Tues day, Sep t em ber 22, 2026 • $ 2.00
Serving Morrison, Prophetstown and Fulton
SHERIFF: CHANGES NEEDED IN SAFE-T ACT Alex T. Paschal
Whiteside Sheriff John Booker has been and continues to be a vocal opponent of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act. Booker and prosecutors in multiple northern Illinois counties said judges need broader discretion to detain defendants, including those who repeatedly violate release conditions, fail to appear in court or commit new crimes while awaiting trial.
WHAT’S INSIDE Glimpses of the Past.................. 8 Property Transfers ....................12 Beyond Trim............................... 17 Published every Tuesday 32 pages • One section
Churches...............................23-24 Sports.................................... 31-32 Classifieds........................... 26-29
DEATHS Ramona H. Renkes, Jimmi J. Ferry, Gail Young / 4
Whiteside News Sentinel • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
MORRISON BEAT
2 As of April 7, 2026, Whiteside News is the successor newspaper to Prophetstown Echo, Fulton Journal and Whiteside News Sentinel
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Northern Illinois prosecutors agree on 6 offenses to add to pretrial detention list By CHARLENE BIELEMA, TOM COLLINS, AMANDA MARRAZZO, CAMDEN LAZENBY and FELIX SARVER contact@shawmedia.com Prosecutors and law enforcement officials across northern Illinois say state lawmakers should expand the list of crimes eligible for pretrial detention, arguing that the Pretrial Fairness Act does not give judges enough discretion in some cases. Prosecutors surveyed across northern Illinois agreed on six offenses they want added to the list: aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a firearm, DUI, burglary and aggravated battery to a police officer. Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker and prosecutors in multiple counties said judges need broader discretion to detain defendants, including those who repeatedly violate release conditions, fail to appear in court or commit new crimes while awaiting trial. “I believe the law needs to provide stronger and more immediate consequences when an individual willfully fails to appear in court, repeatedly violates conditions of release, removes or tampers with a court-ordered GPS monitoring device, or is accused of committing additional serious offenses while already on pretrial release,” Booker said in a statement to Shaw Local. The Pretrial Fairness Act, passed by the Illinois legislature in January 2021 as part of the broader SAFE-T Act, eliminated the cash bail system in September 2023. Under the law, most people charged with a crime are eligible for pretrial release, meaning they can remain in the community while their case is pending. Under the law, defendants are presumed eligible for pretrial release. Prosecutors can seek detention in cases involving offenses and circumstances specified by statute, and they must meet the required evidentiary standard at a detention hearing. Advocates for eliminating cash bail have argued that the system disproportionately harmed people who could not afford to pay, contributing to the loss of jobs, housing and, in some cases, custody of children.
Alex T. Paschal
Lee County State’s Attorney Charles Boonstra attends a court session on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
The cases law enforcement cites
In Whiteside County, Booker points to recent cases in which defendants released on conditions violated those conditions or committed new crimes. On Sept. 1, four people were processed into the jail on new charges after previously being released. The next day, deputies arrested a woman who had earlier been released from Lee County custody in connection with a June case accusing her of attempted carjacking. She allegedly removed a court-ordered GPS ankle monitor Sept. 1 and was arrested in Whiteside County the next day following additional alleged criminal conduct, including vehicular invasion, vehicular hijacking, beating a police officer and attempting to disarm a police officer. Other law enforcement agencies cited cases they say illustrate gaps in the law. In Ottawa, police stopped a motorist driving more than 100 mph; his GPS ankle bracelet recorded the speed. He was detained based on his 24 open cases in Illinois, according to police. Aggravated fleeing and eluding is not among the offenses listed in the statute’s current detention provisions. In La Salle County, a driver gunned his engine when police pulled him over. He ran because the car was stolen, he had been drinking and his license was revoked, police said. He was granted pretrial release. La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro argues that fleeing police is
inherently dangerous and should be grounds for detention.
What prosecutors want added
Shaw Local asked prosecutors across its coverage area what additional offenses judges should be able to consider for pretrial detention. DeKalb County State’s Attorney Riley Oncken added three more: any crime involving child sexual abuse material, failure to register as a sex offender and escape. “I could definitely expand the list greatly, based upon what I have seen in the past year and a half, but these are some of the more problematic ones that we have identified,” Oncken said. Other prosecutors, in responses emailed to Shaw Local reporters, mentioned unlawful restraint, concealment of homicidal death, aggravated fleeing and eluding, armed violence, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, interfering with the reporting of domestic violence, child endangerment and attempting to disarm a peace officer. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow specifically points to aggravated battery offenses. Aggravated battery to a nurse, firefighter, police officer, senior citizen, teacher, or person with a disability currently is not detainable unless great bodily harm is alleged as part of the offense, he said.
See PRETRIAL on page 3
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com On the Move is proud to recognize Advantage One Credit Union for its $1,000 donation to the Kelly Park Court renovation project. This generous contribution marks another important milestone in the effort to revitalize the courts at Kelly Park in Morrison, helping create an updated, welcoming recreational facility for community members and visitors alike, according to a news release. “We sincerely appreciate Advantage One Credit Union’s commitment to this project,” said representatives of On the Move. “Support from local partners plays an absolutely vital role in bringing lasting improvements to our community and ensuring future generations have
Photo provided by On The Move
Kari Forster of Advantage One (from left), Charla Olson and Karla Burn of On The Move, and Janet Fisher, Michael Buckwalter, Chloe Prater and Geneva Connelly of Advantage One celebrate a $1,000 donation to On The Move for court renovations at Morrison’s Kelly Park. access to quality recreational spaces.” As a token of appreciation, Advan-
tage One Credit Union will be recognized on the donor acknowledgment sign to be
the number of people jailed while awaiting trial.” The organizations say the law has kept millions of dollars in the state’s most marginalized communities by ending the practice of charging people for their freedom while awaiting trial. But they acknowledge the work is incomplete. “Though many communities have seen a dramatic reduction in pretrial jailing, there are several counties where prosecutors and judges are abusing the law to prevent people from returning to their families, homes and jobs while awaiting trial,” according to the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice.
• PRETRIAL Continued from page 2 Bureau County State’s Attorney Dan Anderson urged Springfield to make any form of battery detainable, leaving it to judges to decide whether specific facts warrant jail or pretrial release. “Any crime of violence should be detainable,” Anderson said. Lee County State’s Attorney Charles Boonstra takes it one step further. He said judges should have full discretion whether a defendant remains detained. “Every defendant, every offense, and all surrounding circumstances are unique from case to case. To have a blanket policy that only allows certain offenses to be detainable, in very specific circumstances, is far too narrow,” Boonstra said. “It seems odd to me that the State’s Attorney is the gatekeeper as to whether the Court can even consider denying pretrial release,” he said. “Absent our filing a petition to deny pretrial release, the Court must only consider releasing on conditions. I believe that takes away far too much discretion from the Court.”
Prosecutors: Where it has worked
Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser said the act has worked well in some cases. “Dangerous offenders should not have the ability to pay their way out of custody,” Mosser said. “For example, I had a defendant charged with aggravated domestic battery. He had several
installed at Kelly Park upon project completion. The Kelly Park Court renovation project continues to advance thanks to the support of local businesses, organizations, and residents who share a vision for expanded recreational opportunities in the Morrison community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations may be tax-deductible as allowed by law. Community members interested in supporting the project can contribute through Venmo: @OTM-IL or checks payable to On the Move, 700 Coralyn Drive, Morrison, IL 61270. For more information about the Kelly Park Court renovation project or ways to support On the Move, contact Karla Burn at karla1ssd@yahoo.com or call 815-535-6591.
The legislative push
Jerry Nowicki
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie speaks at a meeting of the Republican State Central Committee on Aug. 20, in Springfield. She said Pretrial Fairness Act discussions could once again come up in November at the legislature’s veto session. priors but always bailed himself out. The victim would always recant, and we would not be able to prove our case. He was detained under the Pretrial Fairness Act. The victim did not recant, as she was safe from his continued abuse. The defendant was ultimately convicted.” Mosser also said the law has gaps. Possession or dissemination of child sexual abuse material is one of them. “The standard of having to prove by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or conditions could mitigate the risk the offender has to the community has been used to allow dangerous
individuals like this to be on pretrial release,” Mosser said. “However, given the fact that there are so many cases that are nondetainable, this still remains a flawed system.”
The counterargument
The Coalition to End Money Bond and the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice defend the law’s impact. According to the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice, “Illinois is the first state in the country to have completely ended the use of money bond in our pretrial system, and we have begun making significant reductions in
State Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, the Illinois House Republican Leader, said Republicans have worked to make changes to the law over the past three years. McCombie said the proposals have included expanding the list of offenses for which a defendant can be detained pretrial; expanding judges’ authority to deny pretrial release for all felonies and DUI cases when a defendant poses a safety risk or flight risk; requiring automatic revocation of pretrial release if a defendant is charged with any new offense while released, regardless of the offense’s classification; and repealing the act altogether. She said Pretrial Fairness Act discussions could once again come up in November at the legislature’s veto session.
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Advantage One Credit Union donates $1,000
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Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
4
OBITUARIES
IT’S YOUR WRITE
and Newton Township areas. After retiring RAMONA H. RENKES and moving to Fulton, Ramona quietly pursued Born: December 23, 1922 in Fulton, IL her passion for helping others in need, using Died: September 18, 2026 in Morrison, IL her sewing and seamstress skills through the “Creative Crew” ministry of Trinity Reformed RAMONA H. RENKES, Church, where she was a member. There, she 103, of Morrison, IL, also served as church librarian for many years formerly of Fulton, IL, died Friday, September and she was an avid reader. She was currently 18, 2026 at Homestead a member of First Church in Fulton. In lieu of memorials and flowers, please of Morrison. There will be a private honor Ramona’s memory by enriching the life of someone in need through an act of visitation at the Fulton kindness, just as Ramona quietly did through Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home the “Creative Crew” ministry. followed by a private graveside service with Survivors include her two daughters, Judy interment in Fulton Township Cemetery. (Ken) Vanderploeg and Priscilla (Jake) Ritzema Ramona was born December 23, 1922 in both of Fulton, IL; one son, Ken (Michelle) RenFulton, IL, to Samuel L. and Grace A. (Smith) Merema. She was educated in rural Whiteside kes of Morrison, IL; five grandchildren, Traci (Ross) Kraemer, Kent Vanderploeg, Sara (Eric) County Grade Schools. She then worked in Pessman, Brett (Melody) Ritzema, Kimberly the homes of several families assisting with household duties before being employed at the (Myron) Graham; fifteen great grandchildren; Garment Factory in Clinton, IA. On January 17, one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, 1947, she married Harold G. Renkes in Fulton, Harold, and two brothers, Bert and Martin IL. They shared their lives for over 72 years Merema. before his passing on December 18, 2019. Together, they farmed in the rural Garden Plain To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com
JIMMI J. FERRY
TX, to Richard E. and Dona (Perry) Ferry. He attended Morrison grade schools and was a Born: February 2, 1962 in Dallas, TX graduate of Morrison High School. He later Died: September 17, 2026 in Morrison, IL graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL, in 1982. Jim was first married to JIMMI J. FERRY, 64, Lisa Becker. On August 8, 2015, he married Yoli of Morrison, IL, died Archila in Morrison, IL. He was employed at Thursday, September the Walmart Distribution Center in Sterling, IL, 17, 2026, at his home. Visitation will be held for more than 20 years. Jim was a member of Kingdom Life Community Church. from 12:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, September Survivors include his wife, Yoli; his children, Scott (Jaclynn) Ferry of Princeton, IL, Carissa 26, 2026, at Kingdom (Jarrett) Ruchotzke and Gema Ferry both of Life Community Church in Morrison, IL. His Morrison, IL; one granddaughter, Rowan Elise funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM, with Pastor Steve Harmon officiating. The Morrison Ruchotzke; one sister, Elizabeth (Jason) Burge of Morrison, IL. Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Cremation rites will He was preceded in death by his parents; one be accorded following the services. A memori- step-sister, Cherry L. Sweeney. To send online condolences go to www. al has been established by the family. bosmarenkes.com Jim was born February 2, 1962, in Dallas,
GAIL “MAGOO” YOUNG
How to submit
Gail “Magoo” Young, 79, of Morrison, IL, passed on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison, IL. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.
Send obituary information to saukobits@shawlocal.com. Notices are accepted until 9 a.m. Monday for Tuesday’s edition.
September American Red Cross Morrison Community Blood Drive report
Beswick, Pam Shank, Penny Milnes (giving in memory of 9/11), Cathie Downs, Brian Vogel, Cal Venema, Lory Oudekerk, Joan Vander Bleek, Randy Kuehl, Stephanie Vavra, Lyle The fifth American Red Cross Morrison Bush, Sheila Sonberg, Troy Peppers, Beth Community Blood Drive of 2026 was held Wroble, Nancy Shank, Dick Wieneke, Larry on Thursday, Sept. 10, at St. Mary’s Catholic Tichler, Jessica Sweitzer, Janice Parish, ElizChurch on Garden Plain Road. abeth Davis, Kelsie Lowery, Connie Tegeler, It is a blessing for me to know that my Kaywyn Beswick (donating in memory of church allows their church hall to be used Charlie Kirk), Carolyn Aiken, Ken Gooley, by the ARC for the afternoon. Credit goes to Terry Hoehn for clearing the church hall out to Brad Bielema, Julie Brown, Deb Adolph, Dave make room for the ARC equipment to collect Temple, Tim West, Kelly Smith, Kari Forster, dozens of units. Robyn Stewart, Connie Swanson-Despain, Our local Wa-Tan-Ye Women’s Service and 12 others who did not want their names Group was the sponsor of the canteen. published. Thank you for sponsoring the September Seven donors were recognized for reaching blood drive’s canteen for many years; I milestone pin status; they were Troy Peppers appreciate your dependability. The women making one-gallon pin status, Randy Kuehl who purchased and prepared sandwiches, and Tom Demay acquiring 13-gallon pin promveggie cups with ranch, cheese sticks, and inence, Tom Rosenbalm attaining 20-gallon cookies were Jan Horberg, Monica Anderson, distinction, and three donors (two men and Ann Camp, Diane Engelkens, Carol Onken, one woman who did not want their names Dee Janssen, Deanna McClain, and Nancy published) who obtained one-gallon (two) Usterbowski. The egg salad was fantastic; the and 13-gallon (one) merit. wheat ones were the first to be gone. Much Forty Rapid-Pass users lessened their time appreciation to you all for giving of your time taken to donate; that is 71.43% (excellent)! and kitchen talents. We had only three deferrals for the whole Acknowledgement to Rick Barr for post-es- drive, which is about 5% (fabulous)! Around corting for us; I am grateful for your faithful20% of my donors that come in now are from ness. Recognition of one of our ARC-certified out of town in the surrounding communities volunteers, Pat Pendgraft, for almost always of Fulton, Clinton, Savanna, Mount Carroll, showing up to help. I value your ability to get Milledgeville, Chadwick, Rock Falls, Sterling, donors scheduled for the next drive; it makes and even Atkinson. I really appreciate these less work for me later. great folks taking the time and driving the There were 56 people who came through distance to attend our blood drives. We could our doors to donate blood. Three of them never reach goal without your assistance! were “first-time donors,” or it had been a long Thank you again, everyone! time since they last donated. We only had The next Morrison Community American three cancellations and seven “no-shows” Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on Thursthat were somewhat balanced out with three day, Nov. 12, from noon to 5:45 p.m., at St. walk-ins. All of the donors were given a Hello Mary’s Church, with St. Mary’s Parish Family Kitty pouch with a small stuffy of the cartoon sponsoring the canteen. cat and some decal/stickers to promote November is National Diabetes Awareness kindness. Month, and the ARC will be doing free screenIt has been a rough week with the 25th ings of the A1C levels of some blood donors anniversary of 9/11 (I heard the statistic that (they also do this in March, and it is once a one-third of our U.S. population was not even year per donor). Come with a photo ID or your alive 25 years ago), the first anniversary of ARC donor card/Blood Donor App on your Charlie Kirk’s death, and the Clancy case phone. Bring your spouse, a friend, a neighbor, outcome, so it was nice to get a smile of or a coworker. gratitude from the ARC. Everyone seemed Joining the regular blood donor ranks is one to enjoy the pick-me-up that they provided of the easiest ways to meet your civic duty donors. and responsibility; fulfill it by donating blood. There were nine great double-red-cell/ You can text or call me at 815-718-5117, Power Red donors who helped save two email me at kaywynbeswick@gmail.com, or lives each; they were Doran Dockstader, go online to www.redcross.org to make an Tom Rosenbalm, Jim Fisher, Ron Shank, Tom appointment. Demay, Jack Jones, and three men who did Have a blessed autumn and stay safe! not want their names published. Kaywyn J. Beswick The wonderful whole blood donors who American Red Cross Morrison help save up to three lives each were Dale Community Blood Program leader
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Sullivan’s Foods has hired a company called Telecheck to process all checks written at our stores. Telecheck has set guidelines in place for processing checks. Telecheck has a $300 limit for check writing with purchases. If you have an order larger than $300, you may need to pay any remaining balance by cash, credit, or debit card.
