Wyffels Hybrids builds QA lab, creates new roles and adds new employees

Jill Carlson
Communications Manager & Media Relations Lead
309.945.8716
jcarlson@wyffels.com

GENESEO, Ill. (February 22, 2024) — In 2023, Wyffels Hybrids achieved ten years of consecutive growth, delivered more than one million paid units of seed corn, broke ground on a new Iowa site and completed a new Quality Assurance Lab at their Atkinson Production Facility.

To keep up with demand and growth, the family-owned seed company created new roles and hired 20 fulltime employees for their Geneseo, Atkinson and Ames facilities.

Quality Assurance Lab

The new Quality Assurance (QA) Lab was completed in time to process the 2023 seed production harvest for validation, comparing the results with the existing quality assurance process.

“The new lab increases germination testing capacity threefold,” says Rodney Gilbert, Wyffels QA Director. ”We’ve increased efficiency for our test sizing and physical purity processes, while maintaining the above industry-level quality standards Wyffels is known for in the seed industry.”

The lab is staffed by five team members, including four new employees.

Kelly Grief leads the team as QA Lab Manager. Grief attended Iowa State University and majored in Agriculture and Society, Seed Science. She is a Registered Seed Technologist (RST) and a Canadian Food Inspection Agency accredited seed grader. For the last six years, Grief worked for Corteva as a Seed Quality Testing Team Lead.

Kyle Wallman, Quality Assurance Specialist, is responsible for the development, documentation, and implementation of the Production Quality Management System for ensuring consistent processes across sites. Wallman attended the University of Nebraska and worked as a Research Associate, gaining experience in plant transformation and genetic testing. Prior to joining Wyffels, Wallman worked for Corteva as a Seed Quality Process Lead.

To complete the team, Jaselyn Robertson and Barb Scott will deliver germination and test sizing results as Quality Lab Technicians. Robertson interned with Wyffels Hybrids prior to graduating from Iowa State University with an ag business degree and minor in agronomy. Scott brings years of experience from the Corteva/ Pioneer Woodhull production location, where she worked in their lab as logistics coordinator.

Human Resources

“It’s our goal to lead our industry in attracting top talent. We want to hire the right people and retain those team members,” says John Wyffels, Wyffels Hybrids President.

To achieve those goals, Wyffels added two new Human Resources leadership roles.

Tom Nuss, Chief Human Resources Officer, focuses on strategies to serve the existing business, develop employees, add capabilities, scale operations and evolve culture for growth.

Stacy Speidel-Holke works closely with Nuss as Manager of Talent. Speidel-Holke will focus on talent acquisition, talent development and organizational planning capabilities. Prior to Wyffels, she served in leadership positions with UnityPoint Health for ten years.

Production/Iowa Site

Wyffels Hybrids will open their new Iowa Site in Ames, Iowa, in late spring 2024.

Ryan Kunze, Warehouse and Distribution Manager, is currently working in the Atkinson Production Facility to make a seamless transition to the new Wyffels Hybrids Iowa site. Prior to joining Wyffels, Kunze managed warehousing and distribution for Caseys and Atlantic Bottling. He reports to the new Iowa Site Manager, Steve Woodall.

Additional seed production forecasting and planning will be managed by Nate Beavers. Beavers brings years of experience to Wyffels from his previous position as Supply Planner for Syngenta and managing trucking logistics for Heartland Express.

Additional new hires at the Atkinson Production Facility include: Mike Goethals, Production Technician; Justin Taets, Jose Bermudez, Dan Stahl, Dawson Schulenberg, James Padilla, Erik Brudos and Jesse Peed, Production Associates; Todd Balensiefen and Taylor Goodwin, Service Technicians.

Sales Administration

Clay Edwards joined Wyffels in August 2023 as the Sales Strategy and Operations Manager. Edwards brings more than 15 years of experience, including Area Business Manager for Stone Seed and various roles with Cargill. Prior to joining Wyffels, Edwards was leading efforts to launch Cargill’s RegenConnectTM Program. Edwards is responsible for development and coordination of Wyffels sales strategies and effective execution of sales activities.

Customer Support

Wyffels Hybrids is proud to serve more customers than ever before throughout the Central Corn Belt. To help maintain the level of customer service their customers expect, Lisa Phillips joined Wyffels as Customer Support Associate. Prior to her role at Wyffels, Phillips held multiple positions in quality and customer service, including building an in-house distribution department, supporting a sales team, processing orders and managing accounting for a national brand.

