Raccoons - By Dan Dauw

Congratulations

Goes to the Geneseo H.S. Football team on their playoff wins. Let’s hope they have another good win this coming weekend. It gets tougher with each game played, but the Leafs are a good team. Good luck, GHS! Congrats also goes to the Bears on their win over the Giants on Sunday. I do wish they would play the first 3 quarters better so we didn’t have to rely on the last minutes of the 4th Q to pull out the win!  However, a win is a win! The Bears play the Vikings next Sunday @ MN. They lost on Sunday so you can expect a tough go of it for ‘da Bears. Anyway, “Go, Bears!”  

Raccoons

   These bandits are a pain in the butt. They leave their “calling card” on our decks and knock over our bird feeders. I know, they were here when we had our house built in 1977, but they are still a pest. I read recently in the Outdoor News publication that in Fairfield, IL, and Wayne County the raccoon population has increased causing related property damage. This has led the Wayne County Farm Bureau to continue its “Raccoon Roundup” program during this year’s Illinois trapping and hunting season. The organization is offering a $3.00 cash reward for each raccoon tail turned in by its members. The first of four collection dates is scheduled for Nov 18 from 6 – 7 p.m. at the Wayne County Farm Bureau office in Fairfield, IL.  Members participating in the program can bring up to 50 tails per collection date and must present proof of a DNR-issued hunting or trapping license. Other collection dates are Dec 16, Jan 13, and Feb 12. I wonder what Henry and Rock Island County thinks about the program?!

Golf Humor

  I hope I didn’t use this joke before. Anyway, a nurse says to a recovering patient,

“You’re a lucky man. The doctor took a gallstone the size of a golf ball out of you.” The patient said, “Wow! I’d like to thank him if he’s around. The nurse said, “No, he just left to go golfing!”

Lure ‘em In

  Okay! When you head out to do some fishing do you take live bait or do you depend on lures? Maybe both?  Let’s say you’re after bluegills. It’s pretty hard not to use a worm and a small hook size. A hungry fish is more likely to grab live bait than any lure made of plastic or metal. Well, that could be de-“baited.” I don’t think you’ll find many bass-pros using live bait. A lure is much easier to use than going to the bait shop for some minnows. Just open the tackle box, pick out a lure and tie it on your line. Lures are not messy. Fish are less likely to swallow the hook(s) using a lure. Still, I am mostly a live bait angler, but if you look in my tackle box there are more than a few lures. Whatever works is the key!

Veterans Day

  I think it is nice of so many folks and businesses to thank we veterans, both past and present. I think of those veterans that paid the ultimate price, plus those who received long lasting wounds.  Many suffer day by day for the freedoms we enjoy. God bless all of you men and women for your service.

St. Joan of Ark

  I saw this little prayer I thought I’d share. Supposedly it was said from the courageous, Joan of Ark. She was burned at the stake for her believes. “If I am not in his grace, may God place me there. If I am, may God so keep me there.”

Humor

  I went to the store and found out they don’t make 12” rulers any longer. Get it? Longer/12 inches. Dale Collis, Galva, got his coffee stolen. He got mugged! 

Military Humor

  1) Did you hear about the accident on base? A tank ran over a box of popcorn and killed two kernels! 2) What do soldiers do when they find a scorpion in their tent? Answer: In the Marines, they kill the scorpion. In the Army, they call their CO and report the presence of the scorpion. In the Air Force, he calls the front desk and asks why there’s a tent in his room? In the Navy, they wonder what a tent and scorpion are?

May He Rest In Peace - By Dan Dauw

May He Rest in Peace

   Last Saturday we paid our respects to a really nice guy, Wayne A. Dengler, Eldridge. A Celebration of Life was held at the Cornerstone Church in Eldridge. He was a hardworking farmer and a really nice person. One of his sisters is Sharon Bianchetta, Geneseo. Lorna graduated with Wayne from North Scott High School. Wayne accomplished a lot during his time on Earth. May God rest his soul.

Wild Game Dinner

  The Boy Scout Troop 131 and their leaders did an awesome job with last Saturday’s wild game dinner. This annual event is a big drawing card for both the scouts and the public. The food was “sooo” good.

Geneseo Ikes “Wiener Roast”

  Another nice event was the Geneseo Izaak Walton League’s “Weiner Roast” held last Saturday evening. Sad to say that as the years go by we have less members and guests. There were ten attendees, but it was a nice event for sitting around the campfire and talk experiences.

Congratulations to the Geneseo Football Team

  We haven’t been to a Geneseo high school football game since our kids graduated from GHS. They have a really good team this season.  In last weekend’s game a last minute field go by Geneseo kicker, Carson Peters, sealed the win over Rochelle, 16-14. Rochelle had a good team. Anyway, good luck to the Leafs during the rest of the IHSA tournament.

‘da Bears Great Win

  Talk about a “nail bitter!” The Bears played the Bengals last Sunday. The game came right down to the wire and you just knew there would be an “L” in the Bear’s column. But no, in a minute or so left on the score clock, QB Caleb Williams marched them downfield to a final score of 47-42. Next Sunday the Bears host the NY Giants at Soldier Field.  “Go, Bears!”

Hug a Vet

  Well, I’m not sure you need to do that, but a nice “Thank You for your service” is always welcome to we Vets. Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11, 2025. I should mention that Iowa PBS will have “A Salute to Service” broadcast on Monday, November 10 at 8 p.m.

St. Joan of Ark

  I’m not sure if this little prayer was originally said by the Saint, but none of us were around to say for sure. Whatever, I thought I’d share her little prayer. “If I am not in His grace, may God place me there. If I am, may God so keep me there.”   

GI Ingenuity

 This is a non-fiction book I just finished reading. It’s mainly about soldiers and airmen during and after Normandy in France.  In short, it points to the good and bad decisions made by the higher rank officers. While they came up with good ideas in fighting the war, the ordinary G.I. also showed great ingenuity and ideas. Some things worked, others did not.  The book is called, “GI Ingenuity” by James Jay Carafano.” The book has been out since 2008.

Humor

 A nurse says to a recovering patient, “You’re a lucky man. The doctor took a gallstone the size of a golf ball out of you. The patient said, “My goodness, I’d like to thank him if he’s around.” The nurse says, “No, he just left to go golfing!”

Quote

  “There are no uninteresting things, there are only uninterested people.” -  William Jennings Bryan

Splendid Misery - By Dan Dauw

Curb Appeal

  We hired this Carbon Cliff company to do some landscaping work. At our age it was just too much work to do ourselves. I must say they did an outstanding job. Dave, Kim and their crew were super nice to deal with. We also had them do some much needed work on our lawn, both the front and backyard. Curb Appeal is located just pass the Rock River bridge heading west. Take a right at the light and you’ll see the place. Their showroom has a ton of gardening and outdoor related Items.  Their phone number is 309-762-2724. 

