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Black Hawk College adds more than $291M to local economy
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Black Hawk College has released new findings from a comprehensive economic impact study showing the college contributed almost $291 million in total income to the local economy during fiscal 2023-24.
The study, conducted by Lightcast, demonstrates the college’s significant return on investment to its major stakeholder groups – students, taxpayers, society and employers.
“This report makes clear that Black Hawk College is more than a place of learning,” said Jeremy Thomas, president of Black Hawk College.
“For nearly 80 years, we have been a driver of economic growth in our region. When we invest in our students, we are investing in our workforce, our employers, and the long-term strength of our communities,” he said.
Thomas also highlighted the increase in enrollment as a reflection of this impact.
“Black Hawk College grew by 9% from 2024-25 because more students are making BHC their first college of choice. That growth reflects our role as a driver of opportunity for our students, our workforce and our region,” he said.
Black Hawk College serves as an economic engine for the region, contributing almost $291 million to the local economy. Black Hawk College serves nine counties in northwestern Illinois with a population of more than 225,000 residents.
During fiscal 2023-24, Black Hawk College served more than 8,000 students. The college plays a significant role in educating the regional workforce, offering more than 85 degree and certificate programs.
Moreover, an estimated 98% of students remain in the region after completing their studies at BHC, ensuring investments in workforce development stay local.
Here’s how Black Hawk College adds economic value to the region:
•Supported 3,882 local jobs, representing 1 in 50 jobs in the region.
• Generated $254.5 million in added
income from alumni currently working in the region, equivalent to supporting 3,183 jobs.
• Added $25.9 million to the regional economy through direct operations spending.
• Employed almost 600 full-time and part-time faculty and staff members, with a payroll spent locally on household-related expenses.
An investment analysis found that every $1 invested in Black Hawk College to educate students returns:
• $3.50 in higher future earnings for students who invest in their education.
•$3.10 in benefits that will accrue to Illinois over the course of students’ careers for as long as they remain employed in the state.
The average associate degree graduate from BHC will see an increase in earnings of $7,100 each year compared to a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Illinois.
In total, taxpayers gained $34.8 million in added tax revenue and public sector savings, according to the study.
Prophetstown-Lyndon pantry thanks community for donations
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Prophetstown-Lyndon Food Pantry is open from 9 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday morning.
The food pantry is located at the American Legion Hall at 215 Washington St., Prophetstown.
The food pantry continues to receive many generous donations from individu-
als, companies and organizations each quarter. The food pantry board would like to thank everyone who donated to the program in January, February and March.
The food pantry thanks River Church and the Masonic Lodge of Prophetstown for their donations in the past quarter.
The food pantry has received many donations from individuals during the last quarter. The board wants to thank all the people who donated to the pantry for their
generosity: Beth Zuidema, Joan and Michael Bryan, Joan McCowen, Stu and Becky Richter, Doug Earl, Mike and Donna O’Brien, Richard Maronde III, Randy Cady and Ken Cocking.
The Food Pantry Board also wishes to express gratitude for the donations from anonymous groups and individuals.
The next meeting of the Food Pantry Board is scheduled for 11 a.m. July 14 at the American Legion Hall.
Ag officials: Lock, dam infrastructure upgrades needed for competitive edge
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek
The U.S. grain transportation system, particularly the inland waterways, is considered a competitive edge for America’s farmers. But a century-old lock and dam system along the Mississippi River and a pending rail merger could present challenges in the future.
“Part of the success we’ve had in exports is because we have this really efficient intermodal system of river and rail and roads that all work together, and it’s important to keep those systems up, because when we’re talking about moving such the large volume that we produce here, being able to get that to an export destination efficiently is really important,” National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson told FarmWeek.
Illinois is a bit different from other states with its vicinity to the Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio rivers, which allows for more “exposure to the international market than some other places,” said Collin Watters, IL Corn’s director of exports and logistics.
The Mississippi River system is one of the most critical logistics corridors for the U.S. corn export system, which makes advocating for federal investments to modernize the waterways a priority for IL Corn and the Illinois Farm Bureau.
During a recent Leaders to Washington trip, members advocated for legislator support to improve infrastructure along the Mississippi, particularly the aging lock and dam system.
Tom Heinold, chief of the operations division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District, said routine maintenance has pretty much stayed on schedule, but non-routine repairs have not been well-funded the past couple of years.
“I think 2022 was the last time we got a large infusion of infrastructure money for our locks and dams and so things are breaking faster than we can repair them right now,” Heinold told FarmWeek. “But I have to caveat that and say that during the 2000s, 2010s and the first couple of years of the 2020s, we took very good care of the locks. ... My next big concern is the dams. Those dam gates out there, there are a few hundred of them across all of our dams between the St. Louis, Rock Island and St. Paul districts, and they have gone largely unmaintained ... and they’re
starting to show signs of decay.”
According to the USDA, about 60% of U.S. grain exports are shipped by barge and roughly 32 million tons of corn per year are barged down the Mississippi River system to Louisiana export terminals.
Barges dominate because Midwestern corn can be loaded on rivers and moved cheaply to Gulf export ports. Most corn used within the U.S. moves by truck or rail (to ethanol plants, feedlots or processors).
“Right now, we do have a competitive edge because we’ve invested in this [river] system, and it’s reliable and very, very efficient. If we fail to invest in this system [in the future], that price point could go the other way, and Brazil and other ag-producing nations in South America, for instance, could eat us alive,” Heinold said.
Drought and consistent low water levels in the lower Mississippi also continue to be a concern, while the upper river is “looking pretty good,” Heinold said March 9.
“On the lower river, they have gone for about four years in a drought condition, and unfortunately, that condition, more or less, is persisting. We’ve got some recent rain, but it hasn’t been enough to cancel out the drought and put a great deal of water back into the river system down south. The system is all connected, so it might be worth
watching the potential drought on the lower river.”
This could mean light-loading barges, which in turn affects prices.
“When you have to make more trips with a tow boat to get the same product to market, that gets passed on,” he said.
Pending rail merger
Farmers and ag groups also are watching the proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which could significantly alter rail competition, shipping costs and service reliability for agricultural shippers if approved by federal regulators.
The railroads have informed the Surface Transportation Board they intend to file a revised merger application on April 30, following the STB’s rejection of the railroads’ initial merger application for being incomplete.
The deal would create the nation’s first coast-to-coast freight railroad. The board could make a decision by 2027.
In 2023 alone, U.S. railroads carried more than 80 million tons of corn, much of it originating in the Midwest and Northern Plains and moving toward coastal ports or major processing hubs.
Mexico is the top export market for U.S. corn. About two-thirds of the grain the US ships to Mexico moves by rail. Disruptions in rail transport to Mexico
could erode the U.S.’ proximity advantage, cause storage backups and weaken basis.
“For agriculture and rural America, the central question is not whether railroads could operate a larger network, but how further concentration would affect pricing power, service reliability and accountability in markets where shippers already have limited alternatives,” American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Daniel Munch wrote in a recent Market Intel. When rail rates rise, farmers have limited ability to offset the increase, Munch wrote. Commodity prices are set in global markets; input costs are largely fixed in the short run and production decisions cannot be easily adjusted after harvest. As a result, higher rail rates will be absorbed directly into farm margins.
