Abigail Frank Awarded Richard C. Keith Scholarship

Kelly Field
IMT Insurance
kelly.field@imtins.com
515-453-0362

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA, Month Date, year — IMT Insurance, a leading Midwest provider of personal and commercial insurance products, is pleased to announce that Abigail Frank has been selected to receive a $1,000 Richard C. Keith Scholarship.

Abigail, student of Heidi Frank, an IMT agent with Hanford Insurance Agency in Geneseo, IL, is a recent graduate of Geneseo High School and will attend University of Nebraska in the fall.

The Richard C. Keith Scholarship program reflects IMT’s unwavering commitment to education and youth development. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors, undergraduate, trade school and higher education students, who are active in their schools and communities. The recipients also demonstrate a high level of academic success.

IMT Insurance is proud to support outstanding students and their pursuit of further education.

The Richard C. Keith Scholarship program is a tradition IMT is eager to continue for years to come.

From the Village of Atkinson

ADVISORY: On Wednesday, May 8th, water will be shut off from 7:30am-5pm for all residents heading North down Washington St. to 2nd St., and from Washington to Church St. A boil order will follow until further notice.

On Thursday, May 9th, water will be shut off from 7:30am-5pm for all residents North of Route 6 and West of State St. This is for a valve replacement. A boil order will follow until further notice.

The Henry & Stark County Health Department & First Choice Healthcare Note Children’s Mental Health Week, May 5th-11th

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
MAY 3, 2024

The Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare announces that May 5-11, 2024 has been designated as Children’s Mental Health Week. This nationally recognized observance aims to increase public acceptance, educate communities, and expand the general public’s understanding of children’s mental health needs and its resulting impact on their parents, caregivers, and families across the lifespan. 

     Children’s Mental Health Week allows all of us to celebrate children of any age while promoting the importance of their mental health as well as their need for services and acceptance that support recovery, resilience, and success for children and their families. 

     Consider the following Children & Youth Mental & Behavioral Health Facts: 

·         1 in 6 US youth experience mental illness each year, and only half of them receive treatment.

·         50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

·   Among US Adolescents (aged 12-17) – 1 in 6 experienced a major depressive episode in the last year.

·   3 million US Adolescents had serious thoughts of suicide.

·   The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.

·   60% of Americans are concerned about the stigma and around mental illness. 

     With limited resources for mental health in our community it is now more important than ever to provide individuals with the behavioral and mental health support they need.  Our own Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Mental Health Therapists, Nurses and supportive staff are pleased to be able to offer this support to our community.  

     There are many reasons an individual may seek treatment.  Our providers are prepared to support patients aged 5 and above who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse and addictions, behavior problems, bipolar disorder, family/parenting issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and other related disorders, sexual assault, suicide prevention, trauma and loss. 

      For more information on Behavioral and Mental Health services or to schedule an appointment simply call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272! Help and understanding are just a phone call away.

Blood Drive May 7 at Geneseo First Methodist

First Methodist Church of Geneseo is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, May 7, 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).

Hammond-Henry Hospital Staff Members Charlet and Brieser Complete Statewide Hospital Leadership Fellowships - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Two Hammond-Henry Hospital staff members recently completed the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN”S) Rural Health Fellowship during ceremonies held in Springfield.

Heather Charlet, HHH Chief Nursing Officer, and Wyatt Brieser, Vice President of Operations, participated in a six-month leadership program designed for new and emerging C-suite and C-suite track individuals from Illinois’ critical access and rural hospitals or other rural health organizations.

Information received from Hammond-Henry states, “ICAHN selects no more than 20 highly motivated individuals from its membership of 58 hospitals to participate in the annual Fellowship program. Each of the 20 new and emerging hospital leaders is paired with an experienced rural health leader throughout the duration of the Fellowship.”

“As a Fellow, you gain a deeper appreciation of what sets rural healthcare apart from urban and a greater understanding of what rural healthcare leaders are called to do in their positions,” said Kathy Fauble, ICAHN Professional Education Services Director. “The Fellowship focuses on four key pillars: rural health, operations, finance, and healthcare leadership, and will transform thinking while also challenging the Fellows to grow as leaders.”

