To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 866-979-1053 Monday through Friday or send an email to customer-support@shawmedia.com
CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com
Classified Ad Deadline: Thursday at 4 p.m. HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com
LEGAL NOTICES sauklegals@shawlocal.com
OBITUARIES saukobits@shawlocal.com Deadline for obituaries is Monday at 9 a.m. News wnsnews@shawmedia.com Retail Advertising info@shawmediamarketing.com
Market manager Jennifer Heintzelman jheintzelman@shawmedia.com
Executive editor
M. Eileen Brown ebrown@shawmedia.com
Editor Charlene Bielema 815-632-2518
WHITESIDE NEWS (USPS No. 683-280) is published weekly by Sauk Valley Media, Shaw Media. Periodical postage paid at Morrison, IL 61270
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to: Shaw Media, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 All rights reserved. Copyright 2026
HOW ARE WE DOING?
We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.
Prophetstown library has garden seeds available to community
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Prophetstown’s library has received a generous donation from 4-H Extension of Whiteside County.
A large variety of vegetable and garden seeds are available for anyone who utilizes the local library to have free of cost.
Dungeons & Dragons/Game Club
A role -playing game club (Dungeons & Dragons) will meet 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 309-714-2699 with any questions.
After-school crafting club 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.
Crochet class added for May/June
Our March/April beginner crochet classes are full. We have decided to add another class after this one to allow anyone to get signed up who didn’t. These 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 309-714-2699 or emailing hcadams1@yahoo.com.
Huck
the Prairie
Dog to visit in April
The public is invited to come meet “Huck” the Prairie Dog at 10 a.m. April 11. We are going to be learning about prairie dogs, including where they live, what they eat, and who all their friends are. There will be some fun activities along with refreshments.
Book Club
The next library book club meeting will be Tuesday, April 21, at 2 p.m and the book
will be “Red Scarf Girl” by Ji-li Jiang. Interested in joining the book club, please email or phone the library and staff will get the book ordered. Contact the library at 309-714-2699 or hcadams1@yahoo.com.
Lego Club to meet
Lego Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25. All ages are invited. Snacks will be provided.
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 8th grade. Cost is $3 and this includes all five weeks of June activities.
Reptile Meet and Greet coming in June
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!
Erie Public Library hosts Lego Club, Open Studio
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Come build with the Erie Public Library’s massive Lego collection from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 11. Bring a friend or meet one here and join the Lego Club. Work as a team or create something independently. Either way you belong to the best Lego Club around and get access to incredibly unique Legos. Lego Club is unsupervised. No registration is required. Recommended ages: 9 and up (or younger with adult). The event is free.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Prigge recognized as 2025-26 peer mentor at UW-Whitewater
Open Studio
April 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Artists and crafters: Come and join Open Studio. Bring in knitting, sewing, painting, literally any art or craft you’re working on – and don’t forget the snacks! Meet with fellow artists, swap ideas and get caught up in the craft (and chats). This event is free.
Hydroponics & Microgreens
April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon: Come learn about the health benefits of microgreens and how to grow them at home. Participants receive a hydroponics starter kit to grow microgreens at home and 30 recipes
for ideas on how to eat them. Class is limited and registration is required. Email Director@EriePublicLibrary.com to reserve your spot. The event is free.
Sewing 101
Wednesdays, April 8-29, 6-8 p.m.:
Start your sewing journey by mastering the basics – from how to thread a machine to taking accurate measurements. Every class includes hands-on sewing time on one of our machines or bring your own. Space is limited to ensure one-on-one attention, so email Director@EriePublicLibrary.com to sign up now. Ages 16 and older.
Sarah Prigge of Port Byron, who is studying psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is a peer mentor for the 2025-26 academic year. Peer mentors serve as a resource to new students during their first semester at UW-Whitewater, leading them through the Warhawk Welcome, joining them in their New Student Seminar section, and checking in individually. Throughout the fall semester, peer mentors remain in contact with new students and help them feel at home on campus.
– Shaw Local News Network
Prophetstown photographer frames time forever
Nicole Olinger didn’t plan to build a photography business, but she held on to precious family moments
By CODY CUTTER ccutter@shawmedia.com
For many of us, the older we get, the more meaningful photos of our youth become.
Pictures are reminders of who we were, and looking back at them, who we would become. They stop time in its tracks when it feels like it’s rushing past, letting us hold on to memories that we don’t want to slip through our fingers. They’re the moments that become more precious with the passage of time — and Nicole Olinger loves to capture those precious moments.
Olinger operates a downtown Prophetstown studio, Nicole Olinger Photography, specializing in high school senior photos, sports photos of all sorts, and photos for school activities.
Her desire to help others chronicle life-shaping events was born from one of her own: the loss of her mother, Bonnie Smith.
After Smith’s unexpected passing in 2013, Olinger found herself drawn to photography as a way to cope, reflect, and slow the passing of time. What started as a personal outlet soon became something more intentional, and eventually, a career that has now stretched across 13 years.
“When my mom passed, I kind of used it as therapy for myself, where I just delved into learning as much as I could about photography to keep my mind off of things,” Olinger said. “Before my mom passed, I wanted to get a nice camera and learn stuff, but I had little kids and didn’t want to spend the money on myself with a camera and stuff like that. Once my mom was gone, I thought, you only live once, and I’ll spend a little money and learn something that I want to learn.”
In some ways, photography has always been part of her wiring. Olinger grew up in Tampico, and she gravitated toward health occupations classes in high school. She found herself fascinated
helps, acquired not only on the job but in classes. Olinger attends two to three photography seminars each year, including ShutterFest in St. Louis and recent training in Destin, Florida, focused on senior and sports photography.
“A lot of it is just experience, years of practice and getting good at things, keeping up with the times and learning about what’s new and upcoming,” Olinger said. “I go to a lot of seminars where I can meet with a lot of photographers, learn what’s new in the industry and learn the technologies that are changing. That’s a big thing, to stay relevant and current with the times and technology.”
Senior portraits, in particular, receive a personalized approach. Each session is built around who that student is — their interests, their personality, their comfort level in front of the camera. Some seniors arrive with clear ideas, while others need help loosening up and figuring out how they want to be remembered.
Engaging in conversations and giving seniors the gradual confidence can be as important as the final images.
“The senior session is individualized on the person, and we really try to get to know the senior before the session so that it really showcases who they are and what they like,” Olinger said. “The senior portraits are all going to be different because their interests and personalities are so different.”
by medical imaging, a field that captures pictures of the inside of the human body, often developed in dark rooms that no longer exist in today’s digital domains.
Olinger worked as a radiologic technologist at Genesis Health Systems in Silvis, balancing hospital shifts with time behind the camera. It wasn’t until 2024 that she made the leap to full-time photography. She is assisted in her studio by assistant photographer Kayleigh Neill and office manager Brooklynn Neill, twin sisters who help keep the business moving while Olinger focuses on the creative work.
Having originally started out doing a little bit of everything, including family photography, she gradually narrowed her focus, eventually centering her business on schools, sports and seniors and dance photos. The youthful energy of her subjects helps things fresh, she said.
