Henry & Stark County Health Department Offers Guidance for Food Service Event Vendors and Coordinators

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
Henry County Health Department

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Environmental Health Division reminds residents that most local community calendars, from the Memorial Day holiday to the Labor Day observance, feature a wide variety of community events and other food service opportunities. It's the season for summertime activities, fairs, festivals, farmers markets, and other public food-service events, and some of the regulations for these events may have been recently updated. 

        Therefore, the Health Department would like to remind area residents that if you are preparing to serve food to the public through any event, whether a fee is charged or not, you are required to apply with the Health Department so that we can better assist you in the sanitation standards of food preparation. These forms must be filled out in their entirety and submitted no later than five (5) business days with the proper fee included before the event, or there is a late fee assessed. Please don’t forget it is NOT permitted to prepare food out of a home, or other unlicensed kitchen, without a permit.  Consumers must be vigilant and ensure the people you purchase food from are following the required food safety practices and hold the proper licensure.  

     If you are an Event Coordinator, please make sure you have completed our Event Coordinator application and submit it to our office ten (10) business days before the scheduled event.  Cottage Food Operators must complete the correct forms and apply for registration along with submission of water sample.  Even at Farmer’s Markets, if you are providing samples, or if the product is chopped, sliced, bottled, jammed, jellied, or pickled, chances are there are rules about how these foods must be handled.  If unsure, please contact us as ignorance of the rules is no excuse. 

    Megan Washburn, Food Program Manager with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, states, "The aim of this process is not to dictate rules but to educate our community on best practices.  We have seen a lot of rogue food service operations lately, and we really want local food handlers to have the latest and most up-to-date information on food safety so residents can be confident in the safety of these non-traditional venues.  By applying with the Health Department local, food vendors can have our staff's expertise and guidance at their disposal." 

    Washburn adds, "Offering this education to local event food vendors really is a win-win for everyone.  Event Coordinators can ensure they are organizing a safe and approved event, food vendors can be confident in the food they prepare and serve, and local residents can rest assured that food purchased at local events is safe." 

     Help make our communities’ summertime fun, delicious, and safe.  For more information on the Health Department's Food Program we have a newly updated website with resources and where all forms can be found at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us on Twitter and Instagram.

Dino Days is back at the Putnam Museum and Science Center

Jessica Beshears
Digital Marketing & PR
jbeshears@putnam.org

DAVENPORT, Iowa, May 8, 2025 – The Putnam Museum and Science Center will be hosting its annual Dino Days on Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st.  

Dino Days is a family-friendly event for dinosaur lovers of all ages. During the event, the Putnam transforms its Lardner Balcony into a “Jurassic-Style Park” for all sorts of fun activities and crafts. 

The Putnam Museum and Science Center will also be making a dino-sized special announcement at the event. 

Tickets for the event are purchased based on movie showtimes. This year, the GIANT Screen Theater will be playing T. Rex – 3D and a Jurassic “animated short” double feature, The Lost World and Return to the Lost World - 3D. The event runs from 10am until 6pm on Saturday, and 12pm until 5pm on Sunday. The event is Sensory Friendly on Sunday, June 1st between 10am and 12pm.  

Activities include Paleontologist talks, dino-themed face painting, “Create Your Dinosaur name,” a fossil dig, photo booth, and meet-and-greet with Dilly the Dinosaur! This year, members will receive half-off general entry tickets, and VIP tickets will include a Dino Expedition t-shirt, a Mini Dig Kit, and access to the VIP lounge which will include a new Virtual Reality experience. 

You can learn more about Dino Days and get your tickets on their website at www.putnam.org/events/dinodays 

Dino Days is sponsored by The Family Credit Union. 

About the Putnam

The Putnam Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, brings to life a sense of place, time and purpose to ignite human potential and inspire our diverse community to learn about and care for our world and all its people. 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.

2025 Doodle Folk Music Festival: The Best Folk Music in Western Illinois

Chris Vallillo

Bishop Hill, IL - On Saturday May 31, 2025, start your summer by enjoying the Doodle Folk Music Festival. Located in the village park in Bishop Hill Illinois, some of the best-known Illinois folk musicians, such as Chris Vallillo, the Bucktown Americana Music Show, and more will be performing. Doodle was Bishop Hill’s first folk musician. A display about Doodle (Jonas Danielson) will be located in the park gazebo. All the park concerts are free and open to the public. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music!

