Grief Share Seminar February 15

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo First Methodist Church will host a one-day Loss of a Spouse Seminar from 10 a.m. to 12 noon p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the South Campus building, 224 North State St. In the photo, Barbara Leonard, left, and Kippy Breeden, Grief Ministry leader, encourage anyone who is grieving the loss of a spouse, and who would like to learn practical tips of dealing with loss and hear about hope for the future, to join them at the Seminar, which is free and open to anyone in the community. Responses can be made by calling 309-944-2793 or at the GriefShare website at https://www.griefshare.org/events/260427.

Baby Bottle Blitz 2025 Benefits Pregnancy Resources

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Sandy French, Geneseo, a volunteer with Pregnancy Resources, shows the baby bottles available to area residents, who are asked to fill the bottles with contributions which will benefit Pregnancy Resource Centers. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Sandy French of Geneseo is a services coordinator at Pregnancy Resources and each year she helps the non-profit organizations to raise funds through the Baby Bottle Blitz, where empty baby bottles are distributed and returned with contributions used to provide services and supplies at the Pregnancy Resource Centers.

There are Pregnancy Resource Centers in Moline and Davenport, the mobile van, and an office has been opened on Thursday afternoons at the QC Mission, 2015 2 W Ave., East Moline.

French’s work with Pregnancy Resources has helped her heal from a part of her past that she considers a “mistake. It is her hope to help others from not making the same decision she made many years ago.

She said she never expected to be telling her story, but God had a different plan.

Nearly 50 years ago French had an abortion and she shared, “It was the worst decision I ever made. I was 18 and abortion had just become legal in this country.”

Promoting the baby bottle campaign is just one of the ways French is involved with Pregnancy Resources, and she said, “The baby bottle campaign currently is underway and anyone interested in helping by donating can obtain an empty bottle at Grace United Methodist Church, 318 North Center St. in Geneseo, or at either of the two Pregnancy Resource Centers, 3825 16th St., Moline, or 2706 West Central Park in Davenport.”

The baby bottles can be filled with change, bills or checks.

For more information, contact Liz Ryan, partner development coordinator for Pregnancy Resources, at 309-797-3636, or French at 309-441-5839.

Families are encouraged to keep the baby bottles for three to four weeks and then return them.

From the radio is how French learned about Pregnancy Resources needing volunteers.

“It seemed I heard it every time I turned on the radio,” she said. “Finally I said, ‘Okay God. I’ll take the training.’ At the first session I admitted I had had an abortion. After the training, I thought I had many reasons not to volunteer, but He kept up the pressure.”

Before she could meet with clients, she had to take the Post-Abortion Counseling and Education Bible study class, “Forgiven and Set Free.”

“I thought I didn’t need it, I had made my peace with God, but to help others, I needed to complete the Bible study myself…I found that God wanted me to help others and to do that I was going to have to tell them about my experience, not just about my abortion, but also my healing experience. But I still said I would never tell my loved ones.”

In 2010 she did tell her family, and said her honesty has opened new doors of communication with them.

Pregnancy Resources provides a variety of free services enabling clients to choose life, French said, from pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, parenting programs, adoption education, abortion education, maternity clothes, car seats, diapers, abstinence education for individuals, to beginner Bible studies and post-abortion grief assistance.

“Our ultrasound program is important for women tying to make a decision about their pregnancy, and it helps them to connect with their child,” French said.

Post-abortion Bible studies benefit women and men, French said….”We have people come to the Bible studies who had an abortion as long as 50 years ago, before they were legal. I believe the studies let them know they are not alone. God can use them and abortion is not an unforgivable sin.”

She said Pregnancy Resources helps people see beyond the crisis of the moment…”If 50 years ago I had gone somewhere like Pregnancy Resources, I would not have had an abortion.”

“Almost weekly, on my volunteer shifts, a young woman comes in for a pregnancy test. She might be crying, not knowing what to do. I am able to listen to her, care about her, offer physical resources to help her in her pregnancy, and also spiritual resources by sharing God’s truth about life and His plan for salvation,” French shared.

Often times, young man call about parenting classes, specifically for fathers.

“I was able to get them signed up,” she said. “The classes are not only available, but free. We are able to provide these free resources because of individuals, churches, groups and businesses that donate. And I am able to meet and speak to so many women and men that I would never see otherwise and offer them God’s love, and I love that!”

“It’s really a privilege to try and see them as God sees them. I volunteer at Pregnancy Resources to bless others, and I end up being blessed so much,” she added.

French was employed as a secretary at Rock Island Arsenal for three years, and for 30 years as a secretary and marketing-publications coordinator at Deere & Co., Moline, retiring in 2007.

She and her husband, Art French, have three daughters, one son; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

GHS Cheerleaders Get Some Help from Lil Cheerleaders

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Grechyn Hintgen, left; and Jocelyn Wexell, first graders at Southwest School in Geneseo, did their part in cheering the GHS boys’ basketball team to a victory against Alleman High School on Jan. 31 in the GHS gym. The two seven-year-olds, in their cheerleading garb, often join the high school cheerleaders in leading chants at the games. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Meet the GHS Maple Leaf - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Anyone who has attended athletic events at Geneseo High School, indoors or outdoors, must have seen the “Maple Leaf,” AKA Dru Curcuru.

