The Blue Violet opens on Main Street

MORRISON

The Blue Violet opens on Main Street in Morr ison

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, 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.

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.

ALBANY

Village of A lbany mayor, trustee, and clerk resig n

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.

The Illinois Health Care Association on Sept. 14 announced the winner of the 2021 IHCA Excellence Award for Administrator of the Year, honoring the hard work and dedication of long-term care administrators.

Jill Smith, administrator at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, was named the 2021 IHCA Administrator of the Year.

Smith has been the administrator at Resthave for more than five years. She has served in long-term care for more than 25 years in a multitude of roles including admissions, social services and administration. Her strong leadership qualities and knowledge of the rules and regulations is beyond impressive, a news release stated. What she is unsure of is researched until mastered. Smith seems to work endlessly, which speaks to her commitment, love and compassion for those she serves. Smith is among the best of the best and any facility would be lucky to have such a dedicated administrator.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition from IHCA” Smith said. “I am surrounded by the best board of directors, staff, residents and community. I could not do what I do every day without them. It is a privilege to serve in this role.”

IHCA is proud to be able to honor outstanding long-term care professionals and have them involved in the association, the release stated. IHCA applauds their dedication and thanks them for a job well done.

Submitted photo Jill Smith, administrator at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, receives the Illinois Heath Care Association Excellence Award for Administrator of the Year.

IN BRIEF

Fulton High School Class of 1951 holds 70th reunion

The Fulton High School graduating class of 1951 held their 70th class reunion on Thursday, Sept. 23.

Out of a graduating class of 42, 12 are still living and six of those attended the reunion. They where Bob Rowland and wife, Bob Blean and wife, Charles Flikkema and wife, Neal Houzenga and wife, Wilma Decker DeWerdt, and Marguerite Norman Sikkema Clark.

The class was featured on KWQC news that evening.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Ruth Thompson to celebrate 90th bir thday

Ruth Thompson will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Thursday, Sept. 30.

Her children are P a m a n d L a r y Pfeiffer, Beth and F r an k S t e l l a a n d Duane Thompson. Her grandchildren a r e D r s . N i c h o l e and Chad Versluis a n d R e n e e a n d A d a m H u l l . H e r Ruth Thompson g r e a t - g r a n d c h i l dren are Patrick and Andrew Versluis and Lillian and Mason Hull.

A family dinner was held Sept. 26.

Congratulatory cards may be sent to P.O. Box 624, Tampico, IL 61283.

You are cordially invited to attend the

2021 SAUK VALLEY

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH • 10AM-2PM NORTHLAND MALL • STERLING

FREE ADMISSION • VENDORS • DOOR PRIZES • & LOTS OF FUN! • Discover great opportunities • Learn about retirement living choices • Financial planning • Health screenings • Consultations and much more

PLAY SENIOR SHOWCASE BINGO FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FREE GROCERIES!

Check out the Free Chair Yoga Class hosted by 7:24 Fitness On The Rock at Noon!