Ruth Deem, Michael William Keegan

RAPIDS CITY

Public meeting planned for infrastr ucture project

By SARAH FORD Shaw Local News Network

Rapids City residents can learn about the 17th Street infrastructure project at a public meeting with engineers from Axiom Consultants at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Village Hall.

The project scope, prelimina ry designs, background, why improvements are needed, and benefits will be discussed at the meeting, plus the general impacts to the public and adjacent properties. Residents will be updated on plans for traffic control, access and restoration, and they can participate in a Q&A session.

Though the project is not set in stone, estimates are at $1,101,000 or up to $1.266 million with a 15% contingency.

The project will stabilize erosion on the hill and is expected to start next spring.

At the Sept. 13 Village Board meeting, trustees approved the annual tax levy ordinance, effective May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. The village will collect $170,671 again, even with a lower tax rate this year. Last year’s overall assessed valuation for the village was $28,215,131, and this year it was $29,784,446.

“The board reduced the village property tax rate for the 2015 year and has maintained that rate since then. We are reducing it even lower this year because the assessor increased the assessed valuation,” Village President Harold Mire Jr said. “If residents’ taxes are increased, it’s through no fault of the village as we have reduced our tax rate twice since 2015 to hold the line against property tax increases. We have one of the lowest village property tax rates of any village near a metropolitan area in the state of Illinois, and we aim to keep it that way. Unfortunately, that is the only property tax rate the village has any control over.”

Chris Cooper with MSA Professional Services provided an amended agreement for the 13th Street culvert project, having removed items that put the project bids over budget. He estimated $250,000 in probable construction costs, with up to $60,000 available from the sewer fund. The board approved the agreement and bid opening is planned for Oct. 5.

The board approved hiring Legacy Corporation to handle two items not completed by McClintock Excavation for the water loop project. One is lowering a main gate valve box at the car wash, and the other is rotating the new fire hydrant so the nozzle faces the street. Mire said McClintock received the punch list July 22 and they had until Sept. 22 to remedy it. If they failed to meet that deadline, Legacy will complete the work for $2,500. Mire also informed the board that Canadian Pacific sent a letter that the village has completed their track elevation monitoring after boring for the water loop with no issues reported.

The board also approved a budget not to exceed $1,500 for the Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The board also approved establishing a recreational equipment bank account with an initial deposit of $500 to begin setting money aside for park equipment.

OBITUARIES

MICHAEL WILLIAM KEEGAN

Born: September 23, 1948 in Morrison, Illinois Died: September 22, 2022 in Silvis, IL

Michael “Beagle” W. Keegan, 73, of Fenton, IL, died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Genesis Medical Center- Illini, Silvis, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, September 26, 2022 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Erie, IL. Visitation will be from 2 - 5 pm on Sunday at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie. Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose Church or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Mike was born September 23, 1948 in Morrison, Illinois, the son of Francis “Pat” and Esther Jean (Bush) Keegan. He graduated from Erie High School in 1966. He attended community college and then joined the Army where he served from 1969 – 1971. Mike married Wanda Border on April 25, 1970 at St. Ambrose Church in Erie. Mike was a lifelong farmer which was his greatest passion. In addition to farming, he was a Golden Harvest Seed Corn dealer, he worked at Ralston Purina for 19 years and owned and operated the Erie Parts Center for 14 years.

Mike loved visiting and telling stories with his coffee klatch. He was a member of the Lake Erie Country Club and enjoyed golfing in his men’s league. He was a dedicated supporter of his children and grandchildren and loved following their activities.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda; children, Misty (Mike) Slaymaker, Geneseo; Chad (Tasha) Keegan, Erie; grandchildren, Emma Jean and Alex Michael Slaymaker and Connor Michael, Kaylee Grace and Callen Patrick Keegan; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw, Clyde and Beth Kramer, Lynn and Donna Border, and Sharon Stoudt. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, Tom Stoudt and Kent and Lauren Border. Share a memory or condolence at www. gibsonbodefh.com

RUTH DEEM

Ruth Deem, 91, of Sterling, IL, passed on September 22, 2022.

Arrangements entrusted to McDonald Funeral Homes

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

Volunteer. 2022 Autumn on Parade f illed w ith tons of family f un

Oregon’s 2022 Autumn on Parade festival, slated for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1-2, promises fun-filled family-friendly activities. This year’s theme is “Fallin’ for Oregon.”

“Since its creation in 1970, the heart of this event has been our farmers and crafters market,” AOP President Debbie Dickson said. “A leisurely stroll around Courthouse Square offers a unique shopping opportunity showcasing handmade, homemade and homegrown items. You’ll find everything from home décor, children’s clothing, jewelry, home baked goods, local honey, produce, artisan products and more.”

Other events include the Fun Zone for kids, with magic, costumed characters, a petting zoo, bouncy attractions, crafts and games – all for free.

The festival’s food court, featuring local nonprofit organizations, will serve up something different at each stand.

“Staffed by cheery volunteers, these hardworking folks offer gyros, y u m m y g r i l l e d p o r k c h o p s a n d wiches, hot dogs, burgers, brats, pulled pork, roasted corn, Mexican specialties ... the list goes on!” Dickson said.

Funds raised by the efforts of these groups are put back into community projects, she said.

The Auto Classic and Antique Tractor Shows are on Saturday at Park East just across the Rock River. There is no charge to attend this walk back in time. Food will be available on-site. Be sure to catch the Tractor Parade through town at 4 p.m.