A key element of the Fellowship includes participation building, planning, and implementing a rural healthcare project designed to specifically benefit the participants own hospitals.

Charlet’s project focused on the creation and implementation of a leadership orientation tool, and Brieser’s project focused on provider re-engagement initiatives.

Heather Charlet with her project

Charlet explained, “Due to tenured managers retiring and organizational change, Hammond-Henry Hospital has several new leaders in a variety of roles. This led to evaluation of our leadership orientation process and recognition of the need for a comprehensive tool capturing each department’s impact on the hospital for success. Feedback from new managers was obtained, with areas of strengths and weaknesses indentified. Information was gathered and analyzed and led to the development of the new leadership orientation checklist and resources needed for success.”

Brieser explained his project focused on the national trend of provider disengagement driven by poor inclusion practices. To remove the potential for disengagement at Hammond-Henry Hospital, Brieser scheduled monthly meetings between family practice/walk-in care providers, administration, and ancillary service managers.

Wyatt Brieser with his project

Brieser continued, “ Under Hammond-Henry’s new leadership directives, it was identified that our providers may not have been afforded the level of communication or collaboration that was expected,” said Brieser. “Education embedded within ICAHN’s Fellowship Program provided a more nationally identified picture of provider disengagement and lack of long-term commitment to organizations, which is driven (at least in part) by a perception of reduced efforts to include them in strategic decision-making to meet their patient’s needs. This phenomenon is something that we hope to remove entirely from Hammond-Henry Hospital. We have talented providers that are passionate about their patient’s health and well-being. We plan to collaborate with each of them to meet our hospital mission: to improve the quality of life in our communities through excellence in healthcare.””

According to the information received from the hospital, both Charlet’s and Brieser’s projects have been successfully implemented at Hammond-Henry, even before the conclusion of ICAHN”S Fellowship program. To date, final revisions and new phases of both projects continue to emerge.

Hammond-Henry Hospital is a member of the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network. ICAHN”S Fellowship program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRAA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Long Chicago-Quad Cities Amtrak service impasse illustrates hurdles for new routes: Analysis

By Bob Johnston | April 29, 2024

Federal grant from 2011 set to expire in December

The former Rock Island depot in Geneseo, Ill., once a flag stop for the Rocky Mountain Rocket, in August 2020. The Illinois DOT confirms Geneseo will get a new platform as a stop on Chicago-Quad Cities service. Bob Johnston

MOLINE, Ill. — Among the 69 projects receiving Federal Railroad Administration Corridor Identification and Development Program grants last December was a familiar route: Chicago-Quad Cities.

Familiar because that route, in addition to being among the recipients of the $500,000 Corridor ID grant [see “Full list of passenger routes …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 8, 2023], was touted in a January 2008 press release from the United Transportation Union’s Illinois legislative board director. The release highlighted the $23 million price to reestablish service to Moline and Rock Island, Ill., across the Mississippi River from Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa.

Amtrak completed a route study in December, 2007. “The one-time investment in capital improvements and $6 million in operating support,” according to the release, would provide two daily round trips. The route would utilize 111 miles of BNSF’s already Amtrak-active former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy main line between Chicago and Wyanet, Ill., where a new connection would access 48 miles of regional Iowa Interstate’s ex-Rock Island rails into downtown Moline.

Most of the investment would restore signaling and upgrades to Iowa Interstate track that would allow 79-mph operation, and build a $6 million connection and interlocking west of Wyanet where the two routes are grade separated.

With the Chicago-Quad Cities figures in hand, the Iowa Department of Transportation sponsored an April 2008 study projecting a 58-mile extension to Iowa City. The report explored revenue and ridership impacts that varied depending on the amount of signal and track investment undertaken before positive train control became a requirement.

A map included in 2008 Iowa Department of Transportation study shows the proposed Chicago-Quad Cities route (highlighting the planned connection at Wyanet, Ill.), as well as a then-proposed extension to Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa DOT

What happened? That UTU state legislative director, Joseph Szabo, became FRA Administrator in the Obama Administration under DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, a Republican from Peoria who served in the Illinois legislature and U.S. House of Representatives. With that political firepower, the Chicago-Iowa City route was awarded $177 million in 2011 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn pledged $78 million from the his “Illinois Jobs Now” program and Iowa Gov. Chet Culver’s administration planned to contribute $20.6 million. But both were replaced by Republican governors who halted their investments before talks with Iowa Interstate progressed, though capacity improvements at BNSF’s Eola Yard east of Aurora moved forward and were eventually completed.

