April FFA Update: Budding Our Way into Spring

By Jacey Gehl

The chapter has had a busy yet successful spring season with plentiful success in competitions, development of leadership and career skills, celebrations of member accomplishments, and glimpses into the growth we’ll see in the coming year. 

District 1 Parliamentary Procedure and Conduct of Chapter Meetings

Our two teams recently got to compete in District 1 Leadership Development Events: Parliamentary Procedure and Conduct of Chapter Meetings. Both teams earned second-place finishes in their respective contests and will advance to the district competition on May 7th. Talk about leadership being developed!

The Parliamentary Procedure team includes Chairperson Hannah Wildemuth, Floorperson 1 Dawsyn McDonald, Floorperson 2 Annabelle Betcher, Floorperson 3 Jackson Frank, Floorperson 5 Jacey Gehl, and Floorperson 6 Ella Schaaf.

Parliamentary Procedure teaches students how to properly conduct meetings using Parliamentary Law and Robert’s Rules of Order. During the contest, members demonstrate their ability to handle motions, debate, voting procedures, and other official meeting business while working together as a team under timed conditions. 

The Conduct of Chapter Meetings team consists of President Faith Kuster, Vice President Ashlynn Chamberlain, Secretary Delaney Killian, Reporter Faith Schaver, Treasurer Lili Marshall, Sentinel Molly Wannemacher, and Advisor Henry Dwyer.

The Conduct of Chapter Meetings contest focuses on opening and closing ceremonies, officer duties, teamwork, and knowledge of FFA history and procedure. Members are evaluated on their accuracy, professionalism, and ability to perform the responsibilities of their officer position.

Chapter FFA Banquet

The chapter held its annual FFA Banquet on April 17, recognizing members for their dedication, leadership, and accomplishments throughout the year. The evening celebrated student success in competitions, Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), leadership activities, and community involvement.

Special recognition was given to graduating seniors Bella Bailey, Peyton Kies, James Matthews, Dawsyn McDonald, Isaac Nixon, and Bee Scheider for their years of commitment and service to the chapter. We cannot thank them enough!

Workhorse Award

The Workhorse Award was presented to Cheyenne Hopkey. This award recognizes a member who consistently works behind the scenes to support the chapter through hard work, dependability, and dedication. Whether helping at events, assisting teammates, or volunteering whenever needed, Cheyenne has consistently demonstrated leadership through service and commitment.

Greenhand Degree Recipients

The Greenhand Degree is awarded to first-year FFA members who have demonstrated involvement in agricultural education, participation in chapter activities, and a commitment to learning about the FFA organization. To earn the degree, members must meet requirements including having plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), understanding the FFA creed and motto, and becoming actively involved in chapter events and leadership opportunities. The degree marks an important milestone for new members as they begin building their leadership, personal growth, and career success within agricultural education.

This year’s Greenhand Degree recipients were:

• Ashlynn Chamberlain

• Henry Dwyer

• Camryn Ebert

• Mason Emerick

• Faith Kuster

• Lili Marshall

• Ella Schaaf

• Faith Schaver

• Molly Wannemacher

• Levi Wyffels

Molly Wannemacher was recognized as the chapter’s Star Greenhand, an award presented to an outstanding first-year member for exceptional involvement and achievement.

Chapter Degree Recipients

The Chapter FFA Degree recognizes members who have shown significant growth in leadership, agricultural knowledge, and participation in FFA activities beyond the Greenhand level. Members earning this degree have demonstrated a deeper commitment to the organization through involvement in competitions, community service projects, chapter events, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. To qualify, students must meet requirements related to agricultural education coursework, earnings or hours worked in their SAE, and active participation in chapter functions. Receiving the Chapter Degree reflects a member’s continued dedication to developing leadership skills, strengthening agricultural understanding, and contributing positively to the chapter and community.

Recipients included:

• Ella Clementz

• Aidan Daly

• Emilie DeCastecker

• Riley Dwyer

• Jackson Frank

• Jacey Gehl

• Jack Gehling

• Kaylin Heller

• Kali Herberg

• Cheyenne Hopkey

• Jillian McMahill

• Maycie Sims

• Hannah Wildemuth

Jackson Frank was named the chapter’s Star Chapter Member for his outstanding leadership, participation, and contributions throughout the year.

State Degree Recognition

During the banquet, seniors Dawsyn McDonald and Peyton Kies were recognized for being recommended to receive the Illinois State FFA Degree, one of the highest honors awarded by the Illinois FFA Association.

The State Degree recognizes years of dedication to agricultural education, leadership development, FFA participation, and Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. The degrees will officially be awarded during the Illinois State FFA Convention this summer.

The chapter also presented Honorary Chapter Degrees to Troy and Val McDonald in appreciation of their continued support of the FFA program and its members.