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
esday, : Wedsn e v ti c d e f e ay, Ef thru Tu026 Pricesuly 2 2 ,2 J July 28
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
6
Whiteside County 1
NOTICE TO ERIE TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS: ASSESSED VALUES FOR 2026 Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2026 Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33% Median level of assessments for the Township: 31.94% Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2023, 2024, 2025 Publication was hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in this Township District in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10. As required by 35 ILCS 200/9-210 and 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the following equalization factors have been applied to bring the assessments to the statutorily required three-year median level of 33.33%: Residential: 1.0411 Commercial: 1.0000 Industrial: 1.0000 Farm Home & Site: 1.0625 Other Land & Improvements 1.0625 Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Kevin Urick, Township Assessor (309)945-3276 Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the Farm land assessments for the 2026 assessment year will increase by 10% of the preceding year’s median cropped soil productivity index as certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue with data provided by the Farmland Assessment Technical Advisory Board resulting in a $56.71 per acre increase for each soil productivity index. Property in this Township, other than farmland and coal, is to be assessed at a 33.33% median level of assessment, based on the fair cash value of the property. You may check the accuracy of your assessment by dividing your assessment by the median level of assessment. The resulting value should equal the estimated fair cash value of your property. If the resulting value is greater than the estimated fair cash value of your property, you may be overassessed. If the resulting value is less than the fair cash value of your property, you may be underassessed. You may appeal your assessment to the Board of Review.
If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken:
1. Contact your Township Assessor to review the assessment. 2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Whiteside County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whiteside countyil.gov for more information. 3. The final filing deadline for your Township District is generally 30 days from this publication date. After this date the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in this Township. For more information on complaint deadlines, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows: Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions=Taxable Assessment Taxable Assessment X Current Tax Rate= Total Tax Bill All equalized assessed valuations are subject to further equalization and revision by the Whiteside County Board of Review as well as equalization by the Illinois Department of Revenue. A complete list of assessments for this Township for the current assessment year, except for those assessments that were changed solely by equalization as noted above, is as follows: Erie 20-06-226-015 19-01-428-004 20-19-100-008 20-06-408-004 20-06-226-016 20-06-279-001 20-05-151-004 19-01-152-009 20-05-354-002 20-06-277-032 20-06-408-015 20-07-326-001 19-26-400-001 19-22-300-006 19-27-100-001 19-28-200-004 20-06-408-001 20-06-478-008 20-06-408-024
ANDERSON, BRANDON C & CONS132,637 BESSE, BRENDA J TR DTD 6/1 28,404 BESSE, RODNEY E 14,107 CATHELYN, KATHY 70,570 CUMBACK, RAYMOND BRUCE & L134,272 DUNCAN, LARRY M 3,081 FIER, KEVIN L & CHRISTINE 79,428 FOLSOM, JASON M & STEPHANI 123,315 GERALD, HANNAH A TR DTD 5/ 79,923 JENSEN, KATIE M 37,102 JEPSON, CARTER D & JORDEN 113 JONES, DEBORA C & MATTHEW 5,818 MCINTYRE, JAMIE 2,538 PIERCE, DALE T & DARRIAN 3,981 PIERCE, DALE T & DARRIAN 7,660 PIERCE, DALE T & DARRIAN 9,773 ROCK ROOTS DEVELOPMENT LLC140,447 STEELE, STEVE J 14,299 STEINERT, MARLENE M & PAUL 64,919
NOTICE TO NEWTON/FENTON/ PORTLAND TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS: ASSESSED VALUES FOR 2026 Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2026 Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33% Median level of assessments for the Township: 30.93% Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2023, 2024, 2025 Publication was hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in this Township District in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10. As required by 35 ILCS 200/9-210 and 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the following equalization factors have been applied to bring the assessments to the statutorily required three-year median level of 33.33%: Residential: 1.0762 Commercial: 1.0000 Industrial: 1.0000 Farm Home & Site: 1.0752 Other Land & Improvements 1.0752 Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Melody VonHolten, Township Assessor Fenton, IL 61251 (815)441-5278 Office Hours are: By Appointment Only Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the Farm land assessments for the 2026 assessment year will increase by 10% of the preceding year’s median cropped soil productivity index as certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue with data provided by the Farmland Assessment Technical Advisory Board resulting in a $56.71 per acre increase for each soil productivity index. Property in this Township, other than farmland and coal, is to be assessed at a 33.33% median level of assessment, based on the fair cash value of the property. You may check the accuracy of your assessment by dividing your assessment by the median level of assessment. The resulting value should equal the estimated fair cash value of your property. If the resulting value is greater than the estimated fair cash value of your property, you may be overassessed. If the resulting value is less than the fair cash value of your property, you may be underassessed. You may appeal your assessment to the Continue on next page
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2 Whiteside County
Board of Review. If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken: 1. Contact your Township Assessor to review the assessment. 2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Whiteside County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whiteside countyil.gov for more information. 3. The final filing deadline for your Township District is generally 30 days from this publication date. After this date the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in this Township. For more information on complaint deadlines, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov
Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows: Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions=Taxable Assessment Taxable Assessment X Current Tax Rate= Total Tax Bill All equalized assessed valuations are subject to further equalization and revision by the Whiteside County Board of Review as well as equalization by the Illinois Department of Revenue. A complete list of assessments for this Township for the current assessment year, except for those assessments that were changed solely by equalization as noted above, is as follows: Fenton 14-25-100-010 14-18-400-008 14-16-100-006 14-16-170-001 14-02-400-007 14-22-100-004 14-20-200-014
BUSH, TIMOTHY J & PATRICIA 119,096 DORNBUSH, MICHAEL SHANE 125,602 FENTON METHODIST CHURCH 59,807 FITZWATER, ERIC A 42,391 HOAGLAND, ADAM J 41,255 JO-CARROLL ENERGY INC 700 KILKER, KEVIN & SOKHOM LOR 248,036
Call 844-377-3452 to schedule your free quote today!
14-32-200-001 14-15-100-014 14-15-100-005 14-31-250-001 14-19-176-023 14-29-300-012
OTT, CHILA SHERWOOD, ROBERT & JAMIE L STARK, CAREY & NANCY TR DT SULLIVAN, OWEN & OLIVIA TUTTLE, RONALD K & MICHELE YOUNG, PAUL D & BRIGITTE M
58,077 64,102 79,825 51,161 91,659 17,366
Newton 13-13-300-011 13-03-100-008 13-03-100-009 13-13-300-010 13-15-200-005 13-36-200-002 13-15-100-021 13-23-276-005 13-24-127-008 13-11-400-004 13-12-300-001 13-24-176-004 13-23-100-009 13-15-100-015
BACH, ROBERT M JR & SUSAN 53,709 BARSEMA, ALLON F 12,728 BARSEMA, LINDA L 12,289 BLACK, STEVEN R & ANGELA J 106,366 BOHNERT, THEODORE A & MARC 31,423 BROOKS, BRANDON S 127,137 DORNBUSH, JACLYN R 75,723 NELSON, TAD A & MELISSA K 137,866 PASVOGEL, BRENNAN J & SARA 4,435 PRICE, JOSEPH W & ASHLEI A 52,088 TEMPELMANN, KURT D 110,973 WILLITS, JACOBI & DALE 112,728 WRIGHT, KATHLEEN & SHELDON 80,102 ZUCK, ROBERT W & RHONDA A 234,025
Portland 20-21-326-002 20-21-376-002 20-33-300-003 20-32-400-004 20-35-400-003 20-12-125-002 19-34-300-003 20-12-125-001 20-09-300-003 20-35-200-004 19-36-200-002
BALLARD, JIMMY H 102,562 COOPER, DOUG S 17,099 FRSMITH FARMS 1 INC 80,976 HENTHORN, NICOLAS M & ANNI 107,614 JOHNSON, JACOB & SHELLEY 116,189 KUELPER, STEVEN L 11,089 NITZ, MARK TRUSTEE 24,325 STOUT, CAMERON & ABBEY 52,155 TULLY, JEFFREY A LIV TR DT 14,072 WINTERS, ROBERT A & KAREN 131,787 YOUNG, JOEL A & KATHY A LI 61,399
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Continued from previous page
FULTON’S GLIMPSES OF THE PAST: SEPT. 22 60 years
• Sept. 14, 1966 • Citizens of Whiteside County are invited to a meeting to discuss plans for this county’s part in the Illinois Sesqui-Centennial Celebration to be held in 1968. Gerald Hill of Fulton is chairman of a committee from the Board of Supervisors which will work with the County Historical Society in planning Whiteside County’s part in the celebration. • Mrs. Stanley Bielema announced that she and her group would sponsor a Hat Party from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the old Tile House building on Main Street. Hats will be for sale from $3.95 to $6.95 and will include a wide variety of styles and materials.
50 years
• Sept. 22, 1976 • With the payroll deduction campaign nearly completed, members of the Fulton Community Fund are concentrating their efforts in their annual fund drive on special gifts and donating by mail, according to Janvrin Mitchell, campaign chairman for 1976. Over $6,000 has been collected or pledged through the payroll deduction drive. • Fulton’s long-range flood protection plan moved an important step nearer the beginning of construction when the Fulton Flood Control District was informed that an
additional $150,000 in state funds had been approved for the district. The district had already received $30,000 from the state to help toward non-federal costs of the $9,000,000 in federal funds to finance the project.
30 years
• Sept. 18, 1996 • The public is invited to a dedication ceremony and open house of the new Fulton High School addition. Nearly 100% complete, the new gym, classrooms, locker rooms, weight room, etc. are equipped and ready for 40 years public viewing. The next evening, a similar • Sept. 24, 1986 ceremony will be held at Albany Grade School. • At a meeting of the Fulton Women’s Service Additions to Fulton Middle School and Club, members voted to give the Dike Elementary School will be open Oct. 7. • Wildwood Farms will relocate to Fulton. Beautification Committee a donation of $1,000 to begin a fund for the construction of Wildwood’s owners had this statement about the windmill. In photo, Virginia Ray, president the planned move to Fulton: “Wildwood Farms, presently located at 2055 Lincolnway, of the club, is presenting the check to Larry Clinton, Iowa, announced that it plans to Sikkema, treasurer of the beautification relocate their present process production and committee. The money is being placed in a warehouse from its Clinton location to a separate interest-bearing windmill-museum projected new facility to be constructed in the account. • In photo, Larry Musel, owner of Garden Fulton, Illinois, Industrial Park. Wildwood Plain Feed Service, watches equipment Farms plans to construct a 50,000-squareremove old foundations and level the ground foot building to house the process and in preparation for the construction of a large production facility. building that will be used for grain storage. The building will be 110 feet wide by 336 feet 20 years • Sept. 20, 2006 long with sides 12 feet high. It is expected to • Gene Walarious and his wife Terry will soon be finished by the time first loads of corn arrive. The building is located on South Fourth open the former Joey’s Restaurant located near the intersection of Routes 136 and 84. Street on land known as the Railroad Farm. The Albany couple will reopen the restaurant under the name “Red Dog Steak House and
REAL ESTATE AUCTION OCTOBER 20, 2026
Saloon.” Gene chose the name “Red Dog” in honor of his wife because he met her in an establishment of the same name. • Fulton councilmen approved the purchase of the riverfront property from the Wierenga family for $162,500. The city has been negotiating with the family since the city received the Heritage Canyon property. The property that serves as the parking lot was not part of the canyon donation from the family to the city.
10 years
• Sept. 21, 2016 • The Fulton Steamers received a pleasant surprise as they were rewarded for a great 2-1 start to the season by being recognized by the Associated Press, achieving a No. 9 ranking in the Illinois Class 2A football poll. • Three volunteer millers were on duty at de Immigrant Windmill when the king spindle failed. Apparently, the weld holding the pintle in place, the center of the king spindle crown, broke, allowing the huge king spindle to wobble, resulting in major damage. Windmill volunteers on duty stopped the windmill as quickly as possible, but all of the cogs on the brake wheel were damaged. Ten of the 30 cogs on the wallower were damaged.
– Shaw Local News Network
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Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
8
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Whiteside County 1
Publication was hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in this Township District in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10. As required by 35 ILCS 200/9-210 and 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the following equalization factors have been applied to bring the assessments to the statutorily required three-year median level of 33.33%: Residential: 1.0766 Commercial: 1.0000 Industrial: 1.0000 Farm Home & Site: 1.0671 Other Land & Improvements 1.0671 Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Melody Vonholten, Township Assessor Fenton, IL 61251 (815)441-5278 Office Hours are: By Appointment Only Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the Farm land assessments for the 2026 assessment year will increase by 10% of the preceding year’s median cropped soil productivity index as certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue with data provided by the Farmland Assessment Technical Advisory Board resulting in a $56.71 per acre increase for each soil productivity index. Property in this Township, other than farmland and coal, is to be assessed at a 33.33% median level of assessment, based on the fair cash value of the property. You may check the accuracy of your assessment by dividing your assessment by the median level of assessment. The resulting value should equal the estimated fair cash value of your property. If the resulting value is greater than the estimated fair cash value of your property, you may be overassessed. If the resulting value is less than the fair cash value of your property, you may be underassessed. You may appeal your assessment to the Board of Review.
If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken: 1. Contact your Township Assessor to review the assessment. 2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Whiteside County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whiteside countyil.gov for more information. 3. The final filing deadline for your Township District is generally 30 days from this publication date. After this date the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in this Township. For more information on complaint deadlines, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows: Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions=Taxable Assessment Taxable Assessment X Current Tax Rate= Total Tax Bill All equalized assessed valuations are subject to further equalization and revision by the Whiteside County Board of Review as well as equalization by the Illinois Department of Revenue. A complete list of assessments for this Township for the current assessment year, except for those assessments that were changed solely by equalization as noted above, is as follows: Lyndon 15-17-200-002 15-21-211-004 15-21-227-010 15-19-400-013 15-29-100-006 15-29-110-002 15-19-400-010 15-21-215-002 15-15-354-008 15-19-400-014 15-12-200-001 15-29-110-001 15-16-477-012 15-16-477-002 16-07-200-007 15-15-176-015 15-16-326-003 15-15-328-002 15-16-478-007 15-21-210-002
AMEZOLA, LYDIA 8,751 BROWN, RODGER L 28,225 DESMIT, MARK JR 51,080 FRANCIS, JERRY E 40,452 FRANCIS, JERRY E & LINDA A 10,713 FRANCIS, JERRY E & LINDA A 49,742 HOAGLAND, ADAM J & KATIE J 48,047 HUNTER, TIMOTHY 71,955 JAKINEVICIUTE, NEMIRA & MA 20,212 KULLERSTRAND, TYSON H & KE 21,202 LATHE, E J 72,719 MCCORMICK, WILLIAM J & GAB 318 MCKENNA, JARED L 51,704 OSTEEN, JEANNE K & LACY L 5,932 PECK, ALAN D 45,109 PEPPERS, CHAD J 8,451 PORT, GARY L & GLYNIS K FA 171,569 PURCHASE, RYAN & WHITNEY 35,769 SCOTT, TYLER J 27,989 SPENCER, DALLAS 35,312
15-16-426-002 VILLAGE OF LYNDON 15-01-300-001 VONHOLTEN, MARK 15-29-100-005 WOODWORTH, JEFFREY & JUL
10,893 260,027 6,070
NOTICE TO PROPHETSTOWN TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS: ASSESSED VALUES FOR 2026 Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2026 Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33% Median level of assessments for the Township: 30.38% Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2023, 2024, 2025 Publication was hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in this Township District in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10. As required by 35 ILCS 200/9-210 and 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the following equalization factors have been applied to bring the assessments to the statutorily required three-year median level of 33.33%: Residential: 1.0960 Commercial: 1.0000 Industrial: 1.0000 Farm Home & Site: 1.1051 Other Land & Improvements 1.1051 Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Melody Vonholten, Township Assessor Fenton, IL 61251 (815)441-5278 Office Hours are: By Appointment Only Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the Farm land assessments for the 2026 assessment year will increase by 10% of the preceding year’s median cropped soil productivity index as certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue with data provided by the Farmland Assessment Technical Advisory Board resulting in a $56.71 per acre increase for each soil productivity index. Property in this Township, other than farmland and coal, is to be assessed at a 33.33% median level of assessment, based on the fair cash value of the property. You may check the accuracy of your assessment by dividing your assessment by the median level of assessment. The resulting value should equal the estimated fair cash value of your property. If the resulting value is greater than the estimated fair cash value of your property, you may be overContinue on next page
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
NOTICE TO LYNDON TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS: ASSESSED VALUES FOR 2026 Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2026 Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33% Median level of assessments for the Township: 30.93% Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2023, 2024, 2025
9
2 Whiteside County
WHITESIDE NEWS
assessed. If the resulting value is less than the fair cash value of your property, you may be underassessed. You may appeal your assessment to the Board of Review.
