Weather
Friday: Cloudy. High 70. Low 56.
Saturday: 35 percent chance of rain. High 72. Low 57.
Sunday: Sunny. High 78. Low 56.
Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, Sept. 28 NAACP Freedom Gala, 5 p.m., Cedar Creek Hall, 571 E. North St. Tickets are $50, with tables of 10 available for $500. Questions regarding tickets, table reservations, donations, or membership in the NAACP can be directed to the Galesburg NAACP at naacpgalesburg@gmail.com or naacpgbtreasurer@gmail.com. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/naacp-galesburg-freedom-fund-gala-tickets-936610024797.
Assassination Attempt
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement in response to an apparent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump:
“I am relieved that President Trump is okay after an apparent assassination attempt in West Palm Beach, Florida today.
Thanks to technology and quick action by law enforcement, the suspect was taken into custody swiftly. While we learn the motivations of this case, it’s important we stop the political divisiveness that causes people to react with dangerous intent.
And let me be clear, political violence has no place in the United States of America.”
Carl Sandburg College
Congratulations to Leslye Mercado ‘24 and Alex Galarza for being the first Carl Sandburg College students to earn and receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their community service efforts 2023-2024.
Mercado and Galarza served more than 300 community service hours during that time and have since continued to serve our community while working, taking care of family, and attending classes full time.
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. The Award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action as well.
Champion Xpress
Champion Xpress Carwash is proud to announce their donation of $3,737 to the Galesburg Christian School Athletics. A check was presented to the Galesburg Christian School Athletic Director, Rikki Reed, on Tuesday, September 24.
With a core value of “Community,” Champion Xpress prioritizes partnering with local organizations to benefit our friends and neighbors. To celebrate the opening of our newest location, Champion Xpress donated $1 per wash during the first two weeks to Galesburg Christian School Athletics as part of their Champion building Champions initiative. “Our Champion building Champions initiative with Galesburg Christian School Athletics is a key priority for Champion Xpress. We are blessed to have the opportunity to expand across this market. It is exceedingly important to our mission to give back to the communities that give so much to us,” said Trey Merchant, CEO of Champion Xpress Carwash.
City of Galesburg
Alderman approved on September 16 the purchase of five 22 passenger super medium duty buses from Midwest Transit Equipment utilizing IDOT’s Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program. The 22 passenger buses will replace some of the currently utilized 30 passenger buses. Cost of the five FORD SMD buses will be $904,260. A $900,000 federal grant that Galesburg received in 2018 will lower the city’s cost to $4,260.
Galesburg Public Library
The Galesburg Public Library is hosting a library card design contest. The contest is divided into two categories one for ages 5-15 and the other ages 16 and up. Finalists will be chosen by members of the Galesburg Public Library Board. A winner in each category will be decided by public vote in October.
Rules are as follows:
All artwork must be 100 percent original artwork with no copyright or trademark symbols.
Forms must be submitted by October 1.
Artwork must stay within the dotted line.
Ask at the check out desk for an entry form. Please return completed designs to the check out desk at the Galesburg Public Library (264 West Main Street). Winning designs will be featured on new library cards next year.
Government Funding Legislation
Congressman Eric Sorensen released the following statement on his decision to vote against the House GOP’s proposed legislation to fund the government.
“Congress has an important responsibility to keep the government open for the American people,” said Sorensen. “I just spent the last month traveling the district meeting with veterans, first responders, law enforcement, seniors, and farmers. The proposal in front of is $12 billion short for veterans’ health care, cuts FEMA funding as we head into hurricane season and deal with flooding in places like we had in Fulton County, and underfunds the Social Security staff who make sure our seniors get their benefits. My team works every day to help our seniors receive their benefits and this proposal hurts them. I will not support any bill that leaves behind our veterans, seniors, or men and women in law enforcement. Let’s pass a bipartisan bill that takes care of our neighbors.”
