Central Bank Illinois Hosts Annual Customer Appreciation Day

Central Bank Illinois recently celebrated its second annual Customer Appreciation Day by welcoming customers across its 10-branch network and serving lunch to approximately  1,500 customers as a gesture of gratitude for their continued trust and support. 

Customers visited the Central Bank Pavilion and the Financial Center in Geneseo and  branches in Fulton, Princeton, Peru, Sterling, Rochelle, Ashton, and Oregon to enjoy a  complimentary lunch, bank giveaways, and raffle prizes. The event provided an opportunity  for customers to connect with branch staff and celebrate the relationships that are at the  heart of community banking. 

"Customer Appreciation Day is our way of saying thank you to the individuals, families,  businesses, and communities that choose Central Bank Illinois as their financial partner,"  said President and CEO, John DuBois. "We are incredibly grateful for the relationships we  have built over the years and for the opportunity to serve our customers every day." 

The event reflects Central Bank Illinois' ongoing commitment to community banking and  building meaningful relationships with the customers and communities it serves. Central  Bank Illinois looks forward to continuing the tradition of Customer Appreciation Day and  strengthening the relationships that make community banking unique.  

To learn more about Central Bank, www.central-bank.com.  

About Central Bank Illinois 

Central Bank Illinois is a locally focused community bank serving individuals, families, farmers, and  businesses through a network of 10 branches. Committed to providing personalized financial  solutions and exceptional customer service, Central Bank Illinois proudly supports the  communities it serves through local decision-making, community involvement, and relationship based banking. 

Four Classes of Geneseo Graduates Mark Milestone Reunions in 2026

Each year brings another round of class reunions to Geneseo, giving former classmates a chance to reconnect, remember their high school years and see where life has taken one another.

In 2026, the Classes of 1971, 1976, 1981 and 1986 are among those marking major anniversaries — celebrating 55, 50, 45 and 40 years, respectively.

Class of 1971 — 55 Years

The Geneseo High School Class of 1971 will celebrate its 55th reunion on Saturday, Aug. 15, beginning at 5 p.m. at Habaneros, 1225 S. Oakwood Ave. in Geneseo.

Complimentary appetizers will be provided, while additional bar and menu items will be available for purchase. Plus-ones are welcome, and organizers are encouraging classmates to spread the word.

Class of 1976 — 50 Years

For the Class of 1976, 2026 marks a half-century since graduation.

Members looking for reunion information are asked to search Facebook for the class Facebook page.

Class of 1981 — 45 Years

The Class of 1981 has chosen Geneseo's Homecoming weekend for its celebration.

Plans include participating in the traditional Homecoming parade, sitting together at the football game and gathering the following evening for a meal and social time at Habaneros. Additional details are available through the Facebook event page “Geneseo Class of 1981 45th Reunion.”

Class of 1986 — 40 Years

The Class of 1986 is also preparing to celebrate four decades since graduation. Reunion information is available through the class's dedicated website- Geneseo Class of 1986 reunion information

Information submitted by Jerry Reedy.

State of Geneseo: Cost of Living

By Sarah DeMaranville

Whether you're buying your first home, relocating for work, or deciding where to raise a family, one question usually comes first:

Can I afford to live there?

The answer is more complicated than looking at home prices alone.

Housing is often the largest household expense, but it's only one piece of the financial picture. Household income, mortgage costs, rent, utilities, transportation, taxes, and employment opportunities all influence what it actually costs to live in a community.

To better understand how Geneseo compares with neighboring communities, The Geneseo Current examined data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020–2024 American Community Survey.

Housing: Geneseo Costs More Up Front

The biggest difference between Geneseo, Princeton and Kewanee is housing.

According to the Census Bureau, the median value of an owner-occupied home is:

  • Geneseo $205,400

  • Princeton $170,000

  • Kewanee $73,200

A home in Geneseo is worth nearly three times as much as the typical owner-occupied home in Kewanee.

At first glance, that may make Geneseo seem significantly less affordable.

But economists often view home values as a reflection of something else: demand.

Communities with strong schools, stable employment, desirable neighborhoods, and healthy local economies generally command higher home prices because more people want to live there.

Monthly Mortgage Costs

The Census also estimates what homeowners spend each month.

For homes with a mortgage, the median monthly owner cost is:

  • Geneseo: $1,688

  • Kewanee: $1,089

For homeowners without a mortgage, the median monthly housing cost is:

  • Geneseo: $685

  • Kewanee: $477

Those figures include expenses such as property taxes, insurance and utilities that are typically included in the Census definition of owner costs.

