July 1 Motor Fuel Tax Inflation Adjustment

  The following Statement from the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association addresses the upcoming July 1, 2025, Motor Fuel Tax Inflation Adjustment. “Illinois drivers are already paying their fair share in motor fuel taxes, and that amount is set to go up July 1,” said Nate Harris, CEO of the

CCC Alumni Association Recognizes Student Leaders

  Forty-one Clinton Community College student leaders were recognized by the Alumni Association at the annual Student Leader Luncheon.  Students were nominated by the staff and faculty, for showing leadership in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. The Fulton, IL, Student Leaders are Isabella Adams, Missie Fullmer, and

Douglas Cassens (1937 – 2025)

  Douglas Cassens, 87, of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, May 18, 2025, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL. Doug was born September 17, 1937, in Morrison, to Alfred L. and Dorothy Mae (Peterkin) Cassens.  He graduated from Morrison High School and served in the United States Army.  On February

Bus Tours to Highlight Clinton History

  The Clinton Community College Diversity Team is collaborating with the Gateway History Club and City of Clinton, IA, to offer Bus Tours highlighting our community’s heritage.  Clinton Community College, located at 1000 Lincoln Boulevard in Clinton, is one of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. The community bus tours are

Eager “Cornlets” Sprang Forth

  In anticipation of a new season of crop production, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Editor photographed these well-groomed acres.  They lay between Norrish and Hazel Roads.  Not a speck of green indicated what would soon emerge. It was clear, however, that unseen seeds were poised to creep through

Volunteer Millers to Host Windmill Anniversary Program

  Editor’s note:  The photo of de Immigrant windmill was submitted by Jude Holesinger on behalf of Johan Van Dyke, a Miller from The Netherlands. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the windmill in Fulton, IL, Volunteer Millers at de Immigrant will host a program by Bob Newton.  He will

Amish Home Cooked Dinner/Bake Sale to Benefit School

  Last year, local Amish school children benefited from a new school building, in the Spring Valley, IL, area.  To raise funds for supplies, the public is invited to a community-wide “Good Home Cooked Dinner and Bake Sale.”  The dinner will be held Friday, May 23, 2025, from 3:30 to

Morrison Garden Club Plants Some Cheer

  This feature was written by Ranae Rickels.  The Editor took the photographs. In partial sun on the corner of highways 78 and 30 are three large, white pots, contrasting the red brick wall.  Each pot has a new addition–a trellis to support beautiful climbing vines.  The two, outside planters

Sherin “Lucille” Lathrop (1942 – 2025)

  Sherin “Lucille” Lathrop, 82, of Sterling, IL, died on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Allure of Sterling. Lucille was born November 24, 1942, in Rock Falls, IL, the daughter of Merle and Evelyn (Wescott) Lathrop.  In her younger years, Lucille loved to paint and enjoyed collecting butterflies and angels. 

Rock Falls Louie Bellson Music Fest June 7

  The 4th Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 201 E. Second Street, Rock Falls, IL.  This festival celebrates the legacy of Louie Bellson (1924-2009), the Rock Falls native who rose to become the renowned drummer, composer, band leader, and six-time Grammy nominee.  The

Fulton Windmill Celebrates a Quarter Century

  The windmill in Fulton, IL, named de Immigrant, turns 25 this year.  On Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Fulton will celebrate this milestone anniversary with games, bake-off, tours, and a rededication of the authentic Dutch windmill. Because Fulton was largely a Dutch community, the

Russell J. Dykstra (1960 – 2025)

  Russell J. Dykstra, 64, of Fulton, IL, died Thursday, May 15, 2025, at his home. Russell was born July 9, 1960, in Morrison, IL, to John E. and Doris R. (Vanderploeg) Dykstra.  He attended Fulton Christian Grade School and graduated from Fulton High School with the Class of 1978. 

Bret Bielema Signs Extended Coaching Contract

  Editor’s note:  This news report was written by Dave Selvig of Quad-City Times newspaper.  The Editor shortened the information.  Bret Bielema is an area Illinois success story.  Born in Silvis, he grew up in Prophetstown. University of Illinois Head Football Coach Bret Bielema recently signed a new, six-year contract. 

May 18 MFD Pancake Breakfast: Fund a Truck and Tools

  Morrison Fire Department is a not-for-profit organization that provides critical protection and various emergency services for the community of Morrison, IL, as well as aid to surrounding areas.  A significant–and tasty–fundraiser will be held inside the station on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Donations

Sterling Seniors Earn Over $3.3 Million in Scholarships

  Submitted by Gehrig Koerner, Director of Marketing and Enrollment. Newman Central Catholic High School is proud to announce that its 2025 graduating class of 42 students has collectively earned over $3.3 million in scholarship awards, and the total continues to grow. This achievement reflects more than just academic excellence.