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