“I like sports because it’s fun,” Olinger said. “Your general fall picture is sit,
smile, sit, smile, sit, smile. With the sports stuff, you get to be more active and creative. I do both traditional sports and composite sports, where you can composite them onto different backdrops.”
That creativity extends beyond the static poses. Olinger photographs dancers and gymnasts in motion, and she occasionally attends games or school events in Prophetstown, Erie and Fulton to capture action shots when schools request it. Her images range from classic portraits meant for frames and scrapbooks to high-energy visuals now commonly used as social media graphics on Facebook and X announcing upcoming games or celebrating achievements.
While the output may look seamless, Olinger points out that there’s a lot of unseen work behind every finished photo, such as editing and compositing images. That’s where her experience
Clients view and order their images through an online system, selecting only the photos that resonate most. Other options are also available, for those who want more than just a copy of the photo, such as bound scrapbooks, metal prints, acrylic blocks and other formats.
Perspective plays a role, too. Olinger’s children, Gavin and Avery, are now adults, which has reshaped how she views time — and she’s not alone.
“Your mom wants to capture these memories,” Olinger said. “For her, they’ve put you through the 12 years of schooling and gotten you to this point, and it’s a big deal for not just you, but for them, too. Watching them grow up through the years and capturing every moment of their lives has really made me realize how fleeting memories can be. They’re little for so little of time, and then they become adults. It goes so fast.”
Nicole Olinger Photography’s studio is located at 314 Washington St. in Prophetstown. Find it on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok; go to nicoleolingerphotography.com, or call 815-499-6952 to book appointments or for more information.
Photos by Cody Cutter
Nicole Olinger has shot official sports team pictures and designed posters for schools in Erie, Fulton and Prophetstown – such as this one of the E-P Panthers 2024-25 boys basketball team.
Nicole Olinger
Nicole Olinger’s downtown Prophetstown studio showcases examples of her work, from high school senior photography to sports poses which make for creative composite images for banners and social media gameday graphics.
Celebrate National Library Week at Odell in Morrison
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK
contact@shawmedia.com
What brings joy to people? Whether it’s cozying up with a new story, learning a new skill, gathering with the community or something else, the public can find joy at the Odell Public Library.
The library is located at 307 S. Madison St. in Morrison.
National Library Week, April 19-25, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination and support lifelong learning. From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.
Odell Public Library invites everyone to join the celebration. Whether someone is a longtime patron, a new neighbor or hasn’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. Odell provides free Wi-Fi, print and digital collections, play space, clubs, lifelong learning programs and more, ensuring that everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire and connect.
As part of the National Library Week celebration, Odell invites all ages to participate in Spring Bingo. Pick up a Bingo board at the front desk or download one. Complete five reading challenges in a row for a bingo and a chance to win Odell swag and a $25 gift card to Peanut Butter & Deli in downtown Morrison. Don’t hibernate on this fun – Bingo boards are due April 24. One entry per person.
First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities. Whatever brings you joy, the library has something for everyone.
Early childhood resource fair
An early childhood resource fair will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 18, at Odell.
Area families with little ones are invited for a morning of play and learning in the community room at Odell Public Library.
It’s a great way to get out of the house and pick up some top literacy tips from area agencies. Each booth will provide a fun, hands-on activity for the kids and helpful information for the grown-ups.
This is a free, drop-in program so no need to register. It’s also a great time to get the little kids a library card and explore Odell’s resources.
Time to start planting
Many thanks to the Illinois Master Gardeners, Extension Office and Morrison Garden Club for sponsoring the Seed Library at Odell. Stop in and select from a wide variety of vegetable seeds to get a garden started! Available while supplies last.
How much does a rainbow weigh?
Complete the monthly scavenger hunt to solve the riddle and win a small prize! Thanks to the Odell Public Library Friends for sponsoring the goodies.
Library offerings
Odell Public Library offers story times, Lego and Pokémon clubs.
Storytime is a 30-minute drop-in program each Thursday evening designed for families with preschool through early elementary-age kids (or anyone who still loves a good read-aloud). Families will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a craft each week as they become familiar with the library and meet new friends. Pajamas always are welcome.
Lego Club meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of the month. This is the perfect chance for builders of all ages and abilities to cre -
SANDBURG 2025 FALL SEMESTER DEAN’S LIST
Sandburg, with campuses in Galesburg and Carthage, has released the names of students who qualified for the dean’s list for the 2025 fall semester.
To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must earn a grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. To be eligible for
ate. Odell provides a variety of bricks, including Lego, Duplo and MegaBlok. Creations are displayed in the library until the following club meeting.
Pokémon Club meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month. Whether a Pokémon trainer plays the card game or just likes to collect, Pokémon Club brings fans together to play, trade and share their Pokémon knowledge.
Patron-led programs
All programs are free and open to the public. Beginners are welcome. Please note that these programs are not run by Odell Public Library, though staff are happy to host and pass on any questions.
Pinochle: 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays, Odell Program Room
Scrabble: 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Odell Program Room
Chess: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second, third and fourth Mondays, Odell Program Room; 5 to 8 p.m. third and fourth Thursdays, Odell Program Room
Crafters: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, Genealogy Room, bring a project and socialize
Book Club: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., second Thursday, Odell Program Room (ask the front desk about getting a copy of the month’s book. April book: The Thursday Murder Club)
Odell Library Friends: Become a friend
The Odell Public Library Friends are patrons who support the library through fundraising, advocacy and programming. Friends have no age requirement or financial commitment; they are simply a group of people who love and support the library. Does this sound like you? The Odell Public Library Friends are currently looking for members. Email the Friends at odell.friends@gmail.com with any questions.
Microgreens
Thanks to the generosity of the Friends, microgreen samples are now self-serve from the new mini fridge. Stop in and try broccoli, kale, salad mix and radish microgreens. Pop them in salads, smoothies, soups, and more for an extra dose of nutrition, especially during the winter months.
Museum and zoo passes
Looking to explore locally? Check out Odell’s Putnam Museum, Sawmill Museum or Niabi Zoo passes and enjoy a day exploring on us. Passes are available to adult Odell library cardholders on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 815-772-7323 to reserve a pass.
Pi Day 3.14.26
Over 85 patrons came together to explore Pi and enjoy pie on Saturday, March 14. Attendees learned to calculate pi, shared ways they use math in daily life, built pi with Lego, made bracelets and bookmarks, and so much more. The event concluded with a photo booth and a homemade slice of pie.
A year in math
Odell is one of just 20 libraries nationwide to receive the Infinite Sum rural and small libraries cohort grant from the Association for Rural & Small Libraries and SciStarter, in partnership with the Simons Foundation. Anchored by three math-inspired events throughout the year – Pi Day (3.14), Infinity Day (8.8), and Fibonacci Day (11.23) – libraries will guide communities in embracing the beauty of math’s infinite possibilities. In addition to its many practical applications, math is a fundamental element of the most beautiful things in our universe, including architecture, sports, fashion, nature, music, art, and more. This work is supported by the Simons Foundation as part of its Infinite Sums initiative. For more information, visit infinitesums.simonsfoundation.org.
the honors list, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.00-3.49.
