Hometown Holidays brings joy to Rock Falls from Nov. 20-22
The Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce will welcome the community to a three-day shindig in the city that’s celebrating the magic of the season. It begins Nov. 20 and ends Saturday, Nov. 22. Activities include holiday bingo, a Christmas Walk, Love Light Reading, giveaways, Grinch Dodgeball and a business showcase.
Here’s a look at the schedule: Nov. 20: Holiday bingo is back and bigger than ever. Doors open at 4 p.m., and games start at 6 p.m. at the McCormick Event Center, 205 E. Third St. in Rock Falls.
Get tickets at Sauk Valley Bank locations in Rock Falls and Sterling or online at rockfallschamber.com/holidaybingo. The cost for a regular ticket is $15 (or $17 online), which allots you 10 regular games. For $35 (or $37 online), you can buy a bonus ticket, which allots you 10 regular games, four special games and two jackpots. Tickets will be available now through Nov. 9 or until they’re sold out.
Nov. 21: The Christmas Walk has been a tradition for almost 40 years. From 5 to 8 p.m., holiday cheer fills the streets of Rock Falls with vendors, business booths, cocoa, treats, live music and entertainment, photo ops, activities, giveaways and Santa of course. Plus, take part in so much more, including the Love Light Ceremony at 6 p.m. and the $1,000 giveaway at 7:30 p.m.
The Love Light Reading event takes place at 6 p.m. at Rock Falls United Methodist Church, 210 Fourth Ave. Love Light names are available for pur-
chase at the Rock Falls Public Library or online at rockfallschamber.com/ hometownholidays. The cost is $5 ($6 online) per name. To be included in both the ceremony and newspaper, register by Nov. 10 (newspaper only: Dec. 7). Memorial candles are available at the Rock Falls Chamber for $7 through Dec. 12.
Nov. 22: Grinch Dodgeball starts with an 11:30 a.m. check-in and a noon start for games at Rock Falls Middle School, located at 1701 12th Ave. This free event is for kids in pre-K through seventh grade.
The Grinch has challenged the community, and Santa is going to referee to ensure he plays fair. Can the children defeat the Grinch at his own game?
Teams will be divided up based on age groups and each team will enter the court, one team at a time, to defeat the Grinch at a game of dodgeball. Local mascots will make a special appearance as well.
The first 100 children to register get a free goodie bag. Register by Nov. 16 at rockfallschamber.com/hometownholidays.
The East Coloma Craft Show takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Harvest Time Bible Church.
The Chamber is asking local businesses to be a part of the Hometown Holidays Christmas Walk. It is looking for sponsors for the weekend events and volunteers.
If interested, register at the Rock Falls Chamber, online at rockfallchamber.com/hometownholidays or by emailing coordinator@rockfallschamber.com. Prices are $15 ($17 online) for members and $25 ($27 online) for nonmembers.
Alex T. Paschal file photo
A total of 450 people crammed into the Rock Falls American Legion on Nov. 21, 2024, for the Rock Falls Chamber of commerce bingo event.
FACE donates $5,000 to Fulton/Thomson food pantry
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
SVCC’s new student-led theater club presents first show Nov. 13
Sauk Valley Community College’s student-led theater club presents its first Student Variety Show on Nov. 13. The show will take place at SVCC’s Jerry Mathis Theatre at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for prime seating. The newly emerged Theatre Club began due to growing student interest. Many students involved with the club come from high school theater backgrounds and were looking for an outlet to reignite that passion in the college setting.
“Viewers can expect to see several forms of visual arts [at The Student Variety Show], including monologues, improv, dancing, singing, and skits,” said Falan Schwarz, SVCC student and founding member of the SVCC Theatre Club. For questions regarding the event, contact Hess at patrice.hess@ svcc.edu.
–ShawLocalNewsNetwork
Photo provided by Fulton Association for Community Enrichment
Fulton Association for Community Enrichment board member Dave Ray (left) presents a $5,000 grant to Gail and Brian Ystad (third and fourth from left) of the Fulton/Thomson Food Pantry.
Whiteside County’s March 17 primary election ballots taking shape
By CHARLENE BIELEMA cbielema@shawmedia.com
Whiteside County candidates had until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, to turn in their nomination papers as they seek candidacy for the March 17 primary election.
On that day, voters can choose a Democratic or Republican ballot to pick who appears on the ballot in November 2026. All voters, partisan or not, can weigh in on referendum questions.
Here’s a list of Democratic candidates who have filed their nomination papers in Whiteside County: Sheriff:
• John F. Booker (D) County Board District 1:
• James C. Duffy (D)
• Fidencio Hooper-Campos (D)
• Vincent Joseph Vaughn (D)
• Ernie Smith (D)
• Alex Regalado (D) County Board District 2:
• Shawn Dowd (D)
• Glenn C. Truesdell (D)
• Amie Topp (D)
• Paul J. Cunniff (D)
County Board District 3:
• Jan Pels (D)
• Paula M Schares (D)
• Mark S Woods (D)
Precinct Committeeperson:
• Paula M Schares (D): Union Grove
• James C. Duffy (D): Sterling 12
• Fidencio Hooper-Campos (D): Sterling 17
• Katherine A Nelson (D): Coloma 6
• Glenn C. Truesdell (D): Coloma 10
• Sean Sanders (D): Hume
• Thomas Ausman (D): Sterling 1
• Robbie Niesen (D): Sterling 15
• Steven Dowd (D): Coloma 5
• Owen Harrell (D): Sterling 7
• Oliver Sweetser (D): Lyndon
• Catherine Clarke (D): Sterling 1
Here’s a list of Republican candidates who have filed their nomination papers in Whiteside County:
County Clerk:
• Karen J. Stralow (R)
County Treasurer:
• Penny VanKampen (R)
County Board District 1:
• Kurt Glazier (R)
• Thomas P Witmer (R)
County Board District 2:
• Douglas Wetzell (R)
• Linda Pennell (R)
County Board District 3:
• Edward Weeks Jr. (R)
• Marci Bohnert (R)
Precinct Committeeperson:
• James A. Starr (R): Montmorency 2
• Edward Weeks Jr. (R): Mt. Pleasant 2
• Kristol Anderson (R): Coloma 8
• Kurt Glazier (R): Sterling 17
• Gary L. Pearson (R): Tampico
• Linda Pennell (R): Coloma 5
• Thomas Alex Williams (R): Clyde
• Marci Bohnert (R): Newton
• Douglas Crandall (R): Prophetstown 3
Important dates
Nov. 10: Last day to file objections challenging whether candidates can appear on the ballot.
Nov. 17 to 24: Filing period for candidates seeking to fill judicial vacancies.
Dec. 3: Deadline to file objections in judicial vacancy races.
Dec. 15: Deadline to file petitions for referenda to appear on the March ballot. This does not include referendum
questions authorized by local governments, just ones submitted through voter-signed petitions.
Dec. 17: First day to apply for a mail-in ballot.
Dec. 22: Deadline to file objections on referendum questions.
Dec. 29: Deadline for local government boards – such as school boards and city councils – to adopt a resolution or ordinance for a binding referendum.
Jan. 8: Last day for a candidate to withdraw from the race.
Jan. 15: Last day for a candidate to file as a write-in.
Feb. 5: Early voting starts, and county clerks begin mailing ballots.
March 1: Last day to register to vote online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Grace period registration and voting continues through election day.
March 17: Election day for the 2026 primary. Polls close at 7 p.m.
Voters can request a partisan ballot with either Democratic or Republican candidates listed or a nonpartisan ballot, which includes any referenda.