“We’ll remember 2023 as a year of achievement and it will forever mark key milestones for our family-owned company,” says Wyffels. “Our growth wouldn’t be possible without our employees and we’re thrilled to welcome so many talented people to our organization. It’s been an incredible journey for more than 75 years and we couldn’t be more excited about the future.”

Wyffels Iowa Site - Photo Submitted

MULTI-GENERATIONAL INVESTMENT: The new Iowa site represents Wyffels Hybrids’ commitment to the future for generations to come. (Wyffels Iowa Site)

Wyffels QA Lab - Photo Submitted

EFFICIENT AND ACCURATE: The new Quality Assurance Lab at the Atkinson Production Facility tests for germination three times faster than previous processes. Test sizing and physical purity processes are much more efficient.

About Wyffels Hybrids

In 1946, Wyffels Hybrids was established with a vision to produce seed that could help friends and neighbors be more successful. That promise has resulted in significant growth and opportunity as Wyffels continues to build a team of employees who share that vision for the seed business, and passion for serving customers.

Wyffels Hybrids, headquartered in Geneseo, Ill., is the fastest growing seed corn company in the nation. Focusing strictly on developing and marketing elite corn hybrids, the company is dedicated to providing corn growers in Illinois, Iowa, southern Wisconsin, southwest Minnesota and southeast South Dakota with exceptional products, the latest agronomic information, and unmatched customer service and product support. To learn more or request information, visit wyffels.com or call 1-800-369-7833

Blood Drive March 1 at Geneseo First Methodist Church

First Methodist Church of Geneseo is hosting a blood drive on Friday, March 1, at the South Annex (back entrance of the church’s south campus) of the church. The drive will begin at 12 noon and continue until 6 p.m.

Donors are asked to make reservations by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED Cross). Walk-ins will be accepted in as timely a manner as possible with appointments taking priority. Those planning to give blood will be asked to present their Red Cross ID card (or a valid driver’s license) and will be asked to read the list of medications that might exclude their donation from being used or do a “Rapid Pass” before their donation.

For ease in donating, the Red Cross Donor app can be downloaded by searching “Blood Donor American Red Cross.” This allows the person planning to donate to do Rapid Pass the day of the blood donation and keep track of their health.

Before donating:

-1. Drink an extra 16 ounces of water, juice or non-alcoholic drink before donating, especially in warm weather.

-2. Eat a healthy meal; avoid fatty foods like fries, hamburgers, ice cream.

-3. Try to get a good night’s sleep.

-4. Check to see if any of the medications you are taking would prevent you from donating.

It’s also recommended that those planning to donate increase their vitamin C to their diet by eating fruits and leafy green vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes, spinach and Brussels sprouts.

Anyone with questions about donating, getting a Red Cross ID card or who would like more information, is asked to call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS).


Before You Go To Tackle “Jaws” - By Dan Dauw

Spring Swap Meet

This is the 26th annual Quad City In-Fisherman “Swap Meet” event. It will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL. Hours are from 8 a.m. to Noon. It is free admission. You may buy, sell, or trade new or used hunting, fishing and/or camping equipment only. No firearms or ammo allowed. Biscuits & gravy will be available if you haven’t had breakfast.

Fishing Tips

These nice warm temps we’ve been having for February gets me, and maybe you, itching to do some soft water fishing. Before you go to tackle “Jaws” now is the time you might want to start checking your fishing equipment. 1) If you haven’t changed line in a while, do so. It loses its strength over time. You don’t need expensive line, middle-of-the-road is fine. 2) Clean your reels and rod eyes. Crud can build up in those areas. 3) Hooks can get rusty so replace with new ones. They are not expensive. 4) Here is one that bugs me to no end. Unless you have bad eyesight, when fishing with a bobber (float) do not use a large bobber. Panfish especially do not want resistants which can happen with too big of bobber. Leave those big, red & white bobbers alone. In fact, try slip bobbers. That’s all I use if bobber fishing. 5) Your 2023-24 Illinois fishing license expires on March 31, 2024. If you don’t want a citation from our friendly game warden (CPO Jamie Posateri) then make sure to have your new license and on your person!

Thanks for Nothing

Gov. Pritzker and his Democrat representatives railroaded a gun bill a few months ago that banned 170 type firearms, high-capacity magazines and accessories.