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
10
Continued from previous page
If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken: 1. Contact your Township Assessor to review the assessment. 2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Whiteside County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whiteside countyil.gov for more information. 3. The final filing deadline for your Township District is generally 30 days from this publication date. After this date the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in this Township. For more information on complaint deadlines, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows: Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions=Taxable Assessment Taxable Assessment X Current Tax Rate= Total Tax Bill All equalized assessed valuations are subject to further equalization and revision by the Whiteside County Board of Review as well as equalization by the Illinois Department of Revenue. A complete list of assessments for this Township for the current assessment year, except for those assessments that were changed solely by equalization as noted above, is as follows: Prophetstown 15-34-353-011 15-33-355-005 21-04-129-002 21-05-126-005 21-18-300-006 15-24-100-010 21-29-300-019 21-05-230-031 21-06-100-013 21-09-200-010
ABDULI, FADIL ABELL, LISA M BASSETT, MARK A & KAREN RO BEST HOLDINGS LLC BURTLOW, AMANDA CORLEW, BRIAN S & DEBORAH DAVIS, BLAKE E & KORIN L FISK, DAWN M SIBLE FISK, JAMES P FOTZLER FARMS LLC
76,956 40,205 37,222 6,160 65,103 10,337 84,287 56,278 90,286 45,357
15-36-480-001 21-30-100-002 15-32-428-025 21-04-205-022 21-21-200-010 15-33-377-013 21-29-300-020 15-23-400-016 15-32-476-004 15-32-277-002 21-03-400-007 21-03-400-008 15-33-381-012 15-32-479-008 15-34-400-007 21-03-200-014 21-05-100-020 21-04-106-013 21-03-100-003 21-05-100-022 21-05-100-021 21-05-231-009 15-34-400-004 15-33-400-004 15-34-400-006 21-03-200-013 21-09-200-011 21-05-126-003 21-02-400-004 21-27-400-003 21-27-497-001 21-02-300-012
GERLACH, JAMIE & ANITA 77,474 GOODELL, GAIL G FAM TR & J 55,589 HARTMAN, WILLIAM R 36,349 HEFFERNAN, JAMES F & SALLY 163,413 HENRY, CHRISTINA & TONY CO 27,769 HOHENBOKEN, KARL E & CAROL 190,398 HURD, GWEN 16,120 JANSSEN, SUSAN M TRUSTEE 115,281 LUNDQUIST, TIMOTHY R & GER 39,335 MCRELL, THOMAS E 42,614 MILL ROAD SOLAR I & MILL R 190,368 MILL ROAD SOLAR I & MILL R 190,368 MR SCOOPS INC 20,280 OLINGER, DAVID W & GLADYS 32,915 PLAUTZ FARMS INC 3,753 PLAUTZ FARMS INC 20,543 PRAY, CHANISE L 2,444 RANGEL, STEVEN 34,727 ROCK RIVER LUMBER & GRAIN 539,580 ROMAN, CHRISTIN 2,479 ROMAN, TIFFANY 2,572 SHIPP, THOMAS P & MENDENHA 50,127 SMITH, JACOB E 75,385 THEDE, CHERYL J FAMILY TRU 99,084 THORMAHLEN, DAVID H & DEBR 61,570 THORMAHLEN, DAVID H & DEBR 32,906 USS LYNDON SOLAR LLC 16,190 VANDYKE, ERIC L & CHELSIE 57,620 WARD, MARK A ET AL 22,277 WETZELL, GREGORY S & STEPH 66,567 WETZELL, GREGORY S & STEPH 69,630 YAGER RD WHITESIDE SOLAR 1 190,368
NOTICE TO TAMPICO TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS: ASSESSED VALUES FOR 2026 Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2026 Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33% Median level of assessments for the Township: 30.93% Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2023, 2024, 2025 Publication was hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in this Township District in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10. As required by 35 ILCS 200/9-210 and 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the following equalization factors have been applied to bring the assessments to the statutorily required three-year median level of 33.33%: Residential: 1.0766 Commercial: 1.0000 Industrial: 1.0000 Farm Home & Site: 1.0776 Other Land & Improvements 1.0776 Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Melody Vonholten, Township Assessor Fenton, IL 61251 (815)441-5278 Office Hours are: By Appointment Only Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the Farm land assessments for the 2026 assessment year will in-
crease by 10% of the preceding year’s median cropped soil productivity index as certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue with data provided by the Farmland Assessment Technical Advisory Board resulting in a $56.71 per acre increase for each soil productivity index. Property in this Township, other than farmland and coal, is to be assessed at a 33.33% median level of assessment, based on the fair cash value of the property. You may check the accuracy of your assessment by dividing your assessment by the median level of assessment. The resulting value should equal the estimated fair cash value of your property. If the resulting value is greater than the estimated fair cash value of your property, you may be overassessed. If the resulting value is less than the fair cash value of your property, you may be underassessed. You may appeal your assessment to the Board of Review. If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken: 1. Contact your Township Assessor to review the assessment. 2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Whiteside County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whiteside countyil.gov for more information. 3. The final filing deadline for your Township District is generally 30 days from this publication date. After this date the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in this Township. For more information on complaint deadlines, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows: Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions=Taxable Assessment Taxable Assessment X Current Tax Rate= Total Tax Bill Continue on next page
Whiteside County 3
All equalized assessed valuations are subject to further equalization and revision by the Whiteside County Board of Review as well as equalization by the Illinois Department of Revenue. A complete list of assessments for this Township for the current assessment year, except for those as-
sessments that were changed solely by equalization as noted above, is as follows: Tampico 22-14-328-008 22-15-482-023 22-04-200-004 22-11-300-007 22-25-300-001 22-32-200-005
AJEX INVESTMENTS LLC 22,380 APPLE, ROBERT & BETTY GLAS 72,618 BLACKERT, GAYLE 38,127 BLOSSER, BRENTON D & JUDI 82,658 CLARK, DIANE A TRUST DTD 1 109,892 COERS, BRUCE & KAY TR DTD 41,627
22-32-200-004 22-02-200-001 22-17-200-005 22-15-476-003 22-15-479-007 22-15-433-002 22-15-200-007 22-01-100-006 22-24-300-006 22-15-481-010 22-09-400-014
COERS, JAMES & BRENDA 14,753 DEWITTE, BRANDON T &WHITNE 40,676 FARGO ROAD SOLAR LLC 163,335 HADAWAY, STEVEN K & PEGGY 39,514 HINTON, JEFFERY & DEANN 7,662 SCANLAN, EVAN & KATELYNN 3,965 SHAFFER, ERIC B 95,187 SHROCK, WENDALL & MELISSA 46,111 SLOCK, TODD & CINDY 101,623 TOMPKINS, DALE & RHONDA 37,541 TOPPERT, DAVID J & LORI E 55,761
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11 WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Continued from previous page
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
12 WHITESIDE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS: SEPT. 7 - 11 • Gregory Brewer and Maribeth Brewer to Tiffany Pankow, 17519 Hickory Hills Road, Sterling, $430,000 • Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to Cassandra Jo Corbin, 307 11th St W, Sterling, $155,000 • Jerry L Norman Family Trust, Lori D Norman Family Trust, Jason C Norman, and Julie R Norman to Ronald A Huisman and Lisa L Huisman, 4389 Stropes Road, Erie, $18,010 • Pcrk Limited Partnership to Jhgv Three Llc, 1509 First Ave, Rock Falls, $2,375,196 • Alizabeth Martin to Katie E Connelly, 1404 20th St E, Sterling, $170,000 • Mary H Temiquel to Carlos Monslave and Juan Sebastian Dorantes, 1807 18th Ave, Sterling, $72,900 • Mark E H Newman to Amber J Allen, 4541 Tampico Road, Tampico, $200,000 • Terry Wolf Construction Inc to Redhome Remodeling Services Llc, 1 parcel on Knief Road, Rock Falls: 17-09-328-009, $18,000 • Bruce E Franks and Jane E Franks to Ian C Gordon, 304 Tree Lane, Prophetstown, $205,000 • Carter N Shaw and Bethany Olivia Shaw to Mitchell Smith and Brenna Rieker, 600 Avenue A, Rock Falls, $136,000 • Quinn M Wilkin and Kayla R Wilkin to Michel Stephenitch and Emily Stephenitch, 203 12th St N, Fulton, $260,000 • Sterling Federal Bank to Christopher Pena Garza, 2109 French St E, Rock Falls, $30,000 • Charlotte W Elliott and Jennifer R Somes to Fast Home Cash Offers, 1304 14th Ave., Sterling, $13,000
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Medicare open enrollment assistance available by request. available in Morrison from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 Now is the time to sign up for a free confidential review Free community meals offered at Fulton church each Wednesday night of your Part D Prescription Drug Plan or your Medicare Advantage Plan. Senior Health Insurance Program is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Your local Certified SHIP Counselor, Kathy Schmidt, can answer questions on Medicare, Medicaid, Part D drug plan or supplemental plan information, and more. Open enrollment appointments will be held at the 1st Gateway Credit Union, 200 N. Base St., Morrison, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional days and times are
Free community meals are served at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at CrossView Church, 703 14th Ave., Fulton.
Menus
Sept. 23: Hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips, assorted desserts. Sept. 30: Spaghetti casserole, garlic bread, Jell-O, green beans, assorted desserts. Oct. 7: Hot chicken sandwiches, nachos and cheese, watermelon, assorted desserts. – Shaw Local News Network
– Shaw Local News Network
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By KIM HILL FarmWeek Like many farms in Illinois, Neumiller Farms grows the state’s top crops, corn and soybeans, along with green beans and other produce. But the potato reigns supreme for this family farm, which plants about 3,000 acres of potatoes each year. A significant portion of their harvest becomes potato chips for major companies such as Frito-Lay. “Potatoes are not a commodity where you just take them down to your local co-op after harvest,” said Katie Neumiller-Floming, who serves as the farm’s operations manager. “There are too many inputs, so everything we grow is contracted.”
A Tuber Tradition
The Neumiller family traces its potato-growing origins to before they made their way to America, let alone Illinois. “Our farming history goes back to my great-grandfather, who lived in a German community in Russia,” Neumiller-Floming said. “He fled during the
Illinois can be traced to her father, Tom. After college, Tom returned to his family’s Wisconsin farm. One day, Fred asked him to travel to northern Illinois to collect payment from a farmer who’d purchased seed potatoes from the family. “My dad never did get the money, but he did get to see some really nice pockets of sandy soil around Savanna,” Neumiller-Floming said. “When he went home to Wisconsin, Dad told my grandfather if we ever got the chance, there was good, sandy ground for potatoes down in Illinois.” In 1974, opportunity arrived. Neumiller-Floming’s parents bought land in Hanover in Jo Daviess County, which Photo provided by Jeff Adkins/©Journal Communications they still own today. “Neumiller Farms in Illinois got its The Neumiller family traces its potato-growing origins to before they made their way to start because my dad couldn’t get the America, let alone Illinois. money for the seed potatoes,” NeumillRussian Revolution. Eventually, he “My grandfather, Fred Neumiller, er-Floming said with a laugh, noting the made it to Canada before settling in Col- started selling to Red Dot on a hand- family joke all these years is that it’s orado, but all the while, he was growing shake in the 1950s,” Neumiller-Floming good Tom kept his day job as a potato potatoes. They have always been in our said. “Red Dot and other companies farmer, because he wasn’t a good money family one way or the other.” merged to become Frito-Lay, and we’ve collector. “And things just grew from The family’s long-standing relation- had a relationship with them for more there.” ship with Frito-Lay precedes the brand than 70 years.” itself. The expansion of Neumiller Farms to See POTATO CHIPS on page 16
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WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Local farm cultivates the crunch in potato chips
13
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
14
Whiteside County 1
NOTICE TO CLYDE/USTICK TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS: ASSESSED VALUES FOR 2026 Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2026 Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33% Median level of assessments for the Township: 30.93% Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2023, 2024, 2025 Publication was hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in this Township District in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10. As required by 35 ILCS 200/9-210 and 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the following equalization factors have been applied to bring the assessments to the statutorily required three-year median level of 33.33%: Residential: 1.0778 Commercial: 1.0000 Industrial: 1.0000 Farm Home & Site: 1.0801 Other Land & Improvements 1.0801 Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Heidi Kolk, Township Assessor Fulton, IL 61252 (779)809-0053 Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the Farm land assessments for the 2026 assessment year will increase by 10% of the preceding year’s median cropped soil productivity index as certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue with data provided by the Farmland Assessment Technical Advisory Board resulting in a $56.71 per acre increase for each soil productivity index. Property in this Township, other than farmland and coal, is to be assessed at a 33.33% median level of assessment, based on the fair cash value of the property. You may check the accuracy of your assessment by dividing your assessment by the median level of assessment. The resulting value should equal the estimated fair cash value of your property. If the resulting value is greater than the estimated fair cash value of your property, you may be overassessed. If the resulting value is less than the fair cash value of your property, you may be underassessed. You may appeal your assessment to the Board of Review.
