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By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Mark Vink, left, and JoAnne Hillman, choir director at the Colona Methodist Church, invite area residents to the choir’s Christmas Cantata, “A New and Glorious Morn!” by composer Lloyd Larson, to be presented at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Colona Church, 1709 Cleveland Rd. A light supper will be served after the cantata. Contributed Photo
Deb. Johnson and Lindy Anderson, representing the United Women of Faith at Colona United Methodist Church, will be helping at the group’s Cookie Walk and Bazaar to be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the church, located at 1709 Cleveland Rd., Colona. Cookies will be offered for sale at $8 per pound and in addition to the Cookie Walk and Bazaar, there will be a resale table featuring “gently” used holiday items. Proceeds from the Dec. 14 event will benefit UWF mission projects. Contributed Photo
Find your local election results here!
Election results certified by the Henry County Clerks Office.
The Fall Review at the Cambridge Methodist Church originated 33 years ago and continues to be the major fundraiser for the church.
This year’s Review is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Cambridge Church, 120 West Exchange St., and in the Community Hall, adjacent to the church.
For more information, call the church at 309-937-2018.
The event will feature a country breakfast, served from 7 to 9 a.m. in the church. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and carryout orders are available at 11:30 a.m. The lunch menu includes “Red Delicious” ham loaf, cheesy potatoes, almond green beans and dinner rolls. The ala carte luncheon menu will feature all plate lunch items in addition to chicken salad served on rye bread or croissant, potato soup, pumpkin pie, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake or turtle cake.
This year more than 30 crafters have registered to take part in the Review, including people from the Quad Cities and surrounding areas and from as far away as Ft. Myers, FL.
Committee members require original work only, no commercially produced items.
The Review also features frozen foods, bakery and gourmet shops.
Visitors to the gourmet shops will find an assortment of jams and jellies, fudge, relishes, pickles, mustards and mixes. New items are pickled green beans and jalapeno strawberry jelly.
Homemade cinnamon rolls, fruit-filled pies, cookies, and specialty breads including the popular Swedish Rye will be available in the bakery shop.
In the “Frozen Food Shop,” visitors will find the popular “Red Delicious” ham loaves, cheese tortellini soup, apple dumplings, lasagna for two, Swedish meatballs, and fruit pies.
Linda Charlet, a member of the Fall Review Committee at the Cambridge Methodist Church, shows the frozen homemade fruit pies that will be offered for sale at the annual Fall Review on Oct. 7 at the church. The event will feature 10 varieties of fruit pies. All proceeds from the Fall Review are used for local missions. Submitted Photo
Linda Denison, a member of the Review committee, said, “Members grow, pick and prepare items They hand craft jar toppers, test recipes, decorate the buildings and meet en masse to make frozen food products.”
The history of the Fall Review can be traced back to 1989 when the church held its first Review in the form of an all-church sponsored consignment craft show. The event was such a success that it became a tradition and grew into the church’s top money-making event. Las year’s Review raised about $20,000.
Denison said the purpose of the Fall Review “is to raise much needed money for mission and ministry priorities of our church. All profits from this year will be used for ministries within our church and community.”
“Our church mission statement is ‘Loving God, Loving Others, Serving Both.’ Whatever we profit from the Review, we use to support our church programs, as well as the grade school program ‘Caring Hearts’ that helps families in need, our local food pantry and to Back Pack Blessings program for Cambridge students who receive weekend food packages.”
“The Review not only is our major fundraiser, it has become a rewarding labor of love in serving others,” Denison said. “Many church members work all year to prepare for it. It’s a labor of love for the entire congregation.”
The 52nd Orion Fall Festival will be held from Friday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1, with most events in Central Park.
Proceeds stay in the Orion school district. They benefit individuals with medical expenses, and help provide equipment and supplies for non-profit organizations.
Except where noted, Orion Fall Festival sponsors all events.
All events are at the band shell, the Orion Lions Club picnic shelter and other locations in Central Park unless otherwise noted.
In case inclement weather forces events to move indoors, the most current information will be on the Orion Fall Festival page and West Henry News page, both on Facebook.
Friday, Aug. 30
4:30 p.m. Pie-baking contest registration begins, band shell.
5 p.m. Boden Amusements carnival rides open.
5 p.m. Food tent opens next to Orion Lions Club picnic shelter.
5 p.m. Arts and crafts show opens.
5 p.m. Ice cream social begins, tent between band shell and picnic shelter. Sponsored by Orion Area Churches Association.
5:30 p.m. Pie judging begins at band shell.
6:30 p.m. Pie auction by Stenzel Auction Services starts at band shell.
8 to 11 p.m. Street dance with Lacy’s Ditch in tent on 10th Avenue and Fourth Street. Sponsored by Belly Up! and The O Kitchen and Tap.
9 p.m. Food tent closes.
9 p.m. Arts and crafts show closes.
10 p.m. Carnival rides close.
Saturday, Aug. 31
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rummage sale, St. Paul Lutheran Church.
7:30 a.m. Charger 10-Mile and 6K Runs, Rock Island Conservation Club, Big Island Road, Milan.
8 a.m. Orion Family Fun Run (5K), Orion Middle School.
8:30 a.m. Orion Bike/Hike4Sight, picnic shelter, Love Park. Sponsored by Orion Lions Club.