Music starts at 10 a.m. and continues throughout the day. Peoria’s singer-songwriter Barry Cloyd will start off the day playing songs from his 10 CDs. At 11:30 a.m., Chicago’s singer-songwriter Buck Halker will be performing American Coal Miners and their Songs, 1890-1960s. At 1:30 p.m., Macomb’s Chris Vallillo will start the afternoon. A master of bottleneck slide guitar, he weaves original, contemporary, and traditional songs and theatrical narratives into a compelling and entertaining portrait of the history and lifestyle of the Midwest. The Bucktown Americana Music Show will then step on stage at 3 p.m. to finish off the day. If you're a fan of bluegrass, folk, Celtic, Americana, or old-time music, you'll love the Bucktown Americana Music Show.

Bucktown Americana Music Show

In addition, P.L. Johnson’s will be having a dinner party that evening from 4 to 8 p.m. by reservation only. The menu includes beef bourguignon, Swedish meatballs, cheese tortellini, and Oskar chicken. The dessert menu includes pavlova and chocolate lava cake. For reservations, please call 309 927-3885.

This free event is funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council, Illinois Humanities Council, Galesburg Community Foundation, and the Geneseo Foundation. For more details, you can call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net. Information about this festival is also posted on www.bishophillheritage.org and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association Facebook page.

Concert Schedule for Saturday May 31 (main stage is located next to the park gazebo in the center of the village park)

10 a.m. Barry Cloyd
11:30 a.m. Bucky Halker
1:30 p.m. Chris Vallillo
3:00 p.m. Bucktown Americana Music Show

Market Outlook Seminar to feature Joe Camp, CommStock Investments

Katie Laleman, FBCM, Manager
Henry County Farm Bureau®
128 N. Prospect Street | Cambridge, IL  61238

Joe Camp, CommStock Investments, will be the featured speaker on Thursday, March 13 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 March 6 to guarantee your attendance.

Joe Camp is a broker at CommStock Investments, assisting grain and livestock farmers across the Midwest. Joe earned a master's degree in economics at Eastern Illinois University and is a graduate of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program. He resides in central Illinois with his wife and son.

The final date and speaker for the 2024-2025 series will be Tuesday, July 1, 2025 featuring Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing.

Cost for the series is $90.00 and a 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 County Fair Queen Pageant Entry Forms Available

The 2025 Henry County Fair Pageant will be held on Tuesday, June 17 at the Henry County Fairgrounds.  

Entry forms for the pageant will be available on Saturday, March 1 beginning at 8:00 a.m.  

Contestants must live in or attend school in Henry County (or attended a Henry County high school if currently in college). The age divisions for each group are as follows:

• Little Miss, 5 - 7 on pageant day 
• Jr. Miss, 12 - 14 on pageant day 
• Miss, 16 - 21 on January 1, 2026  

The entry forms will be available on the Henry County Fair Queen Pageant Facebook page and Instagram account, or can be emailed or texted directly if requested. For questions or additional information, please reach out to Pageant Director Kelli Patton, at henrycopageant@gmail.com or (309) 944-7743. 

How Agriculture Supports State Economies

By Curt Jacobs
Geneseo Current

It’s easy to see agriculture as a national powerhouse, but the story gets even more interesting when you zoom in on the states. Every state has its own agricultural identity, shaped by its land, weather, and history.
In California, for example, the Central Valley alone grows a quarter of the country’s food. And then there’s the Midwest, where states like Illinois and Iowa dominate when it comes to crops like corn and soybeans.
The amazing thing about agriculture is that it impacts so much more than just local farms. When a farmer plants corn, it doesn’t just grow and get harvested. That crop fuels a whole chain of industries. Someone has to sell the seed, manufacture the tractor, deliver the grain, and process it into food or fuel. By the time the corn ends up as ethanol, livestock feed, or cereal on your breakfast table, it’s created jobs spanning dozens of different enterprises.
In many states, agriculture is more than just an economic driver, it’s a part of life. It brings people together and connects them to the land.
Whether it’s through big numbers on a spreadsheet or the stories of families running farms for generations, agriculture is what keeps many states, towns, and farms thriving. It’s a reminder that what happens in the fields matters everywhere.