Area students named to the fall dean’s list are:
Erie: Jaylynn Hamilton, Tucker Vandewostine
Morrison: Jerrica Bormann
FULTON’S GLIMPSES OF THE PAST
60 years
April 6, 1966
In photo Principal Lyle Henderson of the Fulton Community High School; Clarence Wierema, chairman of the Lions club committee on aid to the blind; and Mrs. Evangeline Shank, school nurse. They were all present as Mr. Wierema presented a tape recorder for use by students with sight defects.
City Council voted to instruct the City Attorney to draw an ordinance increasing water and sewer rates in Futon and also imposing a charge of $2.50 per month for each fire hydrant in the city, the charge to be billed monthly to the Fulton Fire Protection District.
50 years
April 7, 1976
Effective May 1, traffic flows on Fourth and Fifth Streets in Fulton will be reversed as a result of action taken at a meeting of the City Council. One-way traffic on Fourth Street will be changed from south to north and traffic on Fifth Street will be changed from north to south.
Henry Meurs, president of the Miss Flame Festival Committee, said that a carnival has been booked for this year’s
Miss Flame Festival. Mr. Meurs has been attempting to book a carnival for the event since last fall. Stateline rides will set up several rides and concessions near the junior high school.
40 years
April 9, 1986
Nine girls vie for the title of Dutch Days Queen. They are Michelle Renee Hook, Michelle Housenga, Kristen Kruger, Joni Luchies, Becky Pessman, Brenda Shipma, Kristi Tiesman, Maila Tollstam, and Jessica Vander Bleek.
Louis and Debra Deters opened their new greenhouse for the first time this spring. The couple built their steel framed fiberglass greenhouse last fall, and with previous greenhouse experience, began to plan their spring offerings. The new business is named The Earth Works and located at 17321 Chase Road.
30 years
April 3, 1996
Two 14-year-old Fulton youths have been referred to the Whiteside County Juvenile Court after Fulton police arrested the youths in February. The police were notified that a burglary was in progress on a boat at the Fulton
marina. The two were apprehended inside one of the boats. Upon investigation the youths were charged with seven burglaries as well as criminal damage to a vehicle. An additional charge of felony criminal damage also was charged against the youths. That referred to the extensive damage to lights on the dike path.
Jennifer Langrehr of Cadette Troop 91, Sarah Smith of Junior Troop 167 and Jennifer Smith of Brownie Troop sold over 300 boxes of Girl Scout cookies each. Trisha Eganhouse of Senior Troop 118, Sara Kramer, Heather Eganhouse and Jenny Okland of Cadette Troop 91, each sold over 200 boxes of cookies. Each girl selling receives a patch, special incentive awards based on the level of sales and cookie credits.
20 years
April 5, 2006
Richard “Dick” Bland was named Fulton Township Supervisor to complete the unexpired term of Stanley Bielema. Mr. Bielema has recently suffered with some health problems and is currently in the Eagle Point Rehabilitation Center.
On January 27, 2006, Patrick Lower was inducted into the Aledo High School
Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Lower is a 1994 graduate of Aledo High School and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. Currently he teaches Physical Education and Behind The Wheel at Fulton High School. He also is an assistant football coach and has worked as an IHSA basketball official for the past twelve years.
10 years
April 6, 2016
Brooklyn Vogel has been a cardiac patient of University of Iowa City Hospitals and Clinics since she was born. Brooklyn and her grandfather, Arnie Vogel, collect pop tabs at Fulton Elementary throughout the school year. Brooklyn pays it forward by taking the pop tabs to Iowa City for cancer patients. This year more pop tabs were collected than any previous year. Thirteen 5 gallon buckets were filled.
Fulton Township Supervisor Charles Dykstra accepts a certificate for a $960 grant from the Flikkema Foundation. This grant completes funding the restoration of the President Reagan Ancestral plot, which includes cleaning and resetting the stones and the surrounding the plot with an ornamental fence.
Satisfy your Thai cravings with Asian slaw with peanut sauce
One of the most iconic dishes at Thai restaurants is peanut noodles. These are
While the noodles are delicious, they may have more carbohydrates than some of us would like to eat. Luckily, that delicious peanut sauce can be used in other applications. For example, it makes a great salad dressing for Asian-inspired salads. It can also be used as a finishing sauce for stir-fries.
The following recipe is for a simple version of peanut sauce. My favorite way to use it is as a dressing for an Asian-inspired slaw. I’ve included the ingredients for that as well.
BEYOND TRIM
Sherry DeWalt
Peanut Sauce
• 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter (just peanuts and salt, no sugar or hydrogenated vegetable oils)
• 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp sriracha (Or another hot sauce. You can also substitute a pinch or two of dried red pepper flakes.)
• 2-3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 medium limes)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (optional) or substitute ½ teaspoon ginger powder
(Hint: Keep fresh ginger root in your freezer and use a grater to grate off just as much as you need for each recipe.)
• 2-4 Tablespoons hot water
Instructions
If you are going to use this recipe to make the slaw, you can start with a large bowl and mix the dressing in the bottom, and then add the slaw ingredients on top. Otherwise, just use a smaller bowl. Add all ingredients (except water) to the bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water and stir to combine. Add additional water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. I like about 3 tablespoons total for the slaw.
Thai Peanut Slaw
• 1 recipe peanut dressing (above)
• 1 12 oz. bag broccoli slaw (I like the one that includes some of the broccoli flo-
rets)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin into matchsticks
• 1 cup shelled edamame (You can find it with the frozen vegetables. If shelled edamame is not available, buy the unshelled version, cook and pop out of the shell to use.)
• 3 green onions, sliced
• Chopped peanuts, green onion and cilantro to garnish (optional)
Add all ingredients to a large bowl and use tongs to toss and evenly distribute the sauce. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours and serve. Will keep for 3-4 days.
Peanut Sauce - Makes 4 servings. Nutrition per serving: 197 calories, 16g fat, 10g carbohydrate, 8g protein, 3g fiber.
•SherryDeWaltisthehealthylife-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Morrison announces temporary city hall closures for system transition, staff training
Morrison City Hall will be closed intermittently through July 2026 to accommodate staff training and the implementation of a new computer system, according to a city news release. The closures are necessary as Morrison transitions to an upgraded computer platform that will support key operations and public services, including utility billing, accounts payable, human resources and permitting.
The new system is designed to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and provide a more streamlined experience for residents and businesses, according to the release.
Due to the nature of the training and system conversion, closures will occur sporadically and may vary in duration. Most of the closures will be for 1-2 hours per occurrence. The city encourages residents to plan ahead and check for updates regarding city hall availability. During this transition period:
Updates regarding closures and service availability will be posted on the city’s website at www.morrisonil.org, the community calendar and social media accounts, @thecityofmorrisonil.
For urgent matters during closures, residents and businesses are encouraged to contact city hall via email or leave a voicemail, and staff will respond as soon as possible.
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 8: French toast, sausage, applesauce, assorted desserts
April 15: Baked ham, baked potato, corn, applesauce and desserts
April 22: Spaghetti casserole, JJ bread, green beans, Jell-O, assorted desserts
• Online services may be limited or temporarily unavailable
• Response times for certain services may be delayed
• Phone calls to city hall may not be
answered. Please leave a message or try again later.