HOLIDAY TURKEY DINNER | for 12-14
Dinner includes: One 14-16 lb Whole Roasted Turkey, 4 lbs Mashed Potatoes, 2 lbs Turkey Gravy, 5 lbs Sage Dressing, 3 lbs Green Bean Casserole, 2 lbs Buttered Corn, 1 lb Fresh Cranberry Relish, 16 Dinner Rolls, Three 8” Bakery Pies (Pumpkin or Apple)
WHITE MEAT TURKEY DINNER | for 12-14
Dinner includes: 9 lbs cooked Turkey Breast, 4 lbs Mashed Potatoes, 2 lbs Turkey Gravy, 5 lbs Sage Dressing, 3 lbs Green Bean Casserole, 2 lbs Buttered Corn, 1 lb Fresh Cranberry Relish, 16 Dinner Rolls, Three 8” Bakery Pies (Pumpkin or Apple)
HOLIDAY TURKEY FEAST FOR 4
Dinner includes: 4 lbs cooked Turkey Breast, 2 lbs Mashed Potatoes, 1 lb Country Gravy, 3 lbs Sage Dressing, 2 lbs Green Bean Casserole, 10 oz Fresh Cranberry Relish, 6 Dinner Rolls, One 8” Bakery Fresh Pumpkin Pie
GLAZED HAM FEAST FOR 4
Dinner includes: 2.5 lbs of Glazed Smoked Ham, 2 lbs Mashed Potatoes, 1 lb Country Gravy, 3 lbs Sage Dressing, 2 lbs Green Bean Casserole, 10 oz Fresh Cranberry Relish, 6 Dinner Rolls, One 8” Bakery Fresh Pumpkin Pie
Festival of Trees begins Nov. 9 in Rock Falls
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The 36th annual Festival of Trees celebration will begin this weeekend at the McCormick Event Center in Rock Falls.
The celebration will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Nov. 9 to 15.
This cherished event brings the community together to support Rock River Hospice & Home through a week filled with holiday magic, including the Country Store, crafts, live entertainment, silent auctions, raffles and beautifully decorated trees and table settings.
The Festival of Trees is a beloved community event in which businesses and individuals donate unique items to
be auctioned during the festival, raising significant funds to support the Rock River Hospice & Home’s mission.
Festival of Trees is Rock River Hospice & Home’s largest fundraiser, and directly benefits the patients and families it serves. As a non-profit organization, it relies on the generosity of businesses, organizations and individuals in the community, along with the vital support it receives from United Way funding. Every contribution – whether time, talent, or treasure – helps Rock River Hospice & Home continue providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families.
For more information or to make a donation, call 815-625-3858 or visit facebook.com/rockriverhospiceandhome.
Across the Midwest, farmers know the value of resourcefulness—making the most out of what the land provides. Today, more and more farms are turning to one of the most abundant resources available: sunlight. Solar energy is quickly becoming a practical, reliable, and profitable solution for agricultural operations of all sizes.
For many farmers, the motivation to go solar starts with energy costs. From powering irrigation systems and grain dryers to running barns and workshops, electricity is a major expense on the farm. Solar panels allow farmers to generate their own clean energy, reducing their monthly utility bills. Over time, those savings can add up to thousands of dollars— money that can be reinvested right back into their operation.
Beyond reducing electric bills, solar offers energy independence. Rural properties often face power interruptions or rate fluctuations. With solar, farmers gain greater control over their energy supply, and when paired with battery storage, they can keep critical systems
running even during outages.
The environmental benefits are just as important. Solar power reduces a farm’s carbon footprint and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices—something customers and communities increasingly value. For operations that already work closely with the land, using renewable energy is a natural next step toward long-term stewardship.
State incentives and grants make it an especially good time for agricultural businesses to invest in solar. Many local utilities also offer rebates or net metering programs that further boost the return on investment.
At Stateline Solar, we’ve seen firsthand how solar can transform a farm’s energy outlook. Whether it’s offsetting costs, modernizing operations, or preparing for the future, solar gives farmers the power to harvest more than crops—it lets them harvest the sun.
Ready to see what solar could do for your farm? Contact Stateline Solar to learn more about agricultural solar solutions built to last.
Stateline Solar 310 W. Main St. Lena, IL 61048
Ph: (815)
Alex T. Paschal file photo
Ali Winters of Sterling decorates a white tree with an appropriate winter theme Nov. 17, 2024, at the Festival of Trees. This year’s Festival of Trees begins Sunday at the McCormick Event Center in Rock Falls.
SVCC will be able to compete for $1 million prize
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Sauk Valley Community College has been named one of 200 institutions eligible to compete for a $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, a premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.
The 200 colleges selected were based on student outcome data, such as retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates.
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole.
“While we do not seek external recognition, we are very pleased that the Aspen Institute acknowledges the success of our students in obtaining their academic goals,” SVCC President David Hellmich said. “Our students are successful because of their dedication and
Alex T. Paschal file photo
Kayleen Mecum of Morrison fires her hat in the air for pictures May 9 after graduating from Sauk Valley Community College. SVCC is among 200 institutions eligible to compete for a $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
because our faculty, staff and community partners are committed to providing our students a great educational experience.”
The 200 selected colleges represent
the breadth and diversity of the community college sector, as these institutions are located in urban, rural and suburban areas across the country, serving both large and small populations.
Sauk Valley Community College serves the community by offering a range of programs and services, including in workforce development, through flexible online classes and with support for students transferring to a four-year college to complete their bachelor’s degree.
The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges showing that achieving stronger outcomes is possible. SVCC will apply and participate in the rigorous review process that will determine the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. All 200 eligible colleges will be assessed based on student outcomes data and whether they have engaged in scaled practices that have led to high and improving student outcomes.
This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges have been invited to apply, growing from the initial 150. It also is the second time since 2019 that SVCC has been invited to apply for the honor.
To learn more about the Aspen Institute and its College Excellence Program, visit highered.aspeninstitute.org.
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GO STEAMERS AND KNIGHTS!
Eastland FFA member develops national award-winning research projects
By MARTHA BLUM mblum@shawmedia.com
Seeing a fistulated cow at a young age triggered Delana Erbsen’s interest in research that has led her to develop FFA award-winning projects.
Erbsen, an Eastland student, is one of four finalists for the American Star in Agriscience award that will be presented during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
In addition to Erbsen, American Star in Agriscience finalists include: Joanna Hamilton from the Felicity-Franklin Chapter in Ohio, Matthias David Hefty from the DeKalb Chapter in Indiana and Madison Perkins from the Gilmer Chapter in Texas.
“When I was young, we took a cow to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Vet School and I thought the fistulated cow was so cool,” Erbsen recalled. “My mom worked at Furst-McNess, she found out they had a fistulated cow, so I went there because I wanted to learn more about it and that got the ball rolling.”
During her freshman year in high school, the Eastland FFA member received a grant from the feed mill company for her research project, where she collected samples from the fistulated cow.
“I created an environment to simulate the rumen and test the digestibility of different feedstuffs,” she said.
Erbsen continued to work with Furst-McNess the next year to test which type of silage inoculate worked best at preserving different silages.
“I also did a project working with Profresh, which is a powder propionic acid, to determine what amount was the most economically beneficial to keeping feed palatable for cattle,” she said.
During her sophomore year, Erbsen’s family decided to grow hemp on their farm since it was the COVID year and milk prices were low.
“I worked with Furst-McNess to determine if field corn or sweet corn fields grew better hemp,” she said.
“My junior year I worked with Lena Vet Clinic and a dairy farm to test if the presence of gram negative or gram positive bacteria at freshening in dairy cows would increase their risk of getting mastitis during the first 30 to 60 days in milk,” said the daughter of Kevin and Wendy Erbsen.
Savanna man charged with several weapons, drug violations
Denomy to appear for a status hearing on both cases at 9 a.m. Dec. 1
By CHARLENE BIELEMA cbielema@shawmedia.com
A Savanna man has been charged with several weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of silencers, after a search of his apartment turned up a cache of weapons.
Joshua A. P. Denomy, 39, is charged with two counts of possession of a silencer, a Class 3 felony; one count of unlawful possession of a handgun/ addict, a Class 4 felony; and two counts of possession of a firearm with no serial number, a misdemeanor.