Henry & Stark County Health Departments remind residents of the Smoke Free Illinois Act in conjunction with February-American Heart Month

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
January 31, 2025

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that every year February is proclaimed American Heart Month. The staff of the Health Department notes that Tobacco use is an important risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.  Cardiovascular diseases kill more people than any other cause of death worldwide. Therefore, Heart Month is an important time to remind area residents about the Health Departments’ Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities Grant activities. 

    In both Henry and Stark County our staff works continually to enforce, educate and encourage compliance with the Smoke-Free Illinois Act (SFIA).   The SFIA protects residents, workers, and visitors from the harmful effects of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and e-cigarette vapor by prohibiting smoking of all forms of combustible tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, and hookah, and e-cigarettes, vapes, and any other electronic smoking device, in public places and places of employment.  The Smoke-free Illinois Act prohibits smoking in virtually all public places and workplaces, including offices, theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions, schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers and retail stores, restaurants, bars, private clubs and gaming facilities.

    The Smoke Free Illinois Act requires that all business owners:

     *Do not permit smoking, vapes & e-cigarettes within 15 feet of entrances, exits, windows, that open and ventilation intakes.

     *Post “No Smoking” signs at each entrance.

     *Remove ashtrays from areas where smoking is prohibited.

     The Health Department notes that failure to comply with the Smoke Free Illinois Act can result in fines.

    The Health Department in coordination with the State of Illinois has taken these important steps to protect its residents, workers and visitors from the harmful and hazardous effects of smoking and secondhand smoke.

     Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including more than 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. This is about one in five deaths annually, or 1,300 deaths every day.

     For more information about the Health Department’s Illinois Tobacco-Free activities, or for “No Smoking” signs or window clings for your business; call (309) 852-0197 Extension 249 or download a sign by visiting our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or Find Us On Facebook or Follow Us on Twitter and Instagram.

Artist Known for Sea Shanty Recordings to Perform in Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill - Quebec artist Seán Dagher will perform a live concert on Sunday, February 2nd at Bishop Hill Creative Commons, located at 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, IL. The show will begin with a potluck dinner at 6PM, with music starting at 7PM, and is open to guests of all ages. A $20-30 donation is suggested.

Seán Dagher is widely known for his recordings with the Assassin’s Creed video game series, including Black Flag. His renditions of sea shanties and other songs from the games have been streamed over 70 million times. His own “Shanty of the Week” video series receives thousands of views each week, and has a loyal following the world over.

Seán Dagher is an active performer, arranger, and composer of music from various folk and classical music traditions: Celtic, Baroque, Medieval, Arabic, French-Canadian, and Maritime. He is a member of Skye Consort and is the co-artistic director of La Nef. Seán sings and plays Irish bouzouki, mandolin, oud, and banjo.

He has been nominated for numerous OPUS and ADISQ awards and participated in the ADISQ-winning CD, La Traverse Miraculeuse with La Nef and Les Charbonniers de l’enfer. He has won OPUS awards for Creation of the Year (Leave Her, Johnny), Album of the Year (Skye Consort & Emma Björling) and Youth Production of the Year (Le chat et le gondolier, La Nef).

For tickets and more information please visit xroadscc.org.

Artists Invited to Apply for 2025 Geneseo Artwalk

Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
309-944-2686

The 2025 Geneseo Artwalk will take place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Downtown Geneseo, IL. This year’s Geneseo Artwalk marks ten years of the event, which showcases the local arts in Geneseo while driving guests into small businesses and restaurants in Geneseo.

Downtown businesses in Geneseo will host art performances either in front of stores or in stores while artists will be set up at the event, featuring original works and live art demonstrations such as painting, sculpting, wood-working and more. Live music and interactive exhibits will also be featured. Shake off your cabin fever and join us in downtown Geneseo on Saturday, April 26th to help us celebrate our local art community!

Area artists and craft vendors are invited to apply to host a booth at the Geneseo Artwalk. There is no application fee and this is a juried event. To request an application, please contact the Geneseo Chamber at 309-944-2686 or at geneseo@geneseo.org. An online application and more information is also available at the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce website: https://geneseo.org/2025-geneseo-artwalk/.

Village Home Stores Purchased By Geneseo Locals With Eyes on the Future

New owners have familiar faces as a thriving small business rooted in Geneseo steps into a new chapter.