Curcuru, now a senior at GHS, became the Maple Leaf mascot in his junior year, and explained, “They were looking for someone to be the Maple Leaf and I volunteered and I have been the Leaf ever since. When I was a sophomore I would see the Maple Leaf come to one or two of our football games, so when I took it over I changed that, and I have brought the Maple Leaf to everything.”

The Maple Leaf attire was created by Patricia Wideman and was “handed down” to Curcuru from Madi Scott, who graduated from GHS two years ago.

Curcuru described the attire as being “one piece of cloth that has cardboard in the back for support.”

He has worn the duds for the last two years to numerous sp0rting events including football games, girls’ and boys’ basketball games; girls’ and boys’ wrestling, and volleyball games…”This spring I plan to have it on at some soccer games,” he added.

In addition to nearly all home games, he also has dressed as the Maple Leaf to some away games such as the UTHS and Rock Island football games and the UTHS basketball game.

While at the events, he stands in the student section and said, “I get as loud as I can to encourage players and I try to get others around me to get loud and support the team.”

“The Maple Leaf is not the most comfortable outfit because the cardboard in the back is always hitting against my head when I’m cheering for our team and I can’t stand too close to other people or else the Leaf will hit them. I also get very hot inside the Leaf, especially during the start of football season when it is incredibly warm outside.”

When he graduates from GHS in May, Curcuru plans to pass the Leaf down to someone, “just like how I got it. I have heard of some students who want to wear the Maple Leaf next year and I just want to make certain that I give it to someone who knows what to expect.”

He said he often gets asked “who is going the get the Maple Leaf and I can finally say who I’m giving the Maple Leaf to when I graduate. It’s going to be the person who goes all out for themes, cheers the loudest, and someone who will be at all the events…The next Maple Leaf is Quinnland Einfeldt.”

When asked if he is going to miss being the Maple Leaf, Curcuru replied, “Absolutely, I will miss everything about being the Maple Leaf form being in the student section and cheering with my friends to trying to find something I could put on the Maple Leaf to fit the chosen theme of the night (Students choose a variety of theme dress for various sporting events).”

The young man’s future plans are to attend Augustana College in Rock Island and major in biology/pre-dentistry and then go to dental school to become a dentist.

He is the son of Tony and Katie Curcuru.

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Brad Solberg to Return to Hammond-Henry Hospital as Interim CEO

Contact: Stephanie DeMay, Marketing Manager
Email: stephaniedemay@hammondhenry.com
Phone: 309.944.9169

Geneseo, IL - The Board of Directors of Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo announces the appointment of a new Interim CEO Bradley Solberg, MHA, formerly of Geneseo, effective February 12.

Mr. Solberg previously served as Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer during the years of 2001-2014. During his tenure, Mr. Solberg led the hospital through three major construction projects, the most recent one valued at $23 million, constructed over a 30-month period, and completed in December 2012.

Mr. Solberg left the area to serve as President of OSF HealthCare Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac, IL. He has since served as Interim President of OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center, Danville, and in the past has served in various hospital leadership roles in Ohio, Michigan, and North Dakota.

“As many remember, Brad is a dynamic leader, dedicated to the health and welfare of this and any community he serves,” said Doug Ford, HHH Board Chairman. “I am happy he has decided to assist us in this transition as our Interim CEO.”

Mr. Solberg will be responsible for directing all internal operations at Hammond-Henry Hospital, while ensuring that high quality and cost-effective health care continues to be delivered to patients.

Solberg is an active member in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Healthcare Administration at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and received his Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota.

Carpfish Cookies - By Dan Dauw

January not so Bad

There are just a few days left of January weather, but overall, I think it was mild month. We missed some heavy snowfalls that went north and south of our area. Now, Mother Nature, if ‘yer reading this how about giving us February’s 28 days of above normal temps?! Just saying!

When I wasn’t Old

As a young teen I can remember when Moline’s river drive was, for the most part, kind of junky. Through the years the city fathers turned it into a really nice path and greenery setting from about 25th street to and including East Moline.
I can remember working a short time at the International Harvester plant. My dad was an accounting supervisor and got me a Job as a stock chaser. I was always dirty when I came home each day. I made good money at $2.33 an hour. My boss was known as “Red.” He was sort of a tough guy, but if you did your job, no problem.
Anyway, I got laid off, took the test for the Postal Service at $2.16 per hour. After 38 years later, I retired.
I remember there was and is a small factory on about 41st & 4th avenue in Moline that instead of having to cut their grass they had sheep to do the work. The building is still there today, but “Little Bo Peep’s sheep” are no where to be seen.
Way back when, I had a good friend, I’ll call him “J.A,” and we went hunting and fishing together. We were the same age and our parents were good friends. He came home one day after school and found his mother had committed suicide by cutting her wrists. That is a bad memory.
On a more pleasant note. John F. and I dated the same girl, Mary S. We would say she liked one of us better. Ha! She married a letter carrier. I still think she liked me better!!!

