Remembering the Grand Army of the Republic

  This handcrafted, stone column stands in Grove Hill Cemetery, in Morrison, IL, on the edge of E. High Street.  It and a companion Oak tree were dedicated by the [Morrison] Woman’s Relief Corps, No. 60, in 1929, “in loyal memory of Alpheus Clark Post No. 118, Grand Army of

July 25 Dixon “Big Band Night” in Page Park

  Rock River Jazz Band is bringing the Big Band Era back, for a second live concert this month, on Saturday, July 25, 2026.  This “Big Band Night” concert will take place from the bandshell beside Rock River, in Page Park, Dixon, IL.   Music is from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

July 25 Sterling Street Fest: Music, Makers, and Family Fun

  Downtown Sterling, IL, will offer live music, local makers, family activities, great food, and community spirit, during the inaugural “Sterling Street Fest.”  It takes place Saturday, July 25, 2026,from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Admission is free.  Some seating will be available; bring lawn chairs.  Explore downtown businesses, support local

Loras College Announces Graduates:  Matthew Marcum

  Loras College, Dubuque, IA, announced the names of students who earned a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in 2026. Matthew Marcum, of Rock Falls, IL, received a Bachelor of Science degree, in Biological Research and Politics.  He is a graduate of Rock Falls High School.

MCHS Class of 1966 to Hold 60th Reunion

  The Morrison Community High School Class of 1966 will hold their 60th Class Reunion, on the weekend of Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2026. ∗     A “Meet and Greet” will be held Friday evening, October 2, downtown at Double G Saloon, 113 W. Main Street, beginning

Attend Third Thursday at the Loft on Main July 16

  The Loft on Main will celebrate Third Thursday from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 16, 2026.  The location is 112 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL. Drop in for no-cost, home-baked deliciousness and  beverages; friendly conversation; options to admire artist-made items.  Art costs begin at $5–many beautiful and/or

Quincy University Dean’s List: Zylan Westbrook

  Quincy University released its Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester.  Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean’s List. Zyan Westbrook, Rock Falls, IL, was one of 402 students who received the honor

District #6 Partners with Veregy to Upgrade Facilities

  In June 2026 Morrison Community Unit School District #6 officially launched a comprehensive facility improvement project, in partnership with Veregy, a leading energy solutions provider.  Infrastructure upgrades were scheduled to begin in June and reach completion in August, modernizing critical building systems across campuses.  Crucially for families and staff,

Fitzgerald Pharmacy Moving and Opening Dates

  Fitzgerald Pharmacy will transition to its new location at 100 W. Lincolnway (former Wells Fargo Bank), Morrison, IL, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.  The location at 124 E. Main Street–below–will close early that day at 3:00 p.m. Opening Day is Thursday, July 23, at noon.

DNA Identifies Teen Who Died in Revolutionary War

  Editor’s note:   Journalist Ellen Wexler is a staff writer and Special Projects Editor, digital, for “Smithsonian” magazine.  She covers history, archaeology, arts and culture, literature, and film.  She published this fascinating report Friday, July 10, 2026. DNA cracked the code to reveal a nearly 250-year-old cold case.  John Pumphrey

July 19 Anticipation Ministries at Spring Valley

  Spring Valley Reformed Church, 10960 Spring Valley Road, Fulton IL, welcomes Anticipation Ministries to their outdoor stage on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.  Come and join us for an evening of praise and worship.  A free-will offering will be received.  In case of inclement weather, the concert

July 4 NYC Sky Drama: Fireworks and Lightning

  Seth Wenig, Photographer for Allied Press, captured this photo of New York City, NY, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as the sky was doubly illuminated.  He took the snapshot across the Hudson River, from Bayonne, NJ.

Civil War Program by Lonnie Rice July 26

  On Sunday, July 26, 2026, Morrison Historical Society will host speaker Lonnie Rice at the City of Morrison Community Room, in Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL.  He will illustrate involvement of Morrison soldiers during the Civil War.  There will be historical items on display. Doors

Big Boy No. 4014 Locomotive to Pass Through Illinois July 18

  Editor’s note:  Big boy No. 4014 stopped in Morrison, IL, on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.  Local resident and Union Pacific Railroad Pilot-to-the-Engineer Patrick Moore was able to wave to his wife, Sharon, for a few minutes.  It was remarkable to see this impressive piece of railroad history up close! 

Gwen Gardner (1950 – 2026)

  Gwen Gardner, 75, of Prophetstown, IL, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, in Morrison, IL.  She had been a resident there since January of 2025.  Her brother, Garth, of Moosehead Lake, ME, was at her side. Gwen was born on April 22, 1950,