Prophetstown-Echo-03-26-2024

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Prophetstown library announces upcoming events

Tiny T’s Jellyfish Story Hour

The Henry C. Adams Memorial Library holds a toddler story hour on the first Monday of each month. Tiny T’s hour will have stories and crafts for the younger ones between the ages of 2 and 5 years old.

The next session will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, April 1, and we’ll read about the different animals in the ocean and try to “rescue” them.

April Story & Craft Hour

Join us for our April Story and Craft Hour at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at Henry C. Adams Memorial Library. This event is for all school children of any age.

For the month of April, we will be creating rainstick instruments.

Family Reading Initiative

During the week of April 15-20, the Henry C. Adams Memorial Library will continue its Family Reading Initiative encouraging all kids to read in their households.

All children that visit and check out

NEWS BRIEFS

Registration open for Prophetstown garage sales

Prophetstown Proud will be hosting the 2024 Spring City-Wide Garage Sales the weekend of May 3-5. Registration is now open.

For a small fee, your information will be included on the garage sale map with the location of each sale clearly marked. The maps are made available at local businesses for easy access to those interested. Sellers can get registered at ProphetstownProud.com from now until Friday, April 26. If you would like to pay in person, please register at Hanford Insurance,

books from the library during these dates will receive a hooting owl cupcake. Be sure to stop in to see all of the new books we have added for the month of April, including a hand-selected section of books that make our hearts sing for spring.

Meditation Mondays

Beginner Meditation classes, taught by a trained coach, will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, April 22. The classes take place

downstairs at the Henry C. Adams Memorial Library and are free to the public. Even if you’ve never taken part in this practice before, we invite you to participate.

Studies show that regular meditation can lower the symptoms of depression, reduce the frequency of negative thoughts and generate more positivity in life.

Brain exercise class

Experience a monthly journey with Kara Schweitzer, an educator from University of Illinois Extension, as she leads participants through interactive activities crafted to stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive function and memory.

Regardless of age, young or old, it’s never too late to embark on the path of brain training. Dive into this enjoyable and informative class with Schweitzer.

The next class will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the Henry C. Adams Memorial Library.

The library is located at 209 W. Third St. in Prophetstown.

312 Washington St., during regular business hours.

Erie-Prophetstown musical performances are April 12-13

The Erie-Prophetstown Musical “Mean Girls” will be performed at 7 p.m. April 12 and 13 at the Prophetstown High School. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults.

Erie-Prophetstown FCA Trivia Night set for April 20

The Erie-Prophetstown Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) invites the public

to put on their thinking caps and join them for Trivia Night on Saturday, April 20. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Erie High School Commons located at 435 Sixth Ave.

Cost is $80 per table up to eight players, $10 double downs and mulligans 10 for $10. Silent auction items also will be available to bid on.

You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks (nonalcoholic only) for your table.

Bottled water and sports drinks will be available for a donation.

Proceeds will help kids attend the FCA Sport Camp.

Hooting owl cupcakes

Earleen Hinton

ABOVE: E-P’s Paezleigh Hudgin slides home to score a run against Sterling on Saturday, March 16, at Sterling High School. LEFT: E-P shortstop Sydney Schwartz jumps for a throw to second as Sterling’s Layla Wright slides to the base safely on Saturday, March 16, at Sterling High School.

Easter Bunny arrives in Morrison for Easter egg hunt

By ANAKIN WESTON For Shaw Media

MORRISON – The Easter Bunny visited Kiwanis Park on Saturday to lead Morrison’s annual Easter egg hunt. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club, the Easter egg hunt is a Morrison tradition of more than 30 years.

“A couple of years ago, we had 200 kids hunting for eggs,” Morrison Kiwanis Club President Steven Davis said. Saturday’s attendance was equally packed, with children watching members of Kiwanis and Morrison High School’s Key Club finish their preparations.

Crowds of children waited by cordoned lines as the Easter Bunny arrived by firetruck.

“We have 1,500 total eggs to be passed out today,” Davis said. “We have some special treats, including Easter baskets in the form of kids’ backpacks filled with chocolate Easter bunnies, reading books, a stuffed animal and other goodies.”

More rewards were found in the eggs themselves. Businesses across town donated special tokens to be redeemed at local restaurants by lucky collectors.

Funding for the Easter egg hunt is raised over the course of the year by Kiwanis Club.

The Kiwanis members buy the items and the Key Club members put together the baskets. Volunteers from both groups prepared the plastic eggs to be

used for the event. As bubble machines churned out bubbles over the park, club members planted eggs across the cordoned area.

Dailey Damhoff, a Key Club member and the announcer for the day’s event, began by starting with children in the 2

and under age group.

“I love helping the community. It’s great to be here,” Damhoff said.

By the time the resulting chaos settled down, all 1,500 eggs were found by the children and families began waiting in line to meet the Easter Bunny

Jumping in for some Easter egg hunt fun at PPD pool

Photos by Anakin Weston for Shaw Media Children filled Kiwanis Park in Morrison searching for Easter eggs at the annual Morrison Kiwanis Club Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 23.

The Easter Bunny rolls up in a Morrison Fire Department firetruck Saturday during the annual Easter egg hunt in Kiwanis Park.

LEFT: Three girls wait patiently to jump in the pool to gather eggs at the Prophetstown Park District’s Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23.

Photos by Steve Siefken/Shaw Media Lots of eggs were distributed in the pool as families gathered them up at the Prophetstown Park District’s Easter Egg Hunt on March 23. The eggs were returned to storage containers where goody bags were passed out to the children. After the hunt, participants had 30 minutes of free swimming. This was the third year for the event.

NEWS BRIEFS

Morrison Youth Spring Soccer registration Register now for Morrison’s Youth Spring Soccer for ages pre-K through fifth grade. Soccer will take place every Monday night, April 8 to May 13. Pre-K to first grade will play at 5:30 p.m. and second to fifth grade will follow at 6:30 p.m.

OBITUARIES

CONNIE M. HELMS

Born: June 10, 1948 in Sterling, IL

Died: March 16, 2024 in Oregon, IL

Sign up at www.quickscores.com/ morrisonsports.

For more information, call Nathan Jacobs at 815-535-1105 or email njacobs@morrisonil.org.

Yard waste pickup in Morrison

Yard waste pickup will begin in the city of Morrison on Monday, April 1, and continue every Monday until October when Republic

will add another pickup day.

Boogie Woogie Bingo post prom fundraiser is April 6

The Department of Fun is hosting a Boogie Woogie Bingo fundraiser for the 2024 Morrison post prom from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Manny’s Too in Fulton.

Boogie Woogie Bingo consists of music

PAMELA A. DECKER-VOS

Born: September 19, 1952 in Edison, NJ

and bingo for a fun-filled experience. The event will be MC’d by The Yaklich Brothers.

Cost is $10 a person and a 50/50 raffle and dessert auction will be held. For those wishing to reserve a table, please message the Department of Fun on Facebook or let a junior parent know.

For more information, call Amanda at 630-605-5329.

CONNIE HELMS, 75, of Morrison, IL, died Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Morrison, IL, with Rev. Father Slawomir Zimodro, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, officiating. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, April 1, 2024, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with Rosary at 3:30 PM. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling, IL, at a later date. Memorials have been established to Serenity Hospice and Home, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and St. Mary Catholic Church.

Connie was born June 10, 1948, in Sterling, IL, to Robert J. and Lois (Knalsen) Oberle.

DAVID “DAVE” JOHN STOUDT

Born: August 9, 1962 in Clinton, IA

Died: March 19, 2024 in Boulder, CO

David “Dave” John Stoudt, 61, of Boulder, CO, formerly of Morrison, IL, died on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at his home.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. A visitation will precede the service starting at 12:30 PM until the time of the funeral. A private family graveside service will be held at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. A memorial has been established in Dave’s name to support Lila’s higher education and nature conservation.

Dave was born August 9, 1962, in Clinton, IA, to Penelope R. “Penny” (Hill) and John G. “Jack” Stoudt. He was educated in the Morrison schools where he participated

She was educated in the Manlius grade school and was a graduate of Manlius High School. On September 27, 1969, she married, David G. Helms, in Tampico, IL. She was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire in Sterling, IL. Connie was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she was very involved in church activities. During her free time, Connie found joy in various hobbies, including bowling, golfing, and playing cards. However, her greatest happiness were the moments she spent surrounded by her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Dave; two sons, Bret (Brenda) Helms of Walnut, IL and Brock (Lauri) Helms of Morrison, IL; five grandchildren, Blake Helms, Bryce Helms, Brooke Helms, Nathan Helms and Adam Helms; her mother, Lois Oberle of Sterling, IL; two sisters, Nancy (Darrell) Anderson of Manlius, IL and Rita (Carl) Pacunas of Princeton, IL; one brother, Jamie (Susie Neuhalfen) Oberle of Tampico, IL.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert J. Oberle.

