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Agri-Business News
AGRI-BUSINESS NEWS Optimism is record high in a year of extremes
BY CHUCK ABBOTT Successful Farming
Farmer confidence is the highest in the fiveyear history of the Ag Economy Barometer, said Purdue University on Tuesday. The monthly survey of large-scale farmers and ranchers has returned dynamic results in a year disrupted by the pandemic by setting record highs twice in eight months, punctuated by its lowest reading in four years.
Confidence surged by 27 points to 183 in October, the highest reading since the barometer’s debut in October 2015. More farmers than ever said their farms were in better financial condition than a year ago and a solid majority expected good times in the near to medium term.
“The late summer/fall rally in commodity prices, combined with government payments arising from the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP2), appeared to be the primary drivers behind the sentiment improvement,” wrote Purdue economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier, who oversee the barometer.
Nearly six in 10 respondents said they expected China to fulfill its commitment to buy $36.6 billion of U.S. food, agriculture, and seafood products this year. A month earlier, slightly less than half said China would comply with the goals of
More farmers are saying their farms are in better financial condition than a year ago.
the “phase one” trade agreement. The latest survey was conducted from Oct. 19-23, after a steady parade of sales of corn, soybeans, and pork for export to China.
All the same, customs data say China imported $12.9 billion of U.S. ag products through the end of September, slightly more than one-third of the 2020 target, said the Peterson Institute for International Economics.
The Ag Barometer reached a then record of 168 in February, coinciding with the signing of the Sino-U.S. “phase one” agreement. It then plunged to 96 in April, the lowest since October 2016, as the pandemic slowed the U.S. economy. Readings regained strength in late summer and early fall, to soar explosively in October.
ROGER JAY BUIKEMA
Roger Jay Buikema, 83, of Morrison, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, at Windsor Manor in Morrison.
SHIRLEY L. HOUSE
Shirley L. House, Morrison, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 at Javon Bea Hospital, Rockford.
Private graveside services were Saturday, Nov. 7, at Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, with pastor Grant Mulder, officiating.
Shirley was born May 2, 1935 in Morrison, the daughter of Ralph Sr. and Hazel Marie (Glazier) Conner. She married Darrell G. House on June 26, 1953 in Morrison. He preceded her in death on Aug. 6, 2018.
Survivors include two daughters, Sherry Martin of Cape Coral, Florida, Jackie (Ron) Herberg of Andalusia; four sons, Steve (Jennifer) House of Charlottesville, Virginia; Bill (Linda) House of Rock Falls, Brian (Jeanie) House of Morrison and Chris (Kris) House of Rock Falls; two brothers, Bob Conner of Rockford and Skeeter (Judy) Conner of Rochelle; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Darrell; sisters, Verneita Richardson, Marilyn Goodenough, Hazel Conner and Rebecca Iffland; and brothers, George and Richard Conner.
CLAUSINA HUIZENGA
A private family funeral service was held Nov. 5, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home preceded by a private family visitation. Mr. Ken Renkes officiated. A public graveside service was held at Nov. 5, at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison.
A memorial to Ebenezer Reformed Church has been established.
Clausina was born April 29, 1924, in Morrison, to John and Jennie (Zaagman) Vegter. She was educated in the rural Whiteside County schools. Clausina married Donald LeRoy Huizenga on October 28, 1943, in Morrison. He died July 16, 2011. Clausina farmed along with her husband in the rural Whiteside County area.
She was a lifetime member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison. Clausina enjoyed gardening, quilting, reading, and was an avid bird watcher. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandson.
Survivors include three daughters, Janice (Robert) Wiersema of Morrison; Carol (Doug) Wage of The Woodlands, Texas; and Ann Huizenga of Sterling; one son, Roger Huizenga of Reno, Nevada; eight grandchildren, Keith (Susan) Wiersema, Kent (Amy) Wiersema, Kelly (Dan) Timmons, Joel (Carrie) Wage, Sara (Jason) Sherman, Luke (Nicky) Shank, Clint (Angela) Shank, and Cheyne Huizenga; 21 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; three sisters, Ciena Dykema, Edna Dykstra, and Inez VanOosten; six brothers, George, Mike, Bill, John, and Jacob Vegter and Ted Westerhof.
BEATRICE KENNEDY
Beatrice Kennedy, 88, of Allure of Prophetstown, died Friday, October 30, 2020, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling.
A private family graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown, with Pastor Andy Ploenzke officiating. There will be no visitation and cremation rites have been accorded. The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Beatrice was born May 7, 1932, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, to Milton and Sadie (Miller) Freeman. She was educated in the Schuylkill Haven School System. Beatrice married Irvin L. Kennedy on Feb. 2, 1952, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. He died April 11, 2013.
Beatrice was employed with General Electric in Morrison, until retiring. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Prophetstown and she loved spending time with her family.
