Did We Lose Halloween and Thanksgiving?

I spotted them immediately after exiting my car in the parking lot at the Sterling, IL, Kohl’s on Monday, October 15, 2012:  four red and gold, sparkling trees in the front windows.  The date is significant, because–apparently–this was the first day of the 2012 Christmas season.  Matching swags with gold

Ribbon Cutting at U. S. Cellular

Morrison Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting ceremonies are becoming so well-attended–by Chamber members, staff, and family–that Chamber Administrator Corinne Bender may need to order portable bleachers.  It can be a challenge for press photographers to include all the happy well-wishers. Such was the case again on Friday, October 12, 2012,

Coats and Jackets for Kids Ready to Go

Racks of free Coats and Jackets for Kids are all sorted and ready to go to homes on Thursday, October 18, 2012.  Morrison Methodist Church’s Heritage Hall is the pick up location, at 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.  This fourth annual community event is sponsored by Morrison United Methodist Church

Three Mayors Enter Consortium Agreement

When City of Morrison Mayor Roger Drey declared the 30-minute, Special Combined Council Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m., the room was filled with smiles and applause.  Three mayors, three sets of City Aldermen, Morrison City Administrator Jim Wise and City Attorney Tim Zollinger, community members, and representatives of the Northwestern

Sex Offenders to Attend Operation Safe Halloween Program

It was unnerving to use the term “registered sex offenders” and “Trick-or-Treaters” in the same sentence, when I interviewed Whiteside County Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi on Tuesday, October 16, 2012.  I asked him about the fourth annual “Operation Safe Halloween” program to be held on Wednesday, October 31. From 4:30 to

Whiteside County Democratic Brunch

On Sunday, October 14, 2012, Deer Valley Golf Course, 3298 Hoover Road, Deer Grove, IL, was the venue for a rally and brunch on behalf of Whiteside County Democrats.  In spite of a welcome downpour, numerous National, State, and County candidates for the November 6, General Election greeted their constituents

Ribbon Cutting at Morrison True Value Hardware

The wall says it all:  quality, value, convenience, service, selection, advice, and style.  The former business owner, Black Hawk Lumber, displayed their work ethic at the entrance to 104 S. Genesee Street, Morrison, IL.  Now, it applies equally well to the new occupant, Morrison True Value Hardware, which has been

Historical Society Showcases Civil War

The Morrison Historical Society welcomes the public to a Civil War presentation and film viewing, Sunday, October 14, 2012, beginning at 1:30 p.m.  The location is Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.  The museum opens at 1:00.  Come early to view exhibits and enjoy a bag of goober

Thomson Prison Sells for $165 Million

Tuesday, October 2, 2012, was a day much anticipated in the northwest area of Illinois and eastern Iowa.  Thomson, IL, hosted the official announcement of the purchase of the Thomson Correctional Center.  The price was $165,000,000.  The prison was completed in 2001. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and U. S. Senator

Civil War Program and Film October 14

The Morrison Historical Society invites the public to a Civil War presentation and film viewing, Sunday, October 14, 2012, beginning at 1:30 p.m.  The location is Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.  Come early to view exhibits and eat “goober peas,” because the museum opens at 1:00. Donald

Final Farmers’ Market Report

The last Morrison Farmers’ Market of the 2012 season was a fine finale.  Saturday, September 29, could not have been more pleasant for shopping, listening to The Heritage Trio’s live concert, visiting, or tasting.  Krissy Morris of Prophetstown, IL, baked artisan breads and delicious breakfast cookies and made natural peanut

Ribbon Cutting at Casey’s

The Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon Friday, September 28, 2012, to celebrate the expansion and remodeling of Casey’s General Store, 602 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.  Do you know the two important changes implimented last year to offer customers added value?  In March 2011, the

Free Wednesday Community Potlucks

Pastor Craig Sipes and the Brethren in Christ Church family, at 209 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL, offer a standing invitation to area residents to “join us on Wednesdays.  Come and eat potluck with us from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m.  Everyone is welcome!”

Tiny Teardrop Trailers

The final day of summer, Friday, September 21, 2012, was decidedly “fallish,” with temperatures that stubbornly remained in the 50’s.  So, this flatbed trailer full of brand spanking new teardrop campers seemed destined for warmer climes.  Between 5:00 and 5:45 p.m., the driverless trailer was parked in the lot of