“The risk of the UP-NS merger is clear. It would leave farmers more dependent on fewer railroads at a time when they already have almost no ability to walk away from higher costs or poor service,” Munch said.
• Rhiannon Branch contributed to this story. This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow. com.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
New John Deere tractors head through Morrison as they are transported on the Union Pacific Railroad on Saturday, June 21.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Morrison’s municipal water tower will be temporarily taken out of service beginning May 1 to allow for scheduled interior tank maintenance.
This work is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable and high-quality water system for residents and businesses, according to a news release. The anticipated maintenance period is four to six weeks.
During the maintenance period, the water system will continue to operate using large-scale hydro-pneumatic pressure tanks. Residents and businesses may experience minor fluctuations in water pressure at times, but no major
service interruptions are anticipated.
Residents and businesses may notice temporary changes in water clarity, discoloration and odor. If this occurs, residents and businesses are asked to run cold water only for a few minutes until it clears. The water will remain safe for normal use throughout the maintenance period.
The city appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as this important work is completed, according to the release. Updates will be provided if there are any significant changes to the project timeline or service conditions.
For information, contact City Hall by calling 815- 772-7657, visiting 200 W. Main St., or going to the city’s official website, morrisonil.org.
ARTHUR “ART” PRUIS
Born: July 22, 1934 in Morrison, IL
Died: April 22, 2026 in Morrison, IL
ARTHUR “ART” PRUIS, 91 of Morrison, IL, passed away on April 22, 2026, at Resthave Home in Morrison. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. His funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday May 2, 2026, at Emmanuel Church in Morrison, IL, with Rev. Luke Schouten, pastor of Emmanuel Church, officiating. Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL. A memorial has been established.
Art was born to Bernie and Cora (Tiesenga) Pruis on July 22, 1934, in Morrison, IL. Art lost his father while in grade school and his family moved to town. He then spent many summers and weekends helping his older brother, Fred, on the farm. He was very dependable, a good worker and a lot of fun to be around. Art attended local grade schools and graduated from Morrison High School in 1952. On October 14,
1955, he married Betty Van Zuiden from Fulton. He served 2 years in the US Army. Art and Betty lived most of their married life in Morrison, celebrating 70 years together last October. Art worked 3 years at ICA, 11 years at Hermon Nelson and retired from General Electric in 1990 after 28 years. Art was a member of Emmanuel Church where he served as usher, was part of the walking ministry and faithfully changed the Wall Street bulletin board with announcements and encouraging sayings for over 30 years, retiring at age 91.
Art and Betty enjoyed camping and fishing and in his later years, Art enjoyed Thursday afternoons playing pool with a group of friends. He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears and the Fighting Illini. He also enjoyed watching his great nephews and great-great nieces and nephews playing for the Morrison Mustangs and Fillies.
Art is survived by his wife, Betty; sister, Hilda Foster; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marv and Ethel Van Zuiden; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded by his parents; brothers Jay, Fred, Dwayne, and Menno; a sister, Della Johnson; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wilbert and Millie Heun.
To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com
Needing help is
There’s no shame in asking.
JANE ANN JAMES
Born: August 15, 1928 in Morrison, IL
Died: November 17, 2025 in Morrison, IL
JANE ANN JAMES, 97, of Morrison, IL, died Monday, November 17, 2025 at Resthave Home in Morrison.
Funeral services will be private; interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Morrison, with Rev. Dr. Michael Selburg, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, and Rev. John Reynolds, Jr. co-officiating. The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials have been established to the First Presbyterian Church in Morrison and Resthave Home.
Jane was born August 15, 1928, in Morrison, IL, to Kenneth and Luella (Oostenryk) Paschal. She attended the Morrison grade schools and was a 1946 graduate of Morrison High School. She later attended Milliken University in Decatur, IL. On March 18, 1949 she married George O. James in Morrison. He died August 7, 2001.
KEVIN JAMES ZUIDEMA
Kevin James Zuidema, 66, of Clinton, IA, passed on Sunday, April 26, 2026 . Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Fulton, IL. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.
Jane worked as a bookkeeper and sales associate for Nelson’s Electric Company in Morrison. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Morrison, and had been active in various church groups. Jane was a member of the PEO for 64 years, and also belonged to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Jane enjoyed genealogy and anything involving music, whether it was listening to music or singing. She sang in her church choir for over 70 years, and also sang at numerous weddings and funerals. She was active in the MMTA, Morrison Music Theater Association.
Survivors include three daughters, Nancy (Ronald) Shank of Morrison, Elizabeth (Joel) Walma of Wyoming, MI and Julie (Donald Nelson) James of Chicago, IL; one son, Thomas (Gartha) James of Eldridge, IA; six grandchildren, Jason (Heather) Shank, Melissa (Sean O’Day) Shank, Jennifer Wyn, Sarah (Jeffrey) Saunders, Joshua (Samantha) Walma and Hannah Nelson; one great grandson, Jules Walma; four step great grandchildren, Cale O’Day, Caiden Saunders, Attalie Saunders, Clayton Saunders; one brother, Alan Paschal. She was preceded in death by her husband, George and one grandson, Nathan Walma. To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com
How to submit
Send obituary information to saukobits@shawlocal.com or call 815-5264438. Notices are accepted until 9 a.m. Monday for Tuesday’s edition.
60 years
• April 27, 1966
• Members of the fire district started to raze the abandoned city hall opposite the Fulton post office. After the city council purchased the C, B & Q station and remodeled it into a city hall, the old municipal building was offered to the highest bidder. The managing board of the fire district was the only bid that came in. At $500, the bid was accepted. Future plans call for enlargement of the fire station.
• Postmaster Wiersema urges depositors with Postal Savings Certificates to withdraw their accounts from the Post Office as soon as possible. The postal savings system was abolished on March 27, 1966. Postal Savings System was established on Jan. 1, 1911, to get money out of hiding and to attract savings of a large number of immigrants who were accustomed to saving at Post Offices in their own countries.
50 years
• April 28, 1976
• The change in the direction of traffic flow on Fourth and Fifth Streets has been postponed indefinitely. Mayor Wiersema said the change was postponed at the
request of the fire department, who felt that the proposed change would make it more difficult for them to respond to fire calls promptly.
• A growing movement in Fulton, originating with some of the Trustees of the Schmaling Memorial Library who were elected in a special election, to draft Robert Lockhart for continued service on the library board. In the election Mr. Lockhart was not elected. A write-in candidate, Mrs. Robert Kolk, received 69 votes. The Journal started hearing reports of a plan to have one of the trustees who was elected resign and to have the other trustees appoint Mr. Lockhart to serve in that position until the next election.
40 years
• April 30, 1986
• Three Community Christian School students won top honors in the Whiteside County Spelling Bee. First-place honors went to Bryan Hansen, second place went to Wendy Hensley, and Heidi Hensley placed third.
• A gift of $200 was voted to the Fulton Fire Department by the Fulton Flood Control District, in appreciation of the work done by firemen in containing boils which occurred
as a result of the recent high water.
30 years
• April 24, 1996
• A grant given to the City of Fulton back in 1993 finally reached reality when construction began on a section of the bike trail that will stretch through a portion of the Fulton area. When completed, the blacktop surface will stretch from a point north of 10th Avenue down to U.S. 30.
