GHS FFA Attendance at the Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Regional Conference

By Jacqueline Walters - Wetzell
GHS FFA Advisor

On April 26, six members from the Geneseo FFA chapter seized the opportunity to participate in the Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Regional Conference held at Joliet Junior College. Among those present were Dawsyn McDonald, Jaiden Minnaert, Bella Bailey, Ashtyn Veryzer, Kenzie Krug, and Delaney Lagaisse. During the conference, attendees interacted with sixteen professionals from the agriculture industry, gaining insights into the varied paths these women took to achieve their current positions.
They received invaluable advice on a wide range of topics, including college coursework, working in the industry, and navigating everyday life. After a satisfying lunch, the girls were treated to an inspiring speech by keynote speaker Sue Schaffer, who shared her life journey and accomplishments attained through perseverance and determination.
Wrapping up the conference, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the college experience from a panel of four current college students and recent graduates. During the day, the six members gained extensive knowledge about careers in the agriculture industry and college paths. Overall, the conference proved to be a rewarding learning experience for all the young women in attendance!

2024 Mother’s Day Messages from GHS Seniors

Presented By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

On Sunday, May 12, we will celebrate “Mother’s Day,” an opportunity for “children” of all ages to express love, respect and gratitude to mothers for all the things they do and have done for us.

For those whose mothers are no longer alive, it is a time to think back and remember that special person and friend.

In the United States, Anna M. Jarvis is credited with bringing in the celebration of Mother’s Day. Anna Jarvis intended to start a Mother’s Day as an honoring of mothers. The idea itself was so great that it did not take long to be spread all over. Leaving aside the first observance, the official recognition that followed for the observance came in galore. The governor of West Virginia issued the first Mothers’ Day proclamation in 1910.

Oklahoma celebrated it in that same year. It started the same way as far west as the state of Washington. By 1911, there was not a state in the Union that did not have its own observance for Mothers’ Day. Soon it crossed the national boundary, as people in Mexico, Canada, South America, China, Japan and Africa all joined the spree to celebrate a day for mother love.

Senior students in a class of Ali Litton and some additional senior students wrote tributes to their mothers.

ELLA PETTIT – “Dear Mom, You shine so brightly through your hard work, generosity, and positivity. Your tireless dedication to your work and our family is truly inspiring. Everyone always asks me how I manage my busy schedule, and it’s all because I have you to encourage me and remind me of everything I need to do. Your positive outlook on life uplifts everyone in your presence and I couldn’t be more proud to have you as my Mom. - Ella”

KELSEY DILLIE – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day, I love you so much! You are such an amazing woman I can look up to in this life. Your kindness towards everyone you encounter, and light you shine everywhere you go does not go unnoticed by anyone. You are such a role model to me, and I just want to radiate light and love in the ways you do. I always say to you ‘no matter how old you get, sometimes you just need your mom’, and that could not be more true. You always make me feel like everything will be okay. I am so lucky to have you as my Mom, you deserve it all! I love you! I am blessed by the life you have given me. Love, Kelsey Dillie.”

ADDIE (BUG) MILLS – “Dear Mom, Hey mom, it’s me Addie. I just wanted to take a second out of my day to say how much I appreciate all you do for me and the rest of the family. I probably don’t tell you this enough, but I love you so much, and going into college I am proud to say I have the best support system out there. You are the best Mom ever and Grandma too. You always know how to make me laugh, even if I am laughing at you. I love you so much! I love you, Addie Bug.”

KADEN SALISBURY – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for everything you have done for me in my life. You have played a very big role in my life and without I would not be the man I am today. We have had a lot of good memories and I can’t wait to make many more. Thank you for supporting me everyday and believing in me with everything I do! Your Favorite Son, Kaden Salisbury.”

AUTUMN STEPHENS - “To the woman who has sacrificed her whole life to give me all my hopes and wishes. Today, I get to show how grateful I am for you giving me this dream life full of love and kindness. You are my best friend in this life and the next. Thank you for loving me with all you have. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you always. Autumn Stephens.”

