Weather
Friday: Partly cloudy. High 59. Low 38.
Saturday: 45 percent chance of rain. High 61. Low 47.
Sunday: 40 percent chance of rain. High 55. Low 41.
Mark Your Calendar
Friday, Nov. 1 Kiwanis Club Pancake Day, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., Hy-Vee, 2030 E. Main St. Tickets are $10 each and available at the door. Menu: Pancakes, sausage, coffee and milk will be served. The proceeds will benefit children in Knox County who need clothing for the winter months.
CASA
CASA of West Central Illinois is hosting their annual Lip Sync Battle Fundraiser on Thursday, November 7th, 2024, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Cedar Creek Hall, 571 E. North St., Galesburg, IL. This year the theme is “Back to the ‘80’s” with Elisa Nelson hosting the event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. At least four acts will be battling on stage to win the Lip Sync Battle Trophy and Fan Favorite Trophy. Those with the most votes ($1 each) will be declared the winner! Don’t forget to bring your wallet to vote for your favorite team, participate in the wine pull, grab a treat at the free-will offering Dessert Table, or pick up at snack at Shawdaddy’s. Wear your best ‘80’s gear to participate in the costume contest!
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $180 table of ten, and $250 VIP Table of Ten (includes snacks, champagne, and priority seating.)
All funds raised go towards CASA’s mission to speak up for and support the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. CASA serves children in foster care in Knox, Henderson, Warren, and McDonough Counties.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.casaofwestcentralillinois.org or
CASA’s Facebook page, or see a CASA Board Member or Team Member.
DMV
The state of Illinois has launched a new pilot program where residents can renew their license and get their license plate stickers right from a kiosk.
The kiosks can quickly print vehicle registration renewals and plate stickers. Customers seeking a driver’s license or state ID renewal can receive temporary documents from the kiosk while their new card is mailed to them.
There will be 15 Fast-Lane kiosks initially rolled out.
The kiosks will be located in Springfield, Fairview Heights, East Peoria (201 S. Main St., inside Kroger), Flossmoor, Oak Lawn, Chicago (six), Stickney, Lombard, Park Ridge, and Des Plaines.
Helping Neighbors
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced that his office has returned more than $3.2 million to his neighbors through federal casework services since he was sworn into Congress.
“My number one job as the representative for Central and Northwestern Illinois in Congress is to make sure the federal government is working on behalf of my neighbors,” said Sorensen. “I know how stressful it can be when you need help from the government and all you get is the runaround. That is where I can step in to get you the help you need. I am proud of the work we have done to put more than $3.2 million of my neighbor’s hard-earned cash back in their pockets. If you need any help dealing with a federal agency, know that I have your back.”
The more than $3,263,230 secured for his neighbors across Central and Northwestern Illinois comes as a result of Sorensen and his staff’s work to help constituents get the refunds and benefits they are owed from federal agencies, which include overdue tax returns and delayed Social Security, veterans, and worker’s compensation benefits.
Residents of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District who need help with a federal agency are encouraged to contact Sorensen’s office at (309) 786-3406 or fill out a casework request form on Sorensen’s official website. All submissions are reviewed by a member of Sorensen’s staff.
The following stories are from constituents that Sorensen’s office has helped:
Daniel from Peoria Heights reached out to get help with VA benefits: “I was having trouble having my VA benefits reinstated after they were mistakenly revoked after contacting Representative Sorensen's office Hillary handle my case and my benefits were reinstated, and I had a check within 30 days.”
Katie from Monmouth lost her job and needed help getting her past wages: “Ever since I lost my job at WCCS Head Start, I have had help with gaining information on how to get my past wages that are due. Eric Sorensen’s office has helped me gain information about my situation and ways to improve the outcome.”
