Leslie Goddard Portrays Lilly Pulitzer April 5 at Geneseo Library - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


   Historian and author Leslie Goddard will portray the American entrepreneur, fashion designer and socialite Lilly Pulitzer at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   Goddard is known in the area for her character portrayals as Lucille Ball, First Ladies Mary Todd Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy and Lady Bird Johnson, in addition to Amelia Earhart and Audrey Hepburn. 

   She writes and lectures on American cultural history, with particular expertise in women’s history.  She has a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Museum Studies.  In addition to her own stint as a Marshall Field’s sales associate, her grandfather worked at the State Street store for 26 years, serving as merchandise manager for linens and manager of the Far Eastern buying office.

ABOUT LILLY PULITZER:

   Lily Pulitzer eloped with Herbert Pulitzer Jr., (the grandson of Joseph Pulitzer, the publisher after whom the Pulitzer Prize is named) in 1950.  The couple settled in Palm Beach, FL, shortly after their marriage.  They owned several orange groves, where Pulitzer eventually opened a fruit juice stand.  While working at the stand, she found that squeezing juice made a mess of her clothes, so she asked her dressmaker to design a dress that would camouflage the stains.  Customers loved her dresses, so she began to see them at the fruit juice stand.  Soon, she was selling more dresses than juice.  This led to her focusing on dress design and her dresses became known as her “Lillys.”

   Pulitzer became president of her own company, Lilly Pulitzer, Inc. in 1959.  The main factory was in Miami, and the fabrics were purchased by the Key West Hand Print Fabrics Company.  Here dresses were very popular from the 1960’s to the early 1980’s, and were worn by Jacqueline Kennedy and members of the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families.  After Jackie Kennedy was featured in Life magazine, wearing one of Pulitzer’s shifts, many preppy ladies followed her lead.  Goddard later stated that the first shift dress that Jackie Kennedy was photographed in, was made of kitchen curtains. 

   By 1984, the entire clothing operation closed. 

   That was not the end of Lilly Pulitzer designs.

   In 1993, the rights to the brand were purchase by Sugartown Worldwide inc., who contacted Pulitzer in the hopes of reviving the operation.  Today, the company maintains Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores.  The brand also is sold in major department stores such as Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. The company is now owned by Oxford Industries Inc.

   Lilly and Herbert Pulitzer had three children.  The couple divorced in 1969, and shortly after, she married Enrique Rousseau Enrique, who died in 1993.  She passed away in 2013 at the age of 81.

You Can Sing in the 17th Annual Community Choir of Geneseo

The Community Choir of Geneseo will be celebrating their 17th annual concert entitled "Hope" on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. in the Geneseo HS Concert Hall. The Community Choir includes those entering 8th grade and older adults. They rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 6:30- 8 p.m. beginning Wednesday May 28 thru June 18 in the Geneseo HS Concert Hall. Repertoire includes  "Over the Rainbow", "Blue Suede Shoes", Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor" and "Hope for Resolution". If you are interested in singing, please call Pam Edwards,the director at 309-944-6641 or email (singplay53@gmail.com) by May 2.

   Students entering grades 4-7 are invited to sing in the Children's Choir. They will rehearse June 19,20,23,24,25. Registration forms are available through the Geneseo elementary and middle school choir instructors or contact Pam Edwards. The deadline to register is May 9. Repertoire includes "Amani Utupe" and "Do,Re,Mi". 

   Combined choirs will sing ""Wells Fargo Wagon", "Blue Skies" and "Defying Gravity".

Just Punt! - By Dan Dauw 

Running Deer in Olympics

  I came across an interesting article about an Olympic sport back in 1908 and 1920. It is about the “sport?” of shooting running deer.
The story is actually about Oscar Swahn, a Swedish shooter at age 60, who participated in the London Olympics in 1908. He won two gold medals and a bronze. Then in 1920, at age 72, he won a silver medal in the double-shot running deer competition.
He still is the oldest gold medalist in the Olympics.  Let’s hope the “deer” was a paper target or stuffed deer and not a live one!

