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Social News
VOLUME 166 • NO. 40
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 • REGIONAL NEWS
Fulton, Illinois
LINING UP THE PUTT
Fulton’s Patrick Wiebenga lines up his putt on hole 18 at Deer Valley Golf Club in Deer Grove on Sept.17. Page 2.
LOCAL NEWS
B.L.I.N.D. Leader Get to know senior leader
Liz Fish. / 2
COVID-19 Testing WCCHC expands testing days. / 4
Published every Tuesday by Sauk Valley Media, a division of Shaw Media Illinois
WHAT’S INSIDE
$1.00
Social News................................... 3 Property Transfers............................. 9 Churches...................................... 14-15 Police Reports ............................... 12 Glimpses......................................... 13 Classifieds .............................. 17-18-19
Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media
LOCAL NEWS
Havencrest Castle Open for tours in October. / 5
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BOYS’ GOLF
Fulton golferskeep playingthrough the 2020 adverse season
Eric Ingles eingles@saukvalley.com
The 2019 golf season ended with the Fult on boys flyin g high.
The Steamers cruised through the regional, winning by 35 strokes as Ian Wiebenga took individual medalist honors. Fulton then too k third a t the s ectional the following week, Wiebenga again havingasolid round with an 81. Fulton then went on to take seventh at the Class 1A state meet.
Heading into Tuesday’s Three Rivers Conference meet at Rockridge, the Steamers are hoping this postseason, even with the far different form, will see more success.
“We didn’t play well up until the postseason last year,” Wiebenga said. “Conference was [at Deer Valley] and we took fourth, but went into regionals and we all just played really good and got first and at sectionals all played really good and got third and at state we were glad we could even make it there.”
Wiebenga said that from the 2019 postseason experience, the 2020 Steamers can learn to “just get better. I wish I could have played better at state than I did, just practice way more than I did last year and just try to get better at everything.”
He still wants to improve a bit on his chipping and his second shots.
“IfIcan improve that just a little bit, I think I can be pretty good,” he said.
I niti al ly, wit h C OVI D-19 res tr ic tion s in place, the IHSA limited teams to holding regionals, no more. That decision was reversed last week with sectionals added to the mix, but at this point it looks like the state meet, and with it a chance for the Steamers to make a return trip to state, won’t be happening.
“Some of our incentives have been t aken away without having a state series, so kids have to dig a little deeper to see how much they want to get better as individuals,” Fulton coach Kevin VerHoeven said. “We’ve had a good year. The kids have played well. They’ve improved a lot from last year. I’m very proud of them.”
Even if there is no state meet, the Steamers will still haveachance to improve on the fourth-place finish in the TRAC championship from Deer Valley last year. Having beaten Riverdale in a dual in 2019, the Steamers then shot a 340 in the conference meet as the Rams shot a 309 to win the conference title.
“Obviously we’d want to get back down to state and finish better than we did last year, but that didn’t work out and that’s disappointing,” Patrick Wiebenga said. “But you can’t just give u p on the season.”
It’s a season that is different, in every way. On the course, COVID restrictions mean not pulling pins whenaplayer is on the green, and tournaments involved players gathering to hear scores and see how they stacked up in the pre-pandemic days. Now once a round is finished, players turn in their scores and pack up to go.
But the changes in how this is able to be pulled off is still a far cry from what spring sport athletes endured with not havingaseason at all, and the waiting game other fall sports are going through now with their seasons pushed back to the spring of 2021.
“We’re just really happy we can even play,” Ian Wiebenga said. “We’re having meets and we’re not playing in the spring like other sports.”
“We’re just having fun playing golf,” Patrick Wiebenga said. “We go out on the weekends and play 18 holes and we have fun. We go to practice and we play nine holes and we have fun. After [a meet] on the bus ride home we’ll be messing around.”
FHS - IN THE SPOTLIGHT Senior B.L.I.N.D. Leader Liz Fish
“Building Lasting Impressions that Never Die”
What are you involved in at Fulton High School?
