Do Your Duty and Leave the Rest to Heaven - By Dan Dauw

Davenport Gun & Knife Show

This show will be held on March 2 & 3, 2024, at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $6.00. I don’t need any firearms, but I’m always curious to see what dealers are asking on similar guns that I do own.

Geneseo Kiwanis Pancakes

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

Saukenauk BPS Gun Range

Of which I am a member. With the recent nice temperatures we’ve been having I decided to see how accurate a WW2 Browning High-Power pistol is? I’ve owned it for many years. What is unusual about the pistol is that it has an adjustable tangent rear sight.
Most of those models did not have that type of sight. Long story short, it was really accurate at 25 yards. Those Belgians, who manufactured it, knew what they were doing. Although at the time the Nazis occupied Belgium.

March Madness Women’s BB

The 2024 ACC Tournament will be held on March 6 – 10, 2024. There are so many good women teams, and not just in the ACC. Of course, I’m for those blue ‘n gold, Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. They are really good and fun to watch, but I’m not so naïve as to think they’ll win it all. However, the games do have to be played, right?!

Joke

The other day I bought Lorna a talking bird for her birthday. It could speak seven languages and it cost me a mint. I had the bird sent to her and when I got home I asked her, “Did you get the bird I sent you?” She answered, “Yes. I already have it in the oven.” I yelled, “What? That bird could speak seven languages!” Lorna said, “Then why didn’t it say anything?”

All Aboard!

Steam operated trains on the Rock Island Line were replaced with gas-electric units in 1929. Steam engines continued on freight trains until December 12, 1952, when diesel locomotives took over. My dad loved trains and so did I. I still have my .027 gauge Lionel trains set-up on our ping-pong table. I can just remember steam engines and the “Round House” across from Moline’s Riverside Pond.
We used to ride the RI “Rocket” to the Iowa games and back. It was so much fun. I remember the passenger cars did a lot of “rock ‘n roll.” If you’ve ever rode the rails on the high-speed train in Europe you know how technology has really improved the passenger’s comfort zone!

Humor

  1. What do you get when you grill a Barbie doll? A Barbieque.

2. Lorna is a school tutor and flute tutor. She taught the flute to two tooters to toot. Said the two to Lorna the tutor, “Is it easier to toot or to tutor two tooters to toot?”

3. What do you call a man with a car on his head? Ans: Jack

Quote of the Week

“Do your duty and leave the rest to heaven!” Pierre Comeille

Geneseo Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast Sunday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Kiwanis Club members Ray Bergles, left, and Wayne Stone will help serve at the annual Pancake Day on Sunday, March 3, at Geneseo Moose Lodge, 1025 South State St. The breakfast menu will be served from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tickets, at $7 for adults and $3 for children 10 years and younger, are available in advance from Kiwanis Club members, Geneseo High School Key Club members, members of Boy Scout Troop 131, or at the door on the day of the event. Carry-out meals are available and the menu includes pancakes, sausage and “all the trimmings.” All proceeds are used to support club projects including Boy Scouts, Fun Day at the Geneseo Swimming Pool, Doo Dah Parade, scholarships, Neuroscience Research Foundation, Key Club and Builders Club. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Black History Displays at Geneseo Historical Museum - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Even though February is designated as Black History Month, there are displays year-round at the Geneseo Historical Museum that trace the struggle of the slaves in this area.

In the display where Snook is shown wearing the shackles, there are books, photographs, maps of cities in Illinois that located abolitionists that helped on the Freedom Trail.

There also is a small bottle of arsenic that the slaves carried and would drink if they were captured, as Snook explained they would rather die from drinking the arsenic than be taken back into slavery.

A trip down the stairs at the museum leads visitors to the rooms where the slaves slept and were cared for, and another small room contains a hidden stairwell and the “hiding hole,” where those in captivity would hide in fear of being captured.

Snook explained that many people are not aware that what is referred to the “underground railroad” that runs under the museum, is not really a railroad, but a term referred to by the slaves to conceal their path to freedom – (hiding hole)….”The name ‘underground railroad’ was chosen because that time period also was the time when trains were beginning to run throughout the United States,” she said.

Angie Snook, curator/director of the Geneseo Historical Museum, is shown at one of the displays in the Education Wing of the museum. She is wearing the shackles that were used to contain the slaves so they could not escape when chained to either a wagon or a brick wall. That same pair of shackles was found in the hiding hole in the basement of the museum. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Sometime between 1855 – 1865

Snook has copies of memorabilia that include the following documentation from Harriett Cone Miller, whose father was the conductor in Geneseo’s “underground railroad.”

She estimated it was written in late 1850’s or early 1860’s.

“I can recall instances where poor blacks on their way to freedom stopped at my father’s house for aid, and of their being entertained at night in Deacon Ward’s attic, and being sent on to Linden, which was a station on the underground railway. Those were stirring times. I remember once when Father Stewart kept the only hotel here that a master came with his overseer and both of them sat out on the veranda all day, watching the Ward residence, expecting to be able to locate their property (slaves), while the fugitives, dressed in women’s apparel, made their way out by the back door and were ‘on their way to Canada where colored men are free.’ We can thank God those days are past, never to return. Our settlers did their part in the great awakening.”

