How the Green Machine Character Originated

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Diane Browning Photo by Claudia Loucks

   Nearly all Geneseo residents are familiar with the “Green Machine” character emblem that has been used on T-shirts, sweat shirts and more, and most recently on the T-shirts sold by the Junior Class at GHS. But, like myself, many do not know how the “mean-looking little guy” originated.

   Recently, I was informed about a lady living in Geneseo who knew the history of the caricature,

   Diane Browning and her grandmother, the late Eleanor Ross, are the artists who are responsible for original drawing. Browning is a 1976 graduate of J.D. Darnall High School, now Geneseo High School, and she estimated that the drawing was done more than 50 years ago.

   “My grandma and I drew it together,” Browning said.  ‘My grandparents were big football fans and my grandma was a very good artist. We didn’t copy it from any picture or pattern, just drew it free-lance.”

   She recalled they were in the basement of her grandparents’’ Geneseo home when they created the cartoon character on a large sheet of plastic…”We just started drawing and somehow the picture of the ‘Green Machine” character came about.  We painted him in green and gold because those are Geneseo colors.”

Browning has a photo of her grandparents, the late Eleanor and George Ross.  It was her grandmother who, with Browning, sketched the “Green Machine” character. Photo by Claudia Loucks

   At that same time, Browning’s parents, Loren Ross, and the late Drucilla Ross, of Geneseo, operated a ’76 Gas Station at the corner of Illinois Rt. 82 and Ogden Ave.

   “My Dad posted the cloth picture on a large board and put it up on display by his gas station,” Browning said.  ‘It was up there every football season for a few years until a storm came up and ripped it apart.”

   Browning said her dad estimated the year all that happened was near 1974-1975.

   She does not have any original papers of the drawing, “only the memories,” she said.  “I was about 16 years old then, and my grandma and I were very close and would often draw things together.”

   The “Green Machine” character has been used on shirts and hats, etc., in previous years as well as this year, and Browning’s sister, Lory Woolsey, purchased one of this year’s T-shirts and presented it to her sister.

   “Having the shirt means the world to me, and when I see the picture of the little Green Machine guy, it makes me think of my grandma,” Browning said.

   Kim Windisch, who teaches at GHS, and who also is one of the class sponsors of the GHS Class of 2027, shared how the caricature drawing was used again on this year’s football T-shirts.

   “I have a T-shirt with the ‘Green Machine’ character from the football season of my senior year (2001) at GHS, and for this year’s football season, we wanted a throwback to the ‘Green Machine’ guy,” she said.  “We think he is just an awesome image.”

   She contacted Breedlove’s Sporting Goods in Kewanee, and they had the pattern from use in previous years.  The shirts were ordered and sold by the Junior Class earlier in the current football season, and most likely, with the popularity of the “Green Machine” character, the design will be used on T-shirts in many more GHS football seasons.

'Paws for a Cause Gala’ a Success, But the Need Continues

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The photos included are of some of the guests who helped the animals at the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter, by attending the “Paws for a Cause Gala” held recently at Lavender Crest Winery in Colona.  The event was sponsored by the HCHS- Geneseo Shelter, and also marked the 50th anniversary of the Geneseo Shelter where about 15 dogs and 80 kittens/cats make their home.

   Even with the success of the Gala, there is a continuing need for financial support at the Shelter to maintain the health and well-being of the animals.

   Anyone who was not able to attend the Gala, but who would like to donate is asked to visit https://www.henrycountyhumanesociety.org/news.html for more information, or mail their contribution to Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter, 14606 Roos Hill Rd, Geneseo, IL 61254. 

Wild Game Feast - By Dan Dauw

Wild Game Dinner

  The Boy Scout Troop 131 “Wild Game Feast” will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. Serving will be from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Donations of $12 for ages 13 and over. Ages 4-12 is $6.00 per person.  They will be serving Buffalo, Pheasant, Venison, Salmon, Turkey, and traditional Chicken. There will also be a silent auction with many nice items. We’ve been going to this event for quite some time and the food is always so good! You won’t go home hungry, that’s for sure. Besides it is a good money-maker event for the Scouts.

