New Year, New Opportunity January 11

All are invited and encouraged to attend “LGBTQ 101,” an educational workshop to help us better understand those in our community who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning–LGBTQ+.  This free, community opportunity will be led by Chase Norris, M.S. Ed, LPC, NCC, Executive Director of Clock, Inc.  He

Letter from Kaywyn Beswick

My name is Kaywyn Beswick, and I have been a resident of Morrison, IL, since 1984, for over half of my life.  When I am asked where I’m from, I always say Morrison, instead of my birthplace of Clinton, IA. For those who do not know, I have been actively

Schools Start Late January 7

Due to forecasted temperatures early tomorrow morning, on Friday, January 7, 2022, Morrison Community Unit School District #6 again will start two hours late.

Flags at Half-Staff for Marlene R. Rittmanic and MaShawn Plummer

Governor J. B. Pritzker ordered all U. S. and Illinois flags to half-staff from Wednesday, January 5, through Friday, January 7, 2022, in honor of Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic of the Bradley[, IL,] Police Department. Officer Rittmanic, 49, was shot and killed with her own gun in the line of

Morrison Friends Food Pantry News

The Board members of Morrison Friends Food Pantry have received written notice from Director Kaywyn Beswick of her decision to resign from the position, effective [Saturday,] January 1, 2022.  The Board voted to officially accept the resignation at a special meeting held [Tuesday,] December 28, 2021. While an entirely volunteer

Girl Scout Online Cookie Sales Begin

Editor’s note:  Orders that have been placed with individual, Troop 1504 Girl Scouts will be delivered in February.  Online ordering allows purchasers to receive cookies right away. Morrison, IL, Girl Scouts of the USA opened their 2022 Online Cookie Sale, on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.  Cookie lovers conveniently place shipped

Florene R. Shaw (1945 – 2022)

Florene R. Shaw, 76, of Sterling, IL, died Friday December 31, 2021, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Florene was born September 13, 1945, in Mt. Carroll, IL, the daughter of Raymond and Imogen (Handel) Oviatt.  She married Jerry D. Shaw on November 3, 1961, in Mt. Carroll.  He preceded her

Odell Friends Fund Our Floor Update

Anne Frame wrote this feature. Last year, in November 2021, Odell Public Library Friends addressed envelopes and wrote notes, kindly asking for a donation to the “Fund Our Floor” campaign.  Friends Treasurer Barb Peterson, left, presented Library Director Meridith Layne with the first donation–a $5000. In December, Barb Kophamer, below

Important Update on Vaccinations and Boosters

Morrison Community Hospital, 303 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, IL, will provide COVID-19 J & J and Moderna boosters and vaccines, by appointment, on Friday January 7, 2022, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Please call 815-772-5537 and leave a voicemail; your call will be returned promptly with

First Presbyterian January 27 Free Community Meal

Editor’s note:  Many ingredients for this meal were donated:  Family Chef Restaurant of Morrison, IL, (dinner rolls); Tyson Foods in Hillsdale, IL, (beef); Sauk Valley Food Bank in Sterling, IL, (vegetables.)  One meal will be serve per month until further notice. On Thursday, January 27, 2022, First Presbyterian Church, 100

Successful Year at The Loft on Main

The Loft on Main was one of many Morrison, IL, Main Street businesses that saw revenues decline and customer access fluctuate in 2021, during a COVID-19 pandemic and downtown street demolition and reconstruction. To stay open, inside The Loft on Main, 112 E. Main Street, Board members, staff, and volunteers

MCH Tree of Lights Honorees

Inside its new lobby, Morrison Community Hospital, 303 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, IL, continued the annual Tree of Lights remembrance tribute, with modifications due to COVID-19 and its virulent variants.  There was neither a public memorial service, naming those who passed in 2021, nor individuals to place an ornament on

Charles G. Maxwell (1939 – 2021)

Charles G. Maxwell, 82, of Sterling, IL, died Friday, December 31, 2021, at Rock River Hospice & Home, Sterling. Charles was born March 25, 1939, the son of Earl and Clara (Dettman) Maxwell.  He married Nancy Hein on September 29, 1957, at Rock Falls[, IL,] Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Charles retired

January 1 Rent Increase at Mahaffey’s On Main Street

Editor’s note:  The photograph is from September 3, 2020, at the Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting ceremony for Mahaffey’s On Main Street. Mahaffey’s On Main Street, 121 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL, offers an excellent rental space for meetings, parties, showers, reunions, and events.  The venue features tables, chairs, and