To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com

in football, wrestling and chess. He later attended Northern Illinois University where he studied Philosophy, with special emphasis on Political Philosophy as he worked toward his master’s degree. Dave married Heather Carr and together they had two amazing daughters. He worked various jobs over the years and enjoyed staying busy, whether it was painting, or being a rural mail carrier and taxi driver in IA City, IA. He was confirmed at St. Anne’s Episcopal church in Morrison. He actively participated in Alcoholics Anonymous both in Morrison and Colorado, where he touched countless lives through sponsorship and outreach efforts, including his work with inmates at Whiteside County Jail. Dave held dear his memories of the family 5-acre farmette where they had an orchard he had planted and lots of beloved animals – Clementine, the miniature donkey, was forever one of his favorites. He had a great love of animals and received immense love from them in return. When Dave moved west, he loved living in Boulder, CO, and was happy to be in a big city. He always appreciated the simple things, like a cheese omelet from the

Died: March 22, 2024 in Iowa City, IA

PAMELA A. DECKER-VOS, 71, of Morrison, IL, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA. Her graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday April 1, 2024, at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, IL, with Rev. J.T. Bean, pastor of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Morrison Chapel Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. A memorial has been established.

Pamela was born September 19, 1952, in Edison, NJ, to William J. and Louise (Perrette) Davis. Pamela was married to James Eugene “Gene” Decker Sr. on May 15, 1970,

MICHAEL LOWERY

Michael Owen Lowery, 79, of Morrison, passed on 3/21/2024.

Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.

Village Coffee Shop in Boulder or a hot roast beef sandwich from KJ’s downtown Morrison, IL. “New Speedway Boogie” was often a song he would perform at Clyde’s Open Stage in Dekalb, IL. He had an appreciation for The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and many more greats. Their music could often be heard coming from his home or car. He loved following both Bob Dylan and The Grateful Dead, attending well over 50 Dead shows!

He was a philosopher at heart, always questioning the ‘why’ behind the intricacies of this life. Dave consistently stayed up to date on the latest news and was very politically aware. He had a passion for movement toward a more just society; always ready to stand tall in the face of power in defense of the downtrodden. He was proud of ‘Stoudt v The State of Illinois’, which set a precedent for peoples’ acceptable forms of protest. He was also quite proud of the ‘Day of Action 2’. Dave was a man of many talents. He found joy in expressing his creativity through playing guitar, writing, exploring family genealogy, locksmithing and indulging in his love

in Peoria, IL, who preceded her in death on May 30, 2012. She later married Robert B. Vos on August 16, 2019, in Morrison, IL. Pam was employed at the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, where she earned recognition as Employee of the Month, reflecting her dedication and hard work. She possessed a passion for collecting jewelry and found joy in activities such as reading, cooking, and crocheting.

Survivors include her husband, Robert; one daughter, Holly Decker of Peoria, IL; one son, Timothy Decker of Morrison, IL; two step daughters, Cassandra (Brandon Snodgrass) Vos of Dixon, IL and Kaylee (Tyler) Renkes of Fulton, IL; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Brenda Hankins and Mary Marfell both of Peoria, IL; her loving chihuahua, Coco.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Gene; one daughter, Kristy J. Davis; one son, James Decker Jr.

To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com

MICHAEL LOWERY

Michael Owen Lowery, 79, of Morrison, passed on 3/21/2024.

Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.

for miniature trains. He once wrote a special poem for his parents which they would recite each year on their anniversary.

Dave truly thrived outdoors, he loved camping, traveling and road trips but above all, he loved spending time with his girls. He cherished their traditions like their annual camping trip up in the mountains and attending Dead & Co. shows at Folsom Field in Boulder every summer, never missing a show. David was young at heart, and some of his biggest fans were Lila’s friends, who lovingly called him “Pops.” They adored him and saw him as a second father.

Left to miss him are his two beloved daughters; Violet Stoudt of Denver, CO and Lila Grayce Stoudt of Boulder, CO; his two dear sisters, Elizabeth “Liz” LoBello of Parker, CO and Jen Stoudt of Loveland, CO; niece and nephew; Brianna and Dominic LoBello; one aunt, Gloria Coryn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Penelope R. “Penny” and John G. “Jack” Stoudt.

To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com

Dixon man, originally from Morrison, killed in motorcycle crash

By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com

ROCK FALLS – A Dixon man who died in a motorcycle crash is being remembered for his work with kids in a Sterling wrestling program.

Shawn Keane, 46, of Dixon died from injuries he suffered in a motorcycle crash on Dixon Avenue west of Stacie Lane in rural Rock Falls. Police were notified by a passerby at 7:05 a.m. Saturday, March 16, and arrived at the scene shortly afterward.

An accident reconstruction team determined the motorcycle was travel-

POLICE REPORTS

Fulton Police

March 20

ing east on Dixon Avenue at a high rate of speed when it veered off the roadway and partially struck a utility pole near Rock River Country Club, according to a news release from Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker.

In a phone interview March 18 with Shaw Local News Network, Booker said Keane wasn’t wearing a helmet and was thrown forward off the motorcycle after it collided with the utility pole. Whiteside County Coroner Joe McDonald said massive head injuries caused Keane’s death.

The time of the crash has not been confirmed and there are no known wit-

Tiffany L. Snyder of Fulton was cited for driving while license is suspended and failure to yield at a stop intersection. She was released with a notice to appear.

Derrick B. Thomas of Savanna was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle in the 400 block of 11th Avenue. He was released with a notice to appear.

Individuals named in the police report have been accused of a charge and are presumed innocent until proved guilty.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

nesses, although McDonald said authorities believe he “had been gone for a while,” before the crash was discovered.

The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, Whiteside County Coroners Office, Illinois Conservation Police, Rock Falls Police Department, CGH EMS and Rock Falls Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Booker said toxicology tests are underway and the results are pending.

Keane, originally from Morrison but living in Dixon at the time of his death, donated his time to participate in a kids’ program for elementary through fifth graders at Sterling public schools. He

911 texting program available in county MORRISON – Boone, Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties have joined together to implement Next Generation 911 services throughout their communities.

All counties have deployed text to 911 services for their residents, according to a news release. Authorities in those counties are reminding their residents to text 911 only when they need help and are unable to call and speak with 911 dispatchers.

Voice calls still are the best and fastest way to reach

was an assistant wrestling coach at Sterling’s Challand Middle School before stepping away about four years ago, said Dustin Westbrook, who coached alongside Keane.

“Wrestling can be a tough sport for kids emotionally and he was really good at helping them with that,” Westbrook said.

Keane also was a member of the Mid West Mulisha, a community organization in Rock Falls, according to the group’s Facebook page. With an emphasis on bikes and brotherhood, the organization hosts events that give back to the local community.

911 in an emergency and texting to 911 should be used only in an emergency when the reporting party is unable to place a call. Examples of this would include if the caller is deaf, hearing impaired, speech impaired or in a situation where speaking out loud could endanger the caller or someone else.

The initial text to 911 should include the location and type of emergency and all messages to 911 should be brief and without abbreviations, emojis or slang terms. Those who text 911 still need to be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from dispatchers.

2014: Volunteer millers presented with D.S. Flikkema Foundation grant

60 Years

March 25, 1964

The Albany Cafe will be serving Easter dinner specials of baked ham, turkey or chicken. A complete dinner consists of an entree, relish tray, salad, potato, roll and coffee for $1.45.

Work is in progress on an addition to the Fay Funeral Home on 11th Avenue. The addition, on the west side of the building, will provide more chapel space on the first floor and two additional rooms for the living quarters on the second floor.

50 Years

March 27, 1974

Construction of the country club building began on the 93-acre ninehole golf course on Cattail Road north of Fulton. Membership will be closed when a total of 250 members is reached. The golf course is complete, the markers are made and regular spring maintenance is in progress.

State’s Attorney L.E. Ellison issued the following statement to the Fulton Journal: “A suppressed charge of murder has been filed against Charles Swift Jr., age 32, who is a patient at the Franciscan Hospital in Rock Island. The complaint was signed by Fulton Police Chief Terry Sparbel and further action is awaiting Mr. Swift’s release from the hospital.” Swift was involved in a New Year’s Day shooting in Fulton in which his wife, Shirley Swift, was killed and he was seriously injured.

40 Years

March 28, 1984

City officials are hoping to have the marina open for the new season around April 1 and indications are the operators will be Mr. and Mrs. James Parr of Port Byron. The Parrs and members of the Parks and Recreation Committee of the City Council indicated after a meeting that they were almost in agreement on all points of a lease contract calling for the Parrs to operate the facility.

Net reductions of the district’s deficit to between $50,000 and $100,000 by the end of the school year are expected by Dr. Kinert, school district superintendent. The reductions in the deficit have been accomplished in spite of the district’s critical shortage of finances and the refusal by taxpayers in four elections to vote on an increase in the school district’s tax rate. Two teachers, James Proud, the football coach and health and physical education instructor, and Steve Wroble, a junior high science teacher, were “honorably dismissed.”

30 Years

March 23, 1994

Fulton youth Mark Van Kampen had his photo taken with President

Bill Clinton. Van Kampen was a patient at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, after a freak hunting accident in which his foot was severely injured. Van Kampen saw the president’s helicopter land as Clinton visited the naval hospital. While walking down a hallway, Van Kampen met face-to-face with the president.