Ikes Halloween Party Rescheduled

  This annual event will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, starting at 5 p.m. Bring your hot dog stick and enjoy roasting a dog or two on an open fire. Bring a covered dish and a lawn chair. Guests are welcome. 

Boy Scout Troop 131 “Wild Game Feast”

  This annual event will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. Serving will be from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Donations of $12 for ages 13 and over. Those ages 4-12 is $6.00. They will be serving buffalo (bison), pheasant, venison, salmon, turkey, and traditional chicken. There will also be a silent auction.
We’ve been going to this event for a long time and it is always enjoyable. Not only that, but it is a good fund-raising event for the scouts.  

Gary Dalhquist and Tom Simpson caught these big channel catfish in a lake in Henry County on Friday, October 24, '05. 

Lots going on in November

  1) All Saints Day – Nov 1
  2) Daylight Saving Time Ends – Nov 2
  3) Election Day -  Nov 4
  4) Full Moon -  Nov 5
  5) Veterans Day -  Nov 11
  6) New Moon – Nov 20
  7) Thanksgiving Day – Nov 27 

Grover Cleveland’s Grandson Here in Geneseo

  I would think it would be his “great-great” grandson that being George Cleveland, but that’s what a flyer shows. George Cleveland will be at the Central Schoolhouse Inn at Geneseo on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
You can break breakfast bread with George at his table as he tells you with little known facts, stories and anecdotes about the former U.S. President.
For reservations to dine with George, contact Tim Pletkovich at 309- 253-5377. Grover Cleveland was President from 1885-1889 and again from 1893-1897. Grover Cleveland was the 22nd President and 24th President of the USA.

 Humor

  Why did everyone find the baker funny? Ans: He had a rye sense of humor.

A woman frantically calls the fire department to report a fire in her neighborhood.

The dispatcher asks, “How do we get there?” The woman replies, “Don’t you still

have those big red fire trucks?” The reason I worked at a bakery is I needed the dough. 

Quote of the Week

  “The second office of this government is honorable & easy, the first is but a splendid misery.”     - Thomas Jefferson 

Wild Game Feast - By Dan Dauw

Wild Game Dinner

  The Boy Scout Troop 131 “Wild Game Feast” will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. Serving will be from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Donations of $12 for ages 13 and over. Ages 4-12 is $6.00 per person.  They will be serving Buffalo, Pheasant, Venison, Salmon, Turkey, and traditional Chicken. There will also be a silent auction with many nice items. We’ve been going to this event for quite some time and the food is always so good! You won’t go home hungry, that’s for sure. Besides it is a good money-maker event for the Scouts.

Block Party

  This is an event you might want to start in your neighborhood. We recently had our 6th Dayton Valley View “Block Party.”  Our housing addition is small. Not  everyone was able to attend, but that’s to be expected. We all surrounded a nice fire in the center of our court and cooked hot dogs and brats. Everyone brought a dish to serve and drinks.   It started at 4:30 p.m.

and ended around midnight. One of the neighbors had made an iron grill to use for the logs and fire. There was a big circle of lawn chairs and lots of stories were told.  Flyers were sent out a few weeks in advance as a reminder of the event. Oh, and we had one unexpected guest. A raccoon!!  All ‘n all, it was a great time! 

AHS 65th Reunion

  On the same day of the block party, Lorna and I attended my Alleman High School “65th Reunion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frank’s Pizza in Silvis, IL. It was a great time and thank goodness we all had nametags.  We had 50 former classmates in attendance. We are all in the 83-age group and so many of us, including myself, talked of our “battle wounds” such as new knees, shoulder, hip, etc. Because many of us will not be around for a 70th reunion the majority of us voted to have the reunion every year.  I would guess that more of our class are no longer with us.  Still, it was really a fun time seeing and talking with former classmates.

When I Wasn’t Old

 1) As an old Catholic, I can remember ladies had to wear some type of head covering when in church. Not so today.

2) The “Varsity” in Moline was “the” place to hang out when in our teens. It was located on 15 St. The other place was “Hoggy’s” Root Beer Stand on 7th St. & 19th Ave, Moline. Both places you would order on a speaker and a girl would bring out your order on a metal tray. One time some of us guys tossed a football around in the parking lot. Hoggy came out and told us to leave, which we did.

3) Drag racing on city streets happened a lot. The police took a dim view of it. I raced my ’54 Willys a few times, but it had a pretty lame 6 cyl. engine. It had a stick shift on the column. They stopped making Willys cars after 1955. For a while they were made in Brazil.

4) Before I had a car, I had a Mo-Ped sold through Sears. Its top speed was 36 mph. Two of my friends also had Mo-Peds.  We used to drive a lot of country roads in Henry County. One time I got hit by a guy in a big Buick. I was lucky I didn’t get hurt very badly.

5) I used to go to a lot of Bear games. Some were played at Wrigley Field. At that time, you could actually stand outside the Bear’s locker room. There was no such thing as high fives, but sometimes some of the players would shake your hand. One time I got to shake both Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers hands. I remember we paid $8.00 for a ticket.  We had lousy seats and could only see 3/4th of the field.  Soldier Field was “so” much better. I miss going to the games, but the old body says nope. I hope ‘da Bears move to Arlington Heights, IL. Of course, we downs-staters will have to help pay for it. I was once in the dome stadium in St. Louis and it was nice. Good win Sunday over the Saints. Now 4-2. The next two games are on the road.

Humor

  How do you know Dorthy of the Wizard of Oz was a good actress?  Ans: Because she brought the house down! What do windows do when a big gust of wind comes? Ans: They shutter!

Quote of the Week

  “We shall tax and tax, and spend and spend, and elect and elect.”

-         Harry L. Hopkins

Whitewall Tires Were Cool - By Dan Dauw

When I Wasn’t Old

  1) For a short time in the ‘50s, to advertise in the newspaper, some businesses had a cut-out 45 paper record. You would cut out the record and place it on the record player. 
2) Remember when some businesses sent a penny or a nickel asking for money? I would always tear open the envelope, take the coin and throw away the rest. Most people did the same. That promotion didn’t last too long!
3) More women wore hats then just attending the Kentucky Derby.
4) Growing up, Daisy, Benjamin and Crossman made air rifles. Daisy still does.
5) Whitewall tires were cool. If you had blackwall tires and wanted whitewalls you could deflate your tires, slip the whitewall fakes between the rim and tire. I did this on my first car, a 1954 Willys Aero.

 Alleman 65 Reunion

  That will be held on Friday, October 17, at Frank’s in Silvis from 11 to 2:30 p.m. At last count, 40 classmates and some spouses will attend. Sadly, most have passed away. We’re all at age 83 so we’re kind of pushing our stay here on Earth. 