Geneseo Izaak Walton League

All members and guests are invited to next month’s February 10th meeting at the Ikes Lodge. The guest speaker is Dave Wyffels, Fish Biologist, IL-DNR. The program starts at 7 p.m. with refreshments to follow.

Hey, come back!

According to the 48th Annual National Movers Study, our state is second to the most folks leaving Illinois. The first is New Jersey at 66.94% with Illinois at 59.94%. New York is 3rd place at 59.01% and California at 57.97%.
Okay, then where are all the folks moving to? The number one state people are moving to is West Virginia (hear that Bob Mays), followed by Delaware (huh?) and South Carolina. The other two states are Washington, DC and North Carolina (there you go, Don & Barb). Alaska and Hawaii were not included in the study.

Girl Scout Cookies

Just a reminder, make sure to order your cookies from the Girl Scouts. We order ours through Audrey Scheider. The proceeds help the Girl Scouts in their various projects. The cost per box is $6.00. Some year they should come up “Carp-fish” cookies.

Ice Fishing Report

Geneseo's Brian Herron recently caught this crappie and several bluegills at Giant Goose Lake, Atkinson, IL.  Jeff Scheider and Lorna Dauw also caught fish.

Last Saturday, Lorna and I fished the private main lake at Giant Goose, Atkinson, IL. When we arrived so did members Brian Herron and Jeff Scheider.
The ice wasplenty thick at 9-10 inches. Everyone caught fish except one person who’s name is not important! The temperatures were not bad, but we could do without the wind. Still, we had a good time and I cleaned 5 fish when we got home. The guys felt sorry for me. Thus the 5 fish! We hope to try it again this week.

Humor

What candy do you eat on the school playground? Ans: Recess pieces.

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Ans: Frostbite.

How do you make an apple turnover? Ans: Push it down a hill.

Quote of the Week

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.”

Devan Hornback Hits the 100-Win Mark in Wrestling Matches - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School senior Devan Hornback reached the elite at the recent Geneseo Wrestling Invitational when he scored his 100th win in the sport.

Hornback, who wrestles at 132 pounds, was aware that the match at the Geneseo Invite could be his 100th win, and that is something that will be a lasting memory for him… “I knew before the tournament that I was one more win away from 100. After my match, my family and teammates held 100-win signs up while Coach (Jon) Murray brought my poster out to me and they announced it over the speakers.”

Devan Hornback. His parents are Chris and Brandy Hornback and Valerie and Chris Sauerbrei. Geneseo Current Photo

His goal is to wrestle at State this year and he added, “My goal is to not only make it down there this year, but to bring some hardware home.”

He began wrestling when he was in third grade and has been a four-year starter for the GHS wrestling team.

“I chose the sport because I enjoy challenging myself and I get to be around people who push each other to be their best, he said.

When he was asked to comment about wrestling as an individual sport, Hornback said, “Even though it’s an individual sport, we come in day-in and day- out and work our hardest. If it wasn’t for my teammates, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Devan is not the only wrestler in the Hornback family as his brother also wrestled for GHS and went on to be named an All-American at 125 pounds at Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The standout athlete also played football this past season.

“All of my coaches have had a really positive impact on me with not only how they’ve coached, but how they have made me a better person,” Hornback said. “Coach Murray has always instilled in us to be good men off the mat and on the mat.

He shared his favorite memory from wrestling at GHS is “when we took home the fourth place Team State Trophy in my sophomore year.”

When he graduates this spring, Hornback plans to join the Army National Guard and then become part of the wresting team at Central College in Pella, Iowa.

He was asked to share some advice to younger wrestlers and he said, “Go out there and just have fun and do your best because it goes by faster than you would ever think.”

Hornback said his favorite food is “steak and rolls form Texas Roadhouse and I look forward to eating a lot of food and finishing up high school after wrestling season.”

Richmond Hill Players Auditions Feb. 8-9

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Richmond Hill Players will hold auditions for the first three shows of their 2025 season from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, and from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo. Those interested in auditioning need to attend only one session.

Roles are available for eight males and 13 females, approximate ages ranging from late teens to 70’s, with most shows having flexible age requirements.

Auditions are being conducted for “The Tall Tale Farce,” a comedy by Don Zolidis, directed by Elizabeth Shaffer, with the show running weekends (Thursday-Sunday) April 3-13; “Steel Magnolias,” a comedy/drama by Robert Harling, directed by Megan McConville, show running in May 29-June 8; and Ken Ludwig’s, “A Fox on the Fairway,” comedy, directed by Tom Morrow, show running July 10-20.

For more detailed information about the shows and auditions, visit RHP website at www.rhplayers.com/auditions.