Innovative Media Solutions
Innovative Media Solutions (IMS), 320 West Chestnut Street, Oneida, Illinois, marked the company’s 25th anniversary on September 20.
Company owner and President Bill Spilman moved back to Galesburg, his hometown, to raise his family and start IMS in 1999. Spilman founded the firm after working as the publications manager at the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge from 19993-1999. IMS was first located at 131 North Cherry Street in Galesburg. After moving to two different Galesburg locations, the company settled in Oneida in 2006.
IMS specializes in advertising and exhibit sales services for national and state nonprofit organizations. When the company began its operations, it was focused on editorial and marketing services. The company has adapted to industry needs and trends, and now focuses on generating nondues revenue for associations. IMS currently serves a wide variety of industries across the nation, including chaplaincy, construction, dental, drycleaning, legal, library, and mapping science.
“We are thankful and humbled to mark our 25th anniversary,” said Spilman. “It’s amazing how God took a small seed, seemingly so long ago now, and has grown our business to what it has become today.”
In the year ahead, IMS will be hosting its first international exhibit hall at the Palais des congres de Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, for the Academy of General Dentistry.
For more information on Innovative Media Solutions, visit the company’s website at www.innovativemediasolutions.com. If your national or state association needs professional sales representation with exhibit space or advertising, please get in touch with IMS by utilizing the contact form on the company’s website.
Jordbruksdagarna
The annual 19th century harvest festival Jordbruksdagarna (pronounced yord-brooks-DAH-ga-na) will take place Saturday September 28 and Sunday September 29, 2024 in Bishop Hill, IL. As always, there will be a variety of traditional craft demonstrations, food, vendors, and hands-on activities for the children during the 52nd Jordbruksdagarna (Swedish for “earth work days”) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Demonstrations, hands-on activities, music, and the history skit are all free.
In the village park each day, artisans will make rope, process flax, carve wood, forge metal, make butter, and more. Vendors will also be selling baked goods, crafts, and much more in the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Musical performances will include Hammer and Pick at noon and 2 p.m., and the Nordic Dancers at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day at the gazebo. A petting zoo is located in the northwest corner of the park.
Jordbruksdagarna is not just in the park but all over Bishop Hill. At the Colony School, the Old Settlers’ Association will be selling their famous Colony Stew from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Uncle Bud Apple Cider Slushie and Pop of the Morning will be next to the Carpenter Building serving food and drinks. Behind the Bjorklund Hotel from noon to 4 p.m. each day, visitors, especially children, can try their hand at shelling corn, making bricks, pressing apples into cider, and creating a cornhusk doll. Visitors can explore Henry County’s agricultural heritage at the Henry County Historical Museum, where a variety of antique tractors and implements will be on display outdoors. Each day at the Henry County Historical Museum, the Bishop Hill Agricultural Association will conduct a kid pedal tractor pull at 11 a.m., have an antique tractor parade around town at noon, and then have demonstrations from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tractor people movers will also be available to transport people around town to experience many of the activities, museums, and stores that Bishop Hill has to offer. All the previously mentioned activities will be occurring both days.
On Saturday September 28 only, the Krans Kafe will be hosing Showbarn Creations Hat bar and Forever and a Day Jewelry bar from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the Steeple Building, enjoy the Swedish music of Johan Johansson and friends at 10 a.m. Following that free performance, the BHHA Acting Troupe will perform their Bishop Hill Colony history skit On the Road Again! at the Steeple Building starting at 11 a.m. In the southwest corner of the park, TriCo Equestrian Center will have pony rides from noon to 3 p.m. for a fee. Author Mary Davidsaver will be doing a book signing at the Prairie Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Finally, the Bishop Hill Methodist Church will be having a bake sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by the Steeple Building.
Special activities continue on Sunday. On September 29 only, the Krans Kafe will be hosting Draw Me Bill from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, there will be a Community Church Service in the park at 10 a.m. open to all.
