Army of the Kind Celebrates Grand Opening in Geneseo

 
 

Community members, Chamber representatives, supporters, and volunteers gathered Friday, May 29, to celebrate the grand opening of Army of the Kind's newest location in Geneseo.

The event, organized in partnership with the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, welcomed visitors to learn more about the organization's mission and explore the new thrift store, which serves as a fundraising arm for Army of the Kind's global outreach efforts.

Founded in 2011 by Marisol Carley, Army of the Kind is a nonprofit organization focused on nourishing children and strengthening families in underserved communities through food, education, clean water, medical care, shelter, and faith-based support programs. Today, the organization supports initiatives in countries including the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Burkina Faso, India, Pakistan, and Haiti.

Carley said the inspiration for Army of the Kind began during her first mission trip in 2007.

"Although I grew up in poverty myself, I witnessed a level of need and hardship that deeply impacted me and opened my eyes in a new way," Carley said. "I returned home with a burden on my heart and a conviction that I could not simply go back to life as usual."

Over the following years, that experience evolved into a vision of connecting communities with resources to communities in need.

"We believe that we are blessed not simply to possess resources, but to share them," Carley said. "When we share what we have, lives are transformed, both theirs and ours."

Unlike a traditional retail business, Army of the Kind operates as a nonprofit organization that funds its mission through community support, donations, fundraising, sponsorships, and mission-driven social enterprises, including its thrift stores. Proceeds from donated goods are reinvested directly into programs that support children and families around the world.

Visitors to the Geneseo location will find a variety of gently used and new merchandise, including clothing, shoes, furniture, home décor, books, toys, collectibles, and seasonal items. The store also highlights stories and information about the communities served through Army of the Kind's programs, helping shoppers understand how their purchases contribute to the organization's mission.

For Carley, Geneseo was a natural fit for expansion.

"Geneseo was a natural choice for our newest location because of its strong sense of community, generosity, and heart for helping others," she said. "Our goal has never been simply to open a thrift store—it has been to create a place where the local community can directly impact lives around the world."

Carley, who moved to Geneseo six years ago, said the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Community members have donated generously, volunteered their time, shared our mission with others, and encouraged us every step of the way," she said. "We've been welcomed with open arms."

Looking ahead, Army of the Kind hopes to serve as a bridge between local generosity and global impact. Through donations, purchases, volunteerism, sponsorships, and mission trips, the organization aims to continue expanding opportunities for children and families while encouraging community members to become part of the solution.

"Our dream is simple," Carley said. "That a purchase made in Geneseo can help change a life across the world, and that every person who walks through our doors understands that they have the power to be part of that story."

Army of the Kind's Geneseo location is now open and accepting donations, volunteers, and shoppers interested in supporting the organization's mission through everyday purchases.

Geneseo High School: Second Semester Honor Roll

First Honor Roll (3.50 to 5.40 GPA) 

Class of 2026

Harrison Air, Zara Andersen, Isabella Angelo, Natalie Aukee, Eliana Barickman, Lincoln Barnett, Calvin Bell, Ethan Bell, Grady Bernahl, Christopher Berry, Greta Bolme, Grant Bomleny, Erin Bowers, Bryson Boxell, Ava Brewer, Aidan Bries, Reid Brodersen, Isabella Brooks, Brennan Brown, Aiden Brudos, Liberty Brumbaugh, Kamron Burris, Graysen Carlson, Jessica Cartwright, Jordan Cechowicz, Mylee Clark, Brody Clementz, Liam Coleman, Jack Cooper, Jameson Coppejans, Erika Cotty, Samuel Curcuru, Matthew Darnall, Anna Davis, Ava DeSplinter, Keira Disterhoft, Tyler Dowdal, Paige Eastburn, Quinnland Einfeldt, Kaden Elmer, Addison Erickson, Cara Ettore, Landon Favri, Jonathan Freadhoff, Taber Fulks, Anabella Goethals, Breckan Gomez, Cora Gorman, Dalten Grimes, Bradley Hartman, Hayley Henry, Lucas Herstedt, Christopher Hill, Payton Hofer, Carter Holke, Jacob Holley, Grady Hull, Adam Johnson, Andrew Kelly, Erik Kelly, Owen Kelly, Peyton Kies, Charlotte Kroll, Brennan Lambin, Catherine Lehman, Karen Lester, Emma Loehr, Hannah Loehr, Tavion Mangin, Brock Marshall, Jackson McAvoy, Dawsyn McDonald, Hannah McGee, Cameron Melchert, Jackie Milem, Janey Neumann, Wyatt Neumann, Gavin Nicholson, Isaac Nixon, Eliana Oaks, Reyhan Onder, Mahi Patel, Shrey Patel, Lucille Peters, Michael Peterson, Taylor Peterson, Theodore Phillips, Landry Possin, Jacob Ramsay, Elizabeth Rapps, Madison Reade, Cy Sammons, Chase Sanders, Hayden Schaaf, Bee Scheider, Nina Schmedding, Remy Sharpe, Jaxson Sottos, Mya Splear, Leland Stickle, Hannah Stone, Tucker Tarkington, Jay VanHerzeele, Quinntyn VanHyfte, Callie VanKerrebroeck, Lana Walters, Kye Weinzierl, Madeline Wells, Kjerstin Wildemuth, Kathryn Wilson, Claire Yenor, Ryan Zeitler,

