Albany Food Pantry Donation and Extended Hours

In November 2019, Albany Food Pantry received a generous donation of supplies from Fulton City Lodge #189 and the Merten Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.  All items were used to serve residents of Albany.  Albany Food Pantry is housed at Albany United Methodist Church, 502 First Avenue,

Carol Lee Given (1941 – 2019)

Carol Lee Given, 78, of Morrison, IL, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, December 28, 2019. Carol was born May 31, 1941, in Gurnee, IL.  She married Rex B. Given, Sr. on November 29, 1956, in Morrison.  He died October 8, 2012.  Carol worked

Mary Ann Temple (1930 – 2019)

Mary Ann Temple, 89, of Windsor Manor Assisted Living Community in Morrison, IL, died Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Windsor Manor. Mary Ann was born August 8, 1930, in Fulton, IL, to Jacob and Gertrude (Hoogheem) Norman.  She attended Fulton schools and was a graduate of Fulton High School.  Mary

January 5 Honeybee Management Session VII

It is time for another beekeeping management session at Andresen Nature Center, 409 N. 4th Street in Fulton, IL, adjacent to Heritage Canyon.  The session will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2020, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  It will be led by Mike Kramer, one of our local beekeepers and the

Consider Recyclable Gift Bags

In 2018, the Editor chose to “wrap” all gifts in colorful mylar, drawstring bags.  There are no boxes, tissue, wrapping paper, cellophane tape, or bows that are discarded.  They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs (not only Christmas); 32 bags and 32 tags; with satin ribbons for

Stephanie Mann Joins Fitzgerald Floral

Forty-four years ago, when Stephanie Mann of Morrison, IL, was 15, she began working in her mother’s florist shop after school and on Saturdays.  Ruthie Hayenga owned Wilson Greenhouse & Florists at 103 N. Heaton and W. Main Street, Morrison.  On Saturday, November 30, 2019, Mann closed the building which

Christmas Whimsy at the Dentist Office

“Dr. Mindy Hochgesang, [her brother] Dr. Craig Peterson, and the entire…team strive to provide high-quality, gentle, comprehensive care to patients of all ages.  Everyone in our office has a warm and friendly demeanor that will calm anxious nerves and put your mind at ease.”  Theirs is a full-service, family business,

Walmart Truckers Donate to Junior High

The Sterling, IL, Walmart Transportation Office selected Morrison Junior High School, 300 Academic Drive, Morrison, IL, to receive a $1000 donation, as part of Walmart’s support of local communities.  On Thursday, December 19, 2019, at 8:45 a.m. an oversized replica of the financial gift was presented in the school lobby.

December 20 Fire Department Delivered Toys

Morrison, IL, firefighters planned for Christmas on Saturday, November 23, 2019, by holding their Morrison Fire Department Sandwich Sale and “Caring for Our Community” toy drive.  Generous Community members help by donating toys or money to purchase them.  Annually, MFD distributes gifts to local school children in need.  Families are

Phil “Billygoat” Akker (1957 – 2019)

Phil “Billygoat” Akker, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at his home in Morrison, IL, from an extended illness. Philip Gene Akker was born March 25, 1957, in Morrison, the son of Louis and Beverly (Carley) Akker.  He grew up in Chadwick, IL, and was a 1975 graduate of Chadwick

John Lee VanderSchaaf (1941 – 2019)

John Lee VanderSchaaf, 78, of Morrison, IL, died Monday, December 23, 2019, at his home. John was born June 19, 1941, in Morrison, to Lee and Georgiana (Newendyke) VanderSchaaf. He was educated in the Morrison grade schools and was a graduate of Morrison High School.  He was married to Louise

Joyce A. Lilly (1948 – 2019)

Joyce A. Lilly, 71 of Fulton, IL, died Monday December 23, 2019, at Mercy One Medical center in Clinton, IA. Joyce was born on September 15, 1948, in Morrison, IL, the daughter of Ikey and Mary (Frank) Engelkens.  She married Frank Ernest Lilly on December 31, 1984, in Fulton.  Joyce

2019 Christmas Services

Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate 2019 Christmas services at any of these 16 Morrison, IL, churches. Bethesda Lutheran Church–301 W. South Street, will have Candlelight service on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, at 5:00 p.m., with Holy Communion.  This service will be filled with traditional hymns and carols

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church Worship Schedule

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 401, N. Cherry Street, Morrison, IL, will hold rites and masses during the several days of Christmas.  Beginning the last Sunday of Advent, these days conclude with Epiphany, on Monday, January 6, 2020.  This day signifies the Adoration of the Magi, when the Wise Men visited