP, our numbers go up,” said Kathy Wragg, director of the Polo Lifeline Food Pantry. “We’ve seen 30 or more families in the past two months. Most are new, younger families. Some haven’t used the pantry before, or they haven’t come in for a very long time.”
Another barrier to food security? SNAP applications can be complex, and soon, some may be required to reapply.
Rudd said he often has to set up in-person benefit application appointments. He said that once, when he first applied for benefits in Rockford, he had to wait days until they called his name.
“People will say it’s a full-time job trying to get benefits, and they’re not joking,” Rudd said.
That application process soon could change.
A massive tax and spending bill signed into law in July expanded requirements for many adult SNAP recipients to work, volunteer or participate in job training for at least 80 hours a month. Those who don’t are limited to three months of benefits in a three-year period.
The work requirements previously applied to adults ages 18 through 54 who are physically and mentally able and don’t have dependents. The new law also applies those requirements to people ages 55 through 64 and to parents without children younger than 14.
It repeals work exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans and young adults aging out of foster care. And it limits the ability of states to waive work requirements in areas lacking jobs.
The Trump administration waived
the work requirements in November, but the three-month clock on work-free SNAP benefits will be in full force for much of the country in December.
The new requirements are expected to reduce the average monthly number of SNAP recipients by about 2.4 million people over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Since Rudd is disabled, he is exempt from work requirements. But he said that doesn’t stop him from worrying about others.
“I’m concerned about working persons and for disabled persons who haven’t been able to receive legal recognition for various reasons,” Rudd said. “I’m concerned that, moving forward, we’re going to be caught in more constrictive binds that force people off of these resources. I’m also concerned that people will be too scared to change things.”
Rudd sought to dispel a misnomer that people who receive SNAP benefits do not work and are lazy.
“A lot of people already have two jobs,” Rudd said. “They have kids to take care of. They have dependents with medical needs. ... And then, it also depends on how much I make on self-employment. ... They make so much [that] they’ll cut you off. I’ve experienced times where I was gainfully employed wage-based, but I
wasn’t able to maintain that because of my disabilities.”
Some, such as Fencl, have relied on SNAP benefits to help build themselves back up.
She said she’s supposed to receive $173 from the government for SNAP but wasn’t getting that much during the shutdown. She’s frustrated by policies surrounding the assistance.
“If we’re supposed to work 20 hours to get the benefits, but as soon as we do, you cut them in half, how can someone survive off of 20 hours a week?” Fencl said.
She said that as a single mother, she stresses about balancing work and caring for her child.
“I’m sure everyone has needed help at some point,” Fencl said.
Fencl said her journey has led her to become sober, and government benefits have helped out.
“I’m a completely different person, and part of that is because of the help that I received,” she said. “I’m going to be enrolling in school. I want to be a medical assistant. ... You dig a grave for yourself when you’re doing certain things, and it helped me dig my way back out.”
The Associated Press and Shaw Local correspondent Earleen Hinton contributedtothisstory.
Millcreek Crossing
How to apply for SNAP benefits
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Anyone seeking to receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has to apply, regardless of whether they currently are receiving them, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Illinois Department of Human Services is the agency that manages SNAP benefits for all Illinois residents.
Here are the application options the IDHS outlines:
Apply online
• Use the Application for Benefits Eligibility to apply for SNAP, cash or medical assistance.
• Visit the ABE Customer Support Center.
Apply using a paper application
• Download the application:
• IL444-2378 B - Request for Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)(IES)
• Follow the directions on the form. Type in as much information as you can. If you can’t answer all the questions, that’s OK. You must include your name and address. You may print out the application and write on it if you prefer. You must sign the form
• Once you’ve completed the application, carry, mail or fax it to your local fam-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Phil Vernon and Quad-City Ukulele Club to play Dec. 10 in Fulton
The Windmill Volunteer Educators at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton are inviting the public to the Dec. 10 Wild Winter Wednesday program.
Phil Vernon and the Quad-City Ukulele Club will be performing festive Christmas yules.
Playing the ukulele is one of the fastest-growing crazes in the U.S., and the players will get your toes tapping as they play songs of the season.
ily community resource center . Use the DHS Office Locator to find your local office.
Apply in person
• Applications are taken at DHS local offices, also known as family community resource centers. Use the DHS Office Locator to find the family community resource center in your county to apply for benefits.
Apply using the phone
• Call the toll-free ABE Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (voice), Nextalk at 1-800324-5553 or the 711 telecommunications relay service if you have questions or need help with the application.
What happens next?
The application process begins the day the IDHS office receives your signed application. You will be asked to come to the office for an interview or participate by phone if you are unable to come to the office.
You will be asked for documents such as
• Proof of your identity
• Proof of your residence
• Proof of Social Security numbers for all people on your application
• Other types of documents depending on your circumstances
At the end of your interview, the IDHS caseworker will tell you what you still may need.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR RIVERDALE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #100, COUNTY OF ROCK ISLAND, STATE OF ILLINOIS
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Community Unit School District #100, County of Rock Island, State of Illinois, for 2025, will be held on December 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at the Riverdale High School Library, 9622 256th Street North, Port Byron, Illinois.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Joshua Temple, Superintendent, 9624 256th Street North, Port Byron, Illinois, 309-523-3184.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $9,023,785.