For more details about Jordbruksdagarna activities, call 309 927-3899, email bhha@mymctc.net, or view www.visitbishophill.com. Jordbruksdagarna is organized by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association and supported by the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Bishop Hill Agricultural Association, and VASA National Archives. The event is also partly funded by the Illinois Art Council, Nature’s Creations, State Bank of Toulon, Terra Form Power by Brookfield Renewable, Wilbur and Marilyn Nelson, River Valley Cooperative, Martin Tractor, Gold Star FS, Wyffels Hybrids, Peck Farms, Henry County Independent Insurance Agents Association. Regional Media is our major media sponsor. The Cambridge FFA, Galva FFA, and Galva Boy Scouts provided special assistance, along with many other volunteers.
LIHEAP
With the colder months of the year quickly approaching, one local nonprofit agency, WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC), is happy to announce they will soon resume one of their most popular programs: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program helps income-eligible households with paying their winter home heating bills, and it is open to renters and homeowners.
WIRC manages LIHEAP in five western Illinois counties: Hancock; Henderson; Knox; McDonough; and Warren. LIHEAP is a nationwide program, so those who live outside WIRC’s service area can visit the website https://liheapillinois.com/ and click on the ‘Where to Apply’ button to find a LIHEAP provider in their county.
As was done in the past, households considered to be more vulnerable will have an earlier chance at getting an appointment. The following priority groups will be able to apply starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Older adults (ages 60 and older); Individuals with a disability; Families with children under the age of six; and Households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice, or have less than 25 percent of fuel remaining in their propane tank. All other households that do not fit into one or more of the categories previously listed can apply starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024.
Applications for this program season will be taken until August 15, 2025, or stop when funding runs out; whichever comes first.
Applications are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. LIHEAP caseworkers can meet with applicants in-person at a pre-approved intake site, or, if a household cannot travel, meet with a household member by phone.
To be considered for LIHEAP, a household’s total combined income (gross, not take-home) must be at or below 200 percent of the current federal poverty level guidelines. At the time of publication, that poverty level is as follows: One-person households cannot earn more than $2,510 per month; Two-person households cannot earn more than $3,407 per month; Three-person households cannot earn more than $4,303 per month; and Four-person households cannot earn more than $5,200 per month. Households with five or more members are welcome to contact WIRC to check if they are within the income guidelines, or visit the website https://liheapillinois.com/ to view an income limits chart.
Households will be required to verify their income, and other items relevant to their application, by providing certain documentation. Some of the required documentation includes the following items: (1) Proof of gross income from all household members for the past 30-day period, beginning with the date of application; (2) Proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for all household members; (3) A copy of the current heat and electric bills issued within the past 30 days; (4) A copy of a rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are or are not included, the monthly rental amount, and the landlord’s contact information.
Other documents may be needed, depending on the household’s situation. If a household does not have SSNs or ITINs, they still may be able to apply if they discuss their situation with their caseworker at WIRC.
New this season, LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates. Visit https://liheapillinois.com/ to learn more details about the monthly discount.
Also, households that already got a one-time LIHEAP payment after October 1, 2024, may be eligible to apply for Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefits, depending on their situation.
To apply, residents of Knox County should call WIRC’s Galesburg office at (309) 837-5115 to schedule a LIHEAP appointment.
Residents of Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren counties should contact WIRC’s main office in Macomb at (309) 837-2997 to schedule their LIHEAP appointment.
Both offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed on holidays).
WIRC officials say LIHEAP is one of their most popular programs, and that their phone lines can be very busy in early October. They want to thank applicants ahead of time for their patience, and encourage them to call back at another time if their call cannot get through. They also want callers to keep in mind that appointment slots quickly fill up, and it is typical for appointments to be scheduled several weeks out.
