Health of ecosystem is measured

CORDOVA

Interagency mussel blitz mea sures health of ecosystem

By SARAH FORD For Shaw Local News Network

For the first time since 2017, teams of biologists and surveyors returned to the Cordova boat ramp to search the Mississippi River shore for the federally endangered Higgins’ Eye pearly mussel and other freshwater mussels Aug. 2.

The annual event was on hiatus for a couple of summers because of high water and activities then were limited during the pandemic. Organizers scheduled the field day early in the week so it wouldn’t impact recreational boat traffic, and numerous experts filled a halfdozen boats to explore the shorelines.

More than 70 people were involved in the survey, including representatives from federal and state agencies – the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Natural History Survey.

They were aided by Constellation‘s Quad Cities Nuclear Station employees, college students, a few retirees and even world-renowned mussel expert and author Kevin Cummings.

The surveyors “pollywogged” or collected mussels by walking and crawling along the shoreline and shallow water in search of the bivalves.

They also cleaned and removed all zebra mussels attached to the shells of mussels to promote the health and vigor of the Cordova mussel bed. This helps offset native mussel decline brought by the introduction of zebra mussels in the early 1990s. Some zebra mussels will be brought to a lab for more studies.

They also reviewed several influences and trends at this environmentally significant mussel bed, such as overall condition of the mussel bed population in relation to the amount of zebra mussels found and a general assessment of the larger or smaller instance of zebra mussel infestation.

Joe Jordan, USACE District endangered species coordinator, said the general trend for the Cordova location is that it’s “coming back from a zebra mussel abundance that was affecting the natives.”

By the afternoon, they already had documented 23 mussel species, with up to 27 known species in the mussel bed.

See MUSSELS, page 24

Sarah Ford - Shaw Local News Network Joe Jordan, USACE District endangered species coordinator, holds federally endangered Higgins’ Eye mussels found near the Cordova boat ramp Aug. 2 during an annual survey of the mussel bed.

THANK YOU FARMERS NATIONAL BANK C USTOMER APPRECIATIO N

GRABN’ GO LUNCH

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12TH 11AM-2PM

Rapids City fire calls

Volunteers with the Rapids City Fire Protection District responded to 26 calls for assistance in July. A breakdown of those calls is as follows:

Village of Rapids City – Four EMS calls and one traffic accident.

Village of Port Byron – Five EMS calls, one ATV accident and one vehicle fire.

Fire Protection District (Rural) – Six EMS calls and two traffic accidents.

Automatic aid was given to the Hillsdale Fire Department for two traffic accidents, one structure fire and one fire alarm. Mutual aid was given to the Silvis Fire Department for one structure fire and the LeClaire Fire Department for one river rescue.

The Fire Protection District currently is in need of volunteers.

Contact Fire Chief Don Carey at pbfd1@portbyronil.com for more information about becoming a volunteer with the Fire Protection District.

OBITUARIES

LAURIE ADOLPH

Born: October 8, 1953 in Morrison, IL Died: July 31, 2022 in Rockford, IL

Carl “Lantz” Ropp, 85, of Geneseo, IL, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Allure of Geneseo. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. Pastor Nathan Bright will officiate. A memorial visitation was held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the funeral home. The family requested that attendees “please dress casual for this old farmer.” Memorials may be directed to Erie Christian Church, Hillsdale Fire Department and Antique Engine & Tractor Association.

Lantz was born on October 28, 1936, the son of Carl and Dorothy (Martin) Ropp, in his rural Geneseo home he currently lived in. He graduated from Hillsdale High School where he met the love of his life, Mary Hanna. They married on June 9, 1956, at United Brethren, Joslin, IL. He owned and operated his own farm. He was a member of the Hillsdale Fire Department for 36 years, as well as former chief, the Penny Slough Drainage District for over forty years, member of Erie Christian Church, and the Antique Engine & Tractor Association. Lantz enjoyed Minneapolis-Moline tractors immensely. He was a joker and especially loved spending time with his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years, Mary, rural Geneseo; daughters, Mona (Chuck) Temple, Rapid City, IL, Kelly West, Geneseo, IL; son, Bruce (Robin) Ropp, rural Geneseo; grandchildren, Eric Temple, Port Byron, IL, Melissa (Colin) Mix, Port Byron, IL, Brock West, Chile, South America, Chelsea West, Geneseo, IL, Hannah (James) Pace, Geneseo, IL, Jordan (Jett) Black, Hillsdale, IL; great-grandchildren, Roman Mix, Myla Mix, and Stormy Black; and sister, Frances (Donald) Schaver, Geneseo, IL.