Block Party

  Also on October 17th, is our Dayton Valley View Addition “Block Party.”  We have a cookout in the middle of our court. Everyone brings a covered dish and one of the neighbors supplies the hotdogs and buns.  I think this is the 5th year we’ve had this get-together.  It’s always a lot of fun.  

Fishing Lure Stamps

  If you’re an angler and like to use different stamps on your envelopes, well, check out the fishing lure stamps at the post office. Lorna bought a sheet of the fishing lure stamps about a month ago.
I recently stopped at the Colona post office, and Postmaster Jason said they were all sold out of those stamps. I can’t speak for Geneseo, Atkinson, Cambridge and other local post offices, but check them out.

Foreign Guests

  Sad to say, but because of all the turmoil concerning ICE and illegal individuals, the International Student Fellowship Program will not be held during the Thanksgiving holidays.
This includes the Geneseo International Fellowship Thanksgiving Program. We’ve hosted students from the various Chicago colleges and universities for almost 40 years.
During the 4 days we learn about the student’s country and they learn about ours. Marcia and Arlyn Helke, Geneseo, are the coordinators of the local International Thanksgiving program and have done a superb job for close to 50 years. 

 Andy’s Red

  Tony Petreikis, retired game warden and expert gar fisherman, recently told me about a really good fish seasoning called, “Andy’s Red.” 
The next time I’m at Farm & Fleet I’ll see if they have it.  Of course, if Andy recommends it, well, bring along some Alka Selzer!!!

 Humor

  Lorna said, “For Christmas take $200 and buy me a Nativity set and if there’s anything left over you can spend it on fishing stuff.”

 Quote

  “Memory is the treasure-house of the mind.”  - Thomas Fuller

I Don’t Trust Stairs - By Dan Dauw

Ag Days

  A great weekend, Sept 27 & 28, that was held in Bishop Hill, IL. The weather was nice and the folks really turned out in numbers. Lorna and I were host at the Henry County Historical Museum.
There were 98 visitors who visited the museum. On Saturday, Elder White Winnebago, Native American, gave a presentation entitled, “Ho-Chunk Native Americans an Illinois Indigenous Tribe.
  The museum’s meeting room was packed with folks from all over the county and beyond. On Saturday and Sunday I gave a presentation in the Military Room on the “U.S. Navy and Aircraft Carriers.” I was really happy at the number of people in attendance. Of all the individuals I talked with, a lad about age 10 was amazing with his knowledge and questions about military ships and aircraft.
Let’s hope the merchants did well during the two day “Ag Day” celebration.  A big “Thank You” goes to all the volunteers who made the event so much fun.

Downtown Abbey – The Grand Finale

  We recently attended this movie at the Davenport theater. We had to see it on big screen. Lorna, her sister, Elneta, and myself are big DA fans. We were not disappointed.
We kind of shed a tear at the end.  If you’re a DA fan, make sure to see it.  Also, do you remember Tom, the chauffeur? About a year ago I e-mailed saying what an excellent actor he was. He sent me a reply thanking me for my kind words. The writer, Julian Fellowes, had to be a genius as the DA series was outstanding.   

 Poison Ivy in the Fall

   This fall, poison ivy will show some beautiful leaves in colors from yellow to shades of orange, red and sometimes, purple.
Obviously, just look, don’t touch!  They can be in shrubs or vines. Birds can be drawn to the colored plants to feed on poison ivy seeds.
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants are toxic all year. This time of the year some folks burn leaves. Be aware that the poison plants should not be mixed in with the leaves. The burned particles are both allergenic and irritant. If you do come in contact with the poison plants, wash with regular soap & water within 15 minutes. 

 Reminder @ Richmond Hill Barn

  “The Woman in Black” mystery play will be held on October 2-5 and 9-12, 2025. Admission is only $12.00 per person. The play is not recommended for children under age 12. Phone 309-944-2244 or go to: rhplayers.com for more information.  

Cats are Hungry

   The channel catfish are hungry. Gary Dahlquist, Tom Simpson and myself ventured on old man river last week.  We caught 22 channel cats. Most were in the eaters, 1-2 pound range. 
Now is the time to seek ‘em out before all the dead vegetation comes down river. It piles quickly on your line making it difficult to feel the bite. 

 Humor

  I don’t trust stairs, they’re always up to something.
  I have a fear of elevators, I’m taking steps to avoid it.

 Quote

  “Never strike sail to a fear! Come into port greatly, or sail with God the seas.”    -  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

I’ll Remember It - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Wild Game Dinner

   The Boy Scout Troop 131 will host their annual “Wild Game Dinner” on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The hours are 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. A donation of $12.00 ages 13 and older is requested with ages 4-12, $6.00 and ages 3 and under, free. 
They will be serving Buffalo, Pheasant, Duck, Venison, Salmon, Turkey, Chicken and all the “fixins.” There will also be a Silent Auction.  So, mark it on your calendar because this event is really nice and the food is so good.

 Native American Presentation

  There will be a very interesting presentation by Chief White Winnebago on “Ho-Chunk Native Americans, an Illinois Indigenous Tribe.” It will be held on Saturday, Sept 27, 2025, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.at the Henry County Historical Museum, Bishop Hill, IL.

 Navy/Aircraft Carrier Presentation

   I think you will also find this presentation interesting, as well.  I will be giving the 1 hour program from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept 28, 2025. It will be held in the Military Room at the Henry County Historical Museum.

 The Woman in Black

   This play at the Richmond Hill Barn sounds like a good mystery for sure.  It will be held on October 2-5 and 9-12, 2025.  Admission is $12 per person. The play is not recommended for children under age 12. For more info go to: rhplayers.com or phone: 309-944-2244. 

Humers

  All this summer we had 4 hummingbirds at our feeder. Of course, they spent more time chasing each other away from the feeder then sitting down for a drink. In the past few days, I’ve only seen one, a female. I think the others have started their track south. Just as well as the bees have pretty much taken over the feeder.

 Flowers

   Kind of sad to see the flowers starting to fade away. Not yet, but soon we will be bringing inside some perennials for the winter. It is nice to see the beauty of the golden-yellow soybean fields especially when the evening sun sinks in the west. Even with a good neighbor’s help, yard work and trying to keep up with the weeding, gardening and so on, it’s been really tough for us.    

Humor

   For we seniors: 1) Talk to yourself. There are times when you need expert advice. 2) “In style” are the clothes that still fit. 3) You don’t need anger management. You need people to stop irritating you. 4) Your people skills are fine. It’s your tolerance for idiots that needs work. 5) The biggest lie you tell yourself is: “I don’t need to write that down. I’ll remember it.” 