If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken: 1. Contact your Township Assessor to review the assessment. 2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Whiteside County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whiteside countyil.gov for more information. 3. The final filing deadline for your Township District is generally 30 days from this publication date. After this date the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in this Township. For more information on complaint deadlines, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows: Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions=Taxable Assessment Taxable Assessment X Current Tax Rate= Total Tax Bill All equalized assessed valuations are subject to further equalization and revision by the Whiteside County Board of Review as well as equalization by the Illinois Department of Revenue. A complete list of assessments for this Township for the current assessment year, except for those assessments that were changed solely by equalization as noted above, is as follows: Clyde 03-07-100-006 03-11-400-001 03-34-400-004 03-26-100-007 03-26-100-006 03-07-100-005 03-23-300-017
ADOLPH, DAVID E & RENEE N BUSH, JONATHON R & RHONDA KOPHAMER, JOHN J KOPHAMER, JON R & MARTHA J LIEPITZ, RANDY R & ANN L ROWAN, BENJAMIN W & OLIVIA WIERSEMA, ERIC S
5,436 92,102 82,386 6,052 5,617 31,129 16,868
Ustick 02-32-200-007 02-30-100-014 02-09-300-017 02-35-200-006 02-35-400-001 02-35-300-012 02-35-400-006 02-14-400-007 02-09-452-005 02-23-100-010
ABBOTT FARM LLC EARLES, BRANDI & BRETT GREELEY, WILLIAM N HANSON, GREGORY & KYLA JO KUEHL, JOHN R KUEHL, JOHN R KUEHL, JOHN R LILLY, KEITH E & WENDY M MILLER, LEON M & EDNA W MILLER, REUBEN E & VIOLA M
12,641 60,360 1,454 68,209 53,125 5,161 828 49,085 77,588 68,772
02-32-200-006 02-27-300-004 02-33-100-003 02-10-100-011 02-19-100-002
NEWENDYKE, LAVERNE RIGGEN, ERNEST W & CHERYL SCHMUCKER, MENNO N WALSTON, FRANCIS E JR & PA WILSON, SUSAN K REV TRUST
7,611 303,083 7,194 111,025 60,431
NOTICE TO MT. PLEASANT/ UNION GROVE TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS: ASSESSED VALUES FOR 2026 Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2026 Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33% Median level of assessments for the Township: 31.48% Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2023, 2024, 2025 Publication was hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in this Township District in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10. As required by 35 ILCS 200/9-210 and 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the following equalization factors have been applied to bring the assessments to the statutorily required three-year median level of 33.33%: Residential: 1.0588 Commercial: 1.0000 Industrial: 1.0000 Farm Home & Site: 1.0588 Other Land & Improvements 1.0588 Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Melody Vonholten, Township Assessor Fenton, IL 61251 (815)441-5278 Office Hours are: By Appointment Only Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the Farm land assessments for the 2026 assessment year will increase by 10% of the preceding year’s median cropped soil productivity index as certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue with data provided by the Farmland Assessment Technical Advisory Board resulting in a $56.71 per acre increase for each soil productivity index. Property in this Township, other than farmland and coal, is to be assessed at a 33.33% median level of assessment, based on the fair cash value of the property. You may check the accuracy of your assessment by dividing your assessment by the median level of assessment. The resulting value should equal the estimated fair cash value of your property. Continue on next page
15
2 Whiteside County
If the resulting value is greater than the estimated fair cash value of your property, you may be overassessed. If the resulting value is less than the fair cash value of your property, you may be underassessed. You may appeal your assessment to the Board of Review. If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken: 1. Contact your Township Assessor to review the assessment. 2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Whiteside County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whiteside countyil.gov for more information. 3. The final filing deadline for your Township District is generally 30 days from this publication date. After this date the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in this Township. For more information on complaint deadlines, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov
Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows: Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions=Taxable Assessment Taxable Assessment X Current Tax Rate= Total Tax Bill All equalized assessed valuations are subject to further equalization and revision by the Whiteside County Board of Review as well as equalization by the Illinois Department of Revenue. A complete list of assessments for this Township for the current assessment year, except for those assessments that were changed solely by equalization as noted above, is as follows: Mt. Pleasant 09-21-300-003 09-08-226-004 09-08-201-004 09-18-302-009 09-17-302-004 09-18-157-012 09-17-326-006 09-18-180-007 09-25-400-004 09-36-400-006 09-36-400-007 09-30-200-014 09-17-276-012
AKKER, GERRY L & SHARI L BAKER, JEREMY BAKER, JEREMY T ET AL BOYLES, SHARON BREARTON, JENJIRA & LOGAN BUCKWALTER, ELIZABETH J COOPER, ANDREA L TR DTD 5/ DROLEMA, ARNOLD D ENGIE 2019 PROJECTCO-IL1 L ENGIE 2019 PROJECTCO-IL2 L ENGIE 2019 PROJECTCO-IL3 L FREDERICK, KEITH B & BARBA GONZALEZ, ROLANDO & KIRA
59,218 55,709 52,942 39,613 40,196 58,138 34,420 16,663 159,909 159,909 159,909 81,619 130,640
09-18-431-019 09-18-203-030 09-16-151-013 09-26-473-001 09-01-300-003 09-06-401-002 09-06-400-021 09-17-161-002 09-27-400-005 09-24-326-003 09-08-454-005 09-17-176-004 09-07-276-004 09-16-451-001 09-07-276-005 09-29-100-003 09-18-303-011 09-18-479-011 09-18-158-007 09-18-202-013 09-29-100-002 09-18-277-004 09-24-326-002 09-17-326-030
GRAMS, DAVID & KIMBERLY R 55,468 HORACK, NORMAN K 2,626 HULING, ERNEST E & DAWN M 102,396 KLOUNT, NATHAN J 27,147 KOPHAMER, JON R & MARTHA J 220,510 LAW, MATTHEW 10,531 LAW, MATTHEW 15,796 MAXFIELD, VAUGHN F 99,081 MEINSMA, JEFFREY A & JUDY 81,762 MEYER, GARY L & DARLENE J 15,775 MODGLIN, ZACHARY J & MEGAN 93,123 MORRISON ELDERLY LIMITED P 95,131 MORRISON RENTAL PROPERTIES 2,812 PETERSON, JERRY B 136,192 RENKES, JEREMIAH L & BETTR 25 SAWYER ROAD SOLAR 1 LLC 35,060 SNOW, DAVID L & LORI A 18,735 STRABLE, DAVID F & SALLY E 40,516 VANDERMYDE, BENJAMIN J 54,523 VOS, DARREN D 43,630 WIEBENGA, RON 84,683 WIENEKE, TERRENCE J & LUAN 82,000 ZAAGMAN, GORDAN D & PAULET 51,285 ZUIDEMA, SETH 23,345
Union Grove 08-06-200-006 08-14-276-019 08-32-100-003 08-32-100-004 08-22-300-003 08-15-300-006 08-08-400-004 08-16-100-004 08-13-300-021 08-17-300-007 08-05-100-004 08-01-200-008 08-12-200-009 08-01-300-002 08-17-300-008 08-24-202-001 08-15-100-002 08-08-400-005 08-12-200-014 08-03-476-004
APPLE, ROBERT F 4,132 CHAMBERLIN, GEORGE A & LIS 191,877 COWAN, RICHARD L & NINA 21,940 COWAN, RICHARD L & NINA 87,776 ENGIE 2020 PROJECTCO-IL4 L 159,909 FITZWATER, MERVIN 60,764 GENGENBACH, JAKE INHERITED 59,402 GREEN & CLEAN LAWN SERVICE 21,863 GUNDERSON, MICHAEL R & CIN 114,626 HANSON, JEFFREY & ANGELA R 31,075 HERSHBERGER, ERVIN H & SOV 38,821 JAMES, ALISON 130,544 MANSER, SIMON & TAMMI 66,284 RIZZO, PATRICIA & MICHAEL 7,713 RIZZO, PATRICIA K TRUSTEE 403 SCHMIDT, BRANDON & JACOB 70,479 SCHWARTZ, CHAD W & AMANDA 104,170 STEELE, MICHAEL INHERITED 23,165 STICHTER, CAROL J TRUSTEE 13,562 VEGTER, TIMOTHY J & JILL R 78,773
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Continued from previous page
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
16
• POTATO CHIPS
Continued from page 13 Over the years, the farm continued to expand, and the family later purchased land down the road in Savanna. Fred also sowed the seeds of another farm partnership. Decades ago, he ordered holiday gifts from a store in North Dakota. Paul Sproule, a clerk home from college on Christmas break, took Fred’s phone order year after year. They’d talk about farming, Sproule’s classes and other matters. After college, Sproule went to work for Frito-Lay, with Neumiller Farms among his suppliers. Eventually, Sproule left the company and began farming. In 1998, Sproule and Tom bought land in Bath, now known as the Neumiller-Sproule Farm.
Chipping in together
These days, the extended Neumiller family works with their 40-plus employees, some of whom have been with the operation for more than 40 years. Many of the vintage potato chip cans and boxes in the lobby of their Savanna office date back much longer than that. “A lot of these cans are from Midwestern companies, and we like to think at some point, maybe my grandfather grew
the potatoes that became the chips in these cans,” Neumiller-Floming said. In fact, Tom and Neumiller-Floming’s story inspired the 2026 Lay’s Super Bowl commercial of the father passing down the family potato farm to his daughter. However, Neumiller-Floming said that Tom is still very involved in the business, ensuring operations run smoothly. “He’s the first one here in the mornings and the last one to leave at night,” said Neumiller-Floming, who also manages Neumiller Farms’ trucking operation. “Dad is very involved with our crews, making sure everything gets done the way it should be done.” That means typically planting in March, harvesting in July and often continuing until October. After harvest, potatoes are sorted, washed and graded, loaded onto Neumiller Farms’ semitrucks, and shipped to customer processing facilities. “For those customers less than two hours from us, if we dig a potato at 8 a.m., it could be to our customer by noon, and processed and in a bag by 1 p.m.,” Neumiller-Floming said.
gies, which should really help improve sustainability,” Bess said. As another eco-friendly effort, each fall the farm plants cereal rye as a cover crop, which helps keep the topsoil in place and reduces erosion. “We’re holding those nutrients down in the soil and not letting them blow away in the wind,” Bess said. Because potatoes thrive in sandy, well-irrigated soil, they use water from the Mahomet Aquifer to irrigate their Photo provided by Jeff Adkins/©Journal Communications fields. And they closely monitor for the Colorado potato beetle, a threat not seen Tom Neumiller’s family has been growing on the farm but one they remain vigilant potatoes for what’s now Frito-Lay for more against. than 70 years. His daughter, Katie Neumill“I’m proud to be a woman in agriculer-Floming (right), is carrying on the family ture,” said Bess, a University of Illinois farm as its operations manager. graduate. “Ensuring quality potatoes are her favorite parts of the job. shipped to the processing plant, along “Each fall we take soil samples, and in with having a part in food safety, brings 2025 we did DNA extraction soil samples me joy.” for the first time, which will tell us what Focusing on sustainability extends to diseases might be present in the soil, if the Savanna farm as well. any,” Bess said. “This will help us with “Our goal is to protect the land so it’s pesticide management.” productive for the next generation,” NeuShe said that from DNA extraction, miller-Floming said. “We want to do a they can obtain RNA from leaf tissue sam- good job of protecting it.” ples, which are collected at the same time Spud sustainability as petiole (leaf stem) tissue samples. This • This story was distributed through a Down in Bath, Kelsey Bess and Sergio tells them, for example, if the plant is low cooperative project between Illinois Farm Barragan co-manage the 1,000-acre Neu- in potash – letting them know weeks Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. miller-Sproule Farm. Bess said soil man- ahead of traditional methods. For more food and farming news, visit agement and potato crop development are “I’m excited about these new technolo- ILFBpartners.com.
In the First Amendment the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” – Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black
It’s the season for different varieties of squash BEYOND TRIM Sherry DeWalt Pumpkins might be the flashiest and most ubiquitous member of the squash family. They feature largely in fall decorations and on fall menus. While they are fun to look at and they’re certainly edible, I think it’s the humbler versions of squash that shine in the kitchen. There are many different squashes. Some of the most popular edible varieties that you will find at the grocery store or farmer’s market include butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash. You also may see delicata and honeynut, which is a smaller and more
intensely flavored version of the butternut. Less popular but still worth checking out are the turban and hubbard squash. Squashes lend themselves to many different methods of preparation and can be used in a wide range of dishes. They can be steamed or boiled and then mashed to make a simple side dish. They can be roasted in the oven. Spaghetti squash can serve as a lower carb/higher fiber alternative to pasta. Acorn squash makes perfect little round bowls when cut in half that lend themselves to stuffing and you can find many recipes for stuffed acorn squash. Squash also can be a fine addition to soups, stews and chilis and that brings me to my very favorite squash recipe. This is one I go back to year
after year:
Butternut Squash and Parsnip Soup • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 2-pound butternut squash, unpeeled, halved lengthwise and seeds removed • 1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces (substitute carrots if you can’t find parsnips) • 1/4 cup water • 1 onion, peeled and quartered • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme • 4 cups vegetable broth Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a large roasting pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange squash pieces, cut side down, in prepared roasting pan. Add parsnips, onions, and 1/4 cup water to pan. Cover the pan with foil and bake until
vegetables are very tender, about 50 to 60 minutes. Cool. Scoop the pulp of the squash away from the skin and add into large saucepan. Add parsnips, onion, thyme and broth. Bring to simmer. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to process soup until mixture is smooth and there are no chunks of vegetables left. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Alternate method: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can process the cooked vegetables and broth in a regular blender before adding them to the saucepan. Add the thyme and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Sherry DeWalt is the healthy lifestyles coordinator for the CGH Health Foundation in Sterling.
Our opinion page encourages thoughtful discussion and diverse viewpoints. Opinions are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of this newspaper, its editorial board, or ownership unless attributed to the editorial board.
17 WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
OPINIONS
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
18
Whiteside County 1
NOTICE TO ALBANY/GARDEN TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS: ASSESSED VALUES FOR 2026 Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2026 Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33% Median level of assessments for the Township: 31.59% Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2023, 2024, 2025 Publication was hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in this Township District in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10. As required by 35 ILCS 200/9-210 and 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the following equalization factors have been applied to bring the assessments to the statutorily required three-year median level of 33.33%: Residential: 1.0547 Commercial: 1.0000 Industrial: 1.0000 Farm Home & Site: 1.0609 Other Land & Improvements 1.0609 Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Heidi Kolk, Township Assessor Fulton, IL 61252 (779)809-0053 Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the Farm land assessments for the 2026 assessment year will increase by 10% of the preceding year’s median cropped soil productivity index as certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue with data provided by the Farmland Assessment Technical Advisory Board resulting in a $56.71 per acre increase for each soil productivity index. Property in this Township, other than farmland and coal, is to be assessed at a 33.33% median level of assessment, based on the fair cash value of the property. You may check the accuracy of your assessment by dividing your assessment by the median level of assessment. The resulting value should equal the estimated fair cash value of your property. If the resulting value is greater than the estimated fair cash value of your property, you may be overassessed. If the resulting value is less than the fair cash value of your property, you may be underassessed. You may appeal your assessment to the Board of Review.
If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken: 1. Contact your Township Assessor to review the assessment. 2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Whiteside County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whiteside countyil.gov for more information. 3. The final filing deadline for your Township District is generally 30 days from this publication date. After this date the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in this Township. For more information on complaint deadlines, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows: Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions=Taxable Assessment Taxable Assessment X Current Tax Rate= Total Tax Bill All equalized assessed valuations are subject to further equalization and revision by the Whiteside County Board of Review as well as equalization by the Illinois Department of Revenue. A complete list of assessments for this Township for the current assessment year, except for those assessments that were changed solely by equalization as noted above, is as follows: Albany 06-25-151-004 06-24-407-002 06-24-407-003 06-35-100-009 06-36-100-007 06-25-252-001 06-26-229-002 06-26-229-003 06-24-460-033 12-14-226-008 06-24-410-004
BUTT, MERLIN J CHEAP HOME FINDERS INC CHEAP HOME FINDERS INC DOYLE, JEFFREY R & NANCY HUISENGA, OLIVIA D JONES, PATRICK & CHELSI LONERGAN, QUINN M LONERGAN, QUINN M OLSEN, SUSAN L & DARRELL G SIMEON, LYNNE SOCIAL INVESTMENTS LLC
51,907 2,543 3,820 46,518 95,558 52,695 13,197 13,197 87,669 44,374 3,609
Garden Plain 07-04-476-012 07-29-200-008 07-10-200-016 07-04-127-004 07-10-100-084
BESWICK, TERRY J BLANCHARD, JOHN L & JODIE CATTAIL SOLAR LLC CHASE BROS LLC CLAYTON, JANELLE L
4,664 43,849 167,524 72,652 4,696
07-04-476-011 07-10-100-058 07-09-202-001 07-03-351-004 07-10-100-039 07-17-427-021 07-29-200-009 07-16-103-004 07-16-102-003 07-01-400-010 07-04-302-011 07-03-301-008 07-04-476-020
COSSMAN, DEBBIE 5,666 DEWITTE, GARY & CAROL 124,582 EAGLE, ROBERT H & KATHRYN 143,119 HUISINGH FAMILY FOUNDATION 17,272 JOHNSON, BRADLEY A & TAMMY 148,073 PETTIJOHN, MICHAEL E 3,804 REYNOLDS, SCOTT A & BARBAR 45,253 SCHARER, RONALD 4,817 SMOLENSKI, JAMES 20,482 STUART, DANIEL W 106,121 UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COM 3,504 USS ORIGAMI SOLAR LLC 380,735 WOOD, JERE R ET AL 111,599
NOTICE TO FULTON TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS: ASSESSED VALUES FOR 2026 Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2026 Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33% Median level of assessments for the Township: 31.99% Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2023, 2024, 2025 Publication was hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in this Township District in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10. As required by 35 ILCS 200/9-210 and 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the following equalization factors have been applied to bring the assessments to the statutorily required three-year median level of 33.33%: Residential: 1.0408 Commercial: 1.0000 Industrial: 1.0000 Farm Home & Site: 1.0031 Other Land & Improvements 1.0031 Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Heidi Kolk, Township Assessor Fulton, IL 61252 (779)809-0053 Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/10-115, the Farm land assessments for the 2026 assessment year will increase by 10% of the preceding year’s median cropped soil productivity index as certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue with data provided by the Farmland Assessment Technical Advisory Board resulting in a $56.71 per acre increase for each soil productivity index. Property in this Township, other than farmland and coal, is to be assessed at a 33.33% median level of assessment, based on the fair cash value of the property. You may check the accuracy of your assessment by dividing your assessment by the meContinue on next page
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2 Whiteside County
dian level of assessment. The resulting value should equal the estimated fair cash value of your property. If the resulting value is greater than the estimated fair cash value of your property, you may be overassessed. If the resulting value is less than the fair cash value of your property, you may be underassessed. You may appeal your assessment to the Board of Review. If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken: 1. Contact your Township Assessor to review the assessment. 2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Whiteside County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whiteside countyil.gov for more information. 3. The final filing deadline for your Township District is generally 30 days from this publication date. After this date the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in this Township.