 Mild Winter

  Well, okay, winter is not quite finished with us yet, but March 20th is not far away.  I think our nice neighbor used his snow-blower and leaf-blower three times on our driveway.  It seemed the heavy snow storms went either north or south of us. Whatever, thanks Mother Nature for a mild and fast winter. 

That Midwest Mom

  You will find her on Facebook and she is hilarious.  She gives cooking lessons, but pokes fun at what ingredients might work or just “punt!” 
She is a Minnesota gal and sometimes brings on her funny accent. Like, “Yeah, sure; yeah  betcha!”
One time she sang a song and “wow,” talk about a beautiful operatic voice! She is the real deal. Check her out!

 April Hummers

  The little hummingbirds might just make it up to our neck-of-woods by next month. Make sure to clean your feeder both inside and outside every so often. 
Yellow bee guards are nice to have on the feeder. Although sometimes even those can be overwhelmed by so many bees.

Birds on the Decline

 According to scientists, 2.9 billion birds are gone since 1970. Birds, except waterfowl, have been on a steady decline.  Loss of habitat is one of the problems.
We feed birds throughout the year, but I can’t say either way that there are more or less birds. Baltimore Orioles don’t stick around very long, but our neighbors have better luck. Grape jelly and oranges are what they like, but it’s rare when we see one at our “BO” feeder.
We did have a new winter visitor at our feeder. It was a northern flicker. Beautiful bird.  He and two red-breasted woodpeckers trade off their time chowing down on the suet cakes.

 Lookout WW2 Japanese Dogs

  Towards the end of WW2 the population of the Japanese species of dog, Akitas, had become almost extinction with only 16 dogs left.
In 1944, Japanese people were killing their Akitas and selling the pelts to Japanese soldiers for warmth plus also as a food source.

 Humor

 I have a great dog. She is half Labrador, half pit bull. It’s a good combination. Yes, she might bite your leg off, but she will bring it back to you.

Quote

  “The nearest approach to immortality on earth is a government bureau.”

James F. Bymes   

Geneseo FFA Chapter Celebrates National FFA Week 2025

By Dawsyn McDonald
Geneseo FFA Chapter

Throughout the week of February 15-22, the Geneseo FFA Chapter celebrated National FFA Week with a fun-filled week of events, dress-up days, and contests! Each day of the week, students were able to pay $1.00 to wear a hat to school. At the end of the week, this money was donated to Farm Rescue, an organization that aids farmers through their hard times. On Monday, to kick off the celebrations, FFA members promoted a Western Wear dress-up day, where numerous students got out their boots to participate! The Geneseo FFA then had seven members compete in Proficiency Awards on Monday evening. Of these seven members, Joseph Venneberg, Bee Schieder, Bella Bailey, and Griffin DeWolfe placed first in their divisions and will be competing at the District contest next week! 

The celebrations continued into Tuesday and Wednesday with a FFA Apparel and Camo dress up days, and two section level competitions on Wednesday night! Four members competed in the Public Speaking leadership development event, and eleven competed in the Vet Science career development event. Camryn Ebert competed in the Creed Speaking division at the public speaking contest, where she was required to memorize and recite the FFA Creed, then answer oral questions related to the meaning of the Creed, and placed third in the varsity division! Dawsyn McDonald competed in the Prepared Speaking portion of the event, which asked her to write and memorize a speech about an issue within the agriculture industry, and also placed third in the varsity division! Austin Pearce and Jaiden Minnaert participated in the Extemporaneous Speaking division, where they had to draw an agricultural related topic, then write and present a speech on that topic within a time limit. Austin placed sixth in the varsity division, and Jaiden placed third in junior varsity!

