14 minute read
Nanette “Nan” (Curley) Talbot, Robert L. Thompson, Sharon Ann Fisher Bell-Dize, Jane K. Heath, Illene Howlett
NANETTE “NAN” (CURLEY) TALBOT
Born: July 28, 1948 in Clinton, IA Died: December 4, 2022 in Bettendorf, IA
NANETTE “NAN” (CURLEY) TALBOT, 74, of Bettendorf, IA, formerly of Fulton, IL, died Sunday December 4, 2022 at her home in Bettendorf. Her memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2022 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, officiated by Beacon of Hope Hospice Chaplain, Rev. Stephanie Ward. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022 at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. Interment will be in the Rosedale Cemetery in Cambridge, IL. Memorials have been established to the National CFIDS Foundation and the Quad City Wind Ensemble.
Nan was born July 28, 1948 in Clinton, IA, to Delbert V. and Marian (Huggins) Curley. She attended Galva, IL High School and later graduated from Geneseo High School in Geneseo, IL. She went on to graduate from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. On June 21, 1969 she married Frank A. Talbot in Thomson, IL. Nan taught music in Missouri and Iowa for several years. She then retired from teaching, staying home to take care of her health and her family. She continued to use her musical abilities by directing the woman’s singing group, The Clintones, for many years. She enjoyed making beaded jewelry in her free time, and loved attending live music performances in the area. She also really enjoyed genealogy and family research.
Survivors include her husband, Frank; one son, Sean (Violet) Talbot of Bettendorf, IA; one granddaughter, Amelia Talbot; one sister, Sharon Batterham of Tucson, AZ; two brothers, Clark (Ann) Curley of Fulton, IL and Robert (Ann) Curley of Thomson, IL; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister-in-law, Maxine Stubbs.
ROBERT L. THOMPSON
Born: June 11, 1932 in Sterling, IL Died: December 8, 2022 in Sterling, IL
ROBERT L. THOMPSON, 90 of Sterling, IL, formerly of Prophetstown, IL, died Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Allure of Sterling. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Mr. Ken Renkes officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 am. A private interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. A memorial has been established to American Cancer Society.
Bob was born June 11, 1932, in Sterling, IL, to Thomas Earl and La Vera (Smith) Thompson. He was educated in the Prophetstown grade school. Bob served in the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He married Sandra Sue Rhoades on August 21, 1959, in Clinton, IA. Bob first engaged in farming in the rural Prophetstown, Erie and Tampico areas. He later was employed as custodian for the United Township High School in East Moline, IL. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Morrison. Bob enjoyed woodworking and was a “familiar face” at all of the church suppers.
Survivors include two daughters: Debbie Roselieb of Fulton, IL, Katherine (John Fernando) Thompson of Las Vegas, NV; one son, Michael Lee Thompson of Austin, TX; one son in law, Serta Aguilar of Mexico; eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Helen (Mark) Spencer, Rebecca Aguilar, one grandchild; one brother, Jack Thompson; one brother-in-law, Audie Roselieb; special friend, Shirley Betts.
JANE K. HEATH
Jane K. Heath, 72, of Morrison, IL, passed on December 4, 2022.
Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison, IL. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.
ILLENE HOWLETT
Illene Margaret Howlett, 83, of Prophetstown, passed on 12/9/2022.
Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home, Prophetstown. Additional information: www.bosmagibson.com.
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Volunteer.
One-of-a-kind Christmas collection pieces from the Considine Gallery in Fulton.
Photo provided
FULTON
Considine Gallery featured at nex t Wild Winter Wednesday
The Windmill Volunteer Educators at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton invite the public to attend their next Wild Winter Wednesday program Dec. 21.
The featured speaker will be Arlene Rose Considine, who is a local historical author. Her art gallery is located at 201 10th Ave. in Fulton, just east of the Windmill Cultural Center.
Wild Winter Wednesday guests will be taking the short field trip next door to view and have an explanation of handcrafted Christmas pieces from the 1500s to 1945. Considine has spent 50-plus years collecting Renaissance pieces from all over Northern Europe and the U.S. East Coast. Come enjoy this truly one-of-a-kind collection!
Doors will open at 9 a.m. for coffee, tea and mill treats. The program begins about 9:20. The building is disability accessible. The program is funded through a grant from the D.S. Flikkema Foundation and a donation from Nelson Corp. The programs are free and open to the public.
If River Bend Schools are closed b e c a u s e o f w e a t h e r , W i l d W i n t e r Wednesday also is canceled.
SHARON ANN FISHER BELLDIZE
Born: August 2, 1951 in Marion, VA Died: December 6, 2022 in Wheeling, WV
Sharon Ann Fisher Bell-Dize, 71, of Moundsville, WV passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Liza’s Place.
