Whiteside-07-22-2025 by Shaw Media

Charlene Bielema

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Sterling man tied to bank robbery by receipt

Man’s signature on front, money demand on

back: Prosecutor

By CHARLENE BIELEMA cbielema@shawmedia.com

MORRISON – A Whiteside County prosecutor said a Sterling man charged with robbing a Morrison bank July 5 was tied to the robbery after police received a restaurant receipt that bore his signature on the front and a written demand for the bank’s cash on the back.

Hicks is accused of producing a note at Community State Bank, 220 E. Main St., about 11 a.m. July 5, demanding money and threatening to kill the teller if she did not provide it, Simon said during the July 7 hearing. Simon said Hicks made off with $2,000 before police arrived.

jailed pretrial in light of the alleged threat and his previous criminal history, which includes convictions for theft, possessing a stolen credit card and writing bad checks.

Whiteside County Assistant Public Defender Jessica Deets, who represented Hicks in court July 7, said Hicks does not work because he is on disability but volunteers by picking up branches and trash near the canal. She said substance abuse treatment, not jail, would be beneficial for Hicks.

Ryan D. Hicks, 37, of Sterling was arrested July 5 after being found in Sterling with a lot of cash, a bike, computer equipment, multiple cellphones and liquor that he had just bought at the Sterling Walmart store, Whiteside County Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Simon said during Hicks’ court appearance July 7.

Hicks is charged with one count each of robbery, threatening the use of force and theft by threat.

Simon said the note linked Hicks to the robbery as did a report of an abandoned cellphone found at the same restaurant that the receipt came from. A waitress reported to police that she found the abandoned cellphone, which Simon said belonged to Hicks. His image also was captured on bank surveillance video, Simon said.

Hicks was found later July 5 with cash on him and several items he had bought at Sterling’s Walmart store, including a new bicycle, multiple cellphones, earbuds, computer equipment that included a new laptop and liquor, Hicks said.

Hicks denied being in Morrison, but police said they think he had been staying at a house in Morrison on July 4 and had been kicked out. Hicks told police he had been drinking moonshine overnight, still was drunk and wanted an attorney.

Simon sought to have Hicks remain

After hearing arguments, Whiteside County Associate Judge Magen Mertes ordered that Hicks remain detained at the county jail, agreeing with Simon that Hicks’ criminal activity appears to be escalating.

At that same hearing, Simon detailed a methamphetamine charge filed against Hicks accusing him of possessing 1.6 grams of meth when Rock Falls police arrested him on a Lee County contempt warrant June 16 at the Walmart in Rock Falls.

Hicks was to appear in court July 21 for a preliminary hearing. The robbery and theft charges are felonies that carry possible prison terms of two to five years upon conviction.

Ryan D. Hicks

Steve Siefken

Brian and Elizabeth Tribley (center) of Pink Heals receive a check from the Morrison Fire Department on July 19. The money was raised through the fire department’s drive-thru meal fundraiser.

Plenty of fun planned for Whiteside County Fair

Event to take place

Aug. 12-16 at fairgrounds

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Whiteside County Fair is offering another impressive lineup of entertainment to mark its 154th year of operation.

The fair opens Tuesday, Aug. 12, and runs to Saturday, Aug. 16, at the fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St., Morrison.

Daily admission charges are $10 for adults and $2 for children. The adult season ticket package costs $25 and children (ages 6 to 11) are $5. Children younger than 6 are admitted for free. Cash only at the gates.

Admission to all grandstand shows are included with the gate admission. There are no reserved seats except for Saturday’s Demolition Derby.

The Mega Band is back again this year, and the Wilson Family Show will entertain fairgoers with their carnival and midway attractions.

Unlimited ride passes are available for $65 (if purchased the week before the fair at the Secretary’s office) or $75 during the fair.

The Granpa Crachet Stage Show will return this year along with the fair’s Bike Give Away each day of the fair and Cake/Pie Walk.

Pony rides, petting zoo and barnyard revue/pig races will be throughout the day, every day.

Entertainment and events schedule

Tuesday, Aug. 12: 7 p.m., Next Level Pro-Bull Riding. Cowboys try to hang on for eight seconds while their four-legged nemesis tries to spoil their plan.

Pleasure Horse Show, 9 a.m.; Open Swine Judging, noon; Jr. Swine Judging, 4:30 p.m., and Kids Tractor Pedal Pull, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 13: 7 p.m. Next Level Pro-Bronc Riding. This event will involve a rodeo participant riding a bucking horse (sometimes called a bronco) that attempts to throw or buck off the rider before the eight seconds are up. Originally based on the necessary buck-breaking skills of a working cowboy, the event is now a highly stylized competition that uses horses that often are specially bred for strength, agility and bucking ability.

Exhibition Barrels, 8 a.m. and Western Horse Speed events; and

14.

Dairy Judging, 9 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 14: 7 p.m. Full Throttle Monster Trucks featuring the world-famous Bigfoot, followed by the fair’s popular fireworks show. If you missed the amazing show last year, you will not want to miss it this year for the 50th anniversary of Bigfoot at the Whiteside County Fair.

Other Thursday events will start at 9 a.m. with the Beef Cattle - Jr. Show being judged at the Beef Show Arena; Heavy Horse Hitches, including 4 Horse will be in front of the grandstand. Heavy Horse Halter Classes will be at 1 p.m. also in front of the grandstand.

Friday, Aug. 15: 6:30 p.m. The Illini State Pullers Association brings in their “souped up” tractors and trucks that will pull the heavy-weighted sled, showing off the horsepower under the hood in front of the grandstand again this year, held right after the Antique Tractor Parade at 5:30 p.m. During the morning at 9 a.m., the Heavy Horse Hitch Classes will be shown in front of the grandstands. The Open Beef Show will be judged in the Beef Show Arena at 9 a.m. At 1 p.m., the heavy horses come back as they thunder in front of the grandstand to entertain you with the Big 6 Horse

and Unicorn Hitches.

Saturday, Aug. 16: 6:30 p.m., the car-crushing, adrenaline-pumping, smoke-filled Demolition Derby will finish off the fair’s grandstand event.

See FAIR on page 15

Steve Siefken file photo

A Monster truck clears a row of cars at the 2024 Whiteside County Fair in Morrison. The big trucks are back this year with performances on Thursday, Aug.

Jeremy Bielema’s car shoots flames out of its exhaust during the Whiteside County Fair’s demolition derby Aug. 17, 2024.

Earleen Hinton file photo

BARBARA “BARB” COLE

Born: November 15, 1958 in Moline, IL

Died: July 17, 2025 in Cordova, IL

Barbara “Barb” A. Cole, 66, of Cordova, IL, passed away peacefully, Thursday July 17, 2025 at her home. Services were held at 10:30 am Tuesday July 22, 2025 at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. Visitation was Monday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial was in Cordova Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Riverdale Education Foundation.

Barb was born November 15, 1958 in Moline, IL, the daughter of Donald and Katherine Morthland. She graduated from Riverdale High School in 1976. She married the love of her life, John Cole, on March 5, 1982 at the First Baptist Church in Cordova.

BETTY LOU HELEN STRALOW

Born: July 18, 1934 in Chicago, IL

Died: July 11, 2025 in Madison , WI

Betty Lou Helen (Schmitt, Stone) Stralow, age 90, died on July 11, 2025 in Madison WI. She was born on July 18, 1934 to Richard & Martha (Geleng) Schmitt in Chicago IL.

Pre-deceased by husbands Reverend Robert (Bob) Stone, Jr., and Donald (Don) Stralow; son John; Daughter Kathryn (Kathi) Biller; daughter-in-law Shannon (McMullen); her mother and father; brother Bob; sisters Eleanor (Sis) and Lois.

Survived by sons Robert & Deborah (Port) and David; daughter Deborah & Christopher Boles; grandchildren Raechel & Daryl, Rebecca & David, Luke, Robert, Andrew, Danielle & Erich, Michael & Haley, Chad, Cassandra, Ashley & Tyrell, Heather and Michelle and great-grandchildren Elijah and Oliver; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and

Barb worked at the Port Byron State Bank for 32 years. She was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church in Cordova. Barb, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and loyal friend, leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unwavering love. She loved nothing more than spending her time with her family, whether it be at home, at her children’s and grandchildren’s school events, or soaking up the sunshine on the beach on family vacations.

Barb is survived by her husband, John, Cordova; daughter, Jessica (John) Abbott of Cordova; son, Jared (Ashley) Cole of Port Byron, IL; mother, Kay Morthland, Cordova; brother, Mike Morthland, San Antonio, TX; brother-in-law, Dan Mikles, Cordova; grandchildren, Carter and Cooper Abbott, Jackson and Graham Cole; and many beloved extended family. She was preceded by her father, Don Morthland; sister, Susan Mikles; and sister-in-law, Lynn Morthland. Share a memory or condolence at www. gibsonbodefh.com

grand-nephews and great grand-nieces and great grand-nephews.

She attended secretarial school after graduating from Steinmetz High School in 1949. She was President of her local Luther League. While helping to assemble the newsletter, she met her first husband, Bob Stone, who was attending seminary school at Carthage College. They were married on May 26, 1956. Their first son was born in 1959 followed by two more sons and two daughters in the next 5 years. After a few years, they finally settled in Morrison, IL at Bethesda Lutheran Church in 1966.

Betty became very involved in the Morrison Music Theatre Association, both as a cast member and later on as a director. She joined the church choir where she shared her beautiful soprao voice, and served as choir director for a number of years, also singing solos on occasion. She shared her love of music with her children and many long car rides went by quickly as everyone sang the miles away. She was very active in the church group Women of Bethesda (WELCA - Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) where she served as secretary and president. She was also the president of the PTA.