Lantz was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Ropp; and brothers, Martin Ropp and Walter Ropp.

Laurie Adolph, 68, of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, July 31, 2022 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Morrison, officiated by Rev. Dr. Michael Selburg. A visitation will precede the service, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. There will be a private family interment at a later date. A memorial has been established to the First Presbyterian Church of Morrison.

Laurie was born October 8, 1953 in Morrison, IL, to Ralph H. and Ruth C. (Smith) Adolph. She was educated in the Morrison Grade Schools and graduated from Morrison High School in 1971. She furthered her education at Hope College in Holland, MI, and then received a Master’s degree from Western Illinois University. In December of 1972, she married Steve W. Temple in Morrison.

Laurie found her greatest joy and was most proud of her children and grandchildren. She was their greatest supporter, their rock, and always provided a soft place to land. Laurie loved each of her grandchildren unconditionally and was their most unshakable advocate and cheerleader. They will deeply miss her warmth, compassion, and generous spirit.

Laurie had an exemplary career in Education. During her 30 years at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Laurie served as a teacher and in several leadership roles, retiring as the Dean of Curriculum. In her free time, Laurie loved to quilt and was a member of the River Cities Quilt Guild. Faith was central to Laurie’s life and she was a dedicated and active member of her church. Laurie loved to read, write, and travel, especially to England. She enjoyed plants and gardening, all animals, and cooking for family.

Survivors include one daughter, Anne (Chris) Mills of Morrison, one son, Wayne (Stacy) Temple of San Diego, CA; three grandchildren, Violet, Sam, and Amelia Mills; her mother Ruth Adolph of Morrison; one brother Ryan Adolph of Saugatuck, MI. She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Adolph.

To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com

CARL ‘LANTZ’ ROPP

Born: October 28, 1936 Died: July 30, 2022

JAMES “JIM” BOYD SHADRICK

Born: September 20, 1961 in Moline, Illinois Died: August 3, 2022 in Rock Island, Illinois

James “Jim” B. Shadrick, 60, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Unity Point - Trinity in Rock Island, Illinois. Services will be held at 11:30am on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. Visitation will be from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Inland Cemetery in Bennett, Iowa. Memorials may be made in care of Joni Shadrick for the benefit of his daughters Courtney and Amanda.

Jim was born September 20, 1961, in Moline, Illinois, the son of David and Mary (Miller) Shadrick. He attended Riverdale High School. Jim worked at the Rock Island Arsenal for over 35 years. Over those years he worked for several contractors as a Heavy Equipment Operator in Roads and Grounds. This gave him the opportunity to work for his father who was at that time the Supervisor. His current position was a General Maintenance Worker working for KIRA Training Services. During his 35 years of working, he was able to meet the love of his life, Joni Hennings. They were married on October 18th, 2003 in Bennett, Iowa. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

Jim enjoyed racoon hunting in his early years with his coon dogs. His prize possession was his 1976 Chevy Rally Sport Camaro which he drag raced at Cordova and went to Nationals in Indianapolis with. He loved gardening/canning and was an all around handyman, willing to help anyone. His family was his whole world. He was extremely proud of his daughters Courtney and Amanda with all their accomplishments.