For more information on complaint deadlines, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815)772-5195 or visit www.whitesidecountyil.gov Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows: Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions=Taxable Assessment Taxable Assessment X Current Tax Rate= Total Tax Bill All equalized assessed valuations are subject to further equalization and revision by the Whiteside County Board of Review as well as equalization by the Illinois Department of Revenue. A complete list of assessments for this Township for the current assessment year, except for those assessments that were changed solely by equalization as noted above, is as follows: Fulton 01-28-282-007 01-28-265-006 01-21-453-004 01-28-233-002 01-28-252-013 01-14-353-010
1230-10TH PROPERTIES LLC 57,248 BAILEY, STEPHEN R & BONITA 40,706 BENNETT, ANDREW & ALEXANDR 58,099 BOONSTRA, ALYSON & ERIC 71,868 BRONDYKE, JEFFRY N & MIYES 45,770 CK SNYDER LLC 43,231
01-33-230-007 01-33-230-004 01-01-300-009 01-01-360-001 01-28-353-022 01-27-351-001 01-28-231-001 01-28-352-029 01-22-400-016 01-13-350-001 01-28-431-014 01-22-100-035 01-27-103-009 01-28-129-006 01-22-100-034 01-21-380-002 01-22-100-033 01-28-451-015 01-14-376-006 01-28-410-001 01-01-300-008 01-21-456-005 01-28-381-012 01-28-405-013 01-22-200-011 01-21-380-005 01-14-353-011 01-28-430-002 01-28-377-001 01-28-269-001 01-21-355-005 01-28-412-014 01-21-458-003 01-28-308-003 01-34-400-007 01-35-200-018 01-28-412-013 01-13-350-002 01-33-136-017 01-34-251-002 01-28-352-007 01-33-151-001 01-33-151-002 01-14-400-014
COSSMAN, DEBORAH 1,980 COSSMAN, JEFFREY A 29,047 DEVAULT, JAMES R JR & KEVA 94,242 DEVAULT, JAMES R JR & KEVA 30,919 FIGIE, MICHELE K 32,972 FULTON COMMONS LLC 278,599 GARCIA, KIM M & JIMMY 51,657 GIDDINGS, TODD A 35,738 GREEN, DALE W & KATHY 111,329 HAAN, STEVEN J FAM TR UTA 4,275 JINDRICH, DAVID J 23,203 JORDAN, ALFRED C & JULIA A 39,815 KERSHNER, JOHN & NICOLE 62,679 KIMMER, DALE R & AMY C 42,408 KNOTT, MICHAEL L 2,394 KOTMAN, JOHN R 50,124 KUMMERER, RICHARD W & MICH 87,894 LAWSON, JERRY 320 LUSKEY, JOSEPH J & KARYN M 93,532 MARESH, DEVON 24,792 MCCLELLAND, ROBERT A III & 70,592 MERZA, STANISLAW & MARTHA 58,523 MILLER, JASON 32,341 MITCHELL, LEONARD F 26,706 NORTH, STEVEN A 9,911 RATHBURN, JIM 54,980 RCV REAL ESTATE 2 LLC 18,849 REGENWETHER, JOSEPH L 44,801 RURAL HOUSING PARTNERS FUL107,841 RYAN EISSENS CONSTRUCTION 131,925 SANDERSON, MARK R 85,651 SCHROEDER, MARK W & BRANDY 986 SECOND REFORMED CHURCH OF 1,766 SISSING, BRYAN 72,563 SWANSON, CALVIN H FAM TR U 35,552 USS CATTAIL SOLAR LLC 190,368 VANZUIDEN, WILLIAM A & ELI 37,242 VOGEL, ANDREW 62,192 WHITESIDE SOLAR 1, LLC 152,294 WIERSEMA, ANDREW J & ALESH 107,922 WOSOBA, EDDIE L 22,104 ZEN-NOH GRAIN CORPORATION 710,232 ZEN-NOH GRAIN CORPORATION 189,518 ZIMMERMAN, DAVID & LORI FA 118,432
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WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Continued from previous page
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
20 PROPHETSTOWN LIBRARY PROGRAMS IMPACT volunteer hours available
Prophetstown Library has recently been approved as a volunteer partner in the Sauk Valley Community College Impact Program. This means anyone who is currently participating in the IMPACT Program can serve their volunteer hours at the library, which will get the proper paperwork filled out for the participant to get credit for the hours served. Please contact the library if you’re interested in signing up.
This is for anyone ages 10 to adult. All materials will be available unless you would like to bring your own dice, pencils, books, etc. Please stop by or phone the library with any questions at 309-7142699.
CGH WEEK 2026
Dream catcher workshop
This traditional Native American skill will be taught by Olive Huff. Olive is a Navajo Indian and will show patrons how to create a one-of-a-kind catcher with natural materials as per tradition. The workshop will be held 10 a.m. Sept. 26 at Pen Pal Club Prophetstown Library is hosting a Pen Pal 10 a.m. This class is free and open to the public. Club in cooperation with a nationwide program for people of all ages to write to a Sourdough bread-making class pen pal. This class will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at The program is for ages 5 to 100. Once the Prophetstown Library. Learn how to you get signed up, the administration will make your very own sourdough starter let us know a good match with a person of that is ready to bake with. This is the corresponding age and we will let you step-by-step lazy sourdough method. know what library they are from. There is Samples of sourdough will be available. no sharing of personal addresses. The This class is free and open to the public. person who writes the pen pal letter will Please register by emailing the library at drop off the letter at the library, and the hcadams1@yahoo.com. library will mail the letter to the corresponding library where your pen pal is a ‘Haunted Rock River Valley’ author patron at that library. Once they write back, the letter will get sent to Prophets- to present in October Local author Kathy Kresol will present town Library, which will either email or her book “Haunted Rock River Valley” just phone you to let you know your letter is in. in time for spooky season in October. Stop by the library to sign up. She will host at the Prophetstown CPR training available in October Library at 6 p.m. Oct. 15. The public is Save the date for a “Family and Friends” invited to come learn about the ghostly free CPR training at Prophetstown Library history of the Rock River area and have from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 24. This training refreshments. The author will have her book for sale to the public, but the event is is free, but if you would like certification, the instructor will guide you on how to get free and open to everyone. certified. There will also be a Narcan training class in October, so please watch Medicare 101 class Open enrollment is quickly approaching. for more details. The Whiteside County Senior Center will Reading tutoring for fall semester be available and ready to answer any questions you have about Medicare. If anyone in the community is in need of The event will be at the Prophetstown reading tutoring, please reach out to the Library at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 29. RSVP at Prophetstown Library, which is tutoring any 815-622-9230. age from pre-K to 101 years old. Homeschooled kids are welcome. This is free and Rocket launch open to the public. Please call for more Yep, It’s Science will host an all-ages details. rocket launch at the Prophetstown Library! Come make your own paper rockets and Role-playing game club launch them from the library yard. meets once a week The event will be held 4 p.m. Oct. 9 with A role-playing game club will meet from the Ford family hosting the last-of-the3:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday at the season Rocket Launch Workshop. Prophetstown Library.
TO OUR INCREDIBLE CGH TEAM
THANK YOU
Because of You...It’s Personal.
Exceptional healthcare is about more than what we do. It’s about the people who make it possible. Thank you to our incredible CGH team for the compassion, expertise and dedication you bring to our patients and communities every day. You make a difference. You make us proud. You make CGH what it is. 100 E LeFevre Rd, Sterling • 815.625.0400 SM-ST2349628
serving the Sauk Valley area, including Sterling, Rock Falls, and Dixon. The organization raises funds to support local cancer organizations and causes, including Pink Heals Sauk Valley and HOPE Cancer Wellness Center. During Power in Pink, Birdies Fore Boobies will present donations to both HOPE Cancer Wellness Center and Pink Heals Sauk Valley, helping support the work these organizations provide to local families.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com OnCall Imaging will host its third annual Power in Pink open house from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 at its location at the corner of Route 30 and Route 40 in Rock Falls. The morning will focus on breast health awareness, education and community, encouraging women to prioritize their annual mammogram screenings while celebrating and honoring breast cancer survivors and those currently fighting the disease. Power in Pink will also feature several local organizations dedicated to supporting those affected by cancer throughout the Sauk Valley. OnCall Imaging provides breast imaging services, including annual screening mammograms, ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound Screening), and Breast MRI. OnCall’s mammography unit features a four-way flex paddle, designed to flex around breast tissue for more even compression and a more comfortable mammogram experience. ABUS is a supplemental screening tool that, when used with a mammogram, can help detect breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue, according to a news release. Women with dense breasts have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer and may benefit from additional screening – ask your doctor if ABUS is right for you. OnCall Imaging also offers Breast MRI for high-risk screening and further evaluation, with a wide-bore MRI designed with patient comfort in mind.
Good News Coffee Co.
Guests also will be able to enjoy Good News Coffee Co. as part of the morning’s community celebration. As part of the Power in Pink celebration, anyone who receives their annual Photo provided by OnCall Imaging OnCall Imaging will host its third annual Power in Pink open house from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 at screening mammogram during the event will receive a mini bouquet from its location at the corner of Route 30 and Route 40 in Rock Falls. Berhz Bloomz, while supplies last. communities, providing support when it facing breast cancer – a powerful Guests also can enjoy light refreshis needed most. HOPE provides cancer reminder that no one has to fight alone. ments while connecting with OnCall patients and their families with guidImaging, local organizations and memBirdies Fore Boobies ance and support from diagnosis bers of the community. Birdies Fore Boobies is a regional through treatment and recovery Register to attend and check out the t h r o u g h e d u c a t i o n , s u p p o r t i v e charity organization and annual discussion tab on the Power in Pink golf-centered fundraising campaign Facebook page. resources and therapeutic services.
Pink Heals – Sauk Valley Chapter
Founded in 2017 and based in Rock Falls, Pink Heals Sauk Valley is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and children battling cancer in the local community. Pink Heals shares love, hope, and hugs through home visits to those in need. During Power in Pink, breast cancer survivors and those currently fighting breast cancer will have the opportunity to sign the Pink Heals firetruck. Supporting organizations If you would like to sign the truck, HOPE Cancer Wellness Center please speak with a Pink Heals staff For decades, HOPE Cancer Wellness member before signing. The truck feaCenter has been a beacon of hope tures hundreds of signatures from throughout the Dixon and Sauk Valley women who have faced or currently are
FREE Community
FAMILY FUN DAY
EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE Early Voting for the November 3, 2026 General Election for all Whiteside County Precincts will be conducted in the Whiteside County Clerk’s Office located at 200 E. Knox Street in Morrison, beginning Thursday, September 24th through Monday, November 2nd from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday and Saturday, October 31st from 9:00 am until noon. Early Voting will also be held in Sterling for all Whiteside County Precincts at the Eastern Branch Court Facility located at 101 E. Third Street in Sterling. The dates and times for Early Voting in Sterling are: Friday - October 16 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday - October 19 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Any registered voter in Whiteside County may vote during the early voting period, however, any vote cast is final, and may not be revoked, and the voter is not eligible to cast a vote on election day. KAREN J. STRALOW Whiteside County Clerk
SM-ST2340132
Sunday, September 27th 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
OnCall Imaging to host Power in Pink open house Oct. 3 21
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
22
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CHURCH LISTINGS
St. Patrick Catholic Church 1201 N. Bluff St. Father Timothy Barr, Pastor CORDOVA Cordova Baptist 602 Third Ave. South 309-654-2501 Pastor Carmen Weaver www.fbccordova.org EAST MOLINE Sycamore Reformed Baptist Church 5323 180th St. North 309-302-0005 www.sycamorebaptistchurch.com Wildwood Baptist Church 18717 Hubbard Road 309-496-9397 office@ wildwoodchurch.com Pastors Brian Smith, Andrew Robinson, Andy Thomaston and Matt Winquist Zion Lutheran Church 17628 Hubbard Road 309-496-3592 Rev. Gary A. Wright ERIE Erie Baptist Church 1102 Eighth Ave. Call Ron Kimball for info: 309-230-3584
Erie United Methodist Church 811 Eighth St. 309-659-2541 Pastor Dexter Ceballos
Spring Valley Reformed Church 10960 Spring Valley Road 815-772-3554 Pastor Paul Wissink
Church Of St. Anne Episcopal 401 N. Cherry St., 815-772-2818 stannemorrison@frontiernet.net www.churchofstannemorrison.org
Newton Zion Reformed Church 10465 Frog Pond Road, 309-659-2464 Pastor Shannon Parrish newtonzion@frontier.com
First Christian Reformed Church 801 15th Ave. 815-589-3790 firstcrcfulton@live.com Pastor Michael Hooker www.fultonfirstcrc.com
Crossroads Community Church 300 W. South St., 815-956-0090 Pastor Jon Eastlick morrison@crossroadscn.com
St. Ambrose Catholic Church 820 Fifth Ave. Father David Reese Rectory Phone: 815-537-2077 Church Phone: 309-659-2781 FENTON New Life Church of Fenton 10019 Main St., 815-858-6180 fentonumc19@gmail.com FULTON Bethel Christian Reformed Church 1208 Third Ave., 815-589-2501 bethelcrchurch@gmail.com Sunday service is 10 a.m. www.bethelfulton.com First Reformed Church 510 15th Ave., 815-589-2203 Pastor Charles Huckaby Fulton Presbyterian Church 311 N. Ninth St. 815-589-3580 presbyterianchurchfulton@gmail.com Garden Plain Presbyterian Church 14915 Sands Road Gateway Faith Fellowship Church 701 11th Ave., 815-589-4283 Pastor Wayne Wiersema
HILLSDALE Hillsdale United Methodist Church 124 Butzer St. Church: 309-658-2340 Pastor Melva England HOOPPOLE Calvary Evangelical Congregational Church 563-370-8779 Rev. Zachary Van Dyke, Pastor Hooppole Zion Methodist Church 311 Main St. 815-948-7591 Parsonage: 309-658-2145 Pastor Rolando Renteria LYNDON Dominion Christian Fellowship Center 104 Fourth St. West 815-590-6971 Rev. Barbi E. Momolu Sr. Trinity Baptist Church 203 Sixth Ave. North, 563-242-0307 Pastor Alan Jahn
Immaculate Conception Church 703 12th Ave., 815-589-3542 Father Timothy Barr, Pastor secretaryfulton@gmail.com
MORRISON Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church 301 W. South St. 815-414-1758; Office: 772-4896 Pastor Tammy Anderson
Erie Evangelical Free Church 1409 16th Ave., 309-659-7125 www.erieefree.com
CrossView Church 703 14th Ave., 815-589-3425 secretary@wearecrossview.com www.wearecrossview.com
Brethren In Christ Church 207 E. Knox St. 815-772-4871 Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m.