The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $9,751,266. This represents a 8.062% increase over the previous year.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for coffee, hot cider and mill treats. The program begins about 9:15 a.m. The building is handicapped accessible.
The program is partially funded by a grant from the D.S. Flikkema Foundation. Programs are free and open to the public. Note that if River Bend schools are closed, delayed or doing remote learning because of the weather, the program will be canceled.
The center is located at 111 10th Ave. – Shaw Local News Network ShawLocal.com/ games
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2024 were $1,102,243.
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2025 are $1,102,284. This represents a 0.004% increase over the previous year.
IV. The total property taxes extended for 2024 were $10,126,028.
The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $10,853,550. This represents a 7.185% increase over the previous year.
Can you lose hundreds of thousands of dollars just by answering what looks like a wrong number text? You certainly can. It happened to a Clinton County, Iowa, man we’ll call Boston. Here’s the story.
If you read this column, remember I write about all the phony text messages we get, telling us about packages awaiting delivery, unauthorized charges from Paypal, unpaid highway tolls, and just innocent looking messages such as “I need to re-schedule our lunch” or even “How are you doing?”
You might consider these last two examples as just sent to the wrong number. That’s what Boston thought when he received a text message, “Hello, I’ve been expecting your call.”
Boston is a good-hearted man and felt he did the right thing by replying, telling the sender she reached the wrong number. The sender thanked him and complimented him on his thoughtfulness. She said she was driving, and sent a photo of herself, which
showed an attractive woman behind the wheel of a car, and named herself as Julie.
She kept up the text thread, turning Boston into a friend. Within two weeks, Julie persuaded Boston to communicate through Telegram, a messaging app. She told Boston she made a lot of money investing in cryptocurrency and offered him a chance to do the same. To prove herself, Julie sent a photo of her resident alien card, a government-issued ID.
Over the course of the next month, Boston wired large sums of money to U.S. banks to invest with Julie. Julie sent Boston charts showing enormous, fast profits from his investments. When his fortune reached $1.6 million, he decided to cash out. Julie said he
needed to pay tens of thousands of dollars more to cash out. When Boston’s credit union refused to wire the money, Julie went radio silent and disappeared with Boston’s investment.
Some months later, Boston received more messages from a law firm which said they held a government contract to recover his defrauded funds, plus some of the profits he made investing in cryptocurrency. To prove themselves, this law firm furnished elaborate records to Boston, including police reports, internet tracking, and messages from other victims who got their money back. The law firm only wanted $5,000 to handle this recovery.
Boston got in touch with his bank and me, and we unraveled the scheme.
What happened to Boston is called “pig butchering.” Scammers “fatten the pig” or the victim, coaxing more money from them, until the slaughter, when the scammers and the money disappear. In this case, the crooks wanted to keep the scam going with a recovery
scam, when they offered Boston the opportunity to get his money back for an upfront fee.
And it all started with good-hearted Boston letting someone know they sent a message to a wrong number.
Scammers send out a blizzard of phony texts, emails, and robocalls every day. Their sole purpose is to get us to engage with them. Do not respond to an unexpected or unsolicited text, phone call, or robocall unless you know who sent it.
Investing in cryptocurrency is extremely risky in best-case scenarios. Investing with someone you never met is not a best-case scenario.
Contact Seniors vs. Crime
Let me know about scams, fraud, or other crookedness you run across. Most of what I learn, I learn from you. Contact me at Seniors vs. Crime, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, 563-242-9211, ext. 4433, or email me at randymeier@ gapa911.us.
Randy Meier
At Dixon’s Windsweep Farm, turkeys are more than Thanksgiving dinner
By PHYLLIS COULTER
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Feathered gobblers are much more than the center of customers’ holiday meals for Renee Koster and her family at Windsweep Farm in Lee County.
For Koster, turkeys are the curious creatures that greet her.
“They are funny. Our building is open on one side. They all come running when they see you,” she said.
A turkey also is the bird of choice for Koster’s Easter meal.
And, for her 10-year-old son, Colin Koster, a turkey is a way to learn about earning money, a 4-H project and a pet.
Koster farms near Dixon with her dad, Leonard Sheaffer, and her husband, Peter Koster, focusing on directly marketing diverse natural products.
“We have five children. The older ones help on the farm,” Koster told FarmWeek.
Windsweep Farm also grows organic soybeans, wheat, corn and soybeans.
state. According to the Illinois Corn Growers Association, farmers raise about 3 million turkeys statewide each year.
Almost all of Koster’s customers want their turkeys during the holiday season, so most are already spoken for this year.
“There’s not a lot of demand outside the holiday season,” Koster said.
However, she breaks with tradition by serving turkey at Easter. Last year, it was a 32-pounder for 35 guests. She quartered it to make it easier to handle, and brined it to add flavor and moisture. She smoked half and roasted the rest.
What’s Koster’s best tip for cooks?
“For roasting, make sure it’s covered really well. Give it plenty of time. Cook it low and slow until it’s fork-tender,” she said.
Koster soon discovered the minimum order for poults (baby turkeys) from an Arizona supplier was 15.