Quote

   “He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat!” - Napoleon Bonaparte

Whitewalls - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

When I wasn’t old

  1) Remember when soft drinks were called “soda pop?”
  2) What happened to “Royal Crown,” “Cream Soda” and “Squirt?”
  3) Trash cans were metal and no wheels.
  4)  Houses were built with a single garage and no garage door opener?
  5)  I-80’s speed limit was 65.
  6)  Police carried revolvers, not semi-automatics.
  7)  The Royal American Show came to Davenport every year via train.
  8)  Every kid wanted a Lionel or American Flyer RR train.
  9)  Records were 45, 33 1/3, and 78.
  10) T-shirts were plain white, no logos, statements or political words.
11) Most Christians went to church on Sundays.
12)  Whitewalls were on most car tires. 

No Degree

  The recent assignation of Charlie Kirk had some news reporters mentioning he had no college degree. And the point is? Seems to me the young fella accomplished quite a bit without a college degree. Sadly, his time on Earth was cut short by a devil.  

Khadga

  There was an interesting article in the Iowa Farmer Today publication on a family business called “Heritage Bison Ranches.” 
They have herds based in northwest Iowa and near Sisseton, SD.  The bison are 100% free of antibiotics and growth hormones. The bison roam on prairie grasslands and are also fed corn. The closest place to purchase bison meat is CSI Manufacturing, Cambridge, IL.  It is excellent, lean meat. However, it is more expensive than beef.

The Role Ag plays on the Road

  Last week I wrote about the need to drive carefully on the roadways especially during harvest time. From gravel roads to highways, our highway systems play an important role for agriculture. 
Besides, roads and bridges, railroads and waterways help support agriculture. Again, drive carefully when farm machinery meets the road.  

‘Da Bears

   After watching the Bears vs. the Lions game, I do believe it is going to be a l-o-n-g season. Grant you, Detroit is a good football team, but a 31 point lost difference was hard to swallow. The Cowboys come to Soldier Field next Sunday, Sept 21. “Yipee, Coyote!”  

Fishing Report

   I’ve gone fishing twice lately, but not with much luck.  There are anglers I’ve talked with that are doing good, especially channel cats.
Another fella was telling me he caught a muskie and some smallmouth bass in the Green River. The “smallies” like that shallow river and the fish adjust to it.
For me, I’m going to wait for cooler temps and maybe a slight breeze would be nice, too! 

 Humor

  What did the pickle with a big ego say? Ans: “I’m kind of a big dill.”
If money doesn’t grow on trees, then why do banks have branches?
I opened-up a new restaurant called, Peace and Quiet. Kids meals start at $150.00. 

Quote

  “All persons by nature desire to know.” - Aristotle

More Rabbits for Hunters and Coyotes? - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

I-80 Café

  Formally the Brunch House, Colona, IL, the new owners remodeled the restaurant and they opened for business on Friday, Sept 5, 2025.
We went there on opening day around 11 a.m. and by noon it was packed. The new owners also own the Sun Rise Café in downtown Geneseo, by the post office. 
I’m glad servers, Shirley and Jessy, were retained. I have to tell you something funny. When we sat down Lorna and I were impressed in the changes made such as new flooring, tables, lighting, etc.
There was a young lady and her baby at the table next to ours. She overheard me with my compliments and she said to me, “Thank you for the compliments!” I laughed and asked if she was the owner, and she was. I noticed she had a bit of an accent and I found she is originally from Albania. She was a very nice young lady.
If you are ever out that way, stop by the place. Just head west on Cleveland Road and take a left by the gas station. Their food is excellent and it has a very friendly atmosphere.

 Ham & Bean Supper

  This annual public event, held by the Geneseo Izaak Walton Club, was on Saturday, Sept 6, at the Ikes Park. I don’t have an actual count, but it definitely was very successful. It was a nice evening, great soups by Chef Terry Travis, excellent Hy-Vee cornbread, lots of desserts and live music. Thanks go to all the volunteers including some Geneseo boy scouts.   

Be Careful

  Geez, from what I’ve seen in my local travels, it looks like harvesting cannot be too far away. We like to watch Iowa PBS “Market to Market” and it may be one ofvthe biggest yields too date.  Of course, one has to consider how the rest of the country does. 
One thing to remember for all of us is be careful driving. You may come upon a slow combine or tractor, but don’t do something stupid by passing on a hill.
I saw a driver who was impatient pass on a Rt. 6 hill and he barely made it.  We are living in Ag country. Deal with it and slow down when farm machinery is on the road. 

Dear Deer

  I’ve a message for you. Stay away from the roadways especially around dusk ‘n dawn. You best beware of those big things with bright lights heading your way. Playing tag near a road, be assured you may have eaten your last corn-on-the-cob. 

Deer and IL – CWD

  According to the Illinois DNR’s 2024-2025 Surveillance & Management Report, the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) showed an increase of the neurological disease. It is always fatal to a deer once its contacted with the disease.
Since the DNR began the surveillance program in 2003 the figure now is 2,750 cases. From July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, the report reveals that 539 CWD positive deer out of 12,444 had the disease.   

Bobcat Hunting Season

   I’m all for the sport of hunting. I hunted deer and upland game for many years, but those days are now memories.
The 10th Illinois bobcat season for hunting and trapping applications run from Sept 1 through Sept 30th.
Unless bobcat pelts make it worth trapping, I can’t see the point of hunting a bobcat. True, they are a predator to some upland game animals. Maybe less bobcats, more rabbits for hunters and coyotes? 
Anyway, the number of applicants is expected to exceed the number of bobcat permits. A lottery will be held to choose successful applicants. 

Humor

    A friend of mine joined the gym and asked his trainer what machine he should use to get beautiful girls? He told my friend he should try the ATM machine.  

Quote

  “When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free!”

• Charles Evans Hughes

Not That You Necessarily Care - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Happy Birthday, Margaret

  Roy and Margaret Pankey were the owners of Carbon Cliff Bait & Tackle for many years.
While Roy passed away several years ago, Margaret, her son, Jay, and his wife, Debbie, took over the business until a few months ago.
It’s been sold and won’t continue to be a sporting goods store selling fishing, bait, hunting and trapping supplies. Running a bait shop demands long hours and after all these years they finally have retired.
Some years ago I started giving Margaret a cake for her birthday on August 28th. She has now hit the 95 mark and is still bright as ever. I told her she’s still a hard work’n Belgian.  A grand lady she be!

 Geneseo Ikes “Ham & Bean Supper” Sept 6.

  This is another traditional event which is very well attended. The soups and trimmings start on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The cost is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 for children under age 10. There will be live entertainment and a 50/50 drawing. 

Vintage Farm Equipment Show, Sept 13th

Speaking of Belgians, Dave Carton and his volunteers will be presenting this event marking their 10th Year Anniversary in Atkinson, IL.
It’s open free to the public starting Saturday, Sept 13th at 8 a.m.  There will be horse drawn equipment, hit-miss engines, farm tractors and equipment, lawn & garden tractors, vintage farm trucks, horse ferrier, vintage motorcycles, blacksmithing demonstrations.
Dan Dauw, Living History Presenter, will present two presentations on “Aircraft Carriers.” They start at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.  Food (including old fashion ice cream and drinks will be available for the event.
There is also plenty of parking. It all takes place at Bridge Park, 19030 E. 2120 St., Atkinson, IL. 
For more information go to their website: www.vintagefarmequipmentshow.com. You can also contact Dave Carton at 309-441-5915, but not after 6 p.m. He needs his beauty sleep!!!  Hope to see you there!

