FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — The city of Salem Virginia announced in October of this year that their search for a new city manager had netted 43 applicants after paying GovHR USA $22k+ to conduct a national search for its new chief executive.

One of those applicants is a familiar face to Freeport.

The city of Salem says they have now narrowed their city manager search down to three finalists, one of them being Freeport’s current city manager, Lowell Crow. The city of Salem posted a public invitation to a meet-and-greet with the three finalists on Dec. 9 of this year.

The Roanoke Times reported the city manager position had been vacant since last winter when Salem’s city council, on a divided vote, decided to “part ways” with its last manager. According to reports, the previous city manager of 11 years was “suddenly forced from the job” by three members of council.

The report said they have not publicly stated their reasons other than “they wanted to go in a different direction”.

Before coming to Freeport as the city’s first City Manager, Lowell Crow served as the city administrator in Monmouth, IL. He left his position in Monmouth in May of 2017, after accepting the job as the city manager of Freeport. He took the job in Freeport on May 22.

At the time, Crow said he was making the move in order to advance his career.

As of the 2010 census, the population of Salem, VA was 24,802.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — The Freeport Fire Department responded to reports of a fire on Wyandotte over the weekend.

On Sunday a neighbor across the street of 534 ½E. Wyandotte reported seeing flames coming from the upstairs portion of the residence. Upon arrival Freeport Fire units found that a fire had occurred in the upstairs apartment kitchen. District Chief Brett Hartwig said most of the fire was extinguished after the resident removed a pan from the stove and placed it in the bathtub. He said final extinguishment was accomplished with a fire extinguisher by firefighters.

Damage is estimated at $5,000. No civilians or firefighters were injured and the residents were able to remain in the house. Smoke detectors were present and alerted the residents of a fire, two additional detectors were installed prior to leaving the scene.

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FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — FHN is pleased to announce that family medicine physician Lucio Martinez, MD has returned and is welcoming new patients at the FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills in Freeport.

Dr. Martinez cared for patients of all ages for 20 years at the FHN Family Healthcare Center – Forreston. He also has served as part of FHN’s hospitalist team.

He holds a medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago, and served his residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill.

To make an appointment with Dr. Martinez, call his office at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills at 815-599-7740. He will see patients in the Internal Medicine department on the first floor. Visit www.fhn.org for more information on Dr. Martinez and family medicine services available at FHN.

FHN, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 1,400 employees, is an award-winning regional healthcare system committed to the health and well-being of the people of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin. FHN Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the state’s top hospitals for safety by the Leapfrog group and Healthgrades as well as by the world’s largest, completely independent, non-profit product- and service-testing organization. FHN caregivers serve an average of 1,500 people each day across FHN’s 19 locations in 5 counties spanning northwest Illinois. Organized in 1995 as an integrated healthcare delivery system, FHN is comprised of FHN Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital, 13 family healthcare centers offering primary and specialty medical care, hospice, and outpatient mental health services. For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — Highland Community College’s 47th annual General Education Development (GED®) Recognition Ceremony, to honor the 2019 completers was on Wednesday, November 20 in the Community Service Center on the Highland campus.

The fifteen students who completed the requirements for the GED® certificate as part of Highland’s Adult Education program were invited, along with their friends and families, to participate in the celebration of the accomplishment.

HCC’s Director of Adult Education Mark Jansen gave the welcome and bestowed the certificates to the completers.

“Individuals without a high school diploma or GED® are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed, working two or more jobs to make ends meet,” said Jansen. “However, by obtaining their GED® and enrolling in career and certificate programs, they can gain the skills, experience, and confidence to open doors to a brighter future.”

Completers for 2019 are: Samantha Rose Anderson (Pecatonica); Bryce Edward Ball (Apple River); Destiny Nicole Boland (Freeport); Emily Ruth Grinnell (Freeport); Cameron Christian Hamilton (Forreston); Toby Michael Lameyer (Ridott); Drew Michael Rogers (Freeport); Sheila Lorraine Wagner (Freeport); Jacob Robert Wendling (Pearl City), and Kelly Sue Zimmerman (Freeport).

