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Odell Library campaign exceeds $80,000 goal
The Odell Public Library Friends kicked off a campaign on Dec. 8, 2021, to raise money to replace and update the library’s flooring. This promotion set its sights on raising $80,000 to purchase carpet tiles and vinyl and move the enormous amount of books and shelving.
The Morrison community has risen to the occasion with its generosity. The total on the thermometer shows $90,500 as of March 24. It is obvious Morrison loves its library as monetary gifts came from the community and beyond in gifts of $1 to $11,000.
“We at Odell library are so thankful for the outpouring of support,” said Katie Rider, youth services coordinator.
Barb Peterson, treasurer for Odell Public Library Friends concurred.
“There is still work to be done on this project, but the Friends say, ‘thank you to all,’ ” Peterson said.
Photo provided The Odell Public Library has exceeded its goal of $80,000 during its Fund the Floor campaign.
Dorothy Hook to celebrate 90 years
The family of Dorothy Hook would like to invite all friends and relatives to an open house to celebrate her 90th birthday.
Dorothy was born March 5, 1932.
The open house will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Presbyterian Church, 311 N. Ninth St., Fulton.
Upcoming Easter activ ities in the area
Area villages and local community groups are planning for some Easter fun this year, from egg hunts to Easter Bunny visits to prizes and candy galore! Mark your calendars and bring the family out to these upcoming events:
Albany – The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be on Saturday, April 16 at 1 p.m. at the Albany Main Street Park.
Erie – Revitalize Erie’s Easter Scavenger Hunt will be on Saturday, April 9 from 9 – 11 a.m. Stop by Heritage Park and pick up a map, then visit 16 locations throughout Erie to play games, make crafts, and win prizes!
Hillsdale – The Easter Bunny will visit the Village Hall on Sunday, April 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. Kids can get their pictures taken with the bunny and take home some yummy treats.
Lyndon – Wright’s Annual Egg Hunt will be on Saturday, April 16 at noon at Richmond Park. Enjoy egg hunts for different age groups and special needs children, plus a bouncy house and prizes galore!
M o r r i s o n - Saturday, April 9 at Kiwanis Park. Fire truck arrives with the Easter Bunny at 10 a.m. Hunts for four different age groups: 0 - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6, and 7 - 9. No registration required. Morrison Kiwanis and Kathy Frederick will have goodies for any kids that can’t have candy.
Prophetstown – Kids 0-10, hop on over to Winning Wheels for their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 14 starting at 4:30 p.m., plus pictures with the Easter Bunny starting at 4 p.m.
Port Byron – Join River Valley District Library on Saturday, April 9 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for a super fun Easter Egg Hunt! The hunt will take place indoors, so rain or shine, you’ll be bringing home some candy! Please register to attend through the events calendar at www.rivervalleylibrary.org or call 309523-3440.
Rapids City – Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 3 from noon to 1 p.m. at Sulphur Creek Park, on the corner of 14th St. and 4th Ave. Bring a basket and look for eggs, with hunts for the following age groups: 0-3, 4-7, and 8-11. The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance!
Tampico – The Royal Neighbors of America Youth Chapter 516 Easter Egg Hunt will be on Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m. at Booth Park, 103 S. Fremont St. in Tampico. Lots of prizes for the kids!
If you would like your Easter event published, please email wnsnews@ shawmedia.com.
Cordova L ibrary to host Quilt Show on Apr il 4
Cordova District Library will be hosting a Quilt Show starting Monday, April 4. Quilts will be displayed from local quilters, ranging from baby quilts to full-size quilts. Each quilt will have a description, including the quilter’s name, and will be on display until April 30. To display a quilt, call the library at 309-654-2330. The library is located at 402 Main Ave. Cordova. Pictured is one of the quilts that will be on display.
Donna Merema to celebrate 80 years
The family of Donna May (Meier) Merema invites her friends and family to celebrate her 80th birthday with a card shower.
Donna was born on April 5, 1942. Donna and her husband, Edward, have three children, Dion (Diane) Merema of Rockford, Theresa (Mark) Zink of Rock Falls and Dale (Jenny) Merema of Chadwick.
Donna has five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Donna worked as an Avon representative for 35 years.
Please send cards to Donna Merema, P.O. Box 25, Lyndon, IL 61261.
