Blood Drive March 4 at Geneseo First Methodist Church - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive on Tuesday, March 4, at Geneseo First Methodist Church, South Campus (back entrance). The drive will begin at 12 noon and continue until 6 p.m.

Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS)

Information received regarding the Blood Drive states, “Now there’s a better reason to give blood – there’s no finger stick!” A ring-shaped sensor is placed on the donor’s thumb and in under a minute, the sensor measures and displays hemoglobin. The U.S. FDA requires that a hemoglobin test is done before donating to ensure the donor isn’t anemic.

“There’s been a lot of feedback from donors, too,” according to the information received. “Not only do the donors like it but also it speeds up their processing time. The OrSense hemoglobin analyzer applies pressure on a donor’s thumb, obstructing blood flow. Using a method called occlusion spectroscopy, it measures light transmitted through the thumb to give an accurate hemoglobin reading. Another advantage of this new procedure is that it eliminates biohazardous waste.”

WHY GIVE BLOOD?

-Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood and/or platelets.

-It helps save lives: accident/burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and people battling cancer.

-You’ll get information about your own health and your blood will be screened for infectious diseases.

-It can help prevent heart attacks: giving blood regularly stimulates the creation of healthy new blood cells which are thinner and lower your risk of heart attacks or strokes caused by arterial blockages.

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.

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).

Warren E. Hadley ~ January 22, 1938 - February 14, 2025

Warren Edward Hadley passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 87. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. Reverend Barry Wynveen will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Grace Episcopal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Geneseo Education Foundation,  https://geneseoeducation.com/contribute-to-gef

He was born January 22, 1938, to Gilbert and Lucille (Balluff) Hadley, and grew up on the family farm between Geneseo and Cambridge, IL, graduating from Geneseo High School in 1956. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1961 with a BS in Agriculture. After graduation, he served as a field secretary for Delta Chi Fraternity traveling the country in his corvette. While working out of the national office in Iowa City, his fraternity brothers set him up on a blind date with a nursing student, Catherine Kemp. On December 23, 1962, he married her in Cedar Falls, IA. They had two children, Karen Hadley Lyman (Alan) and Pamela Hadley (Matthew Rispoli). Warren was blessed with 5 grandchildren – Andrea Lyman DeMent (Jamie), Lauren Lyman Brown (Brandon), Justin Lyman (Kira Sisson), Ellen Rispoli (Peter Russel), and Grace Rispoli (Izel Smith). In addition, he lovingly interacted with his 5 great-grandchildren, Caileigh and Martha DeMent and Ezekiel, Micah, and Noah Brown, making or choosing gifts to delight them. Caileigh and Martha DeMent and Ezekiel, Micah, and Noah Brown. He is loved dearly by his sister, Patricia Duensing, his nephews Dean and David, and their families.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Lucille. 

After marrying Cathy, Warren returned to the family farm in 1963. With his father, and later his daughter and son-in-law, Warren farmed 540 acres and fed more than 2,000 cattle annually in Henry County.  He spent a great deal of time developing and adopting modern ways of feeding and finishing beef cattle in the Midwest. He was a partner and vice president of Empire Equipment, NA, and a member of the Henry County Beef Association, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Beef Council, National Livestock Feeders Association, and National Cattleman’s Association. Warren was civic-minded, serving as a Director of Geneseo Cooperative Gas and Oil, the State Bank of Osco, and the Hammond Henry Hospital Foundation. He deeply valued education, serving on the Black Hawk Community College Board, Geneseo Board of Education, and was a founding member of the Geneseo Endowment for Excellence in Education.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Geneseo. 

In retirement, Warren and his wife finally had time to travel. They cruised the Rhine, the Mediterranean, saw fall leaves in Canada and glaciers in Alaska, and marveled at the wonders of Machu Picchu. Warren enjoyed playing golf, reading, and his morning coffee group.  He also took up wood turning and became a member of the Quad Cities Woodturners. His works were displayed at art shows and RutabagA Art.

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Feb. 27

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Julie West, left, a member of the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Women’s Health Steering Committee; and Katie Orwig, Foundation Manager, invite area women to the Thursday, Feb. 27, program of the Women’s Health Series, sponsored by the Hospital Foundation Community Benefits Committee. The program is from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the Geneseo Community Center Activity Room, 541 East North St., Geneseo.

