Sharon K. VanKerrebroeck: September 19, 1942 - February 28, 2025

Sharon K. VanKerrebroeck died peacefully with her husband by her side on February 28, 2025, after a brief illness with sinus cancer.

Sharon was born September 19, 1942, at Kewanee Public Hospital to Clyde W. Salzmann and Josephine L. (Whipkey) Salzmann.  She graduated from Annawan High School in 1960 and Graham Hospital School of Nursing, Canton, Illinois in 1965.  Sharon received her BSN from the University of Illinois on June 10, 1990.

She worked as a registered nurse at Lutheran Hospital in Moline, a physician's office, and Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo on the Medical-Surgical Unit, the Coronary Care Unit, and later as the Education Manager.  She retired from Hammond-Henry Hospital in 1999.

Sharon married her best friend, Richard L. VanKerrebroeck in Sheffield, Illinois on May 30, 1965.  They have two children, Shalee (Dean) Johnson and Drew (Amy) VanKerrebroeck and four grandchildren: Trace (Grace) and Ty Johnson, and Aubrey and Callie VanKerrebroeck.

She enjoyed her family, friends, traveling, flower gardening, and photography.  She enjoyed visiting Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and New Zealand, where she visited her pen-pal of 70 years.  In addition to visiting all 50 states, she most recently enjoyed a trip to Europe with her daughter and her family.  She looked forward to hosting her annual holiday party for her golfing and nursing friends. 

She volunteered for numerous organizations during her lifetime as well as the Annawan Library Board.  She was in charge of creating Annawan’s bi-centennial book and welcome packages for new village residents.  People enjoyed the village’s flower gardens that she planted and cared for throughout the town.  Sharon also has over 1,500 volunteer hours at Hammond-Henry Auxiliary including a term as president.

She was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by one sister, Marilyn Lovestrand of Minnesota and one brother, Earnest (Nancy) Salzmann of Mineral.  Also, brother-in-law Robert (Janet) VanKerrebroeck, Geneseo, and sister-in-law Sue (Robert) Lanxon, Sheffield, and many nieces and nephews.

Her wishes were to be cremated.  Visitation will be held at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory in Atkinson on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.  There will be a graveside service at Annawan Township Cemetery on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM.  Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate. Following that service, we welcome all to join us for a luncheon at the Annawan Community Center at 11:30.

Memorials may be made to Annawan-Alba Library, HHH Auxiliary, or 3 ABN, PO Box 220, West Frankfort, IL 62896.

Teabags In Your Shoes - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Warren Hadley

He passed away on February 14, 2025. We knew Warren from when he was on the Geneseo school board. He was a very bright person and had a good sense of humor. He sure did a lot of good things in his lifetime. God bless his soul.

Outdoor Critters

Last week I pulled out of the Rock Island hospital’s parking lot only to have one big buck decides to slowly walk in front of my car. With lots of woods south of the hospital and not far from the Black Hawk State Park it is no wonder deer enjoy that area.
Ah, but I was not done seeing some wildlife. I got on JD Expressway heading east when to my right, in a bare cornfield, I saw at least a dozen or more wild turkeys.
Two weeks ago we had a red fox in our backyard and in that same time frame, we saw 7 deer, 5 in our neighbor’s yard and 2 in our backyard.

Feed the Birds

Farm & Fleet has got to love us. The other day I got $93.00 worth of different kinds of birdseed and suet cakes. That should last us until late March, early April.
Many times I just like sitting by the window and watch all the various species of birds. I especially like the red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, northern flicker (just one) and 3 families of cardinals.
My favorite is the red-headed woodpecker, but I have only seen it once this winter. Of course, we get lots of different small birds, too.

Hold on Donald

I’m happy with just about everything Trump has done so far in his short time as president. However, I wouldn’t give one inch to Russia’s Putin when it comes to meeting with President Zelenskyy of the Ukraine.
If there are going to be any kind of negotiations, Zelenskyy should be involved. President Trump is correct having said that if there was a truce, thousands or millions of people would be saved. There is no simple answer, but it seems to me that Putin has far more reaching goals when it comes to other border countries.
Update: that press conference with Vance, Trump and Zelenskyy on Friday, February 28, 2025, went down in flames. Unfortunately, the only winner was Russia.