2026-2027 Chapter Officers

The newly elected chapter officers for the upcoming year are:

• President — Annabelle Betcher

• Vice President of Growing Leaders — Kolby Causemaker

• Vice President of Strengthening Agriculture — Jacey Gehl

• Vice President of Building Communities — Jackson Frank

• Reporter — Emilie DeCastecker

• Secretary — Hannah Wildemuth

• Treasurer — Maycie Sims

• Sentinel — Kaylin Heller

They are so excited to serve our chapter in the coming year!

Section 3 Public Speaking Contest

Members also competed at the Section 3 Public Speaking Contest hosted by Bureau Valley High School.

In Creed Speaking, participants recite and interpret the FFA Creed while answering questions about its meaning and purpose. Faith Kuster earned first place in the varsity division, while Ashlynn Chamberlain placed second in the junior varsity division.

Prepared Public Speaking requires members to research an agricultural topic, write an original speech, and present it before a panel of judges. Kolby Causemaker placed second in varsity prepared speaking, and Camryn Ebert earned first place in the junior varsity division.

Extemporaneous Speaking challenges contestants to prepare and deliver a speech on an agricultural issue within a limited amount of preparation time. Dawsyn McDonald placed second in varsity extemporaneous speaking, and Jacey Gehl earned first place in the junior varsity division.

Dawsyn, Kolby, and Faith will be moving on to the District Competition!

State Livestock Career Development Event

Henry Dwyer, Lydia Carton, and Kolby Causemaker competed in the Reasons Division at the State Livestock Career Development Event.

The livestock judging contest requires students to evaluate and rank classes of livestock animals based on industry standards for structural correctness, muscling, balance, and overall quality. In the Reasons Division, contestants must also verbally defend their placings before judges, demonstrating communication skills and agricultural knowledge.

Kolby Causemaker earned an impressive fourth-place finish individually in the state competition!

Geneseo FFA Coverage is proudly sponsored by Valley Insurance.

Geneseo School Board Preview: Solar Proposal, Staff Changes, Meal Prices and More

The Geneseo Board of Education is set to meet Thursday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the district office, with agenda items ranging from solar energy planning and cafeteria meal prices to staffing changes, vocational partnerships, grants, and end-of-year recognitions.

One of the evening’s major discussion items will involve a presentation and Q&A regarding solar energy opportunities for the district. Mike Ellis of E-Quantum Consulting is scheduled to speak with the board regarding a proposed solar project tied to Geneseo Middle School.

According to board materials, the proposal outlines a potential 201.84 kW solar installation capable of producing an estimated 270,633 kWh annually and offsetting approximately 37.6% of the middle school’s energy use. The proposal estimates a total project cost of approximately $569,000 before incentives. However, federal direct-pay tax incentives and Illinois renewable energy incentives could reduce the district’s estimated net cost to roughly $115,000. (Find solar plan details here.)

The board will also consider proposed cafeteria meal price increases for the 2026-27 school year as the district works toward federally required Paid Lunch Equity pricing targets.

Under the proposal:

• Elementary lunch prices would increase from $3.10 to $3.20

• Grades 6-12 lunches would increase from $3.30 to $3.40

• Adult lunches would increase from $4.75 to $5.00

• Student breakfast prices would increase from $2.25 to $2.35

• Milk prices would remain unchanged at $0.50 per carton

District officials note the recommendations are based on federal Paid Lunch Equity requirements under the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act. (See lunch price details here.)

Several agenda items focus on personnel and staffing ahead of next school year. Board materials include anticipated teaching assignments, extracurricular sponsors, coaching positions, internal transfers, and student teacher placements for 2026-27. Proposed assignments include positions tied to National Honor Society, Dance Marathon, Special Olympics, vocal music, science, and athletics. (See details here.)

The board is also expected to review proposed ESP (Educational Support Personnel) handbook and policy changes for the 2026-27 school year. Proposed revisions involve overtime procedures, time sheet submissions, sick leave requests, bereavement leave documentation, insurance language updates, and wage schedule adjustments. (Details available here.)

Another notable topic involves vocational and career education partnerships. The board is expected to review intergovernmental agreements tied to Geneseo’s vocational center programming, including partnerships with Cambridge and Annawan school districts. The agreements would allow eligible students from participating districts to attend Geneseo vocational courses, subject to enrollment capacity and available space. (Details available here.)

Financially, the district’s May financial report shows monthly expenditures totaling approximately $2.9 million, including both payroll and board bills. Board materials describe expenditures as “typical expenditures for this time of year.” (See report here.)

The district’s education fund cash balance has continued to decline through the fiscal year, with the report showing the education fund balance at approximately $57,105 at the end of April. Other operating funds, including operations and maintenance, transportation, and debt service, remain substantially higher.

The meeting will also include several recognitions and celebrations.