JOSHUA STEINES – “Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for always being that rock in my life. Keep being that joyful person you are with me and others. Without you being there for me every step of the way, I truly don’t know where I would be. I appreciate everything you have done for me and continue to do for me. Even if I may not say it every day, I want you to know in the back of your mind that I am always thinking of you. I love you so much. Your Son, Joshua Steines.”

OLIVIA MARSHALL – “Dear Mom, You are truly the best Mom I could ask for! I appreciate all of the sacrifices you have made for me, and I am thankful that I have you in my life! You are my number one supporter and fan of everything that I do. No matter what I’m doing, you are front and center and cheering the loudest. Thank you for always being there for me no matter what! I love you so much and I am so lucky to call you my best friend! Love, Olivia.”

MADISON SIMMS – “Dear Mom, Thank you for everything that you have done for me, and the sacrifices that you have made for me. You’ve had an impeccable impact on the young woman I am today. You taught me how to be an independent woman, and stick up for myself, and my beliefs. I may not show how appreciative I am of you, but without you in my life, I wouldn’t be the young woman I am today. Your favorite child, Madison Simms.”

MALLORY DWYER – “Mom, You are the bravest, the smartest, the prettiest, and the strongest person I know. Life has made you unbelievably tough, and you have no idea how much I admire you for it. There is nothing that can tear you down. You made me the person I am today, a mini copy of you. I have always been so proud of you, and I will always look up to the best person in my life. I love you more than anything in the world. Love, Mallory Dwyer.”

RUSSELL BROWN – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for being a great Mom and always taking me to my events. You are the best mother a son could ever ask for even though sometimes you don’t pick up your phone. You have always supported me in whatever hair-brained things I do. Also, thanks for always pushing me to be the best person I can be. So in summary, thank you and you are the best! Your Son, Russell Brown.”

MACY LITHERLAND – “Dear Mom, Thank you for everything you have done for me and will do for me! I am forever grateful for all that you have sacrificed for me. Happy Mother’s Day! I hope your day is filled with a lot of love and happiness. I am so glad that you were chosen to be my Mommy. Thank you for the endless memories and vacations. I can’t wait to experience more life with you in my next chapter. I love you! Love, Macy Litherland.”

RANDY CHASEK – “Dear Mom, This Mother’s Day I want you to know how much I appreciate you for everything you do for me. You’re always there for me when I need you and you’ve always been someone I know I can count on for anything. You are the best Mother I could ever ask for and I just want you to know how much you mean to me. Just remember, I’m the only one of your kids that’s writing you a letter for Mother’s Day. Love, Randy Chasaek.”

BROOKE BOONE – “Dear Mom, Thank you for instilling the belief in me that I can do anything I put my mind to. I appreciate you for always supporting me in everything I do, and for going the extra mile to help me accomplish my dreams. I love you to the moon and back! Brooke Boone.”

JOSH HOCK – “Dear Mother, You have been the most supportive along the way, always there to help when needed even when I didn’t want help, you still were there in case I did. And you were always the loudest supporter at sports events. Happy Mother’s Day! Your son, Josh Hock.”

LEAH ROEMER – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! I’m just writing this letter to thank you for everything you do for me and all of your crazy children (including Dad of course). I feel like I have gotten so much closer to you over the past few years, and I think we have a really good relationship. I am so grateful for that! I love all of our goofy memories and how we get each other laughing so hard that we snort. It’s going to be so hard for both of us when I leave for college, and I still think you should come with me. Anyway, I hope you have an amazing day and thank you again for everything! I love you! Love your silly daughter, Leah Roemer.”

