The Geneseo Public Library is holding a series of retirement planning workshops, beginning Tuesday, March 10.
Read morePaintings from RutabagA Members for WQPT Fundraiser
By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
RutabagA Art Gallery members Joyce Mattan, left; and Sharon Michaelsen, are shown with the paintings to be donated to the WQPT Public Broadcasting Fundraising Auction that begins Sunday, March 15, at WQPT’s Facebook Page.
In addition to Mattan and Michaelsen, both Karen Vroman and Les Hoste also did paintings for the upcoming fundraiser. Contributed Photo
Art Work by Sharon Michaelsen Featured at Geneseo Library
By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Sharon Michaelsen. Contributed Photo
Geneseo artist Sharon Michaelsen is shown by some of her pastel paintings that currently are on display at the Geneseo Public Library. The collection showcases historical locations she painted after traveling in Greece. The paintings are offered for sale and more information is available by contacting Michaelsen at 309-944-4580.
Geneseo Siblings Are Next Gen Baking Champions
Abigail and Kenneth Wolf made history as the Geneseo siblings secured the championship title in the final segment of the “Baking Championship: Next Gen” Food Network television series.
Read moreQuilt Guild to Have Speaker at March 10 Meeting
Shelly Moore of Quilt Stitching by Shelly, of Blue Grass, Iowa, will present the program at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, for the Geneseo Quilt Guild.
Read moreBREAKING: Abigail and Kenneth Wolf win Baking Championship: Next Gen!
Abigail and Kenneth Wolf win Baking Championship: Next Gen!
Read moreCommunity Choir Concert is June 24
By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
The Community Choir of Geneseo will celebrate their 18th annual concert, entitled, “American Tapestry-Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday,” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall.
The Community Choir includes those people entering eighth grade and older adults. Rehearsals are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, beginning Wednesday, May 27, and continuing through June 17 in the GHS Concert Hall.
Repertoire includes “Blowin in the Wind”, “Tell My Father”, “The Gift to be Simple”, and “Beautiful City.”
Anyone interested in singing is asked to contact Pam Edwards, Community Choir Director, at 309-944-7380 or email (singplay53@gmail.com) by Saturday, May 2.
Students entering grades 4-7 are invited to sing in the Children’s Choir, and they will rehearse June 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24. Registration forms are available through the Geneseo elementary and middle school choir instructors, or by contacting Pam Edwards. Deadline to register for the Children’s Choir is Friday, May 8. Repertoire includes “Mississippi”, “Everyday People” and “50 Nifty United States.”
Combined choirs will sing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “This Land is Your Land” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
Chamber Kicks Off 2026 with Networking Event at Central Schoolhouse Inn
Chamber President Jenna Rushing welcomes businesses and speaks about the Chamber’s 2026 priorities. Photo by Sarah DeMaranville
by Sarah DeMaranville
The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce hosted its first networking event of 2026 on Friday, February 27, at Central Schoolhouse Inn, bringing together approximately 40 local businesses for an evening of updates and networking.
Chamber board members were present as President Jenna Rushing of Hanford Insurance shared the Chamber’s direction and priorities for 2026. Rushing summarized upcoming initiatives and focus areas intended to support and strengthen the local business community in the year ahead.
Business owner Katie Katsunis (Pegasus & Four Seasons) shares information on the new gift card roll-out. Photo by Sarah DeMaranville
Katie Katsunis, owner of Four Seasons and Pegasus, introduced the Chamber’s new gift card program. The program replaces traditional check-style gift certificates with an updated system designed to streamline transactions and modernize how Chamber gift cards are issued and redeemed among participating businesses.
The evening provided business owners and community leaders an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and gain insight into what’s ahead for the Chamber in 2026. The Chamber plans to host quarterly networking meetings throughout the year, with events taking place at various area businesses.
For information on Chamber of Commerce membership and benefits, visit geneseo.org.
Hammond-Henry Long Term Care Living Center among ‘2026 Best Nursing Homes’ by U.S. News & World Report
Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Long Term Care Living Center, Geneseo, has been recognized as a “2026 Best Nursing Home” by U.S. News & World Report. It has also received the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ “5-Star” rating for the past 14 years.
Read moreGeneseo Marks a Historic Milestone in our Nation’s History
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the City of Geneseo and Geneseo Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will plant a liberty tree on Arbor Day at the site of the first pioneer structure on S. State St. and Oakwood Avenue.