The board plans to recognize Pinks’ Bus Service for 80 years of partnership with the district. Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado’s report notes that Pinks’ has transported Geneseo students since 1946.

Several retiring educators and staff members will also be recognized, including:

• Kathy Buysse

• Scott Christensen

• Darren Hall

• Larry Johnsen Jr.

• Dean Johnson

• Steven LaCroix

• Bob Thomas

Dr. Delgado’s report additionally notes that the final student attendance day for the 2025-26 school year will be May 22 with an 11:30 dismissal, while the first student attendance day for the 2026-27 school year is scheduled for August 12. (See the report here.)

Board materials also include a lengthy list of Geneseo Education Foundation spring grants supporting classroom and extracurricular initiatives across the district. (Details can be found here.)

Some of the larger grants include:

• $9,900 for a Cirque Amongus circus arts program

• $7,596 for marching band trumpets

• $6,120 for middle school science and math calculators

• Robotics and STEM-related classroom equipment

• Literacy and guided reading resources

• Communication tools and adaptive learning materials

The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Geneseo CUSD #228 District Office located at 648 N. Chicago Street.

Find complete meeting information here.

Geneseo’s Bookstore Now Has a Book Trailer

Anthology for Books is taking its love of stories on the road.

The independent, woman-owned Geneseo bookstore is launching “Once Upon a Trailer,” a new mobile book trailer designed to bring the Anthology experience beyond the walls of its downtown brick-and-mortar store and into festivals, markets, schools, community events, and even private gatherings. The project combines creativity, community collaboration, and a little bit of leap-of-faith energy — something Anthology owner Beth Terpening says likely would not have happened without bookseller Savannah Beazer.

“I’m not sure I would have done something this audacious if not for Savannah,” Terpening said. “She was the one with the vision and confidence to make this happen. She saw a possibility I couldn’t even imagine!”

For Beazer, the idea had been quietly developing for years.

“I have always dreamed of running a small bakery/bookshop, and I’ve always loved festivals, vendor events, and anything ‘pop-up,’” she said. “When I shifted to staying home with my youngest daughter, my husband and I started talking about ways I could bring those dreams to life, and that’s when I began imagining the bookmobile.”

The pair already had a trailer, shelving, and plenty of ambition — but not yet the pathway to make the vision happen.

“What we didn’t have,” said Beazer, “was a way to procure books or the knowledge of where to even begin.”

As life became busy raising their three daughters, Beazer shelved the idea temporarily. But after she joined the Anthology team last fall, conversations about the trailer resurfaced. This year, the timing finally felt right.

“We wanted bigger dreams, bigger opportunities, and new ways to help Anthology grow,” Beazer said. “It felt like a risk worth taking, and now here we are, watching Once Upon a Trailer come to life.”

Terpening credits Beazer and her husband Brendan for helping turn the concept into reality.

“Savannah and Brendan have been so generous,” Terpening said. “Not just with their trailer, but by pouring so much time, effort, and love into this thing. I am in awe of their energy!”

Like many ambitious projects, the road to completion came with a few unexpected challenges — including a flat tire, difficult design decisions, and figuring out how to create the atmosphere of a full bookstore inside a much smaller mobile space.

“The challenge became figuring out how to create a warm, inviting, energetic bookstore atmosphere … inside a trailer,” Beazer said.

Curating the inventory has also proven difficult.

“There are SO many incredible books, and every event will have a different audience and vibe,” Beazer said. “Curating the trailer for each specific event can be overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most fun parts because it lets us create a unique experience everywhere we go.”

The goal, both Terpening and Beazer say, is for visitors to immediately feel the same welcoming energy Anthology has become known for in Geneseo.

“First, I hope there’s a wow factor — a little shock and awe that Geneseo not only has a bookstore, but a bookmobile as well,” Terpening said. “Then I hope that quickly fades to a feeling of welcome. I want people to experience the same cozy, easy, friendly vibe of our bookstore.”

Beazer says the experience is meant to feel immersive and joyful.

“We want people to walk in and immediately feel the magic of Anthology, even in a much smaller space,” she said. “We want them to come in, dance along to Fabre and Beth’s playlists, browse the thoughtfully curated book selections, check out the merch, take photos, and soak in the warm, exciting energy of being surrounded by fellow book lovers.”

The trailer’s future possibilities remain wide open.

Terpening says Anthology is currently exploring festivals, fairs, schools, churches, workplaces, and even private parties as potential destinations.

“Two people have already asked if we’re willing to bring Once Upon a Trailer to their house for a birthday party,” Terpening said. “Why not?!”

For now, Anthology is balancing excitement with practicality as it builds out its summer schedule.

“I’m serious about my team’s mental and physical health, so we’ve got to moderate our go-go-go enthusiasm with a realistic view of what our calendars and brains and bodies can take,” Terpening said.