I’m involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, BLIND, softball, basketball and I’m an Academy Student at Sauk Valley Community College.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
Outside of school I love to spend time with my family, give unconditional love to my black lab and I love being able to go on the river.
What have you learned from this pandemic?
Throughout this pandemic I have learned how important it is to make time to make yourself better and make sure you are staying productive.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I would describe my leadership style more as a coaching style. I like to help people in the right direction and give them a few pushes along the way while being as supportive as I can.
What has B.L.I.N.D. meant to you?
BLIND has brought me to meet so many amazing people that I probably never would’ve met otherwise.
One fun fact about you:
I’m afraid of moths
Words of advice:
My advice would be to step out of your comfort zone and try new things and don’t be afraid of doing so.
Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation in cooperation with Northwest District Elks Lodges will sponsor a free children’s podiatry assessment clinic on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Morrison Family Care Clinic, located at 303 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, with Dr. David Yeager as the clinician in charge.
The clinic starts at 8:00 a.m. and is by appointment only. To make an appointment call the Illinois Elks Children’s Care office at 1-800-272- 0074 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 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 second opinion. School nurses are welcome to refer children and families to the clinic.
The Elks Organization has been working with physically challenged ch il dr en si nc e 19 28 an d thi s is one of the 17 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. There is no charge for any diagnostic services at this clinic. The Elks will provide financial assistance to the best of their ability for children needing further treatment or speci alty equipment when the family lacks sufficient resources. 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.
Ruby Phillips, Morrison, is retiring from Resthave Care and Rehabilitation.
Ruby has served Resthave and it’s residents for over 45 years! There is no denying that her kind and generous heart has made a difference in our residents’ lives. Thank you for your amazing service, Ruby! You are an inspiration to all of us!
IN BRIEF Jammin’ in the Canyon returns to Heritage Canyon
Jammin’ in the Canyon featuring Shiner’s Run will return to Heritage Canyon, North 4th St. in Fulton on Thursday, Oct. 8 with music from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Pickers and musicians can arrive for set up at 5 p.m. Bring your acoustic instruments and voices for bluegrass, country, old-timey, folk, blues, and a bit of rock and roll music.
Pickers and singers of all proficiency levels are welcome.
This is a free event for the whole family, so come on out and enjoy the music! Bring your lawn chairs and bug spray.
For more information, contact Jim Perron at 563-357-3314.
expandstestingtofivedays aweek
Regional positivity rate increases
In response to Region 1 positivity rate increasing, the Whiteside County Community Health Clinic (WCCHC) is adding additional hours and expanding testing to five days a week starting Sept. 28. Testing appointments at the Whiteside County Community Health Clinic will be available weekdays, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Testing will be open to anyone regardless of symptoms or exposure, at no cost to the individual, and by appointment only. Individuals interested in testing should call 815-626-2230 extension 1243 to schedule a phone consultation and appointment for testing.
WCCHC is confident expanded testing will
facilitate quick identification and mitigation of outbreaks within our community, help students excluded from school return quickly and safely, and allow the clinic to be a resource for regional partners that may lack testing options.
Limiting the spread of COVID-19, and preventing Resurgence Mitigation measures, similar to Phase 3, from being imposed on Region 1 will require more than just increased testing. It will require a continuous and conscious effort from all of us to follow guidance from our local Health Department and the CDC. This includes abiding by recommendations around masking and staying 6ft from those you do not live with, limiting the size of gatherings, working to keep several days between different social events, staying home and getting tested when you have symptoms of COVID-19 and working with local public health officials on contact tracing, isolation and quarantine after you or a contact test positive.
Stopping the spread of COVID-19 to protect each other and our local businesses is the responsibility of every resident.
If you have questions please contact the IDPH COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or reach out to us. Additional information is also available on the Illinois COVID-19 and CDC COVID-19 websites.
IN BRIEF WHOA to host Chili Supper
White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center (WHOA) will host a Chili Supper on Friday, Oct. 9 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St. in Morrison.