Survivors include one daughter, Linda (Michael) Blumhoff of Dixon; three sons, John (Linda) Kennedy of Carbon Cliff; Tom (Sally) Kennedy of Morrison; and Robert (Nicole) Kennedy of Chula Vista, CA; 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Irvin; and one brother, Earl Freeman.
KENNETH J. MAIER
Kenneth J. Maier, age 86, of Hillsdale, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 at his home.
According to Ken’s wishes, there will be no public service. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island.
Ken was born on April 17, 1934 in Rock Island, to Ben and Alice (Lovett) Maier. He was a graduate of Rock Island High School in 1952, and Augustana College in 1956 with a degree in accounting. After graduation he served his country from 1956 to 1958 in the US Army, 3rd Armored Division. After his service, Ken began his career with John Deere in the Auditing Department. He worked nearly 30 years, many of those in overseas locations retiring in 1987. Ken married Vicki Vogelsang in 1961 and they divorced after several years. He later married Joyce Wood in 1978 and she preceded him in death in 1984.
Ken enjoyed all types hunting, waterfowl, deer, turkey, and even big game. He showed horses and looked forward to trail rides. In earlier years, Ken was an avid pool player, playing in 8 Ball tournaments around the area, and as far away as Las Vegas.
Ken is survived by his sister-in-law, Marilyn Maier; four stepchildren; and special friends, Steve Earhart and Jillian Woeckoner.
In addition to his parents, and his wife, Joyce, Ken was also preceded in death by his brother, Benny Maier.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting his obituary at www. gibsonbodefh.com
JUNE M. MATYAS
June M. Matyas, 93, of Windsor Manor in Morrison; formerly of Fulton, died Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.
A private funeral service will be held. Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery. A memorial has been established.
The Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com
JOYCE MILEY
Joyce M. Miley, 71, of Morrison, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at Windsor Manor after several years with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
A private graveside service was held Nov. 7, at the Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison with Mr. Ken Renkes officiating. The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to Windsor Manor in honor of the loving care bestowed on Joyce over the last two years.
Joyce was born March 31, 1949, in Morrison, to Marvin and Virginia (Olson) Siefken. She was educated in the rural Whiteside County grade schools and was a graduate of Fulton High School in Fulton. She married her high school sweetheart, Steven Miley, on Aug. 2, 1969 and celebrated her 50th year wedding anniversary in 2019. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Morrison.
Joyce was always a sweet, loving, kind person who had many friends from her years of bank service and senior travel. She enjoyed being a homemaker and loved her flower gardens and ironing.
Her initial job after high school was a receptionist for Dr. Long, who was a chiropractor in Morrison. In 1970 Joyce worked in the claims department at Fidelity Life Association in Fulton. A few years later she was employed by Smith Trust Bank in Morrison and began as a popcorn girl and handled the bank rewards/incentives program; soon after she became a teller. She later worked for Marquette Bank and managed the Senior Travel program and frequently traveled with them to numerous parts of the country. She retired from Wells-Fargo Bank in 2011.
Survivors include her husband, Steven; one son, Ryan Miley of Fulton; one brother, Gary (Barb) Siefken of Morrison; a niece, Jenna (Ralph) Copeland of Erie; a nephew, Bill (Nikki) Siefken of Camanche, IA and several great nieces and great nephews.
DOUGLAS SEELYE
Cremation rites have been accorded.
There was an Order of the Eastern Star service, followed by a memorial service, on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Rockwood State Park in Morrison. Rev. Bill Howie officiated. Interment will be at a later date in the Dutchtown Cemetery –Milledgeville.
Memorials to Order of the Eastern Star Clinton Chapter #65 – Camanche, IA, and The Wishing Tree at Resthave Home have been established.
ARNOLD “ARNIE” C. SIKKEMA
Arnold “Arnie” C. Sikkema, 79, of Morrison, died Friday, November 6, 2020, at Resthave Home in Morrison.
A private family visitation will be held at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home followed by a private graveside service held at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton, with Ken Renkes officiating.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established to Morrison High School Athletic Boosters.
Arnie was born May 26, 1941, on his parent’s farm outside of Morrison, to George W. and Alice M. (Meinsma) Sikkema. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County grade schools and was valedictorian of the Class of 1959 at Morrison High School. He married Susan Ramsay on October 2, 1959, in Morrison.
Arnie was first employed as a hired farm hand and then started to farm on his own in January of 1961.
He farmed the Landheer farm from 1961 to 1971 in rural Morrison. He then bought his farm on Prairie Center Road in 1971 where he farmed the rest of his life.
Arnie was also employed at ADM in Clinton, Iowa, for 25 years. He was a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau and was active in the Union Grove Sodbusters 4-H while his children were growing up. He was on the school board of the Union Grove Schools and, besides his love for his children and grandchildren,
Arnie’s next love was for Morrison Schools Athletics. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and was thankful that his whole family was together to witness their World Series Birth in 2016.
