Farm Bureau to Host “Safety Starts with YOU”

Cambridge - Have you thought about safety for you and your family?  Do you want to see demonstrations and receive free giveaways and information?  Looking for a great, free event for the whole family to attend?

The Henry County Farm Bureau Health and Safety Committee will hold a FREE community event focused on areas of safety, health, and wellness.  Join us on Wednesday, July 9, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Central Bank Pavilion, 218 North State Street, Geneseo, IL.  Following the event will be the Central Bank Concert Series featuring “Cats and Dragons”, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

The event will feature exhibitors that will highlight Grain Bin Safety & Rescue, CPR and “Stop the Bleed” Demonstrations, Mental Health, Ag Equipment Driving Simulator, “Touch a Tractor” and Overall Health & Wellness.  New this year, come and see WQAD’s “The Beast” and plan to enjoy food vendors and local restaurants, along with safety demonstrations, kids’ activities, giveaways and much more!

Join us for this FREE community event focused on safety and open to the public.  Enjoy great information, handouts and giveaways.  An event for the whole family!  For more information contact the Henry County Farm Bureau at (309) 937-2411 or email manager@henrycofarmbureau.org. 

Weather’s Role in Farming: From Floods to Drought: Summer Farm 2025

If there’s one thing farmers can’t control—but absolutely must plan around—it’s the weather. From planting to harvest, weather conditions can make or break a growing season, and recent years have shown just how unpredictable those conditions can be.

Spring: Timing Is Everything

A cold, wet spring can delay planting and shorten the growing window. If fields are too soggy, heavy equipment can’t get in. Late planting often leads to lower yields because crops don’t have enough time to mature before fall.

Summer: Too Hot, Too Dry

During the summer, crops need steady rain and warm (but not extreme) temperatures. Prolonged heat or drought stresses plants and limits kernel development in corn or pod formation in soybeans. Water shortages also affect livestock and forage.

Fall: A Delicate Harvest Window

Fall brings another balancing act. Early frost can damage crops before they’re fully mature, while too much rain can make fields muddy and harvest equipment hard to maneuver. Windstorms can flatten mature crops, leading to lost bushels and difficult recovery.

Increasing Uncertainty

Farmers across Illinois and Iowa are seeing more volatile weather patterns—more intense rains, longer dry spells, and warmer winters. This makes long-term planning harder, especially for farms that rely on traditional planting calendars or narrow harvest windows.

How Farmers Adapt

  • Crop rotation and soil health practices help retain moisture during dry spells.

  • Many use detailed weather models, apps, and field-level forecasts to plan daily work.

  • New hybrids and seed varieties are being developed to withstand more extreme conditions.

In short: Weather will always be a wild card in agriculture, but today’s farmers are combining experience, data, and technology to adapt and thrive—even when Mother Nature throws them a curveball.

Sustainable Farming in the Heartland: How Iowa & Illinois Farms Are Leading the Way: Summer Farm - 2025

Midwestern farmers have always been stewards of the land—but today, many are going beyond tradition to embrace sustainable practices that protect soil, water, and air for future generations. Across Iowa and Illinois, local farms are showing how innovation and conservation can go hand in hand.

Conservation Tillage & Cover Crops
More farmers are turning to no-till or reduced-till methods to limit soil erosion and protect structure. Paired with cover crops like rye or clover, these practices help retain moisture, improve fertility, and keep nutrients in the field—not in the waterways. You’ll see these changes across corn and soybean fields in both states, especially as growers adopt USDA conservation programs.

Regenerative Agriculture on the Rise
A growing number of small and mid-size farms are shifting to regenerative practices—rotational grazing, composting, biodiversity, and organic soil amendments—to rebuild natural ecosystems. These methods not only increase long-term productivity, they also boost resilience against floods, drought, and extreme heat.

Solar Power & Agrivoltaics
Rural landowners are exploring agrivoltaic systems, installing solar panels above fields or grazing areas. In parts of central Illinois and eastern Iowa, solar grazing (like sheep under panels) is being used to generate clean energy while keeping the land productive—a win-win for farm finances and sustainability.

