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Back L to R, Brooklyn Bos, Ireland Lenz, Hannah McGee, Annabelle Ropp, & Cora Gorman. Front L to R, Meya Pollock, Bee Scheider, & Anna Davis
Geneseo, IL - Geneseo Girl Scout Troop 5828 celebrated its graduating seniors on Thursday, April 30th. These girls have accomplished great things in their years of Girl Scouting including countless volunteer hours, service projects to benefit the Geneseo community, and leadership for younger scouts.
For many years, the Geneseo Ministerial Association (GMA) has hosted a Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on the first Thursday in May. This year, they are taking a break from that format and planning a prayer service in City Park.
Read moreThe Hunt: From May 1st through August 15,2026, the City will announce various historic locations around Geneseo on the City’s Facebook Page.
The Photos: Visit these spots and snap a photo!
Students do not need to be in the photo themselves.
Students under 18 should get permission from their parents/guardian before participating.
Focus on creative composition to catch the judges' eyes.
Save your photos from May – August 15th and then get ready to submit the compilation for judging in late August!
Non-Facebook users are welcome to stop by City Hall and pickup the released passport locations.
Organization: Participants can organize their collection of photos however they like for final submission between August 15, 2026 – August 28,2026.
Deadline: All entries must be submitted by August 28, 2026.
Submit your entry into the competition between 08/15/26 – 08/28/26:
1. In-Person: Drop off physical entries at the Central Schoolhouse Inn.
2. Digital: Text a link to your digital file/album to the Daughters of the American Revolution at: (309) 830-9378.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will judge entries based on creativity. Winners will be announced at the Labor Day Celebration at Richmond Hill on September 5, 2026.
Limited Edition Illinois American Innovation $1 Coins.
"Presidents from Illinois" Memorabilia.
And More!
Kelly Jo Burbridge loves houseplants and that love led her to starting her own business, “Root & Ramble,” a pop-up business based in Geneseo and featured at various local events and locations.
Read moreGeneseo officials approved a major development project Tuesday night and advanced several additional items for future consideration during the Committee of the Whole and Special City Council meetings.
During the special City Council meeting, officials approved a series of ordinances establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district along Ford Road.
The project covers approximately 19 acres and is intended to support future development by funding infrastructure improvements, including utility extensions. The action follows several months of discussion and a recent public hearing.
Following approval of the TIF ordinances, council members recommended approval of a bid from Valley Construction Company in the amount of $45,508.80 for milling work tied to roadway repairs.
The work is intended to address sections of roadway that experienced premature failure after recent overlay projects. City officials said Henry County is expected to cover the majority of reconstruction costs, with Geneseo participating in the milling portion.
The bid will move forward for consideration at a future City Council meeting.
Earlier in the evening, during the Committee of the Whole meeting, several items were recommended for placement on a future consent agenda, where final approval is expected to be considered.
A facade improvement grant for Vorac Pharmacy, valued at approximately $3,415, to support replacement of an aging awning as part of the downtown TIF program.
Proposed updates to the city’s net metering ordinance to align with state requirements, including:
Increasing the allowable system size to 25 kilowatts for residential and commercial users
Removing a requirement for additional homeowner liability insurance
City staff reported 16 current participants in the program, with additional applications under review.
City and utility bills were reviewed and recommended for approval.
Officials confirmed that a previously discussed agreement for the Geneseo Farmers Market has not yet been finalized.
Execution remains contingent on organizers forming a legal entity and completing required filings, as directed by the City Council.
During public comment, residents raised interest in a community marquee or digital sign to promote local events.
City staff said the concept remains under discussion, with consideration being given to placement, visibility, and potential partnerships.
The city’s electric department was recently recognized by the American Public Power Association with an Excellence in Reliability Award.
Officials reported Geneseo’s average outage time at 49 minutes, compared to a national average of 169 minutes.
Spring curbside cleanup is scheduled for May 4–7
Final spring yard waste drop-off at the Prairie Park Disposal Site is set for May 9
Contact: Stephanie DeMay, Marketing Manager
Email: stephaniedemay@hammondhenry.com
Phone: 309.944.9169
Samantha Niecestro
GENESEO, IL – Samantha Niecestro, a third-year medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) will be participating in a 24-week clinical training with mentorships from multiple Hammond-Henry Hospital providers. She will begin this rotation next week.
As a student in the Rural Student Physician Program (RSPP), Niecestro trains in a rural community learning one-on-one with physician mentors while gaining a deep understanding and appreciation for rural, primary care medicine. Through close, apprentice-like supervision, UICOMP medical students accepted into the program gain more opportunities for knowledge growth and skill acquisition.