(The house referred as Miller’s father’s house was located in what is now First Lutheran Church parking lot).

Angie Snook is shown sitting on the steps to the entrance to the “hiding hole,” located in the basement of the Geneseo Historical Museum. The museum is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday or by appointment. Mrs. Snook said there have been numerous area school groups touring the museum during February and many more tours are scheduled in March. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Distinguished Alumni and Academic Scholars To Be Honored Feb. 29 at GHS - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Area residents are invited to meet the Distinguished Alumni from Geneseo High School, as well as the current academic scholars at GHS at Academic Scholar Night.

The event, which will be two separate programs, is Thursday, Feb. 29, at GHS. The Distinguished Alumni program will be held at 5 p.m. in the Joseph and Marilyn DePauw Theater, and the Academic Scholar Night will begin at 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall at the high school.

Current GHS students to be recognized at the ceremony include members of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Illinois State Scholars and AP Scholars.

The 2024 Distinguished Alumni Inductees:

EDITH DUNHAM FOSTER

GILBERT PRITCHARD

ANDREW NASH

WILLIAM OGDEN FARBER

ROBERT E.P. CHERRY

MARVIN KLEINAU

GREG HINRICHSEN

GARY STAHL

TOM HOLTZ

-Edith Dunham Foster –Class of 1882 –Foster left an incredible mark on the world of cinema and education. She was an American educational filmmaker who played a pivotal role as the editor of the Motion Picture Community Bureau. This Bureau was instrumental in providing the films that were viewed by American Armed Forces during World War I.

Even after the conclusion of World War I, her dedication to the realm of cinema and education persisted. She continued to collaborate with her son, a patent attorney and inventor, working on the production of educational films and contributing to the ongoing evolution of motion picture apparatus.

-Gilbert (Gib) Pritchard – Class of 1922 – Gilbert J. Pritchard made substantial contributions to the community of Geneseo throughout his life. From 1928 to 1975, he served as an International Harvester dealer, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the local business scene.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Pritchard played a crucial role in education, serving on the school board during the establishment of the district Post-World War II. His commitment extended to the realm of telecommunications, where he contributed to the Geneseo Telephone Co. as a past member and president of the board, but also made his mark in banking on the Central Trust and Savings Bank Board.

-In addition to his business and professional roles, Pritchard participated in community organizations and was one of the original sponsors of Little League baseball in Geneseo.

-Andrew Nash – Class of 1993 – Col. Andrew J. Nash is Director of Operations (A3) at the Arkansas National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Camp Robinson, AR. With 23 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, he coordinates military and emergency response operations for the Arkansas Air National Guard.

Col. Nash was born and raised in Geneseo and after graduating from college in 1998 with an engineering degree, he received his Air Force Officer Commission in 2001 and has held various command positions, including the 33rd Fighter Wing Detachment 1 Commander and the 188th Wing Detachment 1 Commander.

Nash has flown numerous combat missions in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He served as an Instructor Pilot in the A-10, Aircraft Commander in the C-135, and has been recognized with multiple awards, including the meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, NASA Aircraft Operations Top Engineer Award and Combat Readiness Medal.

Col. Nash holds civilian credentials as an Airbus 330 First Officer with a major commercial airline. He has pursued extensive education, including completion of Air War College in 2022, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

-William Ogden Farber – Class of 1928 - William Ogden “Doc” Farber was an American political scientist, professor emeritus at the University of South Dakota, and founder of the South Dakota Legislative Research council. Notable protégés that credit his teachings as influences include Tom Brokaw, Al Neuharth, Dennis Daugaard, Dusty Johnson and Pat O’Brien.

After graduating as valedictorian from Geneseo Public High School in 1928, he received a BA cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1932 from Northwestern University in Chicago. He continued at Northwestern while he earned his Master’s and distinguished himself as a Harris Scholar. In 1935, Farber completed his formal education when he received a Ph. D from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.

He began his career as a professor of political science at the University of South Dakota in 1935, where he served as the chair of the Department of Government (now the Department of Political Science) until 1976. During his tenure at the university, he founded several organizations dedicated to advancing research in government.

Farber created the University’s Government Bureau and founded the South Dakota Legislative Research Council, serving as its first director. In addition, he served as chair of the Vermillion City Planning Commission and was a leading member of South Dakota’s constitutional Revision and Local Government Study Commissions.

He also served many roles outside of the university setting and was the author of several articles and books.

-Robert E.P. Cherry – Class of 1942 – Robert E.P. Cherry dedicated his entire life to the sporting goods industry. His journey began at age 15 when he joined his father’s business, Cherry’s Sporting Goods in 1939 in Geneseo. After his father’s death in 1950, Cherry assumed ownership and continued at the helm until he decided to sell the business in 1986. His connection to the industry remained strong, and in 1989, he repurchased his business, ultimately passing it on to his son Kevin.

Since 1986, Cherry served as an independent consultant to the sporting goods.