Emergency and public safety services will not be affected.
April 29: Scalloped potatoes and ham, JJ bread, tossed salad, desserts.
– Shaw Local News Network
Charlene Bielema
City of Morrison announced that City Hall will be closed intermittenly through July 2026 for staff training and installing a new computer system, according to a city news release.
The hills are alive with sounds of Loess Hills music
Five guys – including Morrison and Fulton musicians – are mixing genres and finding fans
By CODY CUTTER ccutter@shawmedia.com
Five musicians from Midwestern towns – each with their own musical journeys – collided one day and decided that they didn’t want to stay out of each other’s way.
Country hooks, hip-hop swagger and community pride were fused into something louder, stranger and unmistakably local once Alex Fischbach, Tanner Skiff, Ro Pesci, Travis Ray and Jose Rodriguez became a band in late 2024.
Formed by chance meetings at Skiff’s studio in Clinton, Loess Hills isn’t a band chasing a sound, but becoming its own. They are discovering that when the right people share a room, genres loosen, egos disappear and songs start
Rusty Schrader / Photo illustration Loess Hills is a band formed from the success of the solo careers of frontmen Alex Fischbach of Morrison, Tanner Skiff of Clinton and Ro Pesci of Davenport. Travis Ray of Fulton is its drummer and Jose Rodriguez of Davenport is its DJ. The band blends several genres into its music, with much of it being done with a country twang. They’ve toured the Midwest and recently won Best Original Band in Iowa at the 2025 Iowa Music Awards. Pictured are (clockwise, from center) Skiff, Pesci, Ray, Fischbach and Rodriguez.
moving faster than anyone expected.
They’ve been described as “Country Beastie Boys” and “Funtry music” (a
portmanteau of fun and country) and it’s a blend that has given them accolades and presences on large stages
throughout the Midwest.
Fischbach, a Morrison native, might have the biggest resume bullet point of them all, having been a Top 50 contestant on “American Idol” in 2014, but being in a unique band with friends has been a place where he’d rather be.
“I’ve always been a solo act, and I’ve dabbled in bands here and there, but nothing that’s lasted a tremendous amount of time,” Fischbach said. “Then these guys hit me up and wanted to give our ‘one last ride and see if we still got it’ kind of thing in the studio.”
Upcoming events for Loess Hills in the Sauk Valley include dates at Poopy’s in Savanna on June 5 and 20, Sterling Streetfest on July 25, and the World Series of Drag Racing at Cordova International Dragway on Aug. 29. Updated schedules are posted on its Facebook page.
Their first song was “Cowgirls For Life,” about confident, independent women, recorded in November 2024 and released on Jan. 6, 2025. It took just that one song to solidify the band’s minds on
See LOESS HiLLS on page 9
refreshments at 1708 Conor Ct. Clinton, IA Saturday, April 11th from 11am –1pm
For an appointment please contact Dan Dolan 563-570-1460. CONTACT: 563-506-4265 (Kevin Dolan), 563-570-1460 (Dan Dolan), www.DolanCorp.com
Continued from page 8
believing Loess Hills was going to be a fun endeavor.
“Then ‘Cowgirls for Life’ happened, and it was magic,” Fischbach said. “We decided to go all the way with it.”
Fischbach and Skiff team with Pesci of Davenport on vocals. Ray, of Fulton, plays drums, and Jose “DJ Smoke” Rodriguez, also of Davenport, is behind the turntables during concerts. Their roots go back further: Skiff had worked with Fischbach, Pesci and Rodriguez on projects in the past. Fischbach and Ray have known each other since childhood.
Skiff, who once had a solo act as Random Tanner, had been making music for roughly two decades before stepping away in 2023 to open the Rivals Sports sporting goods store in Clinton’s Lyons District. The business scratched the creative itch just fine. Then the music called him once more.
“I was content and cool with [Rivals] being the creative side of my life,” Skiff said. “Then there was a random meetup with Ro in the studio, and we got a hold of Alex, and we were like, ‘Let’s make a country song.’ We made ‘Cowgirls For Life,’ and here we are.”
we didn’t think we could do. [Tanner and Ro] were rappers, and then you listen to our songs, and they’re singing. They’re great. They never would have ventured in that direction hadn’t we gone the ways that we were going. It’s made us all evolve.”
Loess Hills is a country band, but not in the narrow sense. The songs pull from hip-hop, blues, rock and pop, layered over country structures that feel familiar without feeling confined.
“We’re a country band, but we tiptoe on almost all genres,” Pesci said. “There’s a lot of hip-hop influence, a lot of blues, rock and folk. It’s like a big ‘ol pot of musical gumbo, and country’s the base.”
“Cowgirls For Life” moved faster than anyone expected, and “we realized that it was way better than we ever thought it could be,” Fischbach said. That realization also applied to the idea of a group itself. Fischbach had spent 14 years chasing music largely on his own. He’d tasted national attention early, learned the grind, and kept going long after the “Idol” cameras were gone.
After more than a decade of grinding, Fischbach didn’t think music could feel new again. Then it did.
“I’ve never been more in love with
music than I am now,” Fischbach said. “I’ve never had more fun. I’ve never had any of it just flow so naturally, as far as the songwriting goes, to the performing and everything. This is everything that I ever wanted music to be.”
With more voices in the room came more range.
“Being a group turned all of our strengths and turned them up to 11, and took all of our weaknesses and really sharpened them and turned them into strengths,” Fischbach said. “It really made us all well-rounded at things that
Pesci, whose real name is Rolando Dennis, grew up in Davenport surrounded by music. His father, Joe Peña, and his uncles were members of the Peña Brothers Band, a blues group inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. He was just 16 when he first pitched a song idea to Skiff, and years later, that connection came back around.
“Tanner hit me up one day and told me about the idea to make a country song,” Pesci said. “I was a little skeptical at first because I hadn’t done that before. We got in the studio, knocked it out, and
We Support Our Local Schools!
Photo provided by Loess Hills
Pictured are the Loess Hills band (front row, from left) Tanner Skiff, Ro Pesci, Alex Fischbach; (back row, from left) Jose Rodriguez and Travis Ray.
Continued from page 9
‘Cowgirls For Life’ was born. Now we’re growing by the day.”
Growth has been the defining theme ever since. The band recently rehearsed and performed roughly 10 songs, and is releasing new singles about every six to eight weeks. An album has been discussed, but not rushed.
“We’re just doing what makes sense,” Skiff said. “We’re kind of in overdrive right now, just trying to get our catalog up there that we can choose from at shows.”
Putting out singles “keeps us fresh,” Fischbach said.
Some of the songs in the group’s catalog include “Hundred Proof Whiskey,” about going through a troubled relationship; “Bad For Me,” about falling for a woman who might give a man trouble; “My Kind of Party,” about having a good time with friends; and “Country Girl,” capturing the feeling of being in love.
If Skiff chose one word to describe what he would like listeners to take away from the band’s music, it would be “relatable,” he said.