Smarter Inputs
From precision spraying to real-time soil monitors, farms across the region are using technology to reduce chemical and fertilizer use. These tools help apply only what’s needed, where it’s needed—saving money and protecting local groundwater.

Local Livestock, Local Markets
Some operations are embracing sustainability by staying closer to home—raising livestock on pasture, reducing transport emissions, and selling directly to consumers through CSAs, farmers markets, or farm stores. This not only supports the environment—it also strengthens local economies.

The Bottom Line
Sustainability isn’t a trend in the Midwest—it’s a mindset. From century farms to first-generation growers, more and more local producers are working to farm smarter, cleaner, and more responsibly.

Look for signs of these practices the next time you visit a farm, attend a local event, or buy fresh produce at your market—and support the people keeping Midwest agriculture strong and sustainable.

Crop Prices Made Simple: What Affects Them & Why It Matters - Summer Farm 2025

Whether you're a lifelong farmer or someone who just passes cornfields on your way to work, crop prices play a big role in our local economy. But what actually determines how much corn, soybeans, or wheat are worth? The answer is a mix of global forces, local conditions, and good old-fashioned supply and demand.

Supply & Demand 101

At the heart of any price movement is the simple balance between how much crop is available and how much people want to buy. If there's a bumper crop across the U.S., prices usually fall. If drought hits major producers or international buyers increase demand, prices rise.

Global Markets & Trade

American farmers don’t just feed the U.S.—they feed the world. Crop prices are tied to international trade. If a major buyer like China boosts soybean purchases, prices typically go up. On the flip side, tariffs, political tensions, or shipping slowdowns can lead to price drops.

Weather & Natural Disasters

Weather affects both supply and the potential yield. A dry summer in the Midwest can send corn prices soaring. Hurricanes, wildfires, or frost events in other ag regions (like Brazil or Ukraine) can have a ripple effect on prices here, too.

Input Costs & Profit Margins

Farmers also have to factor in what it costs to grow a crop—seed, fertilizer, fuel, equipment, and labor. If prices don’t cover these expenses, even a “high yield” year might not mean profits. That’s why many farmers watch prices closely and use tools like crop insurance and forward contracting to hedge their bets.

Why It Matters Locally

When crop prices are low, it hits local communities hard. Farmers may delay equipment upgrades, cut back on hiring, or tighten household budgets. On the other hand, strong prices can bring a boost to rural economies—from equipment dealerships to diners to schools.

Bottom line: Crop prices are more than just numbers—they're a reflection of the land, the labor, and the global forces that shape life in the Midwest.

 

 What Is Agritourism? And Why It’s Growing in Popularity

Agritourism is where agriculture meets tourism—inviting the public onto farms, ranches, and homesteads to experience rural life firsthand. It’s become a powerful way for farms to diversify their income, connect with the community, and preserve agricultural heritage.

At its core, agritourism includes any activity that brings visitors to a working farm for education, recreation, or direct-to-consumer sales. Think corn mazes, hayrack rides, pumpkin patches, u-pick berry farms, wine tastings, and farm-to-table dinners. Many operations also host weddings, school field trips, or seasonal festivals.

But agritourism isn’t just fun and games—it also helps bridge the gap between consumers and the people who grow their food. It supports local economies, preserves green space, and allows small farms to remain viable in a changing market.

Below are some great examples of agritourism right here in our area—from farm shows and u-pick operations to antique tractor parades and seasonal festivals. These events not only bring families together but also celebrate the deep roots of agriculture in our region.

We encourage you to attend, support local farms, and experience firsthand the charm, history, and hard work that make our ag community so special.

 

An ABBA Salute is performing in Bishop Hill

The Bishop Hill Heritage Association is pleased to announce that an ABBA tribute band will be performing at 1 p.m. in the village park in Bishop Hill IL on Saturday July 12, 2025 for free. Please bring lawn chairs and enjoy this Las Vegas type show! DANCING QUEEN: An ABBA Salute is the ultimate tribute to the music of ABBA – sure to capture the hearts of fans and audiences of all ages! This live show is full of musical precision, fabulous flair and fashion, and promises a mesmerizing ABBA experience for every Chiquitita, Super Trouper, Fernando, and Dancing Queen around! Fronted by a dynamic Agnetha and Frida duo, the music of the greatest pop band in history comes to life in a joyful celebration of these timeless tunes.