• Bill Huisenga, a senior at Loras in Dubuque, Iowa, a 1993 graduate of Fulton and member of the 1991 Fulton State Football Championship Team, has been selected to play football in Germany. He will be a member of the Franken Knights, which is one of 26 teams in the European Football League, Division II. He plans to be gone four to five months.
20 years
• April 26, 2006
• Eric Johnson was selected to the Board of Directors of Central Banc, Inc., the holding company of Central Bank Illinois and Central Financial LLC, at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders. He was selected to fill the seat of retiring board member Alan Anderson.
• A new event for Dutch Days will be a
cemetery walk conducted by Mike Swanson on Friday and Saturday morning. The walk will provide a brief history of certain portions of the Fulton cemetery and will feature the burial places of those who paved the way for the strong Dutch presence in Fulton.
10 years
• April 27, 2016
• The Fulton Dutch Days Festival Committee selected Judy Holesinger as Grand Marshal for the 2016 Dutch Days Festival. This year’s honoree has been an active volunteer in the community for many years and in a variety of organizations and projects.
• Friends for Charity organization received a $1,000 grant from the D. S. Flikkema Foundation for milk tickets to be used at the elementary school. River Bend School District also received a grant from the D. S. Flikkema Foundation of $4,000 that was used to purchase a poster printer and supplies. The River Bend Educational Association also approved a grant to get a supply of ink cartridges to begin making the posters.
– Shaw Local News Network
60 dead names on jury list fuel state court challenge
By CHARLENE BIELEMA cbielema@shawmedia.com
A Whiteside County jury panel summoned for an April trial contains at least 60 dead people – including one person who died 35 years ago – raising allegations of a systemic flaw in how Illinois compiles statewide jury lists, according to a motion filed by a defendant’s attorney.
The discovery has prompted a constitutional challenge that goes far beyond Whiteside County, suggesting a statewide problem that systematically excludes younger citizens from jury duty in violation of the Sixth Amendment.
Michael C. Cover’s attorney, James W. Mertes of Sterling, filed the motion Monday, arguing that the April 2026 jury panel for Cover’s May trial must be discharged
because it fails to represent a fair cross section of the community.
The numbers are stark. Of the 200 people summoned for jury duty in April, 60 are confirmed dead. The median age of the panel is 72, compared with 43 years for Whiteside County’s actual population. And not a single person younger than 42 was summoned.
“This is not merely a Whiteside County problem,” Mertes wrote. “The problem revealed by the removal of improper exclusion criteria suggests the existence of a potentially more massive, statewide, systemic problem.”
How the problem was discovered
The jury selection crisis in Whiteside County began in February when Mertes discovered the county had been systemat-
ically excluding qualified jurors for more than three decades based on age, economic status, pending civil cases, money owed in court cases and criminal history.
Two judges successively discharged jury panels in February and March 2026, with one ruling in March that the exclusions violated state and federal law. The 14th Judicial Circuit judges then appointed a three-member jury commission.
In late March, the jury commission requested a fresh, combined list of potential Whiteside County jurors from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts – the statewide agency responsible for compiling jury lists from voter registration, driver’s license and unemployment insurance data – and Illinois identification and Illinois Person with a
Tiffany Blanchette/Daily Journal File Photo
A sign greets potential jurors summoned to the Kankakee County Courthouse.
Disability Identification Card holders.
The AOIC provided a list of more than 48,000 names, a number that immediately raised red flags. Whiteside County’s total adult population is about 43,495 people, according to 2020 census data. The list contained about 4,500 more names than the entire adult population of the county.
The jury panel that shouldn’t exist
Working with the court, Mertes and prosecutors have been shaping a process to select jurors fairly. The AOIC list would be completely randomized with no exclusions, and 200 random numbers would be generated using ChatGPT to identify jurors from the randomized list.
During a court hearing Tuesday, Mertes said a meeting with the AOIC last week revealed that of the 200 people summoned:
• 60 people (30%) are confirmed dead, and 43 have death certificates on file in the Whiteside County Clerk’s office. Among those summoned, according to Mertes’s motion, is his own mother, who died April 14, 2006.
• 27 people (13.5%) are reportedly 100 years or older.
• 52 people (26%) are reportedly 90 years or older.
• The oldest person is reportedly 116 years old.
• The youngest person is 42 years old. No one younger than 42 was summoned.
• 70% of the panel is 65 or older, compared with 22.7% of the actual county pop-
ulation.
• 98% of the panel is older than the county’s median age of 43.
The potential root cause: dead people on voter rolls
Mertes’s motion identifies the potential source of the problem: The voter reg-
Team Formation
istration data used to compile the AOIC list is never purged of deceased persons. According to the Illinois Supreme Court’s website, the Jury Act and the Jury Commission Act require that a master jury list be compiled from the list of
See DEAD NAMES on page 9
Relay For Life of Sauk Valley Plans Our 31st Annual Event Westwood Sports Complex, Building 3 Saturday, June 13, 2026 5:30pm-9:30pm
Register your team at www.relayforlife.org/saukvalleyil or call 1-800-ACS-2345 for assistance. Resources are available on that website to start team fundraising. There is no minimum of money to be raised, no charge to join Relay For Life. Every dollar collected is tax-deductible; every luminaria sold can be added to team total collected. All registration forms available at Sauk Valley Foodbank in Sterling. Teams are encouraged to invite and celebrate one or more survivor(s) at the event on June 13.
Survivors are the Heart of Relay
1. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or register online at www.relayforlife.org/saukvalleyil to receive a free survivor T-shirt in the mail. Please allow 4 weeks for survivor T-shirts to be mailed to you; order earlier, rather than later.
2. All survivors are invited to open the Relay in the Survivor first lap at 5:30 pm behind Building 3 at Westwood Sports Complex on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Caregivers are encouraged to walk with their survivor.
3. Registration begins at 4:30 in Building 3 until 5:20 p.m. when survivors will receive a gift and indicate the number of years of survivorship each has attained. The longest survivor will be named the honorary survivor at the beginning of the Opening ceremony and the number of years of survivorship represented by the survivors in total announced.
4. Isabel Bloom created a special limited edition Heart of Hope tea light sculpture. Visit the website www.relayforlife.org/saukvalleyil to see the flyer or contact Beth at bawilson72@gmail.com or call her at 815-631-5212.
Full information about survivor activities may be found on the website of www.relayforlife.org/saukvalleyil
Medill Illinois News Bureau photo by Reece Dower - provided by Capitol News Illinois
The Illinois State Board of Elections building is pictured in Springfield in February 2026. The Illinois State Board of Elections is among the agencies that provide data to compile jury lists for counties across the state of Illinois.
Continued from page 8
legal voters, Illinois driver’s license holders, Illinois Identification Card holders, Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card holders and claimants for unemployment insurance for each county.
“This information is provided by the Illinois State Board of Elections, Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois Department of Employment Services,” according to a jury compilation document posted on the Illinois Supreme Court’s website.
“On an annual basis, the AOIC’s JMIS [Judicial Management Information Services] division contacts the above-referenced agencies to request data in a specific format for each Illinois county. Counties also provide the number of potential jurors they want in the jury list and whether they prefer the list to be alphabetic or random,” according to a jury compilation document posted on the Illinois Supreme Court’s website.
The data from these agencies are merged, producing a jury list for each county, according to the Illinois Supreme Court.