“As a Critical Access Hospital committed to the long-term viability of healthcare in rural communities, we believe it is both our duty and our privilege to support the next generation of talented providers,” said Wyatt Brieser, DPT, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Hammond-Henry Hospital.
“Hosting RSPP students allows us to invest directly in the future of rural medicine while offering meaningful, hands-on experiences within our community. We are excited to welcome Samantha to Hammond-Henry and to our Geneseo community,” Brieser continued. “We look forward to the mutual growth this partnership will bring. The future of rural healthcare is bright because of programs like the Rural Student Physician Program, students like Samantha, and rural hospitals like ours, where dedicated providers proudly contribute their time, expertise, and energy to ensure a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce for years to come.”
Students in RSPP experience an immersive and integrated approach to primary care medicine which encompasses internal medicine, general surgery, and family medicine during the rural learning experience.
In the US, 20 percent of the population lives in rural areas whereas only 10 percent of physicians practice in rural areas. While the need for rural physicians is great, the reward to practice in rural communities is even greater, says James Barnett, MD, director of RSPP.
“Our students experience first-hand the gratification of providing a continuum of care to patients in rural communities,” Barnett says. “In addition, rural physicians are very much a part of the community where they not only provide care, but they contribute as leaders and neighbors.”
RSPP is open only to medical students at UICOMP, and a limited number of admissions is granted annually through a competitive application and interview process.
The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) educates 265 medical students and more than 300 physician residents and fellows annually. Additionally, it provides clinical care to more than 45,000 patients annually and conducts basic science, clinical, and outcomes research. The College of Medicine is home to the Cancer Research Center, Center for Wellbeing, and is a collaborator in Jump Simulation. Learn more about UICOMP at http://peoria.medicine.uic.edu.
Front row: Ginger Nimrick, Amy Balensiefen, Mike Belovics, Eric Rowold, Shaun Easton, Tom Wurslin. Back row: Casey Disterhoft, Sean Johnson, Rick Mills, Chad VanDeWoestyne, Jason Brandau, Bob James, Jamison Weisser
Contributed photo
Geneseo’s long-standing commitment to trees and environmental stewardship has earned national recognition.
The City of Geneseo is now officially designated as a Tree City USA community, a distinction awarded to municipalities that meet specific standards for urban forestry management, including maintaining a tree board, investing in tree care, and observing Arbor Day.
According to Mayor Sean Johnson, the designation is both an honor—and a responsibility.
“Trees play an important role in our community. They provide habitats for wildlife and increase property values. Removing dead trees and planting new ones is also very important. Being recognized as a Tree City USA comes with responsibilities that we intend to honor and respect.”
Trees planted at the landing area were donated by Mike Belovics, contributing to ongoing beautification and environmental efforts across the community.
City leaders say initiatives like these are essential—not just for aesthetics, but for long-term impact.
Maintaining Tree City USA status requires ongoing investment in tree care, thoughtful planning, and continued community involvement.
In Geneseo, that means continuing traditions like Arbor Day, supporting student involvement, and ensuring that trees remain a priority in the city’s growth and development.
Rock Valley Physical Therapy opened its doors at 1225 South Oakwood Ave. in Geneseo 10 years ago, and is celebrating that milestone anniversary with its clients and the community.
Read moreby Sarah DeMaranville
At first glance, it looked simple.
Pennies on Monday. Nickels on Tuesday. Dimes, quarters, and finally dollar bills.
But inside Geneseo Middle School, this wasn’t just a coin drive—it was something much bigger.
It was a week built by students, for students, with a goal that went far beyond fundraising.
The “Defeat Diabetes” fundraiser didn’t come from a template or a pre-packaged program.
It started with a conversation.
Pictured left to right: Jessica Jansen, Dru Weinzierl, Allison Bos, Simon Jones, & Brad Monier. Contributed photo
Last school year, school nurse Jessica Jansen worked alongside students living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families to create something meaningful—something that would not only raise money, but also build understanding.
And that’s exactly what happened.
Each morning during announcements, students and a teacher living with diabetes took the mic—not to promote the fundraiser, but to educate their peers.
They explained what Type 1 Diabetes actually is.
They broke down what daily life looks like.
And they made something invisible… visible.
Throughout the week, students shared real, practical insights—things many people never fully understand about Type 1 Diabetes.
It’s not preventable—and not caused by lifestyle choices
The body can no longer produce insulin, which is essential for survival
Every meal requires calculation, monitoring, and often insulin doses
Blood sugar is affected by everything—food, activity, stress, illness, even temperature
Devices like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors help—but require constant attention
As one announcement explained, managing Type 1 Diabetes isn’t occasional—it’s constant.