 Fall Fishing For Fun

  You can just start to feel autumn is not far away. With the cooler temps most fish will move into the shallower depths plus they may be more willing to take your bait. I think we get the first frost in late Sept or early October. 

The Antics of Hummers

  I sometimes watch the hummingbirds for hours. There are four of them and they spend a lot of time chasing each other.  The other day I had one fly and hover about 5 inches from my nose. He was so curious.
Last year we didn’t see them after late September. They packed their belongings and headed south. They usually return in April.
During the past four or five weeks the bees have pestered the hummer’s feeder.  The little bees like the sugar water as much as the hummingbirds and it’s who gets to the feeder first, if not for a second.  Last winter we had a lot of different birds at our feeders. We hope that is the case this winter, too!

 Iowa PBS

  Not that you necessarily care, but here are the programs we enjoy watching Monday through Friday on Iowa PBS.  Monday: Antiques Roadshow (both British and American versions). Tuesday: Rick Steves Europe. Wednesday: Nova and Nature. Thursday: Father Brown. Friday: Iowa Press and Market to Market.
I used to watch the PBS News Hour, but like so many of the TV networks, they follow the anti-Trump agenda. A few weeks ago I sent an e-mail to Iowa PBS saying that we still support their network, but there is too much bias against the President. Actually, while it covers mostly Iowa news, it covers both sides of the issues discussed. Refreshing to say the least!  I did get a nice e-mail back from a person at PBS saying they appreciated the feedback. 

Happy Birthday, Lorna

  My lovely wife had her birthday last week. Our son, Lance, and his son, Luke, drove up here from St. Louis to help celebrate. We spread the joy having Frank’s Pizza and a birthday cake Lance had provided for dessert. She graduated from Iowa State and they provided a nice win for her over South Dakota.  This week it looks like a trip to The Cellar to add to her special day.  

Happy Birthday, Sailor Pete

  Pate Taylor, Missouri, was a fellow shipmate of mine serving on the USS Independence back in the early ‘60s.  He had a birthday on August 30th.

“Happy Birthday, Pete!” Keep ‘yer anchors up!   

 Humor

  “If money doesn’t grow on trees, then why do banks have branches?”

“I used to work at a Pepsi Cola plant. I left because it was soda depressing.”

 Quote

  “This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor.”

• John F. Kennedy

I Battled Mr. Whiskers - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Go, Bears!

   Yes, I know it was only pre-season, but I liked what I saw the three games they played, Dolphins, Bills and Chiefs. It’s anyone’s guess, but they will win more games than they did last year (6).
The other day I was talking to Vic Blanchetta, who is a big Bear’s fan, on his take about the “Monsters of the Midway.”  He said, and I agree, if ‘da Bears were in a different division they probably would not end at the bottom. 
The other 3 teams, Packers, Vikings and Lions are expected to be really good this season. The Bears start the regular season playing the Vikings on Monday night, Sept 8, @ 7:15 p.m.  They finish the season playing the Lions in early January. 

Good Win, Cyclones!

Hey you hummers, we butterflies can use this feeder, too!

  Boy! That was some game between Iowa State and Kansas State. It was played “across-the-pond” in Ireland. A good share of the game was a bit sloppy on both sides of the ball. The win for ISU was a good way to start off the season.
They have a lot of good players and an excellent coaching staff.  I think they are going to have a good season. 

Stole my rod ‘n reel

  Thanks to one big catfish encountered last Friday, it pulled my
rod ‘n reel into the lake. I was fishing from shore using two rod & reels. I had been battling a big catfish on my ultra-light rig with 6 lb. test line. My other pole I had setting on the ground while I battled Mr. Whiskers. 
Well, the catfish took a fast run for it and my line snapped. Unfortunately, the cat crossed my other line and it snagged that line pulling the rig into the lake. There is no way of knowing it, but I wonder if it was the same fish that I had caught two weeks ago? It went 10 lbs, 8 oz, and I had released it.  Oh, well! I needed a new rod ‘n reel (not really!!!).   

Ham ‘n Bean Supper

   Just a reminder, the Geneseo Izaak Walton League will be hosting their annual public “Ham & Bean Supper” on Saturday, September 6th, from 4 – 7 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo on Rt. 82.  The cost is $10 per adult and children under age 10, $5.00.  There will be live entertainment, a 50/50 drawing, plenty of good food and free parking.

WW1 Book

  I just finished a very interesting book on WW1. I had purchased the book about 10 years ago, when on a fishing trip to Kenora, Ontario.  It tells about a Canadian soldier, Frank S. Iriam, who was a sniper during the years 1914-1918. He kept a very lengthy diary of his experiences.
The author of the book, Glenn R. Iriam, was the son of the soldier.  The name of the book is “In The Trenches, 1914-18.” It is a totaling fascinating book.  The carnage during those war years had to be horrible on both sides. There was so much new weaponry developed during The Great War that a soldier was extremely lucky to have survived without injury or death. “In The Trenches, 1914-1918” is by far the best book I have ever read about WW1.

“Kilroy Was Here”

   Those words can still be found somewhere, someplace! It was especially used during WW2 and the Korea War, but those 3 words were also seen during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. So where did the saying originate from?
A popular belief was a fellow named Kilroy was a welder. When he finished welding a job he stamped the piece, “Kilroy was here,” meaning the piece was completed correctly. It was sort of a proof mark.

Humor

   Lorna is threatening to throw me out of the house because of my obsession with acting like a news anchor. “More on this after the break!”

People think that grass don’t be wet in the morning, but it dew!

Quote

  “Politeness is the ritual of society, as prayers are of the church.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Many Years of Drowning Worms - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Duck’s Unlimited

   This is always a big event. It will be held on Saturday, September 27th at the Best Western Inn, Annawan, IL.  There will be over 40 guns to be raffled off. It starts at 4:30 p.m.  For more information go to www.geneseo.org or call Dale “Shotgun” Doubler @ 945-3516. Best to get your ticket(s) early.

Geneseo Ikes “Ham ‘n Bean Supper”

   Open to the public, this annual event will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 4 – 7 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north on Rt. 82.  The cost is $10 per adult and children under age 10, $5.00.  There is plenty of parking and seating available. There will be live entertainment and a 50/50 drawing.  