Renting

Rent follows a similar pattern.

Median monthly gross rent is:

  • Geneseo: $1,015

  • Kewanee: $797

That's a difference of more than $2,600 per year for the typical renter.

Princeton generally falls between the two communities on both home values and rental costs.

Higher Costs—But Higher Incomes

Housing tells only half the story.

The other half is income.

Median household income is:

  • Geneseo $70,147

  • Princeton $61,900

  • Kewanee $50,900

In other words, Geneseo households earn roughly 38% more than Kewanee households on average.

Higher incomes help offset higher housing costs.

That's why economists generally evaluate housing affordability rather than simply asking whether homes are expensive.

Homeownership

Another indicator of community stability is homeownership.

According to the Census:

  • 76.3% of Geneseo homes are owner-occupied.

  • 69.2% of Kewanee homes are owner-occupied.

Higher homeownership often corresponds with longer-term residency, greater neighborhood investment, and increased civic participation, although it isn't a measure of quality by itself.

Electricity Costs

Electricity is one area where Geneseo residents appear to have a cost advantage compared with state and national averages.

Geneseo operates its own municipal electric utility. Under the city's 2026 residential rate schedule, customers pay 10.829¢ per kilowatt-hour for the first 500 kWh and 10.294¢ for usage above 500 kWh, plus a $25 monthly basic charge.

For a household using 1,000 kWh in a month, that translates to approximately $130.62 before applicable taxes, or an effective rate of about 13.06 cents per kWh when the monthly basic charge is included.

For comparison, the most recent finalized annual data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration puts Illinois' 2024 residential average at 15.87¢ per kWh. The national residential average increased to 17.30¢ per kWh in 2025.

More recent monthly data show Illinois residential electricity averaging 17.83¢ per kWh in February 2026, although monthly rates fluctuate and shouldn't be directly compared with a full-year national average.

The comparison isn't perfectly apples-to-apples. Geneseo's figure is calculated from its published rate schedule, while EIA averages represent total residential utility revenue divided by electricity sold and therefore incorporate the various costs customers actually pay. Still, the figures indicate that electricity is one household expense where Geneseo residents generally pay less than broader Illinois and national benchmarks.

It's About More Than Price

If affordability were based solely on home prices, Kewanee would clearly have the advantage.

But lower housing costs don't necessarily mean a community is less expensive overall.

Communities with lower home values often also have lower household incomes, fewer employment opportunities, or slower housing demand.

Geneseo's higher housing costs are accompanied by:

  • Higher household incomes

  • Higher educational attainment

  • Lower poverty

  • Higher homeownership

  • Stable population

Those characteristics generally increase demand for housing, which in turn pushes home values higher.

So, Is Geneseo More Expensive?

Yes—but the answer deserves context.

Buying or renting a home in Geneseo will generally cost more than in Kewanee and somewhat more than in Princeton.

However, residents also tend to earn more, and the community has historically maintained stronger home values.

For some buyers, Kewanee's lower home prices may make homeownership easier to achieve.

Others may find Geneseo's combination of schools, employment opportunities, healthcare, and community amenities worth paying more for.

Ultimately, "affordable" isn't just about the purchase price of a house.

It's about what residents earn, what they receive in return, and whether a community offers the quality of life they're looking for.

Sources:

  1. U.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey —
    U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts

  2. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) —
    U.S. Energy Information Administration — Electricity Data

  3. City of Geneseo Public Records

  4. Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) — C2ER Cost of Living Index

  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the State of Geneseo Series

State of Geneseo is an ongoing Geneseo Current series examining the data behind our community. Each installment explores a different aspect of life in Geneseo—from housing and affordability to schools, healthcare, infrastructure, business growth, parks, volunteerism, and local government—to better understand what makes a healthy small town thrive and where opportunities for improvement may exist.

State Street Newswire - August 10, 2026

Red Barn Harvest Fest Aims to Become Geneseo's Newest Fall Tradition

By Sarah DeMaranville

There's something about harvest season that feels like home.

The changing leaves. Crisp autumn air. Pumpkins and mums lining front porches. Warm drinks in hand. Time spent with family.

For Ashley Marshall, those memories stretch back to her childhood growing up on a family farm, where autumn meant riding in the combine with her dad, helping drive grain carts, and watching another harvest come to life.

Now, she's turning those memories into a brand-new community tradition.

The inaugural Red Barn Harvest Fest will invite visitors to spend a day on the farm surrounded by local makers, live music, great food, family activities, and everything people love about fall in the Midwest.

