Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, Mar 8, 2022
WHITESIDE NEWS
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History of model windmill creators at next WWW@WCC The Windmill Volunteer Educators at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton invite the public to attend the next Wild Winter Wednesday program at 9 a.m. March 16. There will be coffee, tea, mill treats and a presentation about the center’s 21 European scale model windmills. Program speakers will be Neal and Jane Luker, who will share “The Henk Story.” The Lukers are longtime educators and primary caretakers of the windmills, sawmills and watermills displayed at the Windmill Cultural Center. They will share the life story of Henk Hielema, a Netherlands native who masterfully created all the models displayed, and how they came to be gifted to the city of Fulton. WWW@WCC programs are on Wednesday mornings through March. Doors open at 9 a.m. The program starts about 9:20 a.m. Programs are free and open to the public. For information, visit the Windmill Cultural Center Facebook page or call 815-5893671. The building at 111 10th Ave. is disability accessible. Programs are funded through a grant from the D.S. Flikkema Foundation and a donation from Nelson Corp. If River Bend schools are closed because of weather, WWW also is canceled.
As we head into St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists that it will be out in full force to keep the roads safe while the green beer flows. “This St. Patrick’s Day, make your own luck by designating a sober driver,” Sheriff John F. Booker said. “If you’ll be drinking, using cannabis or partaking of any other impairing substance, planning ahead is the best way to ensure you and your friends make it home safely.” In addition to looking for alcoholand drug-impaired drivers, the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt use rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and other traffic laws also will be strictly enforced.
Due to circumstances beyond its control, the Morrison Music Theater Association regretfully announces the production of “Steel Magnolias” has been postponed. Performances were scheduled for March 11-13. The production will be rescheduled later this spring. Tickets that have been purchased in advance will be honored at the rescheduled performances. More information will follow as soon as specific dates are finalized.
River Cities Quilters Guild to meet March 15
The River Cities Quilters Guild will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at Fulton Presbyterian Church, 311 Ninth St., Fulton. The speaker will be Linda Brandon of Morrison, who will talk on the do’s and don’ts of framing and matting textiles. Those attending may bring an unframed or framed textile for her suggestions. Anyone interested in fiber arts is welcome to attend the meeting.
The campaign runs from March 11-18. While designating a sober driver is the simplest way to avoid a tragic crash or DUI arrest, here are some additional tips to help you keep yourself and others safe: • If a friend is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely. • Buckle up. It’s your best defense in the event of a crash. • Remember, pedestrians are at risk, too. If you’re walking, keep an eye out for cars. If you’re driving, remain alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs. The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Photo provided
The late Henk Hielema, pictured with his wife June, will be the focus of the next WWW@ WCC program. The couple donated their collection of model windmills to the city of Fulton in 2009.
NEWS BRIEFS MMTA’s ‘Steel Magnolias’ play postponed
Law enforcement to be out in full force heading into St. Patrick’s Day
Virtual book discussion at Odell Library March 15
PFLAG of the Sauk Valley and the Odell Public Library are hosting a virtual book discussion from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15. “The Savvy Ally” by Jeannie Gainsburg is a practical and easy-to-understand guide for people striving to become allies of the LGBTQ+ community. PFLAG educators will lead the first half of discussion. Gainsburg of Rochester, New York, will join the Zoom call at 7 p.m. Topics include information on identities and language, techniques for respectful dialogue and suggestions for addressing questions and concerns. The conversation aims to serve as a fun and encouraging approach to allyship. The book is especially relevant for teachers, counselors, social workers, health care providers, parents and those who want to be supportive of local LGBTQ+ communities. Pick up a free copy of “The Savvy Ally” at the Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison, or by contacting PFLAG of the Sauk Valley at pflagsaukvalley@gmail.com or 815408-0604 while supplies last.
POLICE/FIRE REPORTS Morrison Police
Arrests On Tuesday, March 1, about 10:07 a.m., Morrison police responded to a motor vehicle crash (with personal injury) on East Lincolnway, one-quarter mile east of North Jackson Street, Morrison, involving two vehicles. As a result of the crash investigation, Morrison police issued citations to Michael T. Evans, 49, of Kewanee for failure to yield (from a private drive) and Angela M. Davis, 45, of Rock Falls for improper lane use (passing in center left turn lane only). Davis was taken to Morrison Community Hospital by MCH EMS for apparent minor injuries. Morrison police were assisted by MCH EMS, the Morrison Fire Department and Hunter’s Towing. Citations Feb. 27 Sanghyoup Gu, 33, Ames, Iowa, speeding March 2 David L. Scott, 56, Morrison, no parking (posted)
Illinois State Police
Michael J. Rippy, 46, of Prophetstown was stopped for failure to yield to a stationary authorized emergency
vehicle at 8:22 a.m. Feb. 23 on Interstate 88 westbound at milepost 17 in Whiteside County and was charged with driving while license suspended. Rippy was released on an I-bond.
The public is reminded these are charges and all people are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law. Rapids City Fire Protection District February report Volunteers with the Rapids City Fire Protection District responded to 35 calls for assistance in February. A breakdown of those calls is as follows: Village of Rapids City – one EMS call. Village of Port Byron – seven EMS calls. Fire Protection District (Rural) – 20 EMS calls, one vehicle fire, one grass fire and one citizen assist with a smoke detector. Automatic aid was given to the Hillsdale Fire Department for one traffic accident and one grass fire. Mutual aid was given to the Cordova Fire Department for one vehicle fire and East Moline for one structure fire. The Rapids City Fire Protection District is in need of volunteers. Contact Fire Chief Don Carey at pbfd1@mchsi.com or call 309-523-2511 for information.