Block Party

  This is an event you might want to start in your neighborhood. We recently had our 6th Dayton Valley View “Block Party.”  Our housing addition is small. Not  everyone was able to attend, but that’s to be expected. We all surrounded a nice fire in the center of our court and cooked hot dogs and brats. Everyone brought a dish to serve and drinks.   It started at 4:30 p.m.

and ended around midnight. One of the neighbors had made an iron grill to use for the logs and fire. There was a big circle of lawn chairs and lots of stories were told.  Flyers were sent out a few weeks in advance as a reminder of the event. Oh, and we had one unexpected guest. A raccoon!!  All ‘n all, it was a great time! 

AHS 65th Reunion

  On the same day of the block party, Lorna and I attended my Alleman High School “65th Reunion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frank’s Pizza in Silvis, IL. It was a great time and thank goodness we all had nametags.  We had 50 former classmates in attendance. We are all in the 83-age group and so many of us, including myself, talked of our “battle wounds” such as new knees, shoulder, hip, etc. Because many of us will not be around for a 70th reunion the majority of us voted to have the reunion every year.  I would guess that more of our class are no longer with us.  Still, it was really a fun time seeing and talking with former classmates.

When I Wasn’t Old

 1) As an old Catholic, I can remember ladies had to wear some type of head covering when in church. Not so today.

2) The “Varsity” in Moline was “the” place to hang out when in our teens. It was located on 15 St. The other place was “Hoggy’s” Root Beer Stand on 7th St. & 19th Ave, Moline. Both places you would order on a speaker and a girl would bring out your order on a metal tray. One time some of us guys tossed a football around in the parking lot. Hoggy came out and told us to leave, which we did.

3) Drag racing on city streets happened a lot. The police took a dim view of it. I raced my ’54 Willys a few times, but it had a pretty lame 6 cyl. engine. It had a stick shift on the column. They stopped making Willys cars after 1955. For a while they were made in Brazil.

4) Before I had a car, I had a Mo-Ped sold through Sears. Its top speed was 36 mph. Two of my friends also had Mo-Peds.  We used to drive a lot of country roads in Henry County. One time I got hit by a guy in a big Buick. I was lucky I didn’t get hurt very badly.

5) I used to go to a lot of Bear games. Some were played at Wrigley Field. At that time, you could actually stand outside the Bear’s locker room. There was no such thing as high fives, but sometimes some of the players would shake your hand. One time I got to shake both Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers hands. I remember we paid $8.00 for a ticket.  We had lousy seats and could only see 3/4th of the field.  Soldier Field was “so” much better. I miss going to the games, but the old body says nope. I hope ‘da Bears move to Arlington Heights, IL. Of course, we downs-staters will have to help pay for it. I was once in the dome stadium in St. Louis and it was nice. Good win Sunday over the Saints. Now 4-2. The next two games are on the road.

Humor

  How do you know Dorthy of the Wizard of Oz was a good actress?  Ans: Because she brought the house down! What do windows do when a big gust of wind comes? Ans: They shutter!

Quote of the Week

  “We shall tax and tax, and spend and spend, and elect and elect.”

-         Harry L. Hopkins

Geneseo Native to Share His Story of Working with Chicago Cubs

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Tim Pletkovich

   Tim Pletkovich has a story to tell!

   The Geneseo native will share about his life as a scout and what it was like working for the Chicago Cubs organization in the 1980’s at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 27th at the Geneseo Public Library.

   At the age of 14, Pletkovich was evaluating amateur free agent players for the Philadelphia Phillies.  By the time he was 21, he had joined the Chicago Cubs, having become the nation’s youngest scout on the payroll of a major league team, - a dream come true for the Geneseo native.

   Pletkovich, the son of John and Shirley Pletkovich, graduated from J.D. Darnall High School (now Geneseo High School) in 1978.

 

Elsie DeClercq Wished for 103 Birthday Cards on Her 103rd Birthday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


  Elsie DeClercq hoped to receive 103 birthday cards for her 103rd birthday on Oct. 3, which she celebrated with family and friends at Allure of Geneseo, where she resides at 702 South Illinois St., Apt. 5 B, Geneseo, IL 61254.  Her wish came true and exceeded the 103 number, as at last count, she had gotten 109 birthday card greetings.

   Her Oct. 3 birth date was referred to as a “double golden” birthday as she was born on Oct. 3, 1922, turned three years old on Oct. 3, 1925 (10/3/1925), and on Oct. 3, she marked her 103rd birthday – 10/3/2025.  

   Elsie DeClercq went for her first motorcycle ride on her 100th birthday in 2022, and said she may want to try kayaking next year on her 104th birthday. 