During her last year of high school, Erbsen continued to work with milk culturing and Lena Vet Clinic along with Derek Noland from the University of Illinois.
“I brought it home to my farm where I tested what strain of bacteria was causing high cell counts and chronic mastitis in my cattle,” she said.
The Erbsen herd has about 50 registered Holstein cows and the family competes in local, state and national dairy shows.
“We are a little different than the average dairy farm. We breed for high classification scores and high genetics,” the Star finalist said. “So, we can market them as well as be successful in the show ring and my dad really loves to milk pretty cows.”
As a result of her research projects, Erbsen said, changes have been made at her family’s farm.
“My dad changed the ration and started top dressing with cottonseed,” she noted.
“We changed how much propionic acid we were putting on our hay and the milk culturing helped us lower our chronic mastitis, as well as our high cell counts,” she said. “The most beneficial part of all these projects was bringing it home to my family dairy to make improvements.”
While in high school, Erbsen’s favorite FFA activities were dairy judging and dairy handling.
As a senior, she was a member of the national winning dairy judging team, which gave the team the opportunity to travel to Scotland and Ireland.
“My cousin, Nevin Erbsen, was on the same judging team and I was the top individual and Nevin was No. 2,” said the FFA member who is advised by Cindy Feltmeyer.
In addition, Nevin is also a finalist this year for the American Star in Agricultural Placement award.
“As soon as I found out I was a finalist, I texted Nevin,” she said.
Currently, Erbsen is a senior at Iowa State University, where she is studying dairy science with a minor in genetics.
“This is my last semester and then I’ll be starting a full-time position with Select Sires Member Cooperative as a dairy program specialist in northeast Iowa,” she said. “And I will be able to be involved with my home farm, so it was a perfect fit.”
Erbsen did not think she would be named an American Star finalist.
“But it is really cool to see all my hard work pay off,” she said. “My advice to other FFA members is stay on top of your record books, get out there, try new things and just be you.”
Denomy was charged after Savanna police executed a search warrant about 2 p.m. Tuesday at his residence at 1318½ Chicago Ave.
He was taken to the Carroll County Jail and made a court appearance Wednesday. He was released from jail that day on pretrial conditions that include not possessing firearms, according to court records.
According to a Savanna Police Department news release, the search at Denomy’s residence led to the seizure of three assault rifles, unlawful firearm silencers, ammunition, high-capacity assault-rifle magazines and firearm components.
The search warrant resulted from an earlier investigation by the Savanna Police Department, according to the release.
Denomy also was charged wth one count of possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; and one count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful sale of alcohol to a minor, both misdemeanors.
Those offenses, which are listed in a separate Carroll County court case, are alleged to have occurred Monday, according to court documents.
Denomy is to appear for a status hearing on both cases at 9 a.m. Dec. 1 at the Carroll County Courthouse.
Provided photo
Delana Erbsen works on one of her many FFA science projects that resulted in becoming a finalist for the American Star in Agriscience award. She is one of four finalists in the nation for this award that will be announced during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo.
Economic impact report speaks Illinois livestock industry’s long history, value
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
A new economic impact report shows there’s more to Illinois farms than just corn, soybeans and wheat near highways.
The Dual Impact – Environmental Stewardship and Economic Value of the Illinois Livestock Industry report was released by the Illinois Pork Producers Association and Illinois Beef Association.
“Agriculture is one of Illinois’ largest industries. Livestock farms have often been operating in Illinois for generations, with communities building around them,” the report said.
“Livestock adds value to existing agriculture in our local communities and provides significant income and jobs in Illinois. The livestock industry, which includes raising livestock, processing meat and dairy, and producing animal feed, is an economic engine in Illinois.
“In 2024, the state’s livestock industry accounted for $7.8 billion in value added, 69,826 jobs, $27 billion in total sales and $4.9 billion in labor income.”
The report also looked at sustainability in both pork and beef production.
“For hog production, an industry-funded life cycle analysis of pork production between 1960 and 2015 demonstrated that pig farmers reduced their land, water and energy use by 75%, 25% and 7%, respectively, resulting in a nearly 8% smaller environmental foot-
print,” according to the report.
“Furthermore, data released by the EPA in April 2021 attributes only 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to agriculture, of which the pork industry is responsible for about 0.4%.
“For beef production, from 1961 to 2021, the U.S. beef industry reduced the carbon footprint of beef by 42.76%. EPA data from 2022 also notes that raising beef accounts for just 2.3% of all U.S. GHG emissions.”
“We did the impact report on what the livestock means to Illinois. It’s really a good report, and I’m glad we were able to team up with the beef producers to do that,” said Cheryl Walsh, of Princeville, IPPA’s immediate past president.
The economic impact report helped bring to light the data that those in urban areas may not be aware of.
“We’re able to produce more with using less resources every day on the beef and pork side of it,” said Walsh in an interview during the Illinois State Fair’s Ag Day.
Walsh, a fourth-generation producer, operates Cowser Inc., which includes a sow farm, hay and a cow-calf operation. All the weaned pigs from the farm are sold directly to customers.
She also operates a sister company, Cowser Field and Feedlot, which grows corn and soybeans and helps produce some of the products that are fed to the sows.
Pork update
“It’s been a great year for us producers. Production’s up. Profitability is up a little bit more. Some of our input costs are down a little bit more, and that’s just helped all of us in general,” Walsh said.
“The prices are within the profit mar-
gins. It’s a lot better than it was a few years ago. We’re not bleeding red. To do this, you have to enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it, there’s no way you can do it.”
From an IPPA policy standpoint, members hope for a new farm bill and strong exports and have continued concerns regarding Proposition 12, which forbids the sale of whole pork meat in California from hogs born of sows not housed in conformity with that state’s law.
Walsh said there are efforts to address Prop 12 in the new farm bill.
“We’re still kind of in the back-andforth process of getting it written into the farm bill in different phases and things like that,” she said.
“U.S. Rep. GT Thompson serves as House Agriculture Committee chair. He is a huge advocate for the pork industry. He’s a very good advocate for us, and we
have some other really good advocates that understand our reasoning behind why we need a fix on this, and then there’s some that are screaming ‘states’ rights’ and it’s OK. We just have to explain what’s going on to some of them and then they start to understand why we’re doing things the way we are and why things are the way they are.”
IPPA is also advocating for increased exports.
“Exports are extremely important to our industry and the cattle industry. A lot of the meat and other things that are exported to other countries are products that we wouldn’t use here,” Walsh said.
“One big thing for the pork industry is ham. A lot of hams get exported to Mexico. It is huge and there’s a huge potential there for us for even more, and it adds a lot of value to the animal with that export market.”
Cheryl Walsh
Wild Rose Casino & Hotel announces return of David Anthony
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Wild Rose Casino & Hotel in Clinton, Iowa, has announced that David Anthony will make his second 2025 appearance in December.
Anthony’s first show was in February, so this marks a chance for a night of magic and belly-laughing comedy hypnosis.
Anthony will bring all-new magic and comedy to the stage. Join in on the fun at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, in the Oakwood Ballroom. Tickets are now on sale.
This is a 21-and-older event.
The venue is located at 777 Wild Rose Drive in Clinton.
Anthony’s love of magic started when he was just 5 years old after receiving a magic kit from his uncle. A native of Cleveland, his first performance took place at age 12. Rodney Whitlock, the owner of a local magic shop, assisted him with his craft. He attended his first magic convention when he was 15.
Since then, Anthony has won competitions with his award-winning act, “A Tale of Serendipity.” Those awards include receiving third place at the 2008 International Battle of magicians, first place at the 2009 Magi-Fest, and first place at the 2009 International Brotherhood of Magicians, where he also won
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
‘After Five’ to meet Nov. 18 in Albany
All ladies are invited to “After Five” for dinner and a program Nov. 18 at United Methodist Church, 502 First Ave., Albany. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost of dinner is $14.