ANNA CALABRIA – “Dear Mom, Thank you for everything you have done for me. You have taught me many valuable lessons in life. One of my favorite things about you is that I’m able to talk to you openly about anything and many kids don’t have that opportunity. I’m eternally grateful for everything you provide for me financially, and you always go out of your way to buy me nice items. You are always there for me when I need you. I love you! Your favorite child, Anna Grace Calabria.”

NOAH DISTERHOFT – “Dear Mom, From the temper tantrums in church, to the nervous first day of high school, and to the college selection process, I want to thank you for the many years you’ve managed to put up with me. I want to thank you for pushing me to become my best constantly, and, among others, I have you to thank for who I have grown to become and who I will go on to become. Thank you for the many opportunities you have met and provided support throughout. Thank you for the many drives to and from practices; thank you for attending so many of my concerts and games; and overall, thank you for preparing me so well for my future. My confidence in myself and my preparedness for what comes after high school stems from your parenting and love. I love you so much! From Your Son, Noah.”

JILLIAN BENEKE – “To Momma, Happy Mother’s Day! You are the most amazing mother I could ever ask for. I truly don’t know what I would do without you in my life. I love you so much and you are my biggest role model. I strive to be like you everyday. You are so beautiful and strong. No matter what you are going through, you always tend to my needs first. I appreciate that so much. Being a mother is the biggest sacrifice anyone can make, and I will forever be grateful to you for being my mother. I love you so much, From Jillybean.”

SKYLAR WAINSCOTT – “Happy Mother’s Day! I am so appreciative of everything you have sacrificed to give me the best life possible. Your selflessness and dedication inspire me every day. From the late-night cuddles to the wise advice you always seem to have, every moment with you is cherished. Your love knows no bounds, and I feel incredibly blessed to have you as my Mom. I love you! Skylar Wainscott.”

COLE YORK - “Dear Mom, I appreciate you very much for all the things you have done for me throughout my life. Although we had it very tough growing up, you persevered through all the hardships that we endured. You’ve always treated me with kindness and love, and even though sometimes I think you are over-protective I know you are just protecting me. I love you and I’m very glad that you are my Mom! Sincerely, Cole.”

JACKSOIN READE – “Dear Mom, Thank you for everything that you have done. From taking care of me when I was sick, driving me to school, packing my lunches, making me laugh, and going to and watching all of my sports events. You always were at my side, supporting me in whatever challenges I may face. You always gave me words of encouragement whenever I was sad or mad, and you always picked me up when I was knocked down. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be my Mom. Love, Jackson.”

SIDNEY SPINDEL – “Dear Mom, It’s your favorite middle child ever here. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you. I don’t tell you enough how much I love and appreciate everything you do for me. Without you, nothing in the house or in my life would run smoothly. You make my life so much brighter and are always there to talk whenever I need it. I know I might get annoyed by the things you say or do sometimes, but I know in a year, when I’ve moved out I’m going to miss everything you do. Being a senior has taught me how much I need you. I don’t understand how I will live on my own and stay positive next year. I’m so glad to have you as MY Mom, you make everything so much better. I love you! Love, Your favorite (Sidney Spindel).”

CONNOR MITCHELL – “Dear Ma, Little did we know but you have given us the greatest treasure that will never fade in our hearts and that’s your love. Growing up, I don’t think I realized how much you did to keep our day-to-day lives running so smoothly. Now that I’m grown up, I am in awe of everything you do for us, and I admire you all the more. Thank you for making my childhood such a special one! I love you so much! Sincerely, Best Kid Connor Mitchell.”

BRAYDEN COMBS – “Dear Momma, Happy Mother’s Day! This marks the 18th time I get to say this to you, and I pray to say it many more times. You and I have been through so much together from such a young age, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the mother you have been to me. We grew up together very young and always learned each and every day, and I’d say we’re doing a really good job 18 years down the road. You have been there to celebrate my highs and mourn the lows – all right by my side. You are an exact epitome of what a mother should be to her children. You are the hardest worker I know, you take pride in everything you do, and you make it your main priority everyday to assure that our family is safe and sound. I couldn’t imagine a life without you to guide me and open doors for me that I never knew imaginable. You have been my biggest supporter through academics, athletics, social experiences, and everything in-between. Thank you – a million times over – for being the mother that I needed. You have saved my life over and over again, and I can only hope that I have saved you in some way as well.