Once a schedule is finalized, Anthology plans to share appearances through its website, social media channels, and community partners.

Organizations or businesses interested in collaborating with Once Upon a Trailer can contact Savannah Beazer at savannah@anthology4books.com. Anthology says it remains open to creative partnerships and new ideas as the project evolves.

“Anthology is all about collaboration,” Terpening said. “I bet someone will step forward with a possibility we’ve never even imagined. After all, that’s how this whole thing got started.”

Geneseo Girl Scouts Celebrate it's Seniors

Back L to R, Brooklyn Bos, Ireland Lenz, Hannah McGee, Annabelle Ropp, & Cora Gorman. Front L to R, Meya Pollock, Bee Scheider, & Anna Davis

Geneseo, IL - Geneseo Girl Scout Troop 5828 celebrated its graduating seniors on Thursday, April 30th.  These girls have accomplished great things in their years of Girl Scouting including countless volunteer hours, service projects to benefit the Geneseo community, and leadership for younger scouts.

Geneseo America 250 Passport Photo Contest

A Collaboration between the City of Geneseo and the DAR for Geneseo Students

How to Participate

• The Hunt: From May 1st through August 15,2026, the City will announce various historic locations around Geneseo on the City’s Facebook Page.

• The Photos: Visit these spots and snap a photo!

• Students do not need to be in the photo themselves.

• Students under 18 should get permission from their parents/guardian before participating.

• Focus on creative composition to catch the judges' eyes.

• Save your photos from May – August 15th and then get ready to submit the compilation for judging in late August!

• Non-Facebook users are welcome to stop by City Hall and pickup the released passport locations.

Submission Details

• Organization: Participants can organize their collection of photos however they like for final submission between August 15, 2026 – August 28,2026.

• Deadline: All entries must be submitted by August 28, 2026.

• Submit your entry into the competition between 08/15/26 – 08/28/26:

1. In-Person: Drop off physical entries at the Central Schoolhouse Inn.

2. Digital: Text a link to your digital file/album to the Daughters of the American Revolution at:  (309) 830-9378.

Prizes & Judging

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will judge entries based on creativity. Winners will be announced at the Labor Day Celebration at Richmond Hill on September 5, 2026.

Available Prizes include:

• Limited Edition Illinois American Innovation $1 Coins.

• "Presidents from Illinois" Memorabilia.

• And More!

Geneseo Approves Ford Road TIF, Advances Milling Bid and Additional Items

Geneseo officials approved a major development project Tuesday night and advanced several additional items for future consideration during the Committee of the Whole and Special City Council meetings.

Ford Road TIF Project Approved

During the special City Council meeting, officials approved a series of ordinances establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district along Ford Road.

The project covers approximately 19 acres and is intended to support future development by funding infrastructure improvements, including utility extensions. The action follows several months of discussion and a recent public hearing.

Milling Bid Recommended for Approval

Following approval of the TIF ordinances, council members recommended approval of a bid from Valley Construction Company in the amount of $45,508.80 for milling work tied to roadway repairs.

The work is intended to address sections of roadway that experienced premature failure after recent overlay projects. City officials said Henry County is expected to cover the majority of reconstruction costs, with Geneseo participating in the milling portion.

The bid will move forward for consideration at a future City Council meeting.

Additional Items Advanced by Committee of the Whole

Earlier in the evening, during the Committee of the Whole meeting, several items were recommended for placement on a future consent agenda, where final approval is expected to be considered.

Downtown Facade Grant

A facade improvement grant for Vorac Pharmacy, valued at approximately $3,415, to support replacement of an aging awning as part of the downtown TIF program.

Net Metering Ordinance Update

Proposed updates to the city’s net metering ordinance to align with state requirements, including:

• Increasing the allowable system size to 25 kilowatts for residential and commercial users

• Removing a requirement for additional homeowner liability insurance

City staff reported 16 current participants in the program, with additional applications under review.

Routine Bills

City and utility bills were reviewed and recommended for approval.

Farmers Market Agreement Still Pending

Officials confirmed that a previously discussed agreement for the Geneseo Farmers Market has not yet been finalized.

Execution remains contingent on organizers forming a legal entity and completing required filings, as directed by the City Council.

Community Sign Discussion Continues

During public comment, residents raised interest in a community marquee or digital sign to promote local events.

City staff said the concept remains under discussion, with consideration being given to placement, visibility, and potential partnerships.

Utility Department Recognized

The city’s electric department was recently recognized by the American Public Power Association with an Excellence in Reliability Award.

Officials reported Geneseo’s average outage time at 49 minutes, compared to a national average of 169 minutes.

Additional Updates

• Spring curbside cleanup is scheduled for May 4–7

• Final spring yard waste drop-off at the Prairie Park Disposal Site is set for May 9