Fulton High School athletes were named to all-conference teams. In girls basketball, Jennifer Countryman was named to the first team, Jamie Holesinger and Jamie Pickens were named to the second team and Amanda Norman received honorable mention. Countryman was chosen Player of the Year. Michelle Hoist was named Coach of the Year. In boys basketball, Tate Tiesman made first team. Chad Soenksen and Craig Dykstra both received honorable mention. In wrestling, Matt Meiners and Shawn Price received honorable mention.

20 Years

March 24, 2004

The Fulton Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting at Curves for Women. Curves is the newest addition to Fulton’s businesses. Mayor Howard Van Zuiden, Curves manager Michelle Snyder, owners Bev and Randy Smith, and Chamber of Commerce president Bonnie Dyson posed for a photo.

At the Fulton City Council meeting, a contract was discussed with the Abonmarche Group for renovations to the city marina. Renovations would include 25 new boat slips for visiting boaters, bringing the total number of boat slips to 169. A boathouse would be added and would be complete with showers and a washer and dryer. New structures at the marina would include a gas dock, an electrical pump-out station, dredging the marina area and creating more parking space.

10 Years

March 26, 2014

Albany Mayor Brian Rowland swore in Wyatt Heyvaert as Albany’s new Police Chief. Wyatt replaces former police chief Steve Dyson, who retired in January. Wyatt comes from the Colona Police Department, where he worked as a detective from 2010 to 2013. Wyatt was raised in Albany and graduated from Albany Grade School and Fulton High School.

The Volunteer millers were presented with a 2014 D.S. Flikkema Foundation grant. The check was presented to millers Bob Feldt and Pam VanZuiden on behalf of the volunteer organization. Funds will be used for the 2014 miller programs and the continuation of the Miller Club, the youth volunteer organization.

Thank you for caring for our community!

There is no greater reward than being entrusted with the care of others. Each year, we pause on National Doctors’ Day to celebrate and appreciate the many contributions and accomplishments of our doctors, and to thank them for encircling our patients with high-quality, compassionate care. Your long hours and unwavering commitment to continuing education, technical excellence, teaching and mentoring the next generation, donating your time in the community, and stepping up to care for the sick and injured does not go unnoticed.

Since 1909, the doctors and healthcare workers at CGH Medical Center have dedicated their careers to keeping our communities healthy, and with your continued support, we will continue to be your trusted healthcare provider now and in the future.

THANK YOU to our doctors, for all that you do for CGH and the communities we serve!

Progression of the typically inherited Huntington’s disease is discussed YOUR HEALTH

By STEPHEN D. HARRISON, M.D.

Huntington’s disease, also known as Huntington’s chorea, is a condition with a profound sense of coordination challenge with jerky and involuntary body movements that tend to progress over time. These movement disturbances may be associated with mood or mental or psychiatric changes. Over time, an individual with Huntington’s may have a hard time walking. The condition varies from person to person, but usually begins between ages 30 and 50. There is a juvenile ver-

sion that begins before age 20.

Huntington’s disease typically is inherited. There is gradual damage to the brain cells leading to the above symptoms. The diagnosis is performed by genetic testing and there is no cure. Full-time care may be required in later stages because of physical compromises, dementia and mood disturbances.

Almost 10% of individuals with this condition die by suicide. Pneumonia is frequent as the disease progresses and is a cause of demise. Heart disease also is common. With all the risk factors,

the average age of death is 15 to 20 years from the first detection of the disease. A challenge of diagnosis occurs early on in the condition because the symptoms may be subtle.

Because of the caloric expenditure with movement, difficulty swallowing and mental and psychological problems, there may be significant weight loss due to malnutrition. While depression is common, a blunted emotional response may be seen commonly with this condition as well. There are rating scales to monitor the progression.

Because the condition is inherited,

many couples wish to perform prenatal testing, which is available. Treatment for the condition is symptomatic with no specific remedy available. Special feeding arrangements, whether feeding tubes or special types of food, may be helpful.

The medicine known as Austedo does have some specific indications for movement measures; it is not a cure, but rather a symptom treatment. Sometimes anti-Parkinson’s drugs are used. A wide variety of psychiatric medication is not unheard of for Huntington’s.

Elks organization offers free children’s podiatry clinic in Morrison

Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corp. in cooperation with Northwest District Elks lodges, will sponsor a free children’s podiatry assessment clinic Thursday, April 25, at Morrison Family Care Clinic, 303 N. Jackson St., Morrison. Dr. David Yeager will be the clinician in charge.

The clinic starts at 8 a.m. and is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call the Illinois Elks

Children’s Care office at 1-800-272-0074 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

There are no charges for any services at this clinic.

No medical referral is necessary for the clinic but physicians are welcome to refer patients to the clinic for a specific reason or second opinion. School nurses are welcome to refer children and families to the clinic.

The Elks organization has been working with physically challenged children since 1928. This is one of 15 clinic locations throughout Illinois. The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development, according to a news release. If your child has feet pointing inward or outward or complains of foot pain they can be seen at this clinic.

There is no charge for any diagnostic

services at this clinic.

The Elks will provide financial assistance to the best of their ability for children needing further treatment or specialty equipment when the family lacks sufficient resources to do so. In the past, the Elks have purchased therapy services, corrective shoes, braces, wheelchairs and augmentative communication devices to help children overcome physical challenges.

Woodlawn Arts Academy announces art contest winners

STERLING – Woodlawn Arts Academy hosted the opening for the 15th annual Student-Teacher Art Exhibit on Friday, Feb. 23. More than 300 community members were in attendance to view more than 120 submissions from surrounding schools. Here is a list of winners of the 2024 Student-Teacher Art Exhibit.

• “Sweet Reflection,” a Prismacolor colored pencil piece by Zayley B., freshman at Morrison High School, was the first-place winner in the grades 9-12 category.

• First place in the grades 5-8 category went to “Shakira the Giraffe,” an oil pastel piece by Cierra W., seventh grader at Morrison Junior High.

• Jovie F., a first grader at Franklin Elementary, Sterling, won first place in the K-4 category with her mixed media piece called “Under the Sea.”

Voting took place in person at the exhibit opening and then on the academy’s Facebook page for the first two weeks of the exhibit, with the public “liking” or “loving” the images of their choice. More than 7,300 votes were cast in person and on Facebook.

Rounding out the top 12 were:

• “All Eyes on Me,” cassette tape, Landon C., junior, Morrison High School, second place, grades 9-12.

• “Glimmering Greens,” multimedia, Leah S., eighth grade, Morrison Junior High, second place, grades 5-8.

• “Sunflower,” tempera paint and oil pastel, Jacqueline C., first grade, Jefferson Elementary, Sterling, second place, grades K-4.

• “Aviators,” ink pen, Anna B., sophomore, Morrison High School, third place, grades 9-12.

• “Gerald, The Grumpy Neighbor,” oil pastel, Kay-Leigh M., seventh grade, Morrison Junior High, third place, grades 5-8.

• “Mighty Meat Mountain,” collage, Nora L., fourth grade, Washington Elementary, Sterling, third place, grades K-4.

• “Crimson Heart,” painted ceramic, Ava P., junior, Sterling High School, honorable mention, grades 9-12.

• “Dream House,” colored pencil, Aria R., fifth grade, Washington Elementary, Sterling, honorable mention, grades 5-8.

• “Wild Thing,” colored pencil, Payton M., third grade, West Carroll Primary, Savanna, honorable mention, grades K-4.

Beginning in early 2025, winning pieces will be featured on banners along the First Avenue Bridge between Sterling and Rock Falls through a partnership between the academy, the city

of Sterling and Sterling Main Street. In addition to the winning pieces, Woodlawn Arts Academy staff chose six additional submissions to be featured on banners:

• “Moth,” watercolor and ink, Nivea N., ninth grade, Ashton-Franklin Center High School, Ashton.

• “Star Sky Beach,” tempera paint, Starlyn E., fifth grade, West Carroll Primary, Savanna.

• “Digital Portrait,” digital painting, Salena M., seventh grade, Challand Middle School, Sterling.

• “The end of the beginning ...,” mixed media, Zy M.W., senior, Rock Falls High School.

• “Me on a Summer Day,” mixed media, Elianna W., kindergarten, Dillon Elementary, Rock Falls.

• “Distortion,” watercolor, Josey H., senior, Sterling High School.

The art exhibit will be on display during regular business hours through April 26 and is free and open to the public. Woodlawn Arts Academy is an agency of United Way of Whiteside and Lee counties and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Details on the academy’s programming and financial assistance applications are available in the Academy office or on the website at www.woodlawnartsacademy.com. The Academy’s programs are partially funded by grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and The Chicago Community Foundation.

“Sweet Reflection”

“Shakira the Giraffe”

Photos provided by Woodlawn Arts Academy

Upcoming Easter egg hunts in area communities

Local communities are planning Easter fun, from egg hunts to Easter Bunny visits to prizes and candy galore.

Mark your calendars and bring the family to these upcoming events:

Albany

Easter Egg Hunt: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Albany Main Street Park. The Easter Bunny will be present and there will be a bike giveaway (must be present to win). To donate candy, call Chelsi Holcomb at 563-593-6886.

Cordova

Easter Egg Hunt: 1 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at First Baptist Church of Cordova, 602 Third Ave. S.