Class of 2027

Alejandro Aleman, Elena Anderson, Keaton Ariano, Flynn Arnett, Alexandra Bagby, Mia Balensiefen, Jacob Berry, Eleanor Bertelsen, Annabelle Betcher, Nathan Billingsly, Erik Bjorkman, Grant Bjorkman, Taylor Boone, Ethan Brown, Isabella Brown, Lillian Brown, Wyatt Bruce, Jaydon Burrage, Grace Carlson, Kolby Causemaker, Callie Copeland, Evelyn Dahl, Sally-Ann DeBlieck, Aiden DeCap, Claire DeGrave, Carter Dickey, Andre Diediker, Alexandra Duncan, Remlee Dwyer, Leah Falk, Madelyn Farnum, Taefyl Freeman, Ethan Galloway, Tyler Gerstel, Emily Haverback, Jakob Hodges, William Holley, Cheyenne Hopkey, Maddox Jansen, Mckenna Johnson, Micah Johnson, Trenton Kennedy, Matthew Kerschieter, Lydia King, Mckenzie Krug, Gannon Marckese, Aria Mayo-Bechtel, Khyler McDowell, Jack Mickley, Madilyn Minnaert, Reese Minnaert, Clarabelle Musser-VanHerzeele, Mark Nelms, Tyler Nelson, Lainey Norville, Esref Onder, Samuel Ortiz, Eli Palmer, Carson Peters, Viola Pettit, Lauren Piquard, Carson Pratt, Natalie Reisner, Dominic Ritter, Landon Rogers, Sydney Rosas, Nevaeh Rotz, Hayley Rubitsky, Brooklyn Ruby, Connor Runty, Jennifer Sanchez, Ayla Schultz, Nyna Schweitzer, Brylee Sheffler, Reid Simpson, Brooklyn Smith, Joshua Stahl, Ayame Stroh, Claire Swanson, Joseph Thoene, Jeel Vakharia, Jiya Vakharia, Emma Vandeveer, Lucille Wachtel, Kendyl Wassenhove, Gavin Watts, Connor Webster, AvaLynn Westfall, Jayden Wexell, Alexis Williams, Robert Wolfe, Rebekah Zimmerman