GUADALUPE HERNANDEZ

Born: October 26, 1932 in Matehuala, Mexico

Died: July 10, 2025 in Morrison, IL

GUADALUPE HERNANDEZ, 92, of Morrison, IL, formerly of Erie, IL, died Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Highlight Healthcare of Morrison.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Roy Brown II, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Morrison. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.

Guadalupe was born on October 26, 1932, in Matehuala, Mexico, to Espiridion and Eulalia (Morales) Carrizales. She received her edu-

After nursing her first husband through kidney failure, where she learned how to operate a dialysis machine in their home, he died on July 9, 1974. A month later she rented and learned to drive a 27 foot RV, and took the 5 children on a two week vacation to the Wisconsin Dells so they could all deal with the loss of their father in private.

Later that year she began dating Don Stralow, who was a member of Bethesda and the church council president. They were married on August 2, 1975.

After her children married or moved on with their adult lives she became involved with Clown Ministry as the mute clown Flutterbye, entertaining and sharing Jesus’s good news with many other congregations as part of a group of clowns.

Her job history includes being part of a secretarial pool for a large company, a secretary at Whiteside County Special Education and at a law firm. She worked for Pinkerton Security (complete with a badge!) at the local JCPenny store to help catch shoplifters, then back to being a secretary at the Whiteside County Health Department. She retired from that job, but not being one to sit around, she began working with Lutheran Social Services of Illi-

cation in Mexico before moving to the United States. She was first employed at Volkman’s Furniture in Morrison and later worked for 25 years at General Electric. She was member of the Erie Catholic Church. Guadalupe was a talented seamstress who enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and quilting. She also loved gardening and cooking traditional Mexican meals for her family and was an avid Elvis Presley fan. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Carmen (Roger) Blasdell of Albany, IL, and Maria C. Blasdell of Morrison, IL; one son, Antonio (Julie) Hernandez of North Carolina; sixteen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sons: Anastacio H. Hernandez Jr., Daniel Hernandez, and Juan Hernandez; one grandson; one son-in-law, Dale Blasdell. To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com

nois Prison Ministry for the Storybook project, arranging volunteers to go into first a women’s prison and later a men’s prison (both medium security) to audio tape prisoners reading a storybook to be sent to important children in their lives.

A public celebration of life service will be held on August 23, 2025 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 301 West South Street, Morrison IL. Visitation/sharing time will begin at 9:30am with the service starting at 11:00am. Luncheon will follow in the church basement. In keeping with the celebration theme the family asks you to consider wearing a happy color to the event.(Her favorite color is blue) In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Agrace Hospice of Madison either by check payable to “Agrace Foundation” and mailing it to Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or go to their website https://www.agrace.org/donate/

If needed for your donation, their EIN (tax ID) is 30-0001703

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie (608) 837-9054

How to submit: Send obituary information to saukobits@shawlocal.com or call 815-526-4438. Notices are accepted until 9 a.m. Monday for Tuesday’s edition. Obituaries also appear online at shawlocal.com.

Ancestor Project: Louise Eleanor Bielema

By KASSIE DORNBUSH

Do you know what it’s like to live on a farm your whole life? In her early life, Louise did lots of chores on the farm. In her adult life, she loved to travel and work in the fields, starting her own family.

Later in life, she loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Louise Eleanor Bielema was very loving because of her challenging beginning, her love for her family and the legacy left behind.

My maternal great-grandma Louise Eleanor Bielema was born on Nov. 21, 1930, in Newton Township, Illinois.

Louise had blue-gray eyes and straight hair with bangs. Her parents were Peter and Florence. She had many sisters who were Frances, Dorothy, Pauline and Ruth. In addition, she had one brother who was named Maurice.

Also, Louise had a very strong bond with her sister Frances. They were best friends for their entire lives. One of her favorite memories as a kid was playing different games with her family.

She lived on a farm with her family during her whole childhood and she was a kid during World War II and the Great Depression. As a result, money was very tight growing up with the Great Depression and five siblings to care for. She often did chores such as milking a cow on the farm to help out.

Louise walked to school every day and back. Fortunately, the school wasn’t far away and was called Beyer’s School. She went to a rural Whiteside County grade school. In school she was an average student, getting B’s and C’s.

Math was definitely the hardest subject for her to be able to do on her

own. She absolutely loved sports like softball. She played shortstop and was extremely strong. In addition, Louise could whip the ball like a boy.

Her true best friend was her sister Frances because they always were together and got along extremely well for siblings. Louise was only six years older than Frances which helped them get along well. Louise graduated from Erie High School at the end of her childhood.

When Louise turned 19 years old and started her adult life, she married Howard Bielema and took his last name. Howard Bielema was the only person she ever married in her entire life.

Right after high school, she got a job at Volkmann Furniture store for only a little while. In addition, when she was done working at the Dolcamanne furniture store, she worked on her fields with her husband for the rest of her life.

Louise had three children in total. Her daughters were Brenda and Marlene. Also, she had one son named Darrell who was a little person. A big hardship Louise had was when her son Darrell was diagnosed with polio. She stayed by her son’s side through all of his surgeries. It took a huge toll on her knowing her son was a little person and that he got diagnosed with polio around the same time.

Louise’s favorite hobbies were baking and doing puzzles. Her favorite food for sure was pizza. She ate a lot of pizza.

She worked on the farm with her husband and she loved driving tractors on the farm to help out. She also loved to unload corn into the bin and drove a gooseneck trailer of corn to town which most women wouldn’t have done back then.

Moreover, Louise would have a garden and canned foods such as meat and beans. Also, an amazing dish she made was vegetable soup. She loved to go to Julie’s Cafe and sit at the farmers table. They would always talk about anything.

She would always pick her own cherries every year and hoped to get more cherries than the year before. Louise and Frances would often get together to process and freeze corn.

Louise loved to travel in her adult life. She had a travel trailer and liked to vacation in the South.

One of her favorite vacations that she went on was going to the Netherlands. She really enjoyed it because she thought it was extremely beautiful.

After every trip, Louise would bring home gifts to give to her kids and grandchildren who loved the gifts very dearly. On one occasion, she went to visit her granddaughter Amber in Arizona during the winter. They had a lot of fun together and had a strong bond. I found it very interesting that my grandma was in a bowling league. She loved to be active with traveling and

hobbies. My great-grandma would sew different things. For example, she would sew doll clothes for all of her granddaughters because she loved them. She would also sew regular clothes for her children to wear such as dresses for her daughters.

In Louise’s later life, she would spend her free time shopping and eating out with all of her amazing friends. She was the best grandma ever.

A hardship she had was losing her husband and when her son was diagnosed with polio for his whole life. She would always tell Amber, “Don’t look backward, look forward.”

During Louise’s life, she lived in two houses and both houses were only two miles apart. Also, she loved to spend time with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren. In addition, she would also bake with her family and make the best pies ever. She made the best cookies, too. I would spend almost every weekend at her house playing. She would randomly give out gifts just because she wanted to.

See THE ANCESTOR PROJECT, page 7

GLIMPSES OF THE PAST – FULTON

1975: Sue Brondyke crowned Fulton’s new ‘Miss Flame’

60 years

July 21, 1965

Four Fulton Boy Scouts, Byron Barnhart, Danny Bly, Michael Stontz and Richard Van Zuiden, will leave for a week of service in the Scout Service Corps at the Boy Scout pavilion at the World’s Fair in New York.

Duties of the corps include staffing the Boy Scout Pavilion, where they perform audience-participation demonstrations of basic scouting skills and demonstrate specialty skills and escort and tell pavilion visitors about the purpose, scope, fun and adventure of scouting.

General Contractor Herman DeVries staked out the location of the new Harbor Crest Home for Fulton and earth moving equipment started the task of digging trenches for the footings of the new building.

Contractors are finding a great deal of solid rock just below the surface of the soil at the site and footings are being poured on solid rock, which provides an ideal base.

50 years

July 23, 1975

Miss Sue Brondyke was crowned Fulton’s new “Miss Flame” on Saturday night. Miss Diane Kummerer was named runner-up for the event.

River Bend School board members voted by a 4-1 vote to deny a request for a fall golf program at the high school. The request was denied in April when a letter was received by the board from Darel Mensch. At that time the recommendation from the administration was that golf should not be allowed two seasons.

40 years

July 24, 1985

After several years of sharp cutbacks, including reduction of the teaching staff, the River Bend Board of Education has started adding a few new programs and teachers. Three new employees – a librarian, a speech therapist and an additional coach – were added to the staff by board action. The board voted to increase the annual salary of Superintendent Jeffrey Storm to

To request your FREE copy, simply call us at (815) 632-2566 or email your requests and address to: knull@saukvalley.com

$40,000, plus traveling expenses and other fringe benefits. Mr. Storm was drawing the lowest salary of any superintendent in the area.

The Douglas Allen Show, with three of the six members from the Albany area, is going to entertain servicemen and women in Europe again. They leave for a six-week tour of northern Germany, Belgium, Holland, overnight in Tel Aviv, two days in Bethlehem and Jerusalem and over a week in Israel.

30 years

July 19, 1995

In a photo, Kent Hammer, superintendent of River Bend School District, shakes the hand of school board president Jane Orman when they gathered at the old City Hall on Third Street. The school district officially took possession of the building. The building was used for many years as City Hall and the police station for the city of Fulton and when the city purchased the old bank on 11th Avenue, the building was sold to the school district for $1. The district is in the process of remodeling the

structure for use as a district office.

The area has seen relief from the severe hot weather that plagued the area for several days but rain still is needed. The hot weather hit the area last week when temperatures soared near 100 degrees on Wednesday, with Thursday’s temperature an official 101 degrees. With the dew point, the heat index was near 120 degrees.

20 years

July 20, 2005

The Fulton Fire Protection District will sponsor its second annual fundraiser for the Fulton Community That Cares Program. Started last year to begin a fund to help people in need, this year’s event will help expand money available to help those seeking assistance. Five hundred dollars from last year’s event went to a needy family. The program was designed to help people with emergency funds in case of a catastrophic illness or accident for people who live in the Fulton Fire district.