The group will be giving thanks for its years together and singing Thanksgiving songs. Inspirational Speaker will be Kelly Davis from Moline. She will speak on “From Mess to Message” and will tell how God got her through difficult circumstances.
Phone reservations and cancellations to Carolene Sterenberg at 563-212-5528 by Nov. 14.
the prestigious Fantasma Award. Anthony continues to work with his theater director, Art Thomas, in developing bigger and better routines.
Mind-blowing magic and laugh-outloud comedy hypnosis will be experienced during this fun-filled evening. The first half will include some of Anthony’s most well-known magic routines that will leave the audience in amazement.
Then, the crowd becomes the star of the show in the second half, as Anthony invites volunteers up on stage to get hypnotized. Imagine your friends or family on stage not being able to remember their name or claiming that their belly button was stolen! This is just the beginning of what to expect during this funfilled evening.
Doors open at 7 p.m., with the excitement starting at 8 p.m.
Advance tickets start at $20, plus tax and fees. They are available to purchase at the Iowa store box office or online at wildroseresorts.com.
The price of day-of-show tickets will increase, starting at $30 plus tax and fees.
A cash bar will be available. For more, go to the Wild Rose’s Facebook page or Wild Rose’s website. Stick around after the show for fun and to redeem the ticket stub for $10 of free play.
CrossView Church menus
A free community meal is served on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. at CrossView Church, 703 14th Ave. in Fulton.
Menus:
Nov. 12: Pulled pork sandwiches, vegetables, chips, applesauce, Oreo dessert
Nov. 19: Chicken strips, cornbread with honey, coleslaw, Jell-O, assorted desserts
Nov. 26: Ham and potato soup, chicken noodle soup, crackers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pumpkin pie
Dec. 3: Sausage, pepperoni and cheese mini pizzas, veggie and dip, Cuties, desserts –ShawLocalNewsNetwork
3 Sauk Valley-area students earn scholarships from UW-Whitewater
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The following three local students are among the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scholarship recipients receiving financial awards for the 202526 academic year.
• Emily Lego, who is from Rock Falls and studying psychology, won the following scholarship: Chancellor Scholars.
• Kelsey Stichter, who is from Erie and studying sociology, won the following scholarship: Chancellor Scholars.
• Laura Wright, who is from Polo and studying environmental science, won the following scholarships: Metcalf Family Endowment and Chancellor Scholars.
“On behalf of the UW-Whitewater Foundation Board of Directors, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients,” UW-Whitewater Foundation President Katie Kuznacic said. “These life-changing financial awards are made possible by the generosity of thousands of individuals, families, friends, and organizations who are committed to our present and future. We are profoundly grateful for their continued commitment to UW-Whitewater students and their success.”
The UW-Whitewater Foundation awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarship dollars to students last academic year. Applications for many 2026-27 scholarships opened Nov. 1. For information, go online to www.edu/scholarships.
Turkey Trot participants pose for a photo Nov. 30, 2024, during the event’s line-up starting phase in Morrison.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Morrison’s 3rd annual Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk is Nov. 29
The 2025 third annual Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Morrison High School. Come for the run or walk, but also contribute to the food drive so no one goes hungry.
Register now at www.quickscores. com/morrisonsports; the contact person is Nathan Jacobs, who can be reached at
njacobs@morrisonil.org or 815-535-1105. Cost is $20 a person. All proceeds go to the Morrison Food Pantry. There will be a food drive that takes nonperishable items for the pantry. Contact the pantry at www.morrisonfoodpantry.org to learn what are the most-needed items.
Morrison High School is located at 643 Genesee Ave. in Morrison.
– Shaw Local News Network
CGH launches Epic Electronic Health Record system aimed at strengthening patient care
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Following more than a year of preparation, staff training and system testing, CGH Medical Center in Sterling has completed one of the most significant technology upgrades in its history – launching a new, digital system that unifies each patient’s health information, modernizes how clinicians work, and expands access for all CGH patients.
The transformation centers on the implementation of Epic, the nation’s leading electronic health record and billing system, according to a news release.
CGH providers across both hospital and clinic settings can now work from the same up-to-date record, improving communication, reducing duplicate testing, and enhancing safety and coordination of care.
“We’re entering a new chapter for CGH,” said Ben Schaab, CGH’s chief financial officer. “Hundreds of CGH employees – nurses, physicians, IT specialists, and support staff – devoted themselves to making this transformation successful. We’re excited for both our patients and our clinicians to experience the benefits of a more connected, modern healthcare system.”
MyChart, CGH’s new patient portal
As part of the Epic transition, CGH’s new patient portal – MyChart – combines and replaces the two separate hospital and clinic MyAccess accounts.
With MyChart, not only do patients have direct, 24/7 access to their own health information and care team, but they also can:
• View test results as soon as they’re available
• Send and receive messages with their care team
• Schedule or change appointments
• Join video visits with providers
• Request prescription renewal
• Review visit notes and discharge instructions
• Pay bills and manage insurance information
“MyChart is a game-changer for our patients,” said Dr. Marcia Jones,
CGH Board of Directors chairman and family medicine physician. “It gives our community direct access to their health information and their care team – something that’s become a hallmark of major health systems and is now available right here at home.”
One unified, traveling health record
Epic enables the secure sharing of health information between health care organizations.
That means that when a new patient arrives at CGH, or when a local patient receives care elsewhere, their records and test results can follow them – making it easier for clinicians to understand their health history without relying on paper files or patients having to track down or repeat details.
State-of-the-art AI
CGH’s technology transformation also includes a suite of AI-powered tools built by Epic to support patients, clinicians, and staff. These tools help with tasks such as summarizing clinical notes, drafting patient summaries, suggesting follow-up actions, and assisting with documentation – all within a secure, clinician-controlled environment.
Every CGH provider will also have access to ambient listening technology, which securely captures conversations during patient visits and automatically drafts clinical notes for physician review. This allows doctors to spend less time typing and more time engaging directly with their patients.
“There’s a misconception that advanced health care technology is only for large, urban hospitals,” said Dr. Paul Steinke, CGH president and CEO. “We’re proving that innovation can thrive in rural communities – and that our patients deserve access to the same modern tools as anyone in the country. We appreciate your patience during this transition and thank you for trusting us with your care.”
To sign up for a MyChart account, go to www.cghmc.com/mychart.
For information, contact the CGH MyChart Help Desk at 815-564-4004 or mychart@cghmc.com.
BUSINESS AND SERVICE
Drs. Terry and Sarah Foust
“Serving Large and Small Animals”
602 N. High Street, Port Byron, IL
Phone 309-524-6484
Fax: 309-524-6485 www.riverviewvets.com
- INDUSTRIAL We Sell and Service All Major Brands 309-887-4447 16262 Waller Rd., (Rt. 84), Fulton, IL
CHURCH LISTINGS
ALBANY
Albany United Methodist Church
502 N. First Ave., 309-887-4781
Pastor Toni Lucas
St. Patrick Catholic Church 1201 N. Bluff St., Albany
Father Timothy Barr, Pastor CORDOVA
Cordova Baptist 602 Third Ave. South, Cordova
Pastor Carmen Jordan 309-654-2501 - www.cordovafbc.com
EAST MOLINE
Sycamore Baptist Church 5323 180th Street North, East Moline 309-200-2505 www.sycamorebaptistchurch.com
Wildwood Baptist Church 18717 Hubbard Road, East Moline 309-496-9397 office@ wildwoodchurch.com
Pastors Brian Smith, Andrew Robinson, Andy Thomaston and Matt Winquist
Zion Lutheran Church 17628 Hubbard Road, East Moline
Rev. Gary A. Wright - 309-496-3592
ERIE
Erie Baptist Church 8th Ave. and 11th Street, Erie
Call Ron Kimball for info: 309-230-3584
Erie Christian Church 715 6th Ave., Erie, 309-659-2561
Minister: Nathan Bright Youth Minister: Aaron Sweeney www.eriechristianchurch.com
Erie Evangelical Free Church 1409 16th Ave., Erie, 309-659-7125 Website: erieefree.org
Pastor Ron Eckberg
Pastor Jonathan Eckberg
Erie United Methodist Church 811 8th Street, Erie
Pastor Tiffany Garcea - 309-659-2541 www.erieumc.org
Farmers Elevator
815-772-4029 - Morrison, IL
Rock River Lumber & Grain
815-537-5131 - Prophetstown
Frary’s Lumber & Supply 815-537-5151 - Prophetstown
Newton Zion Reformed Church 10465 Frog Pond Road, Erie
Pastor Shannon Parrish - 309-659-2464 newtonzion@frontier.com
St. Ambrose Catholic Church Corner of 5th and Main
Father David Reese Rectory Phone: 815-537-2077
Church Phone: 309-659-2781
FENTON
New Life Church of Fenton 10019 Main St., Fenton, 815-858-6180 fentonumc19@gmail.com
FULTON
Bethel Christian Reformed Church 1208 3rd Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-2501 www.bethelfulton.com bethelcrchurch@gmail.com Sunday service is 10 a.m.