The jury application first loads the secretary of state data file, identifying and removing duplicates based on several key fields, keeping only the record with the latest issue date.
The election data is then compared to the secretary of state records. If there is a duplicate, the secretary of state record is kept, and the election record is discarded.
If no duplicates are found, the elections record is added to the jury list. The same process is used for the IDES records, according to the Supreme Court. This process is repeated for each county.
The AOIC’s Court Services division then distributes the respective jury lists to each county.
Mertes claims that, unlike driver’s licenses, which expire and must be renewed, or unemployment insurance claims, which have finite durations, voter registration in Illinois continues indefinitely until someone actively cancels it.
When people die, their names often remain on the voter rolls.
His motion explains the problem through what statisticians call “differential growth.” As older people die, their names should be removed from the list. But because they aren’t, the
Available
older portion of the jury list keeps growing while the younger portion remains stable. Over time, this creates a compositional shift that makes it statistically far more likely that older –and dead – people will be randomly selected.
“As long as the AOIC master list continues to add to the older subgroup without subtracting from it, this problem will only worsen,” Mertes wrote.
A constitutional problem
Mertes argues the systematic exclusion of everyone younger than 42 violates the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee that juries be drawn from a fair cross section of the community.
“Systematically excluding jurors below the age of 42 deprives the jury of a fair cross section of the community,” according to the motion. “It removes an entire generation or more of citizens whose experiences, economic realities, family structures, employment patterns, and social perspectives are distinct from those of older age groups.”
The motion argues that younger and middle-aged adults bring perspectives shaped by modern workplaces, technology, housing costs, student debt and contemporary social conditions – all of which affect how jurors assess credibil-
ity, reasonableness and human behavior.
“A jury composed only of older citizens may be sincere and conscientious, but it cannot replicate the perspective of a panel drawn from all eligible adults,” according to the motion.
What happens next
Mertes is asking the court to find that the data source or sources used for compilation of the combined list provided by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts “results in flawed differential growth of the older subgroup due to non-purging of the deceased and thereby necessarily results in systematic age-based exclusion of a younger population so vast that the jury venire does not adequately represent a cross-section of the community.”
He also is asking to discharge the April 2026 jury panel and order a new jury panel be assembled.
Cover’s motion to discharge the April 2026 jury panel is set for a hearing alongside a pretrial conference at 9 a.m. May 7. Mertes said he intends to call a mathematician, a sociologist, the Whiteside County circuit clerk and members of the AOIC to testify before the court.
~ Marriean T.
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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Master gardeners on hand at Fulton plant sale May 9 in Cattail Park
Many of you are anxiously awaiting some time in your yards. As you anticipate what changes and improvements you wish to make, consider coming to the annual Fulton Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9.
There is always a nice selection of plants to choose from for your seasonal projects. Primarily perennials, with some annuals, will be available.
This sale operates solely on donated specimens from area gardens. If you have plants you no longer want or need to split, dig them up and bring to Cattail Park from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, May 8. Gardeners will be there to repackage your donations for the sale on the following day.
The actual sale will be at Cattail Park (follow Eighth Avenue toward the golf course) from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 9. Most plants are priced at $2 and up. Come early for the best selection.
Master Gardeners will be available to
answer questions concerning planting tips and recommended plant care.
The Fulton Plant Sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Windmill, with all proceeds to benefit the beautification of the Windmill area.
If you have questions as to digging and splitting plants, contact Jude at 563249-6115.
Fulton’s CrossView Church serves free community meal each week
A free community meal is served on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. at CrossView Church, 703 14th Ave. in Fulton.
Menus
April 29: Scalloped potatoes and ham, JJ bread, tossed salad, desserts
May 6: Dutch meatballs, cabbage and potatoes, carrots and potatoes, rolls, Jell-O, pudding
May 14: Chicken and dressing casserole, green beans, JJ bread, pears, assorted desserts
May 27: Pancakes, sausage links, applesauce, assorted desserts
The Henry C. Adams Memorial Library in Prophetstown is hosting a School of Rock in Session for violins on May 29.
School
of Rock in Session featuring violins May 29 at Prophetstown library
The Henry C. Adams Memorial Library staff wants to see a future with music in it.
The library, located at 209 W. Third St. in Prophetstown, is offering a new program at 10 a.m., Friday, May 29, to discover the joy of music.
The first installment will be on the violin. All kids and adults, too, are invited to attend a violin jam session with local violinist and instructor Jenna Scifres from
Forge and Fiddle in downtown Prophetstown.
Scifres will be showing how the violin works, different styles of music you can make with the violin and participants will be making percussion to go along with her violin.
Prophetstown library to host CPR training May 7
The Prophetstown library will host CPR training from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7. Cost is $10 a person. To sign up, call the library at 309-714-2699 or email info@ saukvalleycpr.com.
Fulton Presbyterian Church to host ventriloquist, concert
Fulton Presbyterian Church is hosting a concert performance by ventriloquist Brett Vernon and Sam.
The performance will begin at 5 p.m., Saturday, May 9. The church is located at 311 N. Ninth St., Fulton.
The event is free. Free-will donations will be accepted.
– Shaw Local News Network
Shaw Local News Network File Photo
Illinois students pursuing careers in education can apply for IRTA Foundation area scholarships
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation is proud to announce the availability of its area scholarships, designed to support Illinois students who are pursuing careers in education.
This scholarship program reflects the foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the future of the teaching profession by investing in the next generation of educators, according to a news release.
As the demand for dedicated, passionate teachers continues to grow, the
IRTA Foundation recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to students who have chosen to make a difference in the classroom. These scholarships are awarded to qualified applicants across multiple regions of the state, helping to ease the financial burden of higher education while encouraging excellence in the field of teaching.
The IRTA Foundation area scholarships are available to Illinois high school seniors and students enrolled in Illinois colleges and universities who are working toward a degree in education.
By supporting these future educa -
tors, the foundation helps ensure that Illinois schools continue to benefit from skilled and committed teaching professionals for years to come.
How to apply
• Visit the IRTA Foundation scholarship page (www.irtaonline.org/foundation/scholarships/) to review eligibility requirements and access the application.
• Complete and submit the application by the stated deadline, May 1.
• Applications will be reviewed by area committees.
• Scholarship recipients will be announced following the review pro -
cess.
The IRTA Foundation’s mission is to enrich the educational community and provide financial support to both current and future educators. Since its founding in 1985, the foundation has made a lasting impact by offering scholarships to aspiring teachers, grants for classroom projects, and financial assistance to retired educators in times of need, according to the release.
Students interested in pursuing a career in education are encouraged to apply and to share this opportunity with classmates and peers who may also qualify.
We Support Our Local Schools!
Millcreek Crossing
PROPHETSTOWN LIBRARY EVENTS
Get an opportunity to participate in a Nationwide Pen Pal Club
• Prophetstown Library will participate in a nationwide Pen Pal Club. This is for ages 5 to 100. Libraries across the nation connect you with others in search of pen pals. All mail gets sent to the corresponding library so there is no sharing of addresses. If you would like to sign up, stop in. Once the administration assigns a match for you, the library will let you know their name and the library it will be going to.
Dungeons
& Dragons/Game Club
• A role-playing game club (Dungeons & Dragons) meets every Monday from 3:30-7:30 p.m. at the Prophetstown Library. This is for anyone ages 10 to adult. All materials will be available unless you would like to bring your own dice, pencils, books, etc. Stop by or phone the library at 309-7142699 with any questions.
