By Jerry Lindsey, Assistant Editor.
The Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC) held their Annual Meeting at Morrison Institute of Technology, 701 Portland Avenue, Morrison, IL, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
MADC President Bob Smith opened the evening and introduced the first presenter, City Administrator Brian Melton. Melton offered an enthusiastic and positive picture for the future of Morrison.
Melton included:
- Route 30 – Resurfacing commitment for the State of Illinois remains in question, but patch work should begin soon.
- Crocker Street Bridge – Repairs to the bridge will require closure of the bridge in the Spring of 2026. It will reopen before the 2026-27 school year begins in the fall.
- Grove Hill Cemetery – The new maintenance building will be completed by the end of the 2025 calendar year.
- Pickleball Court – the City has been awarded a $100K grant to construct a Pickleball Court, Batting Cages, and Playground Equipment, and general maintenance to park facilities.
- Hiring of a new, part-time Code Enforcement Officer.
- A new City logo has been approved; signage carrying the logo will be forthcoming.
Kim Ewoldsen, Executive Director of Regional Economic Development and Donor Relations of the Sauk Valley Community College offered an update on the happenings within SVCC. She painted a picture of how the college supports the area, through a positive relationship with the local organizations.
Keynote Speaker for the evening was Brad Fritts, State Representative for the 74th District, who shared highlights and frustrations that he encounters within the House. He remained very optimistic about the future of the State of Illinois.
Bob Smith closed the evening summarizing the successes of the MADC. He expressed an optimistic outlook for the upcoming year.