Just a Pint
Just a reminder, but if you can spare a pint of your blood it sure would help save a life. You could make an appointment at the Red Cross in Geneseo, or Impactlife in Moline. Your donation is most welcome.

Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

Ugh! They are in a downward tail spin. They were in first place until they met up with NC State and Florida State. Their last regular season game is at home against Louisville (double ugh).

Humor

1) If you put dry teabags in your shoes they will absorb the odor. Your shoes will smell good, but the tea tastes so bad it’s almost not worth it.

2) When I was little, I didn’t care what I wore. I just went along with what my parents chose. When I look in old photo albums, I realize that they didn’t care either!

3) The bad news is, I accidentally took the wrong medication today. The good news is, I’m now protected from heartworms and fleas for the next three months.

Quote of the Week

“There is no sin punished more implacably by man than the sin of resistance to change.” - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Dance Marathon 2025 March 8th at GHS - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Dance Marathon was introduced to the Geneseo community in 2022 and since that beginning the local young people involved have raised over $80,000.

The 2025 Dance Marathon will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at Geneseo High School.

The event is open to high school students who each have raised $25 which will be donated to the St. Ambrose Dance marathon which is then funneled into the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

At the University of Iowa and St. Ambrose University, Dance Marathon is a year-long organization providing support to families receiving treatment at Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Mandy Kelly and her husband, Ryan, were instrumental in introducing Dance Marathon in Geneseo. They continue as sponsors of the event at GHS, along with high school teacher Sara Bertelsen.

By holding the Mini Dance Marathon at GHS, the high school students are helping the colleges raise money.

Kelly explained that the GHS students are in charge of marketing the Dance Marathon and businesses and community members can help support the effort by donating to an individual, the dance captains, or by supporting the group as a whole.

Selected dance captains work to create an event for dancers and local families. All members individually raise money through the Donor Drive and that money, along with contributions from the community is used to hold the Mini Dance Marathon in an effort to raise a grand total which is donated to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

During the actual Dance Marathon at the high school, students dance, eat, play games, and listen to local families share their personal stories.

Kelly said the stories are from families who share the medical journey of one family member and the impact the Stead Family Children’s Hospital has had on that journey.

Students begin raise money in December and continue through the March dance event at the high school. The GHS Dance Marathon has raised funds through bakes sales, volley-tennis tournament, pass the buckets, local business donations, individual family, friends, and food share nights.

“While working to raise money, the students involved are not aware of the grand total and the large donation is revealed at the of the event on March 8,” Kelly explained. “The students get to see their impact through the family stories and through the final donation number. Over the past three years, GHS Dance Marathon has raised over $80,000 for the hospital.

There is still time for people in the Geneseo community to make a donation to the Dance Marathon…”If they know a high school student that is ‘dancing,’ they can donate to their personal donor drive, or a general donation can be made eon our donor drive,” Kelly said, and she listed the site: https://events.dancemarathon.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=6580.

COMMENTS FROM SOME GHS DANCE MARATHON CAPTAINS:

-Natalie Reisner – “For me Dance Marathon means bringing together our community to support others. Dance Marathon is such a large part of my life and I think it is such an amazing experience and has shaped how I view different aspects of the world. I have seen and been a part of many different charities, but DM is just different in a good way. High schoolers can taka a minute to reflect and understand people’s struggles and find a way to support them. I chose to be a captain to spread the message we are making to encourage others to take a step into the community that surrounds us. Dance Marathon allows me to be myself and have a blast dancing to music and seeing the joy it brings to all of the families.”

-Hazel Harris – “Being a part of Dance Marathon means giving back to the organization that supported my family throughout my treatment. My favorite part of Dance Marathon is being able to contribute to an organization that makes a direct impact on the quality of life that families in the hospital experience.”

-Payton Snider – “I love seeing the joy on the parents’ faces when they see all of the dancers that have contributed to helping other families just like them. They have a sense of relief knowing that there are people out there that are helping relieve the stress of possibly losing a child like they had. It’s also encouraging to donate more seeing the kids who have been through much more than I have in my life, even though they are younger, be so happy and dance like nothing has ever happened.”