The festival will be held at 19695 N 2120th Ave., Geneseo, located east of Geneseo along the Hennepin Canal heading toward Atkinson.

"It's really the combination of two passions," Ashley said. "I've always loved harvest season, and as a small business owner myself, I know how important opportunities like this are for makers and entrepreneurs. I wanted to create an event where people could celebrate the season while discovering and supporting amazing local businesses."

A Labor of Love

Although this is the festival's first year, months of preparation have gone into transforming the property into a destination designed for families to spend an entire day.

One of the biggest priorities, Ashley said, was carefully selecting vendors.

Rather than simply filling available spaces, organizers intentionally curated the event to feature a wide variety of businesses, ensuring shoppers will find unique products throughout the festival.

More than 60 makers and small businesses are expected to participate, offering everything from handmade goods and boutique clothing to home décor, fresh flowers, baked treats, and specialty gifts.

Behind the scenes, however, creating the festival has been very much a family effort.

Organizer Ashley Marshall poses with husband Joe and kids Evan, Liliana, Landon and Lanie.

"None of this would be possible without my husband, Joe," Ashley said. "This may have started as my dream, but it's definitely become ours."

She credits Joe with spending countless hours helping prepare the farm, tackling projects, supporting new ideas, and helping bring the vision to life.

Family members, friends, and fellow small business owners have also stepped in to lend advice and help wherever needed.

As opening day approaches, preparations continue with vendor spotlights on social media, finalizing the event layout, and making sure every detail is ready for visitors.

"Our biggest goal is making sure our vendors have an amazing day," Ashley said. "They're what make this market so special."

More Than a Vendor Market

While shopping will certainly be a major attraction, organizers say visitors can expect far more than rows of booths.

Live music will fill the farm throughout the day with performances by Angela Meyer and Shaun Easton, two musicians well known throughout the region.

And visitors should probably come hungry.

Food & Drinks

The festival's food and beverage lineup includes:

  • Shadow Lake's "Can Stand" serving its signature mixed drinks, along with beer from Geneseo Brewing Company

  • Geneseo Trap Team fundraiser

  • Cynful Smokers BBQ

  • Reap & Sow

  • The Bean Field Coffee House

  • The Main Squeeze Trailer, serving lemonade and apple cider drinks

  • Just Us & Treats ice cream truck

  • Plus baked goods and other packaged food vendors

Families will also find plenty of activities designed to keep everyone entertained.

Guests can enjoy:

  • Pony rides

  • Hayrack rides

  • A mobile golf simulator

  • Plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the scenery

  • A chance to meet—and even snuggle—a Highland cow named Roy, who Ashley jokingly describes as one of the festival's biggest attractions.

"Shopping and eating... those two things paired with being outdoors—you really can't beat that," she said. "And, of course, snuggles with Roy."

Built for Families

As the mother of a one-year-old, Ashley says creating a family-friendly atmosphere wasn't just important—it was essential.

"This is definitely something I would want to take my own family to," she said.

Rather than rushing from one activity to the next, organizers hope families will slow down, spend time together, and simply enjoy a beautiful fall day on the farm.

"It's a place where people can spend the day together while enjoying everything that makes fall in the Midwest so special."

Supporting Small Businesses

At its heart, Red Barn Harvest Fest is also about strengthening local businesses.

Ashley hopes visitors discover new favorite makers and continue supporting them long after the festival ends.

She also hopes the event encourages visitors from outside the area to spend time exploring Geneseo after they leave the farm.

"I'd love to see people head into town afterward and support the amazing businesses we have here," she said.

For someone who has spent years building her own small business, creating opportunities for others carries special meaning.

"I can't wait for our vendors to have a successful day because supporting small businesses has always been so near and dear to my heart."

Hoping to Build a New Tradition

Ashley isn't just planning a one-time event.

From the beginning, the goal has been to establish Red Barn Harvest Fest as an annual tradition.

The festival is intentionally scheduled for the third Saturday in September, allowing families to know exactly when to mark their calendars each year.

"I hope someday people simply say, 'It's Red Barn Harvest Fest weekend,' and make plans around it the same way they do other annual traditions," she said.

A Fall Day Worth the Drive

For anyone still deciding whether to attend, Ashley has one final sales pitch.

"Did you see I mentioned a Highland cow?" she laughed. "Need I say more?"