So, Colin started his farming career. He paid for a quarter of the feed costs, and when the turkeys were sold, he earned a quarter of the income. He kept two breeding hens and Tom, a male turkey. He exhibited them at the Lee County 4-H and Junior Show and took them to other local farm promotion events.
“Tom is calm. You can go up to him and pick him up,” Koster said.
Some people say turkeys, which take about four months to reach butcher weight, are hard to raise. But not for Koster.
“In my experience, they are just as easy as raising broilers,” she said.
Usually, the Kosters get the poults in July because they need warmth when young, and the timing works well for them to be ready for the holiday season.
Seven years ago, she added turkeys, the start of the current flock of 40.
Overall, Windsweep Farm is only a tiny part of the turkey business in the
“Turkeys are just one thing we do,” said Koster, who started her farm by milking a couple of dairy cows in 2002. She added more dairy cows, beef calves, hogs, laying hens and broilers over time.
The family raises two turkey breeds. She started with broad-breasted white turkeys because they are docile and fast-growing. After research, Koster found the more colorful Narragansett would be a good addition to their flock.
“Narragansetts are docile, which was one of the main reasons I chose them, as my son wanted a pet turkey, so temperament was important,” she said.
This story was distributed through a cooperative project between the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com.
Photo provided by Renee Koster
Colin Koster holds his Narragansett turkey, Tom. The 10-year-old raises Narragansett turkeys for sale, breeding, 4-H projects, showing at promotional events and as pets.
Illinois regulators deny almost half of Nicor’s rate increase request
By CLAIRE O’BRIEN cobrien@shawmedia.com
Illinois regulators reduced Nicor’s rate increase ask by about half on Nov. 19. The utility company requested a $314.3 million rate increase, but regulators cut $146.5 million from it, the Illinois Commerce Commission said in a news release.
The company also had requested a 10.35% return on equity, a way to measure returns to stakeholders. The ICC approved a 9.6% return on equity.
“The ICC’s responsibility is to balance the interests of Illinois’ utilities and their consumers. We recognize that any decision impacting Illinoisans’ bills is not a small one, and after careful review of Nicor’s proposed investments, the commission opted to strike excess charges and approve necessary and justified projects,” ICC Chairman Doug Scott said in the release.
Nicor also was directed to maintain a 3% energy burden, a nationally recognized measure of affordability, for all customers by adjusting its low-income discount, according to the release.
The Citizens Utility Board said in a statement it was “thankful” the state commission “responded by derailing Nicor’s bid to raid consumers for costs that were blatantly inflated and unwarranted. In shrinking Nicor’s requested $314 million increase by more than half, the ICC’s ruling today exceeds the reduction recommended by two administrative law judges last month by an ample margin and reaffirms the commission’s commitment to holding utilities accountable for every expense they attempt to charge consumers.”
CUB said Nicor customers have had four previous rate hikes in the past eight years and said the utility’s parent company has made $25 billion in profits in that time.
“Today’s decision provides important oversight to constrain spending and protect ratepayers from energy infrastructure costs they might otherwise fund for decades. In all rate cases, the legal burden of proof falls to the utilities, and many of the specific disallowances made to Nicor’s proposed investments were made to projects where the utility failed to sufficiently articulate management decisions, including the need, timing and pace of the proposed projects,” according to the release.
The impact of the decision on cus -
The ICC’s responsibility is to balance the interests of Illinois’ utilities and their consumers. We recognize that any decision impacting Illinoisans’ bills is not a small one, and after careful review of Nicor’s proposed investments, the commission opted to strike excess charges and approve necessary and justified projects.”
Doug Scott, ICC chairman
tomers varies based on service class and energy usage, the commission said.
After the ICC outcome, Nicor spokesperson Jennifer Golz said: “Every business decision we make is focused on providing our customers with high-quality and consistent service at the most affordable cost possible.”
The utility company thanked the ICC for reviewing the request.
“The decision to make this request was not taken lightly. We know our customers count on us every day to deliver the energy they need and recognize our responsibility to help manage those energy costs. That’s why we’re doing everything in our power to minimize the impact on customer bills, from providing energy assistance to helping make homes more energy efficient,” Golz said in a statement.
Golz said customers can visit the Community Connection Center at nicorgas.com/c3 to be connected with energy savings resources, bill payment assistance programs and more.
Golz said while the company is reviewing the final order, it’s estimated a typical residential customer will have a bill increase of less than $4.25 per month, or 5% annually.
The commission also cut $55.8 million from Ameren Illinois’ rate request increase. The company originally had asked for $128.8 million, according to the commission. Ameren also got a 9.6% return on equity, below the 10.7% it had requested.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR MORRISON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 6
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Morrison Community School District 6 Whiteside County, Illinois for 2025 will be held on December 15, 2025 at 100 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270 at 6:00:00 PM.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Dr. Matthew DeBaene at matt.debaene@morrisonschools.org.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $6,543,301.
The proposed corporate and special purposed property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $7,206,811. This represents a 10.14% increase over the previous year
III. The property taxes extended for debt services and public building commission leases for 2024 were $1,077,971.
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2025 are $1,084,800.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $7,621,272.