First Reformed Church
510 15th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-2203
Pastor Charles Huckaby
Fulton Presbyterian Church
311 N. 9th St., Fulton, 815-589-3580 www.fultonpreschurch.org email: presbyterianchurchfulton@gmail.com.
Garden Plain Presbyterian Church 14915 Sands Road, Fulton
Gateway Faith Fellowship Church 701 11th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-4283
Pastor Wayne Wiersema
Immaculate Conception Church 703 12th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-3542
Father Timothy Barr, Pastor secretaryfulton@gmail.com
Newton Zion Reformed Church 10645 Frog Pond Road, Erie, 309-659-2464 newtonzion@frontier.com
Pastor Shannon Parrish
CrossView Church 703 14th Ave., Fulton, 815-589-3425 www.wearecrossview.com secretary@wearecrossview.com
RUTLEDGE ELECTRIC
822 Main, Erie Serving the Area Since 1980 Farm • Residential • Commercial Wiring & Contracting 309-659-2195
Spring Valley Reformed Church
10960 Spring Valley Road, Fulton
Pastor Paul Wissink 815-772-3554
First Christian Reformed Church 801 15th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-3790 www.fultonfirstcrc.com firstcrcfulton@live.com
Pastor Michael Hooker
HILLSDALE
Hillsdale United Methodist Church 124 Butzer St., Hillsdale Church 309-658-2340
Pastor Melva England
HOOPPOLE
Calvary Evangelical Congregational Church
Rev. Zachary Van Dyke, Pastor 563-370-8779
Hooppole Zion Methodist Church
Pastor Rolando Renteria 311 Main St, Hooppole, 815-948-7591 Parsonage 309-658-2145
LYNDON
Dominion Christian Fellowship Center 104 4th St. W., Lyndon 815-590-6971
Rev. Barbi E. Momolu Sr.
Trinity Baptist Church
403 6th Ave North, Lyndon Pastor Alan Jahn - 563-242-0307 www.trinitybaptistchapel.com
MORRISON
Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church 301 W. South St., Morrison Pastor Tammy Anderson 815-414-1758 - Office: 772-4896
Brethren In Christ Church 207 E. Knox Street, Morrison Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
WISDOM
Erie, Illinois
Jentry Fane, DVM, DVM, R.R. Zinkem, DVM, S.E. Blair, DVM, SJ. Lawfer, DVM
Phone 815-772-4047
14993 Lyndon Rd., Morrison
Church Of St. Anne Episcopal
401 N Cherry St., Morrison, 815-772-2818 stannemorrison@frontiernet.net www.churchofstannemorrison.org
Crossroads Community Church
201 W. Market, Morrison Pastor Jon Eastlick - 815-956-0090 morrison@crossroadscn.com
Ebenezer Reformed Church
309 E. Park St., Morrison Pastor J. T. Bean 815-772-2472
www.ercmorrison.com
Emmanuel Church 202 E. Morris St., Morrison 815-772-3890
www.ecmorrison.com
Rev. Luke Schouten, Senior Pastor Rich Criss, Ministry Coordinator
First Baptist Church
406 E. Maple Ave. Morrison
Pastor Roy Brown, II Phone 815-772-2696 facebook.com/morrisonfirstbaptist
First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Michael Selburg - 815-772-3510
100 East Lincolnway, Morrison Facebook live services Sundays 10:15 a.m.
YouTube Channel: First Presbyterian Church firstpresmorrison@gmail.com www.firstpresmorrison.org
Kingdom Life Community Church 11429 Ward Road, Morrison 815-772-4098
www.kingdomlife.global
Pastor Stephen Harmon
Morrison Christian Church
201 S. Genesee, Morrison David Manley, Minister, 602-750-6426 d.manley93@yahoo.com
Google YouTube Larry Kidwell for sermons.
Morrison United Methodist Church 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison Pastor Sun-Ah Kang - 815-772-4030
Warranty Deeds
• Marlene F. Keisel Trust and Marlene F. Keisel Jackson Trustee to Conor Hugunin and Olivia Hugunin, 205 PHEASANT RIDGE DR, ALBANY, $278,000
• Carlos Lucas, Carlos Lucas aka Morales, and Elaine R. Lucas to Shanna Marie Hillers, 1111 AVENUE J, STERLING, $89,000
• Iris Yarbrough to Wade L. Larkey, 419 13TH AVE, FULTON, $79,000
• Michael J. Hobson to Dominic J. Geerts and Marissa J. Eye, 407 GENESEE ST N, MORRISON, $108,000
• Arthur F. Como Jr. to Hev Enterprises, 800 AVENUE A, ROCK FALLS, $80,000
• Conor S. Hugunin and Olivia N. Hugunin to Ronald M. Hill II, 913 2ND AVE N, ALBANY, $257,900
• Ricardo Montanez and Seng Montanez to State of Illinois DOT, 312 16TH AVE, STERLING, $300
• Mario Salas to Jason Harris, 611 BROADWAY AVE, STERLING, $70,000
• Donald W. Durall, Tracy A. Durall and Tracy A. Fka Owens to Thomas P. Howard, Pamela J. Howard, 24455 FULFS RD, STERLING, $315,000
• Kenneth Nelson and Patience Marie Nelson to Ixtla Wilson and Laurance Wilson, 604 2ND AVE STERLING, $99,000
• Joseph D. Queen and Rebecca G. Queen to Andrew Knapp, 1110 6TH STREET W, ROCK FALLS, $30,000
• Jeffrey J. Hanson and Angela R. Hanson to Gregory Hanson and Kyla Jo Hanson, 18559 HENRY RD, MORRISON, $255,000
• Lindsay A. Buis and Kevin M. Buis to Rolando Gonzalez and Kira Gonzalez, 15501 BISHOP RD, MORRISON, $515,000
• Pennymac Loan Services Llc to Secretary Of Hud, 600 5TH ST E, ROCK FALLS, $0.00
• Russell J. Kraus to Dana Saathoff, PINE HILL RD, STERLING, $18,000
• Terry Wolf Construction Inc. to Ben Johnson and Calista Gilszmer, KNIEF RD, ROCK FALLS, $17,000
• Lawanda Koenig to Barbara Thielenhouse, 1304 7TH AVE, ROCK FALLS, $135,000
• Keith J. Zoeller and Lucinda K. Zoeller to Austin M. Howard, 1407 LEFEVRE RD E, STERLING, $127,500
• Antori L. Dirks and Nickolaus W. Dirks to Reid Blackburn, 1503 18TH ST E, STERLING, $180,000
• Judith M. Howard to Rosario Deleon and Andrea R. Deleon, 213 5TH AVE, ROCK FALLS, $59,900
• Gregory L. Hanson and Kyla J. Hanson to John A. Dickey and Arlene F. Dickey, 18795 HENRY RD, MORRISON, $200,000
• Edward Andersen and Janice Andersen to Dylan A. Veracini and Felicia H. Veracini, 3705 14TH AVE, STERLING, $355,000
• Andrew Wilhelmi to Nicole M. Martinez, 1716 17TH AVE, STERLING, $120,000
• Nicole M. Burkett, Nicole M. Martinez Nka, and Oscar Martinez to Sarah Mccloud, 410 10TH ST W, STERLING, $194,900