Both the Greenhand and varsity Vet Science teams also saw great success at the section contest on Wednesday evening, with both placing first! Individually, in the varsity division Annabelle Betcher placed first, Bee Scheider was second, Joseph Venneberg placed third, and Kolby Causemaker placed fifth! In the greenhand division, individually Jacey Gehl placed first, Emilie DeCastecker placed second, Hannah Wildermuth was third, Kali Herberg was fourth, and Maycie Sims placed fifth! 

This excitement was followed by another busy day of events on Thursday, with the staff breakfast in the morning and the February Chapter meeting later that evening. In the morning, FFA members made and delivered pancakes, sausage, and drinks to the high school staff to show their appreciation for everything the people around the school do to support the FFA. This was followed by the February chapter meeting, where members competed in numerous Ag Olympics activities including a hay bale toss, hot wing challenge, milk chug, three legged races, and dodgeball! 

On Friday, members had the opportunity to drive their tractors or trucks to school! We saw numerous different kinds of vehicles from a wide variety of years. Ag classes then went outside to vote for their favorites in different categories including the cleanest, most field ready, and their personal favorites!

Finally, the Geneseo FFA rounded out National FFA Week with the largest fundraiser of the year, the Alumni Trivia Night! Members set up for the event in the morning, and had spent the weeks prior collecting a variety of donations from local businesses to be used in both live and silent auctions at the event. The evening included six rounds of trivia, numerous live and silent auctions, and raffles! Over three hundred people attended, making the evening a great success! 

Next Day Service - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Ice Fish’n

   I put away the hard water fishing gear until next winter.  Too dangerous from here on. We only got out on the ice four or five times.  Lorna and I fished the main lake at Giant Goose, east of Atkinson. Twice we had some success with bluegills.

Fishing License Due

   Your 2024 Illinois fishing license expires March 31, 2025. If you enjoy trout fishing your Inland Trout Stamp also needs to be renewed. 
You can purchase your license, live bait, and fishing gear at E-Z Livin’ Sports Center, 231 1st Ave, Milan, IL.  Their phone number is: (309) 787-2244.  They open Mondays – Fridays at 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. On Saturdays 6 a.m.  – 9 p.m., Sundays 6 a.m. – 8 p.m 

Geneseo Izaak Walton League

  The next members and guests meeting will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Ikes Lodge, 1 mile north on Route 82.  The guest speaker will be Steve Kastorff, retired teacher, author and historian. His program is entitled, “Geneseo Fish Hatchery.” Refreshments served. 

 Tattoos

  For hundreds of years, many sailors have held the cultural tradition of tattooing themselves.  I never got into it myself, but I had some Navy buddies that had tattoos.
The funniest one I ever saw was a buddy who had two anchors (called screws) tattooed on his butt. I had another friend who had his girlfriend’s picture on his right arm.  What we thought funny is she broke up with him. He went through a painful time getting it erased. 
Here are a few listed images used as tattoos by Navy sailors and their meaning. 1) Octopus (means Navy diver), 2) Rose (a lover left at home), 3) Polar Bear (sailed the Arctic Circle), 4) Shellback Turtle (Crossed the equator), 5) Rope (Deckhand and done on left wrist).

When I wasn’t Old

I was about 19 of age or there abouts when a friend of my dad’s stopped at our house. The man was a former German soldier in WW2.  On a wall we had a WW2 German rifle.  I remember he took the rifle off the wall and said, “Ah, you have a Mauser rifle. I had one of these. It served me well.”  I wished I’d asked him more about his time as an enemy soldier. Maybe better I didn’t!
2) Whenever I needed new shoes my mother would take me to a shoe place. I would then step up on a big wooden box and have my feet x-rayed. It showed the bones in my feet. Years later it was found that medically, it was not a good idea.
3)  One time, as a kid, I found a clip that held some cartridges. I went to my dad’s work bench and hit the clip with a hammer. “BANG!” Boy, was I lucky as the cartridges were blanks. It was stupid and I got in trouble on that one.
4) When I was young in the 1950s I went to the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport with a friend and his dad. I remember seeing one of the Mer-Benz cars belonging to Adolf Hitler. It was long, black and instead of just two wheels in the rear, it had 4.  Funny how some things just stick in ‘yer mind! 
5) Remember when clothes needed to be dried out on clothes lines? My mom had an umbrella type contraption that turned in the ground. She put clothes pins in the garments to dry.  I wonder what she did in the winter time?