The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $8,291,611. This represents a 8.80% increase over the previous year
CHURCH LISTINGS
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
• Carrington Mortgage Services to Kevin Boonstra and Julie Boonstra, 600 17TH AVE, FULTON, $57,000
• Vaughn D. Greenwood to Jenny Burdick, 1807 3RD AVE, STERLING, $132,000
• Bruce Darby and Brandy Darby to William Urban and Norine Urban, 502 WALL STREET W, MORRISON, $11,000
• Marsha G. Rogiewicz to Noah D. Strike and Riley M. Stevenson, 112 LOCUST STREET, PROPHETSTOWN, $130,000
• Amelia J. Yonk and Larry H. Yonk to Shelby L. Yonk and Kyle J. Yonk, 30648 WOODSIDE DRIVE, ROCK FALLS, $155,000
• 1111 Rentals And Property Management to Terry Williams and Kathy Williams, 13TH AVE, ROCK FALLS, $9,000
• Timmy G. Tedrick and Mary Lynn Tedrick to Mark A. Heeren and Abbie M. Heeren, 17421 TIMBER DR, STERLING, $380,000
• Brett A. Chappell, Stephanie A. Chappell, and Stephanie A. Kester Fka to Andrew
Aguilar, 217 3RD AVE, ROCK FALLS, $0.00
• Judith M. Howard to Rosario Deleon and Andrea R. Deleon, 213 5TH AVE, ROCK FALLS, $0.00
• Joseph Matthews to Ken Kophamer Llc, 405 GRAPE STREET S, MORRISON, $10,000
• Susan L. Becker to Jeffrey A. Freas, 3408 A STREET, ROCK FALLS, $100,000
• Frans G. Rechkemmer and Lisa A. Rechkemmer to Morgan Nichols and Isaac L. Podell, 411 13 ST W, STERLING, $350,000
• Jenifer A. Bellini and Erin Acevedo, 721 BROADWAY AVE, STERLING, $88,000
• Bonnie Vankampen, Paula Barsema, Robin Hurst, and Allen D. Vankampen Estate to Find A New Place Now Llc, 2201 6TH ST, FULTON, $51,250
• Andrew Hinton, Rebecca Hinton, Jeffrey Hinton, Jonathan Hinton, and Charles Hinton to Jeffrey Hinton and Deann Hinton, 218 BENTON STREET S, TAMPICO, $0.00
• G & G Consulting Co and G&g Consulting Company to State Of Illinois Dot, 1609 4TH ST E, STERLING, $300.00
• Vera L. Stutzke, Cheryl Stutzke, and Kurt Stutzke to Tammy L. Wilson, 2203 DEETS RD, STERLING, $56,000
• Sherri M. Simester to Xavier Malachi Garcia and Jaycee Roberts, 1208 MINKEL ST, ROCK FALLS, $175,500
• Samantha Yeager Walrath, Logan Conner Walrath, Corey A. Yeager, and Julie K. Ward to Breten Dolan, 801 10TH AVE, FULTON, $165,000
• Mhb Homes 1 Llc to Ryne Jaquet, 828 MAIN STREET, ERIE, $60,000
• Anthony J. Heinitz and Rebecca Heinitz to Patrick E. Johnson and Cheri L. Canier, 304 9TH AVE, FULTON, $95,000
• James R. Hoffman to After Six Womens Center, 2002 9TH AVE, ROCK FALLS, $100,000
Quit Claims
• Rodney Mills and Cheryl Mills to Richard Pruis, CROSBY RD, MORRISON, $7,000
• Janet H. Schindel to Janet H. Schindel and Dawn Purtell, 1105 SUNSET DR, ROCK FALLS, $0.00
• Tammy J. Wollesen, Betty J. Wollesen Estate, and Bryan E. Wolleson to Tammy E. Wollesen, Bryan E. Wollesen, 218 2ND STREET W, LYNDON, $0.00
• Turnroth Sign Company to Eric J. Turnroth Trust, 2 Parcels: 11-35-351-010 and 11-35-351011, $0.00
• Richard S. Becker to Susan L. Becker, 3408 A STREET, ROCK FALLS, $0.00
• Vera L. Stutzke Trust to Vera L. Stutzke, 2203 DEETS RD, STERLING, $0.00
Trustees Deeds
• Rosemary L. Dellitt Trust to Joshua Little, 1116 MARY AVE, ROCK FALLS, $79,900
– Shaw Local News Network
CHURCH LISTINGS
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Rev. Slawomir Zimodro 13320 Garden Plain Road, Morrison 815-772-3095
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
601 N. Jackson St., Morrison www.stpetersmorrison.com
Interim Pastor Mark Peters
Sunday service is at 9:30 a.m. Bible study and Sunday School at 10:45 a.m. Sundays
PORT BYRON
Bethel Baptist 27308 108th Ave. N., Port Byron Church Phone: 309-523-3352
Pastor Josh Matthews
Church of the Cross United Methodist Church 22621 IL 2 and 92, Port Byron
Pastor Mark Graham Parish Office: 309-523-2201
Countryside Christian Church 3817 230th St. N., Port Byron
Pastor Steve Allison Church Phone: 309-523-2834
Fairfield United Methodist Church
235th St. at 115th Ave. North, Port Byron
Pastor Larry Misfeldt - 309-523-3767
Messiah Lutheran Church
302 11th St., Port Byron - 309-523-2421
Pastor Gwen Sefrhans-Murphy
Peace Lutheran Church ELCA 20828 Friedens Road, Port Byron Interim Pastor: Nancy Jaster www.peacelutheranil.org - 309-523-2295
Port Byron First United Methodist Church 9412 228th St. N., Port Byron, IL Church Office: 309-848-4050 Email: portbyronfirstumc@gmail.com
Roberta Robbins, Lead Pastor
Becky Butterfield, Associate Pastor
PROPHETSTOWN
Advent Christian Church
200 Elm St., Prophetstown
Pastor Diana Verhulst 815-537-5646 - ptownac.org
First Lutheran Church
Interim Pastor Susan Davenport Office: 815-537-2758 www.firstlutheran-ptown.org
Leon United Methodist Church 17173 Lomax Road, Prophetstown Pastor Joey Garcea - cell 815-656-0362 pastorjoeygarcea@gmail.com
Prophetstown
United Methodist Church 200 W. 2nd St., Prophetstown Pastor Joey Garcea - 815-537-2496
River Church 218 E. 3rd St., Prophetstown 815-876-6226 - www.riverchurchag.com
St. Catherine Catholic Church of Prophetstown 815-537-2077
RAPIDS CITY
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 1416 Third Ave., Rapids City Fr. Glenn H. Harris Phone 309-496-2414
Tampico First United Methodist Church Pastor Leanne Keate - 815-564-2302
14th CIRCUIT COUNTY OF WHITESIDE
Estate of: NANCY F. SANDELL, a deceased person Case No. 2025 PR 120 CLAIM NOTICE & NOTICE TO HEIRS Notice is hereb y given to the heirs and creditors of
