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MORRISON

Local man recog nized for blood donation amid blood crisis

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in more than a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care.

As the Red Cross appeals to people of all ages and blood types to sign up to give, we are celebrating loyal blood donors such as Lyle Bush of Morrison, who continue to donate. Bush, who recently turned 80, is a father to three and a grandfather to five though he h a s i m p a c t ed th ou s a n d s o f l i v e s through his 232 donations (nearly 30 gallons) of his type O positive blood.

Type O positive blood is given to patients more than any other blood type, which is why it’s considered the most needed blood type.

Since learning of the significance of giving blood and his unique blood type many years ago, Bush has continued to donate though he says it doesn’t take much effort.

“I like to help other people when I can and I knew there was a big need for it and I just wanted to try and do my share,” Bush said. “It’s really not hard. In fact, it’s no effort at all. You just lay on a table and somebody else does the rest.”

Beyond being O positive, Bush’s blood is part of an exclusive group of donors who have not been exposed to Cytomegalovirus (CMV,) a flu-like virus that the majority of adults are exposed to. When a baby needs a blood transfusion, it needs to come from a CMV negative donor such as Bush b e c a u se i t i s th e s a f e st bl oo d f or immune deficient newborns.

The Red Cross celebrates donors who are both CMV negative and type O as they are considered “Heroes for Babies” since only a small number of donors are able to meet this very specific need for pediatric blood products across the country.

“When it can save other people’s lives, why not do it?” Bush added.

Blood donations are needed now to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

The Red Cross asks the country to roll up a sleeve to help ensure people receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Photo provided Lyle Bush at his 80th birthday party

Bush to ser ve on high cour t’s Remote Proceedings Task Force

S t e r l i n g a t t o r n e y T r e n t Bush was appointed recently to the Illinois Supreme Court’s 14-member Remote Proceedings Task Force.

He is one of only two practicing attorneys on the force, which also includes judges, trial court administrators, legal services representatives and court administrative officers, Ward Murray Pace & Johnson, the firm for which he practices, said in a news release.

Bush also was reappointed to the court’s Website Task Force, on which he has served since 2019. The 13-member task force revamped the court’s website; the new site was launched in June at www.illinoiscourts.gov.

He also is on the court’s e-Business Advisory Board, which “provides recommendations, advice and guidance” to the court and its administrative office.

Bush also has served on the Illinois State Bar Association’s Committee on Legal Technology since 2002, the release said.Trent Bush

ALBANY

Albany welcome s R ick C as s a s new police ch ie f

By SARAH FORD For Shaw Media

Albany residents are breathing a sigh of relief thanks to the return of a small but dedicated police force, a welcome sight in the village that’s been without any officers for nearly half a year.

Richard “Rick” Cass, of rural Carroll County, officially became the fulltime police chief Jan. 1 after starting part time Dec. 10.

Cass first had to familiarize himself with the department, figure out computer programs and equipment, get acquainted with village staff and the board, and ensure the department’s compliance with the state.

Prior to Cass taking the reins, the village was without a police force after the resignation of the former chief and t hree other officers in June 2021. Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Fulton Police Department officers had to be called in for any emergencies.

But now that he’s settling into his new position, Cass feels optimistic about the department’s direction. With decades of experience under his belt, he’s looking forward to small-town policing and building a solid and reliable department. “My preference is to be out in the community to meet people, to talk to people, and to help people,” he said. One of his biggest concerns is speeding drivers, with many residents raising red flags about road safety since the departure of a visible police force.

Albany residents may be comforted by the chief’s dedication to law and order. Cass’s career in law enforcement stems from a family devoted to the field – his dad was a trooper, his mom worked for the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, and his younger brother is also a police officer.

Cass started his career in the Army and was an active-duty military police officer from 1986 to 1992. He then joined civilian law enforcement, starting with the state in 1992. He was employed by a couple of agencies, working predominantly in investigations. Over the years, he expanded his network by working in multiple departments, sometimes concurrently, throughout Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties.

“That was when I was a workaholic,” he laughs, adding that he was also a police chief in Chadwick and Shannon. “I love small towns. I prefer small towns,” he said.

Cass eventually had one full-time and three part-time jobs at different departments but finally decided to retire in 2021. But the well-earned rest and relaxation didn’t last long when he saw the chief opportunity in Albany. He and his wife Linda had taken many day trips to the town over the years, and they loved its charm with the river views, bike trails, antiques, and other establishments.

While he resumes a 9-to-5 schedule, Linda keeps their rural hobby farm and homestead going. The empty nesters have mini donkeys, mini horses, and chickens and roosters. “We’re animal lovers,” he said, adding that his wife is “incredibly supportive” of his return to the workforce. She also volunteered her time with some overdue office cleaning, and she keeps the cupboards stocked with food. “I just wasn’t ready to retire,” he said smiling, while looking around his new office. “I can still take a punch.”

Cass, 54, said he is a peace officer by statute, and he has no agenda other than protecting and serving. “You get hired to do a job, and you do your job. I want to work, it’s a nice town, and I want to make sure we make the right decisions.”

The department also consists of two part-time officers, Andrew Schott and Justin Stralow, with plans to hire more part-time officers and bring a fully f u n c t i o n i ng po l i ce fo r ce ba ck t o Albany.