 The Grand Finale

  The last “Downton Abbey” movie will be released worldwide on September 12, 2025.  It will take place in the 1930s.  It promises to be an excellent, farewell tribute to the Crawley family. Of course, you never know what Director/Producer Julian Fellowes’ had up his sleeve for his final DA movie?. Whatever, it will be seen by millions of devoted followers including Lorna and myself. 

 Marjorie Prime

  We recently went to see this play at the Richmond Hill Barn. Janet Anderson went with us and we all enjoyed the play. There were just 4 actors, but that was all that was needed. There are two actors that we especially like to support, Jackie Patterson and Lorrie Lord.  Jackie was in the play, A Fox on the Fairway, and Lorrie in Marjorie Prime. Both ladies did an excellent job.
We are always amazed how actors can remember all their lines. The next play at Richmond Hill is entitled, The Woman in Black. It looks like a really good mystery. The play is not recommended for children under 12. We hope to be there.

A “Dan D” Fish

A real "Dan D" of a catfish recently caught by Dan Dauw. It was released back into the lake.  

  Last week I ended up catching the biggest catfish in my many years of drowning worms. The channel cat bit on a dew worm just as I was reeling in close to shore. It seemed to take forever to bring Mr. Whiskers to where fellow fisherman, Tom Simpson, could net it.
I was using an ultra-light rig with 6 lb, test line. We weighed it before releasing it. It was 10 lbs, 8 oz. It looked like she had a belly full of eggs.

Vintage Farm Equipment Show

  Just a reminder that this event will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Bridge Park, Atkinson, IL. It’s free to the public and it starts at 8 a.m. There is plenty of parking and food available.
There will be horse-drawn equipment, hit-miss engines, farm tractors, Vintage farm trucks and motorcycles, lawn & garden tractors, Blacksmithing demonstrations and much more. Dan Dauw will give a presentation on the Navy and aircraft carriers starting at 10 and 11 a.m. This is the 10th Year Anniversary of this Vintage Farm Equipment Show.

 Humor

What did the pickle with a big ego say? “I’m kind of a Big Dill.  
I wish I had started my grey hair in Las Vegas. What happens in ‘Vagas stays in Vegas!

 Quote

  “Friends, though absent, are still present.” • Cicero

Scumbags - By Dan Dauw

Poachers

  These scumbags, who illegally kill wildlife, especially deer, will never completely go away. However, last month the Illinois DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service caught five Mississippi men using spotlights at night to shoot deer in five Illinois counties.
All of the men received long probations, plus very hefty fees and heavy fines in restitution.  Illinois Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) and federal agents depend on tips provided by residents who witness illegal activity. Contact your local police or CPO Jamie Posateri @ 309-830-0708.

 Record Flathead

   A bowfisher from Michigan caught a new Michigan state record flathead catfish. The previous state-record was 53.35 pound caught in 2022.
The new state record is now 64.46 pound. Of the three species of catfish in our country, blue, flathead and channel, the blue catfish is the largest. In 2005, a blue catfish was caught in Illinois waters that went 124 pounds.

 ‘Da Bears

   Being a die-hard Bear’s fan, you may have to put up with a paragraph each week on the previous game.  Because of a family event, I could not see the Dolphins/Bears game.
It ended in a tie, 24-24.  The next game pits the Bears vs. Bills on Sunday, Aug 17 @ 7 p.m. on Fox.  Of course, we’re talking pre-season so the game doesn’t mean a whole lot, or at least, not for most fans.

Dog Tags

  If you served in the military you were given a pair of “dog tags.” They were worn for identification such as death. Only 58% of the soldiers who died in action during the Civil War were positively identified. 
They were not issued to soldiers so many made their own dog tags. They would write their name on a piece of paper and stick it to their uniform or carve their name on a small wooden disk. 
In WW1 our soldiers were issued 2 aluminum tags stamped with name, unit and religion. By the end of WW2 the tags were made of stainless steel. In Vietnam, one tag would go into the soldier’s boot in case his body was dismembered. The other tag was around his neck unless they made noise. Towards the end of the war a small rubber cover was issued to solve the noise problem.    

Trapping

  I know next to nothing about trapping, but I did find this interesting. Skunks are in demand in certain fashion circles. The reason they are in such demand, or partly so, is thanks to the ultraorthodox Hasidic Jews. The Hasidic community is using skunk tails for fur hats.
The hat is known by its Yiddish name, “shtreimel.” Trapping coyotes, red fox, muskrats, raccoons, and mink is hardly an easy way to make a buck or two.  I’m not so sure grey fox is one animal that is allowed to be trapped.  For whatever reason, they seem to be vanishing or at least here in Illinois. From what I’ve read, it is not because of trapping.

 Joke

  Lorna lost our dog. It ran outside while she was making a salad. So, if anyone caesar, lettuce know.  

Quote

  “This will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home of the brave.” • Elmer Davis  

My Printer Was Playing Music - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

I-80 Café

  That is the new name of the former Brunch House 2 restaurant in Colona. As of now, they are still remolding, but hopefully they will be open soon.  

Geneseo Ikes Fish Fry

  The Geneseo Izaak Walton League held their summer fish fry on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The fish served were bluegills, crappies, walleyes and channel catfish.  Besides fish, chicken was also served. Side dishes and desserts were included with the meal.  The food was really good and it was nice catching up with all the local news.  

Geneseo Ikes “Ham ‘n Bean” Public Supper

  This is always a nice event. It is open to the public and will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Ikes Park, near the lodge. The hours are from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Take Rt. 82, 1 mile north of Geneseo. There will be live entertainment, too.  

Gulp Works

Gary Dahlquist, Geneseo, recently caught this big bass. Submitted Photo

   I’m a live bait guy when fishing. Minnows, waxies and worms are my favorite baits with the exception of stink bait for Mr. Whiskers.
However, last week I have re-thought my opinion on artificial minnows, namely “Gulp” by Berkley. Gary Dahlquist and I went fishing at a private lake.  I fished for bluegills using red worms. Gary used 2 inch or 1 inch Gulp artificial minnows.
For some reason, I always thought they were just another “hook” to catch the fisherman rather than the fish. Gary caught 7 nice crappies, one big largemouth bass (he let it go) and some nice bluegills. All on Gulp artificial minnows.  He gave me a few to try and by-golly, they did work. Now it helped that he was in a good fishing spot, but still, I’m a believer on Gulp artificial bait. 
After fishing I stopped at Farm & Fleet and bought the last package of 2” minnows and 1 jar of the 1” size. I guess at my age I can still train this old dog new tricks! 

Navy & Space Force Uniforms

  The first time the U.S. Navy issued a Navy uniform was on August 24, 1797. It was first used to provide a distinctive dress for officers.It was during the Civil War (1860-1865) when the first major influence was on Navy uniforms.
 The current uniforms for the Space Force are modeled after the Army and Air Force. However, the Guardians (members of the Space Force) are set to get their own service dress uniforms this year, 2025.