   DeClercq was born in Cornwall Township to Theophil and Julia Cauwels and lived there until she married John DeClercq when she was 17 years old.  The wedding was held at St. Anthony’s Church in Atkinson.  The couple farmed together in Cornwall Township until retiring in 1982 when they moved to Hillcrest Drive in Geneseo.  Mr. DeClercq died in 1995.

   The couple had three daughters, Leona, who died shortly after birth; and Phyllis Henderson, who died in 2021.  There is one living daughter, Mary (Dick) Ghys, Geneseo; six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grand grandchildren.  

 

Whitewall Tires Were Cool - By Dan Dauw

When I Wasn’t Old

  1) For a short time in the ‘50s, to advertise in the newspaper, some businesses had a cut-out 45 paper record. You would cut out the record and place it on the record player. 
2) Remember when some businesses sent a penny or a nickel asking for money? I would always tear open the envelope, take the coin and throw away the rest. Most people did the same. That promotion didn’t last too long!
3) More women wore hats then just attending the Kentucky Derby.
4) Growing up, Daisy, Benjamin and Crossman made air rifles. Daisy still does.
5) Whitewall tires were cool. If you had blackwall tires and wanted whitewalls you could deflate your tires, slip the whitewall fakes between the rim and tire. I did this on my first car, a 1954 Willys Aero.

 Alleman 65 Reunion

  That will be held on Friday, October 17, at Frank’s in Silvis from 11 to 2:30 p.m. At last count, 40 classmates and some spouses will attend. Sadly, most have passed away. We’re all at age 83 so we’re kind of pushing our stay here on Earth. 

Block Party

  Also on October 17th, is our Dayton Valley View Addition “Block Party.”  We have a cookout in the middle of our court. Everyone brings a covered dish and one of the neighbors supplies the hotdogs and buns.  I think this is the 5th year we’ve had this get-together.  It’s always a lot of fun.  

Fishing Lure Stamps

  If you’re an angler and like to use different stamps on your envelopes, well, check out the fishing lure stamps at the post office. Lorna bought a sheet of the fishing lure stamps about a month ago.
I recently stopped at the Colona post office, and Postmaster Jason said they were all sold out of those stamps. I can’t speak for Geneseo, Atkinson, Cambridge and other local post offices, but check them out.

Foreign Guests

  Sad to say, but because of all the turmoil concerning ICE and illegal individuals, the International Student Fellowship Program will not be held during the Thanksgiving holidays.
This includes the Geneseo International Fellowship Thanksgiving Program. We’ve hosted students from the various Chicago colleges and universities for almost 40 years.
During the 4 days we learn about the student’s country and they learn about ours. Marcia and Arlyn Helke, Geneseo, are the coordinators of the local International Thanksgiving program and have done a superb job for close to 50 years. 

 Andy’s Red

  Tony Petreikis, retired game warden and expert gar fisherman, recently told me about a really good fish seasoning called, “Andy’s Red.” 
The next time I’m at Farm & Fleet I’ll see if they have it.  Of course, if Andy recommends it, well, bring along some Alka Selzer!!!

 Humor

  Lorna said, “For Christmas take $200 and buy me a Nativity set and if there’s anything left over you can spend it on fishing stuff.”

 Quote

  “Memory is the treasure-house of the mind.”  - Thomas Fuller

Food Pantry Needs Sponsors of Families for Christmas

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Staff members at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry are hoping to bring similar smiles as those in the attached photo, to the local children who receive Christmas gifts from the pantry.  Contributed Photo

   The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry staff is asking for help from families, groups or organizations who would like to provide holiday gifts for a family in need this Christmas.

Additional information about adopting a family for Christmas is available at https://www.geneseofoodpantry.org/adopt-a-family/

   Those people interested in helping will be contacted with a family’s wish list, including sizes, favorite colors, etc., on Nov. 1.  The gifts need to be delivered to the food pantry by Monday, Dec. 15.

   All applicants for the Holiday Gifts program must have a child age 17 and under, live in the Geneseo School District, and meet the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry income guidelines.

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the food pantry, provided some additional information, including:

  -22 families have applied for the Holiday Gifts Program as of Oct. 14, and applications are due Oct. 31.

  -In 2024, donors provided gifts for 55 local families in need, and in 2023, donors provided gifts for 65 families.