• Laurance Wilson and Ixtla Wilson to Christopher Henson and Alisha Henson, 204 GLASSBURN ST W, TAMPICO, $45,000
• Midfirst Bank to Secretary Of Hud, 300 HIGHLAND AVE, ERIE, $107,800
• Laverne F. Vanderschaaf to Laverne F. Vanderschaaf and Phyllis Ann Vanderschaaf, 4 Parcels: 09-08-301-001, 09-08-351-001, 09-08-351-002, and 09-08-351-007, $0.00
• Margo F. Atherton Trustee, Robert l Atherton Trust, and Margo F. Atherton Trust to Robert C. Atherton and Kelly C. Vegter, 601 DIAMOND CT, MORRISON, $0.00
• Bettrina Renkes and Jeremiah Renkes to Bettrina Renkes and Jeremiah Renkes, 10974 PRAIRIE CENTER RD, MORRISON, $0.00
Quit Claims
• David J. Hamilton and David J. Hamilton and Billie Jensen, 14745 VANS RD, FULTON, $0.00
• Daniel J. Vegter to Sarah L. Vegter Trustee, Daniel J. Vegter Trustee, and Djsl Vegter Trust, 10350 GARDEN PLAIN RD, MORRISON, $0.00
• Brian R. Ystad and Gail J. Ystad to Kyle Andrew Wiersema, 5515 BUNKER HILL RD, FULTON, $0.00
Trustees Deeds
• Katherine A. Kruckenberg Trust to Andrew Kruckenberg and Maria A. Kruckenberg, 3 Parcels: 12-36-100-001, 12-36-100-003, and 12-36-100-005, $1,210,054
• Allan Den Besten Trust to Den Besten Real Estate Group Llc, 800 FOURTH ST N, FULTON, $0.00
• Mark F. Geisler Trust and Janice M. Geisler to Joseph W. Price and Ashlei A. Price, 10135 FROG POND RD, ERIE, $215,000
• John Vanosdol Trustee and Joyce Geneva Winch Trust to Scott I. Cobane, 4 Parcels: 17-16-300-007, 17-16-300008, 17-16-300-009, and 17-16-400-010, $0.00
CHURCH LISTINGS
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Rev. Slawomir Zimodro 13320 Garden Plain Road, Morrison 815-772-3095
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
601 N. Jackson St., Morrison www.stpetersmorrison.com
Interim Pastor Mark Peters
Sunday service is at 9:30 a.m. Bible study and Sunday School at 10:45 a.m. Sundays
PORT BYRON
Bethel Baptist 27308 108th Ave. N., Port Byron Church Phone: 309-523-3352
Pastor Josh Matthews
Church of the Cross United Methodist Church 22621 IL 2 and 92, Port Byron
Pastor Mark Graham Parish Office: 309-523-2201
Countryside Christian Church 3817 230th St. N., Port Byron
Pastor Steve Allison Church Phone: 309-523-2834
Fairfield United Methodist Church
235th St. at 115th Ave. North, Port Byron
Pastor Larry Misfeldt - 309-523-3767
Messiah Lutheran Church
302 11th St., Port Byron - 309-523-2421
Pastor Gwen Sefrhans-Murphy
Peace Lutheran Church ELCA 20828 Friedens Road, Port Byron Interim Pastor: Nancy Jaster www.peacelutheranil.org - 309-523-2295
Port Byron First United Methodist Church 9412 228th St. N., Port Byron, IL Church Office: 309-848-4050 Email: portbyronfirstumc@gmail.com
Roberta Robbins, Lead Pastor
Becky Butterfield, Associate Pastor
PROPHETSTOWN
Advent Christian Church 200 Elm St., Prophetstown
Pastor Diana Verhulst 815-537-5646 - ptownac.org
First Lutheran Church
Interim Pastor Susan Davenport Office: 815-537-2758 www.firstlutheran-ptown.org
Leon United Methodist Church 17173 Lomax Road, Prophetstown Pastor Joey Garcea - cell 815-656-0362 pastorjoeygarcea@gmail.com
Prophetstown
United Methodist Church 200 W. 2nd St., Prophetstown Pastor Joey Garcea - 815-537-2496
River Church 218 E. 3rd St., Prophetstown 815-876-6226 - www.riverchurchag.com
St. Catherine Catholic Church of Prophetstown 815-537-2077
RAPIDS CITY
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 1416 Third Ave., Rapids City Fr. Glenn H. Harris Phone 309-496-2414
TAMPICO
St. Mary Catholic Church
Reverend Slawomir Zimodro 105 Benton St., Tampico Phone 815-438-5425
Tampico Baptist Church
209 W. 3rd St., Tampico Pastor Ethan Horton
Tampico First United Methodist Church Pastor Leanne Keate - 815-564-2302
CLASSIFIED
HENRY & BUREAU COUNTY, IL LAND AUCTION
TELLER
Part-Time Position at Blackhawk Area Credit Union Po lo Office Availability Monday - Saturday Hours Will Vary Must be willing to travel between branches & work on call.
For de tails, contact Samantha at: 8 15-946-3660 - or - email: samantha.harazin@bacu.org
186 M/L to be offered at 11784 One Mile Road, Thomson, IL
November 15 at 11:00 AM
Nick Heid, Attorney Frank Tipton Bid caller (Auctioneer) LIC #441000498
For information call Frank Tipton 815 590- 8206
PUBLIC AUCTION
SATURDAY, November 15th, 2025
8284 Ridge Road, Rock Falls, IL 61071
Guns: Winchesters, Marlins, Bennelli's, Savage, Sako, Christensen Arms, Colts, Remington, Stevens, Browning, Ruger's, Springfield, Smith & Wessen, Glock, Luger Arms, approx. 140 long guns, 50 pistols, Ammo, Crossboe, over 200 toys Buddy L, Structo, Tonka, Ertl, Kory manufacturing semis new in box, 410 total lots, also we will be selling items after the online auction toys & gun supplies. Auctioneers Note: The items on this sale are in excellent condition view our lots & bid online if you wish or attend in person Youngs Auction Service follows all state and federal gun & ammo laws, please know your state regulations before bidding. If you are unsure please call Rob 815-632-8000
View Auction: youngsauctionil.com click on proxibid, enter auction
TERMS: CASH, Credit Cards, Checks. HAVE POSITIVE ID
AUCTIONEERS: Rob Young, IL441000593, 815-632-8000
The Oldham Farms tract is located approximately 0.5 miles west of Yorktown, IL or approximately 12 miles north of Annawan, IL with access along Highway 92/County Rd 2900 N and is further described as being located in Section 1, T18N-R5E, Yorktown Township, Henry County, IL and Section 6, T18N-R6E, Fairfield Township, Bureau County, Illinois. This farm represents high quality farmland and CRP acres in Henry & Bureau County, IL. A great opportunity to acquire a large contiguous tillable tract with CRP income.