Class of 2028

Raidyn Allison, Stella Allison, Claudia Angelo, Cyrus Babcock, Katherine Barickman, Landon Barnett, Layna Bassett, Luke Bedford, Lillian Bellagamba, Evan Bender, Tivya Bernier, Fritz Bolme, Allison Boone, Kanon Boster, Samuel Bourne, Alivia Brown, Jaylee Brudos, Nolan Burton, Rylan Carlson, Lydia Carton, Quinn Cherry, Taeton Chirchir, Cole Clifton, Ellah Clifton, Harrison Conley, Elijah Coppejans, Brayden Cox, Mallory Daniels, Evelyn DeBaene, Emilie DeCastecker, Madelyn DeJohn, Olivia DeSplinter, Bryce Diehl, Isla Disterhoft, Sophia Doyle, Megan Ehlert, Mason Emerick, Brycen Fahnestock, Andrew Feely, Phoenix Ferro-Heller, Jasmine Foss, Jackson Frank, Carter French, Gretchen Fuelling, Hannah Fuelling, Jacey Gehl, Jack Gehling, Gavin Gillespie, Kade Heilman, Kaylin Heller, Cole Henson, Skylar Hileman, Austen Kane, Anabella Kelley, Penelope Kline, Lilah Klotz, Elliott Kreiner, Mayson Lambin, Rayne Mangin, Isabella McConville, Kael McCord, Raygen McKeag, Ian McShane, Addison McSparin, Catalina Meis, Faith Mierop, Alice Miller, Natalie Minnaert-Yocum, Ainsleigh Misfeldt, Madison Morrison, Keelie Mueller, Micah Nicke, William Osborn, Anastasia Pitsoulakis, Jadynn Pollard, Aleksie Possin, William Rankins, Colin Roemer, Macey Rosholm, Ida Rowold, Ella Schaaf, Meghan Scheider, Jaxson Seals, Ella Shannon, Alyssa Simpson, Stella Smith, Addison Snell, Sophia Snell, Kyla Strode, Addilyn Swan, Luca Turigliatti, Chase VanDeWoestyne, Kellen VanKerrebroeck, Eden VanOpdorp, Patrick Versluis, Kailee Von Motz, Nicole Werling, Hannah Wildemuth, Sage Windisch, Peyton Woodruff

Class of 2029

Jocelyn Aguirre, Paisley Arnold, Avery Bagby, Anna Berry, Daphne Bertelsen, Hannah Billingsly, Boston Brewer, Leila Bries, Peyton Brodie, Charlee Bruce, Annika Brumbaugh, Jocelyn Calloway, Charleigh Campbell, Helo Castro, Ashlynn Chamberlain, Leah Cooper, Charley Courson, Alexander Darnall, Gavin Davis, William Davis, Ellaina DeLoose, Jacksen Doubet, Henry Dwyer, Reese Elmer, Kyle Everett, Sawyer Forsythe, Landon French, Kane Fuelling, Eleanor George, Maci Gorman, Ava Graham, Hailey Griswold, Owen Harris, Karoline Hasson, Kenzi Hasson, Emma Hofer, Hunter Hoover, Ellie Jackson, Brynn Kinney, Madison Kuethe, Faith Kuster, Zebin Lin, Chloe Mance, Wyatt Mickley, Gibson Minard, Emma Minnaert, Tad Moore, Paul Nelms, Katrina Nerud, Suzanne Neumann, Mia O'Dell, Isabella Ong, Jackson Parker, Henry Pratt, Annie Reed, Payton Riffe, Isaac Ropp, Olivia Ruby, Jocelyn Russelburg, Novak Ryerson, Reese Schaaf, James Seals, Chelsea Shamblin, Mark Shoemaker, Paige Sides, Benjamin Simosky, Kinley Smith, Jack Snook, Phoenix Sottos, Milla Stewart, Genevieve Talley, Ean Tank, Ethan Temperley, Garrett Tranel, Sophia Urquiza, Jaxson VanAntwerp, Ella Versluis, Khloe VonHolten, Charlize Wachtel, Lucy Walck, Molly Wannemacher, Aiden Weishaar, Ashlyn Werthmann, Lilly Wilshusen, Giana Wurslin, Levi Wyffels, Jett Znamenacek

Second Honor Roll (3.00 to 3.49 GPA)

Class of 2026

Zoey Baughn, Kaydee Eighmy, Perry Farley, Keegan Fuller, Jessa Gramling, Emily Hall, Jarett Hasson, Alfredo Jimenez, Aisaiah Klick, Alegna Lopez, Oliver Merrill, Linclon Misfeldt, Eliana Nelson, Landon Nordstrom, Meya Pollock, Jordan Ramirez, Austin Richardson, Annabelle Ropp, Mckinsey Sharp, Izabella Stewart, Kwin VanKerrebroeck, Ashton Veloz, Nick Vyas, Kale Whitaker