“DANCING QUEEN: An ABBA Salute” is the Midwest’s longtime #1 ABBA tribute, with a repertoire of over 30 all-time favorite hits. From Waterloo to Mamma Mia, SOS to Knowing Me Knowing You, Honey Honey to Voulez-Vous, audiences won’t be able to help singing and dancing along with this high-energy homage to everything ABBA!

In addition to the two-hour concert, local organizations will be offering food and drinks. The Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association will have a food stand, located next to the Colony Store.

Also, the Bishop Hill Methodist Church will also be having a bake sale next to the Steeple Building Museum. Uncle Bud’s Apple Cider Slush will be located between the Prairie Arts Center and the Post Office on Christina Street across from the park.

Finally, do not forget that Bishop Hill has three restaurants and a bakery for your eating pleasure. The Dancing Queen concert is free and open to the public, due to the financial support of the Community State Bank, Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association. The village park is located next to the Steeple Building at 103 North Bishop Hill Street. Golf carts will available to move people to the park.

For more information about this wonderful musical performance, please check out www.visitbishophill.com , call 309 927-3899, or email bhha@mymctc.net.

Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Honors Outstanding Law Enforcement Members and Departments at 2025 Crisis Intervention Team Conference

Allison Janowski
allison@cstrategies.com

PEORIA, IL — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) honored this year's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Award recipients for their demonstrations of CIT principles including advocating for mental health resources, crisis response training, and community-centered, compassionate policing.

"These award recipients exemplify the values at the heart of CIT — compassion, courage, and community," said ILETSB Executive Director Keith Calloway. "Their work reminds us that effective policing goes beyond enforcement and represents the future of public safety that we are working toward in Illinois. Making a lasting difference in people's lives relies on fostering connection and displaying empathy to truly serve those in need."

Detective Jamie Shoemaker of the Geneseo Police Department is the 2025 Illinois CIT Lieutenant Aaron R. Landers Award Winner. Since beginning her career in 2015, Detective Shoemaker has made impactful contributions to mental health, crisis intervention, and community support. In 2021, Detective Shoemaker joined the Geneseo Police Department, where she became a certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member and launched the IMPACT (Integrated Model Police and Crisis Team) Program, raising over $12,000 to support community members in need. This innovative initiative provides critical resources to individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use challenges, and crisis situations.

The Evanston Police Department is the 2025 Illinois CIT Department of the Year Award Winner. The department has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to assisting individuals in the community who have mental illnesses and behavioral disabilities through innovative approaches, collaborative partnerships, and officer training initiatives. Evanston PD has made CIT training a priority, ensuring that a majority of its 144 sworn officers have completed the certified 40-hour training, with officers regularly utilizing their CIT training in the field, employing deescalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies to improve outcomes for individuals in distress.

Sergeant Travis Schaal of the Chatham Police Department is the 2025 Illinois CIT Officer of the Year Award Winner. Earlier this year, Sergeant Schaal received recognition for his life-saving employment of CIT training after he used the skills and techniques he learned to deescalate a mental health crisis. Approximately a week later, Sergeant Schaal received a handwritten thank-you note from the woman he encountered, thanking him for ‘treating her like a human being’ and crediting him with saving her life.

Since 2003, ILETSB has provided state-certified CIT training to law enforcement officers throughout Illinois.  Participants who volunteer for this specialized, 40-hour training program receive intensive training on assisting individuals in the community who have a mental illness or behavioral disability. This training allows officers to respond effectively and compassionately to mental health crises, reducing the need for force and emergency hospitalization while increasing community trust and cooperation. To date, ILETSB has certified over 20,000 officers statewide from more than 675 agencies in this specialized program.

More than 200 participants gathered at the CIT Conference in Peoria for informational sessions, roundtable discussions, featured keynote presentations, networking, and more. The conference is Illinois’ premier event dedicated to CIT training, mental health collaboration, and community safety.