Jim is survived by his wife Joni Shadrick; daughters, Courtney and Amanda Shadrick all of East Moline, IL; sisters, Teresa (Frank) Taskovics , East Moline, IL, Deanna Shadrick, East Moline, IL, Margo Berg, Appleton, WI; mother-in-law, Karen Hennings, Bennett, IA; brothers-in-law, Jeff Hennings, Randy (Stacey) Hennings all of Bennett, IA; nieces and nephews, Josh, Jared, and Julia Taskovics, Aaron, Matthew, and Ryan (Stephanie) Berg, Tyler, Trevor, Tara, Shelby and JJ Hennings; as well a great nephew and niece, Anderson and Amelia Berg. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Ray Hennings. Leave a memory or condolence at www. gibsonbodefh.com.

DOUGLAS L. LESLIE

Born: June 30, 1846 Died: August 4, 2022

Douglas L. Leslie, 76, of Clinton, passed away peacefully, Thursday, August 4, 2022 at his home. Funeral Services were 2:00pm, Monday, August 8, 2022 at Community Reformed Church – Clinton. Burial was in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were his grandchildren. Visitation was from 11:00am to the service time Monday at the church. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www. snellzornig.com.

Douglas Leonard Leslie was born on June 30, 1946 in Clinton, the son of Leonard and Louise (Jordan) Leslie. He married Sue E. Baar on September 2, 1983 in Clinton.

Doug owned and operated his secondhand store Leslie Furniture on North 2nd Street for 18 years retiring in 2015. He was a member of the Community Reformed Church, and he was proud of his 40 years of sobriety. He loved wheeling and dealing at garage sales and enjoyed fishing and hunting. His grandchildren and great-grandkids were the joy of his life.

Doug is survived by his wife: Sue of Clinton; his children: Brenda (Tom) Bates of Clinton, Lori (Dave) Snow of Morrison, Shauna Leslie of Surprise, Arizona, and Denell Feller of Tolleson, Arizona; his step-children: Tara (Al) Dolmage of Clinton, and Brian (Kelly) Miller of Coralville, Iowa; eight grandchildren: Zachary, Tyler, Cassi (Aaron), Katie, Justin, Armando, Anicia, and Nikkolis; three great-grandchildren: Cayden, Corabelle, Eliza; five step-grandchildren: Carrie, Chase, Blake, Luke, and Reid; and his sister: Dolores “Dee” Blinkinsop of Camanche. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son: Steven Noble and two brothers: Norman and LeRoy; and his brother-in-law: Darryl Blinkinsop.

Memorials can be made to Community Reformed Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Countryside Christian to host 10th annual Cruise-In Aug. 20

Countryside Christian Church will host its 10th annual Cruise-In from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20.

There will be free food and fun for the entire family.

A bounce house will be set up for the kids.

There also will be kid-friendly games at the Cruise-In.

Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 50 cars, and awards will be given by vote to People’s Choice, Best Car and Best Truck.

There is no entry fee, so shine ‘em up and show ‘em off!

Countryside Christian Church is at 3817 230th St. N. in Port Byron.

For more information, call the church at 309-523-2834 or visit www.countrysidecc.org.

All donations will go to International Disaster Emergency Services.

OBITUARIES

JIM “OPIE” SHIRK

Born: March 6, 1982 in Cedar Falls, IA Died: August 3, 2022 in Dixon, IL

Jim “Opie” Shirk, 40, of Erie, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022 in Dixon, IL. Visitation will be from 3:00 - 8:00 pm on Monday, August 8, 2022 at

Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie. Private graveside services will be at the

Erie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for a future charitable donation.

Jim was born March 6, 1982 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of Ron Shirk and Darlene Campbell. He graduated from Erie High School with the class of 2000. He then attended Western Illinois University where he received his BA in Engineering and was currently working on his MBA. Jim was an Engineering Manager for Sewer Equipment Company in Dixon. He married Teah Michl in Cordova, IL, on September 11, 2004.

Jim had an infectious smile and laugh, always the life of the party. He enjoyed camping, traveling and playing Nerf guns with his nieces and nephews. He loved his family and spending time with them.