After-school crafting club three days a week with Raven
• Starting in April, all kids are invited every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for an after-school crafting club at the library. Come hang out with our new employee, Raven Newman, and craft some fun new projects. The club will be from 3-5 p.m. All supplies will be provided.
Beginner
crochet class to be offered for May/June sessions
• Beginner crochet classes will be held in May/June on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and will be led by Prophetstown crocheter Nikol Hamstra. Cost will be $10/class to participate and this includes yarn and hook. Classes will be offered one at a time so
individuals can come when their schedules are open. Youths and adults are encouraged to sign up by calling the library at 309-7142699 or emailing hcadams1@yahoo.com.
Cricut class will make spring decor adhesive vinyl May 8
• A beginner Cricut class is being held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the Prophetstown Library for anyone who would like to be able to have some basic beginner knowledge for Cricut crafting. This class will focus on adhesive vinyl and will create spring decor vinyl for May. An instructor will be there to walk you step by step through the process. Feel free to bring your laptop if you have a design you would like to use. Call or email the library to sign up, so they know how many will attend for materials, by calling 309-7142699 or emailing hcadams1@yahoo.com.
Summer reading signup to begin
• Feel free to stop in and sign up for our June Summer Reading Program. The program runs every Tuesday in June. Ages are Pre-K through eighth grade. Cost is $3 and this includes all five weeks of June activities.
Christal’s Exotics and Erie Reptiles to host Reptile Meet and Greet
• On Saturday, June 13, Christal’s Exotics and Erie Reptiles will host a “Reptile Meet and Greet” at Prophetstown Library from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• These great friends have teamed up to bring a nice collection of snakes and lizards.
• These are all nonvenomous and this is a family friendly event!
– Shaw Local News Network
Blain’s Farm & Fleet celebrates spring May
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Blain’s Farm & Fleet, a Midwest-based retailer serving families and communities for over 70 years, announces Blain’s Fest 2026, a three-day in-store celebration taking place May 1-3 at all locations. The event brings neighbors together with seasonal deals, more than $100,000 in prizes, daily giveaways, and family-friendly activities, according to a news release.
“We want to help our neighbors get ready for spring by offering the deals they need and making sure we have the right merchandise on hand,” said Mark Hasting, chief executive officer and president. “It’s also a chance for families to stop in together, see what’s new, and discover products they may not even realize we carry.”
Blain’s Fest features outdoor-themed sweepstakes designed for the season and how neighbors live, work, and play. Prize packages include: Grand Prize: Massimo UTV (valued at $13,999) – a powerful side-by-side built for work and recreation. YETI Prize Package (valued at $1,120) – premium outdoor essentials including a cooler, drinkware. Homesteader Package (valued at $1,010) – tools and equipment for everyday rural living and backyard projects. Outdoorsman Package (valued at $1,010) – hunting, fishing and outdoor gear built for performance. Summer Fun Package (valued at $1,400) – yard games, water activities and warm-weather essentials. Plus, the first 100 attendees each day will receive a free Blain’s Fest giveaway item while supplies last — a Mini Bucket on Friday, a Tote Bag on Saturday and a Camp-Style Mug on Sunday.
CHURCH LISTINGS
ALBANY
Albany United Methodist Church
502 N. First Ave., 309-887-4781
Pastor Toni Lucas
St. Patrick Catholic Church 1201 N. Bluff St., Albany
Father Timothy Barr, Pastor
CORDOVA
Cordova Baptist 602 Third Ave. South, Cordova
Pastor Carmen Jordan 309-654-2501 - www.cordovafbc.com
EAST MOLINE
Sycamore Baptist Church 5323 180th Street North, East Moline 309-200-2505 www.sycamorebaptistchurch.com
Wildwood Baptist Church 18717 Hubbard Road, East Moline 309-496-9397 office@ wildwoodchurch.com
Pastors Brian Smith, Andrew Robinson, Andy Thomaston and Matt Winquist
Zion Lutheran Church 17628 Hubbard Road, East Moline
Rev. Gary A. Wright - 309-496-3592
ERIE
Erie Baptist Church 8th Ave. and 11th Street, Erie
Call Ron Kimball for info: 309-230-3584
Erie Christian Church 715 6th Ave., Erie, 309-659-2561
United Methodist Church Pastor Leanne Keate - 815-564-2302
Warranty Deeds
• Rcv Real Estate 2 Llc to Ck Snyder Llc, 6046 Penrose Rd, Fulton, $450,000
• Todd Davis and Cinnament Davis to Shane J Rivers and Shannon M Graff, 16294 Lyons Rd, Prophetstown, $385,000
• Donald J Molitor and Betsy Moliter to Mercedes Johnson, 401 10th St W, Sterling, $173,000
• City of Sterling to Lukas Pounders, 7th Ave Sterling, $500.00
• Rebecca Schrader, Mardy Preston, and Shelby Preston to Jody Preston, Ruth Cowley, and Scott Cowley, 23112 Pigeon Rd, Morrison, $0.00
• Gloria J Maya and Gloria M Padilla Aka to Raymond Sanders, 215 7th St E, Rock Falls, $92,700
• Michelle L Galvan, Eric S Pense, Cherie A Debie, and Charles J Savoure Estate to Karson J Strohmeyer, 3912 Emerson Rd, Sterling, $130,050
• Kendall C Plautz to Shane B Schutz and Shannon J Schutz, 1 Parcel: 22-06-100003, $943,755
• Mercedes Johnson to Kira Goral and Lucy Ann Trujillo, 608 4th Ave, Sterling, $144,000
• Brock W Rubright to Noah J Ford, 510 Base St N, Morrison, $138,000
• Kathryn A Bach to Tisha J Bush, 507 Jenkran St, Unit 4, Morrison, $84,900
• Bje Future Llc to Alberto Weatherby, 1702 Oak Grove Avenue, Sterling, $127,400
• Rkh Properties Llc to Extreme Properties Il Llc, 1 Parcel: 11-22-229-008, $168,000
• Trudy Landheer, Trina Obrien, Tricia Krusenoski, and Myron J Deets Estate to Thomas Krusenoski and Tricia Krusenoski, 1 Parcel: 05-10-400-004, $100,000
• Michael L Graham to Michael L Beyer and Cindy S Beyer, 1 Parcel: 12-01-200009, $65,000
• Mauricio Temiquel and Sherry Koch to Mason P Temiquel, 1703 Long Court, Sterling, $115,000
• Michael Burress, David Burress, and Edward K Burress Estate to Laurie L Henkelman, 45 Locust St, Prophetstown, $171,717
• Claudia Mercer to David Snow and Lori Snow, 508 Wall St E, Morrison,$100.00
• Nathaniel Hardin and Tabatha Hardin to German Rodriguez Lares, 505 5th St W, Rock Falls, $18,000
Quit Claims
• Lynn A Schipper, Kathleen S Schipper, and Kathleen S Elder Fka to Lynn A Schipper Family Trust and Kathleen Shipper Family Trust, 6225 Sandy Bottom Dr, Fulton, $0.00
• Rusty A Littlejohn to Cody A Littlejohn, 18865 13th St, Fulton, $37,000
• Craig S Linton to Craig S Linton and Tammera L Saenz, 500 20th St W, Rock Falls, $0.00
• Kelly Paxton, Christian Carder, Karen Meier, and Mary K Paxton Estate to Tammy Sullivan, 710 9th Ave, Erie, $0.00
• State Of Illinois Dot to City of Rock Falls, 2 Parcels: 17-03-101-001 and 17-03-101002, $0.00
Trustee’s Deeds
• Karla Hinrichs Trust, Karen Nehring Trustee, and Elmer Hinrichs Estate to Karen Nehring Trustee, Karla A Hinrichs Trust, Karen Nehring Guardian, and Karla A Hinrichs Estate, 3 Parcels: 04-03-100-006, 04-04-100-006, and 04-04-200-001, $0.00
• Karen Nehring Trustee and Eeh Land Trust No 1 to Karen Nehring Guardian, Karla A Hinrichs Trust, Karen Nehring Trustee, Karla A Hinrichs Estate, and Karen Nehring, 1 Parcel: 04-03-100-006, $0.00
• Larry G Mccormick Trustee, Larry G Mccormick Trust, and Mary R Mccormick Trust to Owen Sullivan and Olivia Sullivan, 6753 Ellis Rd, Erie, $167,500
• Robert J Stichter Trustee, Shirley J Stichter Family Trust, and Robert J Stichter Family Trust to Riley A Baker and Clarence R Baker, 10015 Stichter St, Fenton, $230,000
• Joyce M Wisdom Trustee, Joyce M Wisdom Trust, and William H Wisdom Trust to Joyce M Wisdom Trustee and Joyce M Wisdom Survivors Trust, 428 12th St, Erie, $0.00
Executor’s Deeds
• Roger L Williams Sr Estate to Thomas J Roman, 331 Tree Lane, Prophetstown, $262,000
• Patricia A Rogers Estate to Katie Johnson and Mellissa Ferguson, 1908 22nd Ave, Sterling, $140,000