Class of 2027

Mackenzie Air, Lilliana Anderson, Nathaniel Boone, Payton Boone, Ian Catour, Brendan Cooksey, Phoenix Corlew, Gaje Davila, Ruby Efflandt, Monica Erickson, Jaxon Ernst, Lucian-David Fritz, Izaac Gaines, Kardiwin Gonzalez Ulrich, Logan Goodwin, Tyler Gross, Joseph Haser, Keely Henry, Megan Hursman, Lambeau Janczak, Blake Kinney, Jack Kreiss, Delaney Lagaisse, Roman Luncsford, Daniel Medrano, Jordyn Miller, Dain Moens, Zackery Nanninga, Maddison Rakestraw, Sydney Rasmussen, Lillian Roodhouse, Finnegan Schaad, Brooke Shollenberger, Carson Smith, Kie Smith, Easton Swan, Emerson Swan, Rolan Swanson, Dayden Talley, Vera Vincent, Delaney Vroman, Justin Williams

Class of 2028

Logan Betcher, Braxton Boone, Mickayla Bowles, Greyson Claerhout, Ella Clementz, Hayden Damewood, Gracyn DeShane, Camryn Ebert, Noah Elmore, Zoe Friedline, Karlee Hankins, Eva Hansen, Vance Hansen, Cameron Jansen, Eli Johnson, Annibelle Juarez, Cooper Largent, Quin Nichols, Evan Orwig, Jonah Penca, Memphis Ramsey, Dylan Schneider, Emma Sebastian, Haylee Short, Sydney State, Ella Taylor, Parker Weisser, Jayden Wheaton

Class of 2028

Kylie Achenbach, Cole Anderson, Jocelyn Bagby, Alex Balensiefen, Evan Beil, Callen Black, Cullen Boone, Landen Burk, Savannah Carlson, Knox Causemaker, Zachary Davis, Davin DeBoef, Lilyonna Decker, Brenna Dykstra, Victoria Finegan, Brooklyn Francis, Emily Garcia, Bryce Gillespie, Wesley Graham, Taylour Hein, Emmett Hill, Cooper Hudson, Anthony Jackson, Eli Johnston, Delaney Killian, Emma Knudtson, Andrew Kreps, Michael Lawson, Isabella Lewis, Rylie Lopez, Liliana Marshall, Kellan Miller, Kellen Minder, Kysen Oaks, Ryder Painter, Coralie Randall, Eve Robb, Cormac Round, Violet Runty, Emma Schroeder, Blazen Sellers, Klaire Sikardi, Gage Steffes, Allison Tice, Grace Toney

The Summer Everyone Wants Downtown to Thrive

Downtown Geneseo has felt noticeably different lately.

From Art Walk crowds and an inaugural Wine Walk, there’s growing momentum behind a summer many businesses, organizers, and residents hope becomes a turning point for downtown energy and activity.

And perhaps most notably, it no longer feels tied to just one event.

Instead, there’s a sense that multiple groups, businesses, and organizations are working toward the same goal at the same time: creating a downtown people want to spend time in.

That collaboration has become increasingly visible in recent months.

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce has hosted multiple retail and restaurant roundtables, Lunch & Learn sessions, and after-hours networking events focused on bringing business owners together to share ideas, challenges, and opportunities. According to several participants, the conversations have been energetic, collaborative, and solution-oriented.

That same spirit is showing up in events like Saturday’s Wine Walk, which now stretches throughout downtown with more than 15 participating stops, restaurants, retailers, pop-ups, food vendors, and live music locations working together to create a larger shared experience rather than isolated destinations.

For small towns today, that matters.

Downtowns are no longer simply competing with neighboring communities. They are competing with online shopping, streaming entertainment, social media, convenience culture, and the growing ease of staying home.

Experiences have become one of the few things that still reliably draw people together physically.

Events like Wine Walk, Art Walk, concerts, and markets do more than create a busy evening. They introduce people to businesses they may not have visited otherwise. They create repeat customers. They increase foot traffic. And they help shape the perception people have about the health and energy of a community.

A crowded downtown changes how people feel about a town.

That’s part of why so many businesses continue investing in storefronts, renovations, expanded offerings, and community events despite the challenges many small businesses still face nationally.

There’s also a growing recognition that downtown momentum does not happen accidentally.

