13 minute read
Dolores M. Thomas, Darlene Ruth Wiebenga, Shirley J. Stichter, Ann Van Horn
WHOA thanks community sponsors
To our generous WHOA Benefit Open Horse Show sponsors – THANK YOU!!
Without the ongoing support of the following people and businesses in our small and caring community, our program would not be what it is today! And that is a unique to our area horseback riding program that offers a therapeutic benefit to people with disabilities.
Equine assisted experiences and activities enhance the quality of life for our students and their families by providing recreational and social opportunities, and an emotional benefit as well.
Best of Show Sponsors: Red Barn Stable – Bob and Mary Black, 123 Tees, and Angie VanderVinne, State Farm Agent.
Grand Champion Sponsors: Workman Heating & Cooling, Cornerstone Agency, Vegter Steel Fabrication, Bush Electric, Morrison Rotary, Sterling Federal Bank, Farmers National Bank, River Valley Cooperative and 1st Gateway Credit Union.
Reserve Champion Sponsors: Tegeler Accounting – Joy Tegeler, Carol Crady, Morrison Vet Clinic, Community State Bank, J&M Farms – Jon and Martha Kophamer, Kophamer & Blean Realty Inc., Ken Kophamer, Morrison Happy Joe’s, Veterinary Clinic of Prophetstown, Schmitt Family Dentistry, and Bob and Fran Smith.
Thank you everyone!
Tawny Wiersema
WHOA program director
OBITUARIES
DOLORES M. THOMAS
Born: February 12, 1928 in Aurora, IL Died: September 20, 2022 in Sandy Springs, GA
Dolores Marie Konen Thomas, 94, of Sandy Springs, GA, peacefully passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at her residence. In accordance with Dolores’s wishes she will be cremated. There will be a memorial Mass at 1:00 p.m. Saturday October 8, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Morrison, IL, officiated by Rev. Fr. Slawomir Zimodro. Interment will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Dolores was born February 12, 1928 in Auro-
DARLENE RUTH WIEBENGA
DARLENE RUTH WIEBENGA, 87, of Fulton, IL, died Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Resthave Home in Morrison, IL. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with Rev. Shannon Parrish of Newton Zion Reformed Church – Erie, IL, officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 4th at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be at Garden Plain Cemetery in Garden Plain, IL. Memorials to Newton Zion Reformed Church and Resthave Home have been established.
Darlene was born June 18, 1935 in Clinton, IA to William J. and Fannie (VenHuizen) VanZuiden. She attended the Stone Street School and graduated from Fulton High School. On February 18, 1956 she married Robert E. Wiebenga in Fulton, with Rev. James Van Roekel officiating. In February of 2022 they celebrated 66 years of marriage. After graduation from high school, Dar worked at Pillsbury in Clinton. After her children were raised, she went to work at Berg Pharmacy, then later at the Mercy Pharmacy in Clinton, retiring in 2007. She was a member of the Newton Zion Reformed Church where she taught Sunday school, led the youth group with her husband, Bob, and belonged to the Ladies Aid group. Dar enjoyed working with her flowers and going to her grandchildren’s sporting events.
Survivors include her husband, Bob; four children, Sandy (Rob) Chilson of Sugar Grove, IL, Jeff (Paula) Wiebenga of Fenton, IL, Jill (George) Vodden of Kirkland, IL, and Rob (Lisa) Wiebenga of Fenton, IL; seven grandchildren, Stefanie (Anthony Marquez) Warshaw, Robert (Kate Marconi) Warshaw, Amy (Jason) Heyvaert, Amber (David) Butkus, Lauryn (Travis) Smeltzly, Madison (Ross Kenady) Wiebenga and Carson Wiebenga; seven great grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Rowley-Moynihan of Boston, MA; three brothers, Howard (Jan) VanZuiden of Fulton, IL, Harvey (Arlene) VanZuiden of Morrison, IL and Ronald (Linda) VanZuiden of Erie, IL; also many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Genevieve Juist and Grace Boelkins; five brothers, Gerald, Maynard, Willard, Wayne and Jay VanZuiden.
To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com
ra, IL, to the late Edward and Hulda Johnson Konen. Dolores and her husband Merrill were active in the Morrison Community where they owned and operated the Thomas Jewelry Store. They retired to St. Petersburg Florida in 1978. In 2019 she moved to Sandy Springs to be closer to her family. Dolores was of the Catholic faith. She loved spending time with her family, playing bridge, and cards with her friends.
Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, her cherished husband, Merrill R. Thomas; beloved son, Dan Thomas; brother, Edwin Konen; sister, Rose Mary Konen Dungan. She is survived by her sons, Gary (Phyllis) Thomas; Timothy (MJ) Thomas; daughter, Lori Sieffert; grandchildren, Jonathan (Tiffany) Thomas, Justin Jackson, Natalie (Brent) Ramsey, Stephanie(Peter) Watt , and Zach Price; great-grandchildren, William and Aidan Thomas, Anne Marie Ramsey, Hayden Watt and Tucker Price; as well as a host of extended family and close friends.