Every snack. Every drink. Every day.
The impact didn’t stop at education.
It showed up in the hallways.
Students began checking in on their classmates with diabetes. Friends started asking, “Do you need anything?” Peers learned how to respond in real-life situations—like recognizing low blood sugar and knowing to grab juice or a snack.
That shift—from awareness to action—is exactly what Jansen hoped for.
Her goal wasn’t just to teach facts.
It was to help students look beyond themselves—and understand what others are navigating every single day.
By the end of the week, students and staff had raised:
$1,424.30
But the story didn’t end there.
A local family stepped in and matched the total
A substitute teacher, inspired by a former student with diabetes, donated an additional $200
Bringing the final total to:
$3,048.66
The top fundraising class: Mr. Monier’s 6th grade homeroom.
Second place went to Mrs. Schmidt’s 7th grade class.
But the real win went far beyond any classroom.
All proceeds support Breakthrough T1D, a national organization focused on funding research and advancing technology to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
Many Geneseo families, students, and staff are already connected to that mission—participating each year in the Breakthrough T1D Walk in the Quad Cities.
This fundraiser simply strengthened that connection.
Schools teach math, reading, and science.
But weeks like this teach something different.
Empathy. Awareness. Community.
And maybe most importantly—perspective.
Because for students living with Type 1 Diabetes, there is no “off” switch.
And now, an entire school understands that just a little bit more.
Residents will see a mix of big-picture development and smaller downtown improvements discussed at this week’s Committee of the Whole and Special City Council meetings.
The biggest item on the agenda is a proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district on Ford Road, tied to a planned expansion by J.F. Edwards Construction.
In simple terms, a TIF allows the City to use future tax growth from a specific area to pay for infrastructure improvements now—in this case, things like sewer extensions needed to support new development.
The project includes:
A new roughly 20,000-square-foot facility on Ford Road
Future upgrades to the company’s existing location
City infrastructure improvements to support growth in that area
City leaders say the goal is to keep the company growing in Geneseo while opening the door for additional development nearby.
The Committee of the Whole will review the plan, with final approval expected at the Special City Council meeting immediately following.
Closer to downtown, the City is considering a façade improvement grant for Vorac Pharmacy.
The project would replace the building’s current awning, which is in poor condition, with a new one. If approved, the City would cover about half the cost through an existing downtown improvement program.
These grants are designed to help maintain and improve the look of downtown storefronts.
Council members will also review an update to the City’s rules around renewable energy connections, like solar.
This doesn’t directly impact most residents right away, but it helps set the framework for how future solar or energy systems connect to the local grid.
At the Special City Council meeting, officials are expected to:
Approve a contract for street milling work this year
Share reminders about spring cleanup and disposal dates
This week’s meetings highlight a balance between:
Long-term growth (Ford Road development)
Downtown upkeep (façade improvements)
Everyday operations (street work and seasonal services)
The Ford Road project, in particular, represents a significant step toward future economic development, with infrastructure being put in place to support both current and future businesses.
See complete documents here:
https://cityofgeneseo.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=7429
https://cityofgeneseo.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=7432
Do Art Productions will present a Comic Book Workshop for kids from 6-14 years old from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 2, at the Geneseo Public Library. The free program is offered by the Geneseo Library.
Read moreConnie Martin, former educator, will present a program regarding the definition of a Negro Spiritual at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, at the Geneseo Public Library.
Read moreIn 1965, a young and energetic farm boy from Geneseo took a leap of faith—and unknowingly set the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most trusted family-owned businesses. Today, Wirth, Inc.
Read moreFamilies with children in kindergarten through third grade are invited to a “Teddy Bear Clinic,” planned from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at Hammond-Henry Hospital.
Read moreStudents in the theatre and music departments at Geneseo High School are in rehearsals for the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Read moreThe Geneseo Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of Lindsie Akers as its new Executive Director. With more than a decade of experience in marketing, events, and community engagement, Akers brings a strong track record of creating meaningful experiences and building lasting relationships within member-based organizations.
Lindsie Akers, incoming Executive Director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
Akers most recently served as a Marketing and Events Manager, where she led the planning and execution of large-scale events, managed member and vendor communities, and implemented systems to improve organizational efficiency and communication. Her background includes overseeing marketing campaigns, introducing innovative tools to streamline operations, and delivering high-quality programming that drives engagement and growth.
“We are excited to welcome Lindsie to the Chamber,” said Jenna Rushing, Board President of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. “Her experience in event programming, marketing strategy, and community building aligns perfectly with our mission to support and connect local businesses.”
