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, Maine, was at her side. Gwen was born on April 22, 1950,

Harvey Ottens (1932 – 2026)

Harvey Ottens, 94, of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Homestead of Morrison in Morrison, IL. Harvey was born February 28, 1932, in Garden Plain, IL, to Joseph G. and Minnie (Jaarsma) Ottens.  He was educated in the Morrison grade schools and served in the United States Marine

Lincoln Highway Lane Closure April 22

  The City of Morrison, IL, announces an overnight lane closure on W. Lincolnway, starting at midnight tonight, (early Wednesday, April 22,) 2026, at 12:00 a.m.  West Lincolnway (U.S. Route 30) between Heaton Street and Grape Street will be reduced to one lane. The lane closure is for a water

Morrison Water Tower Maintenance Begins May 1

  The City of Morrison, IL, announces that its municipal water tower will be temporarily taken out of service beginning Friday, May 1, 2026, to allow for scheduled interior tank maintenance.  This work is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable, and high-quality water system, for

June E. Sharer (1939 – 2026)

  June E. Sharer, age 87, died Friday, April 17, 2026, at Allure of Walnut, in Walnut, IL. June was born on January 27, 1939, in Wyanet, IL, the daughter of Ellard and Mildred (Sloan) Smith.  She married Robert Sharer on December 16, 1962, in Princeton, IL.  He preceded her

April 28 Volunteer Millers Artist Eve Van Kampen

  Editor’s note:  View several time-lapse videos of Van Kampen creating extraordinary murals here:  https://www.facebook.com/eve.van.kampen.2025. The Volunteer Millers at the Fulton Windmill Area will host mural artist Eve Van Kampen, for a program about her work, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.  The presentation will be held at

Don’t Miss Carol Burnett Revisited…MMTA Volume 1

  Morrison Music Theatre Association (MMTA) will perform hilarious comedy sketches from The Carol Burnett Show.  Between two and six actors will participate in one of 50 original skits, which occurred during Carol Burnett’s television programs.  MMTA has permission to produce several “volumes.”  The first dramatic event will be held at

Salvation Army Homelessness Program April 26

  Marc Adami submitted this press release. The Whiteside Forum will host Lt. Jessica Tosh on Sunday April 26, 2026, to address the topic of “Homelessness.”  Jessica serves as a Corps Officer at the Salvation Army Sterling-Rock Falls Corps Community Center.  She brings vast experience and knowledge to her role,

Northwest Illinois Film Festival Lineup for “Shorts‑A‑Palooza 2026”

  The Northwest Illinois Film Office is proud to announce the return of its signature event, the Sixth Annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival:  “Shorts‑A‑Palooza 2026.”  The event is Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Morrison Tech, 701 Portland Avenue, Morrison, Illinois 61270.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with screenings beginning at

David Elmer Anderson (1955 – 2026)

  David Elmer Anderson, 70, of Prophetstown, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 16, 1955, in Sterling, IL, David was the son of Robert E. and Shirley J. (Ziegenbein) Anderson.  He graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1973 and

Rep. Ryan Spain Passes “DJ’s Law” for Teen Driver Safety

  State Representative Ryan Spain (R- 73rd District) delivered an impassioned speech before the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, honoring the life of Whiteside County teen DJ Dorathy.  Following was passage of legislation proposed by DJ’s family to improve safety for young drivers in Illinois. “We

Janice Marie Stuart (2026)

  Janice Marie Stuart, age 71, of Morrison, IL, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026. A woman of unwavering strength and a generous spirit, Jan spent her life nurturing others and finding profound beauty in life’s simplest moments.  Born in Erie, IL, to the late John Lourde and Margaret

Resthave Care & Rehabilitation to Thank Volunteers

Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, 408 Maple Avenue, Morrison, IL, will honor those citizens, who offered volunteer service to Skilled Care and Nursing residents.  The “Volunteer Breakfast” will begin at 9:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the Assisted Living Dining Room. Come join us to celebrate you!  Whether you

McDonald’s Benefits Marching Mustangs Color Guard

  On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, McDonald’s, 604 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, allowed a second “Good Neighbor Night” fundraiser, to benefit Morrison High School Marching Mustangs Color Guard.  This event was based on sales between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.  The Music Boosters received $500 to expand the Color Guard program.

Sorensen Announces North and Central Illinois Head Start Funds

  Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced more than $25 million in Federal funding has been awarded through the U.S . Department of Health and Human Services, to support Head Start programs serving families across Northern and Central Illinois. This funding will help expand access to early childhood education, health services,