ILLINOIS EXTENSION EVENTS
Gardening in the Air: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, online.
Gardening in the Air is a virtual nine-session series held seasonally and co-hosted by University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension. Participants may register for a single session or the entire series. Register online at go.illinois.edu/ GIA2022Fall. If you will need a reasonable accommodation, email tmully@illinois.edu.
Saturdays with a Master Gar-
dener: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 15, Whiteside Extension Office, 12923 Lawrence Road, Sterling.
Cooking with Herbs: 5:30 p.m. Oct 17 at York Township Public Library, Thomson
Join Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro at the Thomson Library for a lesson on herbs. Learn the basics about herbs and create some herbal recipes using apples. To register for this program, contact the Thomson library at 815259-2480.
Mounds of Knowledge: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Albany Mounds, 12th Ave. S., Albany.
Archaeologist Ferrell Anderson will explain the Hopewell culture in Illinois by sharing artifacts and diagrams in his collection. Registration is required and can be done online at go.illinois.edu/WhitesideMounds or by calling 815-632-3611.
SHIRLEY J. STICHTER
Shirley Jean Stichter, 88, of Fenton, IL, died Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Pleasant View Rehab and Health Care Center, Morrison, IL. Services will be private family only. She will be buried in the Fenton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Fenton United Methodist Church. Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie, is in care of the arrangements.
Shirley was born August 4, 1934 in Erie, Illinois, the daughter of Lorraine and Marjorie (Fuller) Dillon. She married Robert Stichter on September 3, 1949 at the Erie Baptist Church. She and Bob just celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.
ANN VAN HORN
Ann J. Van Horn, 63, of Morrison, passed on 9/27/2022.
Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.
Shirley helped her husband Bob with his business, Stichter Excavating. She was very good with crafts and always had a craft project going on. She also owned her own antique store in Fenton at one time. She and Bob enjoyed fishing and camping together. She loved her children and grandchildren and keeping up with their activities.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; son, Allan (Diane) Stichter, Erie; daughter, Denise (Randy) Ellmaker, Sterling; grandchildren, Brandon (Casey) Stichter, Brett (Donna) Stichter, Nathan (Sarah) Stichter all of Erie, Jud (Amanda) Ellmaker, Prophetstown, Maggie Ellmaker, Sterling; great grandchildren, Erin (Keaton) Smetzly, Abby Stichter, Kaylee Stichter, Kelsey Stichter, Liam Stichter, Reid Stichter and Knox Ellmaker; sister, Patricia Ellison, Virginia; and special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bill Dillon and brother-in-law, Paul Ellison. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com
River Valley District Library and Cordova District Library sponsored a space-themed activity at Riverdale Elementary School in Port Byron on Friday, Sept. 30. Mobile Ed Productions brought a giant inflatable planetarium to the gym for 30-minute learning sessions with third through fifth grade students. The program featured moving images of stars, constellations and positions of the planets. Presenter John Johnson travels across the country with the planetarium that has an airlock tunnel entrance, with kids and teachers seated under the dome for a unique night-sky viewing experience.
Photos by Sarah Ford for Shaw Media An inflatable planetarium was set up at Riverdale Elementary on Friday, Sept. 30, offering cosmically cool lessons for kids in grades 3-5. “The planetarium presentation was a fun and engaging experience for our students and supports classroom instruction on various scientific principles. We could not be more thankful that our local libraries helped to make this experience a reality,” said Mark Lofgren, Riverdale Elementary School principal.
Rev italize Erie announces fall events
Volunteers with Revitalize Erie are busy planning for fall events, with registration open for the first-ever Pumpkin Dash 5K, plus the popular semi-annual trivia night.
The first-ever Pumpkin Dash 5K and Health Walk will be on Saturday, Oct. 29, starting at 8 a.m. in downtown Erie. A $20 participation fee will get you a Pumpkin Dash shirt, gift bag and delicious treats at the finish line.
Registration by Oct. 15 is encouraged to guarantee a shirt in your size. Go to https://linktr.ee/revitalizeerie to sign up. The event is being sponsored by Erie native and Modern Woodmen Financial Representative Whitney Misfeldt. All funds raised will go back into supporting Revitalize Erie community projects.
Also on Oct. 29, Revitalize Erie will host its second annual Pumpkin Bash from 10 a.m. to noon in the downtown triangle. There will be games, crafts, trick-or-treating at businesses, hot cocoa and a pumpkin decorating contest. Costumes are welcome at this free family event that guarantees fun for all ages! Check out the Revitalize Erie Facebook event for more details at https://fb.me/e/2YdhyaAqO.
