Weather
Friday: Sunny. High 81. Low 53.
Saturday: Sunny. High 80. Low 56.
Sunday: Windy. High 69. Low 47.
Mark Your Calendar
Sunday, Oct. 13 Lojo Russo, 2 p.m., The Barn, Carl Sandburg State Historic Site, 313 E. Third Street. The first set starts at 2:00pm, and the second starts at 3:15. Refreshments served between sets. Songbag Concerts are presented by the Carl Sandburg Historic Site Association and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Additional funding in part by the Mark & Celia Godsil Family Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of the Galesburg Community Foundation. A donation of $5 per person is suggested when attending Songbag Concerts.
Amtrak
A new daily service is being launched between Miami and Chicago on November 10.
Blessings in a Backpack
Join Blessings in a Backpack at First Presbyterian Church, 101 North Prairie Street, on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. to set up, or at 6 p.m. for packing. Sign up is not necessary, just show up. Everyone is welcome.
Galesburg VA Clinic
The new Galesburg VA Clinic is scheduled to open in the former Bergner’s store in the Sandburg Mall in early November. The move will allow the Galesburg VA clinic to nearly double in size and provide additional services.
The new space will provide primary care, radiology, audiology (including an audiology booth), optometry, laboratory testing, expanded physical therapy and mental health services and telehealth capability. There is also space provided to expand the provision of some specialty care in the future.
Hydrogen
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), alongside Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the bipartisan Hydrogen for Industry Act, which creates a program for hydrogen to be used to produce building materials such as steel, cement, glass, chemicals, and fuel.
Hydrogen energy will play an important role as we transition the industrial and transportation sectors to a carbon net-zero future. Through promoting use of hydrogen, the United States can reduce pollution, lower costs for consumers, and help our nation remain competitive in the growing hydrogen economy.
“The energy that we produce here in Central and Northwestern Illinois powers our nation and world,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “It is important that as industries continue to grow, we provide them with the tools they need to thrive. Our bipartisan Hydrogen for Industry Act makes sure that we expand the use of hydrogen across the United States so we can keep our air, water, and environment clean all while we create, good-paying, sustainable jobs that will take us into the future. And when we support opportunities to use alternative sources of energy, we lower costs for working families and businesses. I am grateful for the bipartisan support of my House colleagues as we introduce this legislation and look forward to working to get this bill signed into law.”
The Department of Energy will establish regional hydrogen hubs across the nation. The seven regional clean hydrogen hubs will deliver more than $40 billion in private investment and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs – bringing the total public and private investment in hydrogen hubs to nearly $50 billion.
Last October, Illinois was awarded $1 billion in federal funding for the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, which provides the state resources to decarbonize through hydrogen use, reducing carbon emissions by roughly 3.9 million metric tons per year.
“Investing in 21st century energy infrastructure will create good-paying jobs while helping us meet critical emissions reduction targets,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. “I’m proud to champion the Hydrogen for Industry Act to help Illinois businesses take advantage of clean hydrogen energy, as well as decarbonize heavy industry to grow the next generation of manufacturing in Central and Southern Illinois. This bipartisan legislation will build on the recent $1 billion federal investment in the Midwest's MachH2 Regional Hydrogen Hub, cementing Illinois as a leader in renewable energy innovation that will be an economic boon for our communities for decades to come.”
“We want to ensure we leave a better future for generations,” said Congressman Don Bacon. “The Hydrogen for Industry Act establishes a commercial-scale program for hydrogen to produce steel, cement, glass, chemicals, and fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel. This legislation can lead to discoveries that could help our future in energy.”
“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to provide funds for demonstration projects that will showcase hydrogen’s ability to decarbonize the manufacturing, transportation, and agricultural industries,” said Congressman Jim Costa. “Sustained investment in hydrogen is necessary to bolster U.S. energy independence and further efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2035.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized $8 billion to develop large-scale hydrogen production programs across the country. The Hydrogen for Industry Act builds on this law to support the development of hydrogen as an emissions reduction solution across industries. The bill:
Establishes a commercial-scale demonstration program for hydrogen use in heavy industry.