From your Day One – I love you more than you know, and I am forever thankful to you for sticking with me each and every day. Brayden Combs.”

KARSON BANISTER – “Dear Mom, You are my voice of reason, storyteller, advice giver, hand holder, shoulder, supporter, and teacher. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the last 18 years and thank you for loving me unconditionally. Your Son, Karson Banister.”

LYNN COTTY – “Happy Mother’s Day! You are such an amazing Mother, I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you for everything you do for me! I love you so much! Lynn Cotty.”

WILLIAM HAMERLINCK – “Dear Mom, I know that we don’t always see eye to eye, but I want to thank you for always supporting my endeavors. Now that I’m getting older, I can see that all the times you pushed me to become better when I wanted to stay stagnant have paid off tremendously. You taught me to continue on when the work grows difficult because whet gets dark, it doesn’t always mean you’ve been buried, sometimes you’ve been planted. Thank you for all the little things you do to keep the family healthy and sane. Don’t go anywhere too soon; otherwise, Dad will be making us tacos and cereal for dinner each night. I love you Mom. Love, William Hamerlinck.”

JACOB STOUT – “Hey Mom it’s me, your only son, Mother’s Day is coming up so I would like to say thank you for putting up with me for the last 18 years. I know you’ve probably wanted to kill me a number of times, but you know you love me too much to do that. Anyway I’m graduating soon, crazy thought, I’m gonna be moving a couple hours away. For the first time in my life I won’t be living with you, eating dinner together will become a special event. No more waking up when I come home late, there’s a lot of things that are going to change and I know it will be hard for you so I’ll remind you I love you Mom. Jacob Stout.”

DYLAN SHIPMAN – “Dear Mother, Hi, your favorite second child Dylan here. I just want to tell you that you are the best Mother ever. I hope your Mother’s Day is the best day ever for you and you feel appreciated by all of us who you cook for. I know I’m a pain but you are just like a wonder woman to me. You are always there for me and show me that I can do anything and you help me excel in life and give me ways to overcome difficulties. You are the best Mom I could ever ask for, and I hope you have a wonderful day! Love, Dylan Shipman.”

PHILLIP MERRILL – “Dear Mom, It’s me, your first child, you know the best one, Phillip. Happy Mother’s Day and thank you for being there in mine and Oliver’s life, and I know sometimes it’s been hard. With everything that’s been going on it’s good to know that when we have a hard day that you will always be there when we need someone to talk to. Also, even when you aren’t having a good day you try your best to make sure that we are doing fine. I really appreciate that you’re always trying your best to make our lives easier when things aren’t great in life. Phillip Merrill.”

“Dear Mom, on this special day, I want to thank you for your unconditional love, your endless patience, and your generosity. You are not just my Mother, bur also my mentor, my role model, and my best friend. I am blessed to have you in my life. Happy Mother’s Day! Luke.”

Our Jelly is Better Than Theirs! - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Koi For Your Pond

Tim Lee Shreve and his wife will be moving to Missouri in July. They have Koi fish in their decorative pond that they can’t take with them. He wants to sell them before they leave. He will deliver them to a Geneseo address.
Depending on the size of the fish, they range from $45-$225.00. They are 12” – 14” in length. If you are interested, his e-mail address is: tim_lee_bonsai@yahoo.com

Note: There is a line under the first space and also the second space in the e-mail.

Geneseo Ikes Meeting

The Geneseo Izaak Walton League will have their May meeting on Monday, May13, 2024, at the Ikes Lodge beginning at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Jamie Posateri, Conservation Police Officer. Refreshments will be held after the meeting.