Nevertheless, the city of Moline moved forward on building an intermodal facility to accommodate trains; it and the adjoining Element Hotel opened in 2018. Iowa never showed any continuing interest.

The Moline, Ill., intermodal station, completed in 2018, still lacks a platform, tracks, and passenger trains on Aug. 6, 2020. Bob Johnston

With Democrat J.B. Pritzker recapturing the Illinois governorship in 2019, an additional $225 million in state funding was allocated to completion of the project, but the $177 million federal grant, set to expire in 2020, received an extension to Dec. 31, 2024.

With that date looming, there is still no agreement between Iowa Interstate and IDOT on the amount and nature of improvements required to launch service, so it is unclear what the additional $500,000 of planning money can accomplish other than making it eligible for future investment.

Trains News Wire has periodically made inquiries of both parties with a list of specific questions regarding costs, investment, and compensation Iowa Interstate is requesting.

In a Feb. 27, 2024, email, Iowa Interstate President and CEO Joe Parsons says, “We do remain in contact with IDOT related to the proposed Quad Cities service. However, our agreement with IDOT prohibits us from discussing negotiations publicly.”

He had been sent responses from an IDOT email that stated:

On July 15, 2016, the eastbound Illinois Zephyr speeds past the open field at right where a connection to the Iowa Interstate is to be built. Bob Johnston

— The scope and cost of Iowa Interstate improvements, including the Wyanet connection, were still being negotiated. “Once an agreement has been reached, we will be able to complete preliminary engineering on the connection.” In January 2014, an IDOT official who now works for Amtrak told Quad Cities Online that preliminary engineering “was almost complete.”

— The state agency told the Quad City Times in 2023 that improvements Iowa Interstate was demanding were “cost prohibitive,” but IDOT would only tell News Wire, “Negotiations between IDOT, IAIS, and the FRA are active and ongoing, and we are not able to comment further on the details. There is weekly contact among the parties.”

— No timeline for completion has been established pending an agreement with Iowa Interstate, but “by way of comparison, the Chicago-Rockford passenger rail project has construction starting in 2025 and service is anticipated to begin by the end of 2027,” IDOT says. Preliminary agreements between the agency, Union Pacific, and operator Metra for that service are already in place.

— Regarding the $177 million federal grant’s upcoming expiration, IDOT says, “We are working with the FRA to [further] extend the date and are hopeful we will be able to reach agreement.” A portion of ARRA funding designated for Chicago-Quad Cities was used for equipment procurement, and IDOT did not volunteer how much money remains.

Transparent information about costs and negotiation nitty-gritty has been stuck behind a shield of confidentiality for more than 15 years. The agency tells News Wire, “IDOT is not eligible to take the case to the Surface Transportation Board.” But even if Amtrak makes that attempt on behalf of the traveling public, ongoing travails from the delayed New Orleans-Mobile Gulf Coast startup aren’t encouraging.

There may be many good reasons why Iowa Interstate, IDOT, and the FRA can’t come to an agreement that has taken 16 years (so far) to reach. At this point, another $500,000 from the Corridor ID program won’t necessarily make that happen.

UPDATE - City Hall Parking Lot Resurfacing

UPDATE: The City of Geneseo, Illinois will be closing the parking lot NORTH of City Hall tomorrow morning and it will remain closed on Friday. The lot will open for the weekend and close again next to complete the project. The sidewalks around City Hall will remain open.

Starting Monday, May 29th the north lot at City Hall will be closed for resurfacing and painting. The closure is expected to last through Thursday May 2nd, weather permitting.

Nash Bean Ford & Brown Announces Comprehensive Estate Planning Workshop Series

Geneseo, IL – Nash Bean Ford & Brown, a local firm focusing on estate planning and trust administration is thrilled to announce a series of engaging and informative workshops. These sessions are designed to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary for effectively preserving their legacy through means of wills and trusts personalized for them. The workshops will be held across various locations in Illinois and Iowa, starting from June 6 through to August 8, 2024.