Read moreThe Scoop: City of Geneseo - February 24th, 2026
Committee of the Whole Meeting - February 24th, 2026
Read moreDelivery Day to Dress for Success of the Quad Cities
By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Kim Schwarzkopf, left, and Bethany Winkleman
It was “delivery day” to Dress for Success of the Quad Cities when Kim Schwarzkopf and Bethany Winkleman finished packing the items that were collected for the not-for-profit support system.
Winkleman’s State Farm Insurance office, at 113 South State St. in downtown Geneseo, has been the drop-off point for the last two months for new or gently-used business attire clothing items, purses, and shoes for women only. Dress for Success is a not-for-profit that provides career coaching, professional clothing and a support network to help Quad City and surrounding area women thrive in work and in life.
Winkleman said this year’s donations were consistent, as they have been in the last four years that she has sponsored the clothing drive…”Even though I grew up in this community, it still amazes me at how generous the people are that live in Geneseo,” she added.
Winkleman is the owner of Bethany Winkleman State Farm office in downtown Geneseo, and Schwarzkopf owns and operates A Spotted Apron, located at 12727 Wolf Road, Geneseo.
Photo by Claudia Loucks
Hospital Auxiliary Lagomarcino’s Candy Sale Is March 17
The candy sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at the east entrance of the hospital. Proceeds will be added to the Auxiliary’s pledge projects for hospital equipment.
Read moreAcademic Scholar Night at GHS
Geneseo High School students achieving academic awards were honored at the recent GHS Academic Scholar Night held in the GHS Concert Hall.
Read moreGeneseo Sister and Brother Advance to Final Segment of Baking Show
Abigail and Kenneth Wolf captured first place honors in the eighth week of the “Baking Championship: Next Gen” Food Network television series with their “Blake the Snake with a Rake” creation.
Read moreLee Fluck is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry
Lee Fluck has been named Volunteer of the Month for February at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.
Read moreMen’s Lenten Breakfasts Begin Feb. 21 at St. Malachy Church
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.
Read moreEntry Forms for 2026 Henry County Fair Pageant
The 2026 Henry County Fair Pageant will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at the Henry County Fairgrounds.
Read moreLove is in the Air at RutabagA Art Gallery
Even though Valentine’s Day 2026 is over, there are still plenty of hearts at RutabagA Art Gallery in downtown Geneseo. The display, with a theme of “Love is in the Air,” includes heart-centered paintings and collages.
Read moreThe Scoop: February School Board Meeting Recap
By Sarah DeMaranville
At its February meeting, the Geneseo Board of Education reviewed the district’s Winter 2026 Data Progress Report, a Behavioral Interventions Committee summary, and the Superintendent’s monthly report. See all reports here.
Academic Data
Winter MAP data for grades 1–8 shows:
Reading proficiency at 60%, compared to 58% last spring.
Math proficiency at 49%, compared to 46% last spring.
The district administers MAP assessments in fall, winter, and spring to monitor student growth.
Attendance data was also presented. First quarter district attendance was 96.2%. Second quarter attendance was 94.4%.
Behavioral Interventions Committee
The Board reviewed a summary of the January 14 Behavioral Interventions Committee meeting.
The committee reviewed policies and procedures related to student misconduct, discipline for students with disabilities, and bullying, intimidation, and harassment.
According to the summary, the committee “shared data regarding bullying incidents in our district last year and this year, noting there are very few incidents in Geneseo.”
The committee also discussed staff training, including de-escalation training and trauma-informed practices, and reviewed classroom behaviors and Tier 1 supports. The committee plans to meet twice per year, with the next meeting scheduled for fall 2026.
Superintendent Report
Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado provided updates including:
Dean Johnson was named Blackhawk Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association.
Collective bargaining discussions are ongoing.
February 16 will serve as a snow make-up day.
The 5Essentials Survey is open to students, staff, and families.
Approximately 60 GHS juniors took a practice ACT on February 6.
Melanie Henderson was introduced as the new Assistant Principal at Geneseo Middle School.
Next Steps
The district reported plans to continue developing sections of the strategic plan, identify and monitor action steps and metrics, focus on data collection and professional development, and share information with the Board of Education and the community.
Sources: Winter 2026 Data Progress Report; Behavioral Interventions Committee Summary (Jan. 14, 2026); Superintendent Report to the Board (Feb. 6, 2026).
The Geneseo Current independently prepares this recap using publicly available Board reports and documents. The district does not review or endorse this publication.