If you have any of these items listed you were to contact and register with the Illinois State Police by January 1, 2024. Failure to do so is a crime. However, it’s not enforced because it may go to the full U.S. Supreme Court. A person can keep the firearm after signing an affidavit per gun with the ISP, “but” cannot sell it to another person. Illinois Rep. Dan Swanson sent me some stats on how many individuals sent in affidavits. That figure was very low as I expected. Of course, the Illinois Supreme Court refused twice a request to repeal the ban. So, everyone that sent in an affidavit can still keep their gun(s),etc. The bill is suppose to make it easier for the ISP to track down the person who committed a crime with that gun. Seriously??? Want to put $$$ on what’s next, “Confiscation?”

Right or wrong, just my opinion!

Geneseo Kiwanis “Pancake Day.”

This annual event will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the Geneseo Moose Lodge from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is only $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children age 10 and under.

Car Humor

  1. What did the German car say when you asked it for help? Ans: “Of Porsche!”

  2. What did the bystanders say when a minivan zoomed by? Ans: “Wow, look at that van Gogh!”

  3. How did a Mexico car say goodbye to a German car? Ans: “Audi-os.”

  4. What’s worse than raining cats and dogs? Ans: Hailing a taxis.

  5. What kind of luxury sports car does a mink drive? Ans: A Fur-rari.

Good Reads

If you’re a history buff, with especial interest in WW2, you may want to read the non-fiction, 2018 book entitled, “The Far Shore” by Edward Ellsberg.

It’s one of those books you just can’t put down. It has 38 chapters dealing with the pre-invasion plans of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Of course, it covers much detail on the brutal and hard-fought landing on the beaches. Many soldiers and sailors paid the ultimate price. I just started reading an older WW2 book that I’ve had since 1975, but for some reason did not start reading it until now. The name of the book is, “The Partisans of Europe in World War II” by Kenneth Macksey.

Those men and women were very brave fighting the Nazis. If caught by the Germans, in most all cases, they were tortured and then shot. Reprisals were also carried out by the Nazis on ordinary civilians who just happened to live where the partisans did their clandestine destruction.

Galva Kiwanis Valentine Dinner

This was a really nice event held at the Galva American Legion on the day before Valentine’s Day. The food was really good. Lorna got to see a lot of folks she knew from teaching at the high school. We sat with Dale & Sharon Collis. It was nice seeing Sharon!!!!!!! Did I miss someone??

Quote of the Week

“No one can be perfectly free until all are free.” Herbert Spencer

"Go, ISU Redbirds!"  The Nommensen and Dauw family saw a great BB game. Sunday between Unv. of Evansville and Illinois State Unv. ISU won 86 to 79.

Dr. Alex Craig and Dr. Trevor Craig Join Dr. Hirschfelder in Geneseo Dental Practice

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Alex and Trevor Craig were first introduced to Dr. Jeff Hirschfelder when they were three years old and he was their dentist.

Fast forward nearly 25 years later, to January of this year, and those three-year-olds have become Dr. Alex Craig and Dr. Trevor Craig and have joined Dr. Hirschfelder in dental practice at his office which has been renamed Geneseo Family Dental, 116 West 2nd St., Geneseo,

The Craig twins are the sons of Bill and Michelle Craig of Geneseo. They are 2014 Geneseo High School graduates and earned bachelor’s degrees in 2018 from the University of Iowa, and both graduated from the University Of Iowa College Of Dentistry in May of 2022.

Trevor Craig has been practicing dentistry with the Solis Dental Group in Moline since he graduated from dental school, and his brother, Alex, has been working with Galesburg Family Dentistry and in Bettendorf at AAA Court Family Dental.

Trevor and his wife Haley live in Taylor Ridge and they have a 10-month-old son, Bodie.

Alex and his wife, Madeline, live in Bettendorf, and are expecting their first child.

Both Alex and Trevor will continue working at their present practices and will add Geneseo Family Dental to their schedules with office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday.,

Dr. Hirschfelder also will continue practicing, but will transition into retirement by working one day a week.

Trevor Craig explained that he and his brother “have essentially kept in touch with Dr. Jeff through our undergraduate and graduate studies, Dr. Jeff was always our dentist…About one year ago he expressed he was looking for some help, as Dr. Bruce Fehlman had retired from the practice, and Dr. Jeff was the only dentist in the practice.”

And as of Jan. 1 of this year, the Geneseo practice officially includes Dr. Hirschfelder and the Craig brothers.

Trevor Craig commented, “Alex and I are both so thankful and grateful to be involved in dentistry in our hometown. It allows us an opportunity to care for people in a community that provided so many opportunities for us growing up.”