Collin Akers(left) and Adam Hoste

Geneseo, IL - On January 21, 2025 Village Home Stores was purchased by Adam Hoste and Collin Akers. Previous co-owners Rob and Jim Ries will remain for a few coming months as the team transitions into new ownership. Adam Hoste has already been on staff for 6 years and has been operating as the Store Manager at Village for 3 years ahead of this purchase. Village Home Stores will continue to serve their clients during the handoff and there will be no delays or pauses for current projects or products on order. Customers of Village should expect to see no immediate changes to their shopping experience as the baton is passed along to the new owners. Adam and Collin are excited to introduce new ideas and systems into the already thriving business over time.

“I’m very excited to join the Village team where integrity, professionalism, and honesty radiate through everyone. Growing up in Geneseo, I’ve always cared deeply about this community and am grateful for the opportunity to join an organization that makes such a positive impact.” -Collin Akers

“Over the past six years at Village Home Stores, I’ve learned that success in the remodeling business comes from two core principles: doing what you say you’re going to do and delivering at the highest level. That’s exactly what you can continue to expect from the team at Village Home Stores. Collin and I are excited to build on this foundation and look forward to many more years as a trusted staple in this community.” -Adam Hoste

The Village Home Stores story began in 1984 when Art Ries opened Village Hardware in Cambridge, Illinois. Offering multiple categories of products in one location. In the Summer of 1998, Art’s sons Rob and Jim Ries opened the doors of Village Maytag at the current location on State Street in Geneseo offering appliance sales and repair service to the region. In 2000 the store expanded to include Village Cabinetry. Over the years, Village has added many departments, each staffed with experts including a complete kitchen and bath remodeling team with remodel project management services. Village also has a dedicated team that works alongside home builders and customers who are building a new home in the area. Growth and customer interest in all of these services over the years has formed the one-stop-shop showroom experience now offered to Village Home Stores customers. Village serves new home and remodel customers in a large region of surrounding cities to Geneseo including the extended Quad Cities area.

The award-winning showroom in downtown Geneseo offers appliances, appliance service, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, window treatments, flooring, and wall tile as well as complete kitchen and bath remodels all from one location with warehouses also located in Geneseo. You can see their portfolio of work online at houzz.com/pro/villagehomestores and watch their weekly TV show locally every Sunday morning at 10:30am on WQAD News Channel 8 or stream anytime at youtube.com/villagehomestores Village is open Mon-Fri 9a-5p and Saturdays from 9a-noon. Open online anytime at villagehomestores.com

[Image attached: Collin Akers (left) and Adam Hoste (right) the new owners of Village Home Stores.

Press Contact: Elizabeth Round | Marketing + Content Manager  | 309.944.1344 | elizabeth@viillagehomestores.com

Traditional Irish Band to Celebrate 10th Anniversary in Bishop Hill

BISHOP HILL, Illinois—Saturday, January 25th the traditional Irish group, Blame Not the Bard, will celebrate their 10th anniversary of being a band at Bishop Hill Creative Commons, located at 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, IL. The family-friendly show will begin with a potluck dinner at 6PM, with music starting at 7PM, and is open to guests of all ages. Singer-songwriter Jon Hayes will begin the show. Dancers from the Champagne Academy of Irish Dance will perform alongside Blame Not the Bard at various times during their performance. A $20-30 donation is suggested.

Blame Not the Bard began in 2015 as a side project among friends. They were soon delighted to see that their love for fiery instrumentals, unearthing captivating stories, and getting the whole crowd involved was catching on, leading them to some of the most iconic stages in Iowa.

In the years that have followed, BNTB has played hundreds of shows across the midwest, lighting up stages in nine states with venues ranging from intimate listening rooms to major festivals including the Kansas City Irish Fest and main stage appearances at the Iowa Irish Fest. Boasting multiple media appearances, including a 2021 feature in Little Village Magazine, an artist feature on KDEC 100.5 and numerous appearances on the award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, Ceolplay with Colum King, and a 2022 full-length Greetings from Iowa PBS special, BNTB is sharing their songs and stories around the world.