It takes business owners willing to stay open later. Volunteers organizing events. City departments coordinating logistics. Musicians performing. Restaurants adapting. Organizations collaborating. Residents choosing to show up.

This summer, many of those efforts appear to be aligning at the same time.

That doesn’t mean every challenge facing downtown disappears. Long-term sustainability remains the bigger question. One successful event weekend does not automatically translate into year-round foot traffic or long-term economic growth.

But for now, there is a noticeable sense that people want downtown to succeed — and are actively trying to make that happen.

And in many ways, that may be the most important momentum of all.

Construction at City Hall

If you’ve noticed the activity or new materials outside the Geneseo Municipal Building recently, it’s part of a series of landscaping and outdoor improvements planned under the 2026 municipal building budget. As a central hub for our community, the Municipal Building proudly houses City Hall, the Police Department, the Chamber of Commerce, and Senator Arellano’s District Office.

According to a recent City Council update, the work involves replacing damaged plants and shrubs around the exterior, as well as completely redesigning the roughly 500-square-foot grassy area near the main entrance. This specific spot has historically been difficult to grow and maintain.

City officials state the goal is for a low-maintenance landscaped gathering space featuring new plantings, seating, hardscape upgrades, and a decorative water fountain. A small bike rack will also eventually be added to the front of the building. City officials noted that the concrete structure currently visible in the center is the formwork for the upcoming fountain feature.

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Geneseo Music Festival

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 58th Annual Geneseo Music Festival, taking place Father’s Day Weekend, June 19–21, 2026, in Geneseo. The festival promises a full weekend of entertainment and community celebration featuring live music, food vendors, parades, family activities, arts and crafts vendors, and events for all ages.

A longtime summer tradition in Geneseo, the Music Festival continues to draw residents and visitors from across the region for three days of fun in the heart of downtown. Whether attending for the music, food trucks, shopping, family activities, or community traditions, festivalgoers will find something for everyone throughout the weekend.

One of the highlights of the festival is the popular Father’s Day Parade which will take place in downtown Geneseo on Sunday, June 21 at 1:00 PM. The parade has become a beloved community tradition and offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day with family and friends in a classic Midwestern summer festival atmosphere.

Festival events begin Friday evening with the annual Doo Dah Parade and the Little Miss Geneseo and Music Fest Pageants as well as the Rotary Ice Cream Social. Saturday’s activities include the Rotary Maple City 4 Run, pony rides, pedal pull competitions, bags tournaments, and family entertainment throughout City Park and downtown. Sunday festivities include the Fly-In Breakfast at Gen Airpark, Kingswood Church Service in the Park, and the Art League Ice Cream Socials – the market and craft fair is all day Saturday and Sunday, and food trucks all 3 days!

Live music will take place throughout the weekend at multiple locations across Geneseo, including City Park Bandshell, Central Bank Pavilion, Geneseo Historical Museum, Geneseo Brewing Company, In-A-Godda-Da-Vida Music, and Gaslight Grocer. Featured performers include Jerm Theory, the Quad City Orchestra Modern Pop String Quartet, a Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Paxton’s Top Shelf Trio, Barry Cloyd & Freedmo Street, Bugz Benson, the Musical Memories Showcase, the GHS Jazz Band, and more.

“We are thrilled to continue this longstanding community tradition for its 58th year,” said Lindsie Akers, Executive Director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. “Music Fest is one of the highlights of the summer in Geneseo and an event that truly brings the community together. From the parades and live music to the family activities and local vendors, there is something special for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend.”

Please watch for street closures and increased pedestrian traffic throughout Geneseo during festival weekend, especially in the downtown and City Park areas.

Additional festival information, schedules, and updates can be found at Geneseo.org/musicfest

For more information visit Geneseo.org or email geneseo@geneseo.org

For more information contact:
Lindsie Akers, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
geneseo@geneseo.org

You Don’t Need a Ticket to Enjoy Saturday’s Wine Walk






Downtown Geneseo will be busy Saturday during the inaugural Geneseo Wine Walk — but organizers say the event is designed to be more than just a tasting experience for ticket holders.

While Wine Walk tickets include wine samples at participating stops throughout downtown, many businesses, restaurants, pop-ups, and entertainment options will still be open and available to the public throughout the event.