Teresa Krause Is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Teresa Krause has been named Volunteer of the Month at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. She has been a volunteer at the food pantry since August of last year and she helps in the clothing room greeting customers, sorting donations, and helping guests find clothing.

“The best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry is being able to help people,” she commented.

When she retired she wanted to give back to her community by helping people in need and she said one morning when she was volunteering at the pantry she was able to help a man who was starting from nothing find some house wares for his apartment. He was so grateful and it warmed her heart.

She and her husband Steve have six children and 17 grandchildren.

Krause said she enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and traveling. She also is active in various ministries at Geneseo First Methodist church.

Artists Invited to Apply for 2025 Geneseo Artwalk

Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
309-944-2686

The 2025 Geneseo Artwalk will take place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Downtown Geneseo, IL. This year’s Geneseo Artwalk marks ten years of the event, which showcases the local arts in Geneseo while driving guests into small businesses and restaurants in Geneseo.

Downtown businesses in Geneseo will host art performances either in front of stores or in stores while artists will be set up at the event, featuring original works and live art demonstrations such as painting, sculpting, wood-working and more. Live music and interactive exhibits will also be featured. Shake off your cabin fever and join us in downtown Geneseo on Saturday, April 26th to help us celebrate our local art community!

Area artists and craft vendors are invited to apply to host a booth at the Geneseo Artwalk. There is no application fee and this is a juried event. To request an application, please contact the Geneseo Chamber at 309-944-2686 or at geneseo@geneseo.org. An online application and more information is also available at the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce website: https://geneseo.org/2025-geneseo-artwalk/.

Geneseo Teacher and Coach Jon Murray Retiring from Teaching and Coaching Wrestling, But Not from Girls’ Golf

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Jon Murray is retiring from teaching and coaching wrestling at Geneseo High School, but will continue to coach girls’ golf at GHS, and even though he is retiring, he leaves behind a legacy of success and impact. His achievements are not only significant, but will continue to influence others.

His success as a wrestling coach is known through out the Midwest and when asked about his decision to retire from both teaching and coaching wrestling, he said, “It’s been 33 years so with two years of banked sick leave, I can now retire from teaching will full retirement benefits. I decided to retire from coaching wrestling at the same time. That’s like a full time job in itself and I’m, ready to have some spare time. Also, the wrestling program is currently in a good place which is how I’ve always wanted to leave it.”

Thursday’s home wrestling meet at GHS will be bittersweet for Jon Murray(Center in white) as it is the final home meet for the GHS wrestling team where he will be leading them as their head wrestling coach. Murray is retiring from coaching wrestling and from teaching at GHS. Geneseo Current Photo

He will continue to coach girls’ golf and explained that the time commitment to coaching golf isn’t as much as wrestling and he will be coaching golf with his daughter Eryn Murray.

He added,” We lost about half of our golf team to graduation this past season, so it’s going to be tough without them. A goal of mine is to bring back our team to a competitive level where we once again are claiming conference and regional championships.”

His teaching carrier began with eight years at Geneseo High School followed by two years at United Township High School in East Moline and concluding with 23 years back at GHS.

His wrestling coach position began as eight years as an assistant coach at GHS, then two years as an assistant coach at UTHS and the last 23 years as head coach at GHS.

He began coaching girls’ golf in 2014 as an assistant coach for two years and became head coach two years later.

In his beginning years of teaching, Murray coached boys’ and girls’ cross country, wrestling, and boys’ track; was an assistant soccer coach for two years when he returned to GHS in 2002.

He coached in the State Tournament in both boys’ and girls’ cross country, track and field, girls’ golf, and both in individual and dual team wrestling State Tournaments.

As a wrestling coach, including the two years at UTHS, Murray has coached over 100 state qualifiers, 36 All-State wrestlers and four State Champions, and he has been part of 10 team conference championships and 10 team regional championships.

“We have been in the top eight in the State five of the last 12 years including dual team state runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2014 and we are currently ranked #4 in the State in 2025.”

His success as a wrestling coach has not gone unnoticed as Coach Murray was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (ISWCOA) Hall of Fame in 2023.

Wrestling has been part of Murray’s life for 50 years, beginning when he was in first grade at Ellis YMCA in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where his Dad helped coach.

“I wrestled all the way through five years in college and have been coaching it ever since,” he said.

He was a three-time Midwest Conference Champion and four-time NCAA Division III National Qualifier for Illinois College (Jacksonville, IL) and was inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

When asked what made him choose Geneseo to teach and coach, he said, “I had just graduated from Illinois College in May of 1992 and was looking for a job. I attended Geneseo schools from sixth through ninth grades, and just long enough to know Ted McAvoy as my teacher in Electricity class during my freshman year at GHS. Don Frederichs (teaching and coaching at GHS at the time) just happened to take off to Utah a couple of weeks before school started in August of 1992. I immediately drove five hours to Ted McAvoy’s (who was GHS principal at the time) office the morning after I heard this and told him I wanted that job. He set up an interview with me the following morning and called me on Monday to hire me. School started the following Monday! It all just kind of fell into place.”