Dr. Trevor Craig, left, and his twin brother, Dr. Alex Craig, at right, have joined Dr. Jeff Hirschfelder, center, in his Geneseo dental practice. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Megan Plumley Earns Gold Award

Scouting is an important part of the Plumley family in Geneseo, and Megan Plumley, daughter of Marshall and Valerie Plumley, is the third member of the family to receive the Gold Award. In addition to Megan’s story, I have included what I learned from a conversation with her Mom, Valerie.

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Megan Plumley has made an impact in her community.

The 2023 graduate of Geneseo High School, now a student at the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point, climbed to the top in scouting by earning the Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn…Her project included building a compost bin, bird, bat, and owl houses.

Her project came about after she learned about the yard-waste issues in the parking lot at Cole Cabin, located north of Geneseo and used by both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

“I wanted to give back to the environment as well as to Cole Cabin, a place that has taught me what being a Girl Scout is all about,” Plumley explained.

Due to concern of misuse of the compost bin at Cole Cabin, Plumley decided to put the compost on private property. Plumley built the bird, bat and owl houses and installed those around Cole Cabin. There are buckets to collect waste which is deposited in the compost bin.

She spent over 80 hours working on the composting project and she believes it will allow her “to help educate younger children about the importance of giving back to the environment that provides so much for us.”

The idea to build a compost bin surfaced after Plumley spoke with Cole Cabin trustees about possible Gold Award project ideas…”The trustees were having problems with people leaving yard waste in their parking lot, and because Cole Cabin is a place that has done so much for the Girl Scouts, I felt that making a compost bin would be a great way to give back to my community,” she said. “Unfortunately, I was unable to build a compost bin for the trustees due to location issues, but I did build bird, bat and owl houses that were able to go on Cole Cabin property.”

The compost collected from Plumley’s project will be used in local community gardens such as the Eagle Award project garden located at Richmond Hill, Plumley explained.

“The compost bin is now located on local property and is available for local Girl and Boy Scout Troops to use,” she said. ‘My own family is currently working on adding our own compost to the bin and I am monitoring the wildlife houses during my breaks to make sure they are getting the proper use and care they need.”

The environment has always been important to Plumley and she explained how that began in her childhood when she would go hiking with her parents on their family farm.

”The environment gives our community so much from resources to oxygen and even entertainment,” she said. “We are blessed to have something so beautiful and it is important that we give back to what makes life so wonderful. If we did not maintain the environment not only would the wildlife that use its resources be hurt, but so would we.”

Plumley also cited the importance of educating younger generations about taking care of the environment…”The future of our environment will fall to the hands of our future leaders and it’s important for them to understand everything that the environment has to offer and what we need to do to keep it alive.”

Over the summer, she plans to help educate young Girl Scouts on the importance of composting. She also plans to attend a summer field experience where she will continue her education and learn more about local wildlife, she said.

Plumley is still involved with her Girl Scout Troop (Geneseo Girl Scout Troop 5828) and even though she will not be in person helping with the Scouts’ Day Camp this summer, she plans to provide instructions for other camp counselors on how to operate the compost bin and she hopes to return to counseling in the upcoming years.

“I hope to be able to share what I learn with others and make a bigger impact on the world around me,” she said. “Girl Scouts will get a chance to add to the compost bin and make a difference in their community.”

Plumley is a student at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where she is a Wildlife Ecology Major and she said she chose that area of study “because I have always had a passion for the outdoors. Girl Scouts taught me the importance of caring for the environment and I want to continue my passion on a larger level. I also have always loved wild animals, so I plan to work with rehabilitation and release of wild animals after college.”

Her own journey with Girl Scouts began when she was five years old and in kindergarten…”My sister was in Girl Scouts at the time and my Mom asked if I wanted to join a troop, to which I said ‘yes.” Ever since that time I have dedicated many hours toward Girl Scouts. It has always been a part of who I am and I love sharing all the things I have learned with others. My grandmother, my Mom, and sister were all in Girl Scouts and my father and brother both are involved in Boy Scouts. My grandfather also worked for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois before he retired.”

When asked about advice she would share with younger Girl Scouts, Plumley said she would tell them “to not give up on your goals, dreams and desires. There might be times in your life where you run into problems and you are unsure of how to get to where you want to go, but always know that there is always another way to get there. It might be a difficult journey, but no matter the time constraint or the problem, know that you can always find a way through (and it might even be a better path than the one before). I would encourage anyone thinking about being a Boy or Girl Scout to not be afraid to try something new…You will learn so many skills that can help you throughout the rest of your life. Scouting will teach you compassion, confidence, bravery, loyalty and many other life lessons.”