 Humor

I was so confused last night. My printer was playing music. Turns out my paper was jammin’.
What did one hat say to the other? Answer: You stay back, I’m going on a-head.

Quote

  “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.” - Unknown

I’ll Have a Tenderloin, Please - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

H.C. Genealogical Society

I spoke to this nice group of folks last week. My program was on the U.S. Navy and aircraft carriers. I thank Pat Hurd, Vice President, and Steve Morrison, President, of the Henry County Genealogical Society, for the invite.
The meeting was held at the Kewanee Library. I will present a similar program on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Vintage Farm Equipment Show, Atkinson, IL. The programs will be at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

I’ll Have a Tenderloin, Please

Last Monday Lorna and I hosted at the Henry County Historical Museum in Bishop Hill. At lunch time we both ordered the tenderloin specials at The Filling Station.
Of course, the tenderloin stuck out on all sides of the bun. It got me wondering! I cannot ever remember ordering and eating a tenderloin sandwich where the tenderloin didn’t completely engulf the poor little bun?! No complaint mine you, but when and where did it become the norm that the patty must overtake the bun? A hamburger stays within the bun’s boundary and so the same with a hotdog.

Butterflies

We have a lot of flowers both outside and inside. We both enjoy gardening. During the past few years we just don’t see butterflies like we used to. I saw one today, but don’t ask me what kind? Unrelated, but we are happy with our tomatoes and onions this year. Creatures did a number on our lettuce and some of our beans, but that’s not new.

The Cellar

We hit our 54th year Wedding Anniversary last week. No, not 53 years as I mentioned in this column last week. Of course, there is only one place to celebrate and that is at The Cellar.
My steak was so big we got two meals in the “doggie bag!” We were the first ones there at 5 p.m. and by 5:30 p.m. It was packed and that was on a Thursday. Through the years we’ve always had good food and service at The Cellar.

Argo

This little hamlet, a few miles west of Princeton, Iowa, is where Lorna, myself and some of her relatives meet once a year for breakfast in the little restaurant.
The kicker is the food is so good and their meals are very dollar cheap. We were there last Sunday and within a few hours we solved all the world’s problems.

Humor

Did you hear? They’re not making 12” rulers any longer.
Did you hear about Vic Bianchetta’s coffee was stolen. He got mugged.
It doesn’t matter if you are tall, short, thin, fat, rich, or poor. At the end of the day, it’s night!

Quote

“The wildest colts make the best horses.” - Plutarch

Drive Alone or Drive a Hearse! - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

A Fox on the Fairway

Last week Janet Anderson, Lorna and myself went to the Richmond Hill Playhouse to see the comedy, “A Fox on the Fairway.” It was excellent!
I think with comedy, actors have to deliver their lines “with perfect timing” and they did just that. There were 6 actors . Jackie Patterson was one of them. She is really a natural and we always like to support her. The play’s last performance was July 20th.
The next play, Marjorie PRIME, will be August 14-17 & 21 – 24. One of the actors will be Lorrie Lord. She is another one of those natural actors. The play is not a comedy, and I heard through the grape vine it is very thought provoking. We shall see.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

We are fans of PBS, but to a point! I used to watch the PBS NewsHour with Judy Woodruff because it was not bias. However, I noticed during the past year or so PBS has become more and more democratic. I don’t watch their NewsHour anymore because of their liberal points of view. I see that President Trump wants to cut funding to PBS. I have mixed emotions on that subject. We contribute to PBS, certainly not for its news reporting, but because it has so much other “excellent viewing”. While we will continue to watch and support PBS, I have to smile at Trump’s “pay-back” time. In short, “What goes around, comes around!"

Ikes Club Fish Fry at the Lodge

A reminder, the annual summer fish fry for members and guests will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, starting at 6 p.m. Sooooo, good!!!

Ham & Bean Supper

This is a big event and is open to the public. If you like ham soup and/or vegetable soup plus the trimmings, put this date on your home calendar, iphone or your memory bank. Besides great food we will have live entertainment, too! The event is Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Park by the lodge. Just take Rt. 82 about 1 mile north of Geneseo. See you there.

Henry County Genealogical Society

These members will have a meeting at the Kewanee Library at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025. Their speaker will be myself and the topic will be Aircraft Carriers.

Luke Dauw wins the Game

Luke’s high school age baseball team are called the St. Louis Tigers. As I type this our grandson, Luke, just made it to 1st base with his teammate making it from 3rd base to home and they won the game. Way to go, Luke!

Good reason to go to The Cellar

Fifty-three years on July 24th! Happy Anniversary, Lorna.

Humor

Lorna says I have two major faults. I don’t listen and something else. Last night I accidentally handed Lorna a gluestick instead of the chapstick. She still hasn’t talked to me.

Quote

“There are only two ways to avoid backseat drivers. Drive alone or drive a hearse!”

A World Record Bass - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Where Art Thou?

Some fishing buddies and I were talking the other day about where has some insects seem to have vanished? Butterflies, lightning bugs, and grasshoppers, to name a few. Even gnats and mosquitoes seem to be far and few between. That’s okay, though!

Moisture

So far, so good! Mother Nature has been kind to our local farmers and we gardeners. She seems to unload her rains at the right time. Other than fighting weeds, our tomatoes, onions and radishes are doing great. As to beans, we planted those is containers and so far they have kept cottontails and squirrels at bay.

Eminent Domain

According to an article in Iowa Farmer Today, the Summit Carbon Solutions has proposed a 2,500 mile CO2 pipeline through five states to capture greenhouse gas from ethanol plants. Iowa is one of those states where the pipeline would run through farmland. Many farmers oppose the right of a state like Iowa to take away their land through eminent domain.
Sort of related, but thousands of acres of farmland has already been purchased by foreign countries. While you might think China is the biggest owner of American soil, that would be incorrect. As of now, they are far down the list.
There recently was a bill passed in Iowa to curtail the “Red Giant” from buying more land. In my humble opinion, hit the delete key on eminent domain. We are an AG country and we must be careful on allowing so many large, cemented parking lots, housing additions, and so on. Farmland is priceless!

U.S. Army 250 Years

I enjoyed the parade celebrating the Army’s 250th year anniversary. I hope the U.S. Navy/Marines does something for their anniversary on October 13, 1775. Somehow, I don’t think too many submarines and aircraft carriers will make it down Constitution Ave as in the U.S. Army parade.
Still, a gala flotilla of some Navy ships and aircraft would be neat to see maybe in Boston harbor, Norfolk, New York or someplace the public could view. Betcha the Fox network would cover the event. There will be a 250th Navy/Marine Commemoration at Independence Hall on October 13th.

Poison Ivy

Well, it’s no wonder Lorna and I came in contact with the toxic plant. We do a lot of trimming and pulling weeds. Fortunately, neither of us got it bad. In fact, we had zero itching.