Gardening

With health issues it was really tough on Lorna and myself doing all the outside work we usually enjoy doing. I don’t see how we can do all the work next spring. We’re flower nuts and so we do more chores then we need to. Last year we put in 70 tomato plants, but we cut back to 26 this time.
We also put in beans (Ha! Rabbit food), peppers and onions. I no longer can use the lawn mower so we bought another lawn tractor from B&B. One for the front, one for the back.

We have a resident snake that has to come out from hiding to monitor what we are doing on his turf. I hooked up a sprinkler to our split rail fence. Our next door neighbor, Jim Putnam, has their garden next to ours so this way I can water both our gardens. Jim has been a great help to us.

Orioles

Neighbors, Jim & Jeannine Putnam, feed birds like we do. There is one species, Orioles, that do not want to share feeders and only frequent the Putnam’s feeder. Yes, we do the Welch’s grape jelly and oranges thing. Well awe be darn, a few days ago we had two of the orangey colored birds pay us a visit.

I told Jim that I’m going to make a sign by our feeder that will read, “HEY, ORIOLES! OVER HERE!! OUR JELLY IS BETTER THAN THEIRS!”

That Midwestern Mom

We really like to watch the lady from Minnesota on Facebook. She is soooo funny! I’m surprised some TV network hasn’t signed her up for her own comedy show.

Youth Fishing Derby

Second reminder! The Geneseo Ikes Youth Fishing Contest will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 8 a.m. to Noon. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and it is all free for kids ages 2 – 16.
This big event is held every year and the kids have a lot of fun. It will be held at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo. There will be lots of nice prizes. Lunch will be provided free.

Humor

When in high school I worked part time at Grosmans in downtown Moline. I made 60 cents an hour. I was a stock boy and ran an elevator. Elevators are unique. They work on many levels. Glenn Sigwalt found he is nervous going on elevators. He is now taking steps to avoid them.
We seniors don’t spend half as much time checking our blood pressure as the younger generation spends on social media.
Jim Weisser is afraid of speed bumps, but he’ll slowly get over them.

Quote of the Week

“You will be better advised to watch what you do instead of what you say.”

  • John N. Mitchell

Red Cross Volunteers Needed

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The American Red Cross is asking for area residents to “Spring Into Action” and become volunteers.

A statement from the Red Cross organization states: “Every day, the Red Cross sees the heartbreak of people coping with more intense storms, heavier rainfall, higher temperatures, stronger hurricanes and more devastating wildfires. As more people rely on the Red Cross for help, the need for compassionate volunteers has never been greater. Help comfort and support people who are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other emergencies, so they don’t have to face tough times alone.”

Volunteers are needed in these positions:

-SHELTER SUPPORT TEAM – In-person shelter support to assist with reception, registration feeding, dormitory, information collection, and other vital tasks to help those we serve.

-CASEWORK RECOVERY TEAM – Support people who have been impacted by disasters in their long-term recovery. Caseworkers provide resources, referrals, and empathetic listening and problem solving.

-DISASTER HEALTH SERVICES TEAM – Health professionals are needed in shelters to provide hands-on care, health education, health assessments, and additional health-related support.

-LOGISTICS PROCUREMENT SERVICE ASSOCIATE – Provide a vital link to mission delivery by ensuring needed materials and supplies are procured in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

For more information, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday or email volunteerillinois@redcross.org

Kathi Fluck of Geneseo, who is the Lead Recruitment Volunteer and a Blood Donor Ambassador, shared that she wished “more people would give blood. It’s the one way you can help up to three people with about one hour of your time. A single car accident can use as many as 100 units of blood.”

She added, “The Red Cross is seeking volunteers due to the more frequent intense weather events we are experiencing in this area, and what many people don’t know is that being a Red Cross volunteer doesn’t mean you have to be active four days a week, you can choose how much time you volunteer, and every little bit helps!”

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