Walt Westendorf (1930 – 2013)

Editor’s note:  On August 3, 2010, Marta Bender wrote the first of several articles in a series called “Everyone Has a Story.”  She selected Walt Westendorf as her first person of note.  He was a resident of Morrison, IL, except for three years when his family lived in Lyndon, IL. 

Fair Office Hours for Entries and Tickets

Whiteside County Fair Secretary Mary Beth Dombroski announced that Fair offices will open Monday, August 5, 2013, for the week prior to opening day.  The office will open Monday, August 13, and remain open through the end of the Fair Saturday, August 17.  The Fair officially starts at 8:00 a.m.,

Whiteside County Fair 2013 Events

Prepare for a plethora of entertainment opportunities offered during the 143rd Whiteside County Fair, Tuesday, August 13, through Saturday, August 17, 2013.  Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair.  With budget cuts from the State of Illinois, we need your help to keep the Fair going for many years

Nana’s Cafe Satisfies

The sign signals a new owner and business name for a restaurant at 619 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL. The number of cars in the parking area indicated curious customers. Nana’s Cafe opened a month ago, on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, with service every day from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Lisa Despain Ward (1983 – 2013)

Early in the morning of Saturday, August 3, 2013, a wonderfully loving heart stopped beating at UnityPoint Health-Rock Island., IL.  Lisa Despain Ward, 30, of Prophetstown, IL, earned her angel wings surrounded by those who loved her. Lisa was born June 18, 1983, in Geneseo, IL, the daughter of Tim

Chark’s Yard Art Blooms at Farmers’ Market

A first-time vendor at Morrison’s Farmers’ Market on Saturday, August 3, 2013, was Charlene Klavenga of Fulton, IL. The name Chark’s (sharks) Yard Art was far from intimidating. In fact, her virbrant display looked like a fantasy garden from Alice in Wonderland or Willy Wonka films. “I started this last

Schaefers Build New Dance Studio

For forty-three years, countless students climbed creaky, wooden stairs to the second-floor dance studio at 110 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL.  You could consider it a warm up, for legs too used to sitting during the school day.  Boys and girls climbed those flights to experience the physicality of artistry

Family Fun Fair with the Derby Divas

  There will be plenty of fun for all ages at the Family Fun Fair Sunday, August 4, 2013, hosted by the Midwest Derby Divas.  The event is from noon to 6:00 p.m. at 301 W. 3rd. Street, Sterling, IL.  Event tickets are just $0.50. Activities include Dunk Tank Pick-a-Duck

Midwest Derby Divas Family Fun Fair

There will be lots of fun for all ages at the Midwest Derby Divas event on Sunday, August 4, 2013.  The Family fun Fair is set for 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., at 301 W. 3rd Street, Sterling, IL.  Activity tickets are $0.50. A partial list includes: dunk tank Pick-a-Duck

Henson Girls Swim at Regionals

Emily and Kate Henson had both set making it to Regionals as one of their summer swimming goals.  They went into their last-chance meet of the summer (at the Clinton Riverview Pool) with this goal in mind.  Kate accomplished her goal first, by swimming the Regional qualifying time in the

July Customer Service Award

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the Family Chef Restaurant, 701 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL,  was awarded the “Because Nice Matters” Customer Service Award for the month July.  The restaurant received the honor for creating a warm and friendly environment, where customers feel welcome and appreciated,

July 19 Morrison Police Report

Morrison Police Chief Brian Melton reports the following arrests made and citations issued since Friday, July 19, 2013. No Arrests are reported. The following Citations were issued.    07-16-13    Promise T. Chambers    26    Sterling, IL        Ordinance – Speeding & No Valid Driver’s License07-20-13    Justin W. Kelch        26    Sterling,

Morrison Police Report July 19

Morrison Police Chief Brian Melton reports the following arrests made and citations issued since Friday, July 19, 2013. No Arrests are reported. The following Citations were issued. Date Name Age Address Violation Cited 07-16-13 Promise T. Chambers 26 Sterling, IL Ordinance – Speeding & No Valid Driver’s License 07-20-13 Justin

Did You Find Mom’s Red Blender?

Principal Joe Robbins reports a teacher’s daughter accidentally left a red Vitamix Blender on N. Cherry Street at Northside School on Thursday, July 25, 2013.  It was brand new and in perfect condition–not intended for discard.  If you picked it up thinking it was a cast-off, kindly return it to