Funding for LIHEAP is provided by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC) is a nonprofit that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. The Agency offers a wide range of social service and community development programs to improve the quality of life in their service area. For more information about their programs, find them on social media, visit their website at https://wirpc.org/, call their Macomb office at 309-837-2997 or call their Galesburg office at (309) 837-5115. WIRC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre is excited to announce Shenandoah! This incredible, hit country band will
take The Orpheum Stage this November 22nd at 7:30 p.m.
Reserved tickets go on sale September 20th (or get early access on September 17th by becoming an Orpheum Member) at a cost of $29-79 (plus ticketing fees)! Tickets will be available at www.galesburgorpheum.org, or by calling (309) 342-2299. The Orpheum Theatre is
located at 57 South Kellogg Street in Downtown Galesburg, with office hours Tuesday through
Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Shenandoah originally formed in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in 1985. The band has charted 26
singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts, including #1 hits “The Church on Cumberland
Road,” “Sunday in the South” and “Two Dozen Roses” from 1989, “Next to You, Next to Me”
from 1990, and “If Bubba Can Dance (I Can Too)” from 1994. The single “Somewhere in the
Vicinity of the Heart,” which featured guest vocals from Alison Krauss, won both artists a
GRAMMY® Award for “Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.” To date, the group has sold millions of albums worldwide.
Shenandoah recently made headlines with a newly-recorded version of “Two Dozen Roses,”
featuring vocals from CMA Entertainer of the Year, Luke Combs. Upon its release, the duet quickly rose to No. 1 on the iTunes All Genre and Country charts — marking Shenandoah’s first
chart topper in 30 years. They are set to release a reimagined version of their chart-topping single “Sunday in the South” featuring Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan TODAY.
And see Illinois openers Jake & Mikayla as they take The Orpheum stage for the first time! Jake and Mikayla are growing more and more in popularity. Based out of central Illinois, the musical duo has impressed audiences throughout the midwest region and beyond with their tight
harmonies, impressive instrumentation, and amazing stage presence. The duo provides a high-
energy Country Music show, with elements of Outlaw, Rockabilly, Gospel, Bluegrass and more.
The married couple has been performing onstage together for 9 years now. They have played
stages throughout Indiana and Illinois, as well as Branson Missouri, Gatlinburg Tennessee, and
Nashville Tennessee. When not on stage, you can find them writing and recording new music.
In 2023 Jake and Mikayla released their BRAND NEW album titled “Roots” at Midamerican
Records in Nashville, TN. Whether it’s an intimate acoustic show with just the duo, or a full
production with their band, Jake and Mikayla bring an unforgettable experience to every single
Performance.
ROE #33
The Regional Office of Education for Henderson, Knox, Mercer, and Warren County in partnership with Nutrien Ag Solutions hosted the annual 5th Grade Outdoor Education Day. Jodi Scott, Regional Superintendent of Schools, is proud to offer this great program that has been a tradition of the Regional Office of Education for many years. This year will mark the 37th year of this event!
The event was held at Lake Storey in Galesburg on September 19. There were over 50 Volunteer Presenters greeting nearly 500 fifth grade students from Knox County Schools and their teachers while they rotated through 8 different stations on outdoor and environmental education topics throughout the day. Some of the station topics included the following: Aquatics, Renewable Resources Scavenger Hunt, Butterflies and Bees, Native American History, Habitat Exploration, Weather, as well as the student favorite annual Fishing Station led by Al Hayden.
The Regional Office of Education is grateful to Nutrien Ag Solutions for their monetary donation that supports the expenses of having Outdoor Education Day. They are also grateful to the many volunteers who come out every year to participate as a Presenter. Many of the volunteers have been a part of Outdoor Education Day since its inception in 1985. One such volunteer was the late Ken Russell who participated in the event as part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as a state fish biologist. Ken’s impact as an environmental enthusiast was far reaching as he volunteered his time to work with kids in multiple counties throughout the state to share his love and passion for the outdoors. It is because of his lifelong work and dedication to the environment and educating students that Jodi Scott renamed this event in honor of Ken. The event is now called the Regional Office of Education #33 Ken Russell Outdoor Education Day.