10 a.m. Food tent opens.
10 a.m. Arts and crafts show opens.
10 a.m. Candy in the Hay hunt, near community garden between band shell and picnic shelter.
10 a.m. Kids’ Monkey Bridge near band shell. Sponsored by Orion Boy Scout Troop 123.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Strawberry shortcake and root beer floats, tent between band shell and picnic shelter.
10:30 a.m. Kids’ pedal tractor pull, parking lot, Esterdahl’s.
Noon. Carnival rides open.
Noon. Parade starts at Orion Middle School. Theme: Orion — Past Present and Future. Grand marshals: Dewayne Taets and Tom Weber. Sponsored by Lynn Implement Repair.
1 p.m. Bags Tournament, Fourth Street and 10th Avenue. Sponsored by Belly Up! and The O Kitchen and Tap.
1:30 p.m. 3-Point/Free Throw contest, band shell.
3:15 p.m. Miss Main Street Orion pageant, band shell. Sponsored by Main Street Orion.
5 p.m. Pork chop dinner, food tent.
5 p.m. Orion Community Band, band shell.
8 to 11 p.m. Street dance with Radio Flyer Pilots in tent on 10th Avenue and Fourth Street. Sponsored by Belly Up! and The O Kitchen and Tap.
9 p.m. Food tent closes.
9 p.m. Arts and crafts show closes.
10 p.m. Carnival rides close.
Sunday, Sept. 1
7 to 10:30 a.m. Pancake, sausage, biscuits and gravy breakfast, picnic shelter. Sponsored by Orion Lions Club.
8 a.m. Nondenominational community worship service, band shell. Speaker: Alli Haskill, Closet2Closet Ministry. Music: Fishermen’s Holler Band. Sponsored by Orion Area Ministers Association. Rain location: Methodist Activity Center.
9 a.m. Soap Box Derby registration, 11th Avenue and 7th Street. Sponsored by Orion Cub Scout Pack 123.
9 a.m. to noon. Car show registration, 11th Avenue and Fourth Street.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bake sale, 11th Avenue and Fourth Street. Sponsored by Orion American Legion 255 Auxiliary.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids’ Monkey Bridge, near band shell. Sponsored by Orion Boy Scout Troop 123.
10 a.m. Arts and crafts show opens.
10 a.m. Carnival rides open.
10 a.m. Soap Box Derby races, 11th Avenue and 7th Street. Sponsored by Orion Cub Scout Pack 123.
11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 3-Ball Tournament to Fight Hunger, J & D Pool Table Sales and Service, 10th Avenue and Fourth Street.
11 a.m. Food tent opens.
Noon to 4 p.m. Car show, Fourth Street between 10th and 12th avenues, some on 11th Avenue east of Fourth Street. 3 p.m. Awards.
Noon to 4 p.m.
12:30 to 1 p.m. Orion Dance Academy recital, band shell.
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Deal or No Deal, band shell.
3:30 p.m. Festival raffle drawing, band shell.
4 p.m. Food tent closes.
4 p.m. Arts and crafts show closes.
5 p.m. Carnival rides close.
5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Street dance with Sidewinder in tent on 10th Avenue and Fourth Street. Sponsored by Belly Up! and The O Kitchen and Tap.
6 p.m. G.I.T. Improv, free admission, at Methodist Activity Center north of Orion United Methodist Church.
7 p.m. Street dance with Mo’s Garage in tent on 10th Avenue and Fourth Street. Sponsored by Belly Up! and The O Kitchen and Tap.
Spectators browse the arts and crafts show in Central Park during the 2023 Orion Fall Festival. (Photo by Mindy Carls)
CAMBRIDGE, Illinois—Cambridge Natural History Museum will hold a grand opening celebration Saturday, August 10th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Located at 132 W Center Street, Cambridge, IL, the museum will showcase a captivating collection of fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts, all curated by a remarkable young paleontologist. Guests will even have a chance to touch a real dinosaur fossil.
Anderson Taylor, a 9 year-old Cambridge resident, is very excited to see his dream of opening a museum come true. “I want to teach other kids, as well as adults who aren’t able to go to museums in larger cities, about natural history and prehistoric life”, he says.
The idea to open a museum has been on Anderson’s mind for about two years. “Visiting the Staffin Dinosaur Museum in Scotland really inspired me to open my own museum. The owner of that museum started it when he was a teenager. It isn’t big or fancy like what most people think of when they think of inspiring museums, but it contains many important and exciting fossils and I really enjoyed talking to and learning from the owner, who discovered all of the pieces I was looking at”, says Anderson.
Anderson is a lifelong student of paleontology and has been collecting and studying fossils for as long as he can remember. His study of fossils has brought him around the world. He has traveled to observe evidence of ancient life as far as the Isle of Skye in Scotland and the Morrison Formation in Colorado. For a school project he portrayed Barnum Brown, the paleontologist who discovered the Tyrannosaurus Rex, and he has hosted several public presentations on prehistoric life in Illinois and beyond. Anderson and his brother, Miles, also host a podcast on local history, called “Tot Cast”.
Anderson says, “Opening the museum has been a lot of work and I would not be able to do this without help from family, friends, the community, and support from the Village of Cambridge. Much of what you see at the museum has been generously donated by friends, family, and strangers.”
