By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current
Bishop Hill, IL
Besides being an historical town, it has lots of neat little stops and 21 points of interest, 15 shops and services plus 7 museums.
Depending on the time of day it has 5 great places to eat.
So, if you’re looking for a unique place to visit, by all means take a hike over to this beautiful little town in Henry County.
Testing for Contaminants
Just a short reminder, but it is a good idea to check your home for radon, lead paint and water checks. Exposure to any of these contaminants can have serious health implications.
Radon is a dangerous element when it comes to your home. It is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas underground. It can find its way through cracks in your home’s floors and walls.
Prior to 1978, lead paint was widely used on the interior and exterior of homes. Homes built before 1980 may very well contain lead paint.
As to well water, it should be tested annually for bacteria and nitrates. In our Colona subdivision we have our well water tested every year. I take a well water sample annually to a place in LeClaire, Iowa, for testing.
Foreign Owned Land
Good for Iowa’s Governor Kim Reynolds for signing into law, legislation that requires more transparency in foreign ownership of Iowa farmland. China is one of the biggest countries that has purchased large acres of land in our country.
There are other states that already have limits on foreign ownership of land.
I’m not sure where our “Land of Lincoln” stands on this topic. Hopefully, it is closely monitored. I don’t trust the Chinese Government. I think world domination is in their DNA.
Solar or Farmland
So, if you’re a farmer, do you want to lease some of your land for solar panels at over $1,000.00 or more per acre? Conversion of farmland to solar or wind power is a big topic that is widely discussed. Making more money planting corn or beans on the acre or are there more bucks leasing the acre for solar or wind?
No Noise Yet
Where we live no vibrating tymbals from cicadas have we seen, or more noticeable, heard, their roaring noise. Cicadas flex their muscles to the tune of between 300 and 400 times a second. I guess only Mother Nature knows exactly when they will appear here in Henry County.
I’m sure I won’t be around for their next appearance so I’m kind of glad ( I think?) to witness them this year.
Geneseo Izaak Walton League and the “90” Guy
Their spring “Members Breakfast” was recently held on Saturday in the Ikes Lodge. I counted 19 members and guests, but I think there might have been more. The breakfast was excellent and the cooks did a nice job.
Glen Anderson, alias “Birdman of Henry County,” turned the big “90” last Tuesday, May 7, 2024. All his friends got together and got him a candy bar for his birthday. I don’t think the wrapper was open, either!
Senior Humor
The older I get the earlier it gets late.
I remember being able to get up without making sound effects.
My luck is like a bald guy who just won a comb.
I run like the winded.
Vic Bianchetta should have remembered what the valet who parked his car looked like. There is a big sign on the entrance door, “We Do Not Have Valet Parking.”
Quote of the Week
“Listen at the keyhole and you’ll hear news of yourself.”
— Proverb