See GLIMPSES OF THE PAST, page 7

Solar Panel Myths vs. Facts: Summer Edition

Summer is the perfect time to explore solar energy, as longer days and more sunshine make it ideal for harnessing solar power. The following facts debunk common solar myths to help you better understand its benefits this season and beyond.

Myth 1: The Midwest doesn’t get enough sun for solar panels.

• False. Solar panels don’t need intense heat to work. They can generate electricity on overcast days or in cooler climates, as long as there’s sunlight. In fact, they often perform better in cooler temperatures since excessive heat can reduce their efficiency.

Myth 2: Solar is unreliable.

• False. Solar is a reliable energy source with fewer outages than other types of power, even during bad weather. It provides consistent energy, especially when you need it most— during summer heat. Homeowners with solar gain more control over their energy and can protect against power outages.

Myth 3: Going solar is complicated.

• False. Solar is much easier than most people think. At Stateline Solar, we simplify the process from consultation to installation. We handle all the details to make the transition to solar seamless and stress-free.

Myth 4: Solar panels need a lot of maintenance.

• False. Solar panels are low-maintenance. With no moving parts, they’re highly reliable and often outlast their 25-year warranty. All they need is an occasional rinse with a hose (or a good rainfall) and removal of any large debris.

Myth 5: Solar panels take up land that can’t be used for anything else.

• False. Personal Systems can be installed without taking up land entirely. Groundmounted panels can be set up in a way that still allows for farming, grazing, or other activities, so you can make the most of your space. You can also explore a roof-mounted option.

Being well-informed is key when considering solar energy. Feel free to reach out with any questions during your solar journey!

For more information, contact:

Stateline Solar

310 W. Main St. Lena, IL 61048

Ph: (815) 580-3011 statelinesolar.net

• THE ANCESTOR PROJECT

Continued from page 5

Louise died on Oct. 10, 2017, and is deeply missed by everyone. She died in Iowa City. I was playing at her house when she suddenly became ill and had to go to the hospital. She died a few days later. Her family misses calling her to chat and ask her for advice.

In conclusion, Louise Eleanor Bielema was very kind-hearted and caring because of her humble begin -

• GLIMPSES OF THE PAST

Continued from page 6

The city of Fulton has released a list of 61 building permits for the first half of the year 2005. The list includes a warehouse, storage building, commercial and a bank building. Add on

ning and helping others, her hard work for her family, and is being missed by many. In her childhood, she spent a lot of time with her siblings and playing sports.

When she was an adult, she loved being with her kids through hard times. Even though she’s no longer here, we will always remember her playing games with us and baking many things.

I wish I was able to spend more time with my great-grandma before she passed and I will always remember her.

fences, pools, additions, sheds and garages and it totals more than $1.75 million.

10 years

July 22, 2015

On July 14 at Kustom Metal in downtown Fulton, film production began on segments for History Chan -

What is The Ancestor Project?

As one of the final projects of the year, seventh graders at Erie Middle School were challenged to pick an ancestor or someone else they could research and learn more about in order to write a story telling about their life.

Students conducted interviews with family members and some were able to gather additional resources and pictures to help tell their story. While there were many great stories written, not all will be published.

nel’s “American Pickers.” On hand for filming were American Picker stars Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, picks consultant Dave Ohrt and Kustom Metal owner Ben Eshelman. Why here? Eshelman’s newest project is a 1933 Ford Coupe brought to him by Mike and Frank. Eshelman has been working on restoring the metal to its

The project was a collaborative effort between students’ history classes with Mrs. Kruthoff and Mr. Armstrong, English class with Ms. Shabani and their families. It was inspired by the original project that longtime English teacher Mrs. Wiersema made a tradition in her eighth grade class.

Students enjoyed getting to know more about their families and many were surprised to learn how interesting their families were. We hope you all will enjoy their stories, too.

original shape and aging sections of metal to blend.

The Fulton Association for Community Enrichment (FACE), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, awarded grants to local organizations. A total of $9,150 was granted to local organizations by FACE and D.S. Flikkema Foundation.

IDOT: Morrison’s stretch of U.S. 30 in line for

By CHARLENE BIELEMA cbielema@shawmedia.com

As Morrison residents walked along an illustration propped up at the city’s library July 16, they were able to get their first glimpse of a newly proposed plan to upgrade a stretch of U.S. 30 through town.

About 300 people turned out at the five-hour open house where Illinois Department of Transportation officials walked and talked with those interested in the $15.2 million project that could see construction start in mid- to late 2029.

“This is Step 1,” said Mat Dobie, a condemnation engineer with IDOT’s Dixon office. “We’re here to get the vibe from the town.”

Dobie spent time talking one-on-one with residents as he pointed to the illustration that, block by block, mapped out potential changes for a primary corridor that carries 9,000 motorists daily either west toward Iowa or east to Sterling/Rock Falls as it slices through the city of 4,100 people.

Dobie, as well as other IDOT officials on hand from the Dixon office, said the response they had been receiving throughout the afternoon was a good one. They said residents were excited about roadwork to repair the rough ride through town – to the point where they want it to start even earlier than plans call for.

The work as proposed would start one-tenth of a mile west of Illinois 78, which is on the western edge of town, to two-tenths of a mile east of Jackson Street on the east side of town.

The original road was built in the 1930s, according to IDOT. Throughout the years, a portion from Jackson Street to Bishop Road on the east edge of town and a stretch of U.S. 30 on the west side from Garden Plain Road to Milnes Drive have undergone widening, patching and resurfacing projects.

The plan presented July 16 is part of an IDOT study that would turn the two-lane road into three lanes, reconstruct U.S. 30’s aging pavement and add turn lanes and a bi-directional

turn lane to help relieve congestion.

The project also would include drainage, culvert and safety improvements as needed. Pedestrian, Americans with Disability Act and bicycle accommodations will be considered, according to IDOT.

The project would include installation of curbs and gutters, storm sewers, retaining walls, turn lanes and sidewalks. Also included in the plan is a multi-use path that would run on the south side of the upgraded road.

The project would involve extensive coordination with the city of Morrison, the Morrison Historical Society and other project stakeholders, according to IDOT documents. Property acquisition most likely would be necessary in the eastern portion of the proposed plan, Dobie said.

IDOT’s next move as presented July 16 will be collecting more data about the project and receiving feedback from residents. Comments continue to be accepted. To comment, according to the IDOT website:

Mail: Region 2 engineer, Attn: Stud -

ATTENTION EXHIBITORS!

rebuild

ies and Plans, Illinois Department of Transportation, 819 Depot Ave., Dixon IL, 61021-3500

Email: Brad Cushman, project manager and designer, at Brad.Cushman@ illinois.gov

Phone: 815-284-5996

You also can fill out a comment form. Enter U.S. 30 Morrison in the “Subject Matter” field.

All comments IDOT receives about the project will be reviewed and evaluated against criteria such as feasibility, whether it’s practical, adherence to project goals and compliance with state and federal policies and laws. Comments that meet those criteria could be considered for incorporation into the project’s design.

IDOT next would finalize project development reports and prepare the final plans and supporting documents required for construction. The project timeline as it now stands sets design approval for early 2027. Bid letting would happen in early 2029, with construction to start later that year, Dobie said.

Firefighters pull truck, boat, trailer from lake at Morrison Rockwood State Park

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

First responders were called to Morrison Rockwood State Park on July 18 to remove a truck pulling a boat and trailer that went underwater near Lake Carlton’s boat ramp.

The Morrison Fire Department, Whiteside County sheriff’s deputies and Illinois Department of Natural Resources staff responded to the scene.

When first responders arrived only a portion of the submerged vehicle could be seen sticking out of the water.

The truck, boat and trailer were pulled out of the water by the Morrison Fire Department and Dabney Wrecker, assisted by the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office and three IDNR officers.

No injuries were reported.

About 100 people watched the rescue operation. Ten kayaks and one boat were stuck on the lake for close to four hours because of the mishap.

Morrison firefighters work to pull a truck, boat and trailer from the lake July 18 at Morrison

after the truck accidentally entered the lake at the boat ramp.

Steve Siefken

Rockwood State Park near Morrison. No one was injured

Joseph (left) and Michael Ring talk about their working relationship at their shop in Oregon on June 3. “One of the things that we’ve figured out to make things functional is that you have to have a lot of aligned incentives and understand how different people have different goals. If you have someone who’s pretty close to that, then I think it works better,” Michael said.

ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM

OREGON — Growing up among the farms and woods east of Oregon, Michael and Joseph Ring had a pretty big playground. There was no shortage of places to play as they’d run and roam through the countryside, exploring nature’s nooks and crannies, making forts, and learning to appreciate all that the land had to offer.

Today, they’re still appreciating it, but in a different way.

The twin brothers raise Angus and Gelbvieh cattle from conception to market on rented land in Ogle County and sell the meat as Ring Brothers Beef. They also grow and raise crops, both for feed and sale, and have turned their

• See BROTHERS on next page

talent for land management and equipment repair into a business, Nashua Ventures.

For Michael and Joseph, growth — not only in the land, but personally and professionally too — is a big part of their lives. So too is having agency in what they do: taking initiative, taking control and making their own choices. And it’s all built on a strong foundation, one they’ve each built with their families, with seven children between them. Their hope is that one day they’ll follow in their footsteps and into the field, tapping into their own talents to carry on the family farming tradition.

Joseph and Michael represent the fourth generation of cattle farmers in their family, and through the years have built a bond that could only come from the closeness of family. It’s a brotherly bond that’s served them well.

