20 minute read
Monthly fall programs start Sept. 18
OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021
SUBSCRIPTIONS In Whiteside County 24 months - $50 12 months - $30
Remainder of Illinois, Iowa 24 months - $68 12 months - $41
Remainder of United States 24 months - $79 12 months - $48
Single-copy price is $1
To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 815-632-2520 Monday through Friday or send an e-mail to wnsnews@shawmedia.com.
CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com Classified Ad Deadline: Thursday at 4 p.m.
HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com
LEGAL NOTICES sauklegals@shawlocal.com
OBITUARIES saukobits@shawlocal.com Deadline for obituaries is Monday at 9 a.m.
News Sarah Ford wnsnews@shawmedia.com
Advertising Sales 815-632-2554
Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com
The FULTON JOURNAL (USPS No. 211-940) is published weekly by Sauk Valley Media, Shaw Media.
Periodical postage paid at Fulton, Illinois, 61252
POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Fulton Journal P.O. Box 31, Morrison, Illinois, 61270
All rights reserved. Copyright 2022
The Fulton Historical Society is pleased to offer its monthly programs once again, starting in September.
This month’s featured speaker is Ed Britton, district manager of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and longtime favorite guest speaker in Fulton.
Britton’s program is titled “Beaver Island – Early History to Present Day.” The power point presentation will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 in the Fulton (Martin House) Museum located at 707 10th Ave.
Beaver Island was inhabited by a small group of settlers in 1840. The population grew to 128 residents by 1935, with a school and grocery store present. Families were isolated on the island sur rounded by Mississippi River waters and often dealt with the ravages of the river.
In 1939, construction was completed on the lock and dam system that raised the water levels that flooded most of Beaver Island. The lock and dam system created and maintains a 6-foot channel in the river flowing by Fulton. Today, 75% of Beaver Island is a National Wildlife Refuge and is managed as public lands.
Britton has worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 45 years. He became district manager for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Savanna District, 27 years ago with an office located in Thomson.
Please join the Fulton Historical Society to learn more about our closest neighbor in the Mississippi River. Refreshments will be served. There will be a time for questions as well, and Britton will give an update on the status of the local beloved “eagle trio.”
Jo Lyn Kruse, a former K-12 general and vocal music teacher with 25 years experience, is offering free music classes this month in Savanna and Mt. Carroll.
During the classes, students will learn how to count rhythms, read notes and proper singing technics. They also will learn about composers, instruments of the orchestra, various styles of songs such as educational rhyming songs, movement in songs, folksongs, camp songs, holiday songs and faith-based songs.
Classes are available to any student, age 2 and older, who is enrolled in school or home-schooled in Carroll County.
The Savanna classes will be at the Bridges of Carroll County, North Main Street, next to the Classy Closet, every Tuesday beginning Sept. 13.
The Mt. Carroll classes will be at the First Lutheran Church on Clay Street, one block north of Dairy Queen, every Tuesday beginning Sept. 15.
The classes will begin at 4 p.m. and run for 45 minutes.
Kruse has participated as a judge for Solo and Ensemble and Organization Contest for 17-plus years and has been an adult church choir director for more than 20 years. She is self taught on guitar and piano and has played for more than 50 y e a r s . S h e c u r r e n t l y i s a su b s t i t u t e teacher for Carroll County schools and the church musician at First Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll.
She resides in Lanark with her husband, Brian, and enjoys singing and playing a wide variety of music. She has been known to share her talents at the Bridges and First Lutheran open mic nights.
Kruse said she is looking forward to her second year teaching music through the Great River Outreach/Bridges sponsored program.
Anyone interested in having their child participate in the classes can call K r u s e a t 8 1 5 - 2 1 3 - 0 3 3 0 o r e m a i l bjkruse2004@gmail.com. Please include your name, phone number and email address.
Classes are free but donations are accepted at the Great River Outreach/ Bridges website at greatriveroutreach. com.
Enrollment is open through the month of September for the first semester.
NEWS BRIEFS
The Fulton Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash at the intersection of 10th Avenue and 12th Street in Fulton about 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a juvenile pedestrian laying in the roadway, awake and being cared for by a witness. The juvenile was transported by Fulton EMS to MercyOne Clinton with non-life-threatening injuries according to a news release.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as a juvenile and was released to parents who later arrived on the scene.
At this time, no charges have been filed and an investigation is ongoing.
Drivers particularly in and around schools are reminded to pay attention for students crossing the roadways. Drivers should slow down, noting the posted school zone speed limits and put down all electronic devises. Parents are asked to remind students to cross in posted areas, not in the middle of the block, while making sure to stop and watch for traffic before crossing.
The Table at CrossView Church announces September menu
The Table, a free community meal, is held each Wednesday at CrossView Church, 703 14th Ave. in Fulton.