Surviving are his mother, Darlene Campbell, Albany IL; father, Ron (Deb) Shirk, Erie IL; wife, Teah Shirk, Erie IL; siblings, Nate (Brandy) Shirk, LaPorte City IA; Kara (Clark) Mortensen, Myrtle Beach SC; Chris (Mary) Stover, Birmingham AL; Bre (Steve) Hansen, Nixa MO; friend, Kristalle Stumpf, Dixon IL; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert and Verna Runkle and paternal grandparents, Walt and Sue Shirk. Share a memory or condolence at www. gibsonbodefh.com

TOM WESTLUND

Born: April 6, 1950 in Kewanee, IL Died: August 7, 2022 in Sterling, IL

Tom Westlund, age 72, of Walnut, died Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling. Tom was born April 6, 1950 in Kewanee the son of Gene and L. Caryl (Thurwachter) Westlund and was a 1968 graduate of Prophetstown High School. He married Bonnie J. Greenman on June 26, 2004 in Illinois City, IL. He was employed as a journeyman/ lineman for ComEd and the City of Rock Falls. Tom was an avid horseback rider and was a member of several organizations such as the Tri City Trail Riders and the Fulton Saddle Club. He was also an avid hunter and enjoyed photography.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Westlund of Walnut; three children, Michael (Mindy) Westlund of Orlando, FL, Aaron (Beth) Westlund of Cherry Valley, IL, and Amy Westlund of Weilerbach, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; one sister, Jeanne (Steven) Peska of Rock Falls; one brother, John Westlund of Prophetstown; eight grandchildren, Danika (Eric) Kochanowski, Mikayla Westlund, Manning Westlund, Lindsey Westlund, Rylee Westlund, Bailey Westlund, Jace Westlund, and Reese Westlund; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Steve Westlund.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the 16th Avenue Church of Christ, 1902 16th Avenue, Sterling.

A memorial has been established.

Online condolences may be sent to www. mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.

We Support Our Local Schools!

GO STEAMERS AND KNIGHTS!

GLIMPSES OF THE PAST - FULTON

2002: King’s Palace restaurant damaged in f ire

60 Years Aug. 8, 1962

A major step toward adoption of a zoning ordinance for Fulton was taken at a meeting of the Zoning Commission when a tentative draft was approved. It has been decided to have a public hearing on the proposed ordinance. A zoning map has been prepared and the tentative draft of the ordinance is available for public inspection.

The Fulton Journal had a special for new subscribers during the month of August. Subscribe to the paper for only $1 for five months.

50 Years Aug. 9, 1972

Pete Bronkema, postal clerk at the Fulton Post Office, is punching the time clock for the last time after 33 years and nine months of service to Fulton patrons. He will become the official rural carrier on Rural Route Two after Maurice Borgman retired after 21 years on the route.

Fulton Girl Scouts of Cadette Troop 91 and two members from a Savanna troop left for a trip to Savannah, Georgia, where they will tour the historic home of the founder of the Girl Scouts. They will return after visiting Cincinnati, Ohio, the Smokey Mountains, Savannah, Chattanooga and Nashville, Tennessee. Going on the trip are Mrs. Marvin Legel, Mrs. Roger Rathburn, the troop’s leaders, and Laura M a r x , E l l e n K r af t , B e t h A m m a n , Mary Kiger, Debbie Wiersema, Pam Sikkerma, Roseanne Burden, Cathy Housenga, Gail Walston, LaNel Bach, Mrs. Jerry Ashby, Amy Wells and Ruth Clifton.

40 Years Aug. 11, 1982

Work has been started on construction of the Casey General Store on South Fourth Street. Tom Pollock, an executive with the company, said they hope to start operations around the middle of October. All employees will be hired locally.

The task of installing huge storm sewer pipe for the dike project is progressing slowly as workmen encountered problems near the Eleventh Avenue and Second Street intersection. Workmen had to construct a special structure. The concrete structure will extend upward to street level and be covered by a manhole. The structure was necessary because a sanitary sewer piper intersects at the same level as the new storm sewer. When competed, the smaller sanitary sewer will pass through the storm sewer pipe.