“We understand each other’s motivations quite a bit, and that is something that we’ve concentrated on in the past with different relationships in business that we’ve had, whether it’s partnerships with family or other outside deals,” Michael said. “One of the things that we’ve figured out: To make things functional, you have to have a lot of aligned incentives and understand how different people have different goals. If you have someone who’s pretty close to that, then I think it works better.”

The time the Rings spent growing up together, with their parents allowing them time to be left to their own devices, helped shape their drive to be successful in business.

“It’s taking the things that I have talent for and finding a market for them,” Joseph said. “Some of them aren’t terribly marketable, but some of them are, and I’m interested in being profitable in whatever pursuits I’m in. Finding that product market fit has been a big part of it — that and being able to do it with my family and friends.”

It also helps to get an early start. For the Rings, that meant raising cows when they were 6 years old.

The Ring’s grandfather, Roger Nord-

man, bought three head one day, keeping one for himself and gifting the other two to the twin grandsons.

The cows were solely their responsibility — feeding

When Joseph and Michael’s grandfather gifted them two head of cattle, he wound up having a steak in his grandson’s future. Roger Nordman started the brothers out on their road to the pasture by giving them the cows to take care of when they were still in grade school. The two would turn that early experience with responsibility into their own herd, and eventually their own cattle operation, Ring Brothers Beef.

ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM

and fattening them up, caring for them — and that served as a catalyst for a growing herd, paving the way

Agriculture Loans

• See BROTHERS on next page

for their future raising cattle. For a couple of grade-schoolers, it was a learning experience that added another building block on a firm foundation their family had already built for them, and one that Michael remembers “as clear as day,”

“It was one of those things where I felt a sense of responsibility,” Michael recalled. “It’s something that’s really common in ag, where responsibility at a young age is something that is just assumed to start being given to young kids. I think there are a lot of things around that you have to keep track of. You can only give kids what they can handle. Now we have this cow, and every day we’re going take the wagon and go to the hay barn and you’re going to fill it and you’re going to put it in their bunk.

As the brothers grew, so too did their responsibilities, including property maintenance by the time they were in their teens. By then, the Rings were living with their aunt and uncle and their children after their parents died when they were young.

The twins rented ground for their growing herd when they were 15. Said Joseph: “We wanted to be able to manage it on our own, and we’ve continued to rent more land and build our cow herd in that way” — and it’s a good thing the brothers got an early start, he added: “Cattle are so capital intensive now, that I’m glad we started when we did. It would be very hard to get into it now.”

Of the two breeds they raise, Joseph puts his focus toward Angus and Michael on Gelbvieh. Their calves are grass fed until weaning and finished on grain to facilitate a high-quality beef taste.

Their experience growing up on a family farm proved invaluable, and the brothers have carried what they’ve learned with them as they raise their own families, including the lessons their grandfather taught them. Taking a page from their grandfather’s book, Michael put his young children in charge of raising their own chickens.

“Now you have this thing that you get to do, and you get to feel that re-

• See BROTHERS on next page

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• BROTHERS from previous page

sponsibility that you need to fill that obligation. You also get to feel the pride in that,” Michael said. “I think it’s really important to start that at a young age, even if it’s not a cow.”

They may be just chickens today, but they’ll be memories and valuable lessons tomorrow.

“Kids are learning from you, and you’re being an example for them,” Michael said. “You feel a lot of responsibility around that. If you can work up into things like that, it gives you all of those practical skills for how to think about working in groups, developing as a person and dealing with conflict and all kinds of other things.”

One of the challenges they had to deal with was a global pandemic — but getting through the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 proved to be another opportunity for sibling teamwork. At the time, slaughter plants were shutting down due to safety restrictions, and shipments of livestock stalled. Not one head that was ready to go to market was shipped out for a twomonth period; normally, cattle would have been shipped out every week or two by the semi load, Michael said.

As the disruptions put a financial pinch on the market, they managed to find processors and began Ring Brothers Beef to sell quarters and halves, first through Facebook and by word of mouth, and then on their own website (ringbrothersbeef.com) where they sell ground beef, steaks, sirloin tip roast and beef sticks, and even their own business apparel. Items are available for delivery or pickup at the farm.

Getting into the meat business when they did came during a rise in demand for dry-aged beef, which helped them turn an economic downturn right-side up again.

“We had this product that we were either going to lose a bunch of money on, or add value to,” Joseph said. “We aren’t people who sit idly by and let the world happen to us, and we try to have a lot of agency in the things that we do, so we just said: ‘What are we going to do

about this?’”

Expanding their business footprint to other farms, the Rings started Nashua Ventures in 2024 to help farmers with tasks such as land clearing, driveway

maintenance, equipment repair, gravel hauling, snow plowing and heavy fence line clean up. The Nashua name comes from the former Ogle County township • See BROTHERS on next page

Travis McBride

Commercial Ag Lender

that part of the Rings’ land is on (Nashua merged with Oregon Township in 1995).

Joseph also owns Ring DJ Service, emceeing several wedding receptions in the area. He also ran for Oregon Township Road Commissioner in 2024, but lost the close contest on the counting of mail-in ballots after Election Day.

“I think that a lot of the things that we do are designed around lifestyle, and being able to have an area where we can raise our families in and can foster community in the next circle out with our friends and neighbors,”

Michael said. “That’s how we think about a lot of things, having a certain amount of agency

about the way that we choose what to work on, intentionally, to design those things. If we’re able to work in areas that allow us some degree of freedom in that, then we can prioritize those things and manage our time.”

Diligence and determination, faith in their abilities, planning and prioritizing, and a firm family foundation: The journey from the brothers’ budding bovine business as children to their own cattle operation as adults is one that’s been full of choices for the Rings, with each decision they make focusing on the future and on the big picture — and with the family’s budding young poultry producers already waiting in the wings, the future of farming is likely to have members of the Ring

Find Ring Brothers Beef and Nashua Ventures on Facebook, or go to ringbrothersbeef.com to learn more about Joseph and Michael Ring’s cattle operation in rural Oregon and to shop for meat at its online store.

family in the picture for years to come. n Shaw Media reporter Cody Cutter can be reached at 815-632-2532 or ccutter@shawmedia.com.

from page 3

Reserved seating for the Demolition Derby costs $10 a ticket. Those tickets are available beginning Monday, Aug. 4, one week before the start of the fair. Tickets must be purchased in person. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted.

Reserved seats (1,350) will be sold on a first-come basis. There are 1,300 free grandstand seats and 1,000 seats available on portable bleachers.

Pit passes may be bought at the demolition derby, after entering the fair, for $20. Pit passes do not guarantee seating and do not include gate admission.

Other Saturday events include Harness Racing, noon; Kids Tractor Pedal Pull, 11 a.m.; and Wood Carving Auction 4 p.m.

“Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair. There is no doubt without your continued support our fair would not remain as we have enjoyed over the years,” said Todd Mickley, director of publicity. “It’s no secret with the budget cuts the State of Illinois has imposed, we need your help and support to keep our fair going strong so we can continue with this important part of our county’s heritage for years to come.”

For information, visit whitesidecountyfair.org.

We Support Our Local Schools!

GO STEAMERS AND KNIGHTS!

Steve Siefken file photo

Harness racing returns this year to the Whiteside County Fair.

Drs. Terry and Sarah Foust

“Serving Large and Small Animals”

602 N. High Street, Port Byron, IL

Phone 309-524-6484

Fax: 309-524-6485 www.riverviewvets.com

FARM - INDUSTRIAL

Larry’s Metal

We Sell and Service All Major Brands 309-887-4447

Call 815-632-2560

16262 Waller Rd., (Rt. 84), Fulton, IL

DIRECTORY BUSINESS AND SERVICE

WHITESIDE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS

July 7-11

Warranty deeds

Paul J Feldt to Heather J Eshelman, Laura J Hook and Brian J Feldt, two parcels in Garden Plain Township: 07-35-100-004 and 07-35-100-005, $0.

Robert J Holst Trust, and Mark D Volrath to Bryan Govani Jimenez, 903 W. Morris St., Morrison, $7,500.

Vicky Lynn Munz to Jacob E Munz, trustee, and Munz Farm Trust, five parcels in Jordan Township: 05-18-100003, 05-18-100-004, 05-18-300-002, 05-19-100-006 and 05-19-100-007, $600,000.

Francisco J Sandoval and Manuela Olivia Parrilla Sandoval to Alejandra Sandoval and Jesus E Sandoval, 1405 11th Ave., Rock Falls, $100,000.

Virginia Sollars, Rita Wulf and Peter Martinez to Edward Fuentes and Kim Fuentes, 1203 First Ave., Sterling, $51,500. Nu Luv Entertainment Inc to M5 Industries LLC and Theater Series, 314 First Ave., Sterling, $480,000.

Jacob L Keever to Chad Martens, 1320 16th Ave., Erie, $125,000.

Edwardo Castillo to Betty Schwirblat, 1209 Riverdale Road, Rock Falls, $83,000. Katherine N Laubenstein to Yaritzy Millan and Fredy Uriostegui, 1711 17th Ave., Sterling, $128,000.

Benjamin L Frank and Jeanne M Frank to Christin J Roman, 505 Adams St., Prophetstown, $169,000.

Brett A Carrigan and Emalee K Carrigan to Tammi L Morthland, 506 W. Morris St., Morrison, $170,000.

Wells Fargo Bank to Secretary Of Hud, 412 W. 9th St., Sterling, $0.

Roger D Klimstra to Roger Klimstra Trust, 10851 Elston Road, Fulton, $0.

Richard A Wagner and Ilene K Wagner to Karen J Sedig and Leland E Sedig, 808A Village Lane, Sterling, $152,000.

Lucille Miller and Linda Sue Karn to Laura Kasper, 1107 W. 21st St., Rock Falls, $35,000.

Gene E Moore Sr to Courtnie Moore, 18791 Felton Road, Morrison, $0.