Serving begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs to 6:15 p.m. September’s menu is as follows:
Sept. 7: Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, baked beans, chips, ice cream
Sept. 14: Sausage, pepperoni and cheese mini pizzas, watermelon, hot fudge brownie sundaes
Sept. 21: Mac and cheese, Jimmy John’s bread, green beans, apple slices, assorted desserts
Sept. 28: Maid-Rites, nachos and cheese, applesauce, assorted desserts
The Table meals are served September through May.
If River Bend Schools are canceled on a Wednesday because of bad weather, The Table also is canceled.
To the Electors of the State of Illinois: The Illinois Constitution establishes a structure of government and laws for the State of Illinois. There are three ways to initiate change to the Illinois Constitution: (1) a constitutional convention may propose changes to any part; (2) the General Assembly may propose changes to any part; or (3) a petition initiative may propose amendments limited to structural and procedural subjects contained in the Legislative Article. The people of Illinois must approve any changes to the Illinois Constitution before they become effective. The purpose of this document is to inform you of proposed changes to the Illinois Constitution and to provide you with a brief explanation and a summary of the arguments in favor of and in opposition to the proposed amendment.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ADD SECTION 25 TO ARTICLE I OF THE ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I — BILL OF RIGHTS
SECTION 25. WORKERS’ RIGHTS
(a) Employees shall have the fundamental right to organize and to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing for the purpose of negotiating wages, hours, and working conditions, and to protect their economic welfare and safety at work. No law shall be passed that interferes with, negates, or diminishes the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively over their wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment and work place safety, including any law or ordinance that prohibits the execution or application of agreements between employers and labor organizations that represent employees requiring membership in an organization as a condition of employment. (b) The provisions of this Section are controlling over those of Section 6 of Article VII.
EXPLANATION
The proposed amendment, which takes effect upon approval by the voters, adds Section 25 to the Bill of Rights Article of the Illinois Constitution. The new section will guarantee workers the fundamental right to organize and to bargain collectively and to negotiate safety conditions, wages, hours, working conditions, and economic welfare. The amendment prohibits the passage of any new law within the State that restricts or prohibits workers from engaging in collective bargaining with their employer over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment, like safety protocols or training.
Arguments In Favor of the Proposed Amendment
This amendment will protect workers’ and others ’ safety. That includes guaranteeing nurses’ right to put patient care ahead of profit and making sure construction workers can speak up when there’s a safety issue. It will protect workers from being silenced when they call attention to food safety threats, shoddy construction, and other problems that could harm Illinoisans. This amendment protects firefighters and EMTs who put their lives on the line to protect Illinoisans. It means they get the training and safety equipment they need to do their jobs, and can speak out when they see a problem without fear of retaliation. This amendment will help our economy by putting more money in workers’ pockets who join together and get raises. That will mean more money going into our communities and small businesses as people join the middle class with good-paying jobs.
Arguments Against the Proposed Amendment
A fundamental right provided to all citizens under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution is the right to free speech and freedom of association. This amendment prohibits any law or ordinance that allows union workers to choose whether they wish to be a member of the union or not. Under the 2018 United States Supreme Court decision Janus v. Illinois AFSCME, non-union government workers cannot be required to pay union dues as a condition of working in the public sector. Approval of this constitutional amendment will deny that protection to private sector workers. The amendment also states that lawmakers could never “interfere with, negate, or diminish” certain rights. These terms are broad and undefined and leave lawmakers without the ability to clarify through legislation. Our Illinois Constitution provides such protection to public employees. The result of that protection has been to squash efforts by state lawmakers and voters to address Illinois’ pension fund deficits.
FORM OF BALLOT
Explanation of Amendment
The proposed amendment would add a new section to the Bill of Rights Article of the Illinois Constitution that would guarantee workers the fundamental right to organize and to bargain collectively and to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions, and to promote their economic welfare and safety at work. The new amendment would also prohibit from being passed any new law that interferes with, negates, or diminishes the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively over their wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment and workplace safety. At the general election to be held on November 8, 2022, you will be called upon to decide whether the proposed amendment should become part of the Illinois Constitution. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YES _____ For the proposed addition of Section 25 to Article I of the Illinois Constitution. NO ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CAPITOL BUILDING SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
I, Jesse White, Secretary of the State of Illinois, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Proposed Amendment, the Explanation of the Proposed Amendment, Arguments in Favor of the Amendment and Arguments Against the Amendment and a true copy of the Form of Ballot for this call as the regularly scheduled general election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, as set forth in compliance with the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Great Seal of the State of Illinois, Done in the City of Springfield, this sixth day of September, 2022.
The link below has information about a proposed constitutional amendment that will be considered at the November 8, 2022 general election.