Alyssa K. Lakin, PA-C, Core Dermatology, will present the program “Skin Care.” Cost of the lunch is $12, payable at the door. Reservations are required by Thursday, Feb. 20, and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Gun Locks Available at Geneseo Public Library

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced a major milestone in its effort to promote firearm safety: the agency has now provided more than 100,000 free gun locks since the statewide initiative began less than a year ago.

In partnership with Illinois State Police and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, IDPH launched the “Together for a Safer Illinois” campaign to help gun owners secure their weapons and make sure their firearms do not fall into the wrong hands. The initiative is intended to prevent access to firearms by children, those who are not trained in the safe use of a weapon, or those who might use the gun to harm themselves or others.

“IDPH is thrilled to see the public interest in our gun lock distribution program,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.  “Preventing gun violence and injury is a critical public health goal, and gun locks are an important tool to prevent accidental shootings, gun violence, and suicide.  100,000 distributed gun locks are only the start of this important initiative.  As IDPH and our partners work Together for a Safer Illinois, we look forward to continuing our gun lock distribution at events across Illinois this spring and summer.”

IDPH has partnered with local health departments and community groups across Illinois to make gun locks available at a variety of public events since the program was initiated in June 2023. The locks include installation instructions for auto-loading pistols, revolvers, auto-loading and pump-action shotguns, bolt action rifles, modern sports rifles, and single action revolvers. The locks also come with information about the national 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

 IDPH and its partners plan to continue the gun lock giveaway at events across Illinois, including summer festivals, county fairs, back-to-school events, community outreach programs, health fairs, suicide prevention awareness events, National Night Out events, and the Illinois and DuQuoin State Fairs. Local health departments and community organizations can get more information about offering free gun locks in their communities at IDPH/VIPS Gun Lock Request Form (smartsheet.com) or by visiting the IDPH gun safety webpage at Gun Safety (illinois.gov).

The effort is part of IDPH’s ongoing commitment to firearms safety, which also includes the “Pause to Heal” campaign launched this spring to increase awareness of firearms restraining orders (FROs). An FRO is a way for family, household members, or law enforcement to ask a court to restrict a person’s access to guns, ammunition, and firearm parts when that person poses a significant danger to themselves or others. An FRO is a tool to buy time in a crisis situation and empowers families and law enforcement to prevent gun violence and firearm-related suicide. Learn more about FROs and IDPH’s gun safety efforts at Firearm Restraining Orders (illinois.gov).

Art Work in Observance of Black History Month at RutabagA

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Artist Isaiah (Zay) Williams, Rock Island, is shown by his painting titled “Fury and Peace,” which is included in a display of art work at RutabagA Studio and Gallery in downtown Geneseo. He explained the painting in the photograph was inspired by a scene from the movie “Creed II.”

Williams’ paintings are at RutabagA in observance of February being Black History Month.

In addition to being an artist, Williams is an actor, poet, activist, entrepreneur and designer.

He uses mostly acrylics in his paintings, but also uses a variety of mediums and styles including mixed media.

He added that he “believes God gave him a gift and he wants to use his gifts to not only create, but also inspire others around him.”

Also, in observance of Black History Month, Rutabaga has a collection of art work by Sharon Michaelsen and Joyce Mattan, Geneseo; and by Jeanne O’Melia, Princeton.

RutabagA Studio is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Photo by Claudia Loucks

Valentine’s Day Celebration at GHS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Special deliveries off Crush soda were made to students at Geneseo High School Friday in observance of Valentine’s Day. The cans of soda were delivered “anonymously,” and the recipient was able to return the empty can and pay 50 cents to Student Council to find out who has a “crush” on them. Ready to make some deliveries are, from left, Mickayla Bowles, Jacey Gehl, and Quinn Cherry. The Valentine’s Day events are sponsored by GHS Student Council. Claudia Loucks Photos

Ready to make their deliveries of Crush soda are, from left, Lillian Bellagamba, Caroline Girten, Eleanor Bertelsen, and William Rankins.