In August of 2023, BNTB released their sophomore album "Now and Again," which features their current lineup of Andrew Philbrick, Corey Baker, Nicole Philbrick, along with their newest member, Dan Vaughn. Having performed for years as a trio, this album is a rest stop between old and new, reimagining the songs that BNTB fans know and love before venturing further into their sound as a quartet.

For more tickets and more information please visit XRoadsCC.org.

Bishop Hill Heritage Association’s Annual Meeting is February 1

Bishop Hill, IL - On Saturday February 1 2025, the BHHA will be having its annual meeting at the Steeple Building Museum, located at 103 North Bishop Hill Street, Bishop Hill IL. The meeting will start at 11 a.m. and is open to Bishop Hill Heritage Association members only. Some of the items that will be covered at the annual meeting are the election of board members and officers, a review of 2024, and a preview of 2025 events.
It is an in-person meeting only. Light refreshments will be served. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by contacting the BHHA at 309 927-3899 or at bhha@mymctc.net .

Young Leaders Announce New Scholarship Program for Henry County Youth

The Henry County Farm Bureau Young Leaders are announcing a new scholarship program for Henry County 4-H and FFA members.

The Henry County 4-H and FFA Project Scholarship will award funds to provide financial support to 4-H and FFA members in Henry County for their projects. Individuals applying must be a current 4-H or FFA Member in good standing in Henry County. Depending on the number of grants awarded, the total could be up to $300 in scholarship awards.

To be eligible for evaluation, applications must have comments submitted by their 4-H Leader or FFA Advisor. Applications will be evaluated by the HCFB Young Leaders and selected winners will be notified and have the funds paid to their 4-H Club or FFA Chapter for distribution to them.

Applications are available on the Henry County Farm Bureau website at www.henrycofarmbureau.org or by emailing manager@henrycofarmbureau.org. Completed applications are due to the Farm Bureau Manager (preferably via email) by midnight on February 20, 2025.

Travel with The Putnam Museum

Jessica Beshears, Digital Marketing & PR Coordinator
jbeshears@putnam.org, 563-336-7295

DAVENPORT, IA: January 14, 2025 - The Putnam Museum is continuing its Travel Series in 2025 with a trip to Greece and the Greek Isles from September 29th to October 11th. Following the success of their 2024 Egypt trip, this year’s itinerary includes visits to ancient sites like the tomb of Agamemnon, the Temple of Zeus, and the original Olympic Games Arena, as well as leisure activities such as beach lounging and shopping in Mediterranean markets. The trip also features a 7-day cruise with stops on popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

Preparation for the trip includes a series of meetings at the museum, with the next one on March 12th, focusing on Greek History and Art. Participants will have the chance to learn about ancient Greek artifacts ahead of the trip. Those interested can sign up through the museum’s website.

Looking ahead, the museum is already planning future travel opportunities for 2026, with details expected to be announced annually in December.

For more information about this trip and future trips, visit the Putnam Museum website by using the link: https://www.putnam.org/greece-2025/

Henry & Stark County Health Department & First Choice Healthcare Note January Cervical Cancer Prevention Month

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
January 3, 2025

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are promoting National Cervical Health Awareness and Cervical Cancer Prevention Month in January. They highlight that around 12,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and over 4,000 die from it, with half of these cases occurring in women who are rarely or never screened.

Early detection through regular Pap tests and the HPV vaccine can prevent almost all cases of cervical cancer, which is highly treatable when detected early. Most cervical cancer cases occur in women under 50, and deaths could largely be prevented with regular checkups.

First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon encourages women to get well-woman exams, Pap smears, and HPV vaccinations. The HPV vaccine, which is most effective before sexual activity begins, is available for both girls and boys aged 9-18 and can help prevent cervical cancer by protecting against HPV infection.

    For more information on women's health services, the HPV vaccine series, or to schedule an appointment at any location call Kewanee (309) 852-5272; Colona (309) 792-4011; or Toulon (309) 852-3115 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us on Twitter and Instagram.

Henry County Farm Bureau Foundation to Award $50,000 in Scholarships

Katie Laleman, FBCM, Manager
Henry County Farm Bureau

The Henry County Farm Bureau Foundation is offering up to eight scholarships, at a minimum of $1,500.  In addition, Farm Bureau will be administering the following scholarships:  Wilbert and Carol Keppy Foundation, three each in the amount of $5,000; Kevin and Karen Urick Farm Bureau Legacy Scholarship, in the amount of $1,000; Glenn and Betty DeSmith Memorial Scholarship, three in the amount of $5,000 each; Trade and Technical Program Scholarship, up to six in the amount of $1,000 each; James Ufkin Memorial Scholarship, in the amount of $1,000.