Survivors include two daughters, Kathy (Michael Merson) Sikkema of New York, NY, and Jill Eberle of Durango, CO; one son, Randy (Tami) Sikkema of Pella, Iowa; four grandchildren, Trent (Stacey) Sikkema, Nikki (Andy) Thomas, Lindsey Johnson, and Jonathan Merson; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth (Henry) Perdue of Lanark, and Judy (Randy) Holesinger of Fulton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Wilfred “Willie” Sikkema.
MARTHA TEMPELMANN
Martha Tempelmann, 90, of Erie, formerly of Shaumburg, passed away October 28, 2020 at Windsor Manor in Morrison.
Interment services in the Erie Cemetery will be private family only.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie, is handling arrangements.
Martha lived an extraordinary life beginning in rural Volhynia, Poland, living through the horrors and displacement of WWII, resettlement in West Germany, marriage and the start of her family.
Leaving all behind, she embarked on the classic immigrant story in 1957. The journey started in St. Joseph, Michigan, ultimately settling in Schaumburg, raising her expanded family and enjoying the company of a large circles of friends.
Retiring after 16 years with United Airlines, moving to Marco Island, Florida for 15 idyllic years before returning to Algonquin and then completing the circle with her last years in Erie.
She loved to travel, cook, garden, was a master knitter, favorite aunt to many, cherished friend, welcoming host and a loving wife and mother.
She was the beloved wife of the late Heinz Tempelmann, loving mother of Kurt (Gail), Heinz (Nancy); grandmother of Erich, Lindsey (Donald); brother to Robert.
She was preceded in death by her parents Alwina and Rheinhardt; grandson, Maximilian; siblings Paul, Richard, Oswald, Alma, Clara, Tabea and Oskar.
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ROBERT A. UPHOFF
Robert A. Uphoff, 81, died Monday, November 2, 2020 at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Private graveside services will be held at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison at a later date. Arrangements were completed by the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls.
Robert was born on March 30, 1939 in Savanna the son of William and Elsie (Gump) Uphoff.
He married Carol Dykema on October 28, 1961 in Morrison and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.
Robert was employed as a Printer with several newspapers over his career.
He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Masonic Lodge #441 in Ravenna, Mich. Robert served his country in the United States Navy.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Uphoff of Morrison; one daughter, Monica (Randy) Preston of Cornth, Texas; one son, Marty (Donna) Uphoff of Houston, Texas; two grandsons, Cody (Kaitlyn) Uphoff and Colton (Amy) Uphoff; one great grandson, Axel Uphoff; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, four sisters.
DAVID A. VANDERLAAN
David A. Vanderlaan, 81, of Morrison, died Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.
His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. om Saturday, Nov. 21, at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, with Rev. Marv Jacobs officiating. A visitation will be held from 4- 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, also at Ebenezer Reformed Church.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison.
Memorials to Ebenezer Reformed Church and Windsor Manor, Morrison, have been established.
David was born May 14, 1939 in Morrison, to John and Irene (Wagenecht) Vanderlaan in Morrison. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County Center and Hiddleson Grade Schools and was a 1957 graduate of Morrison High School.
On Feb. 6, 1959 he married Dorothy VanderVinne in Fulton. He later married Linda Kay Norman on Dec. 1, 1979 in Morrison.
David served in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves for eight years. He farmed along with his father in the Whiteside County area his entire life.
He was a member and served on the board of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau and also served on the board of the Farmer’s Elevator.
He was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church where he taught Sunday school and served as an usher, deacon and elder.
Dave will be remembered for his love of family, church, the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, and the lake.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; one daughter, Dawn (Scott) Meurs of Morrison; three sons, Dale (Michelle) Vanderlaan of Oak Park, Douglas (Renee) Vanderlaan and Darwin (Lisa) Vanderlaan, both of Morrison; eight grandchildren; Stacy (Elliot) Worth, Cassandra (Maxwell Leib) Meurs, Grant and Beau Vanderlaan, Hanah (Bobby) Mathius, Benjamin Vanderlaan, Samantha (Nick) Volckmann and Cody Vanderlaan; one sister, Patricia (LaVerne) Pessman of Fulton; two step sisters, Carol (Wayne) Meurs of Fulton and Donna (Irv) Schaver of Jacksonville, Texas; two step brothers, Delbert Bielema of Morrison and Donald (Andra) Bielema of Sterling; one step sister in law, Nancy Bielema of Rockton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Amanda Conerly; one sister, Janet Vanderlaan; one step brother, Willard Bielema.