She was born in Marion, VA, on August 2, 1951, daughter of the late Marvin “Leon” and Virginia Chapman Fisher.
Sharon retired as a research specialist with the American Red Cross and was a member of Glen Dale United Methodist Church. She loved Christmas, Halloween, and decorating for each holiday. She encouraged the heart of children for the holidays by playing the musical ornaments. She liked to bake, especially peanut butter fudge, was known for her giving heart, lived for her grandchildren, and had a love for the ocean and the beach.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Connie Barrett.
Surviving is her husband, Coley Dize; four children, Jodi (Ranae) Bell of Rock Falls, IL, Dacia (Bob) Hutchison of Milledgeville, IL, Elisha (Michael) Carl of Wheeling, WV, and Jennifer Dize of Bethlehem, PA; one brother, Michael Fisher of Rock Falls, IL; twelve grandchildren, Co Daniel (Mary) Alstrand, Erika (Thomas) Gabbard, Morgan Alstrand, Paige Alstrand, Branninghan (Owen) Brown, Chase Hutchison, Christian Bell, Timothy Eure, James Potts, III, Kayde Potts, Lindsay Carl, and Phillip (Laura) Carl; thirteen great grandchildren; two dogs, Gracie and Bently; and one grandpuppy, Willow.
A celebration of life will be held at The Bridge Tavern, Terminal Room, 950 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003, on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 7 pm.
Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home, 1308 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 (304-232-5110).
Photo provided Morrison Shell manager Pat Weidel (right) presents a check to Tawny Wiersema, WHOA program director, on Dec. 6 at the gas station at 651 W. Lincolnway. Morrison Shell’s Giving Pump campaign ran from August to October, with WHOA chosen as this year’s beneficiary. For every gallon of gas pumped from WHOA’s designated pump, Shell donated 1 cent. A total of $590.89 was collected, which will benefit the nonprofit’s therapeutic riding program. “We are so grateful for the community support!” Wiersema said. “WHOA thanks Johnson Oil Co. and everyone who came to Shell to buy gas during the campaign.”
Photo provided Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison recently received a special donation from 10-year-old Ivy Mills. Ivy’s parents, Joe and Dani Mills, have their children donate to a charity of their choice every year during the holidays. Ivy’s great-grandmother, Ruth Mills, was a resident at the home, where Ivy would visit her. Ivy chose Resthave for her donation. Her brother, Drake, donated to the new Morrison Winter Park. Pictured is Jill Smith, Resthave administrator, with Ivy.
W ishing you warm, safe and Happy Holidays
Local Investment. Jobs. Clean Energy.
By KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com
MORRISON – The Nov. 8 election results have been certified, and the Whiteside County Board on Dec. 5 held an organizational meeting to determine who on the 27-member panel will serve two-year terms and who will serve four.
Members also chose new leadership. Longtime incumbent Republican Martin Koster will take the gavel from Democrat Jim Duffy, perhaps reflecting the change in the balance of power from a Democratic to a Republican majority.
Many of the members are returning incumbents, but there are some new faces, and one seat, a Republican spot in District 3, is in need of an appointee.
That’s because former Morrison police Chief Brian Melton, who ran for the position, was given the job of Morrison city administrator, but too late to remove his name from the ballot. He cannot serve as both a county board member and the town’s administrator because it poses a conflict of interest that is prohibited by state statute.
The Whiteside County Republican Central Committee is accepting applications from those interested in serving the two-year term, which ends in November 2024. The new board member will be seated at the Dec. 20 meeting.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of Albany, Erie, Fenton, Fulton, Morrison or Prophetstown or the townships of Albany, Clyde, Erie, Fenton, Fulton, Garden Plain, Mt. Pleasant, Newton, Portland, Union Grove or Ustick.
He or she also must be a Republican and a registered voter for at least a year.
“We are seeking a conservative Republican individual with a solid Republican primary voting history,” committee Chairman Kurt Glazier said in a news release.
Applicants’ voting histories will be verified, Glazier said. Interviews will be held this week.
Minus Melton, here are the Whiteside County Board election results, including how many years the member will serve, his or her party and whether they are returning incumbents:
Shaw Local News Network file photo The Nov. 8 election results have been certified, and the Whiteside County Board, which meets monthly at the county courthouse in Morrison, has determined who on the 27-member board will serve two-year terms and who will serve four. The next meeting is Dec. 20
District 1
2 Joan Padilla (D) (i) 4 Vice Chairman Kurt E. Glazier (R) (i) 4 James C. Duffy (D) (i) 2 Sally Douglas (R) 2 Thomas L. Ausman (D) (i) 4 Alex Regalado (D) 2 Michael J. Clark (R) 4 Thomas P. Witmer (R) (i) 4 Ernest Smith (D) (i)
District 2
4 Douglas Wetzell (R) (i) 2 Barry L. Cox (R) 2 Matt Ward (R) 2 Brooke Pearson (R) (i) 4 Linda Pennell (R) (i) 4 Glenn C. Truesdell (D) (i) 4 Shawn Dowd (D) (i) 4 Paul J. Cunniff (D) (i) 2 Brhenan Linke (R)
District 3
4 Sue Britt (D) (i) 2 Daniel L. Bitler (D) (i) 4 Glenn A. Frank (R) (i) 2 Chairman Martin Koster (R) (i) 2 Mark Hamilton (R) (i) 4 Larry Russell (R) (i) 4 Chad Weaver (R) (i) 2 Douglas E. Crandall (R) (i) designates incumbent
As is required after every U.S. census, all 27 seats, nine in each district, were on the ballot. That means all t e r m s w i l l e n d i n 2 0 3 2 , w h e n t h e post-census process will return.