Geneseo High School student Annabelle Ropp received a singing telegram on Valentine’s Day from GHS vocalists, from left, Tyler Holtzen, JJ Mooney, Paxton Sherbeyn, Logan VanDeWoestyne, Carter Eastburn, and Dylan Gehl.

Several Geneseo High School students received singing telegrams on Friday, Feb. 14, in observance of Valentine’s Day. Student Council sponsors the event each year when students pay a minimal amount of money to hire groups of student vocalists from the high school choir to deliver Valentine’s Day greetings in song.
Recipients of the Valentine greetings included, Dominic Ritter, surrounded by, from left, Shay Schehl, Taylor Hawkins, Elanor DeBlieck, Beth Mroz, Sophia Clifton, Elizabeth Lane, Kara Sancken, Emilia Schmitt, Clara Huddleston, Jordan Thomas, and Hope Kuster.

Geneseo Park District Is An Exceptional Workplace

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Park District received the Exceptional Workplace Award at the Soaring to New Heights Conference.

Information received states the award is administered by the IPRA (Illinois Park and Recreation Association) to recognize agencies that show a commitment to the well-being of their employees. The premise behind the IPRA “Exceptional Workplace” award goes beyond encouraging employees to count calories and add physical activity to their day. It encompasses implementing multiple dimensions of wellness to develop a balanced life.

Andy Thurman, Geneseo Park District Executive Director, said, “The Geneseo Park District has undergone a voluntary evaluation process to showcase our commitment to fostering a well-balanced life for employees from the inside out. This recognition reflects our dedication to supporting six key dimensions of wellness: physical activity, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and environmental. Through initiatives like monthly staff challenges, a rotating fun staff video board, and provided healthy snacks and prizes, we continue to enhance workplace wellness. This award reaffirms that our policies and programs create a positive and engaging work-life experience for our team.”

Your Grade of Intelligence - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Happy Valentine’s Day

Many folks know that Valentine’s Day is named after St. Valentine. The problem is, there were two St. Valentines. Nobody knows for sure if the holiday originated with St. Valentine in Rome, or the other one in Terni, Italy?
In the 1300s, Valentine’s Day officially became a holiday associated with love. It was believed that February 14 was the start of birds’ mating season. Birds and romance had a connection.
Lorna and I became engaged on Valentine’s Day in her classroom at the junior high school in Barstow, IL. On that special day we always celebrate at The Cellar.

Like Father Like Son

Dennie Howell recently got a nice buck with his bow ‘n arrow. Not to be outdone, his dad, Mitch Howell, Colona, got a deer with his shotgun during this past shotgun season. Mitch got his deer on an island on the Mississippi River. Looks like there will be plenty of venison dinners as the winter goes on.

A Matter of Taste

Okay, bats see with their ears, snakes smell with their tongue and butterflies’ taste through their feet. The female monarch butterfly can taste if a plant is okay for her larvae to eat.
However, the process is not perfect as sometimes she can be tricked into laying her eggs on an invasive plant species causing the larvae to die within a few days.

Yay, Pancakes and the Trimmings

Just a second reminder that the Geneseo Boy Scout Troop 100 will host their “Annual Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast” on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. It’s only 7 bucks per adult and kids age 5 & under, free! C-U there!!

Geneseo Museum History Restarts

This was good news. Steve Kastorff, retired teacher, author and lecturer, told me that the Geneseo Historical Museum will be host to various monthly history talks at the museum.
Angie Snook started the programs some years ago and the talks were based more on the Civil War. As time went on, the one hour lectures covered both local and world history events. Besides Angie, she brought in other local speakers to present history related programs.
I’m not sure when the new programs are going to start, but I’m sure the new curator will get the word out. While Angie is retired from her years as the museum’s curator, I’m sure she will continue on the lecture circuit. She is an amazing lady.

Rock Falls Firearm Frenzy

This 50 new gun raffle is presented by Ducks Unlimited & Rock Falls, IL. It will be held at the McCormick Event Center, 205 E. 3rd St., Rock Falls, IL. The event will be on Saturday, February 22, 2025, with doors open at 11:00 a.m.
Each $25.00 ticket includes a chance on the 50 gun raffle, food, beverages and a chance on $3500 cash door prizes. If any questions contact Rodney Schlafer @ events@ducks.org.

