Former Hardee's Property in Geneseo Under Contract

By Sarah DeMaranville

The former Hardee's restaurant property on South Oakwood Avenue is officially under contract, marking the latest development for one of Geneseo's most recognizable commercial properties.

The property, located at 2163 S. Oakwood Ave., has been listed for sale since earlier this year and is currently identified in commercial real estate listings as contingent, indicating a purchase agreement has been signed but the sale has not yet closed. The 3,856-square-foot building sits on approximately 1.03 acres near Interstate 80 and Hy-Vee.

At this time, the identity of the prospective buyer has not been publicly disclosed.

The property was home to Hardee's for decades before the restaurant permanently closed in late 2025. Prior to becoming Hardee's, the location originally operated as Sandy's, making it a familiar landmark for generations of Geneseo residents.

Commercial real estate listings continue to show the property as contingent, meaning certain conditions must still be satisfied before the transaction can officially close. Those conditions can vary from deal to deal and may include inspections, financing, or other contractual requirements. Until the closing is complete and a deed is recorded, ownership remains unchanged.

No redevelopment plans, building permits, or public applications identifying the future use of the property have been announced by the City of Geneseo. Likewise, no national or regional business has publicly confirmed plans for the site.

The Geneseo Current is continuing to monitor public records, city agendas, and county filings. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available, including the identity of the buyer and any proposed plans for the property once those details become part of the public record.

View the commercial listing here.

Geneseo City Council to Meet Tuesday

The Geneseo City Council will meet Tuesday at City Hall.

The agenda includes discussion of a proposed amendment to the city's noise ordinance. Council members will consider revisions to Section 26-22 of the City Code, which addresses loud and unnecessary noise. The agenda also includes consideration of scheduling a Special City Council meeting on July 28.

Council members will receive the monthly engineering report from IMEG.

The agenda calls for Mayor Sean Johnson to provide comments regarding Police Department staffing. City Administrator Brandon Maeglin is scheduled to recognize those involved with the recent Thrill on the Hill event.

The council will review the Treasurer's Report, Capital Asset Report, and capital planning updates.

The consent agenda includes proposed revisions to the Oakwood Cemetery Rules and Regulations, approval of previous meeting minutes, and other routine business.

The meeting also includes approval of city and utility bills, followed by a public comment period.

The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chambers. Citizens can also watch the livestream of the meeting on the City’s YouTube channel.

Cyclospora Cases Reported in Illinois; No Henry County Cases Identified at This Time

As concerns grow over an increase in cyclospora cases across the United States, local health officials say there is currently no evidence of cases in Henry County.

The Geneseo Current contacted the Henry & Stark County Health Department to determine whether the recent increase in illnesses has had any local impact.

"We have yet to hear of any outbreaks in our area," said RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall of the Henry & Stark County Health Department. "If we do, we would put out an alert."

Tucker-Marshall said the best way to prevent infection is by following the same food safety practices already recommended for everyday meal preparation, including frequent handwashing and properly washing or cooking fresh produce. The Illinois Department of Public Health offers similar guidance in its public education materials and seasonal health advisory.

Illinois Cases Continue to Rise

Illinois is among 17 states reporting cases of cyclosporiasis this year, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not released county-level case information.

According to the CDC, 145 people in 17 states contracted cyclosporiasis in the United States between May 1 and June 16, 2026. Another 45 travel-related cases have also been reported.

Twenty people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

Health officials stress there is currently no evidence of a single nationwide outbreak linked to one food item or supplier. Instead, investigators are examining several smaller clusters while continuing to search for possible sources.

Because many people recover without seeking medical care—or are never specifically tested for Cyclospora—the actual number of illnesses is likely higher than reported.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People typically become infected after consuming contaminated food or water.

Previous outbreaks in the United States have often been linked to imported fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, lettuce and snow peas, although investigators have not identified a common source in the current investigations. The parasite does not typically spread directly from person to person.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure but may appear anywhere from two days to more than two weeks later.

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea

• Stomach cramps

• Bloating and gas

• Nausea

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

Some people also experience vomiting, body aches or a low-grade fever.

Without treatment, symptoms can last several weeks and may disappear before returning. Most healthy people recover, although some require treatment with prescription antibiotics.

Older Adults Face Greater Risks

Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk because prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications.

Potential complications include:

• Kidney injury

• Electrolyte imbalances

• Weakness

• Dizziness and falls

• Worsening of existing medical conditions

People experiencing prolonged diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool or signs of dehydration should seek medical attention.

Because Cyclospora is not routinely included in all stool testing, patients with ongoing diarrhea should ask their healthcare provider whether specific Cyclospora testing is appropriate. Illinois health officials have also reminded providers that multiple stool samples may sometimes be needed because a single negative test does not necessarily rule out infection.