Fulton

Easter Egg Hunt, Candy Drop: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at School Park on 10th Avenue. Event is sponsored by the Fulton Fire Department Sparkettes. New this year: Pick up an egg and head to the pavilion to get a prize.

Morrison

Easter Egg Hunt: 2 p.m. Friday, March 29, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, 408 Maple Ave. Bike giveaways, golden ticket

prizes and tons of Easter eggs to find. Special guest will be Mr. E. Bunny.

Homestead of Morrison Easter Egg Hunt: 3 p.m. Friday, March 29, at 403 Scenic St. Don’t forget your basket. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available and there will be a bike giveaway for each age group (0 to 3, 4 to 8 and 9 to 12).

Port Byron

Klavon annual Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at Riverdale Elementary School. Kids ages 0-12 are invited to an egg hunt at the elementary playground with candy, prizes and lots of fun.

Prophetstown

Winning Wheels Easter Egg Hunt: Thursday, March 28, at 701 E. Third St. Pictures with the Easter Bunny start at 4 p.m. and the egg hunt for kids ages 0-11 starts at 4:30 p.m.

Tampico

Easter Egg Hunt: 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 29, at Booth Park in Tampico. Event is sponsored by Royal Neighbors of America Youth Chapter 516. The Tampico Lions Club will help out to make sure all participants have a wonderful time.

Shaw Local News Network file photo Children search the playground for their favorite candies at last year’s Easter egg hunt at School Park in Fulton.

Timber Lake Playhouse opens doors early for trivia night

MOUNT CARROLL – Timber Lake Playhouse will open its doors early this year for trivia night followed by a series of fun-filled events for all members of the family.

TLP Trivia Night will be April 6. Put your knowledge to the test while enjoying food and the chance to win prizes.

TLP continues its spring events with Disney’s “Frozen,” a Singalong Movie Night on April 13, Casino Night with The Rat Pack Concert on April 20, a Kentucky Derby Party bourbon tasting event May 4 and a return of The Four C Notes re-creating the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons on May 18.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Whiteside County offers tax bill reminders via text, email MORRISON – Whiteside County residents now can receive text messages and email reminders from the treasurer’s office about their real estate and mobile home taxes.

Go to www.whitesidecountyil.gov, and select services, then notifications, then notify me. Sign in, then create a free account. Users must enter an email and/

The C Notes features John Michael Coppola, director of TLP’s production of “Jersey Boys” last summer.

On Saturday, April 27, popular local band Better Late Than Never will host a fundraiser for TLP at the Playhouse. With a reputation for energetic live performances, BLTN plays music intended to engage the audience as well as tap into all musical tastes. Come early for a flight of craft beer before the concert.

TLP’s spring festival – TLPalooza –will kick off the summer season May 25. The daylong festival features games, food, tours of the theater, great craft beer and local bands. The day con -

cludes with an evening concert by Johnny Lyons and the Pride.

“We’ve had many requests to bring more activities to the theater in the offseason,” said Dan Danielowski, TLP executive director. “Our staff has had fun planning these events for our patrons.”

Fall events include concerts by The Chicago Experience (a Chicago tribute), The Piano Men (an Elton John and Billy Joel tribute), Heartache Tonight (an Eagles tribute), The Brooklyn Charmers (a Steely Dan tribute), Are You Ready For It? (a Taylor Swift tribute) and Elvis Through the Years.

Events also include movie nights: “Halloweentown” (preceded by a walk down the Trick or Treat Trail), “The Mighty (Paw Patrol) Movie” and “The Polar Express.” Returning this fall will be OctoberFest, a fall festival featuring BeerFest – a craft beer-tasting event and other fall activities, and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with shadow actors performing during the movie.

Information and tickets for all Timber Lake Playhouse events and shows are available online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 815-244-2035.

or phone number, then click save, then select the notifications they want to receive.

To receive notifications from Treasurer Penny VanKampen, select real estate tax bill reminders or mobile home tax bill reminders.

Other notifications from other departments also are available for county residents.

Call 815-772-5196 with questions.

U.S. 30 and Illinois 40 bridge repairs at I-88 begin March 26

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced, weather permitting, construction on the U.S. 30 bridge and the Illinois 40 bridge over Interstate 88 in Rock Falls will begin Tuesday, March 26. Work will include joint replacement, installation of a bridge deck overlay and other repairs. U.S. 30 and Illinois 40 will be reduced to one lane in each direction

and all ramps will be open during the projects, which are scheduled to be completed in July.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Michael Melton inducted into Phi Kappa Phi

BATON ROUGE, La. – Michael Melton of Morrison recently was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Melton was initiated at Western Illinois University.

Melton is among about 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10%

of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10% of the number of candidates for graduate degrees also may qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann, who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. The society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the U.S., its territories and the Philippines.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR WHITESIDE COUNTY

Filed March 8-15

Warranty deeds

Federal Home Loan Mortgage to Alecxia Ramirez, 210 Johnson St., Morrison, $19,601.

Lyle J. and Gail R. Bush and Corinne Ventura to Trent L. and Heather A. Eizenga Bush, one parcel on Lyndon Road, Morrison, $3,264.

Kari Ann McCullough to Kegan William and Katie Lynn Shaw, 808 W. 19th St., Sterling, $115,000.

FTH Holdings LLC to Blake D. Gockel, 807 W. 18th St., Sterling, $140,000.

Martha A. Moulton Trust, Mary E. Swain and Heather A. Bledsoe to Got Realty LLC, 402 W. Main St., Morrison, $19,000.

Garth L. Littrel to Blue Ridge Properties, 608 Eighth Ave., Erie, $86,000.

REO 2023 NRL LLC to Jacob Ogg, 900B McNeil Road, Rock Falls, $20,500.

Quit claim deeds

Sterling Industrial Development Commission to Michael Hager, 1802 E.

Black Hawk College East Campus to host open houses

Learn more about Black Hawk College East Campus programs at three spring open houses.

Join us for one or more of these events.

Agriculture Open House: 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, April 5, Building A. Meet students, staff and instructors, learn about programs and explore the campus, including on-campus housing.

Equine Open House: 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, April 26, Building 7 in the Ag Arena. Meet students, staff, instructors and horses,

learn about the program curriculum and explore the competitive teams.

Ag Mechanics, Auto Repair and Welding Open House: 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 3, Building C. Meet students, staff and instructors, learn about programs, explore the facilities at the East Campus and explore the Welding and Skilled Trades Center in Kewanee.

Black Hawk College East Campus is located at 25230 Black Hawk Road in Galva.

For more information, contact Haley Howerton at howertonh@bhc.edu or 309-854-1724.

Third St., Sterling, $1,000.

Janet Kay Shearer to Stacey Ann Siperly, 2515 Crandall St., Sterling, $0. Trustees deeds

Kevin T. and Mary Melissa Harvey Trust to Andrew David Appel, one parcel on Carroll Road, Morrison, $481,275.

Morrison Main Street Land Trust No. 1, Peter J. Harkness, trustee, to House Sterling LLC, one parcel on East 23rd Street, Sterling, $150,000.

Scanlan Family Trust, Jeffrey W. and

Nim N. Scanlan, trustees, to Joshua L. and Morgan M. Wiederin, 308 N. Washington St., Tampico, $130,000. Deeds

Whiteside County sheriff and Glenn Hendryx estate to Federal Home Mortgage Corp., 223 Ave. E, Rock Falls, $0.

Whiteside County sheriff and Amy

Suarez to Federal Home Loan Mortgage, 509 N. Cherry St., Morrison, $0.

Source: Whiteside County Recorder’s Office

Morrison High School releases third-quarter honor roll

4.00 and above

Class of 2024: Blake Adams, Madison Banks, Alyvia Behrens, Caden Bielema, Carly Boonstra, Cambell Buikema, Cooper Bush, Geneva Connelly, Brianna Groenewold, Madison Houzenga, Katie Hutchison, Karalynn Kirkpatrick, Madison Krum, Cameron McDonnell, Madeleine Milnes, Chase Newman, Allen Rumfelt, Gracelyn Streets-Wood, Nicholas Wagenecht II, Sarah Weston, Karder White

Class of 2025 : Madilyn Armitage, Austin Boonstra, Blake Huizenga, Paige Leighton, Isaiah McDearmon, Sarah Stralow, Camryn Veltrop

Class of 2026 : Annabelle Blevins, Levi Milder, Alayna Zinke

Class of 2027 : Zayley Boonstra, Claire DeRycke, Joshua McDearmon,

Rachael Taylor

3.500 to 3.999

Class of 2024: Kaylynn Alfrejd, Evan Banks, Emery Brewer, Sebastian Carreno, Dailey Damhoff, Jordan Eads, Hailey Edwards, Peyton Emerson, Mikadyn Jakubs, Evan McDonnell, Carson Strating, Marissa Tichler

Class of 2025 : Colton Bielema, Landon Cook, Olivia Dauphin, Jett Decker, Isabella Duncan, Allison Ferguson, Danielle Fulton, Brooklynn Knouse, Hunter McNeece, Zachary Milder, MaKenzie Neas, Tyler Peters, Kaylee Pruis, Gavin Streets Wood, Geneva Vegter, Keelan Woodlin