“We just want people to relate, whether it’s fun, serious or a bad situation,” Skiff said. “That’s what keeps me going.”
Pesci echoes that idea, pointing to the range within their catalog.
“We have a nice variety of songs that fit for every occasion,” Pesci said. “If you’re going through a bad breakup, you can listen to Hundred Proof Whiskey; if you want to have a good time, let it loose and having a couple of guys over for your football game or whatever, My Kind of Party or Bad For Me. If you have a song that you just want to dance to with your ol’ lady, you can do that with Country Girl.”
During their live performances, Loess Hills has leaned into momentum. Shows have stayed mostly in the Midwest so far. They’ve filmed music videos – available on all streaming platforms –within a 100-mile radius of the Quad Cities, often involving local businesses and organizations. “Cowgirls For Life” was filmed at The Crooked Roof bar and grill in Lanark, “Hundred Proof Whiskey” was at the Almont Tap north of Clinton, “My Kind of Party” was at Poopy’s in Savanna, and “Bad For Me” was shot at the Rusty Barrel Lounge in Clinton.
Keeping their music videos local, and often having customers who are at the
businesses in the background, has been a point of pride for the band, Fischbach said.
“A big thing for us is that we really wanted to tie in the community and bring everyone along in the journey,” Fischbach said. “Every single music video that we’ve done has involved a local business or a local organization. We really want, not just us, but our whole community to shine. It’s not just driving through cornfields; there’s so much cool stuff to showcase.”
That approach paid off in unexpected ways. A video for “Whoa Mama,” filmed at the Rust Belt with the Quad City Steamwheelers’ Deckmate Dancers, led to a halftime performance during the Steamwheelers’ Country Night at Vibrant Arena at The MARK in Moline. From there, the stages kept getting bigger: They performed at The Field of Dreams’ Velocity Festival in Dyersville, Iowa, on Aug. 30. They have been invited back to the Field of Dreams this year, opening for Shinedown and Lynyrd Skynyrd, a return trip that still feels surreal for a band barely a year old.
For Ray, those moments are the reward of a lifetime of playing. He started tapping on pots and pans at age 7. He’s played with a wide range of artists while building a reputation, and his connection
to the band is both professional and personal.
“I’ve known Alex since we were super young,” Ray said. “When he was getting his music career started, we reached out to each other and connected. I’ve done some projects with Tanner as well with drums, and when they decided to do this project together and asked me, I was very thankful for the opportunity. It’s been a wonderful ride.”
That ride has already exceeded expectations.
“The opportunity to be with these guys, together, has been incredible,” Ray said. “We’re on bigger stages than I thought I would ever play on, and bigger bands than I ever thought to open for. Hopefully, we’re going to be one of those bands who have people open for us. The brotherhood of being together, and knowing that it’s not all on you – you have the other guys with you on stage.”
Rodriguez adds another layer to that variety.
“There have been a lot of opportunities, and bigger stages,” Rodriguez said. “I was the first DJ to open at Field of Dreams, so that goes down in history for me. Everything’s been great, and it’s been a vision I’ve seen, and it’s happening.”
See LOESS HILLS on page 11
Whether you have volunteered once, or many times, please join us in celebrating your generosity and dedication. Your selflessness and commitment have been vital to our success, and we look forward to expressing our gratitude.
IGNITING THE FLAME
Continued from page 10
The band’s growth became more validated in November 2025, when Loess Hills won Best Original Band in Iowa at the Iowa Music Awards. It was an honor the group didn’t see coming. Recognition aside, the band’s internal compass hasn’t changed much. They’re chasing connection more than classification.
“We went in with the expectation that we didn’t know,” Skiff said. “We all got dressed up real nice for the sole reason to just have a good time, then when they called us, we’re like, ‘No way!’ It was cool and genuinely surprising.”
For a band centered around Eastern Iowa, its name actually has much to do with Western Iowa, where the Loess Hills – a range of bluffs near the Missouri River – are located. Fischbach landed on Loess Hills after a Google search for iconic Iowa landmarks. After a while, he realized that what he thought was the pronunciation of the name wasn’t actually that: The band pronounces it “lois hills,” but the real pronunciation is “luss.”
“If anything, it just gives us a little more engagement when people see us and go, ‘That’s not how you pronounce it,’ ” Fischbach said.
Loess Hills actually wasn’t the band’s original name. “We wanted a name that sounded really cool when it gets announced on stage,” Pesci said. “We were originally going to call ourselves Holler, and after a day of thinking about it, we all agreed that it was absolutely horrible.”
The band seems comfortable living in that in-between space. They’re not copying anyone. They’re not trying to be the loudest thing in the room, but rather the most honest version of themselves.
“It’s nice that we kind of have our own lane in a way,” Ray said. “We’re not really copying or mimicking anyone’s sound. We’re doing what we think sounds cool and fun to us; that’s high energy. As long as we enjoy it, that’s what matters.”
For Fischbach, that enjoyment is the point – and the payoff.
“I want people to feel something,” Fischbach said. “Our music has enough variety that you’re going to find what you need, whether you’re happy or sad.”
Fulton OKs banner project
By ANAKIN WESTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
The Fulton City Council voted on a motion March 24 to allow Fulton American Legion Post 42 to hang veterans’ banners on the light poles along Fourth Street in the city’s downtown area.
The banners will be red, white and blue, and the organization is looking to hang the banners for Memorial Day and leave them up through Veterans Day.
The motion passed with the stipulation that permission will be lent only for the year with the understanding of a future policy to be established by the city.
The council then amended the motion to allow for banners to be hung by the city for Dutch Days upon receiving them and until the second week of May.
Discussion was raised about creating an ordinance allowing a more formal policy for future groups that request to hang banners.
Mayor Shane Malone suggested the possibility of creating a permit to create a paper trail for groups looking to petition the council for use of the space. Discussion for this policy is planned to take place over the course of the year.
A visitor to the council raised an issue of
the stop sign at 12th Street and 10th Avenue being ignored by travelers, creating a safety hazard for residents of the street. The visitor petitioned the council to more actively police the area and create infrastructure to address the problem.
The council discussed possible ways to address the signage, relaying that the issue has been in consideration.
In the Committee of the Whole, the council continued discussion on expanding the life of the TIF economic zone. The deadline for extension is 2028, with a maximum extension of around 10 years. The council plans to formally vote on pursuing a TIF extension during the next City Council meeting.
The council then presented an orientation guide for newly elected officials with an organizational chart and breakdown of the city’s standing committees.
In upcoming news, Malone is hosting “Bike Ride with the Mayor” on April 11. Malone plans to start at de Immigrant Windmill at 11 a.m. and end at the Fulton Ice Cream Shop.
Fulton’s first official semiquincentennial event is set for April 19, when Ron Koehn will present “The Trail to Freedom from 17762026” at the Drives Historic Building Conference Room.
Chadwick-Milledgeville students to present spring musical ‘Newsies’
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Disney’s “Newsies” takes center stage at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 18 and at 2 p.m. April 19 as Chadwick-Milledgeville School District’s spring theater department production. Join charismatic strike leader Jack Kelly (Gabriel Pauley), journalist Katherine Plumber (Natalie Pilgrim), and new newsboy Davey Jacobs (Makayla Meier) as they take on the rich and powerful New York newspaper publishers for fair wages.