NEWS BRIEF
Spend April 9 with the Whiteside Master Gardeners
Join Whiteside County Master Gardeners throughout the year and explore the world of gardening. There will be a special swag bag for a lucky individual at the end of the year. Join us April 9 for “The Ultimate Cover Up! Choosing the Right Ground Covers.”
Ground cover plants are all-around problem-solvers. They are great for adding color, preventing weeds, controlling erosion and providing habitat for pollinators. While grass is typically the best way to fill out empty space, sometimes low growing plants are better and a prettier option.
The program will take place at 10 a.m. April 9 at the Whiteside County Extension office, 12923 Lawrence Road, Sterling. You must be registered to attend. Register online at go.illinois.edu/whitesidesaturdays or by calling the Whiteside County Extension office at 815-632-3611. Registration is limited to 25 participants.
MORRISON – The Whiteside County jail inmate found unresponsive in his cell around 1:30 a.m. Friday, the victim of an apparent suicide by hanging, was a 22-year-old R o ck Fa l ls ma n , C o r o n e r J o e McDonald confirmed.
Chevy Ray Allen-Wadelton was charged Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to criminal sexual assault involving force, aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child 13 to 17, and criminal sexual abuse of a child more than 5 years younger than he. He was being held on $75,000 bond.
An autopsy is set for this afternoon. As is procedure, Illinois State Police are investigating.
Among others, Allen-Wadelton is survived by his mother, Julie Marschang of Rock Falls, sisters, Cherokee Wadelton of Tampico, and Mindy Hexom of Rock Island; and brothers, Zackery Wadelton of Dixon, William Stees of Tampico, Tyler Stees of Walnut, Donovan and Dakotah Stees, both of Sterling, and Skylar Stees of Lyndon.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. A memorial service will follow, then a celebration of life will be held at Bear’s Bar in Lyndon.
Go to mcdonaldfuneralhomes. com/obituaries for his complete obituary.
Par t-time Tampico off icer conv icted of misdemeanor batter y
A part-time Tampico police officer will remain on unpaid suspension as he appeals his conviction Thursday on four counts of misdemeanor battery.
A bench trial for Lonnie P. Smith, 42, of Morrison, was held Feb. 17.
O n T h u r s d a y , R o ck Is l a n d County Associate Judge Derek L. H a n c k s , w ho ha n d l e d t h e c a s e b e c a u s e t h e W h i t e s i d e C o u n t y judges would have had a conflict of interest, issued his ruling, finding Smith guilty of two counts of domestic battery and two counts of battery, all misdemeanors, and not guilty of harassment by telephone.
A c c o r d i n g t o c o u r t r e c o r d s , Smith held a person down by the legs, causing pain and bruising, on Sept. 6, 2019.
Smith was sentenced to two years probation and 30 days in jail, to be served starting Dec. 5, or not at all if he successfully completes h i s c o u r t - o r dered domestic v i o l e n c e p r o g r am an d d o e s n ot vi o l a te hi s probation beforehand.
The court clerk was directed to file a notice of appeal. Smith was represented by Dixon attorney Paul Whitcombe, whom he hired, but now will be represented by the Appellate Public Defender’s Office.
Smith was a Morrison police officer when he was hired by the village on Feb. 21, 2021. Because of the pending battery charges, his Firearm Owners Identification Card was suspended and the village had to seek a waiver from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to allow him to carry a gun, but only while on duty.
The board denied the waiver in September, and Smith has been on suspension since that time.
Now that he has been convicted of a violent offense, the board could move to decertify him, but an appeal of his conviction puts that process on hold.
In the meantime, he remains on unpaid suspension, and his personal guns, which he is not allowed to possess without a FOID card, have been placed under lock and key at the Tampico Police Department, Chief Mike Lewis said.
Lonnie P. Smith
POLICE REPORTS
Arrests
On Friday, March 18, about 6:35 p.m., Morrison police arrested Michelle R. Willock, 42, of Cicero pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by Whiteside County charging Willock with failure to appear – driving while license suspended. Willock was transported to the Whiteside County Jail.
On Sunday, March 20, about 3 p.m., Morrison police arrested Shaquille L. Coleman, 28, of Morrison pursuant to an arrest Warrant issued by Henry County charging Coleman with failure to appear – speeding. Coleman was transported to the Whiteside County Jail.