30 Years Aug. 5, 1992

The Fulton City Council approved the purchase of land on North Fourth Street that the city plans to convert into a mini-park. The land is between Fifth and Sixth avenues on the east side of Fourth Street.

William Brinkman was introduced to the Kiwanis Club and he spoke of his expansion of the Brinkman Building Center. The major item in his expansion plans is an entirely new retail store. The new store will be built soon and will have 8,100 square feet of space.

20 Years Aug. 7, 2002

A po r t i on o f th e K i n g ’s P a l a c e restaurant, located on the east edge of Fulton, was extensively damaged in a fire. A motorist passing by the steakhouse reported the fire about 11 p.m. When firefighters arrived, a section of the building was engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. Fire departments assisting Fulton were Clinton, Thomson, Savanna, Cordova, Albany, Morrison, Erie and Chadwick. Damages are estimated to be more than $200,000.

Jeff and Carla Zajicek announced their new mini-storage facility is now operational and the couple is accepting storage by customers. The unit is located at the corner of Elston Road and Sixteenth Avenue. A total of 22 units are available.

10 Years Aug. 8, 2012

The 2.5 or so inches of rain that swept through the area was welcomed, but who would have expected the destruction by 70 mph winds. The worst damage in Fulton was concentrated on the high areas north of 14th Avenue.

The Miss Flame Court for 2012-13 includes Miss Spark - Jenna Anderson, Miss Flame - Lexie Bennett, Miss Flame runner-up - Trisha Naftzger a nd Mi ss Sp a r k r u n n e r - u p - Le n a Litherland. Rick and Sandi Dettman were named grand marshals for the parade.

YOUR HEALTH

A llergies are an unusual response to immune system

By STEPHEN D. HARRISON, M.D.

A common but frustrating question that allergy sufferers ask is “Why am I allergic?” Many people seem to inherit their tendency to develop allergies. If one or both of your parents have allergies, chances are that you will, too, though not necessarily the same ones.

An allergy is an unusual response to the immune system. The immune system is what defends the body from disease when bacteria, viruses or other harmful foreign substances enter the body. The immune system responds by producing antibodies to help fight and neutralize these invaders. In an allergic individual, the immune system produces antibodies against the substances that don’t harm most people, such as pollens, dust, mold, food or drugs. These substances are allergens.

A certain type of antibody, known as IgE, is most commonly involved in allergies. The IgE antibodies quickly latch on to special units of cells that are highly concentrated in the lung region and stomach region as well as the skin. Potent chemicals such as histamines are released that cause the nose and eyes to swell and produce irritating allergy symptoms. For example, if you are allergic to ragweed and you inhale its pollen, the IgE antibodies immediately start releasing histamines. Blood vessels expand and swelling of the linings of the nasal passage and surrounding tissues give you a stuffy nose, watery eyes and an itching, irritated throat.

Other chemicals are released that sometimes cause the patient to have breathing problems. This is the mechanism of allergic asthma. Identical airborne allergens that cause hay fever touch off wheezing attacks of asthma. Many other factors are to blame for asthma as well.

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction in the most severe form causing hives and extreme swelling in many of the regions described, as well as severe breathing difficulties and a rapid drop in blood pressure. This condition can occasionally lead to coma and even death and is seen mostly in people highly allergic to insect stings, drugs such as penicillins and foods such as shellfish. It is seldom that the first exposure causes any allergic reaction. Usually repeated exposures are required to produce enough antibodies to trigger such reactions.

In addition, there are immediate reactions as well as delayed. An immediate hypersensitivity reaction is hay fever, which leads to immediate symptoms. A delayed reaction occurs with poison ivy, which typically does not cause problems until hours later. Another type of delayed hypersensitivity reaction is called farmer’s lung, in which those working around the farm are exposed to allergen and hours later develop symptoms that may include prominent wheezing, among others. Some reactions may not occur for seven to 10 days later.

Whether you experienced immediate or delayed allergic reactions, the most important thing to remember is that sensitization to an allergen requires exposure to the substance and the best way to combat allergies is to avoid exposure to the substances if possible.