Anne L Blackwell, formerly known as Anne L Cutler, and Michael Blackwell to Phillip E Hubbard, 501 Grobe Road, Sterling, $116,000.

Bryan L Anton and Lori H Anton to Joseph A Segretto, 23025 Hazel Road, Sterling, $275,000.

Ronald E Pell to Brook Olson, 806 W. 19th St., Sterling, $115,000.

4d Farms Inc and 4 D Farms Inc to Loos 1052 LLC, 4208 Woodlawn Road, Sterling, $215,000.

Stalin Coronel to Cain Fullmer, 1210 W. 20th St., Rock Falls, $39,000.

Adeline Callison, now known as Adeline Spangler, to Peyton G Gibson, 108 Maple Ave., Morrison, $162,500.

John R Potter and Sandrea R Smith, now known as Sandrea R Potter, to Kimberly Mccoy, 306 Prospect St., Morrison, $198,000.

Aaron Ulrich to Mackenna L Collins and Dustin A Collins, 118 10th St., Fulton, $197,500.

Steven K Ufkin and Kathy J Ufkin to Calvin J Deetz and Jennifer L Deetz, two parcels on Habben Road: 10-16-300-002 and 10-16-300-005, $948,090.

Calynn Cook, Janlynn Druce Jones and Kenneth Druce to Paul Hanlon, 501 W. Commercial St., Lyndon, $185,000.

Robert C Hayes and Brenda S Hayes to James Marshall and Karen Marhsall, 201 Maple Lane, Fulton, $375,000.

Terri Fredricks, Rickey Fredricks and Barry S Fredricks Estate to Frank E Lilly, 18891 13th St., Fulton, $102,500.

John C Ybarra and Mary R Ybarra to John C Ybarra, trustee, Mary R Ybarra, trustee, and Ybarra Joint Trust, 2111 E. 40th St., Sterling; 507 E. 14th St., Sterling; and 2112 E. 39th St., Sterling; $0. Kevin M Buis and Lindsay A Buis to Ernest E Huling and Dawn M Young, two parcels in Mt. Pleasant Township: 09-16-151-008 and 09-17-276-003, $0.

Deeds

Elsie J Gaither Estate to Richard A Wagner and Ilene K Wagner, 1403 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling, $120,000.

Michael A Kunde and Judith Ann K Baldwin to Kay E Fisher Trust, 2301 22nd Ave., Sterling, $251,500.

Whiteside County Clerk to Innovation Title LLC, trustee, and Trust No 25, 706 Ave. C, Rock Falls, $0.

See PROPERTY TRANSFERS, page 19

CHURCH LISTINGS

ALBANY

Albany United Methodist Church

502 N. 1st Avenue, 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

Minister: Nathan Bright Youth Minister: Aaron Sweeney www.eriechristianchurch.com

Erie Evangelical Free Church 1409 16th Ave., Erie, 309-659-7125 Website: erieefree.org

Pastor Ron Eckberg

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg

Erie United Methodist Church 811 8th Street, Erie

Pastor Tiffany Garcea - 309-659-2541 www.erieumc.org

Farmers Elevator

815-772-4029 - Morrison, IL

Rock River Lumber & Grain

815-537-5131 - Prophetstown

Frary’s Lumber & Supply 815-537-5151 - Prophetstown

Newton Zion Reformed Church 10465 Frog Pond Road, Erie

Pastor Shannon Parrish - 309-659-2464 newtonzion@frontier.com

St. Ambrose Catholic Church Corner of 5th and Main

Father David Reese Rectory Phone: 815-537-2077

Church Phone: 309-659-2781

FENTON

Fenton Methodist Church 10019 Main Street, Fenton

FULTON

Bethel Christian Reformed Church 1208 3rd Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-2501 www.bethelfulton.com bethelcrchurch@gmail.com

Pastor Jeremiah Mitchell

Sunday service is 10 a.m.

First Reformed Church

510 15th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-2203

Pastor Charles Huckaby

Fulton Presbyterian Church

311 N. 9th St., Fulton, 815-589-3580 www.fultonpreschurch.org email: presbyterianchurchfulton@gmail.com.

Garden Plain Presbyterian Church 14915 Sands Road, Fulton

Gateway Faith Fellowship Church

701 11th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-4283

Pastor Wayne Wiersema

Immaculate Conception Church 703 12th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-3542

Father Timothy Barr, Pastor secretaryfulton@gmail.com

Newton Zion Reformed Church 10645 Frog Pond Road, Erie, 309-659-2464 newtonzion@frontier.com

Pastor Shannon Parrish

CrossView Church 703 14th Ave., Fulton, 815-589-3425 www.wearecrossview.com secretary@wearecrossview.com

RUTLEDGE ELECTRIC

822 Main, Erie Serving the Area Since 1980 Farm • Residential • Commercial Wiring & Contracting 309-659-2195

Morrison Veterinary Clinic

Jentry Fane, DVM, DVM, R.R. Zinkem, DVM, S.E. Blair, DVM, SJ. Lawfer, DVM

Phone 815-772-4047

14993 Lyndon Rd., Morrison

Spring Valley Reformed Church

10960 Spring Valley Road, Fulton Pastor Paul Wissink 815-772-3554

First Christian Reformed Church 801 15th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-3790 www.fultonfirstcrc.com firstcrcfulton@live.com

Pastor Michael Hooker

HILLSDALE

Hillsdale United Methodist Church 124 Butzer St., Hillsdale Church 309-658-2340

Pastor Melva England

HOOPPOLE

Calvary Evangelical Congregational Church

Rev. Zachary Van Dyke, Pastor 563-370-8779

Hooppole Zion Methodist Church

Pastor Rolando Renteria 311 Main St, Hooppole, 815-948-7591 Parsonage 309-658-2145

LYNDON

Dominion Christian Fellowship Center 104 4th St. W., Lyndon 815-590-6971

Rev. Barbi E. Momolu Sr.

Trinity Baptist Church

403 6th Ave North, Lyndon Pastor Alan Jahn - 563-242-0307 www.trinitybaptistchapel.com

MORRISON

Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church

301 W. South St., Morrison

Pastor Tammy Anderson 815-414-1758 - Office: 772-4896

Brethren In Christ Church

207 E. Knox Street, Morrison Pastor Craig Sipes - 815-772-4871

Sunday Worship at 10 a.m.

WISDOM

Erie, Illinois

“For

Church Of St. Anne Episcopal

401 N Cherry St., Morrison, 815-772-2818 stannemorrison@frontiernet.net www.churchofstannemorrison.org

Crossroads Community Church

201 W. Market, Morrison Pastor Jon Eastlick - 815-956-0090 morrison@crossroadscn.com

Ebenezer Reformed Church

309 E. Park St., Morrison Pastor J. T. Bean 815-772-2472

www.ercmorrison.com

Emmanuel Church

202 E. Morris St., Morrison 815-772-3890 www.ecmorrison.com

Rev. Luke Schouten, Senior Pastor Rich Criss, Ministry Coordinator

First Baptist Church 406 E. Maple Ave. Morrison

Pastor Roy Brown, II Phone 815-772-2696 facebook.com/morrisonfirstbaptist

First Presbyterian Church Rev. Michael Selburg - 815-772-3510

100 East Lincolnway, Morrison Facebook live services Sundays 10:15 a.m.

YouTube Channel: First Presbyterian Church firstpresmorrison@gmail.com www.firstpresmorrison.org

Kingdom Life Community Church

11429 Ward Road, Morrison 815-772-4098

www.kingdomlife.global

Pastor Stephen Harmon

Morrison Christian Church

201 S. Genesee, Morrison David Manley, Minister, 602-750-6426 d.manley93@yahoo.com

Google YouTube Larry Kidwell for sermons.

Morrison United Methodist Church 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison Pastor Sun-Ah Kang - 815-772-4030

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

St. Mary Catholic Church

Reverend Slawomir Zimodro 105 Benton St., Tampico Phone 815-438-5425

Tampico Baptist Church

209 W. 3rd St., Tampico Pastor Ethan Horton

Tampico First United Methodist Church Pastor Leanne Keate - 815-564-2302

Divinity Trio to perform at Spring Valley Reformed Church on July 27

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Divinity Trio will perform on the outdoor stage at Spring Valley Reformed Church, 10960 Spring Valley Road, Fulton, at 6 p.m., Sunday, July 27.

“We will be serving root beer floats after the concert,” church member MiKayla Rose said. “Come and join us for an evening of praise and worship. A freewill offering will be taken. In case of

inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors.”

Since 2019 Divinity Trio has been touring, singing and promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ through song, Rose said.

“Divinity Trio has achieved some lifelong dreams, the latest of which are, releasing multiple songs that have broken the top 80 on the singing news charts, highlighted by two Main Stage appearances at the National Quartet Convention in 2021 and 2023,” Rose said.

• PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Continued from page 17

Quit claim deeds

Scott V Lawrence and Anne E Lawrence to Lotta Wotta Farm LLC, 13135 Pleasant St., Morrison, $0.

Scott V Lawrence and Anne E Lawrence to Scott Lawrence Trust and Anne Lawrence Trust, 13135 Pleasant St., Morrison, $0.

Larry Mccormick Trust, Larry G Mccormick, trustee, and Mary R Mccormick Trust to Sterling Road District, one parcel in Sterling Township: 11-10-301-006, $0.

Mary Jane Rosenow, trustee, Mary Jane Rosenow Trust, Richard F Rosenow Jr, trustee, and Richard F Rosenow Sr Trust to Debra M Maes, 606 Rita Court, Prophetstown, $0.

Rhea J Kromrey, now known as Rhea J Butner, to Rhea J Butner and Nancy A Seyller, 507 Ash Ave., Morrison, $0.

John Paul Parker to Sandra Williamson, 2801 Walnut St., Rock Falls, $14,000.