Staff and instructors of the Adult Education program were also on hand to help facilitate the event.

The GED® classes are 100 percent state and federally grant funded. Highland provides the infrastructure for the classes since 1964.

For additional information about Highland Community College’s GED® program, call Adult Education at 815-599-3460 or visit highland.edu/adulteducation.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — One of Freeport’s favorite annual Christmastime events is the annual Luminaria night which takes place on Stephenson Street and Lincoln Boulevard beginning at dusk in the city.

This year Luminaria night will light the sidewalks along Stephenson Street and Lincoln Boulevard in Freeport on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Enjoy the beauty of Freeport’s Luminaria Night as residents of the neighborhood around FHN Memorial Hospital decorate their sidewalks with luminaria to celebrate the season.

“We are proud to be a part of Freeport and of our neighborhood, and being a part of Luminaria Night is a beautiful way to show that pride,” said FHN President and CEO Mark Gridley. “It’s a wonderful chance to enjoy the beauty of the season with friends and family. We’re happy to help promote this event and to wish everyone in all the communities we serve a happy, healthy holiday season.”

For more information on Luminaria Night or any FHN Festival of Trees event, visit www.fhn.org.

FHN, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 1,400 employees, is an award-winning regional healthcare system committed to the health and well-being of the people of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin. FHN Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the state’s top hospitals for safety by the Leapfrog group and Healthgrades as well as by the world’s largest, completely independent, non-profit product- and service-testing organization. FHN caregivers serve an average of 1,500 people each day across FHN’s 22 locations in 5 counties spanning northwest Illinois. Organized in 1995 as an integrated healthcare delivery system, FHN is comprised of FHN Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital, 13 family healthcare centers offering primary and specialty medical care, hospice, occupational health services, and outpatient mental health services. For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — FHN is proud to announce that board-certified nurse practitioner Heather Lutz, FNP-BC, is welcoming new patients at her practice in the Family Medicine department of the FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills in Freeport.

Lutz may be a familiar face; she has cared for many patients as a nurse in the Emergency Department at FHN Memorial Hospital since 2009.

Lutz was awarded FHN’s Advanced Practice Scholarship and earned her master’s degree and family nurse practitioner certification at Saint Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

To make an appointment with Lutz, call the FHN Family Medicine department at 815-599-7170. For more information on care available at FHN or our Advanced Practice Scholarship, visit www.fhn.org.

FHN, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 1,400 employees, is an award-winning regional healthcare system committed to the health and well-being of the people of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin. FHN Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the state’s top hospitals for safety by the Leapfrog group and Healthgrades as well as by the world’s largest, completely independent, non-profit product- and service-testing organization. FHN caregivers serve an average of 1,500 people each day across FHN’s 19 locations in 5 counties spanning northwest Illinois. Organized in 1995 as an integrated healthcare delivery system, FHN is comprised of FHN Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital, 13 family healthcare centers offering primary and specialty medical care, hospice, and outpatient mental health services. For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — It was in October of this year when the city of Salem, Virginia announced that a search for the city’s new city manager had netted 43 applicants, all vying for the new job.It was in November of this year when we told you that one of those candidates was the current city manager of Freeport, Lowell Crow. Crow had applied for the position and had made it to one of only two finalists.

On Dec. 9 of this year, Crow and Salem’s current interim city manager attended a meet and greet in the city of Salem. News of Crow’s potential departure left many in Freeport questioning his commitment to the city.

This week on December 17th, a press released was issued by the Office of the City Manager in Freeport.

In it, city manager Crow states that after discussion with family, friends, city staff, and the business community it caused him to do a lot of soul searching.

“I have come to the realization that there is much more that I can accomplish here in Freeport and that Freeport is truly our home”, Crow said. “Because of that I informed the city of Salem, Virginia Monday that I am formally withdrawing from their job search and that I will remain here in Freeport as the City Manager for as long as the Council will have me as their city manager.”

In other city news, on Thursday, December 12, 2019 Mayor Jodi Miller was invited to participate in a Women Municipal Leaders Conference at the White House.