Farmers Elevator
RUTLEDGE ELECTRIC
Erie Christian Church 715 Sixth Ave., 309-659-2561 Minister: Nathan Bright Youth Minister: Aaron Sweeney www.eriechristianchurch.com
815-772-4029 - Morrison, IL
Rock River Lumber & Grain 815-537-5131 - Prophetstown
Frary’s Lumber & Supply
815-537-5151 - Prophetstown
822 Main, Erie Serving the Area Since 1980 Farm • Residential • Commercial Wiring & Contracting
WISDOM
Heating and Air Erie, Illinois
“For your wisest climate solutions”
309-659-2195
309-659-7944
Morrison Veterinary Clinic
Allure of Prophetstown
Jentry Fane, DVM, DVM, R.R. Zinkem, DVM, S.E. Blair, DVM, SJ. Lawfer, DVM
Phone 815-772-4047
14993 Lyndon Rd., Morrison
Senior Living Apartments Skilled Nursing Services Hospice Inpatient Outpatient Therapy Service 310 Mosher Drive, Prophetstown 815-537-5175
Ebenezer Reformed Church 309 E. Park St. 815-772-2472 Pastor J. T. Bean www.ercmorrison.com Emmanuel Church 202 E. Morris St. 815-772-3890 Rev. Luke Schouten, Senior Pastor Rich Criss, Ministry Coordinator www.ecmorrison.org First Baptist Church 406 Maple Ave. 563-206-4723 Pastor Roy Brown II facebook.com/morrisonfirstbaptist First Presbyterian Church 100 E. Lincolnway, 815-772-3510 Rev. Michael Selburg 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 815-772-4098 Pastor Stephen Harmon www.kingdomlife.global Morrison Christian Church 201 S. Genesee St., 602-750-6426 David Manley, Minister d.manley93@yahoo.com Google YouTube Larry Kidwell for sermons. Morrison United Methodist Church 200 W. Lincolnway, 815-772-4030 Pastor Sun-Ah Kang
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
ALBANY Albany United Methodist Church 502 N. First Ave. 309-887-4781 Pastor Toni Lucas
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
24 CHURCH LISTINGS
St. Mary’s Catholic Church 13320 Garden Plain Road 815-772-4890 Rev. Slawomir Zimodro www.stmarymorrison.org
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 601 N. Jackson St. 815-772-3386 Pastor David Strable Sunday service is at 9:30 a.m. Bible study and Sunday School at 10:45 a.m. PORT BYRON Bethel Baptist 27308 108th Ave. North 309-523-3352 Pastor Todd Rowland www.facebook.com/BethelBaptistPB Church of the Cross United Methodist Church 22621 IL 2 and 92 309-523-2201 Pastor Mark Graham Countryside Christian Church 3817 230th St. North 309-523-2834 Pastor Steve Allison www.countrysidecc.org Fairfield United Methodist Church 23505 115th Ave. North 309-507-3336 Pastor Larry Misfeldt www.fairfieldumc.org Messiah Lutheran Church 302 11th St., 309-523-2421 Pastor Gwen Sefrhans-Murphy www.messiahlutheranpb.com Peace Lutheran Church ELCA 20828 Friedens Road, 309-523-2295 Interim Pastor: Nancy Jaster Port Byron First United Methodist Church 9412 228th St. North, 309-848-4050 portbyronfirstumc@gmail.com Roberta Robbins, Lead Pastor Becky Butterfield, Associate Pastor www.firstumcpb.org
REMAX Sauk Valley Barb Kophamer Barb@BarbKophamer.com 815-772-4850
Dykstra & Law Insurance Agency, Inc. Brent Dykstra, Agent In River City Mall
1426 10th Avenue, Fulton 815-589-2200
PROPHETSTOWN Advent Christian Church 200 Elm St. 815-537-5646 Pastor Diana Verhulst www.ptownac.org First Lutheran Church 300 W. Third St. 815-537-2758 Interim Pastor Susan Davenport www.firstlutheran-ptown.org Leon United Methodist Church 17173 Lomax Road Pastor Joey Garcea - cell 815-656-0362 pastorjoeygarcea@gmail.com Prophetstown United Methodist Church 200 W. Second St., 815-537-2496 Pastor Joey Garcea River Church 218 E. Third St. 815-876-6226 www.riverchurchag.com
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St. Catherine Catholic Church 308 E. Third St. 815-537-2077 RAPIDS CITY St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 1416 Third Ave. 309-755-5071 Rev. Julien Esse TAMPICO St. Mary Catholic Church 105 N. Benton St. 815-438-5425 Rev. Slawomir Zimodro www.stmarytampico.org Tampico Baptist Church 209 W. 3rd St. Pastor Ethan Horton www.tampicobaptistchurch.yolasite.com Tampico First United Methodist Church 202 Lincoln St. 815-564-2302 Pastor Leanne Keate
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By JEANNINE OTTO jotto@shawmedia.com Shannon Jacobs turned an empty nest into a full-time farm business. Jacobs, along with her husband Brent, founded and owns Roots Market, their farmstead business on the couple’s 3.5 acres between Sterling and Morrison. She said the business started when their five children had grown up. “We were entering our empty nest phase,” she said. “We raised our five kids here, and they were growing up. I said I need an outlet for all of these fruits and vegetables I grow; now I’m not going to have all these kids to feed.” Jacobs’ hobby was turning the fruits she grows – grapes, berries and apples – into jams and jellies. With their children heading to college, Jacobs decided to turn her vision for the farm into reality. “We bought this farm 15 years ago. I had a vision to create a little hobby farm. I said I want my apple orchard there and my chickens behind the house. I like to create things. I like to design things, and I like things to look pretty and aesthetic,” she said. While she had a vision for a farmstead on the gently rolling acreage, selling the products from that farm didn’t figure into her plans right away. Two years ago, when a friend suggested she start selling her excess jams and jellies, Jacobs added another piece to the farm. “We built the greenhouses two years ago,” she said. She and Brent and her son Max, who has a degree in horticulture and now works in the horticulture industry, constructed two small greenhouses in front of the main house. The greenhouses serve a double purpose. “This is my farmstand, and I am also growing things in there,” Shannon Jacobs said. Selling jams and jellies to friends has now grown into a full-time farmstand business, with Roots Market a certified cottage food operation.
adding in little things,” she said. The jams and jellies, made from fruits and vegetables that Jacobs either grows or sources from local farms, remain the top seller. Other items and projects, like custom-made holiday and seasonal gift baskets and pottery made by one of her friends, also are popular. “This is what I do full time. My husband has a job off the farm, but on the weekends we are mowing, trimming and animal care. There are always trees to trim and vegetables to pick,” she said. Jacobs has a flock of around 60 chickens, including meat birds. Jacobs also raises heritage breed hogs, and the hogs get the bonus of windfall apples from the farm’s orchard. “We do a lot on three and a half acres. We fit a lot in here. All the animals are behind the house, the garden is behind the house. I have a grapevine on the hill and another grapevine behind the house; we have the orchard,” she said. Jacobs said the location of the farm, right on U.S. 30 between Sterling and Morrison, has been a definite advantage. “I get Sterling customers, I get Morrison customers, I get Rock Falls customers. We get people traveling to Morrison Rockwood State Park. We get a lot of people who are traveling. Our location has been really good to us,” she said. Whether it’s hosting a Sauk Valley Grown farm tour, as Jacobs recently did, selling to new customers, or assisting her regular customers coming to Jeannine Otto buy their favorite jams or jellies, Jacobs hopes they leave inspired. Shannon Jacobs has turned her vision for the farm she and “My hope is that this can be an inspiration for husband Brent purchased into a reality. Jacobs also has turned her passion for growing fruits and vegetables and producing jams and people too, that they can leave inspired to grow jellies into a full-time business. Roots Market farmstand, located at something and create something themselves,” she said. the couple’s 3.5-acre farmstead along U.S. 30, offers an array of Roots Market is located at 21205 Lincoln Road in homemade, homegrown, and locally sourced products. Sterling. “I always have eggs, I sell eggs year-round. I For business hours and more information, visit have produce, plants, flowers, and I am always the market’s Facebook page.
ERIE LIBRARY PROGRAMS Story Quest
• Story Quest is a choose-your-own-adventure story come to life. You’ll be given the first page of your adventure at the library. From there, the choices you make will lead you around town, dodging spells or fighting dragons before you’re led back to the library in hopes of putting yourself back to normal. Participants receive a passport to track their travels. Story Quest is designed for kids and their grown-ups. It is free and offered daily.
Genealogy research
• The Erie Public Library District is now a FamilySearch affiliate library, giving you free access to extensive genealogy records,
bottle and start making it by the gallon? Join us for this free, hands-on class at 9 a.m. Oct. 10 with Amanda Burger and walk away knowing how to brew, flavor, Open Studio bottle, and carbonate your own kombu• Practicing your art is so much more fun cha – plus how to keep your SCOBY Medicare 101 with friends. So bring your art or craft (and [Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and don’t forget the snacks!) to Open Studio from • The Whiteside County Senior Center will Yeast] happy for years to come. You’ll 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 19. Make some progress be presenting a free class on how to need a one-gallon glass jug and a SCOBY decipher Medicare from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. before class – email us for details, or on your work and get caught up on your Sept. 21. Bring your questions and be friendships, or build new ones, at the same grab a free home-grown SCOBY from the ready when open enrollment arrives. This library. Space is limited, so email time. Any type of art and all types of artists presentation takes place at the library and Director@EriePublicLibrary.com to are welcome. requires no registration. reserve a spot. Students younger than Mahjong 101 16 are to bring an adult. • Learn to play mahjong! This free, Brew your own kombucha – Shaw Local News Network four-session class will take you from “That • Ready to stop buying booch by the including some 400 million images viewable only at an affiliate library. Stop in, log in on our computer, and learn about your history.
looks fun” to “Pung!” (don’t worry, that will make sense after the first class). Interested adults should email Director@EriePublicLibrary.com to reserve their spot. The session is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 21.
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Sterling woman turns farm hobbies into business
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Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
WHITESIDE NEWS
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PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CRAIG A. STRALOW, DECEASED. NO. 2026 PR 61 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given to creditors of the death of CRAIG A. STRALOW who died on JANUARY 25, 2026. Letters of Testamentary were issued on AUGUST 18, 2026, to WENDY L. STRALOW, 12512 LYNDON ROAD, MORRISON, IL 61270, as Independent Executor, whose attorney is LEGAL N David G.OTICES Wierman, Wierman Law Firm, PC, 1617 2nd Ave, Suite 210, Rock Island, Illinois 61201. Claims against the estate may be efiled in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Whiteside County 200 Courthouse, East Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, or with the Representative, or both, on or before the 8th day of March, 2027, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by §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 to the representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed. Dated this 2nd day of September, 2026. David G. Wierman ARDC No. 6305152 WIERMAN LAW FIRM, PC Attorneys for: Estate of Craig A. Stralow 1617 2nd Ave, Suite 210 City: Rock Island, IL 61201 (309) 553-5800 Fax: (309) 272-3399 Sep. 8, 15, 22, 2026
NOTICE OF the date stated in PUBLICATION that notice. Any claim not filed on To: GWENETH or before that date RONALDA is barred. Copies MEECH : Take notice that of a claim filed with the clerk must be on May 1, 2026, mailed or delivered Juvenile Petitions to the representa- were filed under tive and to the at- the Juvenile Court torney within ten Act by State's AtColleen (10) days after it torney Buckwalter in the has been filed. Dated this 2nd day Circuit Court of Whiteside County, of September, Illinois, entitled "In 2026. the Interest of David G. BRAIDON GROVE" Wierman ARDC and "In the InterNo. 6305152 est of KAIDON WIERMAN LAW GROVE" and that FIRM, PC in COURT ROOM Attorneys for: (6397) 108 at the EASTEstate of ERN BRANCH Craig A. Stralow COURT FACILITY, 1617 2nd Ave, 101 EAST THIRD Suite 210 LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICESSTERSTREET, City: LING, IL, on OctoRock Island, IL ber 6, 2026, at 61201 11:00 A.M., or as (309) 553-5800 soon thereafter as Fax: (309) 272-3399 this cause may be Sep. 8, 15, 22, heard, an adjudica2026 tory hearing will be held upon the petitions to have the IN THE CIRCUIT children declared COURT OF THE to be a ward of the FOURTEENTH Court under that JUDICIAL Act. THE COURT CIRCUIT HAS AUTHORITY WHITESIDE IN THIS PROCOUNTY, CEEDING TO ILLINOIS TAKE FROM YOU IN THE THE CUSTODY INTEREST OF: AND GUARDIANBRAIDON SHIP OF THE MIGROVE, and NOR, TO TERMIKAIDON GROVE, NATE YOUR Minors. PARENTAL NO. 26 JA 15 RIGHTS, AND TO 26 JA 14 APPOINT A NOTICE OF GUARDIAN WITH PUBLICATION POWER TO CONTo: GWENETH SENT TO ADOPRONALDA TION. YOU MAY MEECH : LOSE ALL Take notice that PARENTAL on May 1, 2026, RIGHTS TO YOUR Juvenile Petitions CHILD. IF THE PEwere filed under TITION REQUESTS the Juvenile Court THE TERMINAAct by State's At- TION OF YOUR torney Colleen PARENTAL Buckwalter in the RIGHTS AND THE Circuit Court of APPOINTMENT OF Whiteside County, A GUARDIAN Illinois, entitled "In WITH POWER TO the Interest of CONSENT TO BRAIDON GROVE" ADOPTION, YOU and "In the Inter- MAY LOSE ALL of KAIDON PARENTAL est GROVE" and that RIGHTS TO THE in COURT ROOM CHILD. Unless you 108 at the EAST- appear you will not BRANCH be entitled to furERN COURT FACILITY, ther written notices 101 EAST THIRD or publication noSTER- tices of the proSTREET, LING, IL, on Octo- ceedings in this ber 6, 2026, at case, including the 11:00 A.M., or as filing of an amendsoon thereafter as ed petition or a this cause may be motion to termiheard, an adjudica- nate parental tory hearing will be rights. held upon the petiNow, unless you tions to have the appear at the hearchildren declared ing and show to be a ward of the cause against the Court under that Petition, the allegaAct. THE COURT tions of the petition HAS AUTHORITY may stand admitIN THIS PRO- ted as against you CEEDING TO and each of you, TAKE FROM YOU and an order or THE CUSTODY judgment entered. AND GUARDIAN- Dated: September SHIP OF THE MI- 15, 2026 NOR, TO TERMI/s/Sue Scott NATE YOUR Sue Scott PARENTAL Clerk of Court RIGHTS, AND TO SEAL APPOINT A WHITESIDE GUARDIAN WITH COUNTY STATE'S POWER TO CON- ATTORNEY'S
APPOINT A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION. YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO YOUR CHILD. 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 CHILD. Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices LEGAL NOTICES noor publication tices of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to termiparental nate rights. Now, unless you appear at the hearand show ing cause against the Petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order or judgment entered. Dated: September 15, 2026 /s/Sue Scott Sue Scott Clerk of Court SEAL WHITESIDE COUNTY STATE'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WHITESIDE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 101 EAST THIRD STREET STERLING, IL 61081 Sep. 22, 2026
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LEGAL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CRAIG A. STRALOW, DECEASED. NO. 2026 PR 61 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given to creditors of the death of CRAIG A. STRALOW who died on JANUARY 25, 2026. Letters of Testamentary were issued on AUGUST 18, 2026, to L. WENDY STRALOW, 12512 ROAD, LYNDON MORRISON, IL 61270, as Independent Executor, whose attorney is David G. Wierman, Wierman Law Firm, PC, 1617 2nd Ave, Suite 210, Rock Island, Illinois 61201. Claims against the estate may be efiled in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 East Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, or with the Representative, or both, on or before the 8th day of March, 2027, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by §18-3 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on
833-584-NEWS
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of commissioners of the BIG SLOUGH SPECIAL DRAINAGE DISTRICT in the Counties of Henry and WhiteLEGALand NOTICES side State of Illinois will be held on MONDAY, 30, NOVEMBER AT 10:00 2026 A.M., in the Poolside Room at the Geneseo Community Center, 541 E North Street, Geneseo, IL 61254 Sept. 22 & 29, 2026
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of commissioners of the BIG SLOUGH SPECIAL DRAINAGE DISTRICT in the Counties of Henry and Whiteside and State of Illinois will be held on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2026 AT 10:00 A.M., in the Poolside Room at the Geneseo Community Center, 541 E North Street, Geneseo, IL 61254 Sept. 22 & 29, 2026