Natalie J Moeller and Shay R Moeller to Shay R Moeller, trustee, Natalie J Moeller, trustee, and Moeller Family Trust, 28618 Rock Ridge Drive, Rock Falls, $0.

Trustees deeds

Diane L Martin Trust to Tanner Dewitt, 309 5th Ave., Sterling, $66,500.

Michael P Zurn, trustee, Karen S Zurn, trustee, and Zurn Family Trust to Brett A Carrigan and Emalee K Carrigan, 13075 Pleasant St., Morrison, $265,000.

Shannon M Richter, trustee, Herbert L Richter, trustee, and Richter Family Trust to Nathan Ray Mauren and Caitlin E Mauren, 1407 Heritage Lane, Sterling, $625,000.

Maureen Sims Trust to Vicky Ann Jones, 820 Ave. A, Rock Falls, $125,000.

Victor L Bunge Trust to Anneliese Eisenberg and Bryan Kujawa, 301 4th St., Unit 2, Fulton, $142,000.

Photo provided by MiKayla Rose

Divinity Trio will perform on the outdoor stage at Spring Valley Reformed Church, 10960 Spring Valley Road, Fulton, at 6 p.m., Sunday, July 27.

CLASSIFIED

Addison Precision Products is Hiring!

Amboy location is looking for a CNC Technician

Experience with CNC Lathe, CNC Mills and CNC maintenance.

Please contact Steve at steve@ addisonprecision.com or call to setup an interview 815-857-4466

PART TIME BOOKKEEPER

Rock River Center, Inc in Oregon, IL is accepting applications for a Part Time Bookkeeper. Position requires approximately 20 hours weekly Flexible

Schedule Qualified applicants must be skilled in accounting and bookkeeping. Proficiency in QuickBo oks and Excel and familiar ity with payroll requirements and fund accounting helpful

Applications are available at Rock River Center during business hours

8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday-Friday or resumes may be emailed to executivedirector@r ockriver center .org

IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SU RGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2020 and the pr esent time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Char les H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

Place your Garage Sale ad online 24/7 at www.ShawLo ca l.com/ garage sale s Email: classified@ shawlocal.com or call Mon-Fri 8am-4pm: 815-526-4645

Queen size bed frame w/ headboard. Br and new $160 815-857-4282 Classified It works 833-584-NEWS

PROFES SIONAL TRUCK DRIVER

Dry & Liquid Bulk (Local & Long Distance)

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We are currently seeking a reliable Truck Driver to join our team

This role involves the safe and timely hauling of dry bulk and liquid bulk materials, both locally and over long distances

Opportunity is available to make up to $100,000+ a year. You'll be operating well-maintained equipment, delivering to a variety of industr ial, agricultural, and commercial clients.

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Haul dry and liquid bulk loads safely and on time

Run a mix of local and long-distance routes

Keep the rig clean and in good shape (we'll help with that)

Handle paperwork and basic load checks

Communicate clearly with dispatch and custo mers

Requirements:

Valid CDL Class A license with tanker endorsement

Clean driving record and up- to-date medical card

Ability to work flexible hours, including overnights and weekends as needed

Strong communication and time management skills

Intere sted? Let's Talk

Call Jacob at: 815-878-40 14 - or -

Email us at: J.holper@aol.com

Sell those unwante d items with the help of a Classified Ad 833-584-NEWS

STERLING2 BR, 1 BA, ranch style home. Large kitchen, living room & enclosed porch Corner lot New paint & carpets. Great starter / rental house. $51,000 Call 815-440-7985

MA INTENA NCE

3.5 YE AR APPRENTICE OR HIGHE R

Raynor Garage Doors and United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America Local 790 Apprenticeship committee will be accepting applications for a s econd shift 3.5 Year Skilled or Higher Maintenance Apprentice This is a 5-year program that involves academic and on the job instruct ion.

Applications for this positio n will be accepted July 15, 2025, through July 25, 2025.

Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age, have a high school dip loma or GED, and be able to pass a physical Raynor and United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America Local 790 are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Applicants may apply at: www.raynor.com

PROGRAM DIRECTO R

Sterling, IL

Cornerstone Special Care is Hiring!

Lead with Purpose - Make a Difference!

Are you ready to make a lasting impact? We'r e seeking a

Prog ram Director to lead our dedicated team in pr oviding exceptional care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

What You'll Do:

Oversee training programs and case management

Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements

Coordinate inter disciplinary teams

Manage program budgets and maintain documentation

Provide staff training and support professional development

What We're Lo oking For:

Bachelor's degree in a health-related field (QIDP eligible) 2+ years of exp erience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Why Co rnerstone?

Join a mission-driven team committed to transforming lives through compassionate care and community support.

Apply to day and be part of something meaningful!

Interested applicants should submit a resume as follows: via email to: Melissa.Francque@cornerstonespecialcare.org OR by mail to:

Melissa Francque, Executive Director, Cornerstone Special Care, 2601 Woodlawn Road, Sterling, IL 61081

For more information call 815-626-5820

BOARD OPERATOR

Seasonal Part Time Dixon & Peru

Shaw Local Radio is lookin g to expand our programming team with a seasonal, part-time Board Operator to support our busy fall and winter sports season.

What You'll Do :

Operate the studio control board during live and remote broadcasts

Air commercials and programming content

Assist with post-production and digital content tasks

Ensure broadcast audio meets quality standards

What We're Loo king For:

Availability to work evenings and weeke nd s

Basic computer knowledge helpful - we will train the right candidate

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED

Previo us radio or audio experience is a plus but not requir ed

$15.00 per hour

Why Join Us:

Work with a supportive, creative team

Gain hands- on experience in live radio broadcasting

Be part of a d ynamic and engaging local media operation

Please send your resume:

Online: www.shawmedia.com/careers

or mail to Human Resources at: Shaw Local Radio, PO Box 250, Crystal Lake, IL 60039

Shaw Media is an equal opportunity and drug free employer

We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Pre-employment drug screen and background check are required.

Get The Scoop!

We

are growing in Sterling!

Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc for over 50 years has designed, engineered and specialized in producing customized material weighing and batching systems , bulk bag filling/packaging stations, bulk bag unloading systems, process controls and plantwide automation systems

LEAD MECHANICAL DESIGNER

40 hour week; Monday-Friday, other times/days as needed

Exempt salaried position ★ Onsite position

The Lead Mechanical Designer position plays a key role in the mechanical design, development, and integration of industrial automation systems The ideal candidate will have strong technical proficiency, hands-on design experience, and the ability to lead others in developing mechanical solutions for material handling, weighing, batching, and process control systems.

Principal Responsibilities:

Assist Sales Team with 2D and 3D concept drawings using SolidWorks and DraftSight.

Work under a Project Manager to Lead the mechanical design process from concept through production for custom weighing and material handling systems.

Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and fabrication packag es using SolidWor ks

Collaborate with cross-functio nal teams including electrical engineering, controls, panel shop, and manufacturing to ensure integrated solutions

Conduct design reviews and provide technical oversight of designer s and drafters

Create and manage Bill of Materials (BOMs), fabrication drawings, explo ded views, shipping drawings, and assembly instructions.

Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable standar ds (e.g., UL, NFPA, OSHA) and customer specifications

Coordinate with vendors and internal purchasing for part selection and manufacturability.

Support field installations and service when required, including occasional travel

Maintain design documentation and revisio n control processes.

Assist Production Staff when needed

Skills:

Proficiency in SolidWorks and DraftSight

Strong understanding of mechanical fabrication, including sheet metal, structur al steel, fasteners, pneumatics, and machining.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Time Management Skills

Organi zed and Attention to Detail

Creative Problem Solver

Ability to interpret electrical schematics and understand mechanical-electrical integration is a plus.

Experience with industrial enclosures, panel layou ts, and process equipment design is a plus

Working knowledge of ERP/BOM structures is a plus.

Knowledge, Education or Experience:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field

5+ years of exper ience in mechanical design, preferably in a custom manufacturing or industrial automation setting.

Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc, offers highly competitive wages & co mpany benefits.

To apply, send resum e to : Human Resources, Sterling S ystems & Controls, Inc. PO Box 418, Sterling, IL 61081 or email: sci@sterlingcontrols.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ASCENTRA CREDIT UNION, Pla intiff, vs. RACHEAL BERGERON; PETER HERCH; and UNKNOWN OWNERS and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants.

No. 2025 FC 16 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FOR ECLOSU RE ACT

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of For eclosure ente red by the court in the above - entitled cause on June 2, 2025, the propert y hereinafter described or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said judgment, will be sold to the highest bidd er

(a) The name, address and telep hone number of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate is: Allison E Walsh, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 3725 Bl ackhawk Road, Suite 200, Rock Island, IL 61201, (309) 786-4900

(b) The common address and other common description, if any, of the real estate is: 12465 Frog Pond Road, Fulton, IL 61252

(c) The legal description of the real estate is: PART OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 3 EAST OF THE 4TH P.M., WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILL INOI S, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 3 EAST OF THE 4TH P.M.; THENCE SOUTH 291 FEET ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTIO N 35; THENCE WEST 531 FEET ON A LINE PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF SAID QUARTER SECTIO N; THENCE NORTH 34 FEET ON A LINE PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION SECTION 35; THENCE WEST 327 FEET ON A LINE PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF SAID QUARTER SECTION; THENCE NORTH 257 FEET ON A LINE PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 35, TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID QUARTER SECTION; THENCE EAST 858 FEE T TO THE PLACE OF BEGINN ING

(d) A description of the improvements on the real estate is: a single family home

(e) The time and place of the sale are: August 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Whiteside County Courthouse, Morrison, Illinois.

(f) The terms of the sale are: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier's or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to qua lity or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition The sale is further subject to confirmat ion by the Court. The property will NOT be open for inspecti on

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the for eclosure sale, other than the mortgagee, shall pay the as sessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Prope rty Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

(g) The case title, case number and the court in which the foreclosure was filed are:

This information is shown above The case number is 2025 FC 16. The Court is the Circuit Court of the 14th Judicial Circuit, Whiteside County, Illinois.