In 1951, he made a mark in the industry by founding the commemorative gun industry with the introduction of the Colt Geneseo, Illinois 125th Anniversary Deringer. This pioneering creation marked the inception of commemorative guns and solidified Cherry’s reputation as the foremost authority on the subject worldwide.

Over the years he expanded the concept and his influence extended beyond creation, as he published a comprehensive book on commemorative guns in 1973 and contributed numerous articles to magazines and periodicals.

He was a member of Colt Firearms’ 11-Man Commemorative Committee. He was widely known as an appraiser of fine firearms. In 1987, he appraised the Smith & Wesson factory museum collection for Smith & Wesson.

-Marvin Kleinau – Class of 1948 – Marvin Kleinau was involved in all activities, including football, track, golf, debate and individual speech contests. He was a state qualifier finishing second in debate and fourth in extemporaneous speaking and was one of four students selected for the National Honor Society and the only boy. He was president of his class and president of the National Honor Society.

Kleinau attended Illinois State University in Bloomington where he was active in debate, extempore and theater.

He served two years in the U.S. Army and returning to Geneseo, Kleinau taught speech and history, winning the sectional tournament for the first time in the history of the Geneseo school.

In 1961, he accepted a scholarship to begin his Ph.D. studies at Southern Illinois University. In addition, he taught for two years at the University High School, organizing a speech competition program combined with an existing debate program. IN 1963, he became a faculty member in the SIY Department of Speech and was made the SIU Director of Forensics.

Kleinau was awarded the Mobile Outstanding Teaching Award as a result of student evaluations. He was appointed by the Chancellor to chair the Program Evaluation Committee and also was appointed by the Chancellor to chair the North Central Accreditation Team. Kleinau was awarded the Board of Trustees Distinguished Service honor in 1993. He chaired the Speech Department for 10 years and was named the interim dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts in 1989.

He received the Amoco Award as the top SIU undergraduate teacher in 1977 and has written debate books with Dick Hunsaker and nine manuals while he directed workshops.

In 1977, Kleinau was ordained an Elder in the Community of Christ Church. In addition to serving as pastor of the congregation, he was elected to serve as President of the Southeast District, serving 10 years. In 1984, he was ordained a High Priest and in 1991 was ordained an evangelist.

-Greg Hinrichsen – Class of 1970 – Greg Hinrichsen’s journey has been marked by a series of notable achievements and contributions. In his high school years, he served as a page in the United States Senate, setting the stage for a life dedicated to service and education. His academic pursuits led him to graduate from Harvard College and subsequently earn a Doctorate in Psychology from New York University. Over a span of 45 years, he carved a niche for himself as a psychologist specializing in aging, engaging in a multifaceted career.

Throughout his professional tenure, he played pivotal roles in various domains of psychology. He not only offered clinical services, but also delved into research, directed psychology internship and fellowship programs, and made significant contributions to public policy.

His career extends to his former position as the national director for Community Mental Health in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, highlighting his dedication to addressing mental health issues in the veteran community.

Currently, Hinrichsen holds the position of Clinical Professor of Geriatrics at Mt. Sinai Medical School in New York City, where he has resided since 1977. This role showcases his ongoing commitment to education and geriatric care. Hinrichsen’s life story is one of continuous dedication to the betterment of mental health services, research, and education, making him a notable figure in the field of psychology and aging.

-Gary Stahl – Class of 1978 - Gary Stahl has led a distinguished career in international development and humanitarian efforts. His journey with UNICEF began in 1994 when he assumed the role of coordinator for Emergency Operations in Southwest Rwanda, overseeing vital program activities for 400,000 displaced individuals.

His moved to Kigali in 1995, taking on the role of Chief of Field Operations.

In April, 2000, Stahl transitioned to a position as the Chief Operating Officer, VP, of Programs, and Treasurer at the Net Aid Foundation in New York and his responsibilities expanded to encompass a broader spectrum of programs and operational functions.

He went on to serve as the UNICEF representative in Managua, Nicaragua, and took on the role of Deputy Director of UNICEF’s Public Alliances and Resource Mobilization Office in New York until August 2009.

In September of 2009, Stahl assumed the role of UNICEF representative to the government of Chile, and this position underscored his skills and ability to navigate complex international relationships for the betterment of children’s welfare.

-Tom Holtz – Class of 1986 – Tom Holtz embarked on a musical career that spanned more than two decades with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. His musical journey began in elementary school in Geneseo, setting the stage for a path in music. After graduating from Geneseo in 1986, he pursued his passion at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.

Sgt. Holtz faced an initial setback when he wasn’t selected after his first audition in 1989. He persevered, auditioning again in 1991 and securing a coveted spot as one of six tuba players in the Marine Band.

Established in 1978, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band stands as the nation’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization, based at the Marine Barracks in Washington D.C.

Throughout his tenure with the band, Holtz performed at countless concerts in the Washington D.C. region and more than 3,000 concerts across the country during seven national tours. Additionally, he participated in over 1,000 full honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. A pinnacle of his career included performances at Presidential inaugurations.

Tom Holtz’s journey exemplifies a dedication to musical excellence and a profound contribution to the cultural fabric of the nation.

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