illips, named as Independent Executor Her attorney is named below.
NOTICE
CLASSIFIED
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 14th CIRCUIT COUNTY OF WHITESIDE
Estate of: NANCY F. SANDELL, a deceased person Case No 2025 PR 120 CLAIM NOTICE & NOTICE TO HEIRS
Nancy F Sandell, deceased Letters of Office were issued on November 21, 2025 to Desa Phillips, who was named as Independent Executor Her attorney is named below.
UNION SPECIAL DRAINAGE DISTRICT OF THE COUNTIES OF HENRY AND WHITESIDE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS 90-TX-1
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 14th CIRCUIT COUNTY OF WHITESIDE
Estate of:
NANCY F. SANDELL, a deceased person
Case No. 2025 PR 120 CLAIM NOTICE & NOTICE TO HEIRS
Notice is hereb y given to the heirs and creditors of Nancy F Sandell, deceased Letters of Office were issued on November 21, 2025 to Desa Phillips, who was named as Independent Executor Her attorney is named below.
Notice is hereb y given to the heirs and creditors of Nancy F Sandell, deceased Letters of Office were issued on November 21, 2025 to Desa Phillips, who was named as Independent Executor Her attorney is named below.
CHIEF OF P OL ICE City of Prophetstown
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Courthouse, 200 E Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, or with the representative, or both, on or before June 15, 2026, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from a representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in the notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date will be barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative's attorney within ten (10) days of being filed.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Courthouse, 200 E Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, or with the representative, or both, on or before June 15, 2026, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from a representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in the notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date will be barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative's attorney within ten (10) days of being filed.
Nicholas W. Heid Heid Law Offices, LLC 19670 Waller Rd Fulton, IL 61252 815-589-9961 (phone)
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 2025
You are hereby notified that the Financial Report of said district covering a period from October 16, 2024, to October 15, 2025, has been filed in the Circuit Court of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, Henry County, Illinois. Any owner of land in the district may file an objection to the Report with the Clerk of the Court within ten days from the date of this publication If no objections are filed within the time prescribed, the Court may approve the Report without hearing.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE THE MATTER OF THE CAT TAIL DRAINAGE DISTRICT OF WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS No. 02-TX-5
DRAINAGE
NOTICE Re: DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN IN HENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS 90-TX-19
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
TERILYN MOTLEY Circuit Clerk
Roger Ray Brown and Ray 115 N State St. Geneseo, IL 61254 (309) 944-5115
December 2, 2025
You are hereby notified that the Financial Report of said District covering a period from October 16, 2024, to October 15, 2025, has been filed in the Circuit Court of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, Henry County, Illinois. Any owner of land in the district may file an objection to the Report with the Clerk of the Court within ten days from the date of this publication If no objections are filed within the time prescribed, the Court may approve the Report without hearing
The annual assessor's meeting will be held in the Emergency Operations Center, Room 117, loca ted on the ground floor of the Whiteside County Courthouse, in Morrison, Illinois on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m This meeting is open to the public. Robin Brands Whiteside County Chief County Assessment Officer December 2, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Commissioners of the Cat Tail Drainage District of Whiteside County, Illinois, have filed their Current Financial Report for the current year on November 25, 2025, and that any objections to said Report must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court on or before the 10th day after publication of this notice.
Sue Scott Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse 200 E. Knox Street Morrison, IL 61270
Nicholas W. Heid Heid Law Offices, LLC
19670 Waller Rd Fulton, IL 61252
Job Descrip tion - The City of Prophetstown, in the State of Illinois, is seeking a qualified and moti vated individual to lead its Police Department in serving and protecting the citizens of Prophetstown. This individual must be willing to work flexible hours, which will include evenings, weekends and holidays. The Chief is responsible for planning, organizing and directing all programs and activities of the Prophetstown Police Department
815-589-9961 (phone)
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 2025
This position also involves traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, community relations and local ordinance enforcement.