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of commissioners of SPECENTRAL CIAL DRAINAGE DISTRICT in the Counties of Henry and Whiteside and State of Illinois and SUB-DISTRICT NO. 1 OF SAID CENTRAL SPECIAL DRAINAGE DISTRICT will be held on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, AT 11:00 2026 A.M., in the Poolside Room at the Geneseo Community Center, 541 E North Street, Geneseo, IL 61254 Sept. 22 & 29, 2026 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Village of Albany Notice is hereby given that the Village of Albany will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving public comments on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Project Plan and Preliminary Environmental Impacts Determination (PEID) for the New Wastewater Treatment Facility Project (the “Project”). The Project is proposed to be funded with a loan from the IEPA Water Pollution Control Loan Program (WPCLP). Public comments are sought regarding environmental impacts of the proposed Project.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Village of Albany Notice is hereby given that the Village of Albany will conduct a public hearing for the LEGAL NOTICES purpose of receiving public comments on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Project Plan and Preliminary Environmental Impacts Determination (PEID) for the New Wastewater Treatment Facility Project (the “Project”). The Project is proposed to be funded with a loan from the IEPA Water Pollution Control Loan Program (WPCLP). Public comments are sought regarding environmental impacts of the proposed Project. The Public Hearing will be held on Monday, October 5th, at 5:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 102 S Main Street, Albany, IL 61230. The Project Summary and PEID provided by the IEPA is available for public inspection at Village Hall, 102 S Main Street, IL. The project will include pump replacement at the North Lift Station, a new headworks facility for screening and grit removal, a new equalization tank to manage flows, an activated sludge package treatment plant, an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system, reed beds for sludge management, and an effluent pumping station. Any person wishing to comment on the PEID for the Project is welcome to attend the Public Hearing. Written comments may be provided to the Village of Albany or directly to the IEPA by October 16th, 2026, to either of the following: Timothy McDonald, Village of Albany, 102 S Main Street, Albany, IL 61230 or
environmental impacts of the proposed Project. The Public Hearing will be held on Monday, October 5th, at 5:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 102 S Main Street, Albany, IL 61230. The Project Summary and PEID provided by the IEPA is available for public inspection at Village Hall, 102 S Main Street, IL. The project will include pump replacement at the North Lift Station, a new headworks facility for screening and grit removal, a new equalization LEGAL NtoOTICES tank manage flows, an activated sludge package treatment plant, an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system, beds for reed managesludge ment, and an effluent pumping station. Any person wishing to comment on the PEID for the Project is welcome to attend the Public Hearing. Written comments may be provided to the Village of Albany or directly to the IEPA by October 2026, to 16th, either of the folTimothy lowing: McDonald, Village of Albany, 102 S Main Street, Albany, IL 61230 or Van Pelt, Kim Project Manager, Illinois Environmental Project Agency, Bureau of Water, Infrastructure Financial Assistance Section, 2520 West Iles Avenue, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276. This Notice is to provide access to the document and notification of the scheduled Public Hearing to satisfy Section 365.330 of the Illinois Procedures for Issuing Loans from the of the WPCLP IEPA. In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any individual in the need of a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in from or benefit attendance at the Village of Albany public meeting should contact Village Hall at (309) 887-4064 as early in advance as possible. Sept. 22, 2026
McDonald, Village of Albany, 102 S Main Street, Albany, IL 61230 or Kim Van Pelt, Project Manager, Illinois Environmen- LEGAL NOTICES tal Project Agency, Bureau of Water, Infrastructure FiVILLA nancial Assistance Section, 2520 GENERAL FU West Iles Avenue, Cash balance P.O. Box 19276, Revenues Pro Springfield, IL income tax 79 62794-9276. 4,966; Video g This Notice is to 2,295; Cannab provide access to 8,190 the document and Total revenues notification of the Expenditures scheduled Public Califf & Harper Hearing to satisfy Disposal 15,97 Section 365.330 of lance 16,630; H the Illinois Proce- struction 32,44 dures for Issuing Manuel Rivera Loans from the 2,700; MidAme LEGAL NOTICES WPCLP of the Sheriff 7,773; IEPA. less than $250 In accordance with Lundquist J 11 the provisions of Reiss J 710, Ta the Americans with Total expenditu Act, MOTOR FUEL Disabilities any individual in Revenues Mo the need of a 1235; Total re reasonable accom- Expenditures modation in order less than $250 to participate in Total expenditu from RESERVE FUN or benefit attendance at the Revenues Ope Village of Albany Total revenues meeting public SEWER FUND should contact Revenues Cha Hall at Village Property taxes (309) 887-4064 as Total revenues early in advance as Expenditures possible. 16,055; Enviro Sept. 22, 2026 2,831; Mississ tions 3,869; Pa Salaries: Brook i 9,600, Myrtue NOTICE OF Total expenditu ANNUAL STATE OF ILL MEETING I, Beth Quilty, Notice is hereby given that the an- 3/31/26, do so nual meeting of lief, a correct commissioners of the Village of H PENNY SLOUGH /s/Beth Quilty DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICT in the Counties of Henry and Whiteside and State of Illinois and SUB DISTRICTS NOS. 1, 2 & 3 OF SAID PENNY SLOUGH DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICT will be held on NOVMONDAY, EMBER 30, 2026 AT 8:00 A.M., in the Poolside Room at the Geneseo Community Center, 541 E North Street, Geneseo, IL 61254 Sept. 22 & 29, 2026
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ERIE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR 2026-2027 WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Erie Fire Protection District, Counties of Whiteside and Henry, State of Illinois, has prepared or caused to be prepared in tentative form an Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the fiscal year 2026-2027, and the Secretary of the Board has made the same conveniently available to public inspection for at least 30 days prior to the final action thereon, and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held as to such Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on the 9th day of September, 2026, notice of which hearing was given at least thirty (30) days prior thereto by publication in a newspaper of general circulation published within said District, and all other legal requirements have been complied with: NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Board of Trustees of the Erie Fire Protection District, Counties of Whiteside and Henry, State of Illinois, as follows: SECTION ONE: That the fiscal year of this Fire Protection District is hereby fixed and declared to be from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. SECTION TWO: That the following budget containing an estimate of the amount available to said Fire Protection District and of expenditures by said District is hereby adopted as the budget of this Fire Protection District for the aforesaid fiscal year and shall be in force and effect from and after this date: PART 1: ESTIMATED RECEIPTS TOTAL ESTIMATED RECEIPTS $2,420,910.00 FIRE FIGHTING PART 2: ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES Cash on hand $1,331,988.00 AND APPROPRIATIONS Property taxes - district wide 325,000.00 ITEM 1. FIRE FIGHTING Personal Property Replacement Tax 10,000.00 Administration $30,000.00 Interest earnings on investment 35,000.00 Maintenance of equipment 50,000.00 Illinois Municipal Fire Tax 8,000.00 Building Expense 50,000.00 Refunds, Claims, Misc. 15,000.00 Equipment Purchase & truck fund 1,511,488.00 Grant 9,000.00 Supplies 20,000.00 Compensation of Personnel Total Estimated Receipts - Fire Fighting 50,000.00 $1,733,988.00 Subtotal - Fire Fighting $1,711,488.00 AMBULANCE SERVICES ITEM 2. AMBULANCE SERVICES Cash on hand $268,722.00 Administration $30,000.00 Property taxes - district wide 252,000.00 Maintenance of equipment 30,000.00 Ambulance Calls 100,000.00 Building Expense 50,000.00 Interest earnings on investment 8,000.00 Equipment purchases & truck fund 77,722.00 Personal Property Replacement Tax 10,000.00 Supplies 30,000.00 Refunds, claims, misc. 1,500.00 Compensation of Personnel 400,000.00 Grant 0.00 Subtotal - Ambulance Services $617,722.00 Total Estimated Receipts - Ambulance ITEM 3. LIABILITY INSURANCE $640,222.00 Premium $25,000.00 LIABILITY INSURANCE (TORT) ITEM 4. WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION Property taxes - district wide $25,000.00 Premium $20,000.00 WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION ITEM 5. AUDIT Property taxes - district wide $20,000.00 Audit Fee $4,200.00 AUDIT TOTAL OF ALL APPROPRIATIONS $2,378,410.00 Property taxes - district wide $1,700.00 SECTION THREE: That there is hereby appropriated for the use of this Fire Protection District for the said fiscal year the amount of $2,378,410.00, such amount being divided among and applied for the several objects and purposes specified and enumerated in Part 2 of Section Two aforesaid, and said statements as contained in said Part 2 of Section Two aforesaid are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this Section Three with the same effect as if said statements were repeated in their entirety, and that this Section Three shall be and is the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of this Fire Protection District passed by the Board of Trustees as required by law and shall be in full force and effect from and after ten (10) days from this point. SECTION FOUR: That the unexpended balance of any item or items of any appropriation made by this Ordinance may be expended in making up a deficiency in any item or items in the same general appropriation made by this Ordinance. SECTION FIVE: This Budget and Appropriation Ordinance is approved on this 9th day of September, 2026. AYES: _____ NAYES: _____ ABSENT: _____ Board Secretary, Chad Keegan Board President, Mike Winckler CERTIFICATION OF BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE The undersigned, being the Clerk (or Secretary) and the Chief Fiscal Officer respectively, of the taxing district hereinafter named, do hereby certify that attached hereto is a true and correct copy of the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of said district for its 2026-2027 fiscal year, adopted on September 9, 2026. We further certify that the estimate of revenues, by source, anticipated to be received by said taxing district, either set forth in said ordinance as "Estimated Receipts” or attached hereto by separate document, is a true statement of said estimate. This certification is made and filed pursuant to the requirements of 35 ILCS 200/18-50 as amended, and on behalf of Erie Fire Protection District. Dated: September 9, 2026. BOARD SECRETARY, Chad Keegan CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER, Todd Dail, Trustee/Treasurer September 22, 2026
27 WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Donald, Village Albany, 102 S n Street, Aly, IL 61230 or Van Pelt, ect Manager, ois Environmen- LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES Project Agency, eau of Water, astructure FiVILLAGE OF HILLSDALE, IL ANNUAL TREASURER REPORT cial Assistance Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2026 tion, 2520 GENERAL FUND st Iles Avenue, Cash balance - April 1, 2025 $245,687 . Box 19276, Revenues Property taxes 50,017; Personal property replacement tax 5,804; State ngfield, IL income tax 79,635; State sales tax 124,083; Simplified telecommunications tax 94-9276. 4,966; Video gaming income 24,057; Utility tax 7,424; Liquor licenses/permit fees s Notice is to 2,295; Cannabis use tax 621; Building permit 1,170; Miscellaneous 3988; Interest vide access to 8,190 document and Total revenues 312,280 fication of the Expenditures A Moreno 3,300; A Valdes 2,640; B Smith 3,520; B Mendoza 3,960; eduled Public Califf & Harper 3,972; Chad Bos 9,007; Coers Custom Hardwoods 4,100; Conrad ring to satisfy Disposal 15,971; Eagle Enterprises 16,201; Five Cities Construction 44,422; Freetion 365.330 of lance 16,630; Helm 83,425; Hoffman & Tranel 7,725; IMLRMA 8,638; IronSite ConIllinois Proce- struction 32,442; Justin Schatteman 4,400; Kirk Wainwright Construction 33,333; es for Issuing Manuel Rivera 2,860; Matthew Prine 3,960; Matthew DeSmyter 3,080; Mediacom ns from the 2,700; MidAmerican Energy 4,658; Nicholas lams 6,600; Phoenix Corp 2,745; RICO AL NOTICES CLP of the Sheriff 7,773; Payroll taxes paid 2,169; Operating transfers out 24,000; All others A. less than $2500: 59,163; Salaries: Brooks T 770, Francis T 1,800, Hanrahan T 710, ccordance with Lundquist J 11,583, Myrtue A 360, Nicholson L 710, Noel C 420, Quilty B 1,920, provisions of Reiss J 710, Tanner C 9,370 Americans with Total expenditures 442,747 Cash balance - March 31, 2026 $115,220 abilities Act, MOTOR FUEL TAX FUND Cash balance - April 1, 2025 $12,745 individual in Revenues Motor fuel tax allotments 19,159; Interest 495; Transfer from Gen Fund need of a 1235; Total revenues 20,889 sonable accom- Expenditures MidAmerican Energy 5,629; Freelance Landscaping 13,503; Others dation in order less than $2500: 1,496 participate in Total expenditures 20,628 Cash balance - March 31, 2026 $13,006 from RESERVE FUND Cash balance - April 1, 2025 $188,539 benefit ndance at the Revenues Operating transfers in 12,000; Interest 5,805 ge of Albany Total revenues 17,805 Cash balance - March 31, 2026 $206,344 lic meeting SEWER FUND Cash balance - April 1, 2025 $146,587 uld contact Revenues Charges for service 59,818; Personal property replacement tax 2,194; ge Hall at Property taxes 12,971; Operating transfers in 12,000; Interest 4,355 9) 887-4064 as Total revenues 91,338 y in advance as Expenditures Abbitt Survey 4,417; Califf & Harper 9,918; Dunsworth Excavating sible. 16,055; Enviromark 2,648; IMEG 6,000; IMLRMA 4,318; MidAmerican Energy Sept. 22, 2026 2,831; Mississippi Valley Pump 2,637; Water Solutions Unlimited 2,768; WTR Solutions 3,869; Payroll taxes paid 1,597; All others less than $2500: 11,204 Salaries: Brooks T 720, Francis T 2,400, Hanrahan T 660, Helm R 5,400, Lundquist i 9,600, Myrtue A 360, Nicholson L 660, Noel C 420, Reiss J 660 NOTICE OF Total expenditures 89,142 Cash balance - March 31, 2026 $148,783 ANNUAL STATE OF ILLINOIS, County of Rock Island MEETING otice is hereby I, Beth Quilty, Treasurer for the Village of Hillsdale, IL during the fiscal year ending n that the an- 3/31/26, do solemnly swear the preceding is, to the best of my knowledge and bel meeting of lief, a correct and true copy of the accounting of all money received and paid by mmissioners of the Village of Hillsdale, IL through March 31, 2026. NNY SLOUGH /s/Beth Quilty Treasurer, Village of Hillsdale September 22, 2026 AINAGE AND VEE DISTRICT he Counties of ry and Whitee and State of ois and SUB TRICTS NOS. 2 & 3 OF SAID NNY SLOUGH AINAGE AND VEE DISTRICT be held on NDAY, NOVBER 30, 2026 8:00 A.M., in Poolside Room the Geneseo mmunity Center, E North Street, neseo, IL 61254 Sept. 22 & 29, 2026
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
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BUDGET & APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE CORDOVA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ORDINANCE No. 2627 An ordinance appropriating for all purposes for CORDOVA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, Rock Island County, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Trustees of CORDOVA FIRE PROTECTION, DISTRICT, Rock Island County, Illinois. SECTION 1: That the amounts hereinafter set forth, or so much thereof as may be authorizedby law, and as may be needed or deemed necessary to defray all expenses and liabilities of CORDOVA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, be and the same are hereby appropriated for all purposes of CORDOVA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, Rock IslandCounty, Illinois, as hereafter specified for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. SECTION 2: That the following budget containing an estimate of revenues and expendituresis hereby adopted for the following funds: 1101 Loan Payment $52,500.00 GENERAL FUND $76,000.00 BEGINNING BALANCE 1-Jul-26 $2,707,954.00 Airpack Escrow Total Capital Outlay $2,628,500.00 ESTIMATED REVENUES OPERATING EXPENSE Property Tax $950,505.00 Dues/ Offices Expenses $25,000.00 Replacement Tax $221,422.00 Community Relations $7,500.00 Interest Income $41,500.00 Insurance $36,500.00 Grants $15,000.00 Total Operating Expenses $69,000.00 Donations $1,500.00 ADMINISTRATION Other Income $17,400.00 $27,000.00 TOTAL ESTIMATED REVENUES $1,247,327.00 Salaries-Administration $20,000.00 TOTAL ESTIMATED FUNDS AVAILABLE $3,955,281.00 Office Staff FF Compensation $35,000.00 BUDGETED EXPENDITURES Total Administration $82,000.00 Administration $82,000.00 PROFESSIONAL FEES Expenditures $3,659,243.00 $5,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES/APPROPRIATIONS $3,741,243.00 Legal $7,500.00 ENDING BALANCE 30-Jun-27 $214,038.00 Audit/APR Grant Writing $10,000.00 CONTINGENCIES Total Professional Fees $22,500.00 Contingencies $50,000.00 TRAINING & EDUCATION Total Contingency $50,000.00 Training $25,000.00 COMMODITIES: Total Training & Education $25,000.00 FF Equipment/Tools $212,000.00 UTILITIES Fuel $4,000.00 Telephone/Internet $8,000.00 Total Commodities $216,000.00 Electricity $12,000.00 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES Total Utilities $20,000.00 Engineering Services $0.00 SPECIAL FUND EMS Building/ Grounds Ambulance $180,000.00 Maintenance $42,000.00 Supplies/Training $36,500.00 Maintenance-Equipment $36,000.00 Legal $5,000.00 Annual Maintenance $17,000.00 Contingency $311,743.00 Total Contractual $95,000.00 Total Ambulance Funds $533,243.00 CAPITAL OUTLAY Expenses $3,659,243.00 Building Escrow $1,700,000.00 Administration $82,000.00 Truck Escrow $800,000.00 Grand Total All Expenses $3,741,243.00 SECTION 3: That the amount appropriated for all purposes for the fiscal year beginningJuly 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 by fund shall be as follows: From Taxes Other Total Corporate $579,936.00 $296,822.00 $876,758.00 Ambulance $370,569.00 $0.00 $370,569.00 Total Appropriations $950,505.00 $296,822.00 $1,247,327.00 SECTION 4: That if any section, subdivision, or sentence of this ordinance shall for any reasonbe held invalid or to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remainingportion of this ordinance. SECTION 5: That each appropriated fund total shall be divided among the several objectsand purposes specified, and in particular amounts stated for each fund respectively in Section 2constituting the total appropriations in the amounts of THREE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY ONE THOUSANDTWO HUNDRED FORTY THREE AND NO/100 ($3,741243.00) for the fiscal year beginningJuly 1, 2026 ending June 30, 2027. SECTION 6: That section 3 shall be and is a summary of the annual Appropriation Ordinanceof this Cordova Fire Protection District, passed by the Board of Trustees as required by law and shall be in full forceand effect from and after this date. SECTION 7: That a certified copy of the Budget & Appropriation Ordinance must be filed withthe County Clerk within 30 days after adoption. ADOPTED this 3rd day of September, 2026 pursuant to a roll call vote by the Board of Trustees of CORDOVA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, Rock Island County, Illinois. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Voting AYE: Connie Stratton, Lynda Beard, Brenda Wilkey, Duane Wilkey, Keith Ketelsen NAY: 0 ABSENT: 0 September 22, 2026