The grand opening event will feature light refreshments and a special interactive dig activity for children, providing a fun and educational experience. Young visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a mock excavation and take home a souvenir from their dig.
Join us for this exciting community event as we celebrate the fusion of youthful enthusiasm and scientific discovery. The Cambridge Natural History Museum hopes to be a vibrant addition to our town’s cultural landscape, showcasing the wonders of our natural and historical heritage.
July 12(Cambridge, IL) - The Henry County Tourism Bureau is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Wolf as the new Tourism Director. Kelly brings a wealth of experience in tourism and hospitality to the team. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to her contributions in promoting Henry County as a tourist destination.
Kelly, originally from Geneseo, has more than 15 years’ experience, primarily gained in Houston, where she contributed to various aspects of the city's tourism industry. Along with her extensive background, Kelly holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University. In her most recent role as the RISE (Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery) Grant coordinator she developed the 2024 Strategic Tourism Plan for Henry County.
After the Henry County Tourism Bureau became inactive in 2021, the county worked with stakeholders and local government officials to form a new Henry County Tourism Board. The goal was to reintroduce a new Henry County Tourism Bureau that provides a stronger engagement of all tourism related stakeholders in the county. The plan not only aims to take advantage of the existing resources and attractions, but to also explore new opportunities for growth and to attract a larger number of visitors.
"We're excited to have Kelly on board," said Tourism Bureau Chair Gary Bradley, adding "she did a tremendous job of working with the bureau to put together the tourism plan, and we think she'll do an even better job of implementing that plan over the next few years, helping each community and Henry County in our efforts to maximize the economic impact the tourism sector can have on our local communities. "
Kelly will collaborate closely with partners from the Henry County Tourism Bureau, the Henry County Economic Development Director, and neighboring tourism communities.
"It's a great privilege to be able to contribute to Henry County's tourism efforts. Having grown up here, I'm excited to bring back the knowledge and experience I've gained to support the community's growth."
Kelly said, "I'm looking forward to collaborating with colleagues and partners across the county and surrounding areas to further enhance Henry County's tourism landscape."
The Tourism Bureau is excited to see where Kelly will lead the organization and looks forward to the positive impact she will have on our region.
Kelly Wolf. Photo Submitted
Habaneros Mexican Grill & Cantina in Moline will open a new location in Geneseo, Henry County, Illinois, in the Oakwood Avenue strip mall. The expected opening date is October, 2024. Josue Sanchez, member/manager of Cruz Enterprises, LLC, which owns Habaneros, has been operating his restaurant in Moline, Illinois at the South Park Mall since 2015. He identified a perfect location to expand his business to Geneseo, leased the space, and started the build-out for the new restaurant. This includes framing the electrical room, framing the office and bar, a complete floor installation throughout the space, plumbing work, new restaurant-grade equipment, and a complete kitchen build-out. Josue has run the South Park restaurant since 2017 and has excellent experience in the service industry. The Henry County Board has partnered with BankORION and Henry County RRLF, teaming up to finance the new restaurant. Henry County recently approved a $50,000.00 loan from its Rural Revolving Loan Fund, with the project creating five full-time and six part-time jobs on the site, as well as an on-site local Manager.
The Henry County Rural Revolving Loan Fund Program (RRLF) operates two separate funds and has made 95 loans totaling $6.1 million on our legacy fund, and 38 loans totaling $1.4 million from our economic development fund, which have in return created and retained a combined 1,515 jobs in the Henry County, Illinois work force. The RRLF monies are available to any new or existing business within Henry County. For more information on the Henry County
RRLF Programs contact Jim Kelly, Henry County Economic Development Director and RRLF Loan Administrator, at the Henry County Courthouse, (309) 937-3410
On Saturday June 8, 2024 at 1 p.m. in the Steeple Building Museum, listen to author Bill Mueller describe the stories in his second book, Time to Ship Another Steer. When you have eleven kids, and there is a bill to pay, it is Time to Ship Another Steer. This is a fun look at growing up on the family farm with ten brothers and sisters. Bill will also share simple ideas on how to save your family’s history. His stories will touch your heart, bringing back many special memories. Bill originally wrote this book for his grandchildren. Before he is finished many of you will be thinking of ways you also can leave a rich legacy for your children and grandkids.
This free one-hour presentation and book signing is located at 103 North Bishop Hill Street in historic Bishop Hill, IL. Email the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at bhha@mymctc.net or call 309 927-3899 for more information. This program is partly funded by the Galesburg Community Foundation and the Geneseo Foundation.
By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Tim Atwell was named Class 1A/2A State Division Athletic Director of the Year at the recent Illinois Athletic Directors Association Conference.
A 1984 graduate of Geneseo High School, Atwell is the Athletic Director and Driver Education teacher at Kewanee High School. He is the son of Kenney Atwell, Geneseo, and the late Genendal Atwell. Atwell lives in Atkinson.
The biography information received about Atwell included his educational background which includes an Associate of Arts Degree from Black Hawk College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education form Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville; a Master’s Degree in Education Special Education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University.
Information received from the Athletic Directors Association stated< “This strong educational foundation has equipped Tim with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in his role,”
“With over 30 years of experience in education and coaching, Tim has served in various positions, including teacher, coach and athletic director. Since 2010, he has been the Athletic Director at Kewanee High School, where he oversees a wide range of sports and activities, manages a team of coaches, and ensures compliance with IHSA policies and regulations.”