Ice Fishing Report

Last Tuesday morning Lorna and I tried our luck on the hard water. We fished the main lake at Giant Goose, Atkinson. There was about 9” of good ice.
We fished for about 2 hours and brought home 13 bluegills. We got some small “dinks” and let them go. Jigs and waxies are what the ‘gills wanted for breakfast.

Bait for Fishing

As most of you anglers know, Carbon Cliff Bait & Tackle is no longer in business. Living in Colona, it was just a “hop, skip ‘n a jump” for me to purchase bait, especially minnows, worms, waxies, etc. I was spoiled!
In Geneseo, you used to be able to get waxies and worms at Farm & Fleet. However, I have not seen their small refrigerator that contained waxies and worms for sale. So, long story short, that leaves two locations in which to get both bait and tackle. That is Porter’s Village Gas Station on Rt. 84 west, Hampton, IL., or E-Z Livin’ Sports Center, 231 1st Ave W., Milan, IL.
Porter’s is about 15 minutes closer to our home than E-Z Livin.’ E-Z Livin’ is a half-hour run from home, but they have a larger array of fishing equipment. The phone # for E-Z Livin’ is (309) 787-2244. The phone # for Porters is (309) 755-3862.

Geneseo DU Gun Bingo

“Bingo!” This event should be fun. The Geneseo Ducks Unlimited are hosting a “Gun Bingo” on Sunday, March 9, 2025. It will be held at The Black Ridge, 123 N. Prospect St., Cambridge, IL.
There will be guns, bingo, games, raffles, fun and auctions. Geeez, can they offer anything more? I think not!!!
The cost is $80 per person and while you might think that’s a bit steep, it includes entry, food, DU membership, 8 games of Bingo prize for each game is a gun or $400 bucks in cash. Food and soda will be provided – BYOB.
All this is limited to 100 individuals. Must be age 18 to play bingo. Doors will open at 11 a.m., Lunch at 11:30 a.m. Bingo at 1 p.m. Too bad they couldn’t add a dunking tank with Dale “Double Barrel” Doubler as the person falling in the tank. I mean, he’s all wet anyway!!!! If you need more information go to: www.geneseodu.org

Indian Navy Cadets Parade Dance

Okay U.S. Navy Vets and everyone else. I want you to go to your computer and type in “The Hornpipe Dance by Sea Cadets/Indian Navy Dance 2024.” Make sure you. click on the “2024” version. One can interpret the dance to tasks by sailors aboard ship. Very cool.

Rude & Tacky

The next time ‘yer in Quebec, keep your hands where they can be seen. Talking with your hands in your pockets is considered rude. If you want to be tacky, yawn in public when in Ecuador.
Lastly, do not relate to your friends that you read, “Dan D Outdoors.” Your grade of intelligence will be considered low.

Quote of the Week

“All men think all men mortal, but themselves!”

• Edward Young

Murray N. Singbush ~ September 24, 1933 - February 8, 2025

Murray N. Singbush, 91, of Chandler, AZ, formerly of Geneseo, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 8, 2025.  Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org/)

He was born September 24, 1933 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to John and Blanche Singbush. Murray was a great lover of hockey and his talent led to a position as a defenseman in the farm league for the Montreal Canadiens.  He served a brief enlistment in the Royal Canadian Navy and married his wife, Marilyn, in Vancouver, British Columbia in July 14, 1954.  

Murray moved to the United States in 1957 where he began a career in industrial equipment sales.  He retired from Deere & Company, Moline, IL in 1986 as Manager of OEM Sales, an organization he was responsible for establishing.  He was cited as a pioneer in the development of what became a major diversification program for the company.  Upon retiring, Murray and Marilyn sold the family home in Geneseo, IL and enjoyed many years traveling throughout the U.S., Canada, and Costa Rica.  Murray’s “second retirement” was to Casa Grande, Arizona.

Murray did not want to be remembered for his career accomplishments, but for what he most valued:

• His devoted and adventure-filled, 70 years of marriage to his wife, Marilyn

• His love of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

• His many friendships

• His 42 years of sobriety 

Murray was preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen, and brother Gary.  He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his children Lynn (Kevin), Kim, Norm (Becky), Robin (Rick), and Ford (Andrea). Grandchildren, Paige, Brittani, Rayce, Quinn, Ryan, Reid, Blake, Lauren, Drew, Broc, J.P., Tony and many beautiful great grandchildren!