Qualificatio ns -
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Courthouse, 200 E Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, or with the representative, or both, on or before June 15, 2026, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from a representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in the notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date will be barred.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Courthouse, 200 E Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, or with the representative, or both, on or before June 15, 2026, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from a representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in the notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date will be barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative's attorney within ten (10) days of being filed.
Minimum of 3 years in a leadership role with demonstrated success within a low enforcement agency
Experience with budgeting, personnel manag ement, grant administration and crime interventio n and prevention
Must possess a valid State of Illinois driver's license
Ma y not have any felony convictions
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative's attorney within ten (10) days of being filed.
If served in the US military, must have been honorably discharged
Pass a background check
Nicholas W. Heid Heid Law Offices, LLC
Must be a certified as a law enforcement officer in Illinois
Work Sched ule -
Full-Time po sition
19670 Waller Rd Fulton, IL 61252
815-589-9961 (phone)
Monday-Friday 8-hour shifts
Weekends and Holidays availability
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 2025
Reliable transportation to and from work
Benefits -
Paid Time Off (sick, personal, vacation and paid holidays)
Health, dental, life insurance and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
Ap plications are d ue December 8, 202 5
Ap plications can be picked up and dropp ed o ff from 7:00am to 3:30 pm at City Hall, 339 Washington Street, Pr ophetstown, IL 61277
Website - prop he tsto wnil.org
Nicholas W. Heid Heid Law Offices, LLC
Email to - office@prop he tstownil.org
19670 Waller Rd Fulton, IL 61252
815-589-9961 (phone)
NOTICE Re: DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN IN HENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS 90-TX-19
TERILYN A. MOTLEY
Circuit Clerk
Nicholas W. Heid Attorney for said District 19670 Waller Rd. Fulton, IL 61252
You are hereby notified that the Financial Report of said district covering a period from October 16, 2024, to October 15, 2025, has been filed in the Circuit Court of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, Henry County, Illinois. Any owner of land in the district may file an objection to the Report with the Clerk of the Court within ten days from the date of this publication If no objections are filed within the time prescribed, the Court may approve the Report without hearing.
TERILYN MOTLEY Circuit Clerk
Roger Ray Brown and Ray 115 N State St. Geneseo, IL 61254 (309) 944-5115
December 2, 2025
You are hereby notified that the Financial Report of said District covering a period from October 16, 2024, to October 15, 2025, has been filed in the Circuit Court of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, Henry County, Illinois. Any owner of land in the district may file an objection to the Report with the Clerk of the Court within ten days from the date of this publication If no objections are filed within the time prescribed, the Court may approve the Report without hearing
Roger Ray BROWN AND RAY 115 N. State Street, Geneseo, IL 61254 Telephone: (309) 944-5115
December 2, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE THE MATTER OF THE CAT TAIL DRAINAGE DISTRICT OF WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS No. 02-TX-5
DRAINAGE NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Commissioners of the Cat Tail Drainage District of Whiteside County, Illinois, have filed their Current Financial Report for the current year on November 25, 2025, and that any objections to said Report must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court on or before the 10th day after publication of this notice.
TERILYN A. MOTLEY
Circuit Clerk
Roger Ray BROWN AND RAY 115 N. State Street, Geneseo, IL 61254
Telephone: (309) 944-5115
December 2, 2025
Sue Scott Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse 200 E. Knox Street Morrison, IL 61270
Nicholas W. Heid Attorney for said District
19670 Waller Rd. Fulton, IL 61252
Phone: 815-589-9961
Fax: 866-449-8596
Email: heidlawoffices @g il.com
Phone: 815-589-9961
Fax: 866-449-8596
Email: heidlawoffices @gmail.com December 2, 2025
As sumed Name Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Whiteside County, Illinois, setting forth the names and postoffice addresses of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: THE HOLIDAY HE LPERS loca ted at 306 PROSPECT ST, M ORRISON, IL 61270 Dated this 19th day of November, 2025. No. DBA5423
Karen J Stralow County Clerk
Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 2025
Advertise your job openings here! 815-526-4645
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE JOHNSON CREEK LEVEE AND DRAINAGE DISTRICT and THE JOHNSON CREEK LEVEE AND DRAINAGE SUBDISTRICT #1 No. 2002 TX 3 and No. 2002 TX 2 DRAINAGE NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Commissioners of the Johnson Creek Levee and Drainage District and the Johnson Creek Levee and Drainage Subdistrict #1 of Whiteside and Carroll Counties, Illinois, have have filed their Current Financial Reports for the current year on November 24, 2025, and that any objections to said Reports must be filed with the Clerk of the Court on or before the 31st day of December, 2025.