Class of 2026: Allie Anderson, Adriana Arenols Diaz, Emily Arias, Harper Buikema, Emma Christian, Amira

Floyd, Brooklyn Hall, Paige LaShelle, Ethan Lee, Peyton Lowery, Sophia Milnes, Leah Nice, Jacie Reynolds, Noah Robbins, Brayden Rubright, Shawna Simpson, Koltin Swaim, Sara Weida, Abigail Weston, Sarah Wetzell, Samuel Williams, Cailee Wright

Class of 2027 : Ashley Alba, Jayci Bormann, Caeleb Bramm, Laila Cason, Ava Duncan, Anna Eggemeyer, Gema Ferry, Lexy Ingram, Hailey Kenseth, Joshua Melton, Madelyn Mertes, Elle Milnes, Caleb Modglin, Sarah Osborn, Issac Ruiz, Avery White, Evan White, Jaxon Yaklich, Leah Young

3.200 to 3.499

Class of 2024 : Yesena ArroyoMiller, Jason Hall, Lisa Hardesty,

Jonathon Hicks, Brayden Houzenga, Keegan Mayberry, Daeshaun McQueen, Andrew Melton, Kaleb Randall

Class of 2025 : MacKenzie Archer, Airiana Frederick, Dawson Hepner, Reese Kramer, Lacey Lancaster, Daniella Morgan, Reynolds Reavy IV

Class of 2026 : Jeramiah Callan, Kaylee Doebler, Brandon Garcia-Meirndorf, Jenna Grater, Wyatt Hoehn, Naomi Kershaw, Ryan Peppers, Isabella Scachette, Lexi Walters, Carson White, Ross Wiersema

Class of 2027 : Rylan Alvarado, Silas Dolieslager, Remzije Dzeladini, Megan Folkers, Leland Kramer, Jack Luckey, Marissa Mackum, Alley Richards, Katrina Sweitzer, Claire Temple

Erie High School announces third-quarter honor roll

The following students at Erie High School are on the third-quarter honor roll. The high honor roll requires an “A-” average (3.66 or higher) and the honor roll requires a “B” average (3.00 to 3.65). Physical education grades are not counted in figuring the honor roll.

*Denotes straight A’s

Seniors

High Honor Roll: Clara Ashdown, Colin Ashdown, Nevaeh Bright, Sydney Collis, Logan Copeland, Jenna Dreisbach, Lucas Dreisbach, *Caleb Eads, Taylor Folsom, Jaelin Hawkins, Hannah Huisman, Sarah Huizenga, *Seth Johnson, Elle Noble, *Jillian Norman, Luke Otten, Joseph Papineau, Claire Reymer, *Nicole Schwenneker, Jonathan Tegeler, Erin Terry, Zeblyn Wickes, Addison Wiersema

Honor Roll: Alexander Bomleny, Ian Brooks, Yermain Carreno, Kenneth Croegaert, Reece Duncan, Jeremiah Fish, Cassandra Fleener, Bryce Folsom, Keira Grage, Samuel Kilker, Chloe Seefeldt, Matthew VanOosten

Juniors

High Honor Roll: Kiera Ary, Brenden Boggs-Chavez, Kaleb Brooks, Lotus Crady, Isabelle Gabriel, *Eli Heyvaert, Samantha Kilker, *Lillian McWilliams, *Zachary Murphy, Jamie Neumiller, *Alexis Payne, Hannah Ryan,

Abigail Schipper, Max Temple, Peyton Umstead, *Jolene Wells, Grace Wheeler, Gwyneth Wickes, *Shelby Wiersema, Robert Winters, Kallie

Wiseley

Honor Roll : Rebekka Craven, Ethan Daubman, Grace Friedrichsen, Keith Goodson, Jaylynn Hamilton, Ysabell Hamm, Makailey Hanlon, Erich Herzmann, Noah Hovey, Aiden Jepson, Chloee Lukehart, Avery VanOosten, Sophia Wheeler, Lily Willett

Sophomores

High Honor Roll: Lauren Abbott, Victoria Ballard, *Maewyn Bright, *Brynn Brown, Isaac Carlson, Braedyn Frank, Saige Froeliger, *Aubrey Huisman, Elizabeth Johnson, Isabella Johnston, Charleigh Misfeldt, *Michelle Naftzger, Jonathan Norman, Iszabel Oszfolk, Keegan Winckler, Savannah Wueben

Honor Roll : Aiden Almanza, Keigin Brookhart, Kennady Gehrking, Ava Grawe, Jack Hockaday, Jalyn Hockaday, Rosie Jackson, Avery Jacobs, Ashlyn Johnson, Connor Keegan, Ethan Lavine, Max Milem, Aubrey Misfeldt, Jessie Papineau

Freshmen

High Honor Roll : Mara Ary, *Sarah Carlson, Sawyer Copeland, Deacon Dewulf, *Isabella Floming, Karrie

Hamm, Tristan Hovey, Brice Howell, Justin Jacobs, Alexus Kapple, *Ayden Klendworth, Navonna Lopez, Isabella Olvera, *Lauren Punke, Nathan Punke, Caleb Reymer, *Taylor Robshaw, *Elley Weidel, *Makayla Wetzell, Roselyn Wicks, Lauryn Wunderlich

Annual

Honor Roll: Boston Besse, Elijah Foster, Vinvil Frazer Jr., Holden Hawk, Arianna Henderson, Payton Holcomb, Cade Huisman, Jackson Meier, Brayden Morrell, Dane Ryan, Hailey Ryan, Evan Steimle, Ryleigh Stephens, Landon VanDeWostine

Cemetery Clean-Up

MARCH 25 TO MARCH 28, 2024

To maintain Grove Hill Cemetery while honoring and respecting those at rest.....

Starting Monday, March 25th to Thursday, March 28th, 2024 city staff will be cleaning up the cemetery by removing and disposing of grave site decorations.

Grove Hill Cemetery

Those who wish to save decorations must remove them no later than Sunday, March 24th , 2024. Decorations may be returned on/after Friday, March 29th, 2024.

Those wishing to place new grave site decorations are asked to wait until Friday, March 29th, 2024.

Morrison superintendent urges school board to begin discussing budget cuts

By CHARLENE BIELEMA cbielema@shawmedia.com

MORRISON – As it deals with funds drained by escalating maintenance, staffing and program costs, the Morrison school board March 18 heard from its superintendent about the need to start discussing budget cuts.

Superintendent Scott Vance said discussions are needed in light of building operation and maintenance expenses that are coming in at $1 million a year and the ever-increasing staff, insurance and special-education program costs squeezing the education fund.

“This is a very difficult decision, a very difficult discussion, and you need to have it now,” Vance said.

The education fund, which pays 80% to 90% of the district’s expenses, “is dwindling, not because of spending, but because the cost of salaries and benefits is going up every year and what we bring in from local property taxes, state aid and federal aid just doesn’t keep up,” he said.

In regard to the maintenance fund, of the district’s four buildings, the newest is almost 30 years old, the other three are older than 50 and maintenance costs are nowhere near covered by the $55,000 to $60,000 a year from the tax levy, he said.

“Your reserves are gone. You have to change something,” Vance said. “Unfortunately, in a school district, the easiest and most effective, but the hardest way, to cut expenses is people and programs.”

Vance is working on three budget scenarios that would show how cuts could be made at various levels: one for $102,000, another for $600,000 and a third that would cut up to $1.1 million. Those cuts could include a reduction in force or reducing workers’ hours from full to part time.

He said he will come back to the board with specific recommendations.

At the same time the district is dealing with covering those costs, it has a bundle of money that can be used only to pay for large projects. Case in point is $1.3 million in funding from the county sales tax, which must be used for facility upgrades. Other revenue streams include $2.6 million in bonds sold in 2023 and a $50,000 maintenance grant.

All told, the district had more than $2.24 million in the bank as of March 18 to pay for capital projects, Vance said.

The board is prioritizing projects that could be covered by those funds, such as remodeling the junior high bathrooms, fixing the sign at the junior high, installing

new lockers at Southside Elementary School, upgrading lockers at the high school and the junior high, a new high school scoreboard and video boards and upgrading the Northside Elementary School gym and bathrooms.

School Board President Erin Luckey at one point said the board doesn’t have one lump sum of money to pay all district expenses and that each fund has a designated use and cannot be used for other needs.

“So when you are buying new bleachers at the football stadium, that’s not money that we can use for teachers’ salaries,” Luckey said. “And I think sometimes that is confusing, that we have certain funds in which we can spend out of and can move money around in. So when we have things like our bond payments, when we have our 1% sales tax that can only be used for permanent structures, we can’t use that to pay salaries out of.”

“So while we’re getting $1.3 million [in sales tax funds] from the county, it’s not something we can use to fund a program that way,” she said. “So we’re kind of trying to look at, with us spending money on new doors, it doesn’t mean we’re cutting the pre-K program.”

Luckey also said the state provides the district with money that must used for leasing equipment, such as computers, copiers, vehicles and even the building where school board meetings are held. It can’t be used for other purposes, she said.