  -Applicants must live in the Geneseo School District, have a child age 17 or under who lives with them at least four days a week, and meet income guidelines based on family size.

 

Geneseo's Scarecrow Row to Feature Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Pageant

Zack Sullivan, IOM,
Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce

On Saturday October 25, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, join businesses and families in the Geneseo City Park to celebrate the Halloween spirit with Geneseo’s Scarecrow Row! If you’d like to make a scarecrow for display, stop by the Smith Studio and Gallery, located at 124 S. State St. in downtown Geneseo, and pick up your FREE wooden scarecrow starter frame and information sheets. Then, get busy! Get creative! Bring your finished scarecrow to the Geneseo City Park on Saturday, October 25th between 9:00 am -10:00 am where all the scarecrows will be exhibited on “Scarecrow Row.” EVERY scarecrow will receive a special ribbon, with Geneseo Chamber Gift certificate prizes being awarded to the top three Scarecrows on display.

The public will be invited to come to the City Park to view the scary, exciting and weird creations. From 10:00 am-12:00 pm candy and Halloween treats from Geneseo businesses will be distributed to children visiting Scarecrow Row. Families are encouraged to come to the park dressed in their Halloween costumes. Scarecrows will be on exhibit throughout this special Halloween Saturday until 4pm.

New in 2025 for Scarecrow Row will be Geneseo's first ever HOWL-O-WEEN Doggie Costume Pageant! Happening during Geneseo‘s Scarecrow Row on Saturday October 25 at 11:00 am at the City Park Bandshell. Free will donations will be accepted and proceeds go directly to the Henry County Humane Society of Geneseo. Dress up your doggies and come join the Halloween fun!

For more information, contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686.

Julius C. Cocquit: December 14, 1956 ~ October 13, 2025

Julius Charles Cocquit, 68, of Geneseo, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Hope Creek Nursing Home, East Moline, IL.  Cremation rites will be accorded, and a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Kingswood Church, Geneseo.  Reverend Dr. Chris Ritter will officiate.  A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel on Thursday, October 16, 2025.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Julius Cocquit Memorial Fund.  Julius requested, in his memory, that everyone that attends wear their best scrapping (work) clothes. 

Julius was born on December 14, 1956, the son of Henry and Shirley (Bailey) Cocquit, in Moline, IL.  He graduated from JD Darnall High School, class of 1975.  Julius was a farmer, auctioneer, and a scrapper.  He enjoyed spending time scrapping, looking for antiques, collecting John Deere toy tractors, and going to the sale barn.  His favorite eating establishments and food consisted of barbeque, KFC, LaRoma’s, and the Aircraft Grill.  Pepsi was not just a beverage, but a way of life! Julius’s most cherished memories were spent with family, especially with his five children. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Hannah Cocquit of Galesburg, Seth (Lindsey) Cocquit of Peoria, Regina Kappelman-May of Lebanon, TN, Juliun Cocquit of Geneseo, and Victoria (Nick Gillette) Cocquit of Nashville, TN; three grandchildren, Cora and Emmie Cocquit, and Charlie May; and siblings, Greg (Marilyn) Cocquit of New Windsor, Theresa Cocquit of Rushford, MN, Pam Jones of Coal Valley, Pat (Tina) Cocquit of Wataga, Scott (Julie) Cocquit of Geneseo, and Mike Cocquit of Geneseo, IL. 

Julius was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Shirley Cocquit; and two nephews, Nick Cocquit and Greg Cocquit, Jr. 

Dr. David Cook to offer family practice at Hammond-Henry’s Colona Clinic

Dr. David Cook

COLONA, IL – The Hammond-Henry Hospital Board of Directors and Administration are pleased to announce that Dr. David Cook is joining the staff at its Colona Clinic on Monday, November 3. He is currently accepting new patients via waitlist by calling 309.949.2999. Dr. Cook joins Katie Sowder, APRN, as part of the Colona Clinic’s Family Practice team. An open house in Dr. Cook’s honor is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29 from 2 to 4 pm at the Colona Clinic, located at 1604 Cleveland Road, Colona. All interested are invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served, and there will also be small gifts for everyone in attendance.

“Thanks to Dr. Cook and Katie Sowder, we are now able to offer family practice services at our Colona Clinic,” said Wyatt Brieser, Hammond-Henry Hospital CEO. “Both are dedicated to bettering the health of the community and are excited to build or continue to build relationships with their patients. Prior to June of this year, we only served walk-in patients at the Colona Clinic. This expansion of services was needed, and we’re happy to welcome Dr. Cook to our already great team.”