Sue Scott Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse 200 E. Knox Street Morrison, IL 61270
Nicholas W. Heid Attorney for said Districts 19670 Waller Rd Fulton, IL 61252 Phone: 815-589-9961
Fax: 866-449-8596 Email: heidlaw offi ces@gmail.com December 2, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FORTHE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF THE DEATH, ADMISSION TO PROBATE AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FORTHE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
NOTICE OF THE DEATH, ADMISSION TO PROBATE AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY M. MILLS Case No. 2025 PR 34
Notice is hereby given to creditors and claimants of the death of Betty M. Mills, last a resident of Alba ny, Illinois, who died on February 5, 2025. Letters of office were issued on April 14, 2025, to Jacqueline Hersey, 6N779 Foxborough Rd , St. Charles, IL 61075, as Independent Executor. The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L Huizenga, 1011 4th St., Fulton, IL 61252 Claims against the estate may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 E Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, or with the Representative or both, on or before May 18, 2026. Any claim not filed within that period is barred.
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and the attorney for the estate within 10 days after it has been filed.
Dated this 18th day of November, 2025
REBECCA L. HUIZENGA Attorney for the Estate 1011 4th Street P.O. Box 102 Fulton, Illinois 61252
815/589-2859
Nov. 18, 25, Dec. 2, 2025
NOTICE
A hearing for an amended budget for the Fenton Township will be held at 10171 Fenton Rd., Fenton, IL on Jan 13, 2026 at 7pm. The budget is available for inspection from Dec 9th until the hearing at that location or via request at townshipfenton@ gmail.com
Dec. 2, 2025
ORDINANCE 2025 - 10
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF TAXES FOR THE CORPORATE PURPOSE OF THE VILLAGE OF CORDOVA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNIN G MAY 1, 2026 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2027. BE IT ORDA INED BY THE PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF CORDOVA, ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS.
SECTION 1. That the sum of NINETY THOUSA ND FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DOLLARS ($90,480.00) the same being the total amount to be levied for corporate purposes such as: General Corporate, Police Protection, Audit, Employer Payroll related taxes and Unemployment Insurance on Administrati ve Personnel and IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026 ending April 30, 2027.
SECTION 2. The amount levied for each object and purpose is as follows: TAX LEVY SUMMARY GENERAL CORPORATE $29,292 POLICE PROTECTION $38,325 AUDIT $13,989 SOCIAL SECURITY $ 5,813 MEDICARE
$1,412 UNEMPLOYMENT $ 761 IMRF
$888 TOTAL TAX LEVY $90,480
SECTION 3. That the total amount of NINETY THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY DOLLARS ($90,480) ascertained as aforesaid be, and the same is hereby levied and assessed on all property subject to taxation within the Village of Cordova according to the value of said property as the same is assessed and equalized for State and County purposes for the year.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval and publ ication thereof, as provided by law.
SECTION 5. That if any reason, subdivision, or sentence of this Ordinance shall for any reason be held invalid or unconstitutional such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance, and it shall be in full force and effect after its adoption as provided by law.
SECTION 6 That the Village Clerk of The Village of Cordova is hereby directed to certify and file a copy of this Ordinance with the County Clerk of Rock Island County, Illinois on or before the last Tuesda y in December, a duly certi fied copy of this Ordinance.
ADOPTED by the Village of Cordova, Village President, and Board of Trustees on this 20th day of NOVEMBER 2025.
Ayes: Jeff Claus, Justin DePorter, Ben Roush, Mark Townsend, Garrett Stubbs and Harvey Sothmann Nays: 0 Absent: 0
/s/James B oone
James Boone, President ATTEST /s/ Colleen Willhite
Colleen Willhite, Village Clerk
December 2, 2025
Newman uses huge 32-2 run to pull away from Fulton GIRLS
By TY REYNOLDS Shaw Local News Network correspondent
When Newman cranked up the pressure and the tempo, Fulton just couldn’t keep up.
The Comets used a huge first-half run to pull away from the Steamers in a 64-27 nonconference win over their former Three Rivers Conference foe Nov. 25 in Sterling.
Newman (4-1) nabbed 30 steals and forced 33 turnovers, had more offensive rebounds than Fulton had total rebounds, and went on a 32-2 run over a 9-minute, 51-second span of the first and second quarters to take control.
“Honestly, it was just staying calm, helping each other out. Our passes were really good, and we had a lot of good assists to each other. Once we play together and stay calm, I feel like that’s when we play well,” Newman’s Gisselle Martin said. “When everyone touches the ball and starts making shots, we’re all going to contribute during the game, and that’s going to help us in the long run during the season.”
The Comets led 8-5 after a 3-pointer by Fulton’s Breleigh Hayton with 1:39 left in the first quarter. A putback by Veronica Haley, three straight 3s by Lucy Oetting, Martin and Paizlee Williams and a steal and coast-to-coast layup by Elaina Allen pushed the Newman lead to 21-7.
A 19-0 run to open the second quarter featured three second-chance baskets by three different players, a fast-break layup by Anna Propheter, and some crisp ball movement to find open shooters.
Newman scored 13 points off 26 offensive rebounds on the way to a 42-25 rebounding advantage.
“It’s really nice to have that, and it’s
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Monday, Nov. 24
Boys basketball
Riverdale 70, Rock Falls 62: Jackson Tegeler scored 23 points for Riverdale, and Colton Clark had 17 in the home win. Z’Viyon Martin led the Rockets with 15 points to open the season.