The series kicks off on Thursday, June 6, at 6:30 pm at the Hyatt House in East Moline, IL, followed by sessions on Tuesday, June 11, at the Stoney Creek Hotel in Moline, IL, and Wednesday, June 12, at the Holiday Inn Express in Moline, IL. The workshops will continue in July, with a session on Tuesday, July 16, at the Mississippi River Distilling Co. Celebration Center in LeClaire, IA. Additional July workshops will be held at the Cambria Hotel in Bettendorf, IA, on Wednesday, July 17, and at the Camden Centre in Milan, IL, on Thursday, July 18. The series will conclude with sessions in August at Wisdom Financial in Geneseo, IL, on Tuesday, August 6, Harvest Bakery & More in Erie, IL, on Wednesday, August 7, and the Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport, IA, on Thursday, August 8. Each workshop begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

The workshops, led by the experienced attorneys at Nash Bean Ford & Brown, will cover a wide range of critical topics, including wills and trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and the latest in estate planning strategies and laws. These sessions are perfect for anyone looking to begin their estate planning journey or hoping to update their existing plans. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized advice tailored to their unique situations. They will also be able to sign up for a free estate planning consultation with their preferred attorney at the conclusion of the workshop.

Space for each workshop is limited, so interested participants are encouraged to register early. To reserve your spot, please visit our website or contact our office directly. Join Nash Bean Ford & Brown for these enlightening workshops and take the first step towards securing your legacy.

For more information, please contact:

Nash Bean Ford & Brown
309-944-2188
info@nashbeanford.com
5030 38th Ave. Suite 2 Moline, IL 61265
445 US Hwy 6 E Geneseo, IL 61254

Birdman of Henry County - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Israelis & Palestinians

Years ago, when I was in my ‘20s, I traveled to Israel, Jordan and Lebanon. That certainly does not make me an authority on the terror that is going on in the middle east, but my opinion is this. I think we Americans should side with Israel. One thing that isn’t talked about much is that for many, many years both the Arabs and Jews claim the land Israel calls their own.
It could be that both sides do have a legitimate claim to that land. That is no excuse for Hamas and others to kill Jewish people. In 1948 the Jews fought a war to win their independence. The students who riot and cause hatred against Jews are wrong. Like it or not, Israel is not going away and more blood will continue to spill on the disputed land. Somehow, someday the devil’s sword must be broken and tossed in the Med.

The 2024 Draft

‘Da Bears did quite good in the recent NFL draft. QB Caleb Williams from USC and Rome Odunze, WR, from Washington, should certainly help the offense. Willliams will have 4 really good receivers to gain yardage.
Unfortunately, their defense is suspect. I think both Detroit and Minnesota will see marked improvements over last season. Let’s hope the same can be said with the Bears!!!

Bye-bye, Illinois

I read recently that our beloved state is losing its population at an alarming rate. According to new information, Illinois has a total of over 12.5 million people. Cook County, (or is it “Crook County?”) has the second highest evacuation of former residents nationwide. Best open your purse for future higher taxes.

Friends of the Hennepin Canal

This fine group of local individuals work to help keep the canal in good shape. The Geneseo Izaak Walton League and the scouts do the same. The same can be said for Kyle Goetz, Supt., and his crew working out of their DNR office in Sheffield, IL.
But these places also need your help when camping, fishing, hiking, etc. Don’t leave unwanted trash like cans, plastic bottles, bait containers, fishline and other junk on the bank or in the water.

Abe was no Hunter

I recently was given a book by “DC” entitled, “Abraham Lincoln” by Carl Sandburg. The book is 762 pages long and I am on page 10. Obviously, I have a long, and hopefully interesting read. At age 8, Abraham helped build a log cabin with his dad, Tom. One day Abraham saw some wild turkeys near their cabin. As the story goes, he took out a rifle gun, aimed it at one of the turkeys and shot it dead. After that he never since pulled the trigger on any game and didn’t care for a reputation as a hunter.

Speaker at Geneseo Ikes Meeting

The next Geneseo Izaak Walton Club meeting will be on Monday,May 13th at 7 a.m. The guest speaker will be Jamie Posateri, Conservation Police Officer. Refreshments courtesy of Glen Anderson, “Birdman of Henry County.”