“Tim’s service extends beyond the school to the community. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Kewanee A’s Baseball organization and has been actively involved in promoting the school and its students. Tim’s efforts to provide pictures of student-athletes to the local news media have helped showcase the achievements of Kewanee High School students and athletes.”
Tim Atwell
Throughout his career, Atwell has received numerous awards and honors, including being named the IADA Division 4 Athletic Director of the Year in 2015 and 2012-2024.
“His dedication to his school, community, and the field of athletic administration make him a deserving candidate for the State Davison Athletic Director of the Year award. His commitment to excellence and his impact on student-athletes and the community make him an outstanding leader in his field.”
BISHOP HILL, Illinois—The following three concerts will be presented by Crossroads Cultural Connections at Bishop Hill Creative Commons:
Saturday, May 4th – Zach Pietrini & Christopher Gold
Zach Pietrini’s Midwestern, indie americana songwriting aesthetic is the sonic embodiment of a well-worn denim jacket. At the forefront of the Americana resurgence, Pietrini—lead vocalist and guitarist for his namesake band—takes an everyman’s approach to the genre with a knack for honest storytelling and a wistfulness that comes across in both the music and lyrics. The band takes its cues from Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and David Ramirez, reinterpreting and rejuvenating American roots styles through a contemporary lens. Pietrini’s songs “situate him at the confluence of all that an urban Millennial audience finds relatable” (Milwaukee Magazine), performing old-soul themes of ennui, regret, disappointment, and nostalgia with a modern twist.
Christopher Gold is a Kentucky-born songwriter living in Wisconsin. Together with his band The New Old Things he has written and recorded folk songs, country songs, rock & roll songs, and everything in between citing a love for songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, John Prine, and anybody else whose work begins with paper and pen. He travels primarily as a solo act, carrying on the folk tradition of performances that blend music, storytelling, and humor.
Suggested donation is $20-30.
Sunday, May 5th – The Finns
The Finns are a highly successful folk music duo from Laois, Ireland, brothers Hugh and Ciaran Finn. Their roots lie in traditional Irish music but their original songs have been described as alt-folk roots, or indie folk music, with strong hints of rock. They have incredibly catchy, lovable, and seriously impressive original songs that are easy to fall for and they cover Irish folk classics and sea shanties like no other band. This has allowed them to travel the world with massive popularity especially in the USA. The Finns have released a host of successful singles off their debut and charting No. 1 album “Creations”, which has turned heads with the highest quality of production involved produced by The Finns. Their second album Remember This Day released in Autumn 2023 is produced by Bill Shanley and is making huge waves through the Irish music industry with so many strong songs. The Finns play banjos, guitars, percussion, bouzouki, tenor guitars and harmonicas making the live set very interesting and with their strong harmonies shining through, the brother vibe is very enjoyable to watch as they entertain very organically.
Suggested donation is $20-30.
The Finns
Monday, May 6th – Stephie James & Sophie Coyote
Stephie James has been a steadfast musical powerhouse since her teens. She’s toured with Anita Baker and Nikki Lane, worked production for Buddy Miller and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, has written with John Bettis (songwriter for Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, The Carpenters and more) and even shared the stage with Michael Bolton.
Sophie Coyote is a singer/songwriter from the small mid-western town of Waddams Grove, Illinois. Born in an old farm house on seven acres of land surrounded by rolling fields. She was raised on a broad range of musical influences that include classic rock & roll, honky-tonk country and a bit of blues. This open mind of influence has led to a songwriting style that is reminiscent of the raw and honest age of music; lyrically driven with interesting stories, unique twists and word-play.
Suggested donation is $15-25.
A potluck, starting at 6:00 PM, precedes each concert, with music beginning at 7:00 PM. All concerts are family-friendly and open to guests of all ages.
The venue and art cooperative, located at 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, Illinois, also contains and has for sale the works of local and regional artists, who work in a variety of mediums. It is open Friday through Sunday, 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
For more information please visit xroadscc.org.
Federal grant from 2011 set to expire in December
The former Rock Island depot in Geneseo, Ill., once a flag stop for the Rocky Mountain Rocket, in August 2020. The Illinois DOT confirms Geneseo will get a new platform as a stop on Chicago-Quad Cities service. Photo by Bob Johnston
MOLINE, Ill. — Among the 69 projects receiving Federal Railroad Administration Corridor Identification and Development Program grants last December was a familiar route: Chicago-Quad Cities.
Familiar because that route, in addition to being among the recipients of the $500,000 Corridor ID grant [see “Full list of passenger routes …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 8, 2023], was touted in a January 2008 press release from the United Transportation Union’s Illinois legislative board director. The release highlighted the $23 million price to reestablish service to Moline and Rock Island, Ill., across the Mississippi River from Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa.
Amtrak completed a route study in December, 2007. “The one-time investment in capital improvements and $6 million in operating support,” according to the release, would provide two daily round trips. The route would utilize 111 miles of BNSF’s already Amtrak-active former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy main line between Chicago and Wyanet, Ill., where a new connection would access 48 miles of regional Iowa Interstate’s ex-Rock Island rails into downtown Moline.
Most of the investment would restore signaling and upgrades to Iowa Interstate track that would allow 79-mph operation, and build a $6 million connection and interlocking west of Wyanet where the two routes are grade separated.
