Despite Body Blows to Economy, Local Businesses Still Hiring

Despite terrible news about the U. S. economy because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there [is] activity in the Whiteside County/Northwest Illinois region.  While the State’s unemployment rate for April 2020 hit 16.4%, several businesses in the region are hiring.  More are getting ready to hire as we move out of

Rep. McCombie and City of Savanna to Host Blood Drive

State Representative Tony McCombie and the City of Savanna/Savanna Fire Department are promoting the Savanna Community Blood Drive, on Wednesday, June 1, 2020, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The location is Savanna Fire Department Truck Bay, 101 Main Street, Savanna, IL. Appointments are requested.  Please call Rep. McCombie’s office at

Splendid Day for End of May Car Cruise

Lloyd DeShane organized an old fashioned, Sunday, May 31, 2020, drive through a bit of Whiteside County, IL.  He had scheduled an ideal spring day.  Cross-country vistas were blessed by azure skies, awash with white, fluffy, Cumulonimbus clouds. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., 50 vehicles departed Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison

David H. Davis (1956 – 2020)

David H. Davis, age 63, of Morrison, IL, died Monday, June 1, 2020, at Allure of Prophetstown, IL. David was born October 17, 1956, in Morrison the son of Jerrold and Mary (Wood) Davis.  He was employed as a farmer for many years. He is survived by brothers, Rod (Kim

ComEd Extends Customer Bill-Assistance Support

As people continue to feel the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, ComEd voluntarily extends until at least July 1, 2020, its support for customers.  The utility will suspend disconnections and waive new, late payment charges and reconnection fees. In addition, ComEd encourages customers whose electric service was disconnected for

Driver Services Facilities Reopen with Expanded Hours

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced his office’s reopening plan, beginning Monday, June 1, 2020.  The first two months will focus on serving only new drivers; customers with expired Driver’s Licenses/ID cards; vehicle transactions.  Currently there are more than 700,000 expired Driver’s Licenses/ID cards and 1,900,000 expired vehicle registrations.

Isabel Bloom Closes Two of Three Stores

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Isabel Bloom notified customers via email that stores in Moline, IL, and LeClaire, IA, will close.  “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many challenges and  hardships for small businesses,” said the Thursday, May 28, email.  “All of our stores have been closed since [Wednesday,] March 18. 

Help Legionnaires Retrieve Grave Flags May 30

Morrison, IL, American Legion Post 328 Legionnaires will retrieve the gravestone flags, on Saturday, May 30, 2020.  Community volunteers are greatly appreciated. Rendezvous at the Grove Hill Cemetery maintenance shed at 7:00 a.m.  Please wear a mask or face covering.

Order Take-Out Art at The Loft on Main

Beginning Friday, May 29, 2020, The Loft of Main, 112 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL, offers window shopping experiences with curbside pickup.  Storefront windows currently display the work of 42 artists. Customers will call Board member Sharon Boyles at 815-718-3682 to purchase an item and schedule a time for pickup. 

County Prepares for Restore Illinois Phase 3

On Sunday, May 24, 2020, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released the Phase 3 Guidelines, for Reopening Businesses and Returning People to Work Safely, https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/pages/restoreILP3.aspx.  The Department of Health spokesperson, Cory Law, announced on Wednesday, May 27, that the County is within the State’s guidelines for reopening. 

May 27 County COVID Report

On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, Whiteside County Health Department announced no new laboratory-confirmed cases and six recoveries of COVID-19 in Whiteside County.  We are saddened to report the death of an individual 90+ on Sunday, May 24, was COVID related.  The State of Illinois announced 1111 new cases and 160 additional deaths.

May 21 Sheriff’s Arrest Report

On Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 4:30 p.m., Whiteside County Deputies made a traffic stop on a 1998, black, Buick Riviera in the 500 block of E. U. S. Route 30, Rock Falls, IL, at the entrance of Crystal Lake Motel.  As the Deputies approached the Buick Riviera, they observed

Church Cancellations

Check back often to read news of area church cancellations. Vacation Bible School has been cancelled. St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 601 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, IL, has suspended on-site worship services until further notice.  “We are posting video worship services online (Youtube and Facebook) and emailing bulletins to follow

Whiteside County Afternoon Cruise May 31

Lloyd DeShane has organized an old fashioned, Sunday drive through Whiteside County, beginning at 1:00 p.m., on May 31, 2020.  The caravan will depart Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL.  The public is invited to join the cruise. “We are practicing social distancing rules set by our