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PROPHETSTOWN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT TREASURER'S REPORT STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF WHITESIDE The undersigned, Keith Crady, does hereby state that he is the Treasurer of the PROPHETSTOWN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT of Whiteside County and Henry County, Illinois and has been the Treasurer continuously throughout the period of this report, that the following is a report of all items of receipt and disbursement by the said District for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2026. AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT Cash Balance as of 5/1/25 Whiteside County Taxes Henry County Taxes Interest Earned Call Receipts Earned Tort IL Replacement Tax Memorials, Donations, Grants Cash Available Cash Disbursements Cash Balance as of 4/30/26 Expenses Billing & Collection Expense Trustee Salaries Bookkeeper Salary Office Supplies & Postage Legal Expense Insurance Software Telephone Misc. Expense Heating and Lighting Janitorial Supplies Paint and Repairs Fire Text Supplies Training/Travel Equipment Maint and Repairs Gas, Oil, and Batteries Radio and Monitor Repairs Administrator Salary Attendants Payroll Trustee Training Payroll Taxes Total Ambulance Expenses FIRE DEPARTMENT Cash Balance as of 5/1/25 Whiteside County Taxes Henry County Taxes Interest Earned Rental Income & Refunds Replacement Tax Tort Memorials, Donations, Grants
$171,554.75 $300,877.94 $75,611.67 $3,685.43 $229,515.77 $26,799.44 $8,375.78 $2,220.00 $818,640.78 $448,456.22 $370,184.56 $31,517.95 $2,621,80 $3,146.40 $1,050.71 $1,611.86 $55,415.38 $8,937.61 $6,788.99 $1,914.94 $1,197.62 $1,412.04 $649.79 $250.00 $20,685.07 $5,396.18 $2.258.00 $7,067.15 $3,525.98 $6,492.72 $285,790.00 $139.53 $18,101.73 $448,456.22 $637,094.59 $300,877.94 $71,945.63 $16,947.29 $819.00 $7,091.47 $26,799.39 $2,020.00
Refund Foreign Fire Total Cash Available Cash Disbursements Cash Balance as of 4/30/26 Expenses Dues Trustee Salaries Bookkeeper Salary Office Supplies and Postage Printing and Publishing Legal Expense Insurance Retirement Telephone Misc. Expense Heating and Lighting Janitorial Supplies Paint and Repairs Equipment Repairs Gas, Oil, and Batteries Radio and Monitor Repairs Education and Training Hose & Ladder Testing Chief and Asst.Chief Salaries Software Fire Hose Boots & Helmets Fire Monitor & Radio Tools and Equipment Payroll Taxes Vector Trustee Training Fit & Flow Test Building Repair Fire Prevention Incentive Program Total Fire Department Expenses BUILDING FUND Cash Balance as of 5/1/25 Whiteside County Interest Earned Total Cash Available Cash Disbursements Total Cash Available 4/30/26
$429.00 $15,260.33 $1,078,855.64 $183,571.63 $895,248.01 $1,110.00 $2,621.80 $3,146.40 $844.19 $587.50 $970.08 $24,305.42 $945.29 $10,004.24 $918.98 $15,494.00 $626.91 $4,957.21 $17,366.28 $6,239.28 $334.80 $7,271.83 $6,281.70 $8,390.16 $250.00 $3,021.75 $14,623.84 $8,722.74 $19,216.80 $1,218.74 $5,044.46 $139.53 $2,285.00 $9,390.50 $1,024.95 $6,217.25 $183,571.63 $336,737.29 $0.00 $13,625.85 $350,363.14 $0.00 $350,363.14
STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF WHITESIDE Keith Crady, being first duly sworn on oath deposes and states that as such acting Treasurer of said PROPHETSTOWN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, he has examined the foregoing Annual Report as said District for the Fiscal Year ending April 30, 2026 and states that the same is true and correct to the best of his knowledge and belief. Keith Crady, KEITH CRADY, TREASURER Subscribed and sworn to before me this 28th day of August, 2026. Nancy Ann Church, NOTARY PUBLIC OFFICIAL SEAL, STATE OF ILLINOIS COMMISSION NO. 995523 My Commission Expires August 20, 2028 September 22, 2026
29 WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, PLAINTIFF, VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF PENNY LEE HARKER; PATRICIA C ROBERTS; ROBIN JEAN JOHNSON; GLORIA A WINTHURST; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; CITY OF EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, DEFENDANTS. NO. 2026FC160 220 NORTH 20TH STREET EAST MOLINE, IL 61244 JUDGE PRESIDING JUDGE NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO YOU, Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Penny Lee Harker a/k/a Penny L Harker Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants defendants, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: LOT NUMBER SIX (6) IN BLOCK NUMBER THIRTY-NINE (39) IN THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN, SITUATED IN THE CITY OF EAST MOLINE, SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF ROCK ISLAND, IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS Commonly known as: 220 North 20th Street East Moline, IL 61244 and which said Mortgage was made by, Penny Harker a/k/a Penny Lee Harker Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for U.S. Bank N.A. Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Rock Island County, Illinois, as Document No. 2012-00450; and for other relief. UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case, on or before October 8, 2026, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. You have been sued. To participate in the case, you MUST file an official document with the court within the time stated on this Notice called an "Appearance" and a document called an "Answer/Response". The Answer/Response is not required in small claims or eviction cases unless ordered by the court. If you do not file an Appearance and Answer/Response on time, the court may decide the case without hearing from you, and you could be held in default and lose the case. After you fill out the necessary documents, you need to electronically file (e-file) them with the court. To e-file, you must create an account with an efiling service provider. For more information, go to ilcourts.info/efiling. If you cannot e-file, you can get an exemption that allows you to file in-person or by mail. You may be charged filing fees, but if you cannot pay them, you can file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees. It is possible that the court will allow you to attend the first court date in this case in-person or remotely by video or phone. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office or visit the Court's website to find out whether this is possible and, if so, how to do this. Need help? Call or text Illinois Court Help at 833-411-1121 or go to ilcourthelp.gov for information about going to court, including how to fill out and file documents. You can also get free legal information and legal referrals at illinoislegalaid.org. All documents referred to in this Notice can be found at ilcourts.info/forms. Other documents may be available from your local Circuit Court Clerk's office or website. ¿Necesita ayuda? Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a Illinois Court Help al 833-411- 1121, o visite ilcourthelp.gov para obtener información sobre los casos de la corte y cómo completar y presentar formularios. PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 333 W Wacker Drive, Suite 1820 Chicago, IL 60606-1220 Ph. (312) 346-9088 File No. 26-27640IL-1475450 I3293477 Review Sept. 8, 15, 22, 2026
LEGAL NOTICES
CROSSWORD
MEDIUM
HARD
ACROSS 1. Egyptian bull god 5. A young canine 8. North Carolina university 11. “Oddbod” actor Tom 13. Midway between northeast and east 14. A place to shop 15. Mysterious “Severance” family 16. Single Lens Reflex 17. Malaria 18. Informal loan organizations 20. Twitching 21. Holm oak 22. Willing to consent 25. In an early way 30. Stuck it out 31. Language in Ghana 32. Obtain 33. Ancient Greek currency 38. One point east (clockwise) of due north 41. Popular baseball movie 43. Group of islands 45. Church building 47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 49. Late AC/DC frontman Scott 50. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 55. Thick piece of something 56. Breakfast food 57. One mole of solute per kilogram of solvent 59. Ancient Greek City 60. Bitterly regret 61. Don’t forget it 62. Dishonorable man 63. Affirmative 64. “__ and flows” DOWN 1. Bridge-building degree
2. Expression of sorrow or pity 3. Lizard species 4. Turkish leader title 5. A way to bother 6. Blank 7. A fine, closely woven cotton fabric 8. Sports broadcaster Ian 9. Popular whodunit board game
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
10. Alkali flats mineral 12. Large African antelope 14. It’s delivered most days 19. Satisfy 23. Water soaked soil 24. Of a past era 25. Chest muscle (slang) 26. Ribonucleic acid 27. Doctor of Education 28. Coffee receptacle 29. Where rockstars work
34. International airport in Connecticut 35. Russian river 36. It’s used to make cabins 37. OJ trial judge Lance 39. A means to persuade 40. Short poem 41. A way to begin hostilities with 42. Multi-function radar (abbr.)
44. Joints 45. Blatted 46. Swedish rock group 47. Millisecond 48. __ podrida: Spanish stew 51. Doctors’ group 52. Trunk of a tree 53. Tattle 54. Metrical foot 58. __ Angeles
SUDOKU ANSWERS
HARD
WHITESIDE NEWS
EASY
MEDIUM
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
PUZZLES
EASY
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VIKINGS 9 BEARS 3
By MICHAL DWOJAK mdwojak@shawmedia.com Caleb Williams lay on the wet grass near the north end zone of Soldier Field on Sunday afternoon. The Chicago Bears quarterback had just tried to run toward that end zone through the rain in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s home opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Instead, Williams fell to the ground, lay on his back for a few seconds and couldn’t get back up. Williams tried his best. He turned around, got onto his knees and knuckles to pop right back up like he had countless times before in his threeyear career in Chicago. But instead, Williams turned onto his back, let out a scream and grabbed his face mask. He went to the medical tent and eventually was taken to the Bears locker room with the help of a cart. Eight months before, Williams had done his best Superman impression once again in the NFC divisional round with an incredible touchdown throw to that end zone to force overtime against the Los Angeles Rams. On Sunday, for the first time in his Bears career, Williams couldn’t put on his cape and go back in the team’s 9-3 loss. “It hurts man,” wide receiver Luther Burden III said after the game in the Bears locker room at Soldier Field. “Thought we had a touchdown, seeing him go down. He’s the heart, soul, engine of this team. Hopefully he’s OK and can get back out there.” There was surprise amongst the Bears on the field and the fans in the stands that Williams couldn’t get back up. Williams had done his latest Houdini scrambling impressions throughout the game Sunday before he got injured. After the field had taken consistent rain throughout the morning and the afternoon, there were plenty of instances for Williams’ evasive skills to come in handy, like it had in the season-opener. In the first quarter, Williams somehow scrambled out of Vikings pressure in the pocket, stopping mid-run to force a Minnesota defender to slide right past him into the sideline. He did it again in the third quarter when he pulled a spin move to pick up a first down. So when Williams failed to get up in the fourth quarter on a scramble, there
It hurts man. Thought we had a touchdown, seeing him go down. He’s the heart, soul, engine of this team. Hopefully he’s OK and can get back out there.” Luther Burden III, wide receiver on Caleb Williams’ injury
Mark Busch
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is carted off the field after being injured while running the ball Sunday during their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field in Chicago. was real concern. “I’ve never seen him on the ground, he usually pops back up,” wide receiver Rome Odunze said. “Obviously it was cause for concern.” Chicago announced toward the end of the game that Williams left the game with a hamstring injury. The team will do more imaging Monday to see the severity of the injury and how long Williams will be out. In the moment, the Bears could tell how serious the injury was because Williams wasn’t back in the game. But they were also grateful that it wasn’t something more serious. “I’m actually happy that it’s nothing with the knee,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said. “That was my first inclination but yet the hamstring could be pretty damaging as well. We’ll see how bad it is tomorrow and we’ll go from there.” The injury happened when it seemed like the Bears had finally gained some momentum in a game where neither team wanted to grab it. Minnesota was already playing with a backup quarterback, Carson Wentz. But the Bears offense had struggled throughout the first three quarters because of penalties and turnovers.
Chicago started building that momentum when it began its drive at its own 33-yard line down 6-3. Williams found running back D’Andre Swift for a screen that he took for a 32-yard gain. He then followed that up with a 15-yard completion to Odunze to get into Vikings territory. The Bears picked up a first down on fourth down and drove to the Vikings 6 when the injury happened. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent came into the game and completed a short pass to Swift before he had an incompletion on third down. Then the Vikings blocked the Bears’ 23-yard field goal attempt to pour salt into the wound. Bagent gave the Bears one last chance to win the game on the following drive. Trailing 9-3 with a minute left in the game, Bagent completed four passes to get the ball Vikings 12 with 10 seconds left. But Bagent threw two incompletions and then was sacked on the final play to end the game. “It would’ve been nice to put it in the end zone when we’re that close,” Bagent said. “The drive after that, being able to have a chance at the end zone was all you can ask for. On my end, got to be better executing when we
get down there.” Williams was the first to greet his teammates in the locker room. He went around and shook everyone’s hands, praising them for their effort to have a chance at the end to win. Now the Bears will need to see how long they’ll be without Williams. Regardless of how long that is, the Bears felt comfortable with Bagent leading the way. Bears wide receivers said after the game that they had plenty of work with Bagent during training camp and had built a good rapport with him. “Tyson is as ready as it gets, you know what I’m saying?” Odunze said. “He’s a type. He’s ready each and every week for his opportunity to go up there and shine. We’re going to support him, get as many passes as we can, get accommodated with one another and getting that chemistry down as much as we can for the games that he’s going to be back there.” Even with that confidence in Bagent, the Bears will want Williams back as soon as possible. Chicago had high hopes entering this year after a Cinderella season last year that resulted in an NFC North title and playoff run. The team lived up to the hype in Week 1 in its dominating 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers. But the Bears weren’t giving up after Week 2 because of the uncertainty of Williams’ injury. They need to steady the ship as much as they in time for Superman to return. “I mean this ain’t nothing,” Odunze said. “Yeah, I mean we lost the game, but we went out there and we fought hard, and we got many more games to go that we’re gonna continue to fight and trying to win each week in and week out. One loss ain’t gonna shake us.”
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Bears prepare for life without Williams – however long that might be
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY 1986: LA Dodger Fernando Valenzuela is first Mexican to win 20 games. 1991: Miami coach Don Shula gets his 300th career victory in the Dolphins’ 16-13 win over Green Bay.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is being tended to after sustaining an injury while running the ball Sunday during the Bears’ game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Photo by Mark Busch
BEAR DOWN
Chicago’s season shifts in seconds as Caleb WIlliams leaves field with leg injury / 31
Tuesday, September 22, 2026