“Scouting provides many opportunities to give back to the community,” she added. “Don’t forget that one small act can make a big difference in the world around you and can make it a better place.”

VALERIE PLUMLEY

The roots of scouting run deep in the Plumley family, and Valerie Plumley explained that daughter Megan is a fourth generation Girl Scout…”Her maternal Great Grandma, her maternal Grandma, her maternal Grandpa, her Mom, her sister and I were and are in Girl Scouts. Megan’s brother and Dad have also been active in Boy Scouts.”

Megan is the third member of the Plumley family to achieve the honor of receiving the highest award in Girl Scouts – The Gold Award.

“Through her project, Megan utilized the connections she has made in scouting to educate troops in composting at Cole Cabin,” her Mom said. “William’s brother was a member of Boy Scout Troop 131 and Megan also has friends in the troop. She was able to meet with them and educate them on the importance of bat and owl habitats as well as composting.”

“Through Scouting, and making connections and friendships in Scouts and in other aspects of her life, with both girls and adults, she had help with her project from local Girl Scout leaders and girls, a troop leader from Troop 131 (both teens and adults) and family.”

Megan has been in Girl Scouts since she was five years old and became a Daisy Scout. She currently is registered as an adult with her Troop in order to help or participate when she is able.

She sat on the Camp Liberty Girl Advisory Board in her sophomore, junior and seniors of high school at GHS, and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa Western Illinois Board of Directors during her last year of high school.

She has volunteered in different Geneseo Service Unit activities such as Easter basket and food drives for the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, cookie rallies and local Day Camp throughout the years.

Her mother added, “Megan has been mentored throughout her scouting by wonderful Girls Scout Leaders - Kathy Young, Taunya McGee, Jennifer Nelson, Board members and staff of GSEIWI and Resident Camp counselors while at Camp Liberty.”

When asked why she and her husband encouraged scouting in their family, Valerie replied, “Through our scouting experience, both Marshall and I encouraged our children to join scouting. Scouting not only gives individuals the chance to interact and develop friendships with numerous people, it develops leadership, communication, networking, artistic and STEM skills. Scouting opens many doors throughout one’s lifetime and gives scouts opportunities that they may never be able to do such as trips, serving their community and serving on Council Board’s as Megan accomplished.”

She continued, “Beyond encouraging our kids to try scouting, we ultimately left the choice of continuing with Scouts up to them as individuals. As parents, we are happy for Megan, and her siblings, that they had wonderful experiences in their scouting careers which they have carried into their adult lives in order to continue to serve others.”

Megan Plumley of Geneseo recently earned the Gold Award, the highest achievement within the Girls Scouts of the USA. Contributed Photo

Valentine Vocalists 2024 at GHS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Several Geneseo High School students received singing telegrams on Wednesday, Feb. 14, in observance of Valentine’s Day. Student Council sponsors the event each year when students pay a minimal amount of money to hire groups of student vocalists from the high school choir to deliver Valentine’s Day greetings in song. Recipients of the Valentine greetings included, Dru Curcuru, seated, surrounded by, from left, Raelyn Bjorkman, Elizabeth Ramp, and Isablla Hainey; in back, Claire Kehoe, Alyssa Gentry, Kirsten Zimmerman, Imogene Greene, Carleigh Norton, Madison Ochs, Jill Corso and Addison Dykstra. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Geneseo High School students Lilly Johnson and Aaron Betcher received a singing telegram on Valentine’s Day from GHS vocalists, from left, Dylan Gehl, Tyler Holtzen, Cody Hensley, Bryce Anderson, Russell Brown, Paxton Sherbeyn, Preston Cartwright and Carter Eastburn. Photo by Claudia Loucks

GHS senior Jillian Beneke also received a singing telegram on Valentine’s Day from the vocalists. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Lil Poms Perform at GHS Boys’ Basketball Game

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

On Tuesday, the Geneseo High School Maplettes were joined by 80 “future Maplettes” for the Lil Pom performance at the GHS Boys’ Varsity Basketball game. The girls danced to music from the movie “Tangled.”: The routine was choreographed by GHS juniors Sophia Clifton and Ava DeWolfe. The Maplettes are coached by Lydia Reyburn and Yvonne Wayne. In the photo are, in front from left, Meya Pollock, Sophia Pollock, Lydia DeWolfe, Ava DeWolfe, Lauren Dietch and Sophia Clifton. Contributed Photo

Six-year-old Mattingly Lewis-Rayley poses for a photo prior to lining up for the Lil Pom performance at the GHS Boys’ Varsity Basketball game on Feb. 13. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Drum Solo!!! By Dan Dauw

President Biden

As to his age I can sympathize with him. I am the same age as the gentleman and my memory gets worse by the day. Long term not so much, but short term is yuk. What I don’t like is sometimes not remembering names of friends. Whether the president should be re-elected is up to you, the voter. Just my opinion, but I think we all would be better served by two younger choices.

