14 minute read
Society News
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Card shower planned for Nancy Kay’s 85th bir thday
Nancy “Honey” Kay of Erie celebrated her 85th birthday on Monday, Jan. 3.
Her family includes children Deb Kay, Troy and Patti VanDeWostine and Dan Kay; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to honor her with a celebratory card shower. Please send cards to Nancy Kay, 1112 East St., Erie, IL 61250. Scott Deaner and Susie Reisenbigler donated $500 to On the Move with Parks and Recreation for the future Morrison Bark Park. Susie is a native of Morrison and now lives in Texas. They still receive the Whiteside News Sentinel and have read about people donating to the dog park. They come home to visit Susie’s parents, Sharon and Merle Reisenbigler, and bring their dog Reina with them and wanted to donate to the cause. Pictured at the future Morrison Bark Park are Sharon Reisenbigler (from left), Susie Reisenbigler, Reina the dog, Scott Deaner and from On the Move Jim Strating, Karla Burn and Kathy Schmidt with her dog Maisie.
Photo provided
FULTON
Havencrest Castle to be featured at nex t W W W@WCC program
The Windmill Volunteer Educators at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton invite the public to the next Wild Winter Wednesday program at 9 a.m. Jan. 12, featuring coffee, tea, mill treats and Alan St. George of Havencrest Castle.
St. George will present “Exploring Savanna’s Havencrest Castle.” This is a private residence on a wooded hilltop in Savanna, built in 1901 and expanded by the St. Georges in 1976. Havencrest Castle is filled with original art and sculptures created by Alan and inspired by his late wife, Adrianne.
WWW@WCC programs are held on Wednesday mornings through March. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the program starts about 9:20 a.m. Programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Windmill Cultural Center Facebook page or call 815-589-3671. The building, located at 111 10th Ave., is di sab il ity acc essi ble . Pr ogr ams are funded through a grant from the D.S. Fikkema Foundation and a donation from Nelson Corp.
If River Bend Schools are closed due to weather, WWW also is canceled.
Photo provided Havencrest Castle is located at 140 N. Fifth St. in Savanna. Tours are offered in May and October.
COVID-19
COV ID-19 surge closes driver’s license facilities through Jan. 17
Driver’s license facilities are closed through Jan. 17 because of the surge in COVID-19 cases, Secretary of State Jesse White announced in a news release Wednesday.
The closures affect all departments of the secretary of state.
“The health and safety of employees and the public remains paramount, and face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus,” White said in the news release.
Online services through ilsos.gov will remain open during the suspension, including renewing license plate stickers, renewing a license or ID c a r d s , o b t a i n i n g d u p l i c a te c a r d s , obtaining a driver record abstract or filing business services documents.
The driver and vehicle services hotline will remain open at 800-2528980.
People having issues with administrative hearings should email adminhearings@ilsos.gov or call 312-7933722.
Previously, the secretary of state’s office had extended driver’s license and ID card expiration dates to March 31. The extension did not include commercial driver’s licenses and CDL learner permits.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The benef its of mak ing New Year’s resolutions
The end of December is a busy time of year. Families are shopping for gifts for loved ones and friends, holiday cele b r a t i o n s a r e i n f u l l s w i n g and thoughts begin to turn to the new year ahead.
At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is customary to sip a glass of champagne and toast to the new year. Many people use the dawn of a new year as a time to create a list of resolutions that reflect positive changes they hope to make in the year ahead.
Between 40% and 45% of American adults make resolutions each year, according to the health and wellness group Proactive Mindfulness. According to John C. Norcross, Marci S. Mrykalo and Matthew D. Blagys, coauthors of the study “Auld Lang Syne: Success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year’s resolvers and nonresolvers,” within six months of starting a resolution 46% of people are still maintaining their resolutions.