Save More
On September 14 Save More opened for business at 900 East Main Street. The business hours are 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
The Suites
The Suites is a business offering salon suites that can be leased by up to 20 tenants in the beauty and wellness field. It is expected to open in Galesburg at 732 West Main Street (the former location of Hank’s Power & Equipment) in February of 2025.
Trick or Treat
The City of Galesburg has announced its official trick or treat hours for Halloween 2024, set for Thursday, October 31, from 5-8 p.m. Local residents are encouraged to turn on their outside lights to signal participation and are advised to exercise caution when driving through residential areas during these hours to ensure the safety of young trick or treaters.
Walnut Grove Farm
Historic Walnut Grove Farm is celebrating 37 years on the Knox County Scenic Drive, October 5 & 6, 12 & 13. The Barn Fest at Walnut Grove Farm specializes in hand-made art, live music, homemade food, homegrown produce, and family fun. Local youth can showcase their talents with the Kids Rock the Arts Contest. The farm, an official stop on the Knox County Scenic Drive, is located ½ mile north of Knoxville, IL. For a schedule of events and directions go to www.Barn-Fest.com
One-of-a-kind gifts created by regional artisans is the centerpiece of this event at Walnut Grove Farm. It’s a juried artisan shopping showcase that includes woodcarving, basketmaking, painting, weaving, soap making, quilting, beading and sign-making. Shop a variety of jewelry, pottery, mosaics, paper mâché, driftwood, wearable fiber art and tie-dye, upcycled books, scroll saw fretwork, hand blown glass and natural fall florals. Artisan breads and foods, along with farm produce sales and kid activities are farm staples.
Kids Rock the Arts Contest at Walnut Grove Farm is sponsored by Blick Art Materials and the Galesburg Community Arts Center during the Knox County Scenic Drive. Artists from Kindergarten through the 12th grade are encouraged to bring their original art to the Galesburg Community Arts Center at 349 East Main by Saturday, September 28.
“Kid fun” includes a mini-ag fair presented by the Knoxville FFA with farm animals on October 5 only, and self-guided farm games on October 6. Don’t miss “mini jack” pumpkin painting, potato digging and tractor wagon rides. Tacos and Thai Food Truck, with chef Laura Lytle’s added kid friendly and breakfast creations, will provide food for the Drive both weekends. Dane Switzer of Enclave Sourdough and Lim’s Ice Cream are great new additions this year.
Live music with each artist scheduled for two hours are Sullivan’s Daughter at 11:30 a.m. and David Berchtold at 2 p.m., October 5th ; John Heasly at 1 p.m., October 6; Mockingbird
at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 12; and Taproot Wranglers at 1 p.m., Oct 13.
“We have new artisans, foods, and great music showcased in a Civil War Era Barn with a 37-year history of superb quality,” Rich Wood, show coordinator states. For a full schedule and artists’ info go to www.Barn-Fest.com, or call (309) 337-5354. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
WIU
The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University recently unveiled a new tool for small business owners.
The Small Business Exit Planning toolkit is designed to help educate small business owners on how to plan for an exit strategy, assess the best way to design that plan and access resources to help execute that plan. A toolkit is available for business owners, business development directors and agricultural operators.
Building an exit strategy is an ongoing process and the toolkit is designed to be used until a successful exit is achieved. IIRA said the toolkits are not a substitute for utilizing professional advisors during the Exit Planning process, and that no exit from any small business should be undertaken solely by the owner of the business. The toolkit will help explain the process and assist small business operators with suggestions or resources to help them make the right decision.
To access the Small Business Exit Planning toolkit, visit https://iira.org/small-business-exit-planning/. To learn more about IIRA, visit https://iira.org/.
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