– Shaw Local News Network
CLASSIFIED SURVEY TECHNICIAN
Full Time
About American Surveyi ng & Engineering, Ltd.: Why work here? “We work every day on once- in-a-career project opportunities. State-of-the-art equipm ent, talented support staff.” Well-established 48-year history Talented staff and management It is a very good opportunity to grow at your own pace. We are looking for hardwork ing individuals with aggr essive career path prefe rences Make this your home for the rest of your career.
Po sition Overv iew: Willing to train, but experience is preferred. Work includes vario us field duties in support of sur vey crews for Highways, Railroads, Airports, Rivers, and Lakes. State-of-the-art survey equipment is used in the performa nce of field surveying and mapping projects, including Mobile LiDAR, Drones, and Hydrographic Survey Vessels In addition, long corridor right-of-way and parcel acquisitions for public and pr ivate corridors, including highways, pipelines, transmission lines, and other infrastructure
Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. Ability to wor k outdoors in various weather conditions. Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Good communication and teamwork skills.
Compensation: $40,000 to $80,000 Annually
Benefits Offered: Full benefit package includes Health Insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, 401 (k) with aggressive match, Profit Sharing, Short-term and long-term Disability. D ental Insurance and Vision are also available Year-end Bonus is based on individual and com pany per formance
Send resume and salary history to: info@americansurvey.com
American Surveying & Engineering, Ltd is an equal-opportunity employer
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ROCK ISL AND COUNTY, ILLINOIS
GREENSTATE CREDIT UNION Plaintiff, -v.-
JASMINE S. BERRY-BRANIGAN et al Defen dant 2025FC209 NOTICE OF SAL E
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 18, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on May 11, 2026, at the McCarthy, Callas & Feeney, PC, 329 18th Street Suite 100, Rock Island, IL, 61201, sell at publi c inperson sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1704 14TH ST, MOLINE, IL 61265
Property Index No. 17-05-254-001 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Pla intiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted The balance, in certi fied funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject prope rty is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any r epresentati on as to qua lity or quantity of title and wi thou t recourse to Plaintiff and in ''AS IS'' condition. The sale is further subject to confir mation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.
The property will NOT be ope n for inspection and p laintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the propert y. Prospec tive bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information
If this prope rty is a condomi nium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Propert y Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at th e foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOM EOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIO N 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where Th e Judicia l Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For informat ion, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876
THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATIO N One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60 606-4650 (312) 236- SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES , P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100
BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com
Attorney File No. 14-25-06701 Attorney ARDC No . 00468002 Case Number: 2025FC209 TJSC#: 46-761
NOTE: Pur su ant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Pla intiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collec t a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Case # 2025FC209 I3284774 (The Review Apr. 14, 21, 28, 2026)
Clerk Whiteside County, Illinois, setting f the names post-office dresses of al the persons o ing, conducting and transac the busines known as: PIES , ETC. BY LOUI SE, AKA “THE PIE LADY MO RRISON loca ted at 23279
Noti ce of Vi llage of Albany Bu dget Hearin g The Village of Albany will have a Budget Hearing for the 2026-27 Budget on Wed May 20, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. This hearing wi ll be held at the Municipal Building, 102 S Main St. The Budget is available for Public viewing at the Municipal Bldg. during regular business hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
April 28, 2026
As sumed Name
Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, a certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Whiteside County, Illinois, setting forth the names and post-office addresses of all of the persons owning, conducting and transac ting the business known as:
PIES , ETC. BY LOUI SE, AKA “THE PIE LADYMO RRISON” loca ted at 23279 CARROLL RD MORRISON, IL 61270
Dated this 14 day of April, 2026. No. DBA5444
Karen J Str alow Clerk
April 21, 28, May 5, 2026
LE GAL NOTICE
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2022-00304
TO: Estate of Eugene T Simmons
Spouse of Eugene T Simmons Estat e of Eugene T Simmons Spouse of Eugene T Simmons E state of Eugene T Simmons Julie Denning Timothy Denning Occupant Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actu al possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2026TX21
The Property is loca ted at: 603 1st St N, Lyndon, IL 61261 Property Index Number : 15-15308-006
described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2026TX23
The Property is loca ted at: 37 Ferry St, Prophetstown, IL 61277
Property Index Number : 15-33302-003
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 8/19/2026. On 09/09/2026 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner wi ll make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10682-964022
Apr. 21, 28, May 5, 2026 964022
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2022-00380
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2022-00051
TO: Lori Rose
Estate of Mark A Rose Lori Rose
Occupant Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actu al possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, Ill. as Case No. 2026TX26
The Property is loca ted at: 15211 Parker Rd, Fulton, IL 61252
Property Index Number : 07-14351-001
509 W Main St, Morrison, IL 61270
Property Index Number : 09-18179-009
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 8/19/2026. On 09/09/2026 at 9:00
AM the Petitioner wi ll make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed Ivy Jack, In c, Petitioner 10682-963989
Apr. 21, 28, May 5, 2026 963989
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2022-00065
TO: Timothy Messina Spouse of Timothy Messina Jake Hartsock Occupant Whiteside County Clerk
TO:Marlin Nielsen Spouse of Marlin W Nielsen Tammy L Thomas Spouse of Tammy L Thomas Marlin W Nielsen Spouse of Marlin W Nielsen Daniel Reyle
Occupant The Farmers N atl Bank of Prophetstown Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actu al possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, Ill. as Case No. 2026TX35 The Property is loca ted at: 211 W 3rd St, Prophetstown, IL 61277
Property Index Number : 15-33358-002
County, Ill. as Case No. 2026TX38
The P roperty is loca ted at: 1645 Matznick Rd, Tampico, IL 61283
Property Index Number : 22-29200-004
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 8/19/2026. On 09/09/2026 at 9:00
AM the Petitioner wi ll make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed Ivy Jack, In c, Petitioner 10682-964000 Apr. 21, 28, May 5, 2026 964000
TAKE NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 2022-00068
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FOR WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS CHANCE RY DIVISION CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff vs. ANTHONY SKUTT; UNK NOWN OWNERS AN D NON-RECORD CLAIM ANTS, Defendants