Five Democratic Whiteside County Board incumbents – Fidencio Hooper-Campos and Owen Harrell in District 1, and Karen Nelson, Katherine A. Nelson and George P. Kelly in District 2 – lost their races, which means there now are 17 Republicans and 10 Democrats, whereas before there were 15 Democrats and 12 Republicans.
In all, seven newcomers – one Democrat and two Republicans in District 1, three Republicans in District 2 and one Republican in District 3 – won spots.
One District 2 newcomer did not run in the June primary. Barry Cox, a Republican and former Sterling City Council alderman, was slated by the party because it did not have the full complement of nine Republicans at the time.
Social Secur it y Administration unveils new web por tal
Shaw Local News Network
Visitors to SSA.gov will experience a fresh homepage and a new design to help them find what they need more easily.
“SSA.gov is visited by over 180 million people per year and it is one of our most important tools for providing efficient and equitable access to service,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration. “Whether providing service in person or online, our goal is to help people understand what they may qualify for and seamlessly transition them to an application process.”
Improved self-service capability allows people to skip calling or visiting an office, which helps Social Security staff focus on those visitors who need in-person assistance.
Part of ongoing efforts to improve how the public can do business with the agency, the redesign is intended to provide a clear path to the tasks customers need to accomplish. Many of the most visited sections of SSA.gov are now live with a more user-friendly and task-based approach. New pages and improvements based on public feedback will continue to be unveiled in the coming months.
Visitors to SSA.gov can use interactive tools to:
Check eligibility for benefits
The new benefit eligibility screener is a convenient and simple way for people to learn if they might be eligible for benefits.
Save time on Social Security Number and card online services
If a person loses their SSN card, they may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing their SSN is enough. If a person does need a replacement card, they may be able to request it online by visiting www.ssa. gov/ssnumber. Individuals also can start an application for an updated card or request an SSN for the first time. People may never need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online.
People can start the application process online and request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits by answering a few questions at www.ssa. gov/benefits/ssi/.
Apply for Social Security benefits and other online services
For most benefits, people can apply online or start an application online. In many cases, there are no forms to sign. The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information. Visit www.ssa.gov/ onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability or Medicare.
Many Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office. Using a mySocial Security account, a personalized online service, people can start or change direct deposit, or request a replacement SSA1099. For individuals already receiving Social Security benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter if they need proof of their benefits.
People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits.
The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services. The agency encourages people without a my Social Security account to create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.
Riverdale High School choir members sang Christmas carols at River Valley District Library during Port Byron’s Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec. 9. Pictured from left is Micah Reece, George Young, Shelby Pifkin, choir and middle and high school band teacher Matt Reece, Ian Smiddy, Michael Kelley and Oliver Bull. Kristin Germanceri and her daughter Brooklyn, 10, of Port Byron were selling Young Living essential oils and blends during the River Valley District Library vendor fair during Port Byron’s Christmas Walk. All proceeds from their sales were donated to World Relief Moline, a nonprofit organization that helps refugees.
The Wandering Patriots Harmonica Band serenaded the crowd at River Valley District Library with Christmas tunes on Friday evening. The library hosted a vendor and bake sale, Christmas carolers, a potpourri making craft, hot cocoa station, kids’ games and more during the festivities. Riverdale’s Ukulele Band performed in the gazebo after the tree-lighting ceremony during Port Byron’s Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec. 9, with Santa Claus and Mr. and Mrs. Frost joining them onstage. Many downtown businesses were open with food and drink specials, goodies and giveaways, refreshments, store specials and pop-up vendors.
FAR LEFT: Marla Skelton and her daughter Dassah Skelton, both of Port Byron, check out the raffle baskets at the Port Byron Village Hall during the Christmas Walk. All proceeds raised from the raffles were donated to the Port Byron Fire Department. LEFT: Mary Beth Eggers of Rapids City serves up homemade chicken and noodles, provided by the mayor’s office, in the Port Byron Village Hall during Friday night’s Christmas Walk.