Briefings and discussions were held with Vice President Mike Pence, Senior Administration Officials that included Betsy DeVos (Education), Secretary Elaine Chao (Transportation), and Scott Turner (Executive Director, White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council), around issues impacting communities and on shared Federal-State-local priorities, that included infrastructure, rural prosperity, energy development, opportunity zones, regulatory reform, and combatting the opioid crisis.

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FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — The city of Freeport has announced that beginning December 30, 2019 through January 24, 2020 the Freeport Public Works Department will be picking up Christmas trees in eight locations throughout the city.

These locations are as follows:

1. Knowlton Park –Northwest corner of Locust & Pleasant

2. Wilbur Park –Northeast corner of Brewster & Elm

3. Taylor Park –Northeastcorner of Hancock & Stephenson

4. Bidwell Park –1100 block of W. Pleasant

5. Read Park –parking lot north of pavilion. Entrance off of AmericanSt

6. Triangle lot at Adams, Float, and Winneshiek next to Fire Station

7. Laurel & Willow –Northwest corner

8.Empire & Blackhawk –Southeast corner

When dropping off your tree please follow these simple guidelines:

• Only drop off real Christmas trees
• No artificial trees, garland, or other decorations
• Please remove all lights and ornaments from the tree before dropping off

Because these trees will be run through a wood chipper, wires, lights, and ornaments can severely damage equipment used during this operation.

Residents are advised that the City will ONLY pick up Christmas trees at these eight locations. There will be no curb side pickup.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — Highland agriculture students came away numerous awards at the Illinois Professional Agriculture Students (PAS) Conference at Lincoln Land Community College on Nov. 22-23 in Springfield.

The 22 Highland students are part of a national student organization that provides opportunities for college agriculture students to experience individual growth, leadership and career preparation through competition and cooperative activities.

Over the two-day conference, students competed in individual and team contests highlighting a variety of agriculture career opportunities. The students also networked with industry professionals and other Illinois college students.

“I’m excited for all the students that participated in the conference,” said Justin Ebert, Highland Agriculture instructor. “Each student’s accomplishments are a reflection of their time and commitment to achieving career success in the agriculture industry.”

Individual competitions, Nov. 22 results

In the days leading up to the competitions, students prepared resumes, career planning projects, lesson plans, and sales presentations. During the conference, students then spent the day showcasing their talents to a panel of judges in their respective career areas. Listed below are Highland student participants, their home town and awards they received.

Charleese Faulkner, (Milledgeville), Agribusiness Management Plan, 3rd Place

Danielle Hagemann (Mt. Morris), Administration Interview – 3rd Place

Gwen Heimerdinger (Pearl City), Agricultural Education Demonstration – 1st Place

Agricultural Education Interview – 2nd Place

Collegiate Discussion Meet

Katie Hoffman (Savanna), Feed & Animal Health Interview – 3rd Place

Brooklynn Hollis (German Valley), Dairy Production Interview – 1st Place

Rebecca Hough (Mt. Morris), Agricultural Sales Presentation – 1st Place

Alec Tipton (Savanna), Agribusiness Management Plan – 2nd Place

Natalie Wilkinson (Thomson), Agribusiness Sales Interview

Benjamin Woessner (Shannon), Livestock Production Interview

Hannah Woessner (Shannon), Ruminant Animal Systems Plan – 1st Place

Ana Zinke (Winslow), Non-Ruminant Animal Systems Plan – 2nd Place

Team competitions, Nov. 23 results

During team competitions, students took individual exams in their subject area and worked with their teammates to respond to current event issues, make presentations on controversial topics, and solve industry specific production problems. Below are the Highland teams, individuals with home town, and awards:

Dairy Specialist, 2nd Place–Jared Dickman (Lanark), 2nd Place Individual; Brooklynn Hollis (German Valley); Carli Reeverts (Dakota)

Equine Specialist, 1st Place–Katie Hoffman, Savanna, 1st Place Individual; Kristy Kruger (Scales Mound) 2nd Place Individual; Kassandra Heitkam (Dakota)

Landscape Horticulture – 2nd Place Natalie Wilkinson, Shelby Judd (Milledgeville),

