Library Donates Books to Jail Library

The Odell Public Library donated scores of paperback books to the Whiteside County Jail.  Stephanie Vavra sorted them for appropriate content, per instructions from Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi.  She delivered them on Friday, November 30, 2012, to the Law Enforcement Center, 400 N. Chery Street, Morrison, IL. Lieutenant Tim Erickson, left,

Eleven Illinois State Scholars

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has announced the names of this year’s students honored as Illinois State Scholars for 2012-2013.  The State Scholar program recognizes Illinois high school students for outstanding academic achievement.  Eleven Morrison High School students are among the 532 Illinois State Scholars. Before class, they gathered

Book Tree Is a Clever Idea

“Where do your ideas come from?” is the most often-asked question of an author.  Usually, they reply that ideas are all around, and writers often write about familiar things and places.  Today, asking the source of something artistic or clever might lead to “on pinterest.com” as the answer. That is

Sullivan’s Foods Shopping Spree

The annual Holiday Open House at Sullivan’s Foods, 300 N. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, on Saturday, November 17, 2012, was held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Customer support of the Morrison Friends Food Pantry was an aspect of the day.  Several opportunities for drawings, food sampling and ordering, Santa

Santa Wants Your Letter

Dear Children, In the lobby of the Morrison Post Office, 226 W. Main Street, Morrison, IL, I have arranged a special “Santa Letters” mailbox for you to place your Christmas letters to me. To help you find it, I placed one of my Santa helpers on a chair.  Please take

United Way Reaches $400,000 Mark

At a recent November 2012 report meeting for the United Way of Whiteside County, it was announced by Chris Mitchell, Campaign Co-chair, that the campaign has reached the $400,000 mark. Pictured left-to-right is Mitchell, Jamie Leach from Rock Falls High School, and Patrice Vary, Campaign Co-chair.  Rock Falls High School

Kids Toy Drive Raffle Winners

About 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, 2012, Shell Express Lane Manager Pat Weidel presented Fireman Rob Hudson $733.25 in raffle money, raised for the Morrison Fire Department’s “Caring for Our Community,” 3rd Annual Kids Toy Drive.  The main raffle item was a 39″ Emerson flat screen television.  It will

Flat Screen Raffle for Toys for Kids

Morrison Fire Department has begun its annual Toys for Kids Drive, and they have a generous benefactor in this endeavor.   Drop off unwrapped toys at Shell Express Lane, 651 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.  Manager Pat Weidel will raffle a 36″ flat screen television to raise money for the Toy Drive.  

Local Girls in Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

      Start your holiday morning searching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for four Morrison High School girls.     These Senior girls are, from left-to-right, Cheerleader Jessica Wieneke and Pons Taylor Benters, Janae Nardi, and Samantha Vanderlaan.    They stated, “Look for us in the red outfits featured on

Kaitlyn Finneran Signs with Drake University

By 2:45 p.m. the Morrison High School auditorium, at 643 Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL, was filled with hundreds of well-wishers on Friday, November 16, 2012, with one purpose.  The pep assembly was designed to honor Senior Kaitlyn Finneran, as she officially signed her Letter of Intent to play softball for

Donating Is as Easy as Pie!

Donations to the American Red Cross Blood Drive can be made between noon and 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.  Sullivan’s Foods will donate a pie to those who attempt to donate.  Be a hero in an hour’s time–save

Rotary Students of the Months

The following Morrison High Schoolers were recognized as Rotary Students of the Month for October and November 2012, respectively:  Matt Wilkens and Kate Fricker, top, and Kyle Meurs and Alyssa Patten.  Each was nominated by teachers and chosen for “doing good things and reaching out to others.”  The specific criteria

Tentative Wastewater Treatment Plants Viewed

The Community Room at the Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, was the venue for a City of Morrison Open House on Thursday, November 15, 2012, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Those interested in the future wastewater treatment project were invited to attend and view three tentative plans.

SuperWash Holiday Promotion

With 50 degree temperatures on Thursday, November 15, 2012, I made a point to wash my car at SuperWash, Inc., 707 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.  As I pulled a token from the glovebox, I noticed there was now only one left.  I always buy a lot of tokens when there

Fire Department Sandwich Drive-Through

On Saturday, November 17, 2012, the Morrison Fire Department will host its annual drive-through Sandwich Sale, at 206 W. Main Street, Morrison, IL.  The menu includes chips, pop, and a choice of sandwich:  pork chop, brat, or hot dog. Convenient service from your toasty vehicle is between the hours of