以下连结提供将在2022年11月8日大选中提出拟议的宪法修正案相关信息。
Poniższy link zawiera informacje na temat proponowanej zmiany konstytucyjnej, która zostanie rozpatrzona w wyborach powszechnych w dniu 8 listopada 2022 r. El siguiente enlace contiene información sobre una propuesta de enmienda constitucional que se considerará en las elecciones generales del 8 de noviembre de 2022.
By KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com
MORRISON – A 68-year-old Fenton man deemed to be “a very low risk” to reoffend was sentenced Aug. 31 to four years’ probation on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of two girls younger than 13.
Charles R. Von Holten also must register as a sexual predator for the rest of his life, pay a $10,000 fine on each charge, pay for the two girls’ counseling, up to $10,000 each, and serve 180 days on house arrest.
As part of his plea agreement, all other charges were dismissed.
Von Holten has b e e n f r e e o n a $500,000 bond since his arrest June 7, 2018.
The girls’ family members and others who were not happy with the plea a g re e m e n t – t h e terms of which are not uncommon for a first-time offender whose psychological evaluations find him at low risk to reoffend – attended the sentencing hearing and also waited outside the courthouse, posting protesters at all the entrances and prompting the sheriff’s department to beef up security inside and out, witnesses said.
Von Holten was charged June 5, 2018, in Whiteside County Court with three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, punishable by 6 to 60 years in prison, and sexual assault of a child, each of which carries 4 to 15 years.
Those assaults were committed between August and May 2017, when the girl was 6, investigators said.
On Sept. 19, 2019, he was charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child younger than 13 for twice fondling a 7- or 8-year-old, which is punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison.
Those assaults occurred between June 8, 2017, and June 8, 2018.
The 2019 charges were dismissed in November 2019, however, because the state failed to show probable cause Von Holten committed the crimes.
In 2021, two new charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child younger than 13 were filed.
The Aug. 31 plea agreement was for one count in the 2018 case and one in the 2021 case, with the sentences to be served concurrently.
Charles Von Holten, 68, of Fenton
POLICE REPORTS
Morrison Police Arrests
On Saturday, Aug. 27, about 3:36 p.m., Morrison police responded to a domestic dispute in the 400 block of East North Street, Morrison. As a result of the investigation, Morrison police arrested and charged Jessy R. Denning, 24, of Morrison with domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor). Denning was transported to the Whiteside County Jail. Morrison police were assisted by the Fulton Police Department and the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
On Saturday, Aug. 27, about 5:15 p.m., Morrison police responded to a domestic dispute in the 200 block of Larch Street, Morrison. As a result of the investigation, Morrison police arrested and charged Heather P. Roland, 43, of Morrison with domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor). Roland was transported to the Whiteside County Jail. Morrison police were assisted by the Fulton Police Department and the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
On Wednesday, Aug. 31, about 9:30 p.m., Morrison police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Joshua A. Alvarado, 23, of Chicago on East Lincolnway at Bishop Road for a moving violation. As a result of the traffic stop, Alvarado was issued a citation for speeding and was arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by Cook County charging Alvarado with manufacturing/delivering a controlled substance – no bond. Alvarado was transported to the Whiteside County Jail.
Citations Aug. 26
Lex E. Stevens, 51, Sterling, disobeyed traffic control device
Aug. 29
Russell K. Helbig, 54, Fulton, speeding
Aug. 30
John E. Greenham, 32, Morrison, speeding
Sept. 1
Tiffany M. Zamarripa, 30, Rock Falls, no valid registration
Fulton Police Aug. 26
Aug. 27
Marla A. Vos of Morrison was arrested for driving while license is revoked in the 1000 block of 16th Avenue. She was released with a notice to appear.
Christopher M. Velasquez of Clinton, Iowa, was arrested for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and disobeying a stop sign in the 400 block of 11th Avenue. He was released with a notice to appear.
Aug. 28
Aug. 29
A juvenile driver was cited for disobeying a stop sign in the 900 block of 10th Avenue. The juvenile driver was released with a notice to appear.
Schyler E. Clark of Prophetstown was cited for no valid registration at Route 84 and 10th Avenue. She was released with a promise to comply.
Aug. 31
Kelly Spaulding of Miles, Iowa, was cited for no valid registration, driving while license is suspended and no proof of insurance in the 1200 block of 14th Avenue. She was released with a notice to appear.
The public is reminded these are charges. All people are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.
NEWS BRIEFS
Route 30 bridge repairs underway Sept. 6
DIXON – Weather permitting, painting and repairs on the Gateway Bridge – where U.S. Route 30 spans the Mississippi River bridge – will begin Sept. 6, Illinois Department of Transportation District 2 in Dixon announced.
The bridge, located 1 mile west of Illinois Route 84 in Whiteside County, will be closed during the construction. A marked detour will direct motorists to U.S. Route 67 and Iowa/ Illinois Route 136 during construction.