Rebecca Hough, Kassandra Heitkam

Soil Specialist –Leland Houzenga (Fulton), Shane Houzenga (Fulton), Reid Huneke (Lena), Kristy Kruger, Andy Gustafson (Byron), Lucas Boomgarden (Freeport)

Crop Specialist–Natalie Wilkinson, Leland Houzenga, Lucas Boomgarden,

Charleese Faulkner, Shane Houzenga, Reid Huneke

Floriculture Specialist – 2nd Place Shelby Judd, Rebecca Hough, Elizabeth Oltmanns (Oregon)

Beef Specialist –Danielle Hagemann, Benjamin Woessner, Hannah Woessner

Swine Specialist – 3rd Place — Ana Zinke – 1st Place Individual, Gwen Heimerdinger, Katie Hoffman

Election of PAS Officers

Students held a business session and elected officers for the upcoming year. Gwen Heimerdinger, Pearl City, was elected as the 2019-2020 Illinois PAS Presidents. Gwen and her officer team will spend time throughout the year promoting PAS at colleges and businesses across the state of Illinois. Gwen is a sophomore student at Highland Community College majoring in Agricultural Education. She plans to transfer next year to complete her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education.

“It is an extreme honor to be elected to a state office and Gwen will do a tremendous job advocating for agricultural education,” said Monica Pierce, Highland Ag instructor.

Highland Community College Agriculture students participate in PAS through membership in the Highland AG Club. The AG Club meets monthly to discuss upcoming activities, agricultural awareness, and career exploration.

If you would like more information about Highland Agriculture including the Highland AG Club, please contact Justin Ebert at justin.ebert@highland.edu or Monica Pierce at monica.pierce@highland.edu.

Photo: (left to right): Ana Zinke, Natalie Wilkinson, Hannah Woessner, Ben Woessner, Katie Hoffman, Reid Huneke, Charleese Faulkner, Elizabeth Oltmanns, Jared Dickman, Leland Houzenga, Carlie Reeverts, Kristy Kruger, Shane Houzenga, Brooklynn Hollis, Andy Gustafson, Kasi Heitkam, Danielle Hagemann, Rebecca Hough, Gwen Heimerdinger, Shelby Judd, Lucas Boomgarden

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — The first baby born in 2020 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport came into the world at 2:43 p.m. on January 1 – Walter Maurice Hayward III arrived more than 6 weeks early! He is healthy and spending some time in the FHN Memorial Hospital Family Birthing Center nursery.

Walter is the first child for happy parents Kaylie Spradlin and Walter Hayward II of Freeport. He debuted at 4 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 17.5 inches long. Walter is a true New Year’s baby – his mother’s contractions started at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

The happy parents were presented with gift baskets filled with infant care items provided by FHN Obstetrics staff and the family of last year’s FHN New Year’s baby.

“My number one wish for the new year is for our baby to be healthy and thrive,” Spradlin said.” We’re excited and a little nervous, but we’ll be focused on him.”

FHN, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 1,400 employees, is an award-winning regional healthcare system committed to the health and well-being of the people of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin. FHN Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the state’s top hospitals for safety by the Leapfrog group and Healthgrades as well as by the world’s largest, completely independent, non-profit product- and service-testing organization. FHN caregivers serve an average of 1,500 people each day across FHN’s 19 locations in 5 counties spanning northwest Illinois. Organized in 1995 as an integrated healthcare delivery system, FHN is comprised of FHN Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital, 13 family healthcare centers offering primary and specialty medical care, hospice, and outpatient mental health services. For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — The Freeport Fire Department released information regarding a mobile home fire that claimed the life of one man, and injured a female yesterday morning in Freeport.

Freeport Fire reports that at 5:37 am on Saturday January 4, the Department responded to a [manufactured[ home fire located at 2044 W.Galena Ave, Lot 23. Upon arrival Freeport Fire units found the mobile home to have heavy fire and smoke showing with over 50% of the structure involved in fire.

The department reported that one female occupant had self-evacuated and one male occupant was trapped in a back bedroom.

The female occupant suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to FHN by the Freeport Police Department.

Firefighting crews rescued a male occupant from the rear bedroom, he was transported to FHN where he was later pronounced dead. His identity is being withheld pending notification of family and an autopsy.