Simple Prevention Steps

Although investigators have not identified the source of the current illnesses, health officials emphasize that routine food safety practices remain the best defense.

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh produce and after using the restroom.

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.

• Scrub firm produce such as melons with a produce brush.

• Remove bruised or damaged portions before eating.

• Refrigerate cut fruits and vegetables within two hours.

• Store produce separately from raw meat and seafood.

The Henry & Stark County Health Department says it will continue monitoring for any local cases and would notify the public if an outbreak were identified.

The Geneseo Current will continue following updates from the Henry & Stark County Health Department, Hammond-Henry Hospital, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Illinois Department of Public Health; Henry & Stark County Health Department; AARP; Mayo Clinic; local reporting by The Geneseo Current.

Letter to the Editor: When "Priority" Doesn't Mean Priority

This is my third and final installment on this topic.

My personal experience with the USPS has not been positive. I have observed a deterioration of service in the last six months.

I would like to share a recent example. It is a bit lengthy, but instructive.

BACKGROUND

In early February 2026, I sent two packages via Priority Mail to my grandson for his birthday. Priority Mail is advertised as a two- to three-day service, and included in the fee is "free" $100 insurance. One package was delivered three days late, and the other has never been delivered. Both obviously missed his birthday.

PROCESS

Since I mailed these items through the Geneseo Post Office, I started there. The employees were generally helpful and sympathetic to my problem, but ultimately impotent and ineffectual.

After waiting a few weeks, upon the advice of the local USPS supervisor, he ran a trace on the missing item. He said it was still at the USPS processing facility in Des Moines. After a month, he said the item had been lost and that I should file a claim.

CLAIM HISTORY

My view is I paid my money and had a contract with the USPS, and since they failed, I was entitled to reimbursement of the insured value. Interestingly, they do not reimburse a sender for the original shipping fees. Also, the claim that the item was "lost" is weak. Since matter can neither be created nor destroyed, my view is the USPS had this item in its custody while it was either stolen or damaged.

So these are the steps I followed and the result:

1. I filed a claim, which was rejected.

2. I appealed the rejection, which was also rejected.

3. Once again, I filed an appeal, which was once again rejected.

The USPS argued I didn't provide proof the item was damaged and therefore could not reimburse me. I never said it was damaged; my point was they "lost" it. This fell on deaf ears. This is circular reasoning at its finest—they admit they lost the item, but since it was lost, I needed to prove it was damaged. My response was, "Just return the damaged item to me and we'll call it even." No reply.

At this point several months had passed, and I was getting tired of chasing a dead end. I had spent several dozen hours working on it to that point. I foolishly decided to file a complaint with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and began calling various 1-800 phone numbers. After getting kicked around through several automated phone systems and talking to a couple of clerical employees, I was instructed to engage in a texting session with an AI bot. This resulted in the bot informing me its records indicated the item was in the system and pending delivery and that I needed to be patient. After four months, this was total hogwash. This was the final straw, and I gave up.

CONCLUSION

I learned the USPS is a failing institution because it does not provide the service that is paid for. There will probably always be a need for it to exist, but the business model it utilizes is broken, and it has priced itself out of a competitive position. Particularly disgusting is the customer service. Apparently, they feel that by implementing internet-based solutions and AI tricks, all will be well. With 600,000 employees, we all deserve better.

- Donald Crawford

Letter to the Editor: Before Another Piece of Geneseo's History Disappears

Three weeks ago, just before Geneseo’s music festival weekend, I drove down State Street—just past the city park, and I was shocked to see a large Deere excavating machine parked next to the Queen Anne Victorian home at 316 South State Street. After pulling over and observing more carefully, I saw the JULIE locater flags in the front yard, and I knew immediately what that meant. The house is going to be demolished. As of today, the house still stands.

It’s one of my favorite houses in Geneseo, situated adjacent from the city park and along the State Street boulevard in one of the most visible locations in town. It has unique architectural features, with an upstairs arched porch and Queen Anne details across the roofline of the downstairs porch, topped off with fish scale scallops on the upper levels of the home. For me, it’s very disappointing that one of the most iconic and historic Geneseo homes isn’t being restored. Does anyone else in Geneseo feel the same way?

I’m fully aware that the house has been neglected for many years. It was used as a duplex, and I know from the experience of once being a landlord that not all renters are good ones. It also needs a roof, new windows, and probably needs all new mechanicals, but the house doesn’t look hopeless. I don’t pretend to know all of the reasons why it is being demolished; there may be many. It looks structurally sound.