(h) Other informat ion ordered by the Court: None. ASCENTRA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff

By: Allison E. Walsh BROOKS LAW FIRM, P.C. Its Attorneys

Allison E. Walsh Brooks Law Firm, P.C. 3725 Blackhawk Road, Suite 200 Rock Island, IL 61201 Telephone: (309) 786-4900 Fac simile: (309) 786-4940 aew@brookslawfirmpc.com

July 8, 15, 22, 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE INTEREST OF: GABRIEL JONES, LILLIAN JONE S, minors No. 19 JA 1 19 JA 2

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

To: TIMOTHY A. JONES :

RIGHTS TO THE CHILDREN. Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notice s of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights.

Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the Petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and a n order or judgment entered.

STERLING COURTHOUSE STERLING, IL 61081 815-535-4540

July 22, 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

1024 Hilltop Dr iv

LESTER S.

LESTER S. WEINSTINE, P.C.

1024 Hilltop Dr. P.O. Box 409 Morrison, IL 61270

Tel: 815-772-7211

Fax: 815-772-8599

Cell: 224-623-4624 skippe rlester@ hotmail.com

Dated: July 17th, 2025 /s/Sue Scott Sue Scott Clerk of Court SEAL LAUREN C. HOMAN WHITESIDE

ESTATE OF SANDRA J. FRIEDRICHSEN, Deceased Case No 2025 PR 55 CLAIM NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS

DAMON VARNELL et al Defendant

Court under that Act. THE COURT HAS AUTHORITY IN THIS PROCEEDING TO TAKE FROM YOU THE CUSTODY AND GUARDIANSHIP OF THE MINORS, TO TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS, AND TO APPOINT A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION. YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO YOUR CHILDREN. IF THE PETITION REQUESTS THE TERMINATION OF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION, YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO THE CHILDREN. Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notice s of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights.

U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.-

2024 FC 210 NOTICE OF SALE

Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the Petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and a n order or judgment entered.

Notice is given to creditor s of the death of Sandra J. Friedrichsen, Letters of Office were issued to Diana Jo Johnson, whose address is 6573 Cordova Rd, Erie, IL 61250, as Independent Representative, whose attorney of record is Lester S. Weinstine, of the Law Offices of Lester S. Weinstine, P.C., 1024 Hilltop Dr iv e, P.O. Box 409, Morrison, IL 612700409.

P.O. Box 409, Morrison, IL 612700409. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Whiteside County, 200 East Knox Stree t, Morrison, Illinois, 61270, or wi th the representative, or both, on or before the 8th day of January, 2026 or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in that notice Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the representative's attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

Diana Jo Johnson, Independent Representative for the Estate of Sandra J. Friedrichsen, Deceased LESTER S. WEINSTINE ARDC #02968592

July 8, 15, 22, 2025 IN THE CIRCUI COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF CAROL J. BUTZER, Deceased Case 2025 PR CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is give creditor s of death of Caro Butzer, Letters Office were issued to Lisa A Bu wh ose addres 22424 157th Ave Cordova, IL 61242, as Independe Representative, wh ose attorney record is Lester S. Wei nstine the

Property Index No. 17-06-205-007 The real estate is improved with a residence Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted.

Dated:

July 17th, 2025

/s/Sue Scott

The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ''AS IS'' condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be ope n for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information

pointment of Guardian with the Power to Consent to Adoption were filed under the Juvenile Court Act by State's Attorney Colleen Buckwalte r in the Circuit Court of Whitesid e County, Illinois, entitled "In the Interest of GABRIEL JONES" and "In the Interest of LILLIAN JONES" and that in COURT ROOM 108 at the EASTERN BRANCH COURT FACILITY, 101 EAST THIRD STREET, STERLING, IL, on August 5th, 2025, at 11:30 A.M., or as soon thereafte r as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the petition to have the children declared to be a ward of the Court under that Act. THE COURT HAS AUTHORITY IN THIS PROCEEDING TO TAKE FROM YOU THE CUSTODY AND GUARDIANSHIP OF THE MINORS, TO TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS, AND TO APPOINT A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION. YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO YOUR CHILDREN. IF THE PETITION REQUESTS THE TERMINATION OF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION, YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO THE CHILDREN. Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notice s of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights.

Sue Scott Clerk of Court SEAL LAUREN C. HOMAN WHITESIDE COUNTY STATE'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE STERLING COURTHOUSE STERLING, IL 61081

If this prope rty is a condomi nium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4) If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at th e foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

815-535-4540

July 22, 2025

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIO N 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Whiteside County, 200 East Knox Stree t, Morrison, Illinois, 61270, or wi th the representative, or both, on or before the 8th day of January, 2026 or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in that notice Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred

Attorney for said Estate LAW OFFICES OF LESTER S. WEINSTINE, P.C. 1024 Hilltop Dr. P.O. Box 409 Morrison, IL 61270 Tel: 815-772-7211 Fax: 815-772-8599 Cell: 224-623-4624 skippe rlester@ hotmail.com

July 8, 15, 22, 2025

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where Th e Judicia l Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For informat ion, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATIO N One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60 606-4650 (312) 236- SALE

Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the Petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and a n order or judgment entered.

Dated: July 17th, 2025

/s/Sue Scott

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales CODILIS & ASSOCIATES , P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-24-07330

Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the representative's attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

Diana Jo Johnson, Independent Representative for the Estate of Sandra J. Friedrichsen, Deceased

LESTER S. WEINSTINE ARDC #02968592

Attorney ARDC No. 0046 8002 Case Number: 2024 FC 210 TJSC#: 45-878

Take notice that on June 30, 2025, Juvenile Petitions for Termination of Parental Rights and for the Appointment of Guardian with the Power to Consent to Adoption were filed under the Juvenile Court Act by State's Attorney Colleen Buckwalte r in the Circuit Court of Whitesid e County, Illinois, entitled "In the Interest of GABRIEL JONES" and "In the Interest of LILLIAN JONES" and that in COURT ROOM 108 at the EASTERN BRANCH COURT FACILITY, 101 EAST THIRD STREET, STERLING, IL, on August 5th, 2025, at 11:30 A.M., or as soon thereafte r as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the petition to have the children declared to be a ward of the Court under that Act. THE COURT HAS AUTHORITY IN THIS PROCEEDING TO TAKE FROM YOU THE CUSTODY AND GUARDIANSHIP OF THE MINORS, TO TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS, AND TO APPOINT A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION. YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO YOUR CHILDREN. IF THE PETITION REQUESTS THE TERMINATION OF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION, YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO THE CHILDREN. Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication

Sue Scott Clerk of Court

SEAL

NOTE: Pur su ant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Pla intiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2024 FC 210 I3269686 (The Review Jul. 22, 29, Aug. 5, 2025)

LAUREN C. HOMAN

WHITESIDE

COUNTY STATE'S

ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

STERLING

COURTHOUSE

STERLING IL

Attorney for said Estate LAW OFFICES OF LESTER S. WEINSTINE, P.C. 1024 Hilltop Dr. P.O. Box 409 Morrison, IL 61270

Tel: 815-772-7211

Fax: 815-772-8599

Office Lester S. Weinstine, P.C., 1024 Hilltop Drive, Box 409, Morri IL 61270-0409. Claims against estate may be in the Office the Circuit Clerk Whiteside County, 200 East Knox Street, Morrison, Illinois, 61270, wi th the representative, or both or before the day of January, 2026 or, if ma or delivery of notice from representative required by S tion 18-3 of Probate Act ILCS 5/18-3), date stated in notice Any c not filed on before that date barred. Copie a claim filed the Clerk must mailed or delivered by the claiman the representa and to the rep sentative's a ney within ten days after it been filed. Lisa A. Butler, Independ Representa for the Estate Carol J. Butz Deceased LESTER S.

AL NOTICES

1024 Hilltop Dr iv e, Box 409, Morrison, IL 612700409. Claims against the tate may be filed the Office of Circuit Clerk of hiteside County, East Knox ree t, Morrison, Illinois, 61270, or the represenative, or both, on before the 8th of January, 2026 or, if mailing delivery of a notice from the resentative is uired by Sec18-3 of the obate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), the stated in that notice Any claim filed on or re that date is ed Copies of aim filed with Clerk must be iled or delivered he claimant to representative to the repreative's attorwithin ten (10) s after it has een filed. ana Jo Johnson, Independent Representative for the Estate of Sandra J. Friedrichsen, Deceased

TER S. INSTINE DC #02968592 rney for Estate W OFFICES OF TER S. INSTINE, P.C.

1024 Hilltop Dr. Box 409 rrison, IL 61270

LESTER S.

WEINSTINE

ARDC #02968592

Attorney for said Estate

LAW OFFICES OF LESTER S.

WEINSTINE, P.C.

1024 Hilltop Dr. P.O. Box 409

Morrison, IL 61270

Tel: 815-772-7211

Fax: 815-772-8599

Cell: 224-623-4624 skippe rlester@ hotmail.com

July 8, 15, 22, 2025 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF CAROL J. BUTZER, Deceased

Case No

2025 PR 56 CLAIM NOTICE

Carol J. Butzer, Deceased

LESTER S. WEINSTINE ARDC #02968592

Attorney for said Estate

LAW OFFICES OF LESTER S. WEINSTINE, P.C.