Murray strove to live a life of meaning and purpose, not in grand gestures, but in everyday moments that uplifted those around him.

Condolences may be expressed in Murray’s obituary at www.stackhousemoore.com.

Maple City Cruisers Seeking New Members - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

What once was known as the Geneseo Car Club became the Maple City Cruisers in 2006. The group continues to meet and would like to have other car enthusiasts join them.

Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday (Feb. 25) of each month at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. The meeting night is the same night as Taco Tuesday at the Moose and some members of the group arrive early in time to eat tacos.

Jerry Snodgrass, president of the club, said members do not have to own a classic or antique car, truck or motorcycle, and added, “You just need to have an interest in these types of vehicles.”

The group does plan cruises when the weather cooperates and Snodgrass said those trips are usually to restaurants or places of interest.

The big project of the year for the Maple City Cruisers is the car show held in September in conjunction with Trains, Planes and Automobiles event in Geneseo.

Membership includes a “small amount in dues,” Snodgrass said, and added, “Anyone interested in more information about the club is invited to our monthly meeting.”

For more information, call Snodgrass at 309-945-6564.

SOME HISTORY OF THE MAPLE CITY CRUISERS

Prior to 2005 the Maple City Cruisers were known as the Geneseo Car Club and Jerry Snodgrass, club president, said, “In 2005, Dawn Tubbs was executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and she encouraged the club to become more organized.”

In 2006, the name Maple City Cruisers was selected and the first car show was held in downtown Geneseo.

Snodgrass said the idea for the car show came from Dawn Tubbs, “not as a Chamber of Commerce show, but as a show that would bring more business to the downtown merchants. Dawn organized getting a steam locomotive and cars here to give rides that year. It was during the first Trains, Planes and Automobiles show.”

Garden Club to Meet Feb. 20

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago St., Geneseo.

Josh Spensley, of CE Ford & Sons, Inc., will present the program on lawn care and grasses. He will also answer questions from the group about lawns.

Refreshments will be served by Barb Schlotfeldt and Linda Washburn. Guests are welcome to attend the meeting.

Montez Name Will Long Be Remembered by Wrestling Fans - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Zachary Montez will graduate this spring from Geneseo High School and he will leave behind a legacy in wrestling that will long be remembered.

Montez, the son of Jesse Montez and Sarah Montez, climbed to the top by breaking the all-time career-wins record when he collected his 167th win in the last home dual meet of his career when the Leafs defeated Rock Island 57-14. The previous record of 166 wins has been held by Adam Sheley since 2009.

For now, he is looking to the future of his wrestling career at GHS and to his fourth appearance at the State Wrestling Tournament. When asked about his favorite wrestling memory, he said, “If everything goes as planned, it will be winning an individual state title as well as a team title in the next few weeks.”

Not long after breaking the all-time varsity career wins record at GHS in January, Montez continued his pursuit of breaking records with his fourth straight Western Big 6 Conference Title the next day as he led the Leafs to their 4th WB6 title in six years. (There was no tournament in 2021 due to Covid)

The Leafs won the WB6 Conference title at Sterling with a record 240 points with Quincy coming in a distant 2nd place with 190 points.

The 165-pound Montez was voted the WB6 Wrestler of the Year as he became the first ever 4 x WB6 Tournament Champion. His teammate and workout partner Kye Weinzierl notched career #100 as he won the 175-pound Conference Title with a pin fall in the finals. The Leafs “Terrible Twosome” have a combined season record of 73-2 with 11 tournament titles between them this season.

Montez continued to dominate his opponents as he won his fourth IHSA Regional title and led the Leafs to their third straight Regional team title in Dixon, where he set yet another record as the only Geneseo wrestler to capture 4 IHSA Regional titles and he moved on to a 37-0 record for the season.

Reaching his 100th win in wrestling when in his junior year at GHS in the finals of the first tournament of the wrestling season, Rockford East, on Dec. 2, 2023. He said he was not aware he was at 100 wins and his accomplishment was not recognized until the home meet one week later when Geneseo went against Sterling.

He said, “I was excited to reach 100 wins and join my brother Anthony as a 100-match winner.”