Then she added:

"If you're looking for something fun to do this fall, this is it. It checks all the boxes—supporting small businesses, shopping, delicious food and drinks, live music, beautiful scenery, and activities for the whole family. It's the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy the season, go for a little drive, and experience everything that makes fall in the Midwest so special."

If the inaugural event lives up to Ashley's vision, Red Barn Harvest Fest won't simply be another stop on the fall calendar. It could become one of those traditions families circle every September—a place where local businesses thrive, friends gather, children make memories, and the harvest season is celebrated the way she has loved since childhood.

Follow the Red Barn Harvest Fest Facebook page for vendor features and updates.

Geneseo City Council to Consider Downtown Façade Grant, Police Board Appointments Tuesday

Deputy chief selection update and several major infrastructure projects are also on the agenda

The Geneseo City Council will meet Tuesday, August 11, with a downtown façade improvement grant, police board appointments and an update on the selection of a new deputy police chief among the items scheduled for consideration.

The regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Katsch Boutique Façade Grant

Council members are scheduled to consider final approval of a façade improvement grant for Katsch Boutique, 113 N. State St.

The project carries an estimated total cost of $10,937.75 and is intended to address deteriorating façade boards, peeling paint and a torn awning. Plans include exterior painting, wood repairs and replacement of the awning.

The Committee of the Whole unanimously recommended the application at its July 28 meeting, with the City providing up to $5,468.88 through its 50/50 matching façade improvement program. The application now appears on Tuesday's consent agenda.

Deputy Police Chief Selection

Police Chief Casey Disterhoft is also scheduled to provide an update on the City's deputy chief selection process.

The update comes as the Police Department continues to work through staffing and recruitment efforts. At the July 14 meeting, Disterhoft and Mayor Sean Johnson discussed the nationwide shortage of law enforcement officers and the City's efforts to recruit qualified candidates.

Police Board Reappointments

Council will also consider Resolution R-26-15, which would reappoint two members to City police-related boards.

Jeffrey Lang is proposed for a three-year term on the Police Commission, running through August 11, 2029. Dan Schaaf is proposed for a two-year term on the Police Pension Board, running through August 11, 2028.

Two Wind Turbines Now Have Generator Problems

The City's regular project report contains a notable new development: both of Geneseo's wind turbines are now dealing with generator issues.

Wind Turbine #1 has been out of service since a generator failure April 30. The City submitted an insurance claim, and according to the latest report, Chubb has issued $855,151 toward generator replacement along with another $50,000 for lost revenue. The City has also received a quote to decommission the tower.

At the July 28 meeting, council members discussed whether to repair or decommission the 17-year-old turbine.

Since that discussion, Wind Turbine #2 experienced a generator failure July 30. City power plant staff testing indicated a short in the generator windings, with results sent to Vensys for analysis. An insurance claim is expected once those findings are verified.

No formal decision on either turbine appears on Tuesday's agenda.

Other City Projects Moving Forward

Council will receive updates on a number of ongoing infrastructure projects.

Among them, the City's North State Street reconstruction has reached another milestone. Road pavement is complete, while seven driveways, the remaining half of the sidewalks and landscaping were still outstanding as of August 7.

Work is also approaching on several other projects, including resurfacing of the City's pickleball courts during the week of August 17 and Chicago Street concrete patching, which has been delayed by weather.

The Ford Road sanitary sewer extension and lift station is moving toward construction as well. Bid documents have been released, with bids scheduled to open August 19 and council consideration of a contract anticipated at a special meeting August 25.

The City also continues to await Illinois Department of Natural Resources approval for the proposed pedestrian bridge at Oakwood Landing. The project is designed to provide a pedestrian crossing over Geneseo Creek near State Street and Oakwood Avenue.

Water System Planning Continues

Planning for Geneseo's future water supply also remains underway.

IMEG is developing three alternatives for a preliminary engineering report associated with the City's proposed sixth well and future water treatment facilities. Meanwhile, documents for Well #33 — the City's fifth well — are complete, with the project awaiting an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency permit.

Meeting Information

The Geneseo City Council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 11, in the Council Chambers at 115 S. Oakwood Ave.

The meeting includes two opportunities for public comment. Under City ordinance, speakers may provide comments for up to three minutes, although the comment periods are not interactive question-and-answer sessions with council members or staff.

Also on the agenda: the Chamber of Commerce and engineering reports, election packet information from the City Clerk, the Treasurer's Report, Budget Book and capital asset presentations, and approval of approximately $561,335 in City and utility bills.

State Street Newswire - August 7, 2026

State Street Newswire - August 6, 2026

Video: State Street Newswire - August 5, 2026