Senior Fishing Derby Cancelled

When I set the date for the annual “Senior Fishing Derby” I failed to check the home calendar. I will be in Canada on that June 15th date.

Geneseo Ikes Youth Fishing Contest

This annual event is lots of fun and it will be held on Saturday, June 8 from 8 a.m. to Noon. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and it is all free for kids 2 – 16. It will be held at the “Ikes Park,” 1 mile north of Geneseo on Rt. 82. There will be lots of brand new outdoor related prizes. Lunch will be provided free.

Humor

We live in the smallest town in Henry County. How small is it, you ask? Our city jail is called “amoeba,” because it has only one cell.

The phone book has only one page. The Zip code is a fraction.

The McDonalds has only one Golden Arch. A night on the town takes about 4 minutes.

Quote of the Week

Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.

  • Albert Einstein

City Approves Purchase of Artificial Christmas Tree - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The City of Geneseo approved the purchase of an artificial Christmas Tree to replace the “Mayor’s Christmas Tree,” located on the boulevard at 2nd and State Sts.

At a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, the purchase of a 26’ artificial tree was discussed to replace the current tree, and a special City Council meeting was held after the COTW, at which time the purchase was unanimously approved.

Information received from Brandon Maeglin, City Administrator, stated: “The ‘Mayor’s Christmas Tree,’ located at 2nd and State has been a staple of the Holiday Season in Geneseo for many years and serves as a focal point for the annual tree lighting ceremony during Christmas Walk festivities. As the Council is aware, Christmas Walk is Geneseo’s largest tourism draw during the year and is an economic driver for our business owners who have large investments in our historic district. The tree however has been in poor health for a number of years. The City recently had the tree assessed by an independent arborist who issued the following opinion.”: “After assessing the tree in question, we have come to the conclusion of it would be in the best interest of all parties involved to remove the tree in question due to the prior lighting damage the tree has internal issues that will result in failure, including rot and decay. The tree is highly at risk of failure in any event of extreme weather.”

Maeglin explained that in February of this year, a committee was formed to make a recommendation on how to proceed with the tree situation…He said while taking down the tree is a difficult decision, it was determined by the committee that would be the appropriate route.

The current “Mayor’s Christmas Tree,” on the boulevard at 2nd and State Sts. is in poor health and soon will be removed and replaced with an artificial tree. Photo by Claudia Loucks

“The committee explored replacement tree options,” Maeglin explained, which led to the proposal that was presented to the Council at the meeting…”The committee recommends consideration of a 26-foot tree (Adirondack Mountain Pine Christmas Tree, 12,700 LED 5mm Warm White Lights, UV Resistant Foliage, Powder Coated Frame, from Downtown Decorations Inc. (in New York.) With the classic tree topper that we already have, this puts the tree at 30-feet in total. This is a high end, individual branch tree, that provides the most realistic tree experience in the committee’s opinion.”

The quote for the tree was submitted at a total of $36,178.00, which includes tax and shipping and if the order was placed before the end of April.

The bid includes an ornamentation package, with a green color scheme, that will provide the green and white experience of the current tree, which his traditionally decorated with green and white lights.

Maeglin said the artificial tree would be constructed by city staff members and volunteers each November in the location of the current tree, and would remain in place throughout the holiday season.

Maeglin said the committee discussed having one final lighting event of the current tree before it is removed, which would tentatively take place at the end of spring or in early summer of this year.

It was also stated that Public Works would like to take the opportunity when the tree is removed to repair the curbing in the area around the boulevard and potentially do a concrete pour at the tip of the boulevard to create a level, cleaned up space, for the stage to be placed during the Christmas Walk celebration.

Funding for the State Street Tree project is proposed to come from the Hotel/Motel Fund, which has $194,447.09 in it as of the end of March 2024. This fund is in place specifically for projects and initiatives that will drive tourism to Geneseo.

Gary’s Hometown Deli Changing Ownership

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Gary Shaw, who opened and operated Gary’s Hometown Deli at 804 South Oakwood in Geneseo in September of 2017, visits with Tim Bissonette, who is purchasing the business. The Deli will remain as Gary’s Deli and will continue to be open the same hours, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Bissonette and his wife, Christy, are buying the business and he and his daughter, Melissa Sissel, will be working at the Deli.