Beginning May 4th, Akers will oversee the Chamber’s strategic direction, member engagement initiatives, and signature events, while working closely with local businesses and community partners to enhance the value of Chamber membership.
“I'm looking forward to continuing to deliver the events you know and love, while finding new ways to support local businesses.” said Akers.
Akers holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Science in Event Management from the University of Central Florida.
For more information about the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, visit www.geneseo.org or contact geneseo@geneseo.org.
The Geneseo Rotary Club-sponsored pageant is Friday, June 19, in City Park. The pageant is open to GHS graduating seniors and scholarships from the Rotary Club will be awarded to the queen and four runners-up.
Read moreThe Geneseo City Council has approved a license agreement for the Farmers Market to operate at its Pearl Street location for the 2026 season, following recent discussion about the market’s future.
The action came during the April 14 City Council meeting, where the Council approved a one-year agreement for the market to continue at City Park.
The decision follows a March 24 Committee of the Whole meeting, where council members reviewed options related to both the market’s location and long-term structure. City materials noted that the market has operated in the Pearl Street/City Park corridor for several years, while also outlining considerations related to future planning and potential changes.
A key component of the approved agreement is the requirement for the Farmers Market to establish a formal legal entity.
According to the City, this step was influenced by industry guidance. Market Coordinator Darin shared feedback that the Illinois Farmers Market Association “highly recommended that our market form a legal registered entity,” which led the Council to move forward with the agreement.
The City stated the agreement will take effect once that entity is formed and the contract is executed under its name. The agreement also includes provisions allowing for overflow use of the north side of City Park.
In its statement, the City said it “looks forward to continuing its relationship with the Market and supporting a successful 2026 season.” The City also encourages those interested in the matter, and the surrounding discussion, to watch the meeting for themselves by visiting the City’s YouTube Channel and clicking “04/14/2026 Regular City Council Meeting.”
The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce also addressed questions regarding its involvement.
The Chamber described its role as supporting collaboration among local businesses and existing initiatives, stating that “our role is to foster collaboration among businesses and support efforts that strengthen the local business community.” The organization also noted that it continues to partner with the Farmers Market on community events, including the upcoming Art Walk, and has no intent to launch a competing farmer’s market.
Farmers Market Coordinator Jill Darin said she appreciates the City Council’s concerns about protecting the market should circumstances change in the future. Darin is excited for for the outdoor season, with new vendors expected to join the market this year. She added that the market is continuing to coordinate with several local organizations, including the food pantry, Farm Bureau, Humane Society, and local hospital.
The Farmers Market is expected to operate at the City Park for the 2026 season under the approved agreement, pending completion of the required legal entity formation.
by Andy Thurman
Since November 2019, the Park District Staff and Board have been envisioning updates to the 40+ year old Community Center. This process started with a Master Plan Committee and needs assessments, was tabled during Covid, and then reimagined again in 2022. The Master Plan is a working document where staff and Board go to for goal setting, future needs, community input, collaboration, IT and more. The Master Plan was approved in December of 2022 and is a 10-year document.
One of the major pieces of this Master Plan was looking at the Community Center. This facility opened in 1983 and since then has had an Indoor Pool addition (1996) and weightroom/program area addition (2001).
Part of the plan was to hire an architect to help give a vision of an updated building and a phased approach. This vision came with community input sessions, surveys and interviews with Board and staff. This conceptual plan has updates to all areas of the building and some amazing Wishlist items as well.
The first phase of this plan was to add-on office area and storage to move staff out of central locations and create one storage area. This addition to the building has now opened up the pieces needed to allow for other updates and program spaces that are needed now and in the future. The office addition will house administrative staff and marketing, four total offices. There was office space that had previously been closed space and another that had a leaky backflow preventor running across the floor. This will help centralize operations. This addition also includes a meeting room for trainings, board meetings and eventually rented out for businesses.
A new storage area connected to the gymnasium consolidates previously scattered storage rooms into a single location. The addition of a garage door improves access for activities such as bounce house events and skate distribution, while also providing direct exterior access for transporting equipment to offsite programs.
Looking ahead, additional improvements under consideration this year include the development of a teen space, a toddler area, an updated sauna, and an additional program or rental room.
Funding for the first phase has been supported over the past decade through a trust held by the Geneseo Park District Foundation, along with local grant funding and in-kind donations.
The full Master Plan, including conceptual drawings, is available on the Park District website. Future phases of the project are expected to include additional opportunities for community input. If you ever have any questions please feel free to reach out to the Geneseo Park District Executive Director Andy Thurman at athurman@geneseparkdistrict.org.
Area residents of all ages joined the Geneseo Middle School “On the Same Page” (OSP) community-wide reading team.
Read more