Repairs are expected to be completed by Oct. 15.
U.S. Highway 136 Bridge sets specific times for wide load closures
With the scheduled closure of the U.S. Highway 30 Bridge (south bridge) and the increase in traffic across the Highway 136 Bridge (north bridge), the Fulton and Clinton police departments are requesting that wide loads occur during specified times. Beginning Sept. 6 and concluding about Oct. 15, wide load closures can and may occur during the time periods of 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Requests for assistance can be made with Clinton County Communications by calling 563-242-9211 and picking option 2 or by calling Whiteside County Dispatch at 815-7724044 and picking option 1.
The public is reminded that during these times traffic may be stopped or backed up to allow for the wide load crossings. Please plan your travel accordingly and allow for extra time to arrive at your destination safely.
Senior Showcase set for Oct. 4 at Northland Mall
Sauk Valley Media, CGH Medical Center, KSB Hospital and 7:24 Fitness on the Rock announced the 2022 Sauk Valley Senior Showcase, an exhibit for seniors and caregivers, will be Tuesday, Oct. 4.
The event will be at Northland Mall in Sterling and is the premier event for those “50 and better.” Exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with seniors. Limited space is available; the deadline to participate is Friday, Sept. 23.
Are you a business owner or work for a business or agency that caters to or can benefit from the ever-growing senior marketplace? Then you will want to be part of the 2022 Sauk Valley Senior Showcase. For more information about becoming an exhibitor, call Kelly Null at Sauk Valley Media at 815-632-2566 or email marketing@saukvalley.com.
Stonecroft Clinton Women’s Connection to meet Sept. 14
Stonecroft Clinton Women’s Connection invites all women to brunch followed by an inspirational speaker at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Community Reformed Church, 727 N. 12th St., Clinton. Cost is $10. There are no dues required to attend the monthly meetings which are held the second Wednesday of every month.
Judy Dagraedt of Ottawa will speak on “Peace in the Midst of Turmoil.” She is a former TV host, writes music and has recorded 12 albums.
Reservations are due Friday, Sept. 9. For reservations, call Donna at 563357-6843 or Nancy at 563-242-8819 or her cellphone at 563-357-8859.
Abigail Peterson receives Mercy One DAISY award
Abigail Peterson, RN at MercyOne Clinton Medical Center, won the DAISY award after her team nominated her for giving extraordinary compassionate care in the emergency department.
The award recognizes nurses who advance health equity with their work in the community and was granted to Peterson for her great contribution to the ED at MercyOne. Peterson stood out for going above and beyond the standard requirements to ensure patients got the best medical care they needed.
Peterson’s nomination read, “Her joyful attitude at work is what immediately caught my attention. Over the past few years, I observed Abby carry that positive attitude into every patient encounter. Abby demonstrated extraordinary compassion and makes significant positive impact on a patient’s experience in the ER.
“Abby is quick to organize chaos. She is very attentive to her colleagues’ needs and has the ability to foresee the unexpected and deal with each situation at an expert level. Her clinical judgment and skills are exceptional. She doesn’t not shy away from challenges.”
MercyOne congratulates Peterson for her achievements and applauds her for winning the DAISY award.
Photo provided Abigail Peterson, RN at MercyOne Clinton, was recognized with the DAISY award.
NEWS BRIEFS
Bustos to make funding presentation at Morrison Tech
MORRISON – U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos will make a check presentation of $1.5 million to the Morrison Institute of Technology at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday at the college.
The Community Project federal funding will be used to build an Automation Annex to the Innovation Center.
The annex will house the new Automation Engineering Technology Program, which will train students to design, program, troubleshoot and maintain automation systems and equipment for small to mid-size manufacturers and other businesses throughout the region.
The Democratic congresswoman, who completes her term in January, is making what her office calls a final Heartland Tour across Illinois’ 17th District.
Alumnus, Pulitzer Prize winner to present at SVCC
Sauk Valley Community College will host SVCC alumnus and 2022 Pulitzer Prize winner Eli Murray at noon Thursday, Sept. 8. Murray, a 2013 Cheri Bustos SVCC alumnus and investigative reporter at the Tampa Bay Times, recently received a Pulitzer Prize in Investigative Journalism along with fellow reporters Corey G. Johnson and Rebecca Woolington. The Tampa Bay Times’ piece “Poisoned” tells the captivating story of highly toxic hazards inside Florida’s only battery recycling plant. Murray will present his investigative findings on the recycling plant in the Riverview Conference Room on SVCC’s campus. He will be available to answer questions pertaining to the story. For questions, contact Dallas Knack at dallas.n.knack@svcc.edu.
Eli Murray
IS THIS HOME IN YOUR FUTURE?