Make plans to stop on by for the community appreciation supper near the livestock pavilion. All are welcome! There is no charge, but donations will be accepted. The menu includes delicious homemade chili, freshly baked cinnamon rolls from Harvest Bakery & More of Erie, plus hot apple cider and hot chocolate.
There will be limited spaced seating, and to-go containers will also be available. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. If the weather is cold or rainy, the supper will be held in the green ag building.
Hot Rods for a Cure in Fulton
Hot Rods for a Cure Car and Bike Show will be on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at King Pins Saloon and Dance Hall, 18675 13th St. in Fulton. The entry cost is $15.
Prizes will include Top 50 Trophies, 60 Dash Plaques, King Pin Choice, Kids Choice, Best Chevy, Best Ford, Best Dodge, Best Motorcycle, and Club Choice.
Sign up by Oct. 3 and get a t-shirt. Entry forms can be found at King Pins, the Shell gas station in Fulton, or by calling Veneta Leif at 563-249-3714.
Make checks out to Hot Rods for a Cure and mail to Veneta Leif at 19070 17th St. Fulton, IL 61252. All money
raised will be donated to Northwestern Medical of Chicago, in remembrance of one of the show’s organizers, who lost his wife to cancer.
Women’s Golf Pow-Wow at Prophet Hills
Prophet Hills Women’s Association will be hosting an end of the year Women’s Golf Pow-Wow at Prophet Hills on Wednesday, Sept. 30 starting at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour.
The cost of dinner is $15, which will be served around 6:15.Dinner will be indoors with social distancing meas ures in practice. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction raffle. Bring some extra spending money for the raffle tickets!
All are welcome to join in the powwow while getting out of the house for an evening of fun. Call Prophet Hills at 815-537-5226 to RSVP. The golf course is located at 4319 Bishop Road.
BY SARAH FORD For Shaw Media
Now through Nov. 1, visitors are wel come t o come and explore the beautiful, majestic Havencrest Castle in Savanna, where enchantment awaits all who enter. Instead of gargoyles and shadows, the castle is full of cherubs and beauty and art, with a theme of magic and romance and a love story that transcends time and space.
The castle, billed as a “romantic dream of love and art” is open to visitors on weekends in October, with tours offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last tour is admitted at 4 p.m. but it’d be hard to see everything in an hour. The tours are self-guided, though you can dial into an audio tour in the rooms and hear owner Alan St. George share its history, and the inspiration behind the some of the masterpieces.
The castle home of St. George and his late wife Adrianne Blue Wakefield-St. George sits high on the bluff in the historic river town. Parking is available in an off-street lot, and “castle cars” will escort you to the top of the hill to start the tour. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitors Center before ascending the rest of the hill and making your way to explore this spectacular home.
It was originally built in 1872 by Simon Greenleaf and his wife Frances Jane; Simon established the Savanna Times, a weekly newspaper, and eventually became the owner and editor of the weekly Savanna Times-Journal newspaper, which is still published today. The home passed through the Greenleaf family and a few other occupants before it was purchased by the St. Georges in 1976.
After seeing the house together on Alan’s Golden birthday - November 23, 1975 - the St. Georges would sign and offer to purchas e and put down the earnest money. They then slowly and meticulously shaped it into the fairy tale realm of their dreams. This included additions, expansions and quadrupling the mansion’s size in their 30 years together at the home. St. George is a world-renowned artist, painter and sculptor, and Adrianne was the visionary, decorator, and stainedglass artist.
After his wife’s passing in 2006, St. George grieved the loss for five years before delving into his contemporary art and completing the castle he and his wife started. It was then that he decided to open the castle to the public tours, seeing it as something his late wife would love.
Each room is lavished and infused
Submitted ABOVE: Havencrest Castle, located in Savanna, is offering public tours on weekends during October. The Beau Arts Ballroom is part of the tour. BELOW: The Dragon Gazebo at Havencrest Castle.
with their artistic passions and visions. The timelessness of the decor and art transports guests to the past, where each room is like slipping through a port al to experience a place out of time and in a dream. Add to that the smooth storytelling of St. George on the audio tour, and the experience becomes unforgettable.