With the Chicago-Quad Cities figures in hand, the Iowa Department of Transportation sponsored an April 2008 study projecting a 58-mile extension to Iowa City. The report explored revenue and ridership impacts that varied depending on the amount of signal and track investment undertaken before positive train control became a requirement.
A map included in 2008 Iowa Department of Transportation study shows the proposed Chicago-Quad Cities route (highlighting the planned connection at Wyanet, Ill.), as well as a then-proposed extension to Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa DOT
What happened? That UTU state legislative director, Joseph Szabo, became FRA Administrator in the Obama Administration under DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, a Republican from Peoria who served in the Illinois legislature and U.S. House of Representatives. With that political firepower, the Chicago-Iowa City route was awarded $177 million in 2011 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn pledged $78 million from the his “Illinois Jobs Now” program and Iowa Gov. Chet Culver’s administration planned to contribute $20.6 million. But both were replaced by Republican governors who halted their investments before talks with Iowa Interstate progressed, though capacity improvements at BNSF’s Eola Yard east of Aurora moved forward and were eventually completed.
Nevertheless, the city of Moline moved forward on building an intermodal facility to accommodate trains; it and the adjoining Element Hotel opened in 2018. Iowa never showed any continuing interest.
The Moline, Ill., intermodal station, completed in 2018, still lacks a platform, tracks, and passenger trains on Aug. 6, 2020. Photo by Bob Johnston
With Democrat J.B. Pritzker recapturing the Illinois governorship in 2019, an additional $225 million in state funding was allocated to completion of the project, but the $177 million federal grant, set to expire in 2020, received an extension to Dec. 31, 2024.
With that date looming, there is still no agreement between Iowa Interstate and IDOT on the amount and nature of improvements required to launch service, so it is unclear what the additional $500,000 of planning money can accomplish other than making it eligible for future investment.
Trains News Wire has periodically made inquiries of both parties with a list of specific questions regarding costs, investment, and compensation Iowa Interstate is requesting.
In a Feb. 27, 2024, email, Iowa Interstate President and CEO Joe Parsons says, “We do remain in contact with IDOT related to the proposed Quad Cities service. However, our agreement with IDOT prohibits us from discussing negotiations publicly.”
He had been sent responses from an IDOT email that stated:
On July 15, 2016, the eastbound Illinois Zephyr speeds past the open field at right where a connection to the Iowa Interstate is to be built. Photo by Bob Johnston
— The scope and cost of Iowa Interstate improvements, including the Wyanet connection, were still being negotiated. “Once an agreement has been reached, we will be able to complete preliminary engineering on the connection.” In January 2014, an IDOT official who now works for Amtrak told Quad Cities Online that preliminary engineering “was almost complete.”
— The state agency told the Quad City Times in 2023 that improvements Iowa Interstate was demanding were “cost prohibitive,” but IDOT would only tell News Wire, “Negotiations between IDOT, IAIS, and the FRA are active and ongoing, and we are not able to comment further on the details. There is weekly contact among the parties.”
— No timeline for completion has been established pending an agreement with Iowa Interstate, but “by way of comparison, the Chicago-Rockford passenger rail project has construction starting in 2025 and service is anticipated to begin by the end of 2027,” IDOT says. Preliminary agreements between the agency, Union Pacific, and operator Metra for that service are already in place.
— Regarding the $177 million federal grant’s upcoming expiration, IDOT says, “We are working with the FRA to [further] extend the date and are hopeful we will be able to reach agreement.” A portion of ARRA funding designated for Chicago-Quad Cities was used for equipment procurement, and IDOT did not volunteer how much money remains.
Transparent information about costs and negotiation nitty-gritty has been stuck behind a shield of confidentiality for more than 15 years. The agency tells News Wire, “IDOT is not eligible to take the case to the Surface Transportation Board.” But even if Amtrak makes that attempt on behalf of the traveling public, ongoing travails from the delayed New Orleans-Mobile Gulf Coast startup aren’t encouraging.
There may be many good reasons why Iowa Interstate, IDOT, and the FRA can’t come to an agreement that has taken 16 years (so far) to reach. At this point, another $500,000 from the Corridor ID program won’t necessarily make that happen.
(COAL VALLEY, IL) – Fareway Stores, Inc. announced plans to construct an approximately 17,000 square foot store at the southeast corner of 1st Street and Route 6 in Coal Valley, IL. This project is tentatively planned for 2026.
“Communities depend on a local grocer to offer high quality products and unmatched service. We look forward to offering these qualities to Coal Valley and area residents with a new Fareway store,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer. “We want to thank city officials and economic development for helping make this project possible.”
The new store will provide for only the best in fresh, highest quality meat; a full-service butcher counter; farm-fresh produce; low, competitive prices; and the highest level of customer service, including to-your-car carryout. The new store will offer FastLanes, a self-service checkout option, and online shopping and curbside pick-up, available at Shop.Fareway.com.
“We're thrilled to announce the arrival of Fareway to the Village of Coal Valley, marking a significant milestone in our community's journey. After six years of collaboration, we're delighted to welcome back a local grocery store, with Fareway as our ideal partner. Fareway's commitment and investment in Coal Valley are deeply appreciated, and we're confident this partnership will greatly benefit our residents. Beyond fulfilling our need for a grocery store, Fareway's presence has the potential to stimulate economic growth by generating jobs, supporting local businesses, and fostering further development in the area.” said Mayor Mike Bartels.