Property Address: 511 W 10TH ST, STERLING , IL 61081 2026 FC 45 NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIM ANTS defendants, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendan ts, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premi ses described as follows, to wi t: LOT 6 IN BLOCK 3 IN KILGOUR'S FIRST ADDITION TO THE CITY OF STERLING, COUNTY OF WHITESIDE, STATE OF ILLINOIS
Commonly known as: 511 W 10TH ST, STERLING, IL 61081
A Public Hearing on the 2025-2026 amended budget for River Bend Community Unit District No. 2 will be held at 6:30pm, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the River Bend District Office, 1110 3rd Street, Fulton, Illinois 61252. The budget will be on file and available to interested persons from 7:30am to 4:00pm each business day, Monday through Friday beginning April 23, 2026, in the River Bend District Office, 1110 3rd Street, Fulton, Illinois 61252. April 28, 2026
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833-584-NEWS
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 8/19/2026. On 09/09/2026 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner wi ll make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10682-964021 Apr. 21, 28, May 5, 2026 964021
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2022-00319
TO: Charles D Eads Spouse of Charles D Eads
Occupant Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actu al possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2026TX23
The Property is loca ted at: 37 Ferry St, Prophetstown, IL 61277 Property Index Number : 15-33-
TO: John Little Spouse of John Little Occupa nt Village of Tampico Whiteside County Clerk John Little John Little Spouse of John Little
Persons in occupancy or actu al possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2026TX25
The Property is loca ted at: 401 W 4th St, Tampico, IL 61283
Property Index Number : 22-15426-001
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 8/19/2026. On 09/09/2026 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner wi ll make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10682-964024
Apr. 21, 28, May 5, 2026 964024
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 8/19/2026. On 09/09/2026 at 9:00
AM the Petitioner wi ll make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed Ivy Jack, In c, Petitioner 10682-963987
Apr. 21, 28, May 5, 2026 963987
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2022-00063
TO: Lori A Smith
Spouse of Lori A Smith Thomas Smith Occupant Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actu al possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, Ill. as Case No. 2026TX27
The Property is loca ted at:
509 W Main St, Morrison, IL 61270
Property Index Number : 09-18179-009
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of
Persons in occupancy or actu al possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2026TX3
The Property is loca ted at: 411 W Wall St, Morrison, IL 61270 Property Index Number : 09-18184-001
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 8/19/2026. On 09/09/2026 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner wi ll make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10682-964001
Apr. 21, 28, May 5, 2026 964001
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2022-00321
TO:Marlin Nielsen Spouse of Marlin W Nielsen Tammy L Thomas Spouse of Tammy L Thomas Marlin W Nielsen Spouse of Marlin W Nielsen Daniel Reyle
Occupant The Farmers N atl Bank of Prophetstown Whiteside County
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 8/19/2026. On 09/09/2026 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner wi ll make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed Ivy Jack, In c, Petitioner 10682-963998
Apr. 21, 28, May 5, 2026 963998
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2022-00384
TO: Daniel Charles Eads Spouse of Daniel Charles Eads Daniel Charles Eads Spouse of Daniel Charles Eads
Davis Headings
Angela Kropf Occupant Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actu al possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, Ill. as Case No. 2026TX38
The P roperty is loca ted at: 1645 Matznick Rd, Tampico, IL 61283 Property Index Number : 22-29200-004
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes
TO: Jolene Greul Spouse of Jolene Greul Jol en Greul Spouse of Jolene Greul Jos eph Greul Occupant Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actu al possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2026TX4
The Property is loca ted at: 408 E Lincolnway, Morrison, IL 61270 Property Index Number : 09-18282-005
Said Prope rty was sold on 11/2/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 8/19/2026. On 09/09/2026 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner wi ll make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10682-964002 Apr. 21, 28, May 5, 2026 964002
Names of the titleholders of record: ANTHONY SKUTT.
Date of the Mortgage: December 17, 2010.
Name or names of the mortgagors: ANTHONY SKUTT.
Name of the mortgagee: TOP FLITE FINANCIAL, INC..
Date and place of recording: December 20, 2010; Office of the Recorder of the Deeds of Whiteside County, Illinois Identification of recording: Document No. 2010-09827. NOW THEREFORE, unless you file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case, on or before May 28, 2026, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMP LAINT. E-filing is now mandatory with limited exceptions. To e- file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider Visit http://efile.illinois courts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://illinois courts.gov/self-help or talk with your local circuit clerk's office If you cannot e- file, you may be able to get an exemption that allows you to file in-person or by mail. Ask your circ uit clerk for more i nformation or visit www .illi nois legalaid.org. For information about defending yourself in a court case (including filing an appearance or fee waiver), or to apply for free legal help, go to www.illinoislegalaid.org. You can also ask your local cir cuit clerk's office for a fee waiver application.
PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIF F'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPO SE
Lender Legal PLLC 1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 250 Orlando, Florida 32810 Tel: (407) 730-4644 Service Emails: cwinters@lenderlegal.com
EService@LenderLegal.com
LLS16637-IL- SKUTT
/s/ Colin Winte rs, Esq. Colin Winters, Esq. Counsel of Record for Plaint iff ARDC # 6297980 April 28, May 5, 12, 2026
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ROCK ISL AND COUNTY, ILLINOIS GREENSTATE CREDIT UNION Plaintiff, -v.-
JASMINE S. BERRY-BRANIGAN et al Defen dant 2025FC209 NOTICE OF SAL E PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 18, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on May 11, 2026, at the McCarthy, Callas & Feeney, PC, 329 18th Street Suite 100, Rock Island, IL, 61201, sell at publi c inperson sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:THE NORTH FIFTY-THREE AND ONE- HALF (53 1/2) FEET OF LOT NUMBER EIGHT (8) IN BLOCK NUMBER ONE (1) IN THAT PART OF THE CITY OF MOLINE KNOWN AS AND CALLED SMITH'S ADDITION TO SAID CITY; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT OVER THE SOUTH EIGHT (8) FEET OF THE WEST FORTY (40 ) FEET OF SAID TRACT AND TOG ETHER WITH AN EASEM ENT OVER THE SOUTH TWO (2) FEET OF THE NORTH FIFTY-FIVE AND ONE-HALF (55 1/2) FEET OF THE EAST TWENTY-FIVE (25) FEET OF SAID LOT, SITUATED IN ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 1704 14TH ST, MOLI NE, IL 61265 Property Index No. 17-05-254-001 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Pla intiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicia l Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted The balance, in certi fied funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject prope rty is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any r epresentati on as to qua lity or quantity of title and wi thou t recourse to Plaintiff and in ''AS IS'' condition. The sale is further subject to confir mation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.