Murray also was asked to share some memories from teaching and coaching that he will take with him into retirement, and he said, “Probably the greatest part of teaching and coaching here is the tremendous community support; we’ve always had great boosters and fans. Furthermore, I’ve been lucky enough to surround myself with amazing assistant coaches who have made this job easier and have contributed to our success and sustainability. I’m not sure I could have lasted this long without them.”

“As for favorite memories, there have been many, but one that kind of represents the overall experience was walking out onto the floor of the arena for the final round of the Dural Team State Tournament in 2013 to the cheering of our fan section. It literally sent chills down my spine and tears into my eyes. I’ll never forget that feeling and have been lucky enough to have multiple other great moments as well.”

He and his wife Ami have a son, Sam, 26; daughter, Eryn, 22, and one grandson.

“I met my wife Ami during my first year of teaching and in my first season of coaching which happened to be a cross-country meet,” he said. “Her brother, Andy Snook, was a senior on the team at that time. She was teaching in Nora Springs, Iowa, at the time and would come to watch Andy run occasionally. Also, Ami’s Dad, Mel Snook, was the head coach and I was his assistant, so he introduced us. Our conversations led to marriage and eventually our two children…On a side note, Andy became the first ever All-State athlete that I ever coached that year placing 11th at the State Cross Country Meet.”

Murray’s retirement plans include “spending days on the golf course, on a lake or river fishing, hiking with the dogs, mountain biking and hanging out with my grandson.”

Geneseo Wrestler Tim Sebastian Reaches 100 Wins - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Tim Sebastian’s name will long be remembered at Geneseo High School. The 126-pound varsity wrestler recently marked his 100th win at the Rockford East Wrestling Tournament held in December.

Sebastian, a senior at GHS, is among just 23 wrestlers who have reached the 100-win mark in the school’s history and it is something he said he hadn’t ever really thought about…”It’s a huge accomplishment that not many people achieve, and I never really thought about it,” he said. “Most of the guys that hit that mark were legends, and I didn’t see myself in that category at the time.”

Even though he hadn’t thought about the Rockford East match being his opportunity to hit 100 wins, Sebastian admits it was a thrilling moment when he realized what had happened…”It was exciting. I was pretty tired; the kid from Wisconsin was a really tough match. I knew I was close to 100, but didn’t know for sure that was the one until I saw all my teammates there supporting me with signs.”

Submitted Photo

That was a special moment for the standout wrestler and he said, “The energy they (his teammates) gave him when he came off the mat and the all the guys were there congratulating me and pumping me up! Knowing they were there for me meant a ton.”

When asked about wrestling considered an individual sport, Sebastian said, “We train together all year round, helping each other get better,” he added. “You can’t be selfish. You grow together as a team. Your accomplishments are team accomplishments, because everyone plays a part in it. We have dual meets and tournaments, and team scores are tracked.”

Sebastian’s wrestling career began when he was a second grader and he credits his three older brothers (Noah, Luke and Joe) for his interest, who were all involved in wrestling at that time.

“I wanted to be like them,” he said. “I tagged along with Joe to club practices and just started rolling around on the mats with the guys.”

Geneseo Current Photo

He also described himself as a roughneck little kid who would always challenge his big brothers, didn’t matter that they were two to three times his size.

Wrestling most definitely has been a family affair in the Sebastian household as Tim’s dad, Brian Sebastian, a 1985 GHS graduate, was on the GHS wrestling team and was a state qualifier in the sport.

Sebastian also was asked to share something about how his coaches made an impact on his journey to reaching success, and he said, “Going to Blue Line with Coach (Jessie) Montez was huge for me; I really developed as a wrestler there and learned how to push past my limits. Coach (Jon) Murray has helped me a ton with his technique and experience. We have a lot of great coaches in Geneseo helping us grind and get better every day.”

It is evident that wrestling plays a big part in the young athlete’s life and he admits, “It’s a big part of me. The relationships that you make go beyond a season or year. Fun times. I found that through hard work I could have better results. During the season I pretty much lock in, wrestling is all I really think about. It drives me to want to be better. It’s a lot of pain and suffering, but the results make it all worth it. It’s my lifestyle. Working out, daily strength and core training, eating right, club practices - everything is focused on making me better.”

Sebastian said one of his favorite memories from his wrestling career is when he qualified for State as a freshman…”I was wrestling Ivan Munoz from Ottawa who was ranked top 10. I was down 7- 4 going into the third period, but I knew I was wearing him out. I got an escape and immediately turned back into him and took a shot, and he bent over to defend it and I caught him in a standing cradle to put him on his back the last minute of the match for the victory, and winning that match punched my state ticket. That was when I first realized I could really compete with the best.”

He also wrestled at the state level in his junior year at GHS.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

-Plans after graduating from GHS – pursue a degree in mechanical engineering and plans to wrestle Division 3 in college.

-Advice for young wrestlers – “Hard work pays off. It may seem like nothing is going right for you now, just trust the process.