On Thursday, March 24, about 3 p.m., Morrison police arrested Jamison E. Smith, 47, of Morrison pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by Whiteside County charging Smith with failure to appear – unlawful use/possession of a weapon – felon. Smith was transported to the Whiteside County Jail.
On Friday, March 18, about 8 p.m., Morrison police responded to 205 E. Winfield St., Morrison regarding the theft of a motor vehicle. As a result of the investigation, on Thursday, March 24, about 3:42 p.m., Morrison police arrested and charged Joseph M. Bramm, 58, of Morrison with theft (Class 3 felony). Bramm was transported to the Whiteside County Jail.
Citations March 18
Susan H. Wilkens, 54, Morrison, speeding
March 19
Emmanuel Habimana, 27, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, speeding
Logan S. Gabbard, 27, Morrison, parking where prohibited
Brett T. Pape, 22, Morrison, operating uninsured vehicle and speeding
Kristine K. Wolf, 44, Morrison, no valid registration
March 20
Janell B. Loost, 49, Sterling, speeding
March 23
Stephen D. Harrison, 65, Fulton, failure to reduce speed (accident)
Jonathan R. Leebold, 29, Moline, no valid registration
Kayla M. Richter, 31, Morrison, expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle
March 24
Alex J. Adams, 27, Tampico, driving while license suspended and speeding
The public is reminded these are charges. All people are presumed innocent until proved guilty ina court of law.
State Rep. Tony McCombie announces Spring Photo Contest
State Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, is hosting another Spring Photo Contest for the 71st District. Winning photos from each category will be put on display in McCombie’s Springfield and Sterling offices.
Spring Photo Contest rules include: • Photos must be taken in the 71st District. • Photos must be sent in high resolution. • Participants must submit their photos by email to mccombiephotocontest@gmail.com. • Photos must be taken during the spring from Sunday, March 20, to Monday, June 20.
McCombie will choose the winning entries and invite the photographers for an unveiling at her Sterling office. The winning photos will be on display for the term of the 102nd General Assembly.
The email must include the photographer’s name, email, phone number, home address and where the photograph was taken. A 71st District map can be found on McCombie’s website at repmccombie.com. Participants seeking more information can call the district office at 815-632-7384.
Morrison development group offers new loan, grant programs
The Morrison Area Development Corp. is rolling out a slate of new programs designed to help businesses reinvest in their properties.
The new Morrison Community Improvement Fund committee will be responsible for overseeing and promoting these new programs.
New programs are: • The Opportunity Fund Grant Program, which is open to any business in the Morrison ZIP code. Eligible expenses include website development, build-out for city services to a property and grants for new business expenses if it locates within the city’s arts, cultural and entertainment district. • The Business Facade and Beautification Loan Program, which allows applicants to apply for up to $5,000 for things such as exterior improvements to a commercial property. • The Revolving Loan Program, which is designed to provide gap financing for local capital projects that can’t obtain financing without this MACD-funded program. Businesses can request $10,000 to $50,000.
All programs have dollar limitations and specific parameters. Some programs will have an application fee if a project is approved.
Go to morrisonareadevelopment.com and click on the financing and incentives section of the Doing Business in Morrison for a complete list and an application.
Tony McCombie.
Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media The recent 50-degree weather was to the liking of this duck who after skimming for food took some time to groom in the waterway along Cattail Park near Fulton. Ducks, geese, and swans are just some of the waterfowl stopping along the Mississippi flyway as spring migration begins.
MORRISON
Former Mayor Pannier hospitalized; w ife dies
BY KATHLEEN SCHULTZ kschultz@saukvalley.com
M O R R I S ON – F o r m e r M o r r i s on Mayor R. Everett Pannier is hospitalized and his wife, Nancy, is dead after he crashed into a tree at at 202 S. Orange St. shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday.
N a n c y K . P a n n i e r , 7 8 , w a s p r o nounced dead at Morrison Community Hospital Hospital.
Everett Pannier was flown to Javon Bea - Riverside hospital in Rockford. As of Monday morning, he was listed in critical condition, a spokeswoman there said.
He was southbound on Orange Street, went off the road and struck the tree around 8:47 a.m., Police Chief Brian Melton said.
A witness said he heard the car accelerate; the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, Melton said.
Pannier, 79, was mayor for 8 years before deciding in April not to seek a third term. “I have had several health issues in the past 2 years, and I took those as a sign that it was time to take a rest,” he said at the time.