The festival’s entertainment stage and beer garden is back again this year. The music starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m.

“In conjunction with Illinois state law and for the safety of all, this is a fenced area for 21 and older. There is a $5 a person entry fee. An ID is required. Limited seating, so feel welcome to bring a folding chair,” Dickson said.

Stronghold’s Retreat and Conference Center is bringing back its Olde English Fair. There is an entrance fee but a free shuttle service will be available on Saturday for those who wish to park in town and travel to the castle grounds.

Fitness and outdoor enthusiasts can take part in 5K and Fun Run o p t i o n s e a r l y S u n d a y m o r n i n g . Check out registration details online at autumnonparade.com.

The ever popular Harvest Time Parade is at 1 p.m. Sunday.

“Our parade is filled with marching bands, novelty entertainment, youth groups and floats, as well as crowd pleasers Jesse White Tumblers and South Shore Drill Team, so grab your food court goodies and find your spot!” Dickson said.

The festival also is offering a 60/40 raffle. Tickets for the raffle are 6 for $5 and available at area businesses.

For a schedule of events and more information, visit www.autumnonparade.org.

RIGHT: Paint the Town’s new circle design.

FAR RIGHT:

A farm scene was painted on a business window during Paint the Town in Morrison on Sept. 17.

Photos provided

CAPA provides v isual arts oppor tunities to children, families

Raising Hope fundraiser is Sunday in Erie

Raising Hope, an organization that supports area foster families and foster children, will be hosting a One Toss at a Time cornhole/bags tournament from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Heritage Park, 421 Highland Ave. in Erie.

The entry fee is $20 for a team of two in the single elimination tournament. The maximum number of teams is 20, all first come, first play. All players must be 21 and older because of prizes being offered. There will be prizes for first- and second-place team winners. Drinks and snacks will be available.

If the weather is inclement, the event will be at the Erie Methodist Church.

Cordova firefighters pancake breakfast is Oct. 9

The Cordova Firefighter’s Association will be hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Cordova Fire Station, 906 Main Ave. The menu includes pancakes, hash browns, sausage, eggs and drinks. Cost is by donation. All funds support the fire department.

The cavemen (and women) painted on walls, Michelangelo used a ceiling, and contemporary artists paint on anything that doesn’t move and some things that do! But few can claim the distinction of artists who once a year paint more than a thousand squares on Morrison’s downtown streets. After a two-year pandemic hiatus and a stormy day that threatened to wash out painters, Paint the Town participants weathered the rain and came back to finish their squares. Some painted under the streetlights until 11 p.m. Saturday and more returned Sunday to finish their creations!

Paint the Town is a creative and fun festival of the visual arts that has colored Morrison’s downtown since 1994. But the popular event is the tip of the iceberg; it serves as the primary fundraising catalyst for the Children’s Art Preservation Association (CAPA). Since 1993, CAPA has provided opportunities for Morrison children and families to participate in the visual arts. CAPA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and its goals are designed to illustrate the role the visual arts play in our lives. Practically every consumer product, every package, every book and every “anything” has been graced by an artist’s hand. Art not only appears in museums or on our painted streets, but also parks in our garages and sits on our countertops and coffee tables.

While Paint the Town is fun and provides an opportunity for participants and families to share in artmaking together, they also are leaning about art without knowing. Each square, window and –new this year – circle is a creation that can be admired by its creator, family and community.

Whether you have purchased a square to paint at Paint the Town or are a sponsor or volunteer, all CAPA’s projects are a result of your support.

Since 1993, CAPA has invested more than $100,000 in support of the visual arts in Morrison schools and the community. Here are some of the projects CAPA has created or sponsored since 1993: • Framing and displaying award-winning student art in local schools and the community. Initially, CAPA held an auction that was the beginning of the framing fund and provided startup funds for the first Paint the Town. • CAPA has provided more than $45,000 in scholarships and continuing scholarships to Morrison High School seniors pursuing a visual arts degree program in college. • Funds equipment such as pottery wheels, Raku kilns, digital cameras and supplies, display boards, monitors, other tools and supplies, as well as education programs that enhance the K-12 art curriculums. • Authored and co-funded with Morrison schools, Illinois Arts Council grants providing Artist in Residency programs benefiting all grade levels. • Contributed funding for field trips to art museums in Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. • Provided funding for downtown lamppost banners featuring art of Morrison school students. • Created art shows featuring the work of Morrison artists. • CAPA provides annual funding for the Ned Nesti Award, awarding an outstanding junior high art student with a gift certificate for art supplies. • Created and funded summer visual arts programs for children. • Provides financial support for materials used to display student art for a yearly student art show that features the work of all students in grades K-12. • CAPA provided startup funding for The Loft, a gallery and educational venue for the visual arts in downtown Morrison.

Throughout CAPA’s history, the organization has received an award from the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education, presented by invitation at the Illinois Festivals and Events Conference and the Illinois Municipal League Conference, been featured in the National Main Street Program’s Guide to the Best Festivals and Events, and was twice featured on Quad City Public Television’s weekly television journal, Quad City Life.

To complete the artistic process, 2022 Paint the Town art will remain on the street until it gradually weathers away, allowing it to be looked at, pondered and appreciated by the community and visitors who come to admire its scope and variety.

The Children’s Art Preservation Association extends deepest thanks to all of Paint the Town’s sponsors, participants and volunteers.

See you at next year’s Paint the Town!