Bob from Peoria needed help getting Medicare Part B coverage: “I was having difficulty trying to get my Medicare Part B to begin on September 1st, 2023, with our local office of the Social Security Administration. After many failed attempts to get a certain individual to return my calls, as well as several conversations with the Chicago and Maryland offices with no results, I contacted your office. I spoke with staff in your office about my difficulties with this matter on August 31st, 2023, and within three days, our local office received a letter or document from your office, and they got me signed up for Part B on September 15th, 2023, to be effective on September 1st, 2023. Staff were caring and showed extraordinary expedience in helping me get this issue resolved.”
John Deere
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) sent a letter to Deere & Company’s leadership demanding answers regarding their recently announced round of layoffs.
“I write to express my deep concern with the continued rounds of layoffs that have impacted more than 2,000 workers this year alone,” Sorensen wrote in the letter. “These losses hit our Quad Cities community hard. With declining sales, I recognize the challenging business climate you must operate within. However, I remain concerned that Deere & Company has not been forthcoming with your employees and the community about your plans.”
Read the full letter to Deere & Company CEO John C. May below.
John C. May
Chief Executive Officer
Deere & Company
One John Deere Place
Moline, IL 61265
Dear Mr. May:
I write to express my deep concern with the continued rounds of layoffs that have impacted more than 2,000 workers this year alone. These losses hit our Quad Cities community hard. With declining sales, I recognize the challenging business climate you must operate within. However, I remain concerned that Deere & Company has not been forthcoming with your employees and the community about your plans.
As a Quad Citizen, I have always been proud to share a hometown with John Deere. Every time I fly back over the corn and soybean fields of western Illinois, I look down at the landscape dotted with green John Deere tractors. On my Congressional trips around the world, I see the same. Our region feeds and fuels the world, from the men and women at Harvester Works who assemble the machines to the family farmers who drive them. This is a special place with a special way of life.
In my position on the House Agriculture Committee, I have done everything within my power to create favorable market conditions for our U.S. agricultural manufacturing sector, our family farmers, and our workers. I understand that times are tough with a global production slowdown, declining grain prices, and rising input costs. I know that Deere & Company must make tough decisions in a competitive market environment. At the same time, your company reported $1.3 billion in profit last quarter. As CEO, you took home $26.7 million last year, 284 times more than the average worker, and a $6 million increase over the previous year. That isn’t fair to the workers whose efforts made Deere’s profits -- and your generous executive compensation package -- possible.
I request a detailed understanding of your plans to avoid future layoffs.
What steps is Deere & Company taking to prevent future layoffs?
Understanding that the business climate demands cost-cutting measures and sacrifice, what salary and bonus adjustments does Deere & Company plan to make at the executive level?
What steps are you taking to keep jobs – both salaried and production – here in the Quad Cities?
What steps will you take to help laid off employees find new employment?
Will you commit to keeping employees and the community fully apprised of your plans moving forward?
I am committed to ensuring our world class workers receive the opportunities and respect they deserve. I look forward to your prompt response.
Junk Drawer
The Junk Drawer is moving to 74 North Chambers Street. Their new location is bigger, so they are looking for new vendors to fill the space. Vendors can either rent booth spaces or work one day a week in exchange for booth space.
Mel Foster
Mel Foster Co., a leader in real estate services for over 100 years, is proud to announce the launch of the Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate. This new venture provides aspiring real estate professionals with the education and skills to launch careers and excel in today’s competitive market.
The Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate offers a comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics such as property law, market analysis, negotiation strategies, professionalism and ethical practices, and cutting-edge real estate technology. Classes will be led by seasoned industry professionals, offering students invaluable insights and mentorship from those with years of hands-on experience.
“We are thrilled to open the Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate,” said Talent Acquisition and Agent Development Director, Carie Nesbitt of Mel Foster Co. “As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, the need for well-trained, knowledgeable agents is greater than ever. Our goal is to equip students with the tools they need to succeed and positively impact their communities.”