Dr. Cook’s medical specialties include family practice and specifically, chronic disease management, preventative medicine, comprehensive urgent care, and a wide range of procedures including skin biopsies/excisions and joint injections. Dr. Cook received his BA in Pre-Med from Augustana College, Rock Island. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, where he also participated in the Rural Student Physicians Program with Hammond Henry as his sponsor site. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at the University of Illinois/Dixon Rural Training Track at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, Dixon.

A Silvis native and graduate of United Township High School, Dr. Cook added that working at Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Colona Clinic would be a “seamless transition” as he spent a six-month rotation his third year of medical school working with Dr. Remi Satkauskas.

“Most of my colleagues had only four to six weeks for each separate rotation, while I had the opportunity to have six months of integrated clinical experience working in Hammond-Henry’s Emergency Department, doing rounds in the hospital, and of course, working side-by-side with Dr. Satkauskas who’s a longtime, and well-respected family practice provider. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the patients, and I was equally attracted to the positive culture and focus on community that makes Hammond-Henry and all its clinics and staff so unique.

“The main goal of administration here is to care for the community and to keep quality healthcare close to home,” Dr. Cook continued. “Colona is like my back yard having grown up in Silvis. My training is well suited to this position, and I know there is no problem that we can’t initiate care for at our clinic. I’m excited to get started, and I look forward to meeting everyone.”
 

The Colona Clinic is currently open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Family practice hours are available by appointment.

Fall Health Check Clinic Oct. 23 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  The Henry County Health Department, First Choice HealthCare and the Geneseo Public Library are holding a Geneseo Fall Health Clinic from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Geneseo Library.

   The clinic is open to all people ages 18 and older.

   In keeping with the Health Department’s mission of promoting healthier living, the clinic will feature free flu shots for those with Medicare or insurance coverage.  Proof of coverage in the form of a Medicare or insurance card ensure the “no cost” shots.  For those without coverage, the cost is $60.

   Information received about the clinic states:  “The Health Department urges everyone six months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu this year.  People at high risk of serious flu complications are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated.  Those people include small children, pregnant women, people with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease, health care workers, and those 65 years of age and older.

   In addition, the Fall Health Check Clinic will offer these health screenings:

  -blood pressure checks
  -vital signs checks
  -blood glucose  screenings

   In addition to the health screenings, the clinic will feature a variety of health information and free giveaways.

   Those planning to attend are asked to bring their insurance card or Medicare card to the clinic on Oct. 23.

 

Tim Atwell, Geneseo Graduate, Who Became Kewanee A.D., is Retiring

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Tim Atwell has been named an “Honorary Boilermaker,” at Kewanee High School.  Contributed Photo

  Tim Atwell recently was named an “Honorary Boilermaker” in appreciation of his 28 years of service in education at Kewanee High School.  The honor was presented in conjunction with his retirement announcement as Athletic Director at Kewanee High School, a position he has held for the last 15 years. 

   Atwell, the son of Kenney Atwell, Geneseo, and the late Genendal Atwell, graduated from Geneseo High School (formerly J.D. Darnall High School) in 1984.

   He spent six years farming with his father, raising corn, cattle, and hogs.  During that time, he volunteered with the Geneseo Junior High Wrestling Program, laying the foundation for a lifetime of service to young people.

   His last day of teaching in Kewanee will be June 30, 2026, after 28 years at Kewanee High School, where he started in 1998, teaching Driver’s education and coaching – head freshman football coach, head wrestling coach and head girls’ track and field coach.

   “When I step away, I can honestly say this has been a very ‘fast’ 28 years and it has been a very rewarding career with many fond memories.”

   He will retire with 34 ½ years in education and he explained the ½ year was spent substituting in the Geneseo School District when he graduated from college and he was freshman wrestling coach at Geneseo High School, working with Coach Larry Kanke.

   “I am very grateful to the Geneseo School District and to Mr. Ted McAvoy, who at that time was GHS principal, for allowing me to get my feet wet teaching and coaching that year.”

   His 28 years at Kewanee High School include serving as Kewanee High School Athletic Director for 15 years (2011-2026).  He served as Athletic Director in his first year of teaching at Paw Paw High School (1994-1995) and he also taught for three years at Cahokia High School. 