Light flames flicker throughout the rooms, and occasionally the aroma of sweet floral scents fills the air. Walls are covered in velvet, and the St. Georges are incorporated into the artwork found in each room, whether in paintings or sculptures or with their treasured possessions on display. At every turn there is magic and mystery of a vision brought to life by a couple deeply in love and bound by the passion to create beauty in their world.
St. George said the castle exposes visitors to culture not readily available in Carroll County. “It features the world’s art and architecture. From one room to the next, you’re in a different country, place, time. I love variety, it really appeals to me,” he added. “People come from
far and wide. It’s such a joy, people are so kind, and it’s reflected back to me to keep doing this.”
New this season is the “Princess Gowns,” the Memorial Hall with full-size sculpture replicas from RMS Titanic, the completely finished Grand Ballroom, the “Romantic Walk” garden, and the Dragon Gazebo with the gia nt dragon head.
St. George is also working on a new room called the “Venus Grotto” and is inviting guests to “leave your mark for all time here” by bringing a seashell, starfish or piece of coral to contribute ; ju st l eav e the dona tion at the Visitors Center and you’ll also receive a free pass to see the Grotto when it’s open. The castle is typically open during the months of May and October, though they couldn’t open this spring due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, they opened up a bit early for tours in September, with reduced capacity and social distancing measures in place. General admission to tour the 25 rooms on two floors is $20, with veterans and children under 18 costing $15. Children under 3 are free, and free crowns are given to kids to wear. The castle is not handicap accessible, and since there are stairs and inclines involved, it may be difficult for people with limited mobility.
The castle is listed as historically and architecturally significant by the Historic House Association of America. It is located at 140 N. 5th Street, Savanna. Find at more on Facebook or at havencrestcastle. com, and make plans to experience the magic and mystery yourself.
LOREN KENNETH FINNICUM II
Loren Kenneth Finnicum II, 74, of Prophetstown, died Monday, Sept. 21, 2020 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling.
Visitation was held from 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Erie Christian Church.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Loren was born October 9, 1945 in Moline, the son of Loren K. and Ola Mae (Thomas) Finnicum. He graduated from Erie High School in 1963. Loren then attended and graduated from the American Institute of Commerce in Moline. He married Diane L. Schwitters at the Erie Christian Church on October 10, 1965. Loren served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam from 1966 – 1968. He spent most of his working career in the cable business, retiring as a manager from United Cable Company in Galesburg.
Loren had been a volunteer firefighter and former Chief for the Macomb Fire Department. He also is a former member of the Kiwanis Club in Galesburg. Loren loved spoiling his grandchildren and following all of their activities.
He is survived by his wife Diane; sons, Brad Finnicum, Clearwater, FL, Brian Finnicum, Monmouth; sister, Mary (Al) Pierce, Henderson, NV; grandchildren, Kylie McLaughlin, Hannah (Spencer) Mathus, Lexi and Tyler Finnicum; great-grandchildren, Eli Finnicum, Aria Hanson, Everly Mathus; and niece and nephews, Heather (Ron) Ridehalgh, Jason and Jared Pierce.
He was preceded in death by his father Loren; and mother and step-father, Ola Mae and F. Gordon Bleitz.
RANDY C. KLINE
Randy C. Kline, 75, of Port Byron, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, at Gibson - Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. Services will be private. You may watch the livestream of the service at 10 a.m. on Saturday at www.facebook.com/ gibsonbodefh. Burial will be in Zuma Cemetery, rural Port Byron. Memorials may be made to the Port Byron - Rapids City Fire Protection District or the Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan.
Randy was born February 14, 1945 to Calvin and Betty (Timmons) Kline. He graduated from United Township High School in 1963. He married Barbara Ellen Wells on May 15, 1977 at the Church of the Cross, Port Byron. After 37 years as a mail carrier with the United States Post Office in Silvis, he retired in 2000. Randy was an active member of the Church of the Cross – UMC. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was very social and treasured being with friends and family, especially going to the family home in Mic higan. He love d his job with the Pos t Office and enjoyed meeting other retirees monthly for lunch.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara, Port Byron; son, Bradley (Rebecca) Kline, Rapids City; grandchildren, Katlyn (Skyler) Lane, Haley, Cassidy and Lilly Kline; and great-grandchildren, Adelynn, Baila, and Lucianna Lane.