USPS

   It’s getting harder and harder to stick-up for my old Altemeyer. I sure hear lots of complaints.  Personally, we get good service from our letter carrier, Jan, but forget about “next day service” to and from zip codes 527, 528 and 612..! 
I get diabetes medication through the mail and that sometimes can be a problem. Otherwise, being retired, I can wait on most things.  I did see on TV that President Trump said he wants to take a look at the USPS for possible changes.  There certainly is room at the “Peach Palace” (Headquarters) for improvements. 
I have two of my former bosses who receive this column and I’m sure they would agree. Changes are needed.  Stay tuned!!!

Humorous and True

1)    In Italy, you eat spaghetti with a fork only. Using a spoon is considered uncouth.

2)     It is considered improper and impolite to use silverware to eat chicken in Turkey. What about when eating turkey??? 

3)     Keep your right elbow off the table when eating in Chilie.  Maybe it’s okay if you have a bowl of chili. 

Quote of the Week

 “We the people come first, not the government.”    -  John F. Kennedy

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Stands Firm in Support of Original High-Speed Rail Route, Opposes Colona/Barstow Alternative

Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce reiterated its strong support for the established Iowa-Interstate Railroad high-speed train route connecting the Quad Cities to Chicago through Geneseo, Annawan, and Wyanet, expressing deep concern over the proposed alternative BNSF routes via Colona or Barstow. Based on recent developments and ongoing discussions regarding the Quad Cities passenger rail service, the Geneseo Chamber believes that the original route remains the most economically viable and strategically beneficial option for the Quad Cities region.

The established route, which aligns with existing infrastructure and offers direct access to key communities, promises to stimulate economic growth and enhance connectivity for Geneseo and its surrounding areas. Currently, Geneseo is slated to host a stop along the route, with plans to build a small depot in which travelers can access Geneseo, while offering local residents and visitors an option to travel to Chicago and the Quad Cities via rail service. Diverting the route would not only disrupt years of planning, infrastructure modifications, and investment for a stop along the route in Geneseo, but would also potentially diminish the long-term benefits intended for the region.

Geneseo City Administrator, Brandon Maeglin, adds: “In 2017, the City of Geneseo made a significant investment in land acquisition to accommodate the planned Geneseo Amtrak Depot. The City, and the Geneseo community, are looking for answers so that we can properly plan for the future of this vacant piece of land in a key part of our Downtown Business District.”

The Geneseo Chamber emphasizes that the original and more direct route through Geneseo, Annawan, and Wyanet was chosen after careful consideration of various factors, including population density, existing infrastructure, and potential economic impact. The proposed shift to Colona or Barstow raises significant concerns about increased costs, longer travel times, potential delays, and the long-term sustainability of the project. The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce believes that prioritizing the original route ensures that the Quad Cities region maximizes the opportunities presented by high-speed rail, fostering economic development, enhancing tourism, and improving transportation access for residents and businesses alike.

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce urges State of Illinois and Quad Cities officials to remain committed to the established route and to reject any proposals that would compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the high-speed rail project. We believe that a unified and consistent approach involving all stakeholders along the route is essential to delivering the promised benefits of this vital infrastructure investment to the entire Quad Cities region. We will continue to advocate for the original route, ensuring that the interests of Geneseo and the surrounding communities are protected and that the region’s economic future is secured.

Geneseo High School Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony Is March 10

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current



Area residents are invited to meet the Distinguished Alumni from Geneseo High School at an Induction Ceremony planned for 7 p.m. p.m. on Monday, March 10, in the Joseph and Marilyn DePauw Theater at GHS, 700 North State St.      