When asked about wrestling being an individual sport, Montez replied, “For me, it’s never been too much of an individual sport. I’ve always had my brother to follow and cheer for me and then all my Blue Line teammates like Kye, Isaac, Tim, Devan, Grady, and Maliki. So, the team aspect has always been just as big as the individual part for a lot of us growing up.”

With just a short time left until the Individual State Wrestling Tournament beginning Feb. 20 in Champaign, Montez will attempt to join his older brother Anthony as only the fourth wrestler in GHS history to qualify to become a four-time State Qualifier – Anthony Montez, Hunter Grau and Adam Sheley are the only GHS wrestlers to qualify for the IHSA State Tournament in all four years of high school.

If Zachary Montez qualified for the state Tournament and places in the Top 6, he will be the first-ever wrestler in GHS history to have placed all four years in high school as he has previously placed 4th, 3rd, and 3rd.

ZACHARY MONTEZ’S LEGENDAY WRESTLING JOURNEY

Zachary Montez began wrestling at the age of four and he explained, “I didn’t have much of a choice as I just followed my brother Anthony. I also played football and baseball growing up and I continued to play football in high school, but chose not to play my senior year so I could focus on winning a state wrestling title.”

The Geneseo standout wrestler shared that he has “grown up watching wrestling my whole life. My brother and I have been in wrestling rooms since before we could even walk. My goal has always been to be the best. So, from the time I started wrestling, I’ve always had to chase the success of my Dad (Jesse Montez also had a storied wrestling career in his days at GHS) and brother which hasn’t been easy. I feel like it’s been an unfair advantage for me to have not just my Dad training me, but also my brother (Anthony)…Anthony has been my biggest fan and pushed me to be better, even better than him. I think that’s probably been one of the biggest keys to my success, my brother Anthony. So, the influence has really helped my success for sure.”

In addition, to their Dad, the Montez brothers had some coaching from their Grandpa, Louis Montez, who shared his coaching knowledge with them as well as he did with his son and their Dad, Jessie Montez. Louie Montez was the Geneseo Middle School wrestling coach for almost 20 years.

When asked to comment about what wrestling means to him and how his coaches have influenced him, Montez answered, “Anthony and I have always had wrestling as our main sport and influence in our lives. Our Dad (Jesse) has trained us for not just wrestling success, but life success. Then our Mom (Sarah Montez) has been the best wrestling Mom we could ask for and has definitely helped with all our success as well. Be a good student, and everything else falls into place.”

He added, “We have been very fortunate to have Coach Murray leading us through our high school careers, but then you add Coaches Rusk, Babcock, Kreiner, Smith, Verbeck and Cropp and I don’t think anyone could ask for more!”

SOME FUN COMMENTS FROM MONTEZ:

-Advice for young wrestlers: “Listen to your coaches, believe in your training, and have fun!

-Favorite food – “Spaghetti.”

-What are you looking forward to most after wrestling season: “Making my decision on where I will continue my academic and athletic career.”

Special Exhibit at Smith Studio & Gallery

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Photography by Artist Craig Miller of Coal Valley will be featured through March at the Smith Studio and Gallery, 124 South State St., downtown Geneseo. The Studio and Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.

David Smith, owner-operator of Smith Studio, said, “This Coal Valley artist is exhibiting photographs that capture street images from the world he artistically observes. Craig has always had an eye for the offbeat that can be found in any community. This exhibition is a review of some of the best of his ‘Street Photography’. The images capture the whimsy and beauty that can be found by just taking a walk in a neighborhood.”

Smith shared that the artist will sometimes print a photograph just as it was taken, without any changes…“On other occasions he will change the photo, playing with its qualities in Photoshop to bring out the special assets he sees in the image he has captured. These alternations can be slight in appearance or they can be radical to the point of recreating the picture.”

The exhibit is free and Smith added, “Bring the children! It allows you to get a glimpse into the wonderful artwork being created in Geneseo and the Quad City area.”

Geneseo Park District Receives Distinguished Accredited Agency Award - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Congratulations are in order to the Staff and Board of the Geneseo Park District!

The Geneseo Park District has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (APD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (PRA).

This is the third time the Geneseo Park District has received the award.