Hard to Believe

I’m not sure when this happened, but an airliner was flying over Nevada when at 21,000 feet it hit a mallard duck. Now what the heck is a mallard flying at that extreme height? A little “Daffy” if you ask me. Anyway, it was the highest flight ever documented by a duck in our country.

Jokes

My wife is always taking health food to the extreme. Yesterday she took the carb-orator off our car. I just saw two dinosaurs crash their cars into each other. They were Tyrannosaurus wrecks.

Speaking of cars, if a car is chasing you, you’ll definitely get tired. However, if you chase a car, you’ll get “exhaust”ed.

Unusual Mating

During the winter male stoneflies crawl out of ice streams and tap their bellies on hollow branches. If a female stonefly is impressed by the drum solo, she taps back. Same here! That’s how I met Lorna.

Fly Fishing

I have to get back to this sport. My fly rod & reel have been dormant for too many years so I told myself it’s time to get back to fly fishing this summer. Andrew Sigwalt is quite the fly fisherman and ties his own flies. I’ll see if I can bum a few flies from him for panfishing. He fishes a lot on the Green River for smallmouth bass.

Hildalgo Express

I don’t know if there are enough good accolades about Notre Dame ladies BB player, Hannah Hildalgo. As a freshman, she already has set records at ND. Last week they played a good Louisville team and lost, but it wasn’t before she scored 30 points and got 7 steals. She is so much fun watching her on the hard boards. She has a lot of fans and I’m one of them. One more thing! They have an outstanding coach, Niele Ivey. For 42 years I officiated both girls and boys basketball on both sides of the Mississippi River (Iowa and Illinois) and in my opinion, Ivey and her staff get “the” best out of the players.

Boy Scout Breakfast

One last reminder that the Geneseo Boy Scout Troop 100 is having their “Annual Public Breakfast” on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The fundraiser is only $7.00 per person with children age 5 and under free. It is always a good thing to support both the Boys and Girls Scout organizations.

Quote of the Week

“There is no sport in hate when all the rage is on one side.” P.B. Shelley

Henry County Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) Awarded Funds

Henry County Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) Board has been awarded funds for Phase 41 under the National Board Program.

The selection was made by a National Board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; and the United Way of America. The decision of the Board was made from statistical information compiled by the State of Illinois and the Federal Government. The Henry County EFS Board consists of volunteers from throughout the County.

Under the terms of the grant, local Henry County Agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Henry County EFS has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds since the program began. The recipient Agencies have taken immediate care of more people than can be imagined. Presently four agencies received funds last year: Colona Township Pantry, Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, Salvation Army, and Orion Area Food Pantry. There are other Certified Agencies in Henry County who did not request funds.

Public or private voluntary agencies, which meet the five requirements listed above, and are interested in applying for EFS funds should contact Karen Doy by telephone at 309-721-1592. The deadline for requests is March 1, 2024.

Family Fun Night to Benefit Concordia Lutheran Academy

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

In an effort to raise funds to support the Concordia Lutheran Academy, there will be a “Family Fun Night, Euchre Style” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 316 South Oakwood Ave., Geneseo. The night will include a lasagna meal, Euchre Tournament, movies and crafts for the children. Childcare will be provided for children 12 years old and younger.

Free will donations will benefit Concordia Lutheran Academy.

Registration is necessary and may by made at the link: https://forms.gle/ENJoor7rzYjYfC649 so the committee in charge will know how much lasagna to prepare.

The Fattest Knight at King Arthur’s Round Table - By Dan Dauw

Valentine’s Dinner Feb 13th

Brought to you by those friendly Galva Kiwanis members. This event will be held on the day “before” Valentine’s Day. It will take place at the Galva American Legion from 5 to 7 p.m. The dinner includes New York strip steak, potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink for only $25.00 a person. Our engagement was on Valentine’s Day many moons ago. Oh, wait! Dale Collis lives in Galva. That’s okay, he probably doesn’t know how to get to the Legion anyway!!!

Boy Scout Breakfast

This is just a reminder that the Geneseo Boy Scout Troop 100 is having their “Annual Public Breakfast” on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will be held at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. This fundraiser is only $7.00 per person with kids age 5 & under free. Besides pancakes, sausages, applesauce, orange juice, milk and coffee, new this year will include scrambled eggs and hashbrowns. You won’t go home hungry that’s for sure!