Resolutions may seem silly to some, but there are several positive reasons to make them. · Resolutions provide practice setting goals. Goal-setting is an important component of life. Goals are key because they provide general direction in life. A goal is a map that can give you an idea of where you are heading and what path you need to take to get there, according to the self-improvement guide Success Consciousness. Resolutions can be fun, low-pressure goals. Think of them as d r e s s r e h e a r s a l s f o r b i g g e r l i f e changes. · Resolutions offer time for reflection. Too often people are rushing through daily life without stopping or slowin g down to truly assess the impact of their actions. Resolutions help you reflect on the past, present and future, figuring out what has been working and what may need to be changed to provide a boost, according to the wellness resource Alternative Daily. · Resolutions can serve as a catalyst for positive change. When something isn’t working with your routine, personal health or relationships, resolutions can serve as the catalyst that ultimately rights the ship. · Resolutions can promote self-esteem and empowerment. Making resolutions and keeping them can provide a sense of accomplishment that comes w i t h g o a l - s e t t i n g a n d f o l l o w i n g through. Resolving to lose five pounds and then seeing the proof on a scale can be a powerful motivator that compels you to make other self-improvements. Accomplishing small goals also can boost self-esteem.
Resolutions are often made at the dawn of a new year. These efforts can provide the motivation and direction people need to make positive changes in their lives.
HEALTH
Illinois Elk s to sponsor f ree children’s podiatr y clinic
Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corp., in cooperation with Northwest District Elks Lodges, will sponsor a free children’s podiatry assessment clinic on Thursday, Jan. 20, at Morrison Family Care Clinic, 303 N. Jackson St., Morrison. Dr. David Yeager will be the clinician in charge.
The clinic starts at 8 a.m. and is by a p p o i n t m e nt o n l y . T o m a k e a n appointment, call the Illinois Elks Children’s Care office at 1-800-272-0074 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are no charges for any services at this clinic. No medical referral is necessary for the clinic, but physicians are welcome to refer patients to the clinic for a specific reason or second opinion. School nurses are welcome to refer children and families to the clinic.
The Elks organization has been working with physically challenged children since 1928. This is one of 13 clinic locations in Illinois. The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development. If your child has feet pointing inward or outward or complains of foot pain, they can be seen at this clinic. The Elks will provide financial assistance to the best of their ability for children needing further treatment or specialty equipment when the family lacks sufficient resources to do so. In the past, the Elks have purchased therapy services, corrective shoes, braces, wheelchairs and augmentative communication devices to help children overcome physical challenges.
OBITUARIES
LEONARD EUGENE FINCK
Born: February 2, 1938 in Davenport, IA Died: December 20, 2021 in Davenport, IA
Leonard Eugene Finck, age 83, of Davenport, Iowa, formerly of Prophetstown, Illinois and West Branch, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021, at Silvercrest Garner Senior Living, Davenport, Iowa.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, a private family funeral will be held at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. Burial will take place in Durant Cemetery.
Memorials will be directed to Genesis Hospice in his memory.
Online condolences may be left at www. bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Leonard was born on February 2, 1938, the son of Leonard and Wilma (Fischer) Finck in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated from Durant High School with the Class of 1955. After graduation, Leonard pursued continued education in finance. Leonard married Faye Matzen on October 12, 1957 in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Davenport.
Leonard was a Banking Officer for several financial institutions. He was a former member of the Bettendorf Jaycees and Rotary Club. Leonard enjoyed cars and antique collecting. Most of all, Leonard loved spending time with his family.
Leonard will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 64 years, Faye; four children, JoDee (Jeff) Olsen of Prophetstown, Illinois, Jill (Greg) Lewis of Tucson, Arizona, Greg (Lori) Finck of Manhattan, Montana and Doug (Michelle) Finck of Gary, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Jessica (Conrad) Olsen-Howard, Dane Lewis, Kent (Anna) Olsen, Kendal Lewis, Dustin Finck, Katie Finck, Lena Finck and Matzen Finck; one great-granddaughter, Wrenley Olsen; one brother, Larry (Susan) Paul of Mason City, Iowa; and one sister, Angie (Gary) Hess of Bettendorf, Iowa.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Wilma; and one sister, Phyllis Jones.
JAMES E. JOHNSON
Born: June 28, 1930 in Osco, IL Died: January 1, 2022 in Prophetstown, IL
James E. Johnson, 91, of Erie, IL, died Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Allure of Prophetstown in Prophetstown, IL. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the Wesleyan Hall of the Erie United Methodist Church. Services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday in the Erie United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Erie Fire and/or Ambulance or the Erie United Methodist Church. Gibson – Bode Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Jim was born on June 28, 1930 at home in Osco, Illinois, the son of Maurice and Mary (Oberle) Johnson. He graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1949. Jim married Anne Cox on November 24, 1951 at St. John’s Church in Rapids City, IL. He worked hard to support his family as a farmer as well as working for Albert Francque. He also worked at John Deere Harvester for 30 years.