The Panniers are lifelong Morrison residents, and ardent supporters of the city.
Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison is handling arrangements.
Former Morrison Mayor Everette Pannier.
Now Available
S A U K V A L L E Y
A PUBLICATION
PRSRTSTD U.S.Postage PAID PermitNo.440 Sterling,IL61081 Weddings 2022/23 EDITION
Above this cover: Page 4
Born: November 4, 1955 in Clinton, IA Died: March 22, 2022 in Fulton, IL
WANDA SUE HUFF, 66, of Fulton, IL, died Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at her home in Fulton. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, March 28, 2022 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Ron Lott of First Baptist Church in Clinton, IA. A visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 PM Sunday, March 27th at the funeral home. Interment will be in Fulton Township Cemetery. A memorial has been established.
Wanda was born November 4, 1955 in Clinton, IA to Robert and Luella (Buikema) Deelsnyder. She was educated in the Fulton Grade School and was a 1973 graduate of Fulton High School. On June 22, 1973 she married Daniel E. Huff in Fulton. He died January 22, 2006. Wanda was employed at the Fulton Journal Newspaper and then at International Paper and Clausen Supply, both in Clinton. She enjoyed going shopping and attending drag racing events with her husband. She was an avid Fulton Steamer Fan, and her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, especially attending her children and grandchildren’s activities.
Survivors include two daughters, Angela (Steven) Frederick of Fulton and Jessica (Merle) Lawrence of Clinton; two sons, Taylor Huff and Cody (fiancée Olivia Daley) Huff, both of Fulton; five grandchildren, Ian and Livie Frederick, Madison Meggenberg, Daniel and Hudson Huff; three step grandsons, Hunter, Brycen and Kyler Lawrence; one sister, Roberta Bush of Morrison, and one brother, Warren (Earline) Deelsnyder of Fulton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dan; a sister, Nancy Dykstra; two brothers, LaVerne Deelsnyder and Erwin Deelsnyder.
BILLY PHILLIPS
Born: February 21, 1967 in Bloomington, IL Died: March 25, 2022 in Clinton, IA
BILLY PHILLIPS, 55, of Fulton, IL died Friday, March 25, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in Clinton, IA. His funeral service will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 1, 2022, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with Rev. Scott Stephan, Pastor of CrossView Church officiating. A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Billy was born February 21, 1967, in Bloomington, IL, to Alfred J. and Charlene (Toureene) Phillips, Sr. He was educated in the Fulton Grade Schools and was a 1985 graduate of Fulton High School. He married Susan K. Smith on September 6, 1985, in Fulton, IL. Billy was employed as a Senior Electrical Mechanic at Quad City Nuclear Station at Exelon for 35 years. He was currently serving as Vice President and Senior Business Representative of the IBEW Local #15 Downer’s Grove, IL. Billy was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his wife, Susan; three daughters, Jessica (Jamie) Dalglish of Bedford, TX, Emily (Devin) Johnson and Alison (Tyler) Spencer both of Fulton; three grandchildren, Lark and Dagny Dalglish and Phillip Spencer; his mother, Charlene Brondyke of Clinton, IA; his stepmother, Brenda Phillips of Morton, IL; two sisters, Ethyl Farr of Clinton, IA and Susan “Renee” (Tim) Michaelson of Springfield, MO; one brother, Alfred J. “Buddy” Phillips, Jr. of Berryville, AR; one step brother, Bob (Barb) Brondyke of Camanche, IA; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Linda Smith of Fulton; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred J. Phillips, Sr; his stepfather, Don Brondyke; one step sister, Vicki Brondyke.
MORRISON
Morrison school board approves laptop purchases
BY SARAH FORD For Shaw Media
The Morrison Board of Education a p p r o v e d t e c h u p g r a d e s a n d reviewed ongoing projects at their meeting on Monday, March 21.
The council approved the purchase of 250 Chromebooks and 250 licenses at a total cost of $50,250. Each unit costs around $200, with the purchases as part of normal rotation. However, the board agreed to order them earlier to ensure they’ll arrive by the summer.
The board also learned that two representatives from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois will be performing a cybersecurity and network assessment of the district’s cyber infrastructure, with a report to come at the next meeting. They also renewed an agreement with Frontier Communications, with the company moving to ethernet and fiber-based lines instead of copper.