“Being able to bring a grocery store such as Fareway to our community will be such a wonderful asset for our residents,” said Village Administrator Penny Mullen.
Additional details are forthcoming.
The 2024 Geneseo Artwalk will take place Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Downtown Geneseo, IL. Geneseo will be full of art during the last weekend of April. Geneseo has been gaining a reputation as a regional art destination, with three art galleries, a music store, a music academy, and a mural project that has brought three murals to life in Geneseo over the past two years, with plans for two more murals in 2024.
Downtown businesses in Geneseo will host art performances in stores while artists will be set up inside of the former Four Seasons Outlet building (located at 120 S. State St. in Downtown Geneseo) featuring original works and live art demonstrations such as painting, sculpting, wood-working and more. Live music and interactive exhibits will also be featured. Many local students and artists will be on hand to share their art with guests of the Geneseo Artwalk. Shake off your cabin fever and join us in downtown Geneseo on Saturday, April 27th to help us celebrate our local art community!
For more information, please contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686, or visit our website: https://geneseo.org/2024-geneseo-artwalk/.
BISHOP HILL, Illinois—Crossroads Cultural Connections is proud to announce two upcoming concerts featuring artists from Ethiopia and Zimbabwe:
Sunday, April 21st - QWANQWA
QWANQWA or ቋንቋ in Amharic, a primary language of Ethopia, translates to language in English. In this sense, QWANQWA, is a project creating dialogues between cultures using the universal language of music.
Beaming in from the sizzling Addis Ababa nightlife scene, this group shines an experimentalism based in the virtuosity of rooted traditions. With swirling masinko (one-stringed fiddle), wah-wah violin, bass krar grooves, the heavy riffs of goat skin kebero beats, and powerful mellismatic lead African diva vocals, QWANQWA keeps the people rapt in celebratory attention.
QWANQWA uncovers lesser known traditional sounds from East Africa regions of Ethiopia and beyond—a trance-like chant of the Eritrean tribe of Blen, a psychedelic Somalian cover, an extended Amhara wedding medley, a Mahmoud Ahmed sing-a-long. With Selamnesh Zemene, the Azmari diva powerhouse, at the helm, QWANQWA is a conversation of virtuosos through tight arrangements and extended experimental moments. The live show ranges from intimate to wild, from whispery conversations to full blown rock show, and it is hard to believe these psychedelic sounds are coming from traditional harps, one string fiddle, and violin. Driving, powerful, QWANQWA proves we are living during another Golden Age of Ethiopian music.
A $25-35 donation is suggested. 100% of donations go to the performers.
Wednesday, April 24th – Mokoomba
Mokoomba, an explosively talented six-man crew from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, has been hailed as one of the most exciting bands from Africa in the 21st century! With over 40 countries and prestigious international festivals under their belt, they have performed at the world’s biggest festivals and venues, Sziget, Roskilde, North Sea Jazz, New York’s Apollo Theater, New Orleans Jazz and many more.
While in the area, the group will also visit area schools as part of Crossroads Cultural Connections’ visiting artist program. This concert and school visits are supported by Quad City Arts, through the Arts Dollars re-granting program, supported by The Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment. Attendance is free, but donations are gladly accepted. All donations received at this concert will go to cover operating expenses for Crossroads Cultural Connections.
A potluck, starting at 6:00 PM, precedes each concert, with music beginning at 7:00 PM. All concerts are family-friendly and open to guests of all ages. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins, and serving utensils provided.
The venue and art cooperative, located at 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, Illinois, also contains and has for sale the works of local and regional artists, who work in a variety of mediums. It is open Friday through Sunday, 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
For more information please visit xroadscc.org.
By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Rebuilding Together Henry County will celebrate its 30th anniversary at an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at the organization’s home at the corner of Church St. and U.S. Route 6 in Atkinson. Area residents are invited to the event and to tour the facility which was completed in June of 2021.
The conference room will be dedicated to the Rev. David Esche at a ceremony planned for 2:30 p.m. on April 21. Esche was the co-founder of the organization and it was his vision and passion that led to its success. He served as president of the board of directors at various times during a 25-year period prior to his health issues.
Esche and his wife Sharon now reside near DesMoines, and he will not be at the April 21 open house, but s recording will be shared with him.
The Atkinson site was chosen for the location of the RTHC building as it is in the Geneseo School District and its proximity to the rest of Henry County.
The 6,000 square-foot building includes offices and conference room space, a workshop and a storage room. The shop space is used for building wheel chair ramps and other projects by volunteers.
The storage space provides room for the groups program to loan adaptive medical equipment to people in need. Donations of good condition adaptive medical equipment are accepted by RTHC.
Sarah Snyder, executive director of Rebuilding Together Henry County, said there is a need for wheelchairs, shower chairs and tub transfer seats.
For more information about the REUSE Medical Equipment Loan Program, call Snyder at 309-944-6442 or email her at ssnyder@rebuildingtogether-hc.org.