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Inductees:


Molly Hamer

Molly Hamer, a third-generation Geneseoan, has dedicated her career to community recreation and play spaces. She earned her Bachelor's in Leisure Studies from the University of Illinois in 1981 and started her career at the Schaumburg Park District, where she became Superintendent of Recreation. After returning to Geneseo in 1992, she served on the Geneseo Park District Board and became Executive Director in 2007, leading notable projects, including the redevelopment of the town's outdoor pool.

Molly later became Executive Director of the Northbrook Park District in 2016, where she spearheaded the "New Places to Play" initiative, including the Techny Prairie Activity Center and the transformation of Northbrook's golf course into Heritage Oaks Golf Club. Her leadership has earned her several awards, including the 2023 Illinois Parks and Recreation Association's Professional of the Year Award. Through her strategic vision and commitment to community development, she has had a lasting impact on recreation in Schaumburg, Northbrook, and Geneseo.

Cephas B. Hunt

Cephas B. Hunt, born on May 20, 1844, led a diverse and adventurous life across the Midwest and Western U.S. He served as a Union soldier in the Civil War, a U.S. Marshal in Oklahoma, a county sheriff and postmaster in Iowa, an early settler in Kansas, a farmer, and an Iowa State Senator.

Hunt's family traces back to Mayflower passengers, and he grew up in Geneseo, Illinois, before moving to Kansas and later returning to Geneseo. At 18, he enlisted in the Civil War, serving in battles such as the Battle of Atlanta. He documented his experiences in a diary, later published as Bluecoats: The Civil War Diary of Cephas B. Hunt.

After the war, he worked in various roles, including sheriff, state senator, and postmaster, before moving to Oklahoma and later California. After the death of his wife, Sue, in 1918, he returned to Oklahoma, where he lived with his daughter until his death on September 30, 1922.

John Cady Lough

John Cady Lough, born on November 22, 1915, in Geneseo, was an accomplished student and leader, serving as class president at Geneseo Township High School and excelling at Illinois Wesleyan University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1940 and joined the U.S. Naval Reserves in December of the same year, becoming a Navy pilot.

Lough served aboard the U.S.S. Wasp and later with Squadron VT-6 on the U.S.S. Enterprise during World War II. He participated in the Battle of Midway, where he flew a final mission on June 4, 1942, to bomb Japanese carriers. His fate remains unknown, as he was reported missing in action after the mission.

For his bravery, Lough was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, and other medals. His memorabilia are displayed at the Geneseo Historical Museum. In 1944, a U.S. Navy destroyer escort, the U.S.S. Lough, was christened in his honor by his sister, Rose Anne Lough. The ship saw action in the South Pacific and was decommissioned in 1946.

Ted McAvoy

Ted McAvoy is a dedicated educator and community leader with a six-decade career in vocational education, school administration, and civic engagement. Born and raised in Geneseo, Illinois, he graduated from Geneseo High School in 1960 and earned a degree in Industrial Arts from Illinois State University. He taught at Geneseo High School for 26 years, instructing students in various trades, and helped develop vocational programs like the COOP (Cooperative Occupational Education Program) in 1970.

Ted also served as Vocational Director from 1971 to 1990, introducing innovative programs and earning an Educational Administration Certificate in 1973. He was active on several state and national boards, including the Illinois Vocational Directors Board, where he was president from 1989-1990.

In 1990, Ted transitioned to administration, becoming Dean and later Principal of Geneseo High School until his retirement in 1999. He continued to serve his community by leading the Geneseo Foundation Activity Center, Geneseo School Facilities Enhancement Foundation, and founding the Geneseo Education Foundation. His contributions to education and the community have left a lasting legacy in Geneseo and beyond.

George Pinks

George Pinks, born in Geneseo on July 5, 1921, was a dedicated community leader and entrepreneur. After graduating from Geneseo High School in 1939, where he was active in sports and clubs, he served as a medic in the Army during World War II. Upon returning home, he followed his passion for transportation, founding Pinks’ Bus Service in 1946 with just two buses. His fleet grew to 14 buses by 1948, providing transportation for the Geneseo Community Unit School District, a service that continues today.