Students who enroll in the Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate will benefit from flexible class schedules, both in-person and online learning options, and ongoing support from the Mel Foster Co. network of real estate professionals. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue licensure and begin their careers with a strong foundation in real estate.
Mel Foster Co. is committed to nurturing local talent and fostering growth within the communities it serves. With the launch of this school, the company further solidifies its role as a leader in real estate services and education and professional development.
For more information, visit MelFosterCo.com/Careers or email joinus@melfosterco.com.
Prairie Players
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Your fate awaits you!” Prairie Players Civic Theatre proudly presents Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at their theater at 160 S. Seminary Street in Galesburg.
In this 1920s jazz club rendition of Twelfth Night, the glamorous world of speakeasies and flappers sets the stage for Shakespeare’s classic tale of mistaken identity, grief, unrequited love, cowardice, impersonation, and pranks—all the elements needed for a rollicking love story. Echoing the play’s lively twists and turns is music from the Jazz Age and the American Song Book.
Directed by Betsy Hippely with music direction by Garrett Sprinkle, you can see Twelfth Night November 15-17 and 22-24. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $9 for students plus fees.
The cast includes: Iris Berto, Kwintyn Essex, Kamele’okekai Lattig, Damon Moore, Gregory Herrington, Charlie Vestal, Cameron Dunlap, Joylinn Reynolds, Stephanie Liljedahl, Gary Mustain, Zion Clarke, Tim Holmes, Aidan Nolan, and Kwintyn Essex.
Twelfth Night is supported by our generous sponsor, Tri States Public Radio . Prairie Players Civic Theatre also acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council. These partnerships are essential to our mission of creating affordable, quality productions that enrich our community.
Real Estate Classes
Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate is offering essential Iowa pre-license real estate courses in November for those looking to start or enhance their career in real estate and for existing Mel Foster Co. sales associates needing continuing education. These three courses are required coursework for obtaining an Iowa Real Estate License along with the 60-hours of course work for obtaining an Iowa Salesperson license. These local, in-person classes provide future sales associates with a timely opportunity to get started in real estate before the end of this year.
The in-person courses, which run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Mel Foster Co.’s office located at 3249 E. 35th St. Ct., include:
Listing Practices: November 13 & 14
Buying Practices: November 15 & 18
Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices: November 19 & 20
The courses are free to pre-affiliated Mel Foster Co. sales associates or those who are looking to start a career with Mel Foster Co. To become a real estate sales associate in Iowa, you must be at least 18 years old, undergo a background check, have a high school diploma, and pass both the Iowa and National real estate exams. New sales associates are required to sign a pre-affiliation agreement in order to attend the Iowa pre-license courses for free.
The deadline to register is November 10th and spaces are limited so register today or email joinus@melfosterco.com with questions.
Retail Development
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Jersey Mike’s, T-Mobile, and Goodwill will all be located at 2200 North Henderson Street (former location of Sirloin Stockade). All businesses are expected to be opened by the end of the year or shortly thereafter.
Southern Border
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) along with seven of his colleagues called on the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas to make sure that surveillance cameras along the U.S.-Mexico border are working properly. A recent report from NBC stated that nearly 30 percent of surveillance cameras along the border are broken.
“Surveillance technologies allow DHS to enforce the law and protect the homeland effectively and efficiently,” Sorensen and the Members wrote. “As Members of Congress, we have consistently and robustly funded programs for smart border technologies for DHS, and as a result, unauthorized border crossings have dropped significantly to the lowest levels in years. The reports of failing technology have left us concerned about the effectiveness of our border security operations.”
Sorensen has been a strong advocate for securing our southern border by proposing legislation to increase the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at legal points of entry, introducing the bipartisan Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act to provide CBP with the funding and technology they need to combat the growing fentanyl crisis, and helping launch the Democrats for Border Security Task Force.
Read the full letter below.