Rebuilding Together Henry County has a long and rich history in the area and Snyder shared some of the statistics, “Beginning in 1994 as a non-profit, at that time called ‘Christmas in April- Geneseo,’ our organization has made home repairs with a market value of over $2 million. We have installed over 368 wheel chair ramps for our Henry County neighbors who have limited ability to access their homes - once again at no charge to the recipients.”
She said other projects scheduled by the group are a “demo day” in Geneseo on Friday, April 26; a Work Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, and “We are also hoping to have a deep cleaning day at our facility in Atkinson on the morning of April 27.
RTHC is supported through donations and grants.
For more information about the organization or to make a donation, visit www.rebuildingtogether-hc.org or email ssnyder@rebuildingtogether-hc.org.
Sarah Snyder, executive director of Rebuilding Together Henry County, is shown in her office in the home of RTHC, located in Atkinson. An open house is planned for Sunday at the facility to celebrate the group’s 30th anniversary. Photo by Claudia Loucks
ABOUT THE REV. DAVID ESCHE
Rev. Esche and his family moved to Geneseo in 1993 when he was called to serve as pastor at First Presbyterian Church, a position he held for 20 years.
“I spent the first six weeks interviewing community leaders in an effort to learn about the community for my benefit as well as for the benefit of the church,” he said. “What we discussed in those interviews were the strengths in the community as well as the needs.”
“I learned that although there were not pockets of poverty in the community, there were families who were not able to keep up their housing,” he said. “They told me about folks in the community who traveled around the country and built homes for Habitat for Humanity.”
He also was told about churches in Geneseo who had volunteers who did home repairs for their members who were not able to do those tasks.
“At that time, Steve Durian, a member of First Presbyterian in Geneseo, had just spent a week with a mission team that built a home in Mexico,” Esche said. “I also learned from the community leaders that money was available to do the home repairs for those people who could not afford to hire the work done.”
Christmas in April became a reality in the Henry County area in 1994 and Esche served in various capacities with the group from its founding, including as president.
Rev. Esche and Steve Durian were instrumental in starting Christmas in April in March of 1994.
The Rev. David Esche in 2017. Photo by Claudia Loucks
(Bishop Hill) - On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association is hosting Wild Boar to Baconfest: Pigs in History and Popular Culture program provided by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speaker Bureau. In this lecture, author Cynthia Clampitt presents the history of pigs and pork to examine the impact these animals had worldwide. Clampitt will focus on the Midwest, including why poet Carl Sandburg would call Chicago “Hog Butcher for the World.”
Pigs were the first food animals to be domesticated, so their history with human beings date back more than 12,000 years. However, antiquity is just one of the reasons why pork is the most eaten meat in the world. This odd, paradoxical animal offers a great range of advantages when it comes to feeding large populations—especially urban populations—though, historically, it has also offered several disadvantages. Once pigs were introduced to the Americas, they became an almost instant success, raised by settlers but also valued by Native Americans. As the Midwest opened, pigs moved west and numbers grew rapidly.
Cynthia Clampitt has been writing and talking about food history for thirty years and has authored two books of food history. Her free one-hour public program will start at 1 p.m. in the Steeple Building Museum, located at 103 North Bishop Hill Street in Bishop Hill, Illinois. For more details, please call the BHHA at 309 927-3899, or email bhha@mymctc.net, or visit www.bishophillheritage.org.
Cynthia Clampitt. Photo Submitted
Steeple Building Museum. Photo Submitted
GALVA, Illinois—Grab some lawn chairs and get ready for a summer full of music in Galva. The Galva Arts Council is excited to announce a very talented lineup for the sixth annual Levitt AMP Galva Music Series presented by Regional Media. Held at Wiley Park in Galva, these Sunday concerts are an opportunity for community members of all ages to enjoy free live music in a picnic-style setting. Food and beverages will be available for purchase during concerts. Admission to the concerts is free and attendees are encouraged to invite friends, family, and neighbors for an opportunity to meet new friends and celebrate the summer season. This year the series will feature eleven concerts instead of the normal ten! The Levitt AMP Galva Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which partners with changemakers and nonprofits across the country to activate underused outdoor spaces through the power of free, live music—bringing people together, fostering belonging, and invigorating community life. Presenting high-caliber talent and a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt concerts are welcoming and inclusive destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together.
The 2024 lineup includes the following acts:
May 26 – Soultru (Soul, RnB), Sturtz (Folk, Soul)
June 2 – Rachel Brooke (Country), Rye Davis (Country)
June 9 – Sweet Lizzy Project (Rock), Gallivant (Rock)
June 16 – Shanna in a Dress (Folk Pop), Emily the Band (Folk Pop)
June 23 – Creole Stomp with Dennis Stroughmatt (Creole), Black Cat Zydeco ft. Dwight Carrier (Zydeco)
June 30 – Dyer Davis (Rock, Blues, Soul), David Rosales (Americana, Rock)
July 7 – STEAM Irish Quartet (Traditional Irish), Blame Not the Bard (Traditional Irish)
July 14 – LowDown Brass Band (Brass), Kommuna Lux (Ukrainian)
July 21 – Rhythm Future Quartet (Gypsy Jazz), Mozzy Dee w/3 on the Tree (Rockabilly)
July 28 – EmiSunshine (Bluegrass, Folk, Pop), The David Mayfield Parade (Bluegrass)
August 4 – Lone Piñon (Mexican), Sunny War (Gospel, Folk, Avant Garde)
The Levitt AMP Galva Music Series presented by Regional Media is made possible by generous community support. To learn more please visit: galvamusic.com.