District’s Preschool For All program costs escalating

Vance also addressed the district’s Preschool For All program, which provides free preschool, transportation and snacks to at-risk or pre-special-education students or students who have an individualized education plan. Anywhere from 40 to 50 students are enrolled annually in Morrison, which has morning and afternoon sessions. Any student can be screened for the program and an assessment determines which students qualify to attend.

The district receives a state grant to help pay for the program, which was not created to be self-sufficient, Vance said. This year, the district is paying an estimated $331,393 for the program’s salaries, benefits, insurance and transportation costs. The state grant brings in only $133,000, he said.

“The district is spending $197,000 out of the education fund with no additional revenue coming in,” he said, adding the costs of the program next year will come in at an estimated $372,000 for those same expenditures with the district’s share expected to be $240,000.

“I don’t think anyone on the board is saying that preschool is not important,” Vance said. “But a serious discussion is going to have to take place amongst the board of education and the new superintendent about feasibility of long-term viability of $240,000 for a program that doesn’t bring in any revenue whatsoever.

“The state is very specific on what you can and cannot do,” Vance said.

In other action

The board approved a motion not to renew a probationary teacher’s contract. Board members Terri Wilkens, Dan Engelkens, Scott Folkers, Matt Ewoldsen and Luckey voted to not renew the contract and Jim Prombo voted present. Board member Dustin Damhoff was not present. The teacher was not named and no board discussion took place.

• The board learned that 73 students were screened for kindergarten for the upcoming school year. If all 73 are enrolled at the start of the school year, the class will be the largest at Northside Elementary, which houses K-2 students, and the second-largest class from kindergarten through fifth grade.

• The board learned that 197 adults attended a recent Grandparents and VIP lunch at Southside Elementary, which received $4,200 in free books from the book fair, and that the seventh grade and eighth grade Quiz Bowl teams are conference champions this season. The eighth grade team was undefeated.

• The board approved hiring Brianne Hayenga as a one-on-one aide at Northside and Bob Stone as freshmen/sophomore baseball coach at Morrison High School. The board accepted the resignation of Jennifer Streets as MHS guidance counselor, effective June 1.

• The board approved by a 4-2 vote a $626,000 bid for high school track upgrades, which was in line with what members wanted to budget for the project.

Shaw Local File Photo

As it deals with funds drained by escalating maintenance, staffing and program costs, the Morrison school board March 18 heard from Superintendent Scott Vance about the need to start discussing budget cuts. Pictured is Morrison High School

SVCC’s Veltrop, Day, Schroeder-Ranz earn All-Arrowhead Conference honors

By DAN WUSSOW dwussow@shawmedia.com

Sauk Valley Community College freshmen forwards Shelby Veltrop and Harvest Day and head coach Julie Schroeder-Ranz were honored Wednesday, March 20, with All-Arrowhead Conference selections for the 2023-24 women’s basketball season.

Veltrop, a former Morrison High

School standout and 2023 SVM Girls Basketball Player of the Year, was named first-team all-conference and conference MVP. Day, a former Dixon High School standout, was named second-team all-conference. Schroeder-Ranz earned co-Coach of the Year honors with Carl Sandburg College’s Kellen Fernetti.

The Skyhawks split the conference title this season.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP Baseball

Riverdale 3, Sterling 1 (10 inn.): At Sterling, the Golden Warriors lost a defensive slugfest against the Rams in extra innings.

Softball

Morrison 10, Lena-Winslow 0 (6 inn.): At Lena, Bella Duncan struck out 16 with one walk in a complete-game one-hitter to lead the Fillies past the Panthers.

Allie Anderson went 3 for 4, including a triple, and Jordan Eads went 2 for 3 for Morrison.

Fulton 9, Annawan-Wethersfield 1: At Fulton, the Steamers took a 4-0 lead after two innings and cruised past the Titans.

Kira Wilson went 3 for 4 with two RBIs and Resse Germann went 2 for 3 with three RBIs, including a home run, to lead Fulton.

Jessa Read earned the complete-game win, allowing one earned run on three hits and striking out three with one walk.

Morrison 2, Milledgeville 0: At Milledgeville, Bella Duncan pitched a complete-game no-hitter with 17 strikeouts and four walks as the Fillies

topped the Missiles.

Freshman Elle Milnes hit a solo home run for Morrison, while Allie Anderson drove in the other run.

Addison Janssen took the loss for Milledgeville, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and striking out three with no walks.

Ridgewood 8, Fulton 0: At Woodhull, the Steamers were limited to three hits in a shutout nonconference loss to the Spartans.

Kira Wilson led Fulton with two hits, while Brooklyn Brennan doubled for the other hit.

We Support Our Local Schools!

Earleen Hinton file photo Morrison’s Shelby Veltrop looks to make a move to the basket against Orangeville during the championship game of the Class 1A Pearl City Regional in 2023.

Earleen Hinton

Fulton’s Braedon Meyers pitches against Morrison during a Friday, March 15, game at the Morrison Sports Complex.

CHURCH LISTINGS

ALBANY

Albany United Methodist Church

502 N. 1st Avenue, 309-887-4781

Pastor Toni Lucas

Faith Center Church 511 3rd Ave. North, Albany

Senior Pastor Ray Gimenez

Pastor Arlen VanZee

Church Phone: 563-212-4032

St. Patrick Catholic Church 1201 N. Bluff St., Albany Father Timothy Barr, Pastor

CORDOVA

Cordova Baptist 602 Third Ave. South, Cordova Pastor Carmen Jordan 309-654-2501 - www.cordovafbc.com

EAST MOLINE

Sycamore Baptist Church 5323 180th Street North, East Moline 309-200-2505

www.sycamorebaptistchurch.com

Wildwood Baptist Church

18717 Hubbard Road, East Moline 309-496-9397

office@ wildwoodchurch.com

Pastors Brian Smith, Andrew Robinson, Andy Thomaston and Matt Winquist

Zion Lutheran Church

17628 Hubbard Road, East Moline

Rev. Gary A. Wright - 309-496-3592

ERIE

Erie Baptist Church

8th Ave. and 11th Street, Erie Call Ron Kimball for info: 309-230-3584

Erie Christian Church 715 6th Ave., Erie, 309-659-2561

Minister: Nathan Bright Youth Minister: Aaron Sweeney www.eriechristianchurch.com

Erie Evangelical Free Church 1409 16th Ave., Erie, 309-659-7125

Website: erieefree.org

Pastor Ron Eckberg

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg

Erie United Methodist Church 811 8th Street, Erie Pastor Tiffany Garcea - 309-659-2541 www.erieumc.org

Newton Zion Reformed Church 10465 Frog Pond Road, Erie Pastor Shannon Parrish - 309-659-2464 newtonzion@frontier.com

St. Ambrose Catholic Church Corner of 5th and Main Father David Reese Rectory Phone: 815-537-2077 Church Phone: 309-659-2781

FENTON

Fenton Methodist Church 10019 Main Street, Fenton

FULTON

Bethel Christian Reformed Church 1208 3rd Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-2501 www.bethelfulton.com

bethelcrchurch@gmail.com

Pastor Dan Jongsma

First Reformed Church 510 15th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-2203

Pastor Charles Huckaby

Fulton Presbyterian Church 311 N. 9th St., Fulton, 815-589-3580

Pastor Rev. Catherine Martin www.fultonpreschurch.org email: fultonpres@mchsi.com.

Garden Plain Presbyterian Church 14915 Sands Road, Fulton

Gateway Faith Fellowship Church 701 11th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-4283

Pastor Wayne Wiersema

Immaculate Conception Church 703 12th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-3542

Father Timothy Barr, Pastor secretaryfulton@gmail.com

Newton Zion Reformed Church 10645 Frog Pond Road, Erie, 309-659-2464

newtonzion@frontier.com

Pastor Shannon Parrish

CrossView Church 703 14th Ave., Fulton, 815-589-3425 www.wearecrossview.com secretary@wearecrossview.com

Spring Valley Reformed Church 10960 Spring Valley Road, Fulton

Pastor Paul Wissink 815-772-3554

First Christian Reformed Church 801 15th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-3790 www.fultonfirstcrc.com firstcrcfulton@live.com

Pastor Michael Hooker

HILLSDALE

Hillsdale United Methodist Church 124 Butzer St., Hillsdale Church 309-658-2340

Pastor Melva England

HOOPPOLE

Calvary Evangelical Congregational Church

Rev. Eugene Baker, Pastor 815-948-2181 or 309-507-3283

Hooppole Zion Methodist Church

Pastor Dan Wright - Church 815-948-7591 Parsonage 309-658-2145

LYNDON

Dominion Christian Fellowship Center 104 4th St. W., Lyndon, 815-590-6971

Rev. Barbi E. Momolu Sr.

Trinity Baptist Church

403 6th Ave North, Lyndon Pastor Alan Jahn - 563-242-0307 www.trinitybaptistchapel.com

MORRISON

Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church

301 W. South St., Morrison

Pastor Tammy Anderson 815-414-1758 - Office: 772-4896

Brethren In Christ Church

207 E. Knox Street, Morrison

Pastor Craig Sipes - 815-772-4871

Sunday Worship at 10 a.m.