-Favorite food – “Cookie cake and ice cream.”

-What he is most looking forward to at the end of this year’s wrestling season – “Celebrating my accomplishments and eating. I love eating.”

Photos from Thespian Fun Night!

The event was held last Sunday, January 19th. There was trivia and live music. Photos by Kara Sanken.

Trivia second place table with (Left to right): Nathan Van Cleve, Jenny Parsons, Sandy and Doug Schehl

Trivia first place table with (left to right): Kelly Evert, Cheryl Schehl, Chris Schehl, and Bill Schehl

Thespian officers (left to right): Sophia Clifton, Beth Mroz, Shay Schehl, Kara Sanken, and Logan VanDeWoestyne.

Village Home Stores Purchased By Geneseo Locals With Eyes on the Future

New owners have familiar faces as a thriving small business rooted in Geneseo steps into a new chapter.

Collin Akers(left) and Adam Hoste. New owners of VIllage Home Stores.

Geneseo, IL - On January 21, 2025 Village Home Stores was purchased by Adam Hoste and Collin Akers. Previous co-owners Rob and Jim Ries will remain for a few coming months as the team transitions into new ownership. Adam Hoste has already been on staff for 6 years and has been operating as the Store Manager at Village for 3 years ahead of this purchase. Village Home Stores will continue to serve their clients during the handoff and there will be no delays or pauses for current projects or products on order. Customers of Village should expect to see no immediate changes to their shopping experience as the baton is passed along to the new owners. Adam and Collin are excited to introduce new ideas and systems into the already thriving business over time.

“I’m very excited to join the Village team where integrity, professionalism, and honesty radiate through everyone. Growing up in Geneseo, I’ve always cared deeply about this community and am grateful for the opportunity to join an organization that makes such a positive impact.” -Collin Akers

“Over the past six years at Village Home Stores, I’ve learned that success in the remodeling business comes from two core principles: doing what you say you’re going to do and delivering at the highest level. That’s exactly what you can continue to expect from the team at Village Home Stores. Collin and I are excited to build on this foundation and look forward to many more years as a trusted staple in this community.” -Adam Hoste

The Village Home Stores story began in 1984 when Art Ries opened Village Hardware in Cambridge, Illinois. Offering multiple categories of products in one location. In the Summer of 1998, Art’s sons Rob and Jim Ries opened the doors of Village Maytag at the current location on State Street in Geneseo offering appliance sales and repair service to the region. In 2000 the store expanded to include Village Cabinetry. Over the years, Village has added many departments, each staffed with experts including a complete kitchen and bath remodeling team with remodel project management services. Village also has a dedicated team that works alongside home builders and customers who are building a new home in the area. Growth and customer interest in all of these services over the years has formed the one-stop-shop showroom experience now offered to Village Home Stores customers. Village serves new home and remodel customers in a large region of surrounding cities to Geneseo including the extended Quad Cities area.

The award-winning showroom in downtown Geneseo offers appliances, appliance service, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, window treatments, flooring, and wall tile as well as complete kitchen and bath remodels all from one location with warehouses also located in Geneseo. You can see their portfolio of work online at houzz.com/pro/villagehomestores and watch their weekly TV show locally every Sunday morning at 10:30am on WQAD News Channel 8 or stream anytime at youtube.com/villagehomestores Village is open Mon-Fri 9a-5p and Saturdays from 9a-noon. Open online anytime at villagehomestores.com

[Image attached: Collin Akers (left) and Adam Hoste (right) the new owners of Village Home Stores.

Press Contact: Elizabeth Round | Marketing + Content Manager  | 309.944.1344 | elizabeth@viillagehomestores.com

The Sharks Got ‘em All - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Izaak Walton League

The next monthly meeting of the Geneseo Ikes will be Monday, February 10, 2025, beginning at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be David Wyffels, Fish Biologist, IL-DNR.
There will be a business meeting and refreshments after Mr. Wyffels presentation.

Boy Scout Troop 100

This is a reminder that the scouts will host their annual breakfast for the public on Sunday, February 16, beginning at 7 a.m. It will be held at the Geneseo Moose Lodge.

Cold legs for Owls

Many owls have long legs. The Great Horned Owl’s legs, for example, can account for half its body length. The reason we don’t notice its bare legs is because they are hidden by the bird’s fluffy body feathers. See what you can learn by reading this column! Not really!!!

Maple City Band

‘Tis a way’s away, but the kind maestro, Alan Kiser, recently gave us the MCB concerts dates for 2025.
They are as follows: June 3, June 10, June 17, July 4th (Friday), and the Maple City “German Band” on July 15. With the exception of July 4th, all concerts start at 7 p.m.
Each year the band has added more and more musicians. Let’s hope there is room for everyone on the stage. Maestro Kiser and the band will provide great music so make sure to check it out.