About the Galva Arts Council
The mission of the Galva Arts Council is to enrich the quality of life in our town through the advancement and promotion of the arts, the encouragement of the appreciation of the arts through participation and attendance of art events, the provision of membership services, and advocacy for the arts.
About the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation
The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation is a private foundation that exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. Through its support of creative placemaking, the Levitt Foundation empowers communities to transform underused public spaces into welcoming destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life. The Foundation's primary funding areas include permanent Levitt venues and the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards, an annual grants competition. During the past decade, the Foundation has awarded more than $20 million in grants to support access to free, high-caliber live music experiences while bringing new life to public spaces.
In 2024, the national Levitt network of music venues and concert sites is presenting 650+ free concerts in 45 towns and cities, with audiences over 750,000. In addition to supporting free concerts, the Levitt Foundation is dedicated to advancing equitable music ecosystems through research and partnerships. www.levitt.org
BISHOP HILL, Illinois—In the spirit of the season of St. Patrick’s Day, Bishop Hill Creative Commons is hosting two upcoming concerts featuring Celtic music and performers from Ireland and Quebec: Sunday, March 24th with Grosse Isle and Monday, March 25th with JigJam. Both shows will begin with a potluck dinner and social hour at 6:00 P.M., with music starting at 7:00 P.M., and are open to guests of all ages. A $20-30 donation is suggested, with 100% of the proceeds going to the artists. Below is a quick introduction to each performer. For tickets and more information please visit XroadsCC.org.
Grosse Isle
The traditional music trio Grosse Isle was born out of the “absolutely magical” collaboration between three exceptional musicians from Quebec and Ireland (The Irish Music Magazine). Together, Sophie Lavoie du Lac-St-Jean (fiddle, piano, vocal), André Marchand the legendary (guitar, vocal), and Fiachra O’Regan, Irish champion (uilleann pipes, whistle, banjo) shine with their rich and enveloping music. These musicians all have a national and international reputation as a duo mainly in the case of Sophie & Fiachra and within several groups for 40 years as far as André Marchand is concerned (La Bottine Souriante, Les Charbonniers de l’Enfer and others).
The band name refers to the story of the mass arrival of the Irish in the 19th century, on Grosse Île in the St. Lawrence River, as they fled the Great Famine. It is a striking encounter between two peoples and two cultures.
JigJam
When virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running naked through the wide open fields of bluegrass/Americana JigJam is born. Bluegrass and American Folk music originated from the group’s home, and now JigJam is here to take it back!
JigJam made its Grand Ole Opry Debut in Nashville in March 2023 to critical acclaim receiving a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd on Country Music’s biggest stage. The group was joined on the night by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Earle, Lauren Alaina, and many more. This Offaly and Tipperary-born band has started the first wave of attack in the new Irish invasion of Americana.
‘Foot stomping’, ‘high energy’ badassery is what you’re in for when you see this musical powerhouse live in concert.
Founding members from Offaly Jamie McKeogh (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 String Banjo and Dobro) were joined by Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo) in 2016. This year they are joined by Kevin Buckley (Fiddle) to make up this iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) quartet.
Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ and ‘sparkling, infectious’ these lads have been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival’.
Bluegrass has its roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. iGrass and JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son.
BISHOP HILL, Illinois—The Bishop Hill Creative Commons is hosting the fourth annual Bishop Hill Book Fair on Saturday April 6th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests can meet local authors in their natural habitat and hear them roar and talk about their work. Aspiring authors can visit with local authors writing a variety of genres. Books will be available for purchase, so people can collect autographs from their favorite local wordsmiths.
The event will be held at the Commons at 309 North Bishop Hill Road, Bishop Hill. Authors represent a wide range of genres, from children’s books, folklore and young adult novels, to romance, mystery, biography and history. The line-up includes 16 local authors: Brian “Fox” Ellis, Jannifer Powelson, Amanda McNeill, Carol Paur, Dan Moore, Dave Lager, Debra Borys, Hollye Cox, Connor McManis, Jackie Lawson, Mary Davidsaver, Mike Bayles, Misty Urban, Nadine Roth, Thomas McKay, and Sam Rice.
This book fair is designed to offer something for everyone. For book lovers: This is a day to meet and greet local authors, hear them discuss their recent work, and support them in their artistic endeavors. The event is free, and books will be available for purchase!
For young authors: Hear about the life of real writers from actual authors! Collect autographs and add to your growing stack of books to read. Explore writing ideas and walk away inspired to pursue your dreams!
For teachers: Meet some of your favorite local authors and make a few new friends. Book author visits to your school. Pick up some fun ideas to inspire your students to want to read and write more fluently.
For aspiring authors: visit with local authors to help learn more about writing, publishing, and promoting your works.
There is no fee to attend, and all proceeds are earmarked to help re-establish Bishop Hill’s Community Orchard. The event is hosted by author and storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis of Fox Tales.
The Midwest Writing Center and all of the authors have also offered their support for the success of this community driven event.
This weekend is also Bishop Hill’s Spring Jubilee with special sales in many of the shops, a flea market, a lecture on Native American Women’s History and a concert with Arcomusical at the Commons Saturday evening.