Market Outlook Seminar to feature Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing

Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing, will be the featured speaker on Tuesday, July 1 at 6:15 p.m. at Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Highway 6, Colona.  Dinner will be served followed by the local grain market update from Tom Parchert of River Valley Cooperative.  Reservations are required and must made by June 24 to guarantee your attendance. 

Chip Nellinger is the President and Risk Management Consultant of Blue Reef Agri-Marketing. He was raised on a grain and livestock farm in North Central Illinois, and graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. in Economics. After graduation, he spent four years on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade in International Commercial Grain Hedging. Chip has spent 28 years as a licensed commodity broker and 20 years as a licensed crop insurance agent. He is a commodity analyst on US Farm Report, Ag Day, RFD-TV, WILL and WNAX radio. Chip is a 19-year cancer survivor. He has three grown sons – Sam, Jake and Chase, and a granddaughter named Kodi.

Cost for the single session is $35.00 (if not pre-registered cost will be $40.00).  To make reservations, please call the Henry County Farm Bureau (309) 937-2411, Rock Island County Farm Bureau (309) 736-7432 or Mercer County Farm Bureau (309) 582-5116. 

The Market Outlook Seminar Series is sponsored by the Henry, Rock Island and Mercer County Farm Bureau Marketing Committees, in conjunction with: Gold Star FS, COUNTRY Financial, BankORION, COUNTRY Crop Insurance, Central Bank, Compeer Financial, Big River Resources, River Valley Cooperative, Wyffels Hybrids, Hertz Farm Management, Blackhawk Bank & Trust.

Henry, Stark, Marshall & Putnam County WIC Program Helps Keep Families Healthy

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
Henry County Health Department

The Henry & Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Food Supplemental program staff remind local residents that the WIC program promotes the health of our local children and mothers, by providing free groceries to participants; and creating healthier families by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles. 

      Heather Aldred, RN, Maternal and Child Health Services Supervisor with the Health Department, states, “Henry, Stark, Marshall and Putnam County residents have fully returned to only in-person “Face to Face” appointments and services delivery.  We do, however, still offer an online application feature to the program.  We are thrilled to once again have the chance to offer these important and vital family services directly to our participants.  In addition, we remind those who may be interested in taking advantage of all that WIC offers, that the New Illinois WIC EBT Card is available to all WIC participants!  This makes WIC Services even more easy for area families to use.” 

     Aldred adds, “All current WIC participants and households are now issued just one Illinois WIC EBT Card with all the food benefits on this one card; no more handling multiple checks for different members of your family. The WIC process remains the same, benefits are reloaded on your card every three months after contacting and checking in with our WIC Staff.” 

     Please note, the Health Department WIC staff have expanded WIC hours in order to be more convenient to working families and school children participating in the program. WIC benefits area available to eligible children up to the age of 5, pregnant women, infants, postpartum and breastfeeding women. 

     Aldred adds, “We are so excited about this new WIC EBT Card, sometimes referred to as eWIC.  Participants now have the ease of taking their shopping list to the store and then buying the food they need when they need them.”  

    The Health Department WIC and Casemanagement staff promotes healthy pregnancies, babies, children and families through their services. The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines.  In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas. 

    For more information on the Department's WIC and Casemanagement services call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our website to apply at https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/FormCenter/WIC-10/WIC-Application-Form-65

For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic.  This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

Kiran Ahluwalia and Amanda Fish at Levitt AMP Galva Music Series

GALVA, Illinois – Grab your lawn chairs and join us on the lawn for another great night of FREE live music at Wiley Park! Galva Arts Council is excited to welcome Kiran Ahluwalia and Amanda Fish to the area this Sunday, June 22nd, as part of the 2025 Levitt AMP Galva Music Series.

Every Sunday through August 3rd, this family-friendly concert series will bring FREE live music to Wiley Park in Galva, Illinois. All concerts begin at 6:00 PM, end around 8:30 PM, and feature two acts per night. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable lawn seating. A variety of food and non-food vendors will be on-site, and guests are also welcome to bring in outside food.