A quick search on Zillow has a description and pictures of the house from a 2019 listing. It has an intricate open stairway, a fireplace, original woodwork, hardwood floors, a pocket door, and stained glass. The description states that “It’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of preserved history.” The same Zillow listing also indicates that the home was sold in 2020.

Just a block south of the home is a sign on the boulevard that says, “Geneseo Historic District.” I don’t know exactly what that means in Geneseo, as several homes along State Street have been demolished in recent years, and this house is apparently going to be next. Geneseo used to proudly market itself as “Victorian Geneseo,” but I have not heard the town promoted in that way for a number of years.

Historic Preservation of our homes and downtown buildings draws residents and tourism to places like Geneseo. Restoring our older homes is an investment in our community and our future. It’s our architecture that often sets one community apart from another, especially in the Midwest. Instead of demolition, let’s respect the craftsmanship of those before us, and find solutions and the resources to help preserve these unique and historic homes.

-Marty Golby, Geneseo

Downtown Geneseo Sidewalk Sales Return July 24–25

Downtown Geneseo will transform into an open-air shopping destination July 24–25 as local businesses bring merchandise outdoors for two days of sidewalk sales, special promotions, pop-up vendors and live entertainment.

The annual event, organized by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, invites residents and visitors to spend the weekend exploring downtown while taking advantage of seasonal deals and discovering new businesses.

"Businesses around Geneseo are bringing their deals outside," said Chamber Executive Director Lindsie Akers. "Join us July 24 and 25 for sidewalk sales, special deals, pop-ups and more."

Several downtown businesses have already announced promotions for the weekend, including:

• Pegasus Fine Gifts: Buy two sale items and get two free.

• Four Seasons: Last Chance Consignment items for $5 each or three for $10.

• Village Home Stores: Big Lighting Sale.

• A Spotted Apron: 50% off clearance merchandise and 25% off storewide.

In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy several special attractions throughout downtown. Anthology for Books will have its popular "Once Upon a Trailer" book trailer on site, while Gaslight Grocer & Wine Bar will host pop-up vendors Dragonfly Flower Farms and Leaf Livestock. Live patio music will also be offered at In-A-Godda-Da-Vida.

Additional participating businesses include Katsch Boutique, Village Florist, and Hayshaker's Grill & North Street Treats, along with other downtown merchants offering sidewalk displays and promotions throughout the weekend.

According to Akers, the event is designed to showcase everything that makes downtown Geneseo unique.

"Downtown Geneseo comes alive for a full weekend of sidewalk shopping, summer sales and community fun," she said. "Local businesses set up outside their storefronts with racks, tables and displays overflowing with deals—from clothing and gifts to home goods and seasonal finds."

She encourages shoppers to take their time exploring downtown.

"It is the perfect excuse to discover something new and support the small businesses that make Geneseo special," Akers said. "Grab a friend, bring the family and make a day of it."

The Sidewalk Sales will take place Friday and Saturday, July 24–25, throughout downtown Geneseo.

Find Waldo Local Invites Families to Explore Geneseo Businesses This July

Families looking for a fun summer adventure have a new reason to explore local businesses this July.

Throughout the month, Anthology for Books is bringing Find Waldo Local to Geneseo, a free community-wide scavenger hunt that encourages participants to shop local while searching for everyone's favorite striped traveler.

The game begins at Anthology for Books, where participants can pick up a free Find Waldo Local passport. From there, they'll visit 25 participating businesses throughout Geneseo, each hiding a small Waldo figurine somewhere inside.

When Waldo is found, participants receive a stamp in their passport before heading off to the next location.

The more stamps collected, the bigger the reward.

Participants who collect 10 stamps will earn a prize, while those who collect 20 stamps can be entered into the grand prize drawing to be held during a Waldo celebration on July 31.

Businesses participating in the hunt can be identified by a Find Waldo Local window cling, making it easy for families to know where to search.

The month-long event is designed to encourage families to explore Geneseo, discover local businesses, and enjoy a self-paced activity together throughout July. Whether participants choose to search for a few Waldos each week or try to find them all in a single weekend, the hunt offers a fun way to experience the community while supporting local businesses.

Anthology for Books serves as the event headquarters, where participants can pick up passports, ask questions, and even search for Wizard Whitebeard, another hidden character located inside the bookstore.

Find Waldo Local is an annual, nationwide program created by Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association. Independent bookstores apply to participate, and Anthology for Books is proud to be included this year. The booksellers are excited to lead a community-wide collaboration that celebrates local businesses and brings the beloved Where's Waldo? books to life.