OLDHAM FARMS
Representing Attorney: Daniel Hawkins Sauk Valley Law Group, LLC 100 W 1st St, Suite B | Rock Falls, IL 61071
Auction Managers: Isaac Taber (309) 335-8081 & Dan Sullivan
Harmon, IL 131.06 Crop acres with 114.6 PI Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Virtual Live Auction - Online Only www.Hertz.ag
TOWNSHIP - COMPENSATION SUMMARY Range: Under $25,000.00: Melony VonHolten TOTAL COMPENSATION: $23,517
(Under)
VILL AG E OF CORDOVA, ILLINOIS FISCAL YEAR E NDED APRIL 30,2 024 (Modified Cash Basis ) Governmental Water/Sewer/Garbage/Mosquito F und REVENUE SUMMARY
Antique Farm Bell with yoke, cradle & dap per Appraised to be between: 1866-1872 Blymeyer, Norton and Co. Cincinnati, Ohio, 15 inch
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, IL LINOIS, IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KAY A. JACOBS, DECEASE D. No. 2025 PR 111 CL AIM NOTICE
Notice is given to creditors of the death of Kay A Jacobs. Letters of Office were issued on October 20, 2025, to Shane A Jacobs of 102 Randall Dr, Morrison, Illinois 61270 as Independent Executor, whose attorneys of record are Nelson, Kilgus & Buckwalter-Schurman, 209 East Main Street, Morrison, Illinois, 612700111.
neys within 10 days after it has been filed.
Walter C. Kilgus NELSON, KILGUS, & BUCKWALTERSCHURMAN
Attorneys for said Estate 209 East Main Street, Morrison, IL 61270-0111
Tel: 815/772-2121
Fax: 815/772-2026
E-mail: wkilgus @nelsonkilgus.com
Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, 2025
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 14th CIRCUIT COUNTY OF WHITESIDE
The Village of Erie is seeking sealed bids for a TwoYear lease of 138.3 tillable acres of farmland near Village Sewer Plant. Bid packet of information can be picked up at Village Hall during regular business hours . All bids are due by 4:00 Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Village Office. The Village of Erie has the right to accept or reject any and all bids and waive any irregularities.
Nov. 11, 18, 2025
NDITURES $438,898 $298,434 COMPENSATION SUMMARY
Compensation Detail 0-$1,500: Ben Roush, Mark Towns end, Jeff Claus, Justin DePorter, Harvey Sothmann, Ida Kerr, Ron Willhite, Della Scott, Pat Fidlar, Kim Plumb, Mike Chavez, Stephen Teney
$1,501-$5,000: Tara Brimeyer , Austin Ortiz, Robert Helm, Erick Sikkema, Rod Stiner
$5,001-$10,000: James Boone
$10,001-$20,000: Colleen Willhite, Melissa Bowman
$20,001-$35,000:
$35,001-$45,000: Alvin Barber, Wes Frazier
Ex penditure Summar y Vendor Detail of Payments in Ex cess of $2500
Ambetter Of Illinois, Anchor Lumber Co, Inc., Arborists Advantage Tree Service, Cargill Incorporated, Davey Tree Expert Co., Ferguson Waterworks, Franks Flying Service, Hoffman & Tranel, IL Dept of Revenue, IML RISK Management Association, IRS, JC Cross Co., Mason & Scott P.C., MediaCom, MidAmerican, Miller Trucking & Excav ating, Morton Community Bank, PS3 Enterprises, Inc., QC Analytical Services , LLC, Republic Services, Riverdale School District#100, Rock Island County Sheriff's Office , Ron Downey Building & Remodeling, Shaw Media, Stichter Construction, Tri-City Electric Co., Utility Data System of Texas, Utility Service Company, Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson, P.C., Wex, Young's Heating & A/C, INC.
VILLAGE
OF CORDOVA, ILL IOIS
ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT Fiscal Year ended April 30, 2024
Beginning Fund Balance
Revenues
Expenditures
GeneralS pecial Revenu eWater/Sewer/Garbage/Mosqu ito Fun d
$703,846$367,741$595,835
$389,521$220,952$235,052
($287,050)($88,516) ($227,364)
Other Financing Sources (-) (-) (-) (Uses)
Ending Fund Balance
$806,317 $500,177 $603,523
Subscribed and Sworn to this 5th day of November 2025. Ida Kerr, Ida Kerr, Deputy Clerk I, Colleen Willhite, Clerk/Treasurer of the Village of Cordova, Rock Island County, Illinois, do hereby certify, that the above is a true copy of the Annual Treasure r's Report for the fiscal year ending April 30th, 2024.
Colleen Willhite, Colleen Willhite, Clerk November 11, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, IL LINOIS, IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KAY A. JACOBS, DECEASE D. No. 2025 PR 111 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given to creditors of the death of Kay A Jacobs. Letters of Office were issued on October 20, 2025, to Shane A Jacobs of 102 Randall Dr, Morrison, Illinois 61270 as Independent Executor, whose attorneys of record are Nelson, Kilgus & Buckwalter-Schur209 E t
The estate will be administered without Court Supervision unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Whiteside County, 200 East Knox Street, Morrison, Illinois, 61270, or with the representative, or both, on or before April 28, 2026 or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in that notice . Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorneys within 10 days after it has been filed.
Walter C. Kilgus NELSON, KILGUS, & BUCKWALTERSCHURMAN
Attorneys for said Estate 209 East Main Street, Morrison, IL 61270-0111
Tel: 815/772-2121
Fax: 815/772-2026
E-mail: wkilgus @nelsonkilgus.com
Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, 2025
Estate of: RUSSELL L. HOOGHEEM, a deceased person Case No 2025 PR 115 CL AIM NOTICE & NOTICE TO HEIRS
Notice is hereby given to the heirs and creditors of Russell L. Hoogheem, deceased Letters of Office were issued on October 27, 2025 to Nicholas L Hoogheem, who has been named as Independent Administrator. His attorney is named below. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Courthouse, 200 East Knox St., Morrison, IL, or with the representative, or both, on or before the 10th day of May, 2026, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from a representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in the notice Any claim not filed on or before that date will be barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative's attorney within ten (10) days of being filed.
Nicholas W. Heid Heid Law Offices, LLC 19670 Waller Rd Fulton, IL 61252 815-589-9961 (phone)
Nov. 4, 11, 18, 2025
Notice The Village of Erie is seeking sealed bids for a TwoYear lease of 138.3 tillable acres of farmland near Village Sewer Plant
Bid packet of information can be picked up at Village Hall during regular business hours . All bids are
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE LYNDON DRAINAGE DISTRICT # 3 IN THE COUNTY OF WHITESIDE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS
NO: 94 MR 64 Notice is hereb y given that on or about November 5, 2025, the Commissioners of said Lyndon Drainage District # 3 have filed their Financial Report for the current year. Any objections to said Financial Report must be filed with the Circuit Clerk of the Court within 10 days after the publication of this notice.
Sue Scott, Circuit Clerk CourthouseWhiteside County 200 E. Knox St. Morrison, IL 61270
William R. Shirk ARDC #2589699 Law Office of William R. Shirk, P.C. Attorney for said District 301 E. Main Street Morrison, IL 61270 Tele: 815.772.7231 Fax: 815.772.4599 Email: wrshirk@ wrshirklaw.com
Nov. 11, 2025
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, 2025.
AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT
Cash Balance as of 5/1/24
Whiteside County Taxes
Henry County Taxes
Interest Earned
Call Receipts Earned
IL Replacement Tax
Memorials, Donations, Grants
Refunds
Cash Balance as of 4/30/25
Expenses
Billing & Collection Expense
Trustee Salaries
$171,554.75
$197,058.00
$42,906.62
$1,247.69
$19,723.71
$8,617.87
$11,050.00
$3,604.84
$29,595.01
$1,966.40
Expense
Equipment Maint and Repairs $1,214.99
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, 2025 and states that the same is true and correct to the best of his knowledge and belief.
KEITH CRADY, TREASURER
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 30th day of October, 2025.
Notary Public
Growing season has seen successes, challenges
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
The 2025 corn and soybean growing season ended as it started – ideal conditions – along with the usual and unusual challenges sandwiched in between.
Crystal Williams, Pioneer agronomist in DeKalb, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties, recapped the northern Illinois growing season.
Planting began ahead of schedule.
“A lot people utilized opportunities to plant mid-April, depending on conditions and eagerness to get started or how willing they were to get started early,” Williams said.