The fire was completely extinguished in less than an hour.

Freeport Police and Fire Department called in the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigator to assist in the fire scene examination. Preliminary determination is that the fire originated in the kitchen and was caused by unattended cooking.

The Stephenson County Coroner’s Office will be conducting the death investigation. They will release the identity of the deceased male when they have completed their investigation.

The trailer and all of its contents are a total loss, Freeport Fire said. There were no working smoke detectors in the home at the time of the fire.

The survivor is being assisted by the FHN, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. Her identity is being withheld in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The department will not be holding a press conference at this time.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — Highland Community College has announced the dean’s list for the Fall 2019 Semester. Students who have completed 12 credit hours or more during the semester and have a minimum of a 3.25 grade point average (GPA), based on a 4.0 scale, are included on the dean’s list. Highest Honors are awarded to students with a perfect 4.0 GPA. High Honors distinction is given to students with a 3.50 to 3.99 GPA, and Honors students have earned a GPA between 3.25 and 3.49.

Highest Honors

Argyle, WI: Whitney N. Connors

Dakota: Kyle M. Bordner, Emma J. Kinney

Davis: Bryan M. Dieken, Lexis N. Evenson, Kaylyn M.Field, Evan P. Flynn, Alec W. Heinz, Allison M. Kriens, Leah A. Schmid, Katrina M. Weber

Dixon: Douglas V. Mixen

Durand: Abigail C. Erickson, Olivia A. Kuhl

Elizabeth: Nicholas R. Ege

Forreston: Afrdita Aliu, Benjamin H. Holze, Sarah E. Meyers, Carli A. Thomas, Madyson R. Thomas, Aaron C. Wubbena

Franklin Grove: Frank D. Bonnell

Freeport: Hannah N. Alber, Alexis Aponte, Katya M. Awender, Sherri A. Baker, Casandra E. Besse, Audrey E. Bisplinghoff, Jonathan T. Cifonie, Kathryn R. Cifonie, Natalie M. Countryman, Holly J. DeWall, Deanna L. Deal, Benjamin C. Downing, Dominique A. Downing, Austin S. Flemming, Jenny L. Gerber, Caroline M. Giuffre, Carly J. Hartman, Sydney N. Hayunga, Lindsey E. Huenefeld, Sabree A. Hull, Javier M. Jazo, Mercury N. King, Emma J. Kraemer, Arja Kumar, Mahaela J. Leverton, Jenna R. Marsh, Jeremy R. Marsh, Abdulsalam A. Nwandu, Lauren N. O’Connor, Evan A. Ruthe, Kelsey E. Schmit, Jenna N. Skarlupka, Sedona L. Smith, Jarett A. Spangler, Elisha L. Yount

Galena: Robert H. Johnson

German Valley: Brooklynn S. Hollis

Lake in the Hills: Jadrian A. Flores

Lanark: Nathan C. Erbsen, Tanner L. Giedd, Taylor P. Metz

Lena: Trevor W. Aurand, Cade M. Benson, Mark B. Diddens, Rebecca M. Edler, Rosemarie E. Evans, Taylor L. Hillman, Asa A. Lake, Abbygale M. Strominger

Maple Park: Elizabeth H. Barton

Mt. Morris: Danielle M. Hagemann

Orangeville: Megan M. Davis, Dylan R. Dietmeier, Hannah E. Holland, Jamie M. Watson

Oregon: Elizabeth N. Oltmanns

Pearl City: Breann M. Adamson, Amanda J. Baldauf, Korissa A. Blasing, Tori J. Clark, Mackenzie A. Endress, Gwen D. Heimerdinger