Based on a true story from 1899, this family-friendly musical about the power of standing together against adversity, with an invigorating score by Alan Menken (who also wrote the music for “The Little Mermaid”, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin”), is a perfect show for most (with a PG rating).
For $10 a ticket at 19 School St., Chadwick, join the district’s third through 12th grade theater students as they “Carry the Banner” and “Seize the Day” with Disney’s “Newsies.”
“Newsies” is sponsored by CGH Medical Center, McKenna Flooring & EVS Hobbies.
Makayla Meier (from left) as Davey, Natalie Pilgrim as Katherine and Gabriel Pauley as Jack star in Chadwick-Milledgeville School District’s upcoming production of “Newsies.”
Public school teachers can apply for grants to support classroom projects
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation has announced $42,000 in grant funding available to support Illinois public school teachers.
This is an opportunity for educators across the state to secure financial support for special classroom projects to enhance their students’ learning experience.
Educators go above and beyond to inspire and engage their students. Whether it’s introducing hands-on science experiments, launching creative arts initiatives or exploring innovative technology, sometimes additional funding is needed to bring those ideas to life. That’s where the IRTA Foundation comes in.
The IRTA Foundation is offering grant funds to help bring unique educational projects to life. Eligible teachers can
apply for the grant, which can be used to support a wide range of projects not covered by regular school budgets.
A special committee will review all applications during the summer. Grant awards will be announced this summer.
The IRTA Foundation’s mission is to enrich the educational community and provide financial support to Illinois educators, ensuring that students receive the best possible learning experiences.
Since its founding 41 years ago, the
IRTA Foundation has worked to assist retired educators, provide scholarships to aspiring teachers and offer grants to educators for classroom-based projects. The foundation was established after identifying the financial challenges faced by many retired teachers, particularly those affected by low pensions and inflation, according to a news release.
The application is due May 1. Download the application at irta@irtaonline. org/foundation/grants.
Spring Craft Vendor Event
Photo provided by the Chadwick Milledgeville School District
Millcreek Crossing
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
Tampico First United Methodist Church Pastor Leanne Keate - 815-564-2302
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
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.
April 8: French toast, sausage, applesauce, assorted desserts
April 15: Baked ham, baked potato, corn, applesauce and desserts
April 22: Spaghetti casserole, JJ bread, green beans, Jell-O, assorted desserts
April 29: Scalloped potatoes and ham, JJ bread, tossed salad, desserts.
IDOT lifts weight restrictions placed on Whiteside County roads
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that effective Wednesday, April 1, the 10-ton vehicle weight restrictions on Whiteside County roads were lifted on Garden Plain Road and Freeport Road.
For IDOT District 2 updates, follow
@IDOTDistrict2 on Twitter or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map at GettingAroundIllinois. com.
Fulton Association for Community Enrichment’s grant application season begins April 15
The Fulton Association for Community Enrichment has announced the 2026 grant application season will begin April 15 and extend to a May 31 deadline.
Any Fulton area nonprofit organization can apply for grants up to $5,000 by going to qccommunityfoundation.org and completing the online application. The requests are reviewed by the FACE Board in June and grants are awarded in July.
FACE is affiliated with the Quad City Community Foundation, which oversees a number of charitable foundations in northwest Illinois and eastern Iowa.
– Shaw Local News Network
WHITESIDE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS: MARCH 23-27, 2026
Warranty Deeds
Sinnissippi Centers Inc and Spf Development Corp to Kyle T Young and Ivonne P Young, 1 Parcel: 11-13-100-024, $35,678
Nicole L Tucker and Brian M Tucker to Crystal L Crow, 15581 HIGHLAND DR, STERLING, $207,000
Abbott Farm Llc to Laverne Newendyke, 1 Parcel in Ustick Township: 02-32-200005, $204,819
Christopher M Norberg to Tmhl Llc, 1 Parcel in Hopkins Township: 10-35-300009, $115,000
Justin A Cutter to Jessica Cutter, 1205 1ST STREET E, STERLING, $100,000
Ralph S Weaver to Thomas Spitzfaden, 2 Parcels in Portland Township: 19-36-400-006 and 19-36-400-008, $325,000
Steven R Smith and Lynne A Riggen to Tegan Parr, 11 ELM CT, PROPHETSTOWN,
$158,000
Lyman F Gilbert Jr and Pamela A Gilbert to Michael Carrier Jr, 1005 HERMES DRIVE, ROCK FALLS, $255,000
Karen L Dever to Patricia L Meyer, 204 WASHINGTON STREET S, TAMPICO, $76,000
Acretrader 174 Llc to Farmland Reserve Inc, 1 Parcel in Hahnaman Township: 23-33-100-004, $5,143,240
Janet Stores to Teke & Associates Inc, 301 4TH ST, UNIT 4, FULTON, $121,500
Quit Claims
Natural Land Institute to Steven K Ufkin and Kathy J Ufkin, 1 Parcel in Hopkins Township: 10-31-400-004, $0.00
Christinia R Garcia to Juan H Gonzales, 911 5TH ST W, STERLING, $0.00
James R Graehling to James R Graehling Trust, 1 Parcel in Genesee Township: 04-01-200-002, $0.00
TRUST NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE TRUST:
KE NNETH J. HAGGE FAMILY TRUST
CLASSIFIED
CL S ST ERLI NG Mom 2 Mom
Market
indoor garage sa le Multiple sellers, gently used kids clothes, shoes, toys & accessories plus concessions.
Saturday 4/11
8am-1pm
Christ Lutheran School 2000 18th Ave, Sterling
Need to place an ad? Call us today!
833-584-NEWS
TRUST NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE TRUST:
KE NNETH J. HAGGE FAMILY TRUST
To all persons regarding KENNETH J. HAGGE, deceased, who died on or about February 28, 2026. You are hereby notified that the Co-Trustees listed below are the CoTrustee s of the KENNETH J HAGGE FAMILY TRUST dated on January 22, 2026.
To all persons regarding KENNETH J. HAGGE, deceased, who died on or about February 28, 2026. You are hereby notified that the Co-Trustees listed below are the CoTrustee s of the KENNETH J HAGGE FAMILY TRUST dated on January 22, 2026.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, IL LINOIS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ROCK ISL AND COUNTY, ILLINOIS ROCK ISLAND COUNTY - CHANCERY DIVISION PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES , LLC Plaintiff, vs ROMAN PIZ ANO, DANIELL E E. ARMST RONG, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RE CORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant (s). Case No. 2025FC238 NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION
, on or about February 28, 2026. You are hereby notified that the Co-Trustees listed below are the CoTrustee s of the KENNETH J HAGGE FAMILY TRUST dated on January 22, 2026. Any action to contest the validity of the trust must be brought in the Fourteenth Judicial District Court of Whiteside County, Illinois, within the later to occur of six (6) months from the date of third publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent settlor and the spouse of the decedent settlor whose identities are reasonably ascertainable
Any suit not filed within this period shall be forever barred.