Dear Secretary Mayorkas and Acting Commissioner Miller,
We write to you expressing concern over reports that 30 percent of surveillance cameras along the border are non-functioning. Surveillance technology systems, particularly those that use autonomous and artificial technologies, play a critical role in keeping our border secure. It is unacceptable that such a high percentage of our border technology is inoperable.
Surveillance technologies allow DHS to enforce the law and protect the homeland effectively and efficiently. At a time when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has struggled to meet recruitment and retention targets, the need to maximize valuable manpower resources is critical, and smart surveillance technologies have been a game-changer. As Members of Congress, we have consistently and robustly funded programs for smart border technologies for DHS, and as a result, unauthorized border crossings have dropped significantly to the lowest levels in years.
However, these recent reports have outlined that 150 of the 500 Border Patrol surveillance towers along the southwest U.S.-Mexico border are not operational. This number is staggering and unacceptable. We are gravely concerned that this lapse in functioning surveillance technology will compromise border security operations. In order to keep our nation’s border secure, we request the following information:
What is the average length of time each camera has been inoperable?
How many miles of the southwest border are affected by these outages
How much manpower has been diverted to address this issue?
What is the cost estimate to get all surveillance towers back online?
What steps are being taken to remediate this issue and prevent future mechanical failures?
As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to ensure that appropriated funds are being used effectively and that all necessary measures are being taken by CBP to improve border security operations. The reports of failing technology have left us concerned about the effectiveness of our border security operations. We thank you for your attention to our concerns.
Two Brothers Family Cafe
The former Pizza Hut located at 1555 East Main Street is being transformed into Two Brothers Family Cafe. Niko Aliu will operate Two Brothers Cafe with his wife Esmeralda. Two Brothers Cafe is named after their sons. The cafe will be open for breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. They will serve eggs, omelets, skillets, specialty items, sandwiches, and homemade soups. The cafe is expected to open in early 2025.
United Way of Knox County
United Way is overjoyed to welcome their newest board member, Andrew Thomas! They are eager to see the positive impact that he will bring to United Way and Knox County as a whole through this role.
VA Clinic
The new VA Clinic is expected to open in November at 1090 West Carl Sandburg Drive, Suite 100.
Walnut Grove
Walnut Grove Farm is hosting its 33rd annual Holiday Market with new dates, November 2nd & 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring gifts from regional artisans, simmering foods and family fun, the event has become an established shopping tradition. Walnut Grove Farm is located ½ mile north of Knoxville, Illinois on Carr Street. Admission is a generous gift of food items for local charity Christmas baskets.
Walnut Grove Farm has showcased fine artistic talent from people who are some of the most creative business entrepreneurs in West Central Illinois. At this juried show, artisans will be offering a diverse range of hand-made and personally produced items from children’s coloring books to vintage ceiling tin art, functional pottery to watercolor and mixed media paintings, artisan soap to fine quilts, folk art, and jewelry to wood carving; hand-felted and crocheted wearable art, candles and CBD oil products. "Tacos & Thai" food truck offers fusion food & hot drinks. "Sass Kitchen" will have desserts. Thirty local and regional artisans will be selling their wares, many are one-of-a-kind gifts. Twelve of the artists and food purveyors are new to this holiday event.
Warm food, festive music and meeting the artists are a staple at Walnut Grove Farm. Chat with Old World Saint Nicholas who will arrive daily at 11 a.m. Enjoy live music with Larry Lucas at 1 p.m. on Saturday and John Heasly at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Families can kick-off the holiday season by ordering fresh, natural designer wreaths and greens to be picked up in December.
“Christmas at Walnut Grove Farm" is truly a holiday homecoming. Extended family celebrations have grown to include a visit to this barn festival. Coupled with meaningful gift-giving and opportunities to support superb local artisans while sharing food gifts with those in need, the barn is always about celebrating quality and our community. Come see us and support local businesses and art!” states farm host, Jan King. Visit Barn-Fest.com for details or call (309) 337-5354.
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