Church Of St. Anne Episcopal

401 N Cherry St., Morrison, 815-772-2818 stannemorrison@frontiernet.net www.churchofstannemorrison.org

Crossroads Community Church

201 W. Market, Morrison Pastor Jon Eastlick - 815-956-0090 morrison@crossroadscn.com

Ebenezer Reformed Church

309 E. Park St., Morrison

Pastor J. T. Bean 815-772-2472 - www.ercmorrison.com

Emmanuel Church

202 E. Morris St., Morrison, 815-772-3890 www.ecmorrison.com

Rev. Luke Schouten, Senior Pastor Rich Criss, Ministry Coordinator

First Baptist Church

406 E. Maple Ave. Morrison

Pastor Roy Brown, II - Phone 815-772-2696 facebook.com/morrisonfirstbaptist

First Presbyterian Church

Rev. Michael Selburg - 815-772-3510

100 East Lincolnway, Morrison

Facebook live services Sundays 10:15 a.m.

YouTube Channel: First Presbyterian Church firstpresmorrison@gmail.com www.firstpresmorrison.org

Kingdom Life Community Church

11429 Ward Road, Morrison, 815-772-4098 www.kingdomlife.global

Pastor Stephen Harmon

Morrison Christian Church

201 S. Genesee, Morrison David Manley, Minister, 602-750-6426 d.manley93@yahoo.com

Google YouTube Larry Kidwell for sermons.

Morrison United Methodist Church

200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison Pastor Sun-Ah Kang - 815-772-4030

CHURCH LISTINGS

St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Rev. Slawomir Zimodro

13320 Garden Plain Road, Morrison 815-772-3095

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 601 N. Jackson St., Morrison www.stpetersmorrison.com

Interim Reverend David Andermann

PORT BYRON

Bethel Baptist 27308 108th Ave. N., Port Byron Church Phone: 309-523-3352

Pastor Josh Matthews

Church of the Cross United Methodist Church 22621 IL 2 and 92, Port Byron

Pastor Mark Graham Parish Office: 309-523-2201

Countryside Christian Church 3817 230th St. N., Port Byron

Pastor Steve Allison Church Phone: 309-523-2834

Fairfield United Methodist Church 235th St. at 115th Ave. North, Port Byron Pastor Larry Misfeldt - 309-523-3767

Messiah Lutheran Church

302 11th St., Port Byron - 309-523-2421

Pastor Gwen Sefrhans-Murphy

Peace Lutheran Church ELCA

20828 Friedens Road, Port Byron Interim Pastor: Nancy Jaster www.peacelutheranil.org - 309-523-2295

Port Byron First United Methodist Church

9412 228th Street North, Port Byron Church Office: 309-523-2396

Email: portbumc@frontiernet.net

Jim Crozier, Pastor Becky ButterfieldYouth and Family Life Pastor

Kathy Crozier - Spiritual Director

PROPHETSTOWN

Advent Christian Church

200 Elm St., Prophetstown

Pastor Diana Verhulst

815-537-5646 - ptownac.org

First Lutheran Church

Pastor Chelsey Weech

Office: 815-537-2758

www.firstlutheran-ptown.org

Leon United Methodist Church

17173 Lomax Road, Prophetstown

Pastor Joey Garcea - cell 815-656-0362 pastorjoeygarcea@gmail.com

Prophetstown

United Methodist Church

200 W. 2nd St., Prophetstown Pastor Joey Garcea - 815-537-2496

River Church

218 E. 3rd St., Prophetstown 815-876-6226 - www.riverchurchag.com

St. Catherine Catholic Church of Prophetstown 815-537-2077

RAPIDS CITY

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

1416 Third Ave., Rapids City Fr. Glenn H. Harris Phone 309-496-2414

TAMPICO

St. Mary Catholic Church

Reverend Slawomir Zimodro 105 Benton St., Tampico Phone 815-438-5425

Tampico Baptist Church

209 W. 3rd St., Tampico Pastor Ethan Horton

Tampico First

United Methodist Church

Pastor Leanne Keate - 815-438-2530 Church phone - 815-438-6105

CHURCH BRIEFS

Ebenezer Reformed Church Good Friday service

The public is invited to attend a Tenebrae service, also known as Service of Darkness or Shadows, at 6 p.m. Good Friday, March 29, at the Ebenezer Reformed Church.

The sanctuary will be dimly lit as a service to commemorate the death and crucifixion of Jesus taking place with people depicting those whom Jesus had contact with when he lived and walked on Earth.

Attendees will sense the heartache and grief of those who followed Jesus until the end of his life. This will be a meaningful Good Friday worship experience.

Fulton church hosts soup supper, auction April 5

FULTON – Spring Valley Reformed Church will have its annual soup supper and live auction fundraiser April 5.

The meal will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is by donation. The live auction begins at 7 p.m. Marc Gravert will be the auctioneer.

All donations from this year’s fundrais-

er will be used as part of Spring Valley’s facility stewardship.

Spring Valley Reformed Church is at 10960 Spring Valley Road in Fulton.

The Table at CrossView Church’s 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.

March 27: Hot ham and cheese sandwiches, nachos and cheese, Jello, ice cream bars

April 3: Chili, cinnamon rolls, veggie sticks, desserts

April 10: Tuna and noodle casserole, tropical fruit salad, candied carrots, cupcakes

April 17: Spaghetti casserole, Jimmy John’s bread, tossed salad, assorted desserts

If River Bend schools are canceled because of weather, The Table also is canceled.

The Table meals are served through May and will begin again in September.

SAUK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BRIEFS

SVCC to host eclipse viewing event

Sauk Valley Community College will host a viewing event for the upcoming total solar eclipse starting at 12:30 p.m. Monday, April 8. The event will take place outside on the east river side of campus. This event is free and open to the public. SVCC physics professor James Chisholm will lead the group in using eclipse-viewing boxes to watch the total solar eclipse from the east river side lawn. Free eclipse glasses will be available for the first 50 people to arrive.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to Room 1K04 for a presentation.

The eclipse-viewing event is sponsored by SVCC Learning Commons and Science Club.

For information, email Dallas Knack at dallas.n.knack@svcc.edu.

SVCC hosts Impact informational sessions

Brent Dykstra, Agent In River City Mall

1426 10th Avenue, Fulton 815-589-2200

Sauk Valley Community College will be hosting informational sessions for the Impact Program on April 16 and 18. These sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is required.

The SVCC Impact Program is an earned tuition program in which students can

earn their tuition and fees at SVCC for up to three years in exchange for community service. During the informational session, attendees will learn why the college has developed this program, what the requirements are and how the community can get involved.

Informational sessions will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 18, in room 1H16.

To register or for more information, email Impact@svcc.edu. For more information on the SVCC Impact Program, visit svcc.edu/impact.

SVCC Paramedic Program Information Session

Sauk Valley Community College will host a Paramedic Program information session from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23. The session will take place in the SVCC Riverview Conference Room (1H16/1H18) and will be presented by MercyHealth.

Are you thinking about pursuing a new career as a paramedic? Do you have questions about the career and/or training program? Meet the instructors and get your questions answered during the program informational session. Tentative class start date is August 2024.

For more information or to RSVP, visit svcc.edu/paramedic or call 815-835-6212.

filed.

ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. To The Officer: This summons must be returned by the Officer or other person to whom it was given for service with endorsement thereon of service and fees, if any, immediately after service, and not less than 3 days before the day for appearance If service cannot be made, this summons shall be returned so endorsed 3/22/2024

Transportation Director, at 815-5892902. Proof of insurance is required. Bids should be submitted by 12:00 noon on April 10, 2024, to the River Bend District Office located at 1110 3rd Street, Fulton, IL 61252.

WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF THE DEATH AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ES TATE OF SCOTT D. SIKKEMA

Case No.

2023 PR 113

CLASSIFIED

WITNESS, Sue R Costello (Clerk of Court) RA (Deputy)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS L&M Accounts, Inc., Plaintiff. vs. THOMAS BAUGHMAN, Defendants NO. 20225C1216

Amount Claimed: $1784.41

ALIAS SUMMONS

To Each Defendant: THOMAS BAUGHMAN PO BOX 110 FULTON, IL 61252 YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to appear before this Court at SMALL CLAIMS

DIVISION, WHITESIDE

COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 200 E KNOX STREET, MORRISON, IL, @10:30 AM Thursday, APRIL 25, 2024 to answer the complaint in this case, a copy of which is hereto attached IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN

AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. To The Officer: This summons must be returned by the Officer or other person to whom it was given for service with endorsement thereon of service and fees, if any, immediately after service, and not less than 3 days before the day for appearance If service cannot be made, this summons shall be returned so endorsed 3/22/2024

WITNESS, Sue R Costello (Clerk of Court) RA (Deputy)

SEAL Attorney for Plaintiff: MICHAEL J. DERGO III, ESQ DERGO LAW, P.L.L.C. 2200 52nd Avenue MOLINE IL 61265 TEL: 309. 277.8711

Michael@Dergo Law.com

SEAL Attorney for Plaintiff: MICHAEL J. DERGO III, ESQ DERGO LAW, P.L.L.C. 2200 52nd Avenue MOLINE IL 61265 TEL: 309. 277.8711

Michael@Dergo Law.com

March 26, April 2, 9, 2024

Bids will be discussed at the River Bend Community Unit District #2 Board of Education Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The River Bend Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids

Notice is hereby given to creditors and claimants of the death of Scott D. Sikkema, last a resident of Fulton, Illinois and of Chicago, Illinois, who died on October 9, 2023.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF THE DEATH AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ES TATE OF GERALDINE L. KOPHAMER

Case No. 2023 PR 121

NOTICE

River Bend C.U. S.D. #2 is taking bids for lawn care (weed control and fertilizer) for the 2024 - 2025 school year The bid should include the price to treat the lawn at Fulton High School (1207 12th Street), River Bend Middle School (415 12th Street), Fulton Elementary School (1301 7th Avenue), and the practice field in the late spring and fall for weed control only. Only high profile areas are to be sprayed. The bid should also include price to treat the football field per treatment four (4) times a year with fertilizer and weed control. Questions can be directed to Taylor Whitney, Transportation Director, at 815-5892902. Proof of insurance is required. Bids should be submitted by 12:00 noon on April 10, 2024, to the River Bend District Office located at 1110 3rd Street, Fulton, IL 61252.