The Henry County Farm Bureau Foundation was formed in the Spring of 1984 to carry out charitable, scientific, literary, and educational work in the field of agriculture.  The Foundation awards scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors and college students pursing degrees in Agriculture.

Wilbert and Carol Keppy farmed and raised hogs along the Osco slab for decades.  The Keppy’s were instrumental in starting the Henry County Pork Producers and were among a group of pork producers throughout the state that started the Illinois Pork Producers in the early 1960s. The Keppy Foundation annually provides scholarships for students in Henry County.

The Kevin and Karen Urick Farm Bureau Legacy Scholarship honors a recipient from a farm family, that has been involved for multiple generations, in Henry County Farm Bureau.  Farm Bureau has impacted the Urick family for multiple generations.  This scholarship is designed to honor the organization that has served as an educational, social, and economic tool for its members, as the “Voice of Agriculture” in Henry County, since 1917.

The Glenn and Betty DeSmith Memorial Scholarship honors the life of Glenn and Betty DeSmith of Geneseo.  Glenn proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War from January 1951 to January 1953.  The DeSmith’s farmed southwest of Annawan until their retirement in 1990.  Glenn and Betty were very active in the community and their church.  Glenn served on the Henry County Farm Bureau Board and the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District Board, receiving the Henry County Conservation award in 1975.  The DeSmith Memorial Scholarship recognizes students who are involved in the livestock industry and their family farms.    

The James Ufkin Memorial Scholarship honors the life, legacy and service of Jim Ufkin.  Jim was a life-long farmer, retiring to Geneseo after 46 years of farming corn, soybeans and raising hogs near Hooppole, IL.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Henry County Farm Bureau for 40 years, representing Yorktown and Geneseo townships and held the offices of Vice President and Secretary.  During that time Jim also served on the Board of the Henry County Farm Bureau Foundation.  Mr. Ufkin was a dedicated leader in the agriculture community in Henry County and beyond.

This year the HCFB Foundation Board is proud to announce, for the third year, that they will award those pursuing a skill in a “Trade and Technical Program.”  Up to six scholarships will be awarded, at a minimum of $1,000 each, to individuals enrolled in a program and seeking skills benefiting agriculture in the area of study including, but not limited to, truck driving, welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, etc. 

Any student who qualifies under the guidelines may submit an application for either or all scholarships.  Applications will be judged separately.  Applications must be received by or postmarked to the Henry County Farm Bureau® office, 128 N. Prospect Street, Cambridge, by March 7. 2025.  The Foundation Board will make the final selections after the deadline. Guidelines and applications may be obtained on the Henry County Farm Bureau website www.henrycofarmbureau.org or by emailing manager@henrycofarmbureau.org. If you have any questions concerning the scholarship application or the Farm Bureau Foundation, please contact the Henry County Farm Bureau at (309) 937-2411. 

The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Season Kicks Off

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois are launching the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie® season on January 10, 2025. This season features a lineup of popular cookies, including Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, and others, priced at $6 per package. The Cookie Program helps girls develop entrepreneurial skills such as goal setting, money management, and business ethics while fostering confidence and character. All proceeds from cookie sales support local Girl Scout activities like camps, trips, and service projects. To purchase cookies, people can contact a local Girl Scout or use the Cookie Finder on the Girl Scouts' website. The Girl Scouts organization encourages community support for its members and their entrepreneurial journeys.

If you know a registered Girl Scout, reach out to learn how they’re selling cookies. If you don’t know a Girl Scout, use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder at www.GirlScoutsToday.org to purchase cookies. Community members can order cookies from a nearby troop and have the Girl Scout Cookies shipped to their home. They can also find a Cookie Booth from February 7th to March 23rd.

Katie Kutsunis Joins Central Banc, Inc. Board of Directors

John T. DuBois, President & CEO
(309) 944-5601

Geneseo, IL — As of January 1, 2025, Katie Kutsunis has joined the corporate Board of Directors of Central Banc, Inc. Central Banc, Inc. is the holding company of Central Bank Illinois, headquartered in Geneseo, Illinois. It sets the strategic direction and risk management policies for the company within its corporate governance structure.