Amanda Fish began as a singer-songwriter in late 2012, refining her original material as a solo act for 2 years before forming her band in early 2014—a Roots Rock and Soul project featuring Amanda's signature from-the-gut vocals. In 2015, she released her first all-original LP, "Down In The Dirt", on VizzTone Label Group, for which she was awarded the 2016 "Sean Costello Rising Star" Blues Blast Music Award.

Amanda became a semifinalist in the 2017 International Blues Challenge, where she garnered acclaim from new fans and industry professionals alike. From her performance at the IBC, she began touring the US and Canada. In 2018, Amanda released her second all-original studio album, "Free", on VizzTone Label Group, debuting at #6 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart and earning a 2019 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist Album.

During the 2020 COVID crisis, Amanda recorded an album of home-recorded demos of her newly written music, aptly named "Trailer Park Demos", which she self-released exclusively through her website in 2021. Over the next 3 years—heavily influenced by her experiences of new parenthood, the shift from performing music to working as a CNA during the pandemic lockdowns, civil unrest, and government corruption—Amanda wrote and recorded a brand-new album entitled "Kingdom".

The long-awaited new album, described as “A journey of faith, redemption, and hope against a backdrop of chaos and upheaval, 'Kingdom' returns time and again to its message of truth and love”, was released on VizzTone Label Group in July 2024.

Kiran Ahluwalia's open-hearted vocals have established her as one of global music's most compelling cross-pollinators. She writes songs of breakup and love with equal conviction, organically mixing Indian music with West African Blues and American Jazz. Its combination of ethereal elegance and raw urgency is immediately welcoming and ultimately universal, a sound quite unlike anything you've heard.

Her five-piece band is led by ace guitarist Rez Abbasi, whose accolades include the Guggenheim Fellowship and frequent appearances in the Top Ten Guitarists of Downbeat's International Critics Poll. Kiran and Rez are a real-life couple, one born in India, the other in Pakistan. Having grown up in the Diaspora, they crossed ethnic and religious lines between their two warring motherlands to forge a musical and life partnership.

Over the course of seven albums, Kiran has garnered numerous awards including two JUNOs (Canadian Grammys), and her work has featured collaborations with leading musicians from the Celtic and Fado worlds, as well as Malian supergroup Tinariwen. Her reworking of the classic Qawwali tune Mustt Mustt has amassed over 3 million views online, and the inspiration that drove her to create it continues to inform her music today.

Event Info

Street parking is available around the park and surrounding areas. Please do not park in the park.

New this year, handicap-accessible seating is located in the northwest corner of the park, with a designated unloading zone and golf cart shuttle service available for assistance.

Those with golf carts/UTVs are asked to keep their vehicles on the perimeter of the audience to prevent blocking the view of guests and minimize the risk of accidents while driving through the park.

The Levitt AMP Galva Music Series is supported by many community sponsors, donors, and volunteers, and the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private foundation that empowers towns and cities across America to transform underused public spaces into thriving destinations through the power of free, live music.

Learn more at www.GalvaMusic.com.

The 2025 Bishop Hill Midsommar Music Festival Returns June 21

Bishop Hill - The 2025 Bishop Hill Midsommar Music Festival is a family-friendly event occurring on Saturday June 21. Highlights of this festival includes free concerts in the park, a Swedish Maypole celebration, and much more. Please bring a lawn chair and join us as we celebrate this Swedish holiday in historic Bishop Hill, Illinois.

Celebrating Midsommar, one of the two most popular holidays in Sweden – the other being Christmas – is a very ancient practice, dating back to pre-Christian times. It has its roots in Pagan rituals to welcome summer and the season of fertility. In Sweden, Midsommar festivals have been around for at least 500 years. Even in agrarian times, people in Sweden welcomed summertime by decorating their houses and farm tools with foliage and raising tall Maypoles to dance around.

