Creative Wolfe Makes “Rebart”

The Whiteside County Fair opened on Tuesday, August 18, 2025, with overcast skies that turned into a downpour and tornado watch by evening.  Earlier, at the west end of the Blue Building, a garden of handcrafted steel rebar flowers, snails, butterflys, and dragonflys brightened the day.  Sloane Wolfe, left, and

Jacklyn Hanson Knows Rabbits

One appealing location on the Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield Street, Morrison, IL, is the Rabbit Barn, with its range of adorable fur bearers.  Judging took place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2015.  There are more than 48 breeds, and the most popular are offered at this

Atherton Brothers Share Their 80th Birthday

Robert L. Atherton, left, of Morrison, IL, and Richard L. Atherton, of Thomson, IL, were born to Merle and Ihla Atherton on July 10, 1935, in Thomson.  They have shared a natal day for 80 years.  As children they are reported to have switched places occasionally at school, because “Bob

Gene Ryan Raises the Roof

For a second consecutive year, severe winds wreaked havoc in Whiteside County including Morrison, IL, in the early evening of Monday, June 22, 2015.  Tree destruction was extensive in some areas, causing structural damage to some residences.  Repairs and clean-up efforts sometimes took weeks. One business at Northland Mall was

Barnabas Support Group Aids Relay For Life

Relay For Life of Whiteside County fund raising goes on year round as shown here.  The “Barnabas Support Group” team was seen on Saturday morning, August 8, 2015, cooking food at the corner of Lincolnway and Cherry Street in Morrison, IL.  Left-to-right are Judy Holesinger, David Shaver, Barbara Prins, David’s

Meet Morrison Farmers’ Market Personalities

The Saturday, August 8, 2015, Morrison Farmers’ Market welcomed shoppers with modulated guitar music by Morrison, IL, musician Mitch Seeger.  Temperatures from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. were also modulated by overcast skies.  It was pleasant to shop for fresh produce, chicken, bakery goods, flowers, Thai food, and dog treats; handcrafted

Lisa Zaagman Won the FOP Fitbit

Lisa Zaagman of Morrison, IL, was the lucky winner of a Fitbit, given away at the Annual Evening Farmers’ Market and Taste of Morrison, Wednesday, on July 29, 2015.  The Fitbit was donated by Friends of the Parks Foundation and an anonymous donor.

Rich Family Visits Toys at Museum

Mary Ellen Brackemyer submitted this article with photos by Steve Siefken. Morrison’s Heritage Museum showcases several locally-manufactured items at 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.  One extensive collection includes various Rich Toy Company items–from doll houses and skis, to bowling pins and a sailboat.  Recently, ten Rich family members visited the

Bike Giveaway at the Farmers’ Market

At the Wednesday, July 29, 2015, Annual Evening Farmers’ Market and Taste of Morrison, Morrison, IL,  resident Josh Coyle rode away with a new bicycle, compliments of Friends of the Parks and an anonymous donor.

Youthful U Ribbon Cutting July 30

Jill Beswick is shown tending her mother’s hair prior to an Open House, on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, showcasing her public salon, “Youthful U.”  The salon name was previously used by family friend Kathy Kimmer, of Clinton, IA, during the 1980’s and 1990’s.  She died 15 years ago.  Beswick asked

American Legion Post and Their Winner

The American Legion Department of Illinois selected 1st Assistant Chief Joe R. Bielema, from the Morrison, IL, Fire Department, as the Firefighter of the Year for the State of Illinois. The honor was received in Springfield, IL, on Friday, July 10, 2015 during the Department of Illinois Convention.  Department Commander

Successful Thomson Sesquicentennial

A multi-faceted Sesquicentennial anniversary celebration was held Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, 2015, honoring the 150th anniversary of the Village of Thomson, IL.  After 19 months of planning for any age and interest, the 14 Core Committee Members were ready to celebrate.  As were the ten sub-committees. Co-chair

Letter from the Bruckners

Dear Editor: We would like to thank the residents of Thomson, IL, and  the surrounding communities for the outstanding support received, as we celebrated our Sesquicentennial. Special thanks is given to the outstanding Parade Committee, Val DeSpain, Angie and Joe Taylor all  parade participants grounds keepers Les Mitchell, Gary Iben,

Letter from Kathy Janicek

Dear Editor: I am writing this letter after attending the [Monday,] July 27[, 2015,[ Morrison Unit #6 Board of Education meeting.  At this meeting Unit #6 Art Instructor Nick Bonneur gave an excellent presentation regarding the seven period daily schedule, which has been adopted for use at Morrison High School

“Steel Magnolias” Features Jalayne Riewerts

The current production at Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (CAST) includes a local favorite performer–Jalayne Riewerts, Morrison, IL,–as one of the “Steel Magnolias.”  This bittersweet 1989 comedy-drama runs through Sunday, August 2, 2015. The theatre lies beside the Mississippi River, 303 Riverview Drive, Clinton, IA.  For tickets call 563-242-6760.  The play