In finances and facilities updates, the district is “right where they need to be for revenues and expenditures for the year,” said Superintendent Scott Vance. Projects in the works include high school roofing repairs, junior high HVAC, and high school stadium bleacher repairs and track surfacing. The board also heard that some lights in the high school parking lot need to be replaced.
In reports, students have been participating in March Madness brackets for books and reading, and close to $800 was raised from raffles and sales for high school March Madness events.
In action items, the board renewed the partnership with Sauk Valley Community College for dual credits, approved an amended Return to Learn plan, approved the 2022/2023 district calendar, approved a youth suicide prevention policy, renewed t h e d i s t r i c t ’ s m e m b e r s h i p w i t h IHSA, approved the non-resident tuition waiver, approved personnel as presented, and amended a board policy regarding changes or additions to agenda items. They agreed to continue development of an e-learning plan, with possible approval in April.
In final discussions, the board agreed to investigate the costs to upgrade the large baseball field at the Morrison Sports Complex after the city approached the district a b o u t a l o n g - t e r m l e a s e a n d cost-sharing plan. Vance said it’s the “first step in that discussion” since the field needs a lot of work, especially with drainage issues.
COLLEGE NEWS
O Gara on dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic
Erin O Gara of Prophetstown, has been named to the fall 2021 Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main campus in Davenport, IA.
Brian Bennett of Port Byron, graduated with a General Science, Bachelor of Science degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main campus in Davenport, IA on February 25.
RICHARD CASSENS
Richard “Dick” Cassens, 81, of Davenport, passed on 3/20/2022.
Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.
ILLINOIS EXTENSION WEBINARS
Wits Fitness monthly workshop
Join University of Illinois Extension Educator Karla Belzer each month as she leads participants through interactive activities designed to exercise the brain to maintain and enhance cognitive function and memory. The program will be offered at the Whiteside Extension Office in Sterling from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on April 11. New participants are welcome to join at any time. Social distancing and safety guidelines will be followed. Register online at go.illinois.edu/ witsfitness. stand tips for living full, rich lives. The free online webinars, taught by University of Illinois Extension educators, are no cost to the public in collaboration with the Illinois Home and Community Education units throughout the state. Register online at go.illinois.edu/2022HCElessons for webinar on Mindfulness and Money at 10 a.m. on April 21.
Photo provided Last week, the Erie Police Department recognized Isabelle VanOosten, 17, with a certificate of appreciation for doing the right thing and helping a child March 17. The Erie High School senior saw a small child walking by herself and recognized there was no adult present, and that the child should not have been alone. She stopped the little girl, talked to her, and was able to have the little girl show her where she lived. The parent was on the phone with 911 when the little girl was returned. Thank you, Isabelle for paying attention to those around you and helping one of Erie’s smallest citizens in need. Pictured with Isabelle at the high school last week is Erie Chief of Police Brian Hawk and School Resource Officer Jessica Adams.
U.S. 30 bridge work in Whiteside County begins
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced, weather permitting, construction on the bridge carrying U.S. 30 over the Union Pacific Railroad and Harvey Road, west of Rock Falls in Whiteside County, began Monday.
Work will replace the bridge expansion joints and install a concrete deck overlay. One lane of traffic will be maintained using temporary traffic signals and a barrier wall during the project, which is expected to be completed by August.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. 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.
Dedication song to premiere on 107.7 FM
WQUD 107.7 FM of Erie will be premiering Chromatic Blue’s latest song, “Everybody’s Friend” at 8 p.m. Thursday, during the Uncle Tim Show.
The song is dedicated to Larry Jones of Fulton, who passed away at age 51 on Nov. 4, 2021. The song was written by Ron Johnson of Los Angeles, a friend of the Jones family, and this will be the first time it’s played on the airwaves. Larry’s brother Pat Jones is a WQUD DJ, and Larry sometimes filled in on radio shows.
He was also a loved and respected coach in the Fulton community and River Bend School District.
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TASTE Your Guide to Dining LocallyYour Guide to Dining LocallyTHE
PRSRT STD U.S.Postage PA I D
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Take part for a chance to win your share of $1,400 in
local restaurant gift cards! See pages 5 & 6 for details. Photo provided by Triple P BBQ in Dixon
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11/19/21 3:37PM