   Information received from Kewanee High School’s Jacob Dean, about Atwell receiving the “Honorary Boilermaker” recognition states: “It was Geneseo High School Wrestling Coach Larry Kanke (now retired) who encouraged (Tim Atwell) him to take classes at Black Hawk College to become a teacher and coach.  He transferred to Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, in the fall of 1990, where he joined the SIU-E Wrestling Team.  He worked closely with legendary coach Larry Kristoff, assisting with practices, wrestling meets, and team organization.  His leadership and dedication earned him a scholarship during his senior year, and he graduated in 1993.”

   After graduation, Atwell returned to farming while substitute teaching in Geneseo before taking positions at Paw Paw High School and Cahokia High School.

   In 1998 he joined the staff at Kewanee High School.

   Information from Jacob Dean includes, “In his time at KHS, he has taught driver education, coached football, wrestling, and track, served as athletic director, and captured countless memories through his photography at nearly every event.  His impact, however, cannot be measured by job titles or bullet points.”

   “If you earned your driver’s license, it’s probably because of him.  If you ever played a sport or attended an extracurricular event, it’s because of his commitment.  If you’ve seen an unforgettable picture on our walls, it was likely through his lens.”

  Jacob Dean’s tribute to Atwell continued, “Beyond his professional contributions, he has embodied the true spirit of a ‘Boilermaker,’ ---dressing in head-to-toe orange at assemblies, stocking candy for stressed-out teachers and students, sharing a good conversation with anyone who needs it, and always putting others before himself.  He has spent his career encouraging students, athletes, and colleagues to be their very best, never asking for anything in return…. Simply put, he has lived and breathed the Boilermaker tradition.  His retirement this year will leave a void we cannot fill, but his legacy will remain an enduring part of Kewanee High School.”

   When asked about his retirement plans, Atwell said, “As far as plans go, nothing has been set.  But I do need to catch up on laundry.”

Students Gather in City Park Prior to GHS 2025 Homecoming Dance

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Geneseo City Park and North City Park were a sea of young people and a sea of color when students gathered to socialize prior to the 2025 Geneseo High School Homecoming Dance. held Saturday night in the high school gym.  Parents and friends also were in the parks visiting and taking photos.   The 2025 GHS Homecoming festivities were held throughout the week of Oct. 6-11, with a theme of “Enchanted Forest.” Claudia Loucks Photos

Quinn Cherry, Jaxon Seals, Ian McShane and Addie McSparin.

Leila Bries, Hayden Schaaf and Reese Schaaf.

Reese Elmer, Mark Shoemaker, Maci Gorman, Suzie Neumann and Hannah Wildemuth.

Gavin Davis, Wyatt Mickley, Helo Castro and Gibson Minard.

Ayla Schulz

Daphne Bertelsen, Joei, Christopherson and Hannah Stone.

King and Queen of GHS 2025 Homecoming - Lizzie Rapps and Kye Weinzierl.

Memphis Ramsey, Lydia Carton and Alexandria Hull.

Mayson Lambin, Dawson Hull, Cole Clifton and Jaydn Shipman.

Josh Stahl, Carson Peters and Jayden Wexell.

Landry Possin, Katy Wilson, Elli Barickman and Jack Kreiss.

Jack Mickley, Katherine Barickman, Emma Sebastian and Evelyn DeBaene.

Claire Swanson, Claire DeGrave and Lily Roodhouse.

 

Katsch Boutique Celebrates 10-Years with Anniversary Event in Davenport

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Amy DeFauw is shown in front of Katsch Boutique in downtown Geneseo, which is one of her three boutiques.  A 10-year anniversary celebration is planned for Oct. 17 in Davenport.  Contributed Photo

   Amy DeFauw founded Katsch Boutique, a women’s apparel and lifestyle store, in Geneseo in 2015, and since then has expanded to two additional locations ---Geneseo, Davenport and Coralville’s Iowa River Landing. 

   To mark the milestone, Katsch will host a 10-year anniversary event from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at its Davenport location, 5619 Utica Ridge Road in Davenport.

   The celebration will feature exclusive giveaways, promotions, games and prizes, new arrivals and special treats for customers.

   DeFauw said, “Shoppers can expect an afternoon filled with style, fun, and community – a reflection of what we have stood for over the past decade.”