Pinks was deeply committed to community service, offering transportation for senior residents and organizing outings for local institutions. He received the Geneseo Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award in 1977 and was involved in several local organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, and Kiwanis Club. He also played a key role in youth programs, including helping to establish the Geneseo Youth Football Program in 1958.

In addition to his local contributions, Pinks served on national and state levels, including as vice president of the National Contract School Bus Association and president of the Illinois Contract School Bus Association. His dedication to transportation and community service left a lasting impact on Geneseo.

Marv W. Peterson

Marv was an outstanding student and leader, excelling as valedictorian, class president, student body president, and a National Honor Society member in high school. He also broke school records in basketball and later participated in theater and vocal performance. At Trinity College, Marv was class president, Student Senate president, and earned Phi Beta Kappa honors, later serving on the Trinity Board of Trustees.

Marv continued his education at Harvard Business School, earning an MBA and later becoming Assistant Dean and faculty member. He went on to complete Ph.D. requirements at the University of Michigan, where he became a full professor and Director of the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE). Under his leadership, CSHPE grew significantly and secured major research grants, making it the top U.S. higher education program.

Marv mentored students who became university leaders, chaired over 110 doctoral dissertations, and authored influential works, including Black Students on White Campuses (1978) and Improving Academic Management (1980). He served as president of multiple educational organizations and consulted internationally on higher education reform.

Upon his retirement, the University of Michigan honored Marv by establishing the Marvin W. Peterson Graduate Student Fellowship and the Marvin W. Peterson Chair of Higher Education. His legacy in higher education and organizational behavior has had a lasting impact.

Larry Schrof

Larry (P.) Schrof, born legally blind and raised in Geneseo, overcame early challenges with the support of his preschool teacher and thrived in the Geneseo public school system. He earned a computer science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was recruited by the National Science Foundation as an early web developer. His career in tech soared, leading him to a key role at Meta (formerly Facebook), where he contributed to the development of modern Production Engineering and helped establish a global industry standard.

At 24, Larry launched his own tech consulting company and became a sought-after speaker in technology, AI, engineering leadership, and career development. In addition to his tech career, Larry has a lifelong passion for music, playing the electric guitar, performing in bands, and studying at Berklee College of Music, where he became an accomplished session guitarist and wrote a groundbreaking guitar method book.

Larry’s adventurous spirit extends beyond tech and music, holding a black belt in Kuk Sool Won, a real estate license, and passing the FINRA Securities Industry Essentials exam. He has mentored students in various fields and values education and service to others. Now semi-retired, Larry lives in Barrington, IL, with his wife, Amanda, and their children, balancing his work, music projects, and family life. He embodies optimism and a belief that anything is possible.

James Floyd Smith

James Floyd Smith, born in Geneseo, Illinois, in 1884, had a diverse career before finding his true passion in entertainment. He worked as a cowboy, machinist, orange grower, and sugar factory worker before becoming a circus aerialist and trapeze artist. Smith toured the country with the Flying Sylvesters, performing thrilling stunts, and married his co-star, Hilder Youngberg, in 1907.

Their adventurous nature led them to aviation, and in 1912, they built and flew their own biplane. Smith’s experiences in the air inspired him to innovate, especially after a dangerous stunt by his wife, which led him to develop a safer parachute design. His aviation accomplishments included setting three world hydro altitude records in a Martin seaplane, earning him the Aero Club of America Medal of Merit in 1916 for reaching an altitude of 12,333 feet.

Smith was also a prolific inventor, holding 33 U.S. patents, and his work significantly advanced aviation technology and safety. He passed away in 1956 in San Diego, California, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both the entertainment and aviation fields, remembered for his daring feats and contributions to early flight.