The free concerts at the village park gazebo will begin at 10 a.m. This year’s lineup includes Black Hawk Pipes and Drums, Chloe Finch, Orion Community Band, and the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers. Immediately following the musical performances at 4 p.m., everyone is invited to decorate the Maypole with flowers and to join the procession. The procession will begin in the park and end at the Colony School where visitors can join in the Maypole dancing and have refreshments provided by the Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge. No experience is required to join in the dancing.

The Vasa National Archives, a short block south of the park, will be offering a Midsummer Respite featuring drinks, snacks, and a make-and-take clay sculpture station. The public is welcome to view exhibits, enjoy some light refreshments, and make a clay sculpture to take home. The Vasa National Archives will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Author Jannifer Stevens Powelson will have a book signing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prairie Arts Center, located at 203 North Bishop Hill Street. Jannifer is the author of the Rachel and Sammy books, as well as Nature Station Mysteries. Please check out her website at janniferpowelson.com for more details.

To finish off the day, Ryan Bizarri brings Country Music for your Country Soul to The Colony Inn from 7 to 11 p.m. Come enjoy a cold drink while listening to live acoustic country music. This Nashville Songwriter/Midwest Artist will be playing songs you know and love from artists like Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Zac Brown, Alabama, Morgan Wallen, Bob Segar and more. Meet the co-writer of Rodney Atkins hit "Eat Sleep Love You Repeat" at The Colony Inn!

The Midsommar Music Festival is sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Bishop Hill Old Settler’s Association, Vasa National Archives, Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge #683, and area businesses. Regional Media is our major media sponsor. Funding provided by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Minneapolis Foundation, Vasa National Archives, Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge #683, and the Illinois Arts Council. For directions or more information, visit www.visitbishophill.com, or call 309-927- 3899.

Henry & Stark County Health Department & First Choice Healthcare Note Community Health Improvement Week (June 9-13) & Family Health & Fitness Day, June 14th

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
Henry County Health Department

    The Henry & Stark County Health Departments & First Choice Healthcare announce that June 14th has been proclaimed Family Health & Fitness Day and June 9-13 has been proclaimed National Community Health Improvement. The purpose of these designations is to honor healthcare professionals who work closely with communities and dedicate their lives to improving the health of the residents and families they serve.

     When families strive to be healthy together, the success rate increases. Incorporating exercise, healthy diet and access to health services into a family's lifestyle and routine takes a team effort. Therefore, the Health Department takes this opportunity to remind local residents and families that in addition to the vast array of public health services; they also offer needed and vital clinical services through their First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon.

     First Choice Healthcare offers a full range of clinic services which includes: sick appointments; family planning; school/sport exams; chronic disease management; STD testing and treatment; DOT/work physicals; TB testing, lead screenings and immunizations. In addition, our Kewanee and Toulon locations offer “Walk-In” clinic services, and now mental health services, and community health programs. What this means is, Henry and Stark County residents are able to access integrated primary medical and mental health services in one healthcare home.

      For more information or to schedule an appointment at our First Choice Healthcare Clinics call Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; and Toulon 309-852-3115.

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Geneseo Music Festival

Zack Sullivan - Executive Director
zsullivan@geneseo.org

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 57th Annual Geneseo Music Festival, which will take place on Father’s Day Weekend, June 13-15, 2025 in Geneseo, IL. The event promises to be a weekend of fun and entertainment for people of all ages, with music performances, food vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

One of the highlights of the festival is the popular Father's Day Music Festival Parade, sponsored by Geneseo Communications, in downtown Geneseo on Sunday June 15 at 1pm. The parade is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with Fathers, Grandfathers, and Uncles with a classic Midwestern summertime festival backdrop. It offers a chance for Geneseo and guests to come together and enjoy the festive spirit.

The Geneseo Music Festival is an event that has something for everyone. Music lovers will appreciate the wide range of musical genres, including rock, country, jazz, and blues. Foodies will enjoy the variety of food vendors, offering mouth-watering dishes for all to enjoy. Festival-goers can also participate in fun-filled activities like carnival games, or unique crafts and gifts from over sixty vendors at the Music Festival Craft Fair, and more.