Girls basketball
Stillman Valley 66, Morrison 11: Stillman
all about boxing out,” Haley said. “When we’re all boxing out, it’s a lot easier to rebound. When we’re communicating and boxing out well, we can get those rebounds and putbacks, or get those rebounds and pass it back out really easily to our shooters. It’s all about communicating, knowing where everyone is at all times, and I think we communicated really well today.”
Defensively, four Comets had at least four steals, and Newman forced at least six turnovers in each quarter, finishing with 18 fast-break points.
“That’s just the communication and ball pressure that we have. The more we
communicate, the better our defense runs, and that’s just how we got it done,” Allen said. “Our coaches always say defense is what wins games, and I totally agree with them. I think tonight, we showed it.”
“Unfortunately, we just didn’t see the ball well enough. We rushed too much,” Fulton coach Mike Menchaca said. “It was 13-7 at one point when we were calmed down and slowed down, but when we play fast, we’re not quite there. We’ve also got to have confident shooters. We knew they were going to try and trap us when that ball got to the wing or corners, and we held it too much. And
obviously not having a lot of size, that hurts a little bit when you’re trying to battle for boards.”
Fulton (1-2) came out of halftime with some energy, using a 15-5 run to cut into the deficit, but Haley had back-to-back putbacks before Allen scored on backto-back steals to start the fourth quarter and kick off the continuous clock.
Haley’s double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds (9 offensive) led the Comets, and she also had three steals. Allen had 12 points, seven steals, five rebounds and two assists, and Martin had 11 points, eight rebounds, seven steals and three assists. Propheter finished with 12 points, four rebounds and four steals. Williams added eight points, four steals and two assists, and Oetting chipped in six points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Hayton had eight points, five rebounds and three assists for Fulton, and Ella Folk hit a pair of 3s and grabbed five rebounds. Haley Smither added four points and four rebounds, Wrenn Coffey had four points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals, and Brianne Brennan chipped in two points and four boards.
“We were coming off a long trip and played a tough one [Monday] night, and I think our legs were gone a little bit, and it took us a while to get going and get comfortable,” Menchaca said. “But we wanted that type of game, physicality and speed. We knew Newman was going to contest everything, and that’s the level of defense we want to get to.
“We’ve only got seven varsity players, and one’s hurt, so we just don’t have a whole lot depth-wise. But we’re learning, and I think there’s a lot of potential here. It’s just a matter of getting them on the right path and the right page and working together.”
Valley (4-0) jumped out to a 21-4 lead after one quarter in the win as the Fillies fell to 0-4 on the season.
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Boys basketball
Alleman 65, Fulton 58: Fulton fell after leading 24-20 after the first quarter. Jacob Voss had 18 points and Landen Leu scored 14 for the Steamers. Owen Van Zuiden added 13 for Fulton.
Girls basketball
Orangeville 45, Morrison 25: Avery
White led Morrison (0-5) with 12 points.
Boys wrestling
Sterling 63, Erie-Prophetstown 12: Earning pins for Sterling were Evan Jones (113), Cael Lyons (126), Adrian Pineda (138) and Colt Buntjer (190). E-P’s Caleb Reymer won by fall at 285.
Wednesday, Nov. 26
Boys basketball
Orion 67, Fulton 43: Landen Leu led the Steamers with 11 points in the loss. DeAngelo Dodd and Jacob Voss each
scored nine for Fulton.
Friday, Nov. 28
Boys basketball
United 56, Fulton 37: Jacob Voss led the Steamers with 13 points in the setback at the Orion invite. Fulton trailed 38-24 at halftime and scored just 13 points in the second half.
Mendota 68, Morrison 23: Morrison trailed 35-6 at halftime in the loss at the Oregon tournament. Cole Tillman scored 22 points for Mendota.
Alex T. Paschal
Fulton’s Haley Smither and Newman’s Grace King battle for the ball Nov. 25.
E-P, Riverdale face off at Turkey Tournament Shootout in Prophetstown
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Erie-Prophetstown and Riverdale faced off at the Turkey Tournament Shootout on Nov. 28 in Prophetstown. The Rams won the tournament game 57-49.
Photos by Jessie Otten for Shaw Local News Network
TOP LEFT: Erie-Prophetstown’s Sawyer Copeland drives against Riverdale’s Brady Junis for a basket Nov. 28 at the Turkey Shootout Tournament in Prophetstown. TOP RIGHT: Erie-Prophetstown’s Evan Steimle shoots over the Riverdale’s Jackson Tegeler. ABOVE: Erie-Prophetstown’s Keegan Winckler tries to outhustle Riverdale’s Brady Junis down the court. LEFT: Erie-Prophetstown’s Connor Keegan connects on a free throw.
SPORTS
Erie-Prophetstown’s Caleb Brown attempts to get off a 3-point shot against Riverdale’s Paxton Kiddoo on Nov. 28 during the Turkey Shootout Tournament in Prophetstown.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1947: Notre Dame quarterback Johnny Lujack is the Heisman Trophy Award winner. 1985: The Chicago Bears, who go on to win the Super Bowl, suffer their only loss of the season, a 38-24 setback to the Miami Dolphins at the Orange Bowl.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
TURKEY SHOOTOUT
Erie-Prophetstown falls to Riverdale at tournament / 23