Ice Fishing Report

Lorna and I went ice fishing last Friday for a few hours. It was a warm day in the high 40s, maybe low ‘50s. Perfect day for ice fishing. The ice was plenty thick at 9 inches. Lorna helped me with the ice fishing gear and then went back to the SUV to read her book.
I fished a few hours and caught 10 bluegills and lost a few. Waxies worked, minnows did not. I fished the main lake at Giant Goose.

It was a "Dan D" outdoors last Friday to do some ice fishing. The fish were biting , too!

Go, Redbirds!

Last Saturday, the Nommensen and Dauw families traveled to Bloomington-Normal to watch the ISU “Red Birds” play Missouri State University.
The game was mostly favorited by MSU, but then with maybe 5-10 minutes to go, ISU “turned ‘n burned” with some much needed 3 pointers to win the game. As you can see in the photo it shows our motley crew cheering on ISU.

The Nommensen and Dauw family enjoyed a great basketball game between Illinois State University and Missouri State University.  ISU won!  

Humor

A fella was fishing off the coast of Florida when his boat tipped over. He yelled at an old beachcomber on shore if there were any ‘gators around here? The old guy said, “Naw. They haven’t been around here in years.”
Feeling safe, the fisherman started swimming for shore. About halfway to shore he yelled, “How did you get rid of the ‘gators?” The old guy relied, “We didn’t do anything. The sharks got ‘em all.”

Quote of the Week

“Growing old is no more than a bad habit which a busy man has no time to form.” - Andre Maurois

Park District RESPECT Award to GHS Student Keely Roberts

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Keely Roberts, a student at Geneseo High School, is the recipient of the fourth quarter Geneseo Park District RESPECT Award. Roberts is a member of the GHS Gymnastics Team and was nominated for the award by Gymnastics Coaches Larry and Chris Ward. She is the daughter of Amy and Mark Roberts.

The RESPECT Award includes these qualities in an individual:

-R – Recreational, Health & Wellness Opportunities.

-E – Excellence.

-S – Safety.

-P-Positivity.

-Equitable – Creating an environment of inclusion for the whole community.

-C – Communication.

-T – Teamwork.

The letter of nomination written by the Ward couple states: “Keely Roberts is an extraordinary example and carries out the Mission and Core Values of the Geneseo Park District. Keely is a vibrant and energetic person that always leads her students by example. She always comes into the gym and organizes the environment by straightening the plastics or putting the mats in place. She has a bubbly personality, but is very calm and patient with her gymnastics students. Keely takes responsibility for attendance and getting the class started on time. She is helpful from the second she arrives until the second she leaves at the end of class.

She can teach any gymnastics event and is an excellent spotter. She can demonstrate any gymnastics skill as a competitive gymnast, which is pretty incredible.

Keely Roberts

Keely is a successful student at Geneseo High School where is involved in many activities along with golf and gymnastics. She is a strong, quiet leader. She was captain this year as a junior on the gymnastics team. Keely radiates excellence in all areas by working hard and being kind.

Keely is very careful to promote safety in the gym. She asks students to stop any unsafe behaviors and is very conscientious with students with special needs. She talks through discipline issues with her day camp students and gymnastics students with a great deal of professionalism. Keely smiles often and presents a positive force in whatever she is participating in at the moment.

During the high school season, she promoted moving equipment to all of her friends and they all showed up to help the gymnastics team move equipment. This was such a miracle and the result was a record time of setting up equipment.

Keely is remarkable with students with all types of diversity and individual needs. She is patient and understanding with all students. Keely immediately sends out messages to other employees if another coach is needed for the day. She usually has help in ten minutes or less. That shows that she communicates well and others respect her request for help. She is great at communicating to her co-workers, her teammates, and her students. She is direct and precise in what is needed and what is safe for the environment. She has great respect for all others.

She shares opinions and ideas without hesitation, but listens to what others have to say. She collaborates with adults and children very well.

Her love for gymnastics explodes when Keely teaches the sport. She is excited for her students to learn and build new skills. She is always trying new coaching drills and techniques without being told to do so. Keely is very popular with the young gymnasts because they see her example and want to be as skilled as her. They also see her calm teaching style and want to learn more as a result of Keely’s talented approach to gymnastics.

She always has the interests of the Geneseo Park District Program in mind and wants to serve as best she can as a caring professional. Thank you for this opportunity to nominate Keely Roberts for this prestigious award.”

Do Fish Sleep? - By Dan Dauw

Awesome Challenge

Last week I was e-mailing with a friend, Tony Petreikis. He and his wife, Laura, were local Conservation Police Officers. They are retired and livening the good life in Wisconsin. They are big anglers and have set a goal of fishing in all 50 states. That includes fishing the great lakes which they have done so except for Lake Huron.
They have 22 states checked off. I know of another friend, Don Morrison, who lives in North Carolina and is working on playing golf in all 50 states. Knowing these fellows I think they will achieve their goals.

Do fish sleep?

I know a lot of you have wondered that for years. Well, the problem is fish have no eyelids so it’s hard to know if they are dozing off, or ready to take your bait when fishing.