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WHITESIDE COUNTY & COVID Officials weigh legality of ordinance to enforce mitigations
State’s attorney says new measures can’t be enforced with old rules
BY TIMOTHY EGGERT teggert@shawmedia.com
After more than a month of some business owners and residents flouting enhanced mitigations aimed at stunting a surge of the coronavirus, a group of Whiteside County officials are considering, but still hesitant about codifying, a method of enforcing those measures.
The prospect of drafting and adopting an ordinance that mandates businesses and individuals abide by protocols outlined in Illinois Department of Public Health Tier 1 and Tier 2 coronavirus resurgence mitigations, in place since Oct. 3 and Oct. 25, comes as the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases recorded in the county have exploded from 872 cases on Oct. 3 to 2,143 cases on Nov. 5.
On Nov. 5, members of the county board’s public safety committee asked Whiteside County State’s Attorney Terry Costello if such an ordinance could be developed, and how one could be enforced.
“I’d like to see you look into it, and if there’s something you can see that we can actually do, have it prepared for us so we can act on it this month,” Whiteside County Board chairman Jim Duffy told Costello.
Costello said there’s Terry Costello no clear path in existing state law that gives the county the ability to enforce the IDPH resurgence mitigations.
He pointed to the IDPH emergency rules adopted this summer by a state legislative rule-making panel as the appropriate method of matching new public health guidelines with new agents of enforcement.
Those mechanisms include a system of written warnings and orders to disperse that can be issued by county health departments to noncompliant businesses, and authorize county state’s attorneys to issue Class A Misdemeanors or an injunction-order to close for continued noncompliance.
But no statutory agent has been proposed or adopted to enforce the resurgence mitigations, Costello said, explaining that the county can’t enforce a ban on indoor dining because the existing emergency rules don’t address that guideline.
The committee’s discussion of the potential ordinance is largely a response to comments made last week by Sterling Mayor Skip Lee, who said county officials and agencies should “aggressively support” the city’s efforts to enforce the enhanced mitigations.
Lee said the city will be “examining” the liquor licenses of businesses “flagrantly disregarding the rules,” and the Sterling Police Department will “vigorously work to enforce the guidelines and respond to calls.”
But Lee said he was “imploring” Costello to apply the IDPH emergency guidelines to ensure businesses and individuals comply with the enhanced mitigations within the city.
“The bottom line is, law enforcement or the health department, no one can take enforcement measures unless the state’s attorney is willing to back them up,” Lee said.
Costello said in an email two weeks ago that his office would handle any potential violations of the emergency regulations the same as any other case.
“Should any law enforcement agency forward a criminal complaint and report regarding an alleged violation of that section, it would be reviewed for prosecution the same as any other case that law enforcement submits to my office for prosecution,” Costello said in the email.
He added that the county is “very limited” in its ability to regulate what goes on inside a municipality, like the city of Sterling, and that the city could enforce the mitigations without relying on the county.
Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker echoed that understanding, adding that his deputies forward any complaints of potential violations to the Whiteside County Health Department, and that he has directed his deputies to enforce the face covering mandate outlined in the IDPH emergency regulations.
Even still, committee chair Sue Britt said that she’d like Costello to develop the potential ordinance, unless it creates additional liability for the county.
POTENTIAL EXPOSURE Health department warns of potential exposure at Hero’s Bar & Grill in Morrison
The Whiteside County Health Department issued a warning of a potential COVID-19 exposure at Hero’s Bar & Grill in Morrison on Oct. 31.
COVID CONTACT TRACING By JERRY NOWICKI
The health department said that an individual with symptoms who later tested positive visited Hero’s that night after 10 p.m.
The health department warns that a person visiting any place, whether that is a restaurant, bar, social gathering or job, where mitigation restrictions and health guidelines are not being followed, that person is at risk of contracting the coronavirus and of then spreading the virus to those around them.
“Whiteside County is seeing the highest COVID-19 burden this year with no indication of improvement,” the department said in a news release.
Hospitalizations top 4,000 for 1st time in second wave
locations in our community.” Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com
Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration unveiled a new central location for COVID-19 contact tracing data on theIllinois Department of Public Health’s website on Nov. 6.
While the data contain outbreak and exposure information, the location of an outbreak is more difficult to identify than the location of an exposure, according to the governor’s office. New data will be released every Friday.
In Friday’s release from the governor’s office, an outbreak is defined as five or more cases that are linked to a specific setting during a 14-day period. Those cases must be from different households with no known links to other potential sources.
“While certain settings like a college campus, a factory, or group home make it easier to determine an outbreak, most establishments that are frequented by the public, like restaurants or grocery stores, are harder to determine as the setting of an outbreak,” according to the governor’s office.
Exposure data, however, shows where individuals have visited in the 14 days prior to a diagnosis. The locations are places where exposure may have – not definitely have –occurred.
Per the data, “other” was the most frequent category, as it was a term encompassing such exposures as hair salons, funeral homes and warehouses. That category was cited by 11.6 percent of those contacted, or 4,179 people.