Plans are to continue to offer the same items that have been available, including a complete line of salads in addition to ham, beef and chicken salads as well as a variety of sliced meats and cheeses and the local favorite cheese dip. The daily lunch sandwiches also will be available.

Bissonette said he has been a customer at Gary’s Deli and added, “I love the products. My wife and I owned a restaurant in Mineral and food has always been my passion.”

As for Gary Shaw, he said he looks forward to “working on my house and spending time with my granddaughters.”

He shared that he has enjoyed working with his customers and “appreciates all their support.” Photo by Claudia Loucks

Geneseo City Council - Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Geneseo City Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Tuesday, March 23, 2024 – 6:00 pm

• Mayor Johnson proclaims his support of the Skip the Plastic Campaign. “I urge all residents, businesses, and visitors to join us in this effort to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment.” I also commend all residents who refuse single-use plastic items and celebrate businesses that are making an effort to Skip the Plastic.

• The week of April 29th – The north City Hall parking lot will be closed for re-surfacing and painting.

• The Annual Water Conservation Program starts on May 1st running through the end of September each year. This simply means that lawn watering (in ground system or remote sprinkling systems) is to take place between the hours of 4am – 9am daily.

• Spring Curbside Cleanup is May 6th through May 9th

• The Council moved forward an amendment to the “Right of Way Opening Permit.”

• The City recommends a purchase in the amount of $36, 178 for a new artificial Christmas tree to replace the Mayor’s Christmas Tree that is in poor health

Hammond-Henry Adds Dr. Avila to Kewanee Clinic - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Hammond Henry Hospital Board of Directors and administration have announced the addition of Dr. Carlos Avila to the staff at the Kewanee Clinic.

Colton Anderson, Director of Clinic Services, said, “It has been a longstanding priority of the Hammond-Henry Hospital team to bring in a bilingual family physician of this caliber to serve this ever-growing population. Since Dr. Avila is fluent in both English and Spanish, we are confident we will be better able to assist in the care of different cultures, ensuring they receive the quality healthcare services deserve.”

Board certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Avila will be accepting pediatric and adult patients when he begins his practice in July. Scheduling is now open for July appointments which can be made during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 309-853-3677.

“I’m looking forward to working with all the families and communities served by Hammond-Henry Hospital, and particularly those in the Kewanee area,” Dr. Avila said. “If my being able to speak Spanish assists more individuals seeking a family medicine physician, I would see it as a privilege to serve them.”

Dr. Avila received his MD in Medicine and Surgery from the Universidad Salvadorena Alberto Masferrer (USAM) School of Medicine, San Salvador, El Salvador, in 2005. He completed his Family Medicine Residency Program at Southern Illinois University in 2017 at Southern Illinois University, Springfield.

From 2017 to just prior to his service to Hammond-Henry Hospital, Dr. Avila had served as a Family Medicine Specialist and Site Lead Physician at Unity Point Health (Now Carle Health) and also at East Peoria First Care (Outpatient Clinic and Urgent Care).

During this time, he also served Barring Trace Clinic, Peoria Heights, Pekin Clinic, and “Family Medicine Pear Tree, and offered telemedicine services provided under the American Well platform for the Unity Point Health System.

From June 2004 to 2007, Dr. Avila served as First Surgical Assistant for General Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery, San Salvador, El Salvador, before moving to Illinois. In 2007, he served as a Medical Assistant to D r. Anad Salem at the Family Medicine Clinic, Carbondale, followed by serving as First Surgical Assistant for general surgery, plastic surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, and orthopedic surgery at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.

In 2011, he served as Research and Education Coordinator at Saint Croix Hospice, Rochester, M:N, and also was Chair of the Ethics Committee for St. Croix Hospice, before returning to Passavant Area Hospital through June of 2014. Between this time period and July 2017, Dr. Avila completed his three-year Family Medicine Residency Program at Southern Illinois University, Springfield.

He volunteers as a Physician Preceptor for medical students form the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, and is a board member of HOPE (Helping Other People Excel) as a medical team member.

Dr. Carlos Avila