When I wasn’t Old

Growing up on Fridays I think we mostly had fish sticks for supper. Ha! I guess we wouldn’t go to heaven if we ate meat. It’s kind of funny, but we still go out for dinner on a lot of Fridays.
In my opinion, “Sweet Peas” has great fish and Lorna likes their ribs. On special occasions, it’s a trip to “The Cellar.”
Another food I had in my younger days was chicken pot pies. I didn’t care for them as they had too many peas mixed in.
Way back when, I disliked peas, broccoli and beets. As one gets older tastes can change, but beets are still a “yuk” for me.
I remember we had a next-door neighbor that would leave her house and would always sing. It drove my mom nuts because she said no one’s that happy. Her husband built a boat “inside” their house. He had a mistake in his calculations and could not get it out of the house. He finally got his saw and somehow got it outside.
We had good neighbors although one fella was a newsman for a local TV station and he thought he was a pretty cool dude. He was kind of a jerk.
Growing up we went to Sunday mass at Sacred Heart Church, Moline. I always remember one time the Monsignor chastised some people for coming late to mass. I’ll bet they never came back after that! My mom never cared to go to church, but my dad did. Before I check-out I should go to that same church, just for old times sake.

Sports

Some great games over last weekend. Notre Dame beat Penn State in football and the ND women’s BB team won even though they were without their number one scorer, Hannah Hidalgo. Iowa State pulled out an overtime win beating Texas Tech in basketball. Let’s hope the Geneseo H.S. can do better in basketball. “Some days are diamonds, some days are stone.”

Feed the Birds

Just a reminder that our feathered friends enjoy eating seeds, suet, and water during these snow covered days. I felt sorry for one blackbird that comes to our feeders. It has a piece of string about five inches long that seems to be caught under its peak. It drives the poor bird nuts as it try’s everything to get free from the pesky thing.

Humor

1. “I’m making a documentary on how to fly a plane. We’re currently filming the pilot.”

2. When you wear a belt of $100 bills, it’s just a “waist” of money.

3. Lorna asked if I’ve seen the dog bowl? I said I never knew he did.

4. Whoever stole the copy of my Microsoft office, I will find you. You have my word.

5. A friend of mine said he only believes in 12.5% of the Bible. I guess that makes him an “1/8th”iest. (Note: As I am typing this, coyotes are in our backyard).

Quote of the Week

“I want to be forgotten, even by God.”

• Robert Browning

Edward A. DePauw: October 15, 1962 ~ January 11, 2025

Edward Anthony “Eddie” DePauw, 62, went to be with the Lord and his parents on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Allure of Geneseo. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Friday, January 17, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Rapids City, IL, with a rosary being prayed at 3:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Saturday, January 18, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church where he was a proud altar server for several years. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Rapids City, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a memorial to be determined. Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron, IL, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Eddie was born on October 15, 1962, to Julian and Jeanette (Thomas) DePauw. He was welcomed by four siblings. To know Eddie was to love him, and if he knew you, you know you were also loved. Born with Down Syndrome, his family never treated him any differently which allowed him to thrive on so many levels. Given an expectation of 30 years with limited physical capabilities, he proved everyone wrong. He had numerous trophies, ribbons, and awards for Special Olympics, Citizenship, and his hard-working attitude at Abilities Plus, Kewanee, Illinois. Eddie was a master rosary maker, and his rosaries were sent all over the world. He was so excited to throw the first pitch at a River Bandits game. He was also a seasoned prankster.

He started school at Riverdale Schools, Port Byron, and later graduated from Black Hawk Area Education Agency. His final years were spent at Abilities Plus, Kewanee, IL, and Allure of Geneseo, IL.

Those left to cherish his memory include his siblings, Joe (the late Marilyn) DePauw, Geneseo, Rosemary (Ed) Osborn, Rock Island, Bob (Pam) DePauw, Port Byron, and Peggy (Byron) Walker, Rock Island; nephews and nieces, Alex (Karelis), Ben (Steffanie), Abby, Christine, Phil, Kate (Steve), Tom (Julia), Mary (Jesse), Jake (Barb), and Sarah (Adam); great nephews and nieces, Maison, Ember, Penny, Julia (Alex), Ethan, Rosie, Brendan, Rachel, Eleanor, Myranda, Theo, Evan, Nate, Jack and Mara; and great-great nephews and nieces, Ryker, Esme’, Haeman, and Layla Grace. He is also survived by very special friends, Scott Speaker, Mark Grigsby, Steve and Cheryl Bingamon, Mike and Donna Rieman, and his many friends at A+.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, godparents, Ed & Antoinette Urbaniak; uncles and aunts, Duke and Kathy Tyler, Bill and Dorothy DePauw, and Oscar and Patricia DePauw; sister-in-law, Marilyn; and niece, Rachel, as well as friends Ricky Bruce, Lynn Reschke, and Craig Smith.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Abilities Plus and Allure of Geneseo for their care and compassion. For the final time from Eddie, “My mame in the paper!”

Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com