Pecatonica: Kathleen A. Ornatek

Polo: Ashlee L. Griffin

Rock City: Ilona Huizar, Kalli N. Meyer, Oksana Zavolokoff

Rockford: Jillian S. Kinney

Shannon: Reid N. Janssen, Cassidy A. Loberg

Sterling: Stephanie L. McLean

Stockton: Laura L. Caswell, Jennifer A. Hatfield, Brenden K. Westphal

Warren: Celeste J. Mosconi

Winslow: Sydni C. Aebly

High Honors

Alpharetta, GA: Nicholas H. Fleming

Apple River: Juliana R. Campbell

Byron: Allison E. Kultgen, Jonathon D. Silvers

Chicago: Oswald Delgado

Clinton, IA: Connor R. Hyde

Dakota: Blake V. Bury, Adam L. Green, Scarlet J. Wilkins

Davis: Peyton L. Heilemeier

Davis Junction: William A. Keast

Elizabeth: Rhett L. Geisz

Forreston: Dalton W. Becker, Jordan N. Green, Rachel R. Metzger, Hannah M. Noble, Jacob W. Norris

Freeport: Hajer A. Alamidi, Tyler D. Broge, McKenzie M. Brokhausen, Mycah L. Cassell, Claire F. Cifonie, Adam M. Clark, Troy D. Coffee, Jancarlos Colon Pagan, Madison T. Coon, Jenna N. Diehl, Alexa P. Eisenhower, Alyse K. Eshleman, Maureen Noeleen Ezeh, Katie M. Fischer, Alana M. Green, Gilberto I. Hernandez, Ethan A. Hill, Elizabeth A. Hudak, Benjamin D. Hunziker, Joeyvan R. Huttner, Jamie L. Jensen, Ahlasia R. Kloepping, Heidi J. Mann, Elizabeth E. Morgan, Colton M. Neubauer, Caleb E. Oliva, Sydney L. Pedersen, Alyxis J. Pommerening, Brennan M. Schoff, Vuk I. Stevanic, Katherine E. Stevens, Michael J. Thomalla, Dale J. Thruman, Esthefany Torres, Courtney K. VanDrew, Jessica E. Vasquez, Margaret E. Watson, Anna R. Welch

German Valley: Tassie L. Krigbaum

Lake Carroll: Allen E. Krieger

Lanark: Joseph G. Lyons, Jenessa K. Witt

Leaf River: Bailey A. Brooks, Taylor R. Cargill, Taylor L. Yordy

Lena: Adriana J. Curran, Darren W. Dameier, Alexondria C. Edler, Brooke E. Knoup, Maleah K. Linden, William M. Ortmeier, Megan J. Packard, Christina J. Schubert, Isaac M. Shelly, Jordyn R. Shipman

Milwaukee, WI: Victor H. Nwagbaraocha

Monroe, WI: Spencer W. Brunton

Mount Carroll: Isabelle N. Foltz, Kennedy A. Rice

Orangeville: Caitlin E. Chapman

Oregon: Emily A. Corbin, Jonathon S. Groenhagen, Madalin J. Russell

Pearl City: William K. Werkheiser

Pecatonica: Travis L. Jacobs

Ridott: Ashly A. Bliss

Savanna: Allison R. Law, Cheyanne K. Martelle, Jean M. Medenblik, Jackson T. Medley

Scales Mound: Kristy M. Kruger, McKenna R. Peart

Shannon: Adrianna R. Hensgen, Judd D. Lessman, Ceanna J. Loberg, Evan R. Sneek, Benjamin K. Woessner

Stockton: Jeremiah R. Hermann, Lindan M. Legel, Abigail M. Weber, April M. Woolcock

Troy, AL: Mobolaji L. Adesoga

Warren: Brandyn J. Curran

Winslow: Brett M. Scott

Honors

Apple River: Carolyn M. Karlow

Baileyville: Megan N. Wellman

Cedarville: Emma L. Arnold, Amaya L. Bouvia, Addison F. Dale

Clinton, IA: Anna L. Kurtz

Davis: Addison M. Ferguson, Savannah M. Sickler, Brooke L. Sutherland

Dixon: Benny M. Roach

Durand: Miles T. Milbrath, Philip Miron

Elizabeth: Connor D. Brown, Mary Frances D. Tracey

Forreston: Jacob M. Swanson

Freeport: Ana A. Awender, Aurora L. Bollon, Dezrianna K. Brooks, Alexandra Q. Daggert, Jordan T. Griffin, Linsey J. Kleckner, Lauren M. Koehn, Erin E. Kornfeind, Adam L. Kubatzke, Kierra R. Leverington, Cierra M. Martin, Briana M. McNett, Alen