In other words: you can still come downtown, shop, eat, listen to music, and enjoy the atmosphere even without participating in the official wine tasting portion.

The event features more than 15 stops spread throughout downtown Geneseo, with participating businesses including retailers, restaurants, boutiques, florists, artists, and specialty shops.

Visitors can also expect:

  • Live music throughout downtown from 3–6 p.m.

  • Lacy’s Ditch performing at Central Bank Pavilion from 6–8 p.m.

  • Pop-up vendors and makers at multiple locations

  • Downtown restaurants and bars open during the event

  • Extended foot traffic and evening activity throughout State Street

Several businesses will also feature additional vendors or specialty experiences during the event.

At Gaslight Grocer, visitors can find pop-ups from North Street Treats, Leaf Livestock, NOSH, and Dragonfly Flower Farms..

Reap & Sow will feature pop-ups from Taylor & Co Flowers, Mary Kay, A Spotted Apron, and The Well Studio.

Even businesses not serving wine are expected to benefit from the increased downtown activity, creating a broader “sip, shop, and explore” atmosphere throughout the evening.

According to event materials, State Street will be closed for portions of the event to create a more walkable downtown experience.

Participating locations include businesses such as:

  • Geneseo Brewing Co

  • Pegasus Fine Gifts

  • Katsch Boutique

  • Urban Farmhouse

  • The Ugly Duckling

  • Designs on the Boulevard

  • Four Seasons

  • Anthology for Books

  • Village Florist

  • The Cellar

  • Geneseo Art League

  • Chicago Street Decorating on State

  • Barney’s Korner Grill

  • Raelyn’s Pub & Eatery

  • Leaman’s Bar & Grill

  • Habanero’s Mexican Grill

  • Sugar Maple Golf Course

  • Stumphy’s Restaurant & Bar

The Chamber information booth and ticket check-in will be located near First Street.

For residents who may not drink alcohol — or simply didn’t want to purchase a tasting ticket — organizers say the event can still serve as a chance to experience downtown Geneseo, browse local businesses, enjoy live music, and support the community atmosphere surrounding the inaugural event.

Small Towns Across America Facing Growing Police Recruiting Challenges

For generations, small-town policing was often viewed as a stable and respected career built around community relationships, long-term service, and local pride.

Today, however, communities across the country are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit the next generation of officers.

While large-city staffing shortages often dominate national headlines, many smaller departments say they are facing the same challenges — often with fewer resources and a much smaller hiring pool.

Police leaders nationwide point to several contributing factors, including increased retirements, fewer applicants entering the profession, and intense competition between agencies for qualified candidates. Smaller communities can face an even steeper uphill battle when competing with larger departments offering higher salaries, signing bonuses, expanded benefits, or specialized career opportunities.

Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft said the hiring landscape has changed dramatically from earlier in his career.

“We’re in a time that I’ve never seen before,” Disterhoft said. “For me, it is what I would consider a hiring crisis.”

Disterhoft noted that departments across Illinois are often pursuing the same limited pool of applicants at the same time.

“Everybody’s trying to get good people and we’re all reaching through the very limited amount that’s out there,” he said.

The decline in testing participation has been especially noticeable in smaller communities.

“There was 40, 50, 60 people doing it,” Disterhoft said. “Now there’s like five if we’re lucky.”

Experts say modern policing has also evolved significantly over the last two decades. Today’s officers are expected not only to respond to emergencies and enforce laws, but also to build community relationships, navigate complex social situations, communicate effectively under pressure, and serve in increasingly visible public-facing roles.

At the same time, workforce expectations have shifted broadly across many industries, particularly among younger workers prioritizing flexibility, work-life balance, and alternative career paths.

For small-town departments, even one open position can place additional strain on scheduling, overtime, training, and coverage.

Still, many communities believe small-town policing continues to offer advantages that larger agencies cannot always replicate — including closer community connections, greater day-to-day visibility, and the opportunity for officers to become deeply involved in the communities they serve.

As departments nationwide continue searching for solutions, many smaller agencies are increasingly focusing on recruitment strategies centered around community culture, long-term career development, and quality of life in hopes of attracting candidates interested in community-centered policing.