Geneseo Ikes Meeting

This is also a reminder that the Geneseo Izaak Walton League will meet at their lodge on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 7 p.m. The public is invited. Refreshments provided.

Cold Water Creek Banquet

Another reminder I must mention here is the local chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will be hosting their annual banquet on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Lavender Crest Winery, Colona, IL. It begins at 4 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $55.00 per single, $35.00 for spouse or child age 15 or under. Ticket orderdeadline is February 21, 2024. For more information contact Cindy Jackson at 309-373-1154.

Geneseo Kiwanis Pancake Day

Lastly, ladies and gentlemen members of Kiwanis will hold their annual “Pancake Day” on Sunday, March 3rd at the Moose Lodge. I’m not sure on times and cost.

Hannah Hidalgo

In all my 42 years of officiating basketball this Notre Dame Freshman BB player is a blast to watch on the court. She is lightening fast and plays the game with such intensity. She leads the league in steals (106 as of this writing). On Sunday, Feb 4th, ND played Pitt. The first half her offense was not the greatest and she got so frustrated ND Coach Ivy took her out of the game for a few minutes to settle her down. Her defense was excellent, but that was not good enough for her. The second half she was awesome on the court (22 points) and she is only a freshman. She is a “take charge” player and so fun to watch. I’d like to see ND get to the big dance, but the South Carolina women’s BB team are really, really good.

No Ice Fishing

Unless you can walk on water, best forget about it. I think this is the third or fourth January in a row the Geneseo Ikes had to cancel their annual ice fishing derby because of unsafe ice. Yes, the mild temps have been nice, but for those merchants that depend on the snow months, things may not so grand. Other than those heavy snows we had for a few days, I wonder how the soil moisture is for farmers? We’ve still a fair amount of winter to go before March 19th, so who knows at this point what Mother Nature has in store for us?

Things you may not know

  1. According to the Wildlife Society, cats kill about 2.4 million birds per year.

Which reminds me the other day I saw a beautiful black ‘n white cat in our backyard.

  1. A vampire bat will die if it does not have a meal of blood within 2 or 3 days. Not sure how that works for Dracula?

  2. Hard to believe this, but the average American will eat the equivalent of 28 pigs in their lifetime. Maybe that’s why we don’t see Porky Pig anymore.

  3. Rhinos belong to the same family as horses. Whales are more closely related to Hippos.

  4. Turkeys can see color. It is said they can fly as fast as 60 m.p.h.

Humor

The fattest knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Conference. He acquired his size from eating too much “pi.”

A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

Quote of the Week

“Though the people support the government, the government should not support the people.” Grover Cleveland

Teen Life Skills Program at First Methodist Church – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Jeff DeMay of Geneseo has created a “BIBLE” Boot Camp to teach today’s teens about Home Basics and Repairs.

Sessions are open to all area high school students and are conducted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Campus (His Place) of First Methodist Church, 302 North State St., Geneseo. There is no cost to participate, and lunch is provided. The curriculum is expressly designed to be hands-on

DeMay, who is a former Junior Achievement mentor, explained, “BIBLE, which uses the letters from Basic Life Habit Building Experience, gives teens the chance to learn the best practice for many things our generation took for granted, like knowing how to change your own tire, the basics of cooking, baking, or grilling, understanding government and voting, or even fixing a hole in your wall or knowing what to do with a clogged drain.”

He said he hoped to begin the sessions on Jan. 13, but due to inclement weather conditions, that was not possible. The next scheduled session is Saturday, Feb. 17 and registration is required.

“What that means, though, is that all who wanted to participate in Auto Basics will still have that opportunity on April 6,” DeMay said.

For more information or to register for any or all of the future sessions, contact Jeff DeMay at 309-714-3390 or by email at jdemay80@gmail.com. Preregistration is necessary by the Sunday prior to each event. There is a signup sheet at the First Methodist Church Information Desk. The sessions cannot exceed 25 high school participants and do not need to be a member of First Methodist Church to participate. The South Campus facility is located just south of First Methodist Church.

SCHEDULED SESSIONS:

-OUTDOOR SKILLS – SATURDAY, FEB. 17 – Will be held at the Izaak Walton League Club, 22970 Illinois Rt. 82, Geneseo: Participants will learn safety of hunting and fishing equipment, how to bait a hook, how to start a fire, and how to survive the elements. Guest speakers will include Wayne Peterson and Kent Anderson, both avid sportsmen.

