One destination at the Whiteside County fairgrounds has mixed emotions about “visitors.” Staff members at the Morrison Community Hospital medical tent thoroughly enjoyed dispensing information, children’s trinkets, heart-shaped freezer bags, poison control stickers, and so forth. Conversely, they were pleased to not meet patients in distress. It was a very good year in this regard. Heat exhaustion did not present, and there were only minor injuries–“little cuts”–to tend. Lori Colschen, left, of Clinton, IA, is a Registered Nurse. She has training on the MedicalSurgical floor and in Emergency and Operating Rooms. “I help out wherever.” She has worked in long-term care in Fulton, and Morrison, IL, for 20 years. “They [residents] become like family in long-term care,” she stated. Rhonda Houzenga, CNA, right, is one of other CNA’s, RN’s, and EMT’s who stood ready to assist during the fair.
Morrison High School Cheerleaders staffed a food booth at the north end of the grandstand. Freshmen photographed left-to-right are Megan Muur, Lauren Schlegel, and McKenna King with Coach Amanda Olson. Four additional students were unavailable for the picture. Freshmen females assisted: Kenzie Phillips, Payton Smith, and Megan Sternberg. Anthony Rodriguez, Sophomore, is the first male cheerleader “in a long time.”
Howard Letcher became a multiple winner and a fan of the Cake and Pie Walks, held Tuesday, August 18, through Friday, August 21, 2015. It was a new experience for this Morrison man. Tuesday he won a cherry pie and angel food cake. Thursday’s winnings included a jellyroll, free t-shirt, and three plates of cookies. On Friday, Letcher took home this very pleasing peach pie. It cost only a quarter to play a round. You can “bet” a quarter he will be back next year!
Whiteside County Soil & Water Conservation District hosted an information booth in the Blue Building, with wood duck houses and rain barrels for purchase. They also sell trees and fish for ponds in the spring and fall. Animal specimens under glass received a lot of attention, allowing the staff to share their mission. Although the hawk and otter were beautiful, it was the 125-pound cougar that brought in the crowd. His special appearance concluded Thursday, August 20. The young male, about 1.5 years old, had been a threat to livestock and children on a farmstead on Lyndon Road; the Department of Natural Resources shot the big cat two years ago. Cougars can reach 180 pounds. Young males wander far afield to establish territory. This one’s DNA was traced to a breeding group in South Dakota.
Duiane Dahler, Morrison, is a wood carver who created pieces on the grounds. He is shown using a narrow belt sander on a pumpkin. Firemen Tim West, left, and Brian Tichler posed with a firefighting bear.
Mark Schuler, owner of Schuler Motors, Inc., Morrison, had brought automotive merchandise to the Blue Building. He is preparing to take a first one back to the lot, at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, as the building was being emptied. Bright sunlight makes it look two-toned.
Shiny, powerful mowers and tractors were on display at the east side of the fair. This daddy let a future user try one on for size.