NOTICE OF THE DEATH, ADMISSION TO PROB ATE AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERTA J. LANE
Any action to contest the validity of the trust must be brought in the Fourteenth Judicial District Court of Whiteside County, Illinois, within the later to occur of six (6) months from the date of third publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent settlor and the spouse of the decedent settlor whose identities are reasonably ascertainable
Notice is further given that any person or entity possessing a claim against the trust must mail proof of the claim to the trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, by the later to occur of six (6) months from the second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice if required or the claim shall be forever barred unless paid or otherwise satisfied.
Roman Pizano Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants that this case has been commenced in this Court, against you and other Defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: LOT THIRTY-FIVE (35) IN BLOCK ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FOUR (184) IN THE TOWN, NOW CITY OF EAST MOLINE.
COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 155 17TH AVENUE, EAST MOLINE, IL 61244
Any suit not filed within this period shall be forever barred.
And which said Mortgage was made by: Roman Pizano, Danielle E. Armstrong, the Mortgagor, to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC ("MERS"), AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE FOR GREENSTATE CREDIT UNION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Rock Island County, Illinois as Document No. 202310906; and for other relief, that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.
Dated on March 26, 2026.
Matthew K. Hagge 220 Front Ave. W. Minoken, ND 58558
Mitchell R. Hagge 1547 Arnold Ct Comanche, IA 52730
Erin M. Jenkins 1818 130th St. Anamosa, IA 52205
Any action to contest the validity of the trust must be brought in the Fourteenth Judicial District Court of Whiteside County, Illinois, within the later to occur of six (6) months from the date of third publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent settlor and the spouse of the decedent settlor whose identities are reasonably ascertainable Any suit not filed within this period shall be forever barred. Notice is further given that any person or entity possessing a claim against the trust must mail proof of the claim to the trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, by the later to occur of six (6) months from the second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice if required or the claim shall be forever barred unless paid or otherwise satisfied.
Dated on March 26, 2026.
SYMatthew K. Hagge
220 Front Ave. W. Minoken, ND 58558
NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Rock Island Circuit Clerk 210 15th Street Rock Island, IL 61201
Mitchell R. Hagge 1547 Arnold Ct. Comanche, IA 52730
On or before April 30, 2026, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.
Marinosci Law Group, P.C. 2215 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1512 Westchester, IL 60154
Telephone: (312) 940-8580
Notice is further given that any person or entity possessing a claim against the trust must mail proof of the claim to the trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, by the later to occur of six (6) months from the second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice if required or the claim shall be forever barred unless paid or otherwise satisfied.
Erin M. Jenkins 1818 130th St. Anamosa, IA 52205
Melissa Burken Mommsen #AT0001277, Attorney for Trustee Melissa Burken Mommsen, Attorney at Law, P.C. 916 7th Ave., DeWitt, Iowa 52742
Date of second publication: April 7, 2026
April 7, 14, 21, 2026
Case No. 2025 PR 45 Notice is hereb given to cr and claima the deat Roberta J last a resid Fulton, Illinois, died on Nov 5, 2024. Le office were on May 6 to Michael 119 S. 14t LeClaire, IA as Indep Executor. T torney for estate is: R L Huizenga 4th St., IL 61252. Cla against the may be file the Clerk o Circuit C Whiteside Courthouse, Knox Street son, IL 61270 with the Rep tative or both or before Se ber 30, 2026 claim not within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and the attorney for the estate within 10 days after it has been filed. Dated this 31st day of March, 2026
REBECCA L. HUIZENGA Attorney for the Estate 1011 4th Street P.O. Box 102 Fulton, Illinois 61252 815/589-2859
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are advised that this law firm is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
I3284264 Review Mar. 31, April. 7, 14, 2026
Dated on March 26, 2026.
Matthew K. Hagge
220 Front Ave. W. Minoken, ND 58558
Mitchell R. Hagge
Melissa Burken Mommsen #AT0001277, Attorney for Trustee Melissa Burken Mommsen, Attorney at Law, P.C. 916 7th Ave., DeWitt, Iowa 52742
Date of second publication:
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOU RTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, IL LINOIS NOTICE OF THE DEATH, ADMISSION TO PROB ATE AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
March 31, April 7, 14, 2026 In Print & Online
Advertise your job openings here!
815-526-4645
SAUK VALLEY ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: MORRISON’S AVA DUNCAN
Name: Ava Duncan
School: Morrison
Sport: Softball
Year: Junior
Why she was selected: She pitched a complete game in wins over Fulton and Newman. Duncan had eight strikeouts in a 4-1 win over the Steamers and six in a 5-2 win over the Comets. The Fillies are off to a 6-2 start this season with Duncan as their primary pitcher after she took over the role from her older sister, Bella. She has a 3.90 earned-run average this season with 54 strikeouts in 37.2 innings pitched. She also leads the team with four stolen bases and is second with seven runs scored.
“Ava was selected by her teammates this season to be one of two team captains, a testament to her leadership,” coach Larry Rice said. “Along with her many softball skills, she exudes confidence with an enormous competitive spirit. While she demands a high level of play from her teammates, she holds herself to an even higher standard. Ava is a privilege to coach, and I’m thankful I get another season with her next year.”
Duncan is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week, presented by Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning. Here is a Q&A with the junior standout.
How did you first get into softball? What has helped keep you in it?
Duncan: I started softball when I was 5 years old. I watched family and friends enjoy playing, and I felt like I would too. My father was a big part of keeping the love for the sport in my heart. He wanted me to succeed just as much I wanted!
Have you learned anything from the game of softball?
Duncan: I have learned to be grateful for my parents sacrificing their lives to mold my softball career to what it is today.
The team is off to a 6-2 start. How would you describe the start to the season?
Duncan: It is such a privilege to start off the season with this team and our confidence with a 6-2 start. We came out ready to get our revenge on teams that beat us last year, and we did just that.
Is there anything you have worked on coming into the season or feel you have improved on?
Duncan: I have improved on my game stamina and taking on more games to pitch. Travel ball has really helped me see different batters, and high school is just the same.
Does anything stand out about this year’s team?
Duncan: This year we have a new coaching staff, and it gave the team a new look. This gave my teammates and I just another opportunity and chance to show what we have to offer. This team takes one bad inning and flips the script right away, and it is so rewarding for our team.
What are your goals this season, individually and as a team?
Duncan: A big team goal for us is to make it to state. Last year we got to the sectional championship and fell short. This team is very driven this year, and it has helped me with my own personal goals. One of my personal goals is to pitch two or more perfect games this season.
Favorite softball memory?
Duncan: I have two very good memories from softball. For high school, my freshman year we beat Rockridge for the first time since 2016. I was really struggling with the pitcher and was 0-2 until my last at-bat, and I hit a home run to get my team hyped up and to secure the win. My favorite travel ball memory was two years ago at nationals in Florida. We
were in the championship, and I hit a grand slam for the win as well!
Do you have a favorite athlete, sports team or anyone else that inspires you?
Duncan: Someone that inspires me is my catcher Allie Anderson. She shows me every day that having fun is a part of the game and I won’t succeed if I don’t have fun with her. A funny fact is when she throws down the ball and comes to the mound when it’s just us, she says, “Don’t suck,” and it gives us the giggles every time to start off the inning.