Provides competitive grants to hydrogen demonstrations in industries such as iron and steel, cement, chemicals, refining, among other industrial products.
Directs the Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Transportation to jointly conduct a study on the impact, cost, and safety.
“LanzaTech supports this important bipartisan legislation to spur clean hydrogen production and use to reduce industrial emissions,” said Tom Dower, Vice President of Public Policy for LanzaTech. “As an innovative US-based carbon recycling company, we are excited about the opportunity to use clean hydrogen in our gas fermentation process to drive further carbon reductions in hard-to-abate sectors.”
“We applaud the leadership of Congressman Sorensen, Congressman Molinaro, Congresswoman Budzinski, Congressman Bacon, and Congressman Costa on introducing the Hydrogen for Industry Act to advance the deployment of hydrogen technologies across our economy,” said Frank Wolak, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association. “This bipartisan legislation is a clear recognition that hydrogen will play a critical role in driving decarbonization, particularly for heavy-industry sectors such as steel and cement, all while also enhancing our economy by creating thousands of good-paying jobs and encourage private investment here in America.”
The bipartisan Senate version of the bill, S.646, the Hydrogen for Industry Act of 2023, was introduced on March 2, 2023, by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).
Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission
Longtime Galesburg attorney, Bill Butts, has disbarred himself after allegations of misconduct surfaced.
Documents from the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission indicate the Illinois Supreme Court has granted Butts’ own motion striking his name from the state’s Roll of Attorneys.
This means Butts can no longer practice law in Illinois. He was first licensed in 1979. The motion to strike Butts’ name was first filed in July. It became final in September.
Illinois Principals Association
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages communities to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week October 20-26, 2024, and Principal Appreciation Day on October 25 to highlight the dedication of principals, assistant principals, and deans. This annual recognition has been recognized by Illinois governors since 1990. October is also National Principals Month, supported by the IPA, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA).
Cris Edwards, IPA president and principal of Richland County Elementary School in Olney, shared: “Whether this is a principal’s very first year, last year, or somewhere in the middle, Illinois is celebrating these leaders for all they do for children. As ‘legacy builders’ we are constantly mentoring others; helping students to find their voice or their career path, supporting paraprofessionals who want to return to school to become a teacher, and encouraging teachers that are thinking about becoming an administrator. Thank you to all the leaders across Illinois for your unwavering commitment and for building a legacy that will inspire generations to come. I am excited to thank you and celebrate you during National Principals Month!”
“This year, we celebrate our state’s school leaders for what they do – build a lasting legacy with those they serve,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA executive director. “These courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students. Both research and common sense tell us how critical these servants are to positively influence young people, teachers, and communities. For this, they deserve our respect and gratitude.”
IPA invites teachers, students, parents, and community members to show appreciation for school leaders on October 25.
Illinois Reads
The Illinois Reading Council (IRC) has just released the list of Illinois Reads books for 2025. Illinois Reads is a statewide program that promotes reading for all Illinois citizens. The program promotes six books in six different age bands by authors and illustrators who have ties to Illinois. The books range from read-to books for infants to books for adult readers. Bookmarks and posters highlighting the Illinois Reads books will be available in early 2025. Order early as supplies are limited!
The Illinois Reads Program will be featured at the annual IRC Conference in Springfield on March 13-14, 2025. Conference registration is now open for educators, librarians, and others interested in promoting literacy. The 2025 Illinois Reads Program will also be featured at the Illinois Reads Book Festival in Jacksonville on April 26, 2025. Readers throughout Illinois are invited to this free family event. Visit our websites to find out about other upcoming Illinois Reads events.
