MORRISON
BY SARAH FORD For Shaw Media
A new business has opened on Morrison’s Main Street that’s bringing a flowery flair and gift destination to the downtown district. The Blue Violet’s grand opening was on Saturday, Sept. 18 with drawings, giveaways, and a shopping experience. The Blue Violet is a full-service florist shop for weddings, funerals, prom, homecoming, birthdays, and get-well bouquets, with fresh and silk arrangements designed daily, and delivery options available. The business is owned and operated by LuEllen Lee, who grew up in Fenton, graduated from Erie High School, and has been a Morrison resident for the past 34 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management but found her love for flower arranging while in 4-H and in classes she’s taken over the years. “I’ve always wanted to have my own floral shop and decided when I retired that’s what I was going to do,” said LuEllen of her new ventures. “I’ve been doing weddings, prom, and homecoming flowers over the years for fun. I’ve shown flowers at the Whiteside County Fair for many years too.” Besides the florals, the shop also carries a colorful selection of gift items such as wreaths, lanterns, greeting cards, candles, coffee, and more. When planning her inventory, she wanted items that other local stores didn’t carry, as well as those made in the USA. “Most of the signs and cards I have in the store are made in the USA. The candle line is from a woman- owned company, and I’m the only one in the region to carry them. The coffee line originated in Kona, HI over 30 years ago and I’m the only distributor in Illinois,” she said of her line of products. The business is turning out to be a family affair, with her husband Matt taking care of maintenance and deliveries and daughter Gina, a junior at Morrison High School, working at the store, making deliveries, and helping with displays when she’s not in school or at sports. The Lee’s also have two grown sons – Dustin, who lives in Wilmington, NC, and Brandon lives in Morrison. “They all are my support system,” said LuEllen of her family. The Blue Violet also has rental items available for weddings, special events, birthday parties,
Sarah Ford For Shaw Media
ABOVE: Gina and LuEllen Lee are pictured at The Blue Violet during their grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 18. The new store in downtown Morrison features florals and gifts. RIGHT: Besides the florals, the shop carries a colorful selection of gift items such as wreaths, lanterns, greeting cards, candles, coffee, and more. and more. Items include linen tablecloths, chair covers, chair sashes, table runners, glass vases, and votives of all shapes and sizes. She also has a wooden arch, a backdrop, lanterns, doors, eucalyptus runners, and crates, perfect to rent for weddings. The Blue Violet is located at 115 East Main Street in Morrison. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. – noon on Saturdays. Find “The Blue Violet” on social media for updates, specials, and more, or call 815-772-8915 for ordering.
ALBANY
Village of Albany mayor, trustee, and clerk resign BY SARAH FORD For Shaw Media
The village of Albany has reached a near crisis point, with resignations, infighting, accusations from both sides, and residents pleading for civility and a functioning government unit. Mayor Steve Dyson, elected for a 4-year term in April 2021, resigned
Sept. 22, joining others who have left their positions in recent months. Trustee Brandi Tiesman and village clerk Jessica Kuebel, both elected in April, also resigned in late August. Assistant treasurer Chris Goodson was fired Aug. 31. Maintenance supervisor and zoning officer Logan Foster resigned June 16. Nate Trickel has since been appointed
maintenance supervisor, Angie Allen has been appointed as village clerk, and Brenda Stuart, who was hired this summer, is now the assistant treasurer. The village is still without a police force after the resignation of Police Chief Wyatt Heyvaert and three other part-time officers in June, plus the retirement of another.
The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department and Fulton Police Department continue to respond to any emergencies. A committee meeting was on Sept. 22, but no appointments were made to fill the positions. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the village hall.
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, Sep 28, 2021
The Blue Violet opens on Main Street in Morrison
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