Tim Renihan

Tim Renihan, currently residing in Washington State with his wife and two daughters, has a distinguished career in military service, law enforcement, and corporate threat management. A former student-athlete at J.D. Darnall High School, Tim participated in cross country, track, and basketball, where coaches Jeff Quick and Mike Kiss instilled valuable lessons in planning, persistence, and hard work that guided his later success.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma, where he was also a Big 8 Conference indoor track champion. His career began in the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (1995-1998), where he investigated serious felonies, including homicide and robbery. He then joined the Seattle Police Department in 1998, retiring in 2022 from the Homicide and Assault Unit after a distinguished career. He led high-profile investigations into murders, terrorism, and threats against public officials, working closely with the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police. He was instrumental in creating Seattle Shield, an intelligence-sharing initiative between law enforcement and the business community.

After transitioning to the private sector in 2022, Tim joined Pinkerton Comprehensive Risk Management. He became a Certified Threat Manager and now serves as the Program Manager for Executive Threat Management for a Fortune 100 technology company, assessing and managing threats against high-level executives.

Donald Gene Wright

Donald Gene Wright, a 1941 graduate of Geneseo High School, was active in sports, including basketball, football, and track. He also served as junior class secretary-treasurer and was involved in the Booster Club and “G” Club. Wright enlisted in the Armed Services on July 28, 1942, and trained as a B-24 Liberator Bomber gunner.

In 1943, Wright served with the 344th Bomb Squadron, 98th Bombing Group, 9th Air Force, flying missions from Libya. He was wounded by shrapnel during one mission, earning a Silver Star for his bravery. On August 1, 1943, during a bombing raid over Ploesti, Romania, Wright’s plane was shot down, and he was captured by German troops. Despite suffering injuries, including a broken arm and burns, he survived 13 months in a POW camp before being liberated by American forces in 1944.

After returning to the U.S., Wright continued his military service as a physical training instructor before being honorably discharged in 1945. He became Henry County’s most decorated World War II soldier, receiving honors including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Purple Heart.

Rebecca Caudill Readers Book Award Program at Geneseo Middle School

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Forty-eight students at Geneseo Middle School qualified for the 2025 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award Program, by reading and responding to at least vice of this year’s reading list. 

   The program is sponsored by the Association of Illinois School Library Educators.

   The group chose their favorite book for the year, “Charlie Thorne:  The Last Equation.  All students’ votes will be forwarded to the state level. 

   Jeanne Brucher is Geneseo Middle School and Geneseo High School Librarian.

   Geneseo Middle School sixth grade readers who qualified for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award program are, in font, from left, Nyali Bernier, Amelia Anderson, Makayla Edlefson, Emmett Cunningham; in BACK, Aaliyah Alvarado, Scarlett Heller, Ava Armstrong, Hadley Wyffels, Charley Spindel, Ethan Logsdon, Sully Jackson, and Kieran George.  Robin Dwyer, Zackary Hancock and Matthew Werling also qualified for the program, but were absent when the photo was taken.

   GMS Middle School seventh graders who qualified for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award program are, in font, from left, Lilly VanOpdorp, Hailey Olson, Cameron Doyle, Kieran Efflandt, Delia Bellagamba, Olivia Krause; and in back, Lilith Ballard, Rykken Schweitzer, Henry Woodward, Tatus Eiselstein, Eliana Charlet, Brooklyn Williams and Rosella Wentz.  Penelope Aukee also qualified for the program, but was absent for the photo.

   The eighth graders at GMS who qualified for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award program, are, in front from left, Alec Woods, Kyle Everett, Landon French, Henry Pratt; in the second row, Madison Kuethe, Mia O’Dell, Paisley Arnold, Emma Minnaert, Tad Moore, Ethan Temperley, Lucy Walck, Jocelyn Russelburg, Charley Campbell, Eleanor George and Maci Gorman.  Cooper Hudson, Ellie Jackson and Ashlyn Werthmann also qualified for the program, but were absent for the photo. 

Contributed Photos