“If they hadn’t gotten started then, a lot of people did start planting the last few days of April. Those dates seemed like they were the problem child days. Every spring has some days that, ‘Oh, I wish I didn’t plant’ or it might have caused some headaches. Those last few days of April were certainly that.”
Soil conditions were ideal until the end of April.
“Our soils worked up really beautifully this year, then we ended up getting a cool, heavy-like driving rain. We truly had garden soil for planting conditions and that rain caused a lot of crusting in some of that area,” Williams said.
The heavy rains forced some replants in the later planted crop and the need for rotary hoeing due to soil crusting.
Temperatures cooled toward the end of May, slowing heat accumulation and crop development.
“It was dry and hot in June, which it seems like has been kind of the norm the last couple of years. That being said, once we did get our shots of rain finally in July and heat that crop had a lot of energy to drive through and just shot up quite a bit. Things turned around quite a bit,” Williams said.
“We had good post-application windows, but from a fungicide timing standpoint between corn and soybeans it all kind of ran together a little bit. So, it was a little chaotic for much of that area.”
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Port Byron Historical Society to meet Nov. 12
The Port Byron Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the River Valley District Library in Port Byron.
Pests
Corn rootworm continues to be a significant pest in many northern Illinois counties.
“Looking at the weather conditions and how that affected the corn rootworm populations, really any time we have a dry fall, followed by a dry spring, dry May and June, we’re going to have pretty favorable survival rates of corn rootworms,” Williams said.
“There was pretty heavy pest pressure this year. We’ve been kind of building that population. It’s very cyclical.
“We’ve had to have some conversations this year in terms of what are we going to do to change and control this corn rootworm population.
Maybe a field popped up that didn’t seem like it had a problem or we didn’t realize there was an issue and this year we did find one.
“Rotating to soybeans is the easiest way in managing weeds in that field, as well, and is really the best way we can suppress a significant amount of corn rootworm.”
Diseases
Southern rust, tar spot, sudden death syndrome and other diseases also popped up during the growing season.
“Southern rust seemed to have stayed a little bit farther west. You can find southern rust and tar spot in northern Illinois. I heard of southern rust down in the Macomb area and the next thing it was up by the Quad Cities and kind of followed the Mississippi River up and then blew east a little bit,” Williams said.
“I feel like there was a little bit more pressure in Lee and Ogle counties than it was in DeKalb, in my opinion, but not that you couldn’t find it.”
Sudden death syndrome in soybeans was significant this year.
“A great treatment for that would be IleVO with your seed treatment. Some people cut that out this year because of input costs and different things. Anytime that we extend the time that soybeans are protected while they are below ground and not emerged, that’s really where we can inoculate a little bit earlier in that season,” Williams said.
“There was also a little bit of white
mold, which is typically what we deal with, but it seemed like there was not as much white mold pressure this year.”
Corn Acres
Northern Illinois continued to lean toward corn in 2025.
“We do have quite a bit of continuous corn and I’d say we tended to run a little bit more corn even this last year because of markets. On average, I would say there’s a minimum of two to three years of corn-on-corn. Some stick to a twoyear corn, one-year soybean rotation. Then there’s obviously more years of continuous corn than that, too,” Williams said.
Harvest
The crops dried down quickly in the fall, helped by the hot, dry weather. There was a lot of sub-20% corn in early October, which is typically not common in northern Illinois.
“I harvested a plot on Oct. 1 that was 100-day to 116-day, and everything was right around between 13% and 16%. It was planted mid-May. It was pretty surprising to see that,” Williams said.
Guest speaker Marian Skaggs, RISE Life Skills Teacher at the Riverdale Schools, will talk about the history of a more recent program at the school.
Reaching Independence through
Support and Education is a program to educate and empower students with diverse needs and abilities. This has been active for several years at Riverdale and is a continuing program this year.
Come to the meeting to learn more about this program’s recent history and its current activity at school.
– Shaw Local News Network
AgriNews photo
The Swartz family had about 450 acres of corn left to be harvested Oct. 14 after wrapping up the soybean harvest several weeks prior. Craig Swartz was trucking corn to the bin from a field near Wing in northeast Illinois.
Erie-Prophetstown falls to red-hot Riverdale
Panthers (32-5) season ends in regional final
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Playing a Riverdale team that looks to be peaking for the postseason, Erie-Prophetstown struggled to get going in a 25-23, 25-19 loss in Thursday’s Class 2A Rock Falls Regional final.
The top-seeded Panthers finished 32-5 as the fifth-seeded Rams (23-10-1) advance to host the sectional at 6 p.m. on Tuesday against Eureka, which beat El Paso-Gridley.
The upset earned Riverdale its first regional title since 2021.
“They were relentless from start to finish,” E-P coach Rachel Bramm said of the Rams. “Both sets, [they] took advantage of some weaknesses that we showed tonight. Full props to them and best of luck moving forward.”
Both teams traded points in the opening set before the Rams began to pull away with a 12-6 lead. The Panthers rallied to tie it at 22-all, but the Rams always seemed to have an answer and make it tough for E-P to put balls away.
“Those couple runs that they built two, three, four points in a row got us a little bit down on ourselves and allowed them to build momentum,” Bramm said. “That’s what really made the difference in the end.”
E-P took a 1-0 lead in the second set, but the Rams would not trail again.
The Rams used soft touches to go over E-P’s blockers, often finding the floor or creating errors in the process. The Rams also had 12 aces.
Riverdale senior Katie Cox said keeping their energy high throughout the match this time around was key for the Rams. E-P beat Riverdale 23-25, 25-18, 25-19 on Oct. 8.
“I think we were really aggressive with our serving, which kept them out of system,” Cox said, “and helped us get some more out of system balls coming our way, so then we were able to put the ball down on their side.”
Riverdale’s defense made it tough for E-P to go on an extended run. Down 23-15, E-P got within five points in the second set before the Rams closed it out.
“Their defense is just really sound,
Erie-Prophetstown’s Lauren Abbott spikes the ball past Riverdale’s Cayleigh Hungate (right) and Preslie Willemkens at the Class 2A Rock Falls Regional final Oct. 30 at Rock Falls High School.
they touch a lot of balls,” Bramm said. “They don’t let a lot of balls hit the floor, and it’s hard to score on a team like that.”
Riverdale coach Amy Mitton said playing for each other made the difference in the win against such a talented team.
“I’m so proud of them,” she said. “They really play well as a team, and I love it.”
Riverdale’s small but very loud and engaged student section also fed into the momentum.
“We’ve been working really hard on keeping teams out of system. More aggressive serves. And when they came at us, we have been working endlessly on our blocks,” Mitton said. “We took that momentum away from them, and that’s what our goal was.”
Although the Panthers were not able to win another regional title after earning their first as a co-op last season, they have put together plenty of wins in
recent years. E-P won 32 games the past two seasons and a total of 89 the last three seasons.
Bramm said this year’s team has been special in her first year as coach.
“We had 11 seniors this year, which is just unheard of,” she said. “Rarely do you ever see a senior class that big that
Ashlyn
spikes the
over the net Oct. 30at Rock Falls High School during the Regional championship game against the Riverdale Rams.
sticks it through all the way. So we’re proud of them and just so happy that they had as successful a season as they did for their senior year.
“They provided some great leadership and a great opportunity for these younger kids to see an example of what they can do in the future.”
Photos by Jessie Otten for Shaw Local News Network
EP Panther’s
Johnson
ball
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1972: 22nd NASCAR Sprint Cup: Richard Petty wins his fourth Cup. 1975: NY Mets’ Tom Seaver wins his 3rd Cy Young Award.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
SEASON ENDS
Panthers (32-5) season ends in regional final / 23
Erie-Prophetstown Kaylee Keegan (left) sets the ball for Eden Jensen during the first set of the Regional championship game held at Rock Falls High School on Oct. 30. Despite the Panthers’ best efforts, they fell in two sets to the Riverdale Rams.
Photo by Jessie Otten - Shaw Local News Network