On Friday, Nov. 4, Revitalize Erie will host a Sports Trivia Night at Lake Erie Country Club from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bring your own food, enjoy the cash bar in the banquet room and compete for a $200 prize.
Teams of up to eight members are encouraged to register ASAP as the event always sells out. Get more details on the Revitalize Erie Facebook and register online at https://linktr.ee/ revitalizeerie.
Please join us for a Tour of the Home & Refreshments 1630 Garrett Ave Clinton Saturday Oct. 8th Tour from 11am-1pm BenefitsofaDolan“Age InPlace”Villa
With a HECM mortgage for buyers over 62 and a one-time reasonable down payment: You get to own your own home and grow equity every year There is no further monthly mortgage payment You enjoy the lowest cost retirement living option Two car garage with less than an 8 foot walk to kitchen…Entry with NO STEPS! Over a 1,400 sq foot basement to finish for additional living space for storage, and for your safety Enjoy your own yard with plenty of space for gardens or pets Roll in ADA showers with 3 foot doors Laundry on the main level to secure your retirement future in your own home Connected to Emma Young Park Walking Paths and Senior Center You probably already know your neighbors…Stop in for a visit!
Please join us for a tour of the home and enjoy some refreshments at 1630 Garrett Avenue, Clinton, IA Saturday, October 8th from 11am –1pm MODEL HOME OPENTuesday-Saturday11am-1pm
For an appointment please contact Kevin Dolan 563-506-4265. CONTACT: 563-506-4265 (Kevin Dolan), 563-570-1460 (Dan Dolan), www.DolanCorp.com
Dignified farewell for old U.S. flags
The Morrison American Legion Post 328 retired nearly 600 flags during a ceremony Sept. 25.
Section 8 of the U.S. flag code prescribes: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
The Table announces October menu
The Table, a free community meal, is held every Wednesday at CrossView Church, 703 14th Ave. in Fulton. Serving begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs to 6:15 p.m.
October’s menu is as follows:
Oct. 5: Taco salad, ham and cheese sliders, carrots and celery sticks, dip, carrot cake
Oct. 12: Barbecue on a bun, chips, Jell-O cups, assorted desserts
Oct. 19: Baked potatoes with butter, chili, cheese or broccoli; tossed salad and dressings, dump cakes
Oct. 26: Chicken noodle soup with crackers, PB and J sandwiches, assorted desserts
Table meals are served September through May. If Riverbend Schools are canceled on a Wednesday because of bad weather, The Table also is canceled.
Alex T. Paschal - apaschal@shawmedia.com Morrison American Legion Post 328 Commander Larry Zuidema (left) and Senior Vice Commander Dennis VanZuiden drape a retired flag over 597 others during a ceremony Sept. 25 in Morrison.
Morrison Music Theater Association to host auditions for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
MORRISON – The Morrison Music Theatre Association will hold auditions for its December production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 301 W. South St. in Morrison.
The show will be presented on Friday evening, Dec. 2, and Saturday afternoon, Dec. 3. The production will be a readers’ theater version, which means the parts will not need to be memorized. There are roles available for men, women and children of all ages. There is no advance preparation needed to audition.
MMTA has presented this version of the iconic play in the past to enthusiastic audiences and the group is excited to be able to give this Christmas gift to the community.
Anyone with questions about the auditions or the production can call Eric Phend at 815-772-8236.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Workshop: Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Whiteside Extension Office, 12923 Lawrence Road, Sterling. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. Register online at go.illinois.edu/youthmentalhealth
Learn. Think. Care Webinar: 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, online. Workshop will help professional caregivers build personal resiliency, knowledge and strategies for meeting the needs of clients in long-term care environments. Register at go.illinois.edu/LTCwebinars at least one week prior to receive all access information.
Barking up the Right Tree: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center, 406 Main St., Savanna, and Palisades State Park, 16327A Illinois Route 84, Savanna. Participants learn about winter trees, the basics of non-leaf characteristics and how to use a winter tree ID guide. No reservations are needed and no pets are allowed.
NOTICE OF ELECTION WHITESIDE COUNTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the General Election to be held on Tuesday, the 8th day of November, 2022, the following proposition will be submitted to the voters of Whiteside County, Illinois: TO PAY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY COSTS SHALL WHITESIDE COUNTY BE AUTHORIZED TO IMPOSE AN INCREASE ON ITS SHARE OF LOCAL SALES TAXES BY ONE PERCENT (1.0%). YES This would mean that a consumer would pay an additional $1.00 in sales tax for every $100 of taxable retail purchases. If imposed, the additional tax would not be terminated unless by a vote of the county board. NO Voters must vote at the polling place designated for the election precinct within which they reside.
The polls at the election will be open at 6:00 o’clock A.M. and will continue to be open until 7:00 o’clock P.M. of that day. Dana Nelson Whiteside County Clerk