The Little Miss Music Fest Pageant returns in 2025 after a successful debut last year, which will take place before the annual Geneseo Rotary Music Festival Queen Pageant on Friday evening. Live music can be found throughout Geneseo on Saturday at the Geneseo City Park and at Geneseo Brewing Company. On Sunday morning, the Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast at Gen-Airpark is a very popular draw.

Zack Sullivan, the event organizer with the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming 2025 Geneseo Music Festival, stating, "We are absolutely thrilled to bring this longstanding community festival to Geneseo for its 57th year. Our goal is to create a truly fun and memorable experience for every attendee, from families enjoying a day out to music lovers soaking in the performances." Sullivan emphasized the enduring appeal of a beloved local tradition, adding, "The Father's Day Parade is always a crowd favorite, a cornerstone of our community's celebrations. We're incredibly excited to witness the Geneseo community coming together once again for this special occasion, enjoying not only the parade but also the musical acts and activities we have planned throughout the festival weekend."

With Summer 2025 officially underway, it's the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway in Geneseo with family and friends. The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience and a highlight of the summer season for all.

For more information about the Geneseo Music Festival and the Father's Day Parade, please visit our website at www.geneseo.org, or call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686

Geneseo Donut Gearing Up for National Donut Day and Showcases History of the Business

Geneseo Donut located at 215 N State Street in downtown Geneseo is gearing up to celebrate National Donut Day Friday June 6, 2025.

Geneseo Donut has been owned and operated by Bill Hines for over 25 years. The building has been multiple things over the years starting out as a "Cracker Factory" and also served as "The Moose Lodge" before it relocated to it's current location.

Pre-Orders are suggested and can be placed by calling 309-944-4331. Large orders are always encouraged to order the day before by Noon (or sooner) to ensure availability to the public out of the case.

Coffee, Cappuccino, Hot chocolate, Cold drinks including pop, juice and milk are always on hand to purchase as well.

The drive-up window is always hopping with drive-thru customers getting their favorite donuts as well.

Geneseo Donut also makes cakes to order and cupcakes. Cream Horns are on the menu as well and can be ordered ahead of time.

Cash and Check only accepted way to pay at Geneseo Donut.

Award-Winning Irish Performer and Personality Sina Theil to Play in Cambridge, IL

CAMBRIDGE, IL - On Wednesday, June 11th, join us for an intimate and unforgettable evening of music, food, and community as Sina Theil, an award winning singer/songwriter from Ireland, takes the stage at Ca d’Zan House Concerts in Cambridge, Illinois.

Sina Theil

The night will begin with an optional potluck dinner and social hour at 6:00 p.m., giving attendees a chance to connect and share in the village’s unique community spirit. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. and is open to all ages — a family-friendly evening of live music in one of Illinois’ most intimate and welcoming settings. Guests are invited to bring any food or drinks they’d like and are encouraged to come early to enjoy the potluck.

A $20–$30 suggested donation will be collected at the door, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artist.

About Sina Theil

Sina Theil is a German born, Irish based multi-instrumentalist, award winning artist, singer-songwriter, Social Media Influencer, Psychologist, Health & Wellness Contributor to Irish Runner Magazine, Yoga and Running enthusiast, Motivational speaker, TV and radio presenter and winner of several Irish music awards and “Rising Star of the Year 2022” awarded by the late Maryann McTeague Keifer at the American Celtic Listener Supported Music Awards. She started playing piano and composing her first songs at age 7.

Tickets and more information can be found at xroadscc.org/events.

The Putnam Museum and Science Center Announces Upcoming Dinosaur Expedition

Jessica Beshears
Digital Marketing and PR Coordinator
jbeshears@putnam.org 

Dr. Marcus Eriksen, founder of Leap Labs, showing a group the dig site in Lusk Wyoming

DAVENPORT, Iowa, May 31st, 2025 - During the Putnam Museum’s annual Dino Days event, Cindy Diehl Yang, President and CEO of the organization, announced the plan to bring an adult Triceratops skeleton to the Davenport, Iowa Museum for the greater Quad City community. 