Bids will be discussed at the River Bend Community Unit District #2 Board of Education Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The River Bend Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids

Eric Fish, Secretary Board of Education River Bend CUSD #2 Fulton, IL 61252 3/21/2024

March 26, 2024

Eric Fish, Secretary Board of Education River Bend CUSD #2 Fulton, IL 61252 3/21/2024

March 26, 2024

ASSUMED NAME PUBLICATION NOTICE

Public Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, a certificate was filed in the office of the County Clerk of WHITESIDE County, Illinois, setting forth the names and post-office addresses of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: MKFISHNFARM

located at 15870 Fenton Rd. Morrison, IL 61270

Dated this 12th day of March 2024. No. DBA 5347

Dana Nelson County Clerk

March 26, April 2, 9, 2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

NOTICE OF THE DEATH AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ES TATE OF SCOTT D. SIKKEMA Case No.

2023 PR 113

Notice is hereby given to creditors and claimants of the death of Scott D. Sikkema, last a resident of Fulton, Illinois and of Chicago, Illinois, who died on October 9, 2023. Letters of office were issued on December 6, 2023, to Jon R Sikkema, of 21685 Blink Rd., Fulton, IL 61252, as Independent Executor

The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L. Huizenga,

Letters of office were issued on December 6, 2023, to Jon R Sikkema, of 21685 Blink Rd., Fulton, IL 61252, as Independent Executor

The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L. Huizenga, 1011 4th St., Fulton, IL 61252.

Claims against the estate may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 E Knox St., Morrison, IL 61270, or with the Representative or both, on or before September 12, 2024. Any claim not filed within that period is barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and the attorney for the estate within 10 days after it has been filed.

Dated this 12th day of March, 2024.

REBECCA L. HUIZENGA

Attorney for the Estate 1011 4th Street P.O. Box 102 Fulton, Illinois 61252 815/589-2859

March 12, 19, 26, 2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

NOTICE OF THE DEATH AND CLAIM PERIOD

IN THE MATTER OF THE ES TATE OF GERALDINE L. KOPHAMER Case No. 2023 PR 121

Notice is hereby given to creditors and claimants of the death of Geraldine L Kophamer, last a resident of Morrison, Illinois, who died on February 23, 2023. Letters of office were issued on December 21, 2023, to James W Kophamer, of 501 Jenkran Street, Unit 1 Morrison, IL

Notice is hereby given to creditors and claimants of the death of Geraldine L Kophamer, last a resident of Morrison, Illinois, who died on February 23, 2023.

Letters of office were issued on December 21, 2023, to James W Kophamer, of 501 Jenkran Street, Unit 1, Morrison, IL 61270, as Independent Executor. The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L. Huizenga, 1011 4th St., Fulton, IL 61252. Claims against the estate may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 E Knox St., Morrison, IL 61270, or with the Representative or both, on or before September 12, 2024. Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and the attorney for the estate within 10 days after it has been filed.

Dated this 12th day of March, 2024.

REBECCA L. HUIZENGA

Attorney for the Estate 1011 4th Street P.O. Box 102 Fulton, Illinois 61252 815/589-2859

March 12, 19, 26, 2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF DONNA B. DYKSTRA, Deceased NO: 2024 PR 22 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given to creditors of the death of Donna B Dykstra. Letters of Office were issued on March 18, 2024, to Dale A. Dykstra of 229 10th St., Fulton, IL 1252, and Barbara A. Dykstra, 1106 10th Avenue, Fulton, IL 61252, as CoRepresentatives,

Fulton, Illinois, who died on January 3,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF DONNA B. DYKSTRA, Deceased NO: 2024 PR 22 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given to creditors of the death of Donna B Dykstra. Letters of Office were issued on March 18, 2024, to Dale A. Dykstra of 229 10th St., Fulton, IL 1252, and Barbara A. Dykstra, 1106 10th Avenue, Fulton, IL 61252, as CoRepresentatives, whose attorney is William R. Shirk, of the Law Office of William R. Shirk, P.C., 301 E Main St., Morrison, IL 61270.

E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions Visit http://efile.illinois courts.gov/serviceproviders.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinois courts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp, or talk with your local Circuit Clerk's office.

2024. Letters of office were issued on February 1, 2024, to Ronald Scharer, of 4231

Hazel Rd , Fulton, IL 61252, as Independent Executor

The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L. Huizenga, 1011 4th St., Fulton, IL 61252.

Oak Brook Club Drive, C107, Oak Brook, Illinois

60523 as Independent Administrator with Will Annexed, whose attorney of record is Matthew A. Sidor, Sidor Law, Ltd, 1303 West Heather Lane, Arlington Heights 60005. Notice is given to Kelly Marie

Dale A. Dykstra and Barbara A. Dykstra, Co-Representatives for the Estate of Donna B. Dykstra, Deceased

William R. Shirk

ARDC # 2589699

Attorney for Independent Co-Representatives

Law Office of William R. Shirk, P.C.

301 East Main Street Morrison, IL 61270

Claims against the estate may be e-filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office, Whiteside County, Illinois, mailed to the CoRepresentatives, or both, on or before September 26, 2024, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the CoRepresentatives is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act (ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim e-filed with the Circuit Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the Co-Representatives and to the Co-Representatives' attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions Visit http://efile.illinois courts.gov/serviceproviders.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinois courts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp, or talk with your local Circuit Clerk's office.

Dale A. Dykstra and Barbara A. Dykstra, Co-Representatives for the Estate of Donna B. Dykstra, Deceased William R. Shirk ARDC # 2589699 Attorney for Independent Co-Representa-

Claims against the estate may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 E Knox St., Morrison, IL 61270, or with the Representative or both, on or before September 12, 2024. Any claim not filed within that period is barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and the attorney for the estate within 10 days after it has been filed.

Tele: 815 772-7231

Fax: 815 772-4599

Email: wrshirk@wr shirklaw.com

March 26, April 2, 9, 2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF THE DEATH AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ES TATE OF BERNETA M. CARSTENS

Case No. 2024 PR 6 Notice is hereby given to creditors and claimants of the death of Berneta M Carstens, last a resident of Fulton, Illinois, who died on January 3, 2024. Letters of office were issued on February 1, 2024, to Ronald Scharer, of 4231 Hazel Rd , Fulton, IL 61252, as Independent Executor

The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L. Huizenga, 1011 4th St., Fulton, IL 61252. Claims against the estate may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 E Knox St., Morrison, IL 61270, or with the Representative or both, on or before September 12, 2024. Any claim not filed within that period is barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the

Dated this 12th day of March, 2024.

REBECCA L. HUIZENGA

Attorney for the Estate 1011 4th Street P.O. Box 102 Fulton, Illinois 61252

815/589-2859

March 12, 19, 26, 2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 14TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, 210 15TH STREET, ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS

ESTATE OF Patrick C. O'Brien, DECEASED 24 PR 47

Notice is given of the death of the above named decedent.

Letters of Office were issued to, J Phillip O'Brien, 2 Oak Brook Club Drive, C107, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523 as Independent Administrator with Will Annexed, whose attorney of record is Matthew A. Sidor, Sidor Law, Ltd, 1303 West Heather Lane, Arlington Heights 60005.

Notice is given to Kelly Marie O'Brien, Heir of the Decedent whose name or address is not stated in the petition for independent administration that an order was entered on February 29, 2024, granting independent administration of the estate. This means that the administrator will not have to obtain court orders of filed estate papers

O'Brien, Heir of the Decedent whose name or address is not stated in the petition for independent administration that an order was entered on February 29, 2024, granting independent administration of the estate. This means that the administrator will not have to obtain court orders of filed estate papers in court during probate The estate will be administered without court supervision unless interested persons ask the court to become involved. Claims against the estate may be filed with the clerk or with the representative, or both, on or before September 26, 2024, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions To efile, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider Visit http://efile.illinois courts.gov/serviceproviders.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinois courts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp

Matthew A. Sidor Sidor Law, Ltd (44230) 1303 West Heather Lane Arlington Heights 60005 (773)791-1948 I3240515

March 26, 2024

April 2, 9, 2024