How to Participate

Pick up a free Find Waldo Local passport at Anthology for Books.Visit 25 participating Geneseo businesses and search for the hidden Waldo figurine.Collect 10 stamps to earn a prize.Collect 20 stamps to be entered into the July 31 grand prize drawing.Look for the Find Waldo Local window cling displayed at participating businesses.

For families looking to add a little adventure to their summer, Find Waldo Local offers a simple reason to get out, explore Geneseo, and see how many Waldos they can find before the end of July.

For more information, see this Facebook reel.

10 Easy Ways to Support the Henry County Humane Society

The Henry County Humane Society operates on an annual budget of approximately $250,000 and relies entirely on community support to provide shelter, medical care, and second chances for animals in need. Here are ten ways to help, starting with the simplest and ending with some of the biggest commitments.

1. Share Adoptable Pets on Social Media

A simple share can help an animal find its future family. Follow the Henry County Humane Society here.

2. Promote Responsible Pet Ownership

Encourage spaying, neutering, microchipping, and proper pet care within the community.

3. Attend Fundraising Events

Whether you're playing, volunteering, or spectating, event participation helps raise funds and awareness. Stay on top of upcoming events here.

4. Donate Supplies

Items such as pet food, cat litter, paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach, treats, and cleaning supplies are always appreciated. Click here for more information.

5. Donate Money

Financial contributions help cover veterinary bills, food, medications, utilities, and daily operations. Click here to donate.

6. Become a Monthly Donor

Recurring donations provide reliable funding that helps the Humane Society plan for the future and respond to ongoing needs.

7. Volunteer

Donate your time by helping with animal care, cleaning, events, transportation, or other shelter needs. Fill out an application here.

8. Foster

Provide temporary care for an animal while it waits for adoption. Click for more information and application.

9. Adopt

Open your home to a shelter animal looking for a forever family. Fill out your adoption application here.

10. Leave a Legacy Gift

Consider including the Humane Society in your estate plans or making a memorial gift in honor of a loved one. Legacy gifts can help support the organization's mission for years to come.

Every contribution—whether it's a social media share, a bag of pet food, a monthly donation, or opening your home to an animal in need—helps provide care, comfort, and a second chance for animals throughout Henry County.

From Shelter to Shop Supervisor: Eddie Finds Her Forever Home at Wirth, Inc.

Sometimes the best ideas begin as a joke.

For the team at Wirth, Inc., what started as a lighthearted conversation about bringing a stray cat into the shop soon became something much more meaningful—a forever home for a shelter cat named Edwina.

The Wirth family has long had a soft spot for animals, and shop cats have been part of the business for years. Previous feline "employees" like Dwyer, Michaels, and Lucy became familiar faces around the office.

That history gave employee Avery Kane an idea.

"I had been trying to lure one of the local stray cats into the shop because I knew they'd let it stay," Avery said. "When that wasn't working, I jokingly suggested we should just adopt one from the Humane Society."

The joke quickly turned into a real plan.

After spotting a photo of Edwina on the Henry County Humane Society's Facebook page, Avery and her mother, Britta—Wirth, Inc.'s office manager—headed to the shelter that Friday afternoon to meet her.

Although they spent time getting to know each of the available cats, one stood out.

"It was clear that Eddie was the perfect fit," Avery said.

The adoption experience at the Henry County Humane Society left a lasting impression.

Kim welcomed them to the shelter and introduced them to Edwina, explaining that she was blind in one eye—but that it never slowed her down. If anything, Avery said, it only made the cat more endearing.

After their adoption application was approved the following week, Wirth, Inc. owner Jason Wirth gave his blessing to welcome Eddie to the business. Linda even met Avery early that morning so Eddie could begin her new life before the workday started.

The shelter also sent Eddie home with food, treats, shampoo, and a collar to help make the transition easier.

"Everyone was so friendly and helpful," Avery said. "The shelter was clean, welcoming, and well cared for. We couldn't have asked for a better adoption experience."

Like many adopted pets, Eddie needed a little time to settle into her new surroundings. After about a week, however, she made herself completely at home.

Today, she has fully embraced her role as Wirth, Inc.'s unofficial shop supervisor.

She spends her days racing through the building, chasing toys, greeting employees and customers, curling up for naps, and making sure she receives plenty of attention from everyone she meets.

"She runs the place—and she knows it," Avery said with a laugh.

With her playful personality and affectionate nature, Eddie has become the perfect blend of sass and sweetness.

"She's the Queen of the Wirth, Inc. castle, and she brings us so much joy."

Her story is also a reminder of the difference adopting a shelter pet can make. A cat once waiting for a family has found not only a forever home, but a workplace full of people who adore her.

For the staff at Wirth, Inc., adopting Eddie wasn't simply adding another shop cat.

It was welcoming another member of the family.