The skeleton is currently being excavated at a dig site in remote Lusk, Wyoming. A team of ten from the Putnam Museum and the greater community are expected to leave on Sunday, June 22nd to join the dig and begin the process of bringing the findings back to the Quad Cities.  

The multi-year project was made official last summer when Kelly Lao, Vice President of Museum Experiences, visited the excavation site. During that time, Dr. Marcus Eriksen, Founder and Executive Director at Leap Lab, agreed to host the dig expedition, assist with bone prep and fabricate any missing pieces that are not found when unearthing the skeleton.

“The Putnam is thrilled to partner with Leap Lab to bring a triceratops to the Quad Cities.” Says Kelly Lao, Vice President of Museum experience. “This collaboration combines cutting-edge science with immersive education, inspiring curiosity and wonder in our community. It’s not just about showcasing a dinosaur; it’s about sparking the imagination of future explorers, scientists, and lifelong learners.”

Kelly Lao, VP Museum Experience at the Putnam Museum, sitting at the dinosaur dig site in Lusk Wyoming

The Triceratops fossils will make the Putnam Museum and Science Center the only place in Iowa where visitors can see a full dinosaur skeleton. The museum expects the skeleton to be installed in 2027 and be a permanent addition to the museum’s over 250,000 item collection. Throughout the multi-year project the museum plans to keep the Quad City community involved with project updates, including a community naming contest, a dino lab allowing guests to see the prepping of the bones, multiple appearances around town and much more!

This long-term and monumental project is supported by multiple partners and sponsors, including the Quad City Cultural Trust, Augustana College and the Fryxell Geology Museum, VictoryXR, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Leap Lab: Ventura County Science Center, Eastern Wyoming Nature Center and local Jurassic Park aficionado Colin Parry. The Putnam will also have opportunities for community members to contribute to the “Bring the Dinosaur Home to the Quad Cities” project through in person donations at the museum and online.

“This project feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the museum,” said Putnam President & CEO Cindy Diehl Yang. “As I’m relatively new to the Quad Cities it’s an honor to be a small part of bringing something this epic to this amazing community. With a project this big we can’t do it alone, thank you to our partners, especially Quad City Cultural Trust and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. This will be the community’s dinosaur, and we will need everyone’s support to bring the dino home!”  

About the Putnam

The Putnam Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, exists to preserve, educate and connect people
to the wonders of science, culture, and history. For more than 150 years, guests have experienced the Putnam’s permanent exhibits ranging from Unearthing Ancient Egypt to our family-favorite science galleries, as well as an array of programs and internationally recognized traveling exhibits. The Putnam is dedicated to helping guests discover and explore in a friendly and engaging atmosphere.

For more information about events and exhibits, visit putnam.org.

Henry County Reports First Mosquito Pool To Test Positive For West Nile Virus for 2025

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
Henry County Health Department

The Henry County Health Department is reporting that their first mosquito pool of the year to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) was a specimen batch collected and tested on May 27.

“The news of the first batch of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for local residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,” note Department Officials. “The best defense against West Nile virus is to practice the ‘Three R’s’: reduce, repel, and report’. IDPH urges everyone, and especially those who are older or have weakened immune systems, to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry.”

Last year in Illinois, IDPH reported that 72 counties around the state reported positive tests for WNV in mosquitos, birds, horses or humans. There were 69 confirmed human cases of WNV according to IDPH data and 13 human deaths, the highest number since 17 deaths were recorded in 2018. 

IDPH and Local Health Departments maintain a robust surveillance system to monitor WNV both in the environment, with laboratory testing of mosquito batches and sick horses, and among Illinois residents by investigating and monitoring human infections. Follow this link for Henry & Stark County surveillance numbers https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/302/Vector-Surveillance

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.  Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks.  Most people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms; however, in rare cases, severe illness including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death, can occur.  People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

IDPH urges the public to Fight the Bite by practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, and report:

  • REDUCE - make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.  Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.  Try to keep doors and windows shut.
    Eliminate, or refresh each week, all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, and any other containers.

  • REPEL - when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt, and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR 3535, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone according to label instructions.  Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.

  • REPORT – report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.  The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito larvae.