1024 Hilltop Dr. P.O. Box 409 Morrison, IL 61270

Tel: 815-772-7211

Fax: 815-772-8599

Cell: 224-623-4624

skippe rlester@ hotmail.com

July 8, 15, 22, 2025

Request for Proposal (RFP) Design-Bu ild

Project

Project Title : G rove Hill

Cemetery

Buil ding Date Iss ued: Monday, June 23, 2025

right to reject any or all proposals. All work must comply wi th local regulations and building codes. A formal contract upon selection will be executed/signed by the awarded contractor

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2025

NO: 94 MR 64 DRAINAGE ELECTION NOTICE IN RE: LYNDON DRAINAGE DISTRICT # 3 IN THE COUNTY OF WHITESIDE AND ST ATE OF ILLINOIS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 2nd day of September, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M at the Lyndon Township Office, at 101 West Commercial Str eet, Lyndon, Illinois, wh ich is within the boundaries of sai d drainag e district, for the purpose of electing a drainage commissioner of said drainage district for a threeyear term.

trict for a threeyear term. Every adult owner of land in said district, whether residing within or wi thout the district, is entitled to vote , and if a resident of the S tate of Illinois is eligible to the office of drainage commissioner Dated: July 16, 2025

Sue R. Costello, Clerk of the Circuit Court Whiteside County, Illinois

Ex officio clerk of said drainage district

July 22, 29, 2025

815-772-7211

815-772-8599

224-623-4624

skippe rlester@ hotmail.com

8, 15, 22, 2025

Notice is given to creditor s of the death of Carol J Butzer, Letters of Office were issued to Lisa A Butler, wh ose address is 22424 157th Ave N, Cordova, IL 61242, as Independent Representative, wh ose attorney of record is Lester S. Wei nstine, of the Law Offices of Lester S. Weinstine, P.C., 1024 Hilltop Drive, P.O Box 409, Morrison, IL 61270-0409. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Whiteside County, 200 East Knox Street, Morrison, Illinois, 61270, or wi th the representative, or both, on or before the 8th day of January, 2026 or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in that notice Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the representative's attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

Lisa A. Butler, Independent Representative for the Estate of Carol J. Butzer, Deceased

LESTER S. WEINSTINE ARDC #02968592

Attorney for said Estate

LAW OFFICES OF LESTER S. WEINSTINE, P.C.

1024 Hilltop Dr. P.O. Box 409 Morrison, IL 61270

Propos al Due Date: Friday, July 25, 2025

The City of Morrison, Illinois is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to provid e complete services for the design and construction of a new building for Grove Hill Cemetery.

Grove Hill Cemetery is a property of and a publi c service by the City of Morrison This building will provide a facility for city staff to administer services to the public and to operate and maintain such cemetery.

The new building wi ll be replacing another building at a differ ent site wi thin the cemetery.

The Request for Proposal, including specifications and informati on are available at: City of MorrisonCity Hall 200 West Main Street Morrison IL 61270

Online at: https://www.morri sonil.org/page/pub lic-notice s Online at: https://localpublic notice s.org Sear ch Public

Notices for City of Morrison

Contac t: Brian Melton, City Administrator 815-772-7657 or bmelton@morri sonil.org

The City of Morrison reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. All work must comply wi th local regulations and building codes. A formal contract upon selection will be executed/signed by the awarded contractor

July 1, 8, 15, 22,

ILLINOIS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 2nd day of September, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the residence of Curt Cruse at 8059 Blue Goose Road, Prophetstown, Illinois 61277, which is within the boundaries of sai d drainage district, for the purpose of electing a drainage commissioner of said drainage district for a threeyear term.

is within the boundaries of sai d drainage district, for the purpose of electing a drainage commissioner of said drainage district for a threeyear term.

t, is entitled to vote, and if a resident of the S tate of Illinois is eligible to the office of drainage commissioner.

Dated: July 18, 2025

Every adult owner of land in said district, whether residing within or wi thout the district, is entitled to vote, and if a resident of the S tate of Illinois is eligible to the office of drainage commissioner.

Dated: July 18, 2025

SUE SCOTT Clerk of the Circuit Court Whiteside County, Illinois Ex officio clerk of said drainage district

July 22, 29, 2025

Every adult owner of land in said district, whether residing within or wi thout the district, is entitled to vote , and if a resident of the S tate of Illinois is eligible to the office of drainage commissioner Dated: July 16, 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS

U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff,

DAMON VARNELL et al Defendant

Sue R. Costello, Clerk of the Circuit Court Whiteside County, Illinois Ex officio clerk of said drainage district

2024 FC 210 NOTICE OF SALE

July 22, 29, 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE UNION DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF THE TOWNS OF HUME and PROPHETSTOWN, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS AND STATE OF ILLINOIS NO: 02 TX 16 DRAINAGE ELECTION

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 19, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on August 13, 2025, at the McCarthy, Callas & Feeney, PC, 329 18th Street Suite 100, Rock Island, IL, 61201, sell at publi c inperson sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: THE WEST SEVENTY (70) FEET OF LOT NUMBER SEVEN (7) IN BLOCK NUMBER TWO (2) IN ''OAK HILL PARK'' AN ADDITION IN THE CITY OF MOLINE, ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS . Commonly known as 339 14TH AVE, MOLINE, IL 61 265 Propert y Index No. 17-06-205-007

The real estate is improved wi th a residence

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS LYNDON DRAINAGE DISTRICT #3 IN THE COUNTY OF WHITESIDE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS NO: 94 MR 64 DRAINAGE ELECTION NOTICE IN RE: LYNDON DRAINAGE DISTRICT # 3 IN THE COUNTY OF WHITESIDE AND ST ATE OF ILLINOIS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 2nd day of September, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Lyndon Township Office, at 101 West Commercial Str eet, Lyndon, Illinois, wh ich is within the boundaries of sai d drainag e district, for the purpose of electing a drainage commissioner of said drainage district for a threeyear term.

NOTICE IN RE: UNION DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF THE TOWNS OF HUME and PROPHETSTOWN IN THE COUNTY OF WHITESIDE AND ST ATE OF ILLINOIS

CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE UNION DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF THE TOWNS OF HUME and PROPHETSTOWN, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS AND STATE OF ILLINOIS NO: 02 TX 16 DRAINAGE ELECTION NOTICE IN RE: UNION DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF THE TOWNS OF HUME and PROPHETSTOWN IN THE COUNTY OF WHITESIDE AND ST ATE OF ILLINOIS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 2nd day of September, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the residence of Curt Cruse at 8059 Blue Goose Road, Prophetstown, Illinois 61277, which is within the boundaries of sai d drainage district, for the purpose of electing a drainage commissioner of said drainage district for a threeyear term.

SUE SCOTT Clerk of the Circuit Court Whiteside County, Illinois Ex officio clerk of said drainage district

July 22, 29, 2025

Dated: July 18, 2025

No. 2025 FC 16 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FOR ECLOSU RE ACT

SUE SCOTT Clerk of the Circuit Court Whiteside County, Illinois

Ex officio clerk of said drainage district

(a) The name, address and telep hone number of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate is:

July 22, 29, 2025

Allison E Walsh, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 3725 Bl ackhawk Road, Suite 200, Rock Island, IL 61201, (309) 786-4900

(b) The common address and other common description, if any, of the real estate is: 12465 Frog Pond Road, Fulton, IL 61252

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ''AS IS'' condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Every adult owner of land in said district, whether residing within or wi thout the district, is entitled to vote , and if a resident of the S tate of Illinois is eligible to the office of drainage commissioner Dated: July 16, 2025

Dated: July 18, 2025

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Sue R. Costello, Clerk of the Circuit Court Whiteside County, Illinois

SUE SCOTT Clerk of the Circuit Court Whiteside County, Illinois Ex officio clerk of said drainage district

July 22, 29, 2025

Ex officio clerk of said drainage district

July 22, 29, 2025

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where Th e Judicia l Sales Corporation conducts foreclosur e sales. For informat ion, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATIO N One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60 606-4650 (312) 236- SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES , P.C.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 2nd day of September, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the residence of Curt Cruse at 8059 Blue Goose Road, Prophetstown, Illinois 61277, which is within the boundaries of sai d drainage district, for the purpose of electing a drainage commissioner of said drainage district for a threeyear term. Every adult owner of land in said district, whether residing within or wi thout the district, is entitled to vote, and if a resident of the S tate of Illinois is eligible to the office of drainage commissioner.

PART OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 3 EAST OF THE 4TH P.M., WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILL INOI S, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 3 EAST OF THE 4TH P.M.; THENCE SOUTH 291 FEET ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTIO N 35; THENCE WEST 531 FEET ON A LINE PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF SAID QUARTER SECTIO N; THENCE NORTH 34 FEET ON A LINE PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION SECTION 35; THENCE WEST 327 FEET ON A LINE PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF SAID QUARTER SECTION; THENCE NORTH 257 FEET ON A LINE PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 35, TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID QUARTER SECTION; THENCE EAST 858 FEE T TO THE PLACE OF BEGINN ING

(d) A description of the improvements on the real estate is: a single family home

(e) The time and place of the sale are: August 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Whiteside County Courthouse, Morrison, Illinois.

(g) The case title, case number and the court in which the foreclosure was filed are:

This information is shown above The case number is 2025 FC 16. The Court is the Circuit Court of the 14th Judicial Circuit, Whiteside County, Illinois.

(h) Other informat ion ordered by the Court: None.

ASCENTRA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff By: Allison E. Walsh BROOKS LAW FIRM, P.C. Its Attorneys

15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-24-07330

Attorney ARDC No. 0046 8002 Case Number: 2024 FC 210 TJSC#: 45-878

Dated: July 18, 2025 SUE SCOTT Clerk of the Circuit Court Whiteside County, Illinois Ex officio clerk of said drainage district

July 22, 29, 2025

Allison E. Walsh Brooks Law Firm, P.C.

3725 Blackhawk Road, Suite 200 Rock Island, IL 61201

Telephone: (309) 786-4900 Fac simile: (309) 786-4940 aew@brookslawfirmpc.com

July 8, 15, 22, 2025