Fishing Report

It continues to be good. Last week Tom Simpson tangled with a really big bass. It ended up breaking the ball baring part of his leader. He was too far away from his brother, Gary and myself to get the landing net.
Tom swears it would have been a world record. That might have been a stretch, but who knows?! Someone has to catch a world record bass. Later in the morning his brother, Gary, caught a 4 lb plus channel cat and had to be netted. He released it to grow bigger.
As for me, I ended up with about 20 bluegills. Had them for supper last Sunday. Sooooo, good to the taste!

Humor

Last week Dale Collis of Galva was in a shark attack on the canal. He said the shark took out his whole “left” side. He is all “right” now! Steve Weber purchased a new sweater, but it started picking up static electricity. So he decided to return it. The sales clerk gave him another one free of charge!

Quote

“Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death, but once.”

Who Have Passed Away

Lorna and I were sad at the passing away of Glen Anderson, Mary Farrell, Ray Rogers, Glenn Sigwalt and Jim Weisser. All very nice people who are in a better place, for sure. May God bless their souls.

Men of the Cloth - By Dan Dauw

Geneseo Community Concert

This annual event is always a home run, for sure! Their 17th annual concert was held on Wednesday, June 25, at 7 p.m. in the Geneseo HS Concert Hall.
Director Pam Edwards, plus her young and older singers did some awesome singing. For as young as they are, the Children’s Choir “really” nailed it. My favorite of the night was “Maria” (Amy Croft) and the Children’s choir singing “Do Re Mi” from the Sound of Music. I swear Julie Andrews was up there on stage.

Happy Fourth

Great music, Great food, Great time! It all comes together this coming 4th of July at the Geneseo Park starting with “Pork in the Park” courtesy of the Geneseo Kiwanis Club. They usually start serving around 10:30 a.m. or there about.
Just leave room for a trip to the Maple City Band “Dessert Tent.” There will be pies, cakes, cookies, ice cream, etc. A donation is very well accepted.
The band will begin at 1 p.m. I really hate missing the event, but we have a family get-together in Cedar Rapids. Don’t forget the fireworks on July 3rd at Richmond Hill, Geneseo, IL.

This photo was taken on July 4, 2025, of the Geneseo Maple City Band, 80 musicians strong. Their last concert will be Tuesday, July 15, 2025.  

Downton Abbey

The grand finale will be at theaters on September 12th. I saw some of the trailers on the Internet and it looks like another “Downton Abbey” winner! I think it takes place in the early 1930s. They all look a bit older and sadly, Maggie Smith has passed away. We haven’t gone to a movie theater in a long time. Ha! I’ll bet it was the second DA movie we saw on the silver screen. Anyway, to the theater we go!

E-15

We always try to use E-10 gasoline when we stop at any BP gas station (We get 15 cents a gallon discount). We haven’t seen E-15 at any pump, but I’d try it if we get the same discount. Also, if it helps farmers and is better for the environment, why not?

Saving $$$ on Bird food

You sure can tell there is plenty of natural food outside for the birds. During the spring I spend a small fortune on birdseed, but it’s enjoyable watching all the different species. Now I tend to our bird feeders about every three or four days a week. We haven’t seen any Baltimore orioles raid the grape jelly for at least three weeks. The humming birds are still around and they are always fun to watch. Other than a few sparrows, nuthatches, and an occasional red-winged blackbird, that’s about what we see.

Humor

How do “men of the cloth” get rid of insects inside a church? Ans: Let us spray! People think that grass don’t be wet in the morning. Ans: But it dew!

Quote

The man who believes he can do it, is probably right, and so is the man who believes he can’t. – Don Morrison

Land Mines and Machine Guns - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Oh, he won’t Bite!

  How many times I heard that in all my 17 years of carrying mail and dealing with “friendly” dogs. Now I like dogs, but they could be a problem for we letter carriers. I had a few dog bites while some had more and some had less. 
Last month was “USPS National Dog Bite Awareness.”  Sometimes I had to “bite my lip” when a dog owner would come out of their house and assure me that “Fido” was harmless.  “Yeah, right, and the liquid flowing from my calf is ketchup!” One time a big dog jumped its fence and caused a bad bite on a Moline carrier’s face. 
Although most bites were on the leg or ankle.  It was sometime in the ‘60s when the USPS issued each carrier a small spray bottle called “Halt.”  It kind of worked if you aimed it at the dog’s face and there were no strong winds to redirect the spray.
Of course, some dog owners complained. Sometimes mail was held at the Post Office until the dog was tied or was no longer a threat. That probably still holds true today.  Illinois was ranked 4th for USPS dog attacks in 2024.

Books

  Last month we flew out to Boston and Cape Cod for a week. On the last day we visited the USS Constitution and Museum in Boston. It was really nice. While there I bought a book entitled, The Book of Old Ships.”  I thought it would be a good read, but for me, I was glad to finish the book. The author was way too confusing plus one had to have a knowledge on the nomenclature of ships from about the 14th to 19th century. 
For Father’s Day our son, Lance, sent me a really good book entitled, “The Forgotten 500” by Gregory A. Freeman. It’s about one of the greatest rescue missions of WW2. One of those books you just cannot set down.

Fourth of July

   Just a reminder the Maple City Band will present some really good patriotic music in the Geneseo’s Band Shell starting at 1 p.m. Of course, you have to stop at the Kiwanis building for “Pork in the Park.”  After which you must stop at the Maple City Band Dessert Tent for great desserts. All donations are welcome. I wish we could be there, but we have a family reunion to go to in Iowa.

Aircraft carrier in Kewanee

  Ha! Well, not physically, but on Monday, July 28, I will present a program to members of the Henry County Genealogical Society. It starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Kewanee Library, 102 S. Tremont, Kewanee, IL.  I think you will find it interesting.

Keep away Garden Raiders

   It’s not just deer who raid our vegetable and flower gardens. Lately I’ve heard a lot of grumbling about other opportunists who have a late dinner under cover of darkness. Trouble is, besides us and deer, rabbits, chipmunks, racoons and daytime squirrels enjoy lettuce, beans, tomatoes, flowers, etc. Even electric fences can sometimes not work. Some raiders can find a way to get their stomachs full at our expense. Maybe land mines and machine gun nests is an option, but that might be a bit overboard.

 Fishing

  We’ve been having some nice bluegill meals lately. One fish related to the sunfish is the pumpkinseed. The few I’ve caught so far have been bigger than any bluegill, sunfish or red-ear.  They are really a beautiful fish and good eating, too!
The crappies and channel cats are now in deeper and cooler water. So far, I’ve been catching the ‘gills in the shallows.  Red worms do the trick.

Humor

  Lorna is threatening to throw me out of the house because of my obsession with acting like a news anchor. More on this after the break.  

Quote

   In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First: The authority of the sovereign. Secondly: A just cause. Thirdly: A rightful intention. - St. Thomas Aquinas