The Illinois Reads book selections for 2025 are:
Birth-4Can You Dance Like a Peacock? by Rekha S. RajanHide-and-Seek by Molly CranchMoms Can Do It All! by Ted MaassSleepy: Surprising Ways Animals Snooze by Jennifer WardPainting the Sky with Love: A Celebration of Love and Community by Mary E. HaquePlay Outside with Me by Kat Chen
K-2Bats Beneath the Bridge by Janet NolanLove Grows by Ruth SpiroSomebody Needs to Do Something About That Monster! by Doug CenkoThe Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything by Nadia AhmedThe Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist by Deidre Havrelock and illustrated by Aphelandra Umami by Jacob Grant
3-5Cloud Puppy by Kelly Leigh MillerDetective Sweet Pea: The Case of the Golden Bone by Sara VaronIt Belongs to the World: Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin by Lisa KatzenbergerLegendarios: Wrath of the Rain God by Karla Arenas ValentiOne Cool Duck #1: King of Cool by Mike PetrikThe Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure by Barb Rosenstock6-8Forget-Me-Not Blue by Sharelle Byars MoranvilleI Felt Myself Slipping by Ray NadineKareem Between by Shifa Saltagi SafadiRare Birds by Jeff MillerStage Fright by Wendy ParrisThe Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt9-12American Wings: Chicago’s Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky by Sherri L. Smith and Elizabeth WeinDear Wendy by Ann ZhaoLast On His Feet: Jack Johnson and the Battle of the Century by Youssef Daoudi and Adrian MatejkaThis Book Won’t Burn by Samira AhmedThis Night Is Ours by Ronni DavisWe Shall Be Monsters: A Novel by Alyssa WeesAdultBy Water Beneath the Walls: The Rise of the Navy SEALs by Benjamin H. MilliganStar Wars Dad Jokes: The Best Worst Jokes and Puns from a Galaxy Far, Far Away . . . . by Kelly Knox and illustrated by Johnny SampsonThe Best Lies by David EllisThe Great Divide: A Novel by Cristina HenriquezThe Wheel of the Year: An Illustrated Guide to Nature’s Rhythms by Fiona CookWoe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair: (A Graphic Novel) by Lucy KnisleyA special title for 2025 will also be A Love Letter to My Library by Lisa Katzenberger. Illinois Reads is a statewide literacy program provided by the Illinois Reading Council, a nonprofit organization with nearly 2,000 members across Illinois. The mission of the Illinois Reading Council is to provide support and leadership to all who promote and teach lifelong literacy.
Knox County 4-H
October 10 through November 5, Casey’s will donate $1 to 4-H for any large pizza ordered. Savor your favorite slice while supporting 4-H.
OSF
In response to the growing needs of its community, OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center is expanding its emergency department. The $5 million expansion will add 7,000 square feet to the existing space, including one additional triage room and six additional treatment rooms.
The expansion will enhance the ability of Mission Partners to serve patients through innovative space planning to improve efficiencies and connection throughout care delivery.
"OSF HealthCare remains invested and dedicated to providing exceptional care for our rural communities, which is something we’ve done for over 115 years in the Galesburg community,” said Lisa DeKezel, president of OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center. “This redesign is a crucial step in enhancing the quality care we deliver, elevating patient experiences, and addressing the evolving needs of our community."
Construction is set to begin by the end of 2024 and is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. During the project, the emergency department will remain open and fully operational, ensuring uninterrupted care for patients. However, during the initial phase, patients arriving by car may be re-routed to a nearby adjacent entrance. Signage will be posted to guide patients accordingly.
"While there will be some inconveniences during construction, the end result will be a vastly improved experience for our patients, visitors, and Mission Partners," said Lisa DeKezel, president of OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center.
OSF HealthCare remains committed to “serving persons with the greatest care and love” in the spirit of Christ and following the example of Francis of Assisi. The OSF St. Mary Medical Center emergency department redesign reflects this mission.
Prairie Moon Farm
The newest attraction at Prairie Moon Farm is a Spooky Maze. This maze is geared toward younger kids, but is fun for all ages! Entry is $3 per person, and can be found at their kettle corn stand.
ROE #33
State Senator Mike Halpin recently announced over $300,000 is coming to in the area to enhance adult volunteer literacy and library programs.
“Our libraries and their programs underpin a community where everyone has access to resources to bolster their education,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this funding, our neighbors will be able to continue their efforts in improving their reading, writing, math and English literacy skills.”
The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.
The goal of these grants is to enhance online catalogues, support day-to-day operations, expand interlibrary loan programs and equip vision-impaired individuals with narrations of newspaper content. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills.