Market Outlook Seminar to feature Joe Camp, CommStock Investments

Katie Laleman, FBCM, Manager
Henry County Farm Bureau®
128 N. Prospect Street | Cambridge, IL  61238

Joe Camp, CommStock Investments, will be the featured speaker on Thursday, March 13 at 6:15 p.m. at Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Highway 6, Colona. Dinner will be served followed by the local grain market update from Tom Parchert of River Valley Cooperative. Reservations are required and must made by March 6 to guarantee your attendance.

Joe Camp is a broker at CommStock Investments, assisting grain and livestock farmers across the Midwest. Joe earned a master's degree in economics at Eastern Illinois University and is a graduate of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program. He resides in central Illinois with his wife and son.

The final date and speaker for the 2024-2025 series will be Tuesday, July 1, 2025 featuring Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing.

Cost for the series is $90.00 and a single session is $35.00 (if not pre-registered cost will be $40.00). To make reservations, please call the Henry County Farm Bureau (309) 937-2411, Rock Island County Farm Bureau (309) 736-7432 or Mercer County Farm Bureau (309) 582-5116.

The Market Outlook Seminar Series is sponsored by the Henry, Rock Island and Mercer County Farm Bureau Marketing Committees, in conjunction with: Gold Star FS, COUNTRY Financial, BankORION, COUNTRY Crop Insurance, Central Bank, Compeer Financial, Big River Resources, River Valley Cooperative, Wyffels Hybrids, Hertz Farm Management, Blackhawk Bank & Trust.

Henry County Fair Queen Pageant Entry Forms Available

The 2025 Henry County Fair Pageant will be held on Tuesday, June 17 at the Henry County Fairgrounds.  

Entry forms for the pageant will be available on Saturday, March 1 beginning at 8:00 a.m.  

Contestants must live in or attend school in Henry County (or attended a Henry County high school if currently in college). The age divisions for each group are as follows:

• Little Miss, 5 - 7 on pageant day 
• Jr. Miss, 12 - 14 on pageant day 
• Miss, 16 - 21 on January 1, 2026  

The entry forms will be available on the Henry County Fair Queen Pageant Facebook page and Instagram account, or can be emailed or texted directly if requested. For questions or additional information, please reach out to Pageant Director Kelli Patton, at henrycopageant@gmail.com or (309) 944-7743. 

Men’s Lenten Breakfasts Begin March 8th

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Men’s Lenten Breakfasts are held at 7 a.m. on Saturday mornings at different area churches during Lent and the menus are planned and prepared by the men of each of the host churches.

The breakfasts are sponsored each year by the Geneseo Ministerial Association and each participating congregation can also invite a guest speaker to talk on a topic of their choice.

The first breakfast will be held at 7 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St., with the speaker to be Sarah Snyder, executive director of Rebuilding Together Henry County, and Jim Windsor, Rebuilding Together Board President.

THE BREAKAST SCHEDULE:

-March 8 – First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St., Geneseo.
-March 15 – St. Malachy Church, 595 East Ogden Ave., Geneseo.
-March 22 – Grace United Methodist Church, 318 North Center St., Geneseo.
-March 29 – Geneseo First Methodist Church, 302 North State St., Geneseo.
-April 5 – Loraine Church, 28782 East 2000th St., Prophetstown.

Angie Snook to Present Program on Underground Railroad on March 26 at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Angie Snook, former curator/director of the Geneseo Historical Museum, will present a program on the Underground Railroad on March 26th at 2 p.m. at the Geneseo Public Library.

She has devoted thousands of hours to researching American historical subjects in the Midwest and the South. Snook also has presented hundreds of programs to both children and adults on topics including the Underground Railroad, Orphan Train, Illinois

Women, Mary Todd Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln.

In addition to serving as the director of the Geneseo Historical Museum, Snook is a former school teacher in the Geneseo and Moline districts.

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom beginning in the 17th Century through the mid-19th Century.

Both natural and man-made routes were used, including rivers, canals and trails as well as safe houses and stations.