He was preceded in death by both parents and a sister, Barbara Ann Hensley. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.
The family would like thank Genesis Nurses, Jessica, Julie, Casey, Ruthie, and Hanson, his inf usion nurse. Also special thanks to Dawn Bode, MD, and Dr. Kasi at The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Clinic, University of Iowa, and all the staff. Special thanks to the neighbors and church family.
RONALD K. “RON” KUEHL
Ronald K. “Ron” Kuehl, 67, of Morrison, died Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Morrison High School Football Field. A private family graveside service will be held the Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, officiated by Ken Renkes.
Memorials may be made to the family and the Morrison Athletic Boosters.
To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com Fenton, died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.
A graveside service was held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Fenton Cemetery in Fenton, with Pastor James Machen Jr., senior pastor of Church of the Open Door in Clinton, IA, officiating. There will be no visitation. The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lawrence was born April 8, 1942, in Monroe, WI, to Orville E. and Ethel N. (Burington) Mohns. He was a 1961 graduate of Savanna High School in Savanna. Lawrence married Esther M. Nelson on August 9, 1968, in Lyndon. He was first employed by the Chicago and North Western railroad in Cli nton, IA. He then was employed by General Electric in Morrison for 31 years retiring in 1999. Lawrence was a member of the GEAA while working at General Electric. He enjoyed bowling with friends and was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s activities.
Survivors include his wife, Esther; one daughter, Teresa (Eric) Hlubek of Morrison; two grandchildren, Dalton and Garrett Hlubek; and one sister, Mrs. Betty Shrake of Savanna.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Darlene Ritter.
GEORGIA “JEANNIE” MOORE
Georgia “Jeannie” Jean Rundall Moore, 67, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at home.
There will be no services.
Jeannie was born April 17, 1953, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Ernie and Dolly (Birely) Rundall. She grew up in Erie and attended Erie schools. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved playing slots at Legend’s.
Jeannie is survived by her beloved, Ernie Schroeder of Erie; son, Ron “Bud” and Tonja Garner; grandson, Nathan & Heather Deertz; three brothers, Ernie Rundall and Kerri Grimes of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Jerry Rundall and Shelly Gehl of Stone City, Iowa; Snoop and Tammy Rundall of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister, Madonna and Shawn Arrington of Bella Vista, Arkansas; two great-grandchildren, Kadee and Dawson Deertz; and several nieces and nephews.
Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Ernie and Dolly Rundall; brother, Dennis Rundall; and three great-grandchildren, Zoey, Chloe and Brayden Deertz.
GENE OLSON
Gene Olson, 87, of Morrison, died Friday, Sept. 25, 2020 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the First Baptist Church in Morrison, with Rev. Dick Adams officiating. There will be a visitation from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison.
A memorial has been established by the family.
Gene was born June 2, 1933 in Belgrade, MN, to Peter A. and Helen A (Kruse) Olson. He was educated in the Belgrade, MN schools, and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. On June 2, 1956 he married Patsy A. Howard in Morrison. Gene was employed as a carpenter with Robertson Construction in Morrison. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Morrison, and also the Morrison American Legion Post #328 and the Morrison VFW.
Survivors include his wife, Patsy; three daughters, Tammy (Allen) Craig of West Salem, WI, Lisa (Chris) Murrison of Morrison, and Teri (David) Suprise of New London, WI; eight grandchildren, Jeffery Folsom, Stacie Garrett, Cody Craig, Shane Craig, Jeremy Gerlach, Jamie (Bryce) Assenmacher, Caitlyn Suprise and Erin Suprise; 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Lorie Folsom; two grandsons, Kyle and Zachary Presto n; two brothers, Leelon and Jerry D. Olson. To send online condolences go to www. bosma renkes.com