Katie Kutsunis, a resident of Geneseo, Illinois, is the owner of GWK Enterprises, Inc., a successful chain of six women’s apparel stores called Four Seasons and one gift store called Pegasus Fine Gifts, with the home office located in downtown Geneseo. Her academic credentials include a degree from Augustana College, complemented by her prestigious Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, underscoring her expertise in financial and business management.

Katie has been an integral part of the Geneseo community through her active involvement in various civic and professional organizations. She has served as the President of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce in 1998, 2010, and 2024, demonstrating her longstanding dedication to local business development. Additionally, her leadership extended to the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, where she held the position of President in 2024.

Her remarkable journey in retail and community engagement makes her a perfect fit for the Board, where she will continue to champion retail excellence and foster community relations. John DuBois, President & CEO of Central Bank Illinois., announced the Board appointment, stating, "I am pleased to announce the addition of Katie Kutsunis as a director of Central Banc, Inc., the holding company of Central Bank Illinois.” DuBois continued, “With Katie’s retail and customer/community business focus, we are excited to add her skill set to the Board."

DuBois also announced the retirement of John Greenwood from the Board of Directors of Central Banc, Inc., effective March 31, 2025. “John has served on the Board for over three decades, and his experience and leadership, as the current Board Chairman, will be missed. We thank him for his years of service to the Bank, its shareholders, customers, and staff,” DuBois stated.

Central Bank Illinois is a full-service community bank and financial services provider headquartered in Geneseo, Illinois. Since first opening in 1907, the company has grown to approximately $1.4 billion in assets and expanded to the Illinois communities of Andover, Ashton, Fulton, Oregon, Peru, Princeton, Rochelle, and Sterling, with a limited-purpose branch in Prophetstown.

Member FDIC/Equal Housing Lender/Equal Opportunity Employer

Miss Henry County Fair Attends State Pageant

Cambridge, IL - Johnna Fulcher, 20, of Geneseo, is no stranger to competition. As a young girl, she fell in love with the game of soccer, playing all through high school and eventually becoming the team captain for Black Hawk College’s Women’s Soccer team. But Fulcher will be trading in her cleats next weekend for an evening gown and a pair of heels as she competes in the 2025 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen pageant.

Johnna Fulcher

The upcoming competition will be Fulcher’s second ever pageant experience. Her first being the Miss Henry County Fair queen pageant, which she won on her first attempt in June.

“Sitting in grandstands watching the Henry County Pageant was a bit of a summer staple for me,” said Fulcher. “Year after year, I’d go to watch my friends compete and eventually I thought I should give it a try too. I never would have predicted that I’d be the one winning the crown, but I’ve had such a wonderful time being Miss Henry County Fair.”

Fulcher spent her summer reigning over the Henry County Fair, which took place June 18 through the 23. She also traveled to many surrounding county pageants to meet and congratulate their new queens. However, Fulcher says the most rewarding part about being queen has been spending time in her community.

“I’ve loved being able to volunteer throughout the community,” said Fulcher. “There have been so many events I’ve been able to help with and I’ve loved witnessing how Henry County comes together to support one another.”

Fulcher will compete for the state title Jan. 16-19 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. The state pageant is held in conjunction with the annual convention of county fairs, the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF).

“I’m really looking forward to the state pageant and experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said. “It’ll be really fun to bond with other queens from different counties and I know whatever the outcome is, I’ll learn so much from this weekend.”

Fulcher is contestant number 60 of the 74 young women competing in this year’s pageant. Each contestant will have a four-minute interview with the panel of judges, and will also compete in evening gown, swimsuit, and speech categories.

The top 16 finalists will be announced on Sunday, Jan. 19. Each finalist will re-compete in the evening gown, swimsuit, and speech categories. They will also be judged on three pop questions. The 2025 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen will be chosen and crowned that evening.

Fulcher is the daughter of David and Margo Hone, of Geneseo. She is currently a sophomore at Black Hawk College, planning to continue her education at Carl Sandburg College to become a dental hygienist. She is currently a member of the Black Hawk College Student Athlete Leadership Council and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She is in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is an honors student at Black Hawk College, and was selected for the All-Regional Soccer Team Award.