Men’s Health Series Is March 5

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Maurie Nelson, left; and Bob Kuhns, representing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Men’s Health Committee, encourage area men to attend the Men’s Health Morning Series program from 7 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, in the hospital conference room. Owen McConnell, DC, Hammond-Henry Hospital, will present the program “Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle.” Parking is available in the east parking lot on Center St. Those attending may purchase breakfast in the hospital dining room. For information and to make a reservation, call 309-944-9112 or email hhhfound@hammondhenry.com. Blood pressure screenings will be available. Photo by Claudia Loucks

The Birdman of Henry County - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

With Sadness

We received a phone call from Janet Anderson on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, that her husband, Glen, had passed. That was a phone call that Lorna and I were sorry to have received.
Glen did so many good things while his 90 plus years on this earth. He was a former board member of the Geneseo Izaak Walton League and was recognized for his work with the league. I know he was also a volunteer for the Geneseo High School football program and the Hammond-Henry hospital.
He was a strong advocate on conservation of our lands and waters. He gave many lectures to various groups on the importance of saving our native prairies and woodlands.
Glen was an expert concerning birds and built bluebird houses that were placed along the canal at the Ikes Park. I always called him, “The Birdman of Henry County.” He made sure to feed birds year round on his acreages. Our sympathies go out to Janet and family. God bless his soul.

Ironically

I was going to call Glen because we had a pair of cedar wax wings and one northern flicker at our bird feeders. I always let him know when we havean unusual bird to be seen. He had such a great amount of knowledge concerning our feathered friends.

No More Citations Given

Tony and Laura Petreikis, Illinois City, IL., both retired Conservation Police Officers, recently hopped on their snowmobile, but for joy riding, not looking for individuals who might warrant a citation.
In the photo it almost looked like two creatures from outer space. Even without all his garb, Tony is still scary looking!

Tony Petreikis caught these bluegills in a local pond.  Ha-Ha! At least that's what he said.  

David Wyffels, Fish Biologist

He was the guest speaker at the February 10th meeting of the Geneseo Izaak Walton League. He covers several counties including Henry County.
His office is located in Sheffield and he works for the Illinois DNR. He checks water and fish conditions. He has a boat that is rigged up with shocking devices that can give him information on fish species counts.
The shocking does not harm the fish, but it provides enough time to analyze the health of fish and if stocking is needed. He answered a lot of questions and did an excellent job.
Next month, on March 10th, Steve Kastorff, retired teacher, author and lecturer, will provide a program on the Geneseo Fish Hatchery at 7 p.m. in the Ikes Lodge.

Pam Edwards & the Geneseo H.S. Choir

They presented a really nice Valentine Love Concert for the Geneseo Kiwanis “Guest Night” on February 11th. The boys ‘n girls choirs sang some songs after which they passed out music sheets so everyone could sing along.
The song selections were: You are My Sunshine, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, and Love Me Tender. Director Pam certainly picked the right songs for the older audience.
Great job, Pam Edwards and the Geneseo High School Choir. It made for a nice evening!

Poem for Glen Anderson

It was but a few days ago,
a trip to Heaven, he did go;

Over 90 plus years he spent on this sphere,
He taught many students from far and near;

Glen volunteered to help, whatever the day,
He would always refuse, any type of pay;

He fed the birds and watched them eat,
Looking out their window, it was all very neat!

So, in ending, peace be with his kind soul above,
On his shoulder may ride a white mourning dove.

Quote of the Week

“Goodness is a special kind of truth and beauty. It is truth and beauty in human behavior.”
- Harry Allen Overstreet

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

Geneseo FFA Horse Judging Team Wins State Contest

By Dawson McDonald
Geneseo FFA Chapter

Last Friday, the Geneseo FFA traveled to Kewanee, IL to compete in the State FFA Horse Judging Career Development Event at Blackhawk College East Campus.
The Geneseo FFA took two teams to the event, one in the Non-Reasons division and one in the Reasons division. In the Non-Reasons division, contestants judged eight classes of horses from the college.
The Non-Reasons team consisted of Kali Herberg, Maycie Sims, Hannah Wildermuth, and Brinnley Coppejans, who brought home silver, placing second in their division in the state! The Reasons division, in which team members evaluated the same set of classes before writing, memorizing, and presenting oral reasons for their placings in two of the classes, also achieved remarkable success, securing first place at the state level!

The team’s individual performances were equally impressive, with Dawsyn McDonald earning second place, Annabelle Betcher finishing third, Bailey Koning securing seventh, and Jacey Gehl placing seventeenth as individuals out of over 300 contestants. The team will have the opportunity to compete at the National contest later this year as a result of their achievement. Congratulations to all!

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.”