-CITIZENSHIP BASICS – SATURDAY, FEB. 24 – Participants will learn how to appropriately act when seeing the flag and color guard, learn about voting registration and the process itself, become involved with local government, and explore The Constitution.

-FINANCE BASICS – SATURDAY, MARCH 9 – Participants will learn how to check debits and credits against their bank statement, balance a checkbook, and set a reasonable budget for monthly household expenses. Guest speakers include Roger Eickman, CPA, Oakwood Tax Services.

-COOKING AND GRILLING BASICS – SATURDAY, MARCH 23 – Participants will learn how to grill with a charcoal and start the fire or change the gas cylinder on the grill and how to appropriately check meat temperatures. Participants also will learn other meal basic and dine on the end results. Guest speakers will include Kim and Chris Schwarzkopf of “A Spotted Apron.”

-AUTO BASICS – SATURDAY, APRIL 6 – Participants will learn how to safely maintain a vehicle including how to check fluid levels. They also will be taught how to handle adversities on the road, such as a blown tire. Guest speakers include Matt McKinley of Turpin Motors, Geneseo.

-CELEBRATION OF COMPLETION – SATURDAY, APRIL 13 – FROM 11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. – Percipients will use this time of celebration to talk about all forms of relationships and the importance of these relationships in their future. This time of sharing will include lunch and open conversation.

Working are Hannah McGee and Alex Aleman

Jeff DeMay with Alex Aleman

Cooper Schaad

Dylan Haser

Finn Schaad

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) proudly announces the election of Andrew Thurman as the 2024 Chair of its Board of Directors.

Heather Weishaar
Communications & Marketing Director
Illinois Parks & Recreation Association
heather@ILipra.org
708.588.2280

La Grange, IL – The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) proudly announces the election of Andrew Thurman as the 2024 Chair of its Board of Directors. 

Andrew Thurman grew up in Geneseo, Illinois and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Leisure, Youth and Human Service. His career began at the Lake Bluff Park District, and in 2014, he accepted the position of Superintendent of Recreation at the Geneseo Park District. There, he was very involved in the construction of the John & Carla Edwards Aquatic Center, which received the IPRA Outstanding Facilities and Park Award in 2018. In 2016, he accepted the Executive Director position in Geneseo. Under his leadership, they’ve made refurbishments to the gymnasium, worked collaboratively with local organizations, and introduced numerous free community events, made possible through the Geneseo Park District Foundation's support.

 Andy, his wife Morgan, and their two children love spending time camping, hiking and just being outside. He is also an avid runner, and in 2022, he completed his first half ironman! Andrew serves on the boards of the Geneseo Youth Baseball/Softball Association and the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he is honored to be a Geneseo Rotarian, contributing to the betterment of Geneseo’s vibrant community.

 Reflecting on his upcoming role, ‘I’m honored to serve as Chair of the IPRA Board. The foundation has been set by those before me, and with a new Strategic Plan and a vibrant, engaging staff we are excited for the future’ – Andrew Thurman, CPRP

 ‘We are thrilled and fortunate that Andy will be serving as IPRA Board Chair this year. With his extensive background and knowledge of the field and the association, he is the perfect leader to help guide staff as we embark on a new strategic plan,’ – Suzi Wirtz, IOM, Executive Director.

‘I personally am excited to work with him and the entire IPRA Board to develop and achieve the goals necessary to continue advancing this important profession.’

 Established in 1944, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association serves nearly 3,000 park, recreation, and conservation professionals throughout the state, and is a national leader in providing premier education, networking, and resources. For more information about IPRA, its board and mission, please visit the IPRA website: www.ILipra.org.

Andy Thurman. Submitted

Richmond Hill Players Scholarships Available

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Richmond Hill Players have announced two scholarships, which have been named the “John VanDeWoestyne Players Scholarships,” available to qualifying seniors. Each is a $500 scholarship, payable at the beginning of the recipient’s first year of post-secondary education.

   To be eligible, applicants must meet the criteria of:

  -Must be a graduating senior in the spring of 2024.

  -Must be planning post high school education.

  -Must have had experience with Richmond Hill Players prior to applying for either of the scholarships.

  -There is no requirement of area of study.

  -Applications must be received by Richmond Hill Players by Feb. 29, 2024.

-All applications will be reviewed and finalists may be scheduled for an interview.

  -Applications are available by searching “Richmond Hill Players in Geneseo, Illinois.” Additional information and the applications are at that site.