The property will NOT be ope n for ins pection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the propert y. Prospec tive bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information
If this prope rty is a condomi nium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Propert y Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4) If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at th e foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOM EOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIO N 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where Th e Judicia l Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For informat ion, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876
THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATIO N
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60 606-4650 (312) 236- SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES , P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com
Attorney File No. 14-25-06701 Attorney ARDC No . 00468002
Case Number: 2025FC209 TJSC#: 46-761
NOTE: Pur su ant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Pla intiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Case # 2025FC209 I3284774 (The Review Apr. 14, 21, 28, 2026)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOURTE ENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILL INOIS CENTRAL BANK ILLINOIS, Plaintiff, vs. M5 PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC; M5 CONVEYING CONSULTANTS LLC; ROCKY FRANCIS MCGO WAN; DARCIE MCGOWAN; M5 INDUSTRIES, LLC, AIRBNB SERIES; PARTIES IN POSSESSION; INTERESTED PERSONS, UNKNOWN OWNERS, and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants CASE NO. 2026 FC 35 NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION - NO TICE OF FORECLOSURE (735 ILCS 5/2-206, 5/2-207, 5/2-413, 5-15-1501(c) 5/15-1502 AND 5/15-1503)
The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereb y given to Interested Persons, Unknown Owners and Non-Rec ord Claimants, Defendants in the above captioned action, pursuant to the provisions of 735 ILCS 5/2-206, 5/2207, 5/15-1502 and 5/15-1503, that the above captioned action has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Whiteside County, Illinois, seeking to foreclose mortgages covering the following described r eal estate situat ed in Whitesid e County, Illinois, to wit:
1. Legal description: Part of the Southwe st Quarter (SW 1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4) of Section 17, Township 21 North, Range 5 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, Whiteside County, Illinois, describ ed as follows: Commencing at a point on the East line of the said Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4), which point is 80 feet South of the Northeas t corner thereof; thence extending South on the said Eas t line of the Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4) of Secti on 17, 80 feet; thence Westerly 194.2 feet to a point on the centerline of a public road, which poin t is 160 feet Southwesterly of the intersection of the said centerline with the North line of the said Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4); thence Northeasterly on the said centerline, 80 feet; thence Eas terly 159.75 feet to the Poi nt of Beginning; all situated in the Township of Mount Pleasant, County of Whiteside and State of Illinois.
Parcel ID: 09-17-160-003
2.Common address or loca tion of the mortgaged premises: 324 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, Illinois 61081 and for such other relief. Summons were duly iss ued by the Court as provided by law and th is act ion is now pending.
Unless you file your a nswer to the Complaint in this action or otherwise mak e your appearance in the Circuit Court of Whiteside County, Illinois on or before May 21, 2026, default may be ente red against you
1. The names of all Plaintiffs and the case number are identified above.
2. The Court in which the action was brought is ide ntified above.
3. The names of the titleholders of record are: M5 Industries, LLC, AirBnb Series
4. A common address or desc ription of the location of the real estate is as follows:
324 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, Illinois 61081
5. Identification of the mortgages sought to be foreclosed ar e as follows:
(a) Name of Mortgagor: Rocky Francis McGowan and Darcie McGowan
(b) Name of Mortgagee: Central Bank Illinois
(c) Date of Mortgage: First: May 31, 2023, Second: March 29, 2024
(d)Date of Recording: First: June 7, 2023, Second: April 1, 2024
(e) County where recorded: Whiteside County, Illinois
220 N. Main Street, #600, Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 324-3246 - (563) 324-1616 (Fax) Email: dlindstrom@l-wlaw. com
/s/ Sue Scott Clerk of the Circuit Court
April 21, 28, May 5, 2026
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1967: Muhammad Ali refuses induction into the U.S. Armed Forces. He is arrested and the New York State Athletic Commission suspends his boxing license and strips him of his heavyweight title.
SAUK VALLEY ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: FULTON’S ZOE KUNAU
Why she was selected: She had five hits and three stolen bases in three games as the Steamers won the Pearl City tournament with a 7-2 win over Milledgeville. They also beat Warren/Stockton 7-0 and West Carroll 9-5. Kunau set Fulton’s career stolen bases record earlier this season with 67.
Fulton coach Derek Germann described Kunau as a standout athlete with a tremendous work ethic.
“Even as a freshman playing with the varsity, Zoe was never satisfied with being average. She is a driven athlete and has set high goals for herself as well as her team,” he said. “Additionally, her offseason commitment to her improvement is paying off. She is stronger than last year, and as a result of her time in the weight room, she is swinging with more power and running with more speed.”
Kunau has also taken more of a leadership role as a team captain.
“Zoe exceeds in the classroom as well. She is focused on her academics just as much as her softball skills. Zoe is a lot of fun to have on the team and takes her softball pretty seriously,” Germann said. “I look forward to the second half of her junior year and her senior season as a Steamer.”
Kunau is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week, presented by Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning. Here is a Q&A with her.
How did you first get into softball? What has helped keep you in it?
Kunau: I first got into softball by joining an 8U travel team called the Firebirds. What has helped keep me in it is the support from my family and friends, along with all of the coaches who have supported me throughout my career.
Have you learned anything from the game of softball?
Kunau: Throughout my years of play-
ing softball, I have learned so much. One of the most important things I have taken away is how to work through challenges and to know there is always a next play.
You set Fulton’s school record for stolen bases this season. What was it like to achieve that?
Kunau: It was a very exciting mark to pass. Seeing hard work pay off was a great feeling.
What is the key to stealing bases for you?
Kunau: Stealing bases is a crucial part of the game for me. I find it very important to put myself in scoring position as much as possible, especially with strong hitters behind me.
Is there anything you have worked on coming into the season or feel you have improved on?
Kunau: I have definitely worked on putting more power behind my swing, especially as a slapper. It adds diversity to my game, allowing me to read the
defense and execute accordingly. Does anything stand out about this year’s team?
Kunau: I think what stands out the most is that everyone plays their role well. We have some young starters who make a positive impact on the team, as well as returners who have shown hard work and dedication over the years.
What are your goals this season, individually and as a team?
Kunau: My individual goals this season are to hit an out-of-the-park home run and to break the career hits record. Team-wise, I would like for us to advance in sectionals.
Favorite softball memory?
Kunau: My favorite softball memory would be winning a national championship.
Do you have a favorite athlete, sports team or anyone else that inspires you?
Kunau: An athlete who inspires me is
Kendra Falby. She hustles on every play in the outfield and also produces offensively as a slapper.
Favorite restaurant or meal?
Kunau: My favorite restaurant is Texas Roadhouse.
Favorite place you have visited?
Kunau: My favorite place to visit would probably be Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was such a fun experience playing great competition, but also getting to spend quality time with my team.
Favorite TV Show or movie?
Kunau: My favorite movie is “It Ends with Us.”
Any favorite school subjects or teachers?
Kunau: My favorite subject would be English, which is taught by my favorite teacher, Katie French.
Do you have plans for after high school?
Kunau: I plan to continue playing softball at a collegiate level and then eventually going to dental school.
Alex Paschal
Fulton’s Zoe Kunau is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week, presented by Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning.