Jim enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball teams and watching their football games. In recent years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren in sports. He was a member of the Erie United Methodist Church and had been a member of the Moose Club in Geneseo for many years. He liked watching football and baseball, mostly the Bears and Cubs.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Anne Johnson; children, Ruth (Jim) Melton, Erie, Roger (Kris) Johnson, Erie, Diane (Jerry) Chisamore, Rochelle, IL, Scott Johnson (Renee Gorham) Erie; grandchildren, Kelly (Tim) Johnston, Tracy (Ryan) Winckler, Leslie (Scott) Miner, Jamie (Stormy) Melton, Angie Sams, Stefanie (Sean) Hoover, Brent Johnson, Ryan Coe (Deanna Black); 14 great grandchildren; and 7 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Everett, Stanley and Darwin Johnson; and a great-great grandson, Dawson Scanlan. Share a memory or condolence at www. gibsonbodefh.com
ALBANY VILLAGE BOARD
A lbany sees progress in var ious depar tments
BY SARAH FORD For Shaw Media
Albany’s new village administration continues to go through a transition, with a resignation, new employe e s a n d b o a r d a p p o i n t m e n t s recognized at the board meeting on Monday, Dec. 6.
The board welcomed new full-time Chief of Police Richard “Rick” Cass to lead the force that needs rebuilding after resignations in June 2021.
“We appreciate you stepping forw a r d . Y o u c o m e h i g h l y r e c o m mended,” Mayor Phil Lemke told Cass. The village recently hired two part-time officers and is looking to hire one more to have a full-time police department back.
Lemke detailed a few of the challenges in the department, with body cameras not working and the computers wiped clean after the departure of previous staff. The board approved spending up to $700 to change nine locks in the village office and police department.
The board approved the appointment of Dave Frantz to Flood Plain Manager and Dan Bitler as Zoning Officer, both at a rate of $120 per quarter, effective January. Trustee Floyd Boston was appointed as ESDA liaison and will complete a 90-minute training course. The board regretfully accepted the letter of resignation for Janet Price as sexton after 30 years. It also remembered assistant treasurer and clerk Brenda Stuart, who passed away Nov. 16.
The board also learned the Albany Fire Protection District will be purchasing another ambulance, giving it a primary rig and a backup. EMS coordinator and paramedic Brooke Posateri said the primary rig is staffed at all times by on-call members. She added the department will be offering basic training classes in a few months.
The board discussed what to do with more than $30,000 in LED ball diamond lights that were purchased last year but aren’t working due to m i ss i n g p a r ts . T h e l i gh t s w e r e approved for purchase by the Albany Garden Plain Youth Association, but that board didn’t open the shipment right away due to COVID-19 concerns. Once it started to move forward with installation, it discovered the lights are missing key parts, which the company no longer makes.
The board also discussed whether to raise cemetery lot rates, currently at $100 each, with the board learning that neighboring communities sell at $350 to $500 per lot. With only a few sold plots a year, trustees didn’t think it would help with the budget.
Lemke also provided information on fixing up monuments at the cemetery, as many shifted over the years or were knocked over when trees fell during the 2020 derecho. The cost to level the base would be between $250 to $300 per monument, and contractors could do a few at a time. The Albany Lions Club have discussed helping with repairs, too. The board will continue discussions and come up with a plan for a vote at a future meeting.
In other reports, the board learned that the backup generator at the new well building is hooked up and ready. The board passed a whistleblower ordinance protection policy required by law, with the officer in charge to be determined. The board approved authorized signers for bank accounts, and discussed purchasing a radar speed sign at a rate of $3,500 to help slow down traffic in problem areas. The village is still looking to hire a full-time billing clerk.
POLICE REPORT
Morrison
Citations
Dec. 28
Kaywyn J. Beswick, 60, Morrison, speeding
Dec. 29
Samantha J. Volckmann, 26, Morrison, no valid registration
The public is reminded that these are merely charges and all people are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.
IS THIS HOME IN YOUR FUTURE?