Awardees in the 36th Senate District include:
· Black Hawk College:$49,000
· Regional Office of Education 33: $172,153 33
· Board of Trustees of WIU: $36,968
· Moline Public Library: $16,000
· APRIS, Augustana Public Radio Information Service: $28,613
· Rock Island Public Library: $5,950
“Equipping our libraries with the resources they need to increase services and expand offerings is essential to enhancing the accessibility of learning materials for all Illinois residents regardless of their geographic location, accessibility needs, income status or educational level,” Giannoulias said. “Meanwhile, increasing the state’s literacy level results in opportunities for individual success and makes communities stronger.”
Thrive
The participants of Thrive are collecting socks through the month of October to give back to our community schools and agencies. Socktober is a nation-wide sock drive that strives to stock shelters with socks before the winter months. Socks are oftentimes the most needed yet least donated items at shelters.
In 2023, Thrive participants collected over 500 pairs of socks and donated to the Keisha Cares program at Galesburg Junior/Senior High School, the Galesburg Downtown Depot & Hope House, the Warming Shelter through the Knox County Housing Authority and Abingdon's Hedding Elementary.Thrive has participated in Socktober for the past nine years. Since then, their staff (with the help of community members) has donated over 6,000 pairs of socks to local organizations and schools. They receive so much support throughout the year from our community, socktober is their participants' way of giving back in return. This year's sock drive is being facilitated by the self advocacy group, TOM - Thrive On Move.
NEW pairs of socks can be dropped off at Thrive by October 31st to one of their locations: 2015 Windish Drive Galesburg, IL 6140, The Hub at 143 E Main St Galesburg, IL 61401, or the Abingdon Thrive at 405 S. Western Avenue, Abingdon, IL 61410.
Monetary donations are being collected and participants will use the funds to shop for new socks to add to the donations.
For more information, please contact Sally Fischell at 309-344-2600 ext. 1216 or sfischell@thrivegalesburg.org
WQPT
“It was the best day of my life!”
WQPT PBS is seeking volunteers for Imagination Station, their biggest children’s event of the year. Held on Saturday, Oct. 19, with thousands of children attending, volunteers will assist with set-up, activity stations, costumed PBS characters and other fun tasks. All events will be held on the Moline campus.
Volunteers will have an awesome time, too! This is an opportunity to join WQPT in educating curious children while gaining heartfelt experiences and memories.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up using this link: wqpt.org/volunteer. A variety of PBS characters – everyone from Daniel Tiger to Xavier Riddle – will be part of the day’s entertainment. They will all occupy their learning stations, offering activities and presenting useful resources.
In addition to visits with their favorite PBS characters, kids can read alongside therapy dogs, get creative with art, music and dance and explore the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Additionally, each attendee will receive a free book.
The event is open free to all attending, with an anticipated attendance of over 4,000 people.
Western Smokehouse Partners
Aldermen at the October 7 meeting of the Galesburg City Council will consider a $1 million development agreement with Thrushwood Farms Quality Meats, Inc., a subsidiary of Western Smokehouse Partners. The economic support from the city would facilitate the viability of the project moving forward in the community.
Western Smokehouse Partners has executed a 10 year lease for 179,000 square feet of the former Maytag facility on Monmouth Boulevard. The move will allow for expansion of food production operations and initially create 150-180 new manufacturing jobs and generate $45-50 million in investment.
WIU
Western Illinois University is offering an exciting opportunity for prospective students by waiving the $30 application fee throughout October for all undergraduate, domestic applicants. This waiver applies exclusively to domestic undergraduate students.
Western is the perfect size university, with physical resources such as crime labs, nursing simulation areas, an Emergency Operations Center and performance spaces that will be enhanced by our new $120 million Center for the Performing Arts. And we are small enough to provide a personalized education, where professors know your name and making friends is easy. WIU focuses on student learning to prepare students for careers or graduate school study.
Interested students can apply for undergraduate admission by visiting wiu.edu/apply.
To explore undergraduate programs, go to wiu.edu/academics.
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