Any other sports, hobbies or activities you are involved in?
Duncan: I have a job a Resthave nursing home, and I absolutely adore it! That takes up a lot of my time, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Learning about other people’s lives and taking care of the residents means the most to me.
Do you have a favorite book or quote?
Duncan: My favorite quote is, “Don’t end the book because of a bad page.” This is a fantastic way to look at life and even softball. This reminds me my career doesn’t end after a bad game.
Favorite restaurant or meal?
Duncan: My favorite meal is a steak,
but it has to be rare. I can’t eat it unless it is bright red.
Favorite place you have visited?
Duncan: I loved Gulf Shores, Alabama. The beach and warm weather is my favorite place.
Favorite TV Show or movie?
Duncan: “10 Things I Hate About You” is my favorite movie. I have watched it over 100 times, and it is a comfort movie of mine.
Favorite music artist or genre?
Duncan: My favorite music artist is the band Staind. I love grunge/ rock music.
Any favorite school subjects or teachers?
Duncan: My favorite subject is math, but my favorite teacher is Ryan Oetting, who teaches my AP U.S. History class. He is a very funny teacher and is very involved in getting my classmates ready for life.
Do you have plans for after high school?
Duncan: My plans for after high school are still undecided, but I know for a fact I will be continuing my softball career and hopefully going into the medical field to also continue my work with residents/patients.
Brian Hurley file photo
Fillie player Ava Duncan strokes a hit. The Bureau Valley Storm traveled to Morrison for a game against the Fillies last season.
BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW CAPSULES
Erie-Prophetstown
Coach: Jeff Wunderlich 2025: 7-13, 5-5 Three Rivers
Key returners: Braedyn Frank, sr., P/IF; Evan Steimle, jr., U
Worth noting: Steimle was a first-team all-conference selection as a utility player last season. Frank was a second-team all-conference pitcher. The Panthers have started the season 1-1-1.
Rock Falls 17, Erie-Prophetstown 7 (6 inn.): Owen Mandrell and Ethan Mathews both hit grand slams in the road win. Owen Laws also had four RBIs on three hits, including two doubles and a triple.
Riverdale 11, Fulton 1 (5 inn.): Chase Dykstra hit a solo home run for Fulton in the road setback.
Softball
Erie-Prophetstown 7, Rock Falls 1: Wynn Renkes pitched a complete game with 15 strikeouts for the Panthers in the road win. Madisyn Eikenberry led the Rockets with three hits. Zoe Silva had 10 strikeouts and was saddled with five unearned runs in a complete game setback.
Riverdale 10, Fulton 7: The Steamers were out-hit 14-8 in the road loss. Wrenn Coffey (two RBIs) hit a home run, and Kerby Germann doubled and had an RBI. Sherrard 14, Morrison 2 (5 inn.): Ava Duncan took her first loss of the season in the home setback. The Tigers scored
Worth noting: The Steamers made a run to the Elite Eight last season before falling to Marquette in the supersectional. Dykstra is an Iowa Central Community College commit. He was an IHSBCA
All-State pick in Class 1A, a unanimous All-NUIC West first-team selection who was 6-1 on the mound with 126 strike -
outs in 67 ⅓ innings and a 0.73 ERA. He hit .426 with a 1.059 OPS and 20 RBIs. “We have a veteran team this year with eight seniors, five juniors and a sophomore,” coach Dykstra said. “The NUIC West looks to be competitive again this year and expectations are high.”
off a conference championship in their first year of competing in the NUIC South. “We are looking forward to having another great season. We are going to rely on our seniors to help lead the way and help us reach the goals we have set for ourselves,” Willis said. “We play in a tough conference and we expect the battle for the conference title to be tough like it is year in and year out, so we do not plan on taking any team lightly. We are hoping to continue our success from last year and are excited to see what the season has in store for us.”
– Drake Lansman
eight runs in the fourth inning and five in the fifth.
Tuesday, March 31
Softball
Rockridge 9, Erie-Prophetstown 4: E-P’s
Lily Swatos and Leah Richmond each hit home runs in the road loss.
West Central 11, Fulton 4: The Steamers gave up five runs in the fifth inning in the road loss. Zoe Kunau doubled and had two RBIs for Fulton.
Boys track and field
E-P takes second at Rosenberry Classic: Riverdale won the 12-team indoor invite with 104 points, followed by E-P and Kewanee with 65. Princeton (59) was fourth, Morrison (48) was fifth, Amboy (20) was eighth, Fulton (19) was ninth and Newman (16) was 10th.
E-P’s Nathan Punke won the pole vault with a leap of 4.27 meters. Morrison’s winners were Brady Anderson (60), Levi Milder (200), Josh McDearmon (60 hurdles). Anderson, McDearmon, Milder and Xavier Baldwin won the 4x200 relay.
Wednesday, April 1
Girls track and field
Fulton wins Rosenberry Classic: The Steamers tallied 88.5 points to win the 12-team invite at the Westwood Fitness and Sports Center. Riverdale (74) was second, followed by E-P (52), Bureau Valley (52) and Princeton (46). Amboy was seventh, Newman was eighth and Morrison 11th.
Fulton’s Jessa Read, Brooklyn Thoms, Paige Cramer and Haley Smither won the 4x200. Peighton Stretton, Kerby Germann, Read and Thoms won the 4x400. Smither won the triple jump. Newman’s Elaina Allen won the 60-meter dash, 200 and took third in the 400.
E-P’s Rozlyn Mosher, Jennica Norman, Jessie DeNeve and Sarah Link won the 4x800.
Friday, April 3
Softball
Fulton 19, Houston 12: Kerby Germann hit a home run and had four RBIs in the win. Germann, Wrenn Coffey and Madison Bolton all had three hits for the
Steamers.
Fulton 11, Payson Seymour 2: Zoe Kunau and Haley Smither each had two hits for the Steamers. Kerby Germann, Wrenn Coffey and Brooklyn Vogel all had two RBIs.
Saturday, April 4
Softball
Winnebago 10, Fulton 8: Winnebago scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning in the home win. Zoe Kunau had three hits and Kerby Germann had two RBIs for the Steamers. Fulton had six errors and gave up seven unearned runs.
Fulton 15, Quincy Notre Dame 5 (5 inn.): Kerby Germann had six RBIs and was just a home run short of the cycle in the win. Zoe Kunau had three RBIs. Olympia 11, Morrison 2 (4 inn.): Allie Anderson had a double and two RBIs in the setback.
Morrison 19, Astoria 1 (4 inn.): Morrison scored 11 runs in the second inning. Bella Scachette, Allie Anderson and Sophie Damhoff all had three RBIs. – Drake Lansman
SPORTS
Fulton’s Chase Dykstra pitches against Rockford Lutheran at the 1A Lena-Winslow Sectional last season. The Steamers won the game 4-1 to advance to Saturday’s sectional final.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1963: Jack Nicklaus becomes the youngest Masters winner at 23, beating Tony Lema by a stroke.
2019: Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki play final NBA games.