The purpose of the award is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents and to recognize those agencies that provide exceptional Park and Recreation services to their community through a voluntary, comprehensive, professional accreditation process.

Information received from the Park District states, “Successful completion of the Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation process is a testament not only to the agency, but the staff, board and community with the ultimate result of improved quality of life, making Illinois the best place to live, work, and recreate,” said Suzi Wirtz, IPRA Executive Director.

Successful completion of the Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation process has these benefits:

-Recognition that the recreation agency provides exceptional Park and Recreation services to their community.

-Increased operational efficiency and effectiveness.

-Opportunity for updating and clarifying policies and procedures.

-Meet professional standards for facilities and services.

-Acknowledges elected officials as effective and efficient guardians of the public interest in parks and recreation, and of the public resources provided for recreation opportunities.

-Acknowledged as employing qualified professionals.

-Recognized as a leader in the State of Illinois in the field of parks and recreation.

Andy Thurman, Geneseo Park District Executive Director, said, “The Staff and Board of the Geneseo Park District is extremely proud to receive this award for the third time. Going through this rigorous process every five years is a testament to our commitment to excellence. The hard work and dedication over the past five years to uphold these standards and continue operating at such a high level have been tremendous. Our staff has effectively managed the records for the standards, ensuring that the Park District maintains the exceptional level of service our community expects and deserves.”

Information from the Geneseo Park District states that the GPD started the accreditation process in 2011 and received the first Illinois Distinguished Accreditation Award in November of 2012. Since that time, the Park District has continued its commitment to exceeding the highest standards in the park and Recreation profession. Because of the Board and Staff’s commitment, the Geneseo Park District was able to earn 492.58 points out of a base of 500 points. The score exceeded the minimum 440 points required to pass.

Art For The Canal

The deadline is March 29th. Get your creative cap on now!
Contact the Geneseo Art League for more details.
geneseoartleague125@gmail.com

Lil Poms Perform at GHS Boys’ Basketball

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo High School Maplettes were joined by more than 100 “future Maplettes” for the Lil Pom performance at the GHS Boys’ Basketball game vs. Orion held Feb. 8 at GHS. The dancers performed to music from “Dance the Night.” The routine was choreographed by GHS juniors Ava Brewer, Jack Cooper, Anna Davis, Paige Eastburn, Meya Pollock, Nina Schmedding, Kinsey Sharp and Maddie Wells. The Maplettes are coached by Lydia Reyburn, Michelle Fryear and Yvonne Wayne. Photos by Claudia Loucks

Grechyn Hintgen and her sister, Graysen, Hintgen, were among the dancers in the performance at the boys’ basketball game on Feb. 8

Ava DeWolfe, left, gets a hug from “future Maplette” Grechyn Hintgen.

Les Hoste’s Art Work in RutabagA Window

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo artist Les Hoste shows one of his watercolor paintings that currently is featured in the window of RutabagA Studio and Gallery at 108 North State St. in downtown Geneseo.

His display includes various scenery settings in addition to a painting of three ducks. RutabagA Gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Hoste is a versatile wood worker and water color artist. Retiring as a tooling engineer more than 10 years ago, he has continued his passion of creating items from wood, from end tables and doll furniture to cabinets, ornaments and more. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Farmers National Bank Announces New Board Member

Prophetstown, IL- Scott VanOpdorp has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Prophetstown Banking Co. and Farmers National Bank. Prophetstown Banking Co. is the holding company for Farmers National Bank, a community bank with over $850 million in assets and four locations in Prophetstown, Geneseo, Morrison, and Mount Carroll. VanOpdorp joins current board members Carey Bauer, William Dale, Kim Gehling, Tricia Mickley, Garett Plumley, Brad Toone, Donald Vogel, and Jeffrey Woodworth.

Scott VanOpdorp, CFO(left) is shown with President Garett Plumley

A native of Geneseo, VanOpdorp earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Accounting at Northern Illinois University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Scott began his career in public accounting, entered the banking industry in 2006 and joined Farmers National Bank in 2010 as Assistant Vice President Accounting and Compliance. Since 2017, he has served as Chief Financial Officer and was named Vice President in 2018. Scott and his family live in Geneseo, where he is active in coaching youth sports including travel softball, baseball and bowling.