ABOUT KATSCH:

   Founded in 2015 by owner Amy DeFauw, Katsch Boutique began with a single small storefront in Geneseo, and has since expanded to the two additional locations – Davenport and Coralville Iowa River Landing.

   DeFauw, a wife, mother, and former corporate retail buyer, brings both heart and expertise to Katsch.  She has created more than just a store – it’s a welcoming space where women feel seen, confident, and celebrated.  Over the last decade, Katsch has become known for not only carrying top national brands like Liverpool, Z Supply, Varley, and Birkenstock, but also for its commitment to small-town values, community connection, and personalized service.

   “This milestone means so much to me, my family, and our team,” DeFauw said.  “We started Katsch with a dream and a lot of hard work, and it’s been incredible to watch our community grow with us.  Our customers are truly the heart of this business, and we can’t wait to celebrate together.”

   Public is invited to the Oct. 17 celebration event.  For more information, visit www.shopkatsch.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @shopkatsch.

EVENT DETAILS:

  -WHEN – Friday, Oct. 17, 3 to 7 p.m.
  -Where – Katsch Boutique, Davenport, 5619 Utica Ridge Rd.
  -What – Giveaways, promotions, games, prizes, new arrivals and treats for guests.

 

Angie Snook to Present Program on The Orphan Train Oct. 15 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Angie Snook

  Angie Snook, Geneseo Historian, who served as curator/director of the Geneseo Historical Museum for many years until her retirement last year, will present a program, The Orphan Train, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   In 1953, the Children’s Aid Society initiated a program to transport abandoned and orphaned children from crowed cities on the East Coast to foster homes in the Midwest.  By 1929, an estimated 200,000 children, ranging from infants to teens, were transported to new homes.

   At the library program on Oct. 15, Angie Snook will share her research, stories and photographs about The Orphan Train, a topic she refers to as “one of America’s best kept secrets.”…Of special interest, some local area and Geneseo families were involved in The Orphan Train program.

   She will present stories about the children, the families who took them in, and the descendants of the children alive today.

   Information received about the program states, “Some of the stories will warm your heart.  Others will break it.”

   The program is sponsored in part by the Illinois Humanities.

 

These Cousins Are Busy!

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


   Friday night football games find two sets of cousins who are very much involved in Geneseo High School activities.  Even though their extracurricular involvement keeps them quite busy, they also find time for youth activities at their home church – Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.

Friday Night Lights at the Bob Reade Football Field at Geneseo High School involves many students, athletes, and fans, including two sets of cousins, from left, Suzie Nuemann, Janey Nuemann, Wyatt Nuemann, Jack Mickley Wyatt Mickley and Emmett Hill. Contributed Photo

  The cousins are Janey Neumann, daughter of Landon and Sharon Neumann; and cousins Wyatt Neumann and his sister Suzie Neumann, children of Corey and Ann Neumann; and brothers Jack and Wyatt Mickley, sons of James and Avery and James Mickley; and their cousins - brothers Harrison and Emmett Hill, sons of Jimmy and Evan Hill.

  Harrison Hill was absent for the group photo, but is just as much involved as the others.

   Wyatt Neumann, Jack Mickley and Harrison Hill are on the GHS varsity football team and Emmett Hill and Wyatt Mickley are members of the freshman football team.

   Janey Neumann is a senior cheer captain on the varsity cheer squad and Suzie Neumann is a member of the freshman cheer squad.

   In addition, Wyatt Neumann participates in the half-time Marching Band performance and Janey Neumann is the Color Guard Captain.   

   There are two remaining GHS regular season home football games – Friday, Oct. 10 – vs. Sterling includes Homecoming festivities and Athletic Hall of Fame.  The last regular season home football game is Friday, Oct. 17 – Geneseo vs. Alleman.

 

Cathy Smit is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

Cathy Smit

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  Cathy Smit has been named “Volunteer of the Month” for October at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.   She has been volunteering at the food pantry for one year, and assists guests while they shop for food and clothing.  She also sorts and displays clothing donations and stocks shelves.

   Smit and her husband Alan have three grown children, Maya, Emily and Lucas. 

   She enjoys crocheting, crafts and thrifting, and she said the best thing about volunteering at the food pantry are the guests.  Her most memorable experience is “Scouting for Food” and she added, “It was a wonderful experience that I had with my children for many years and now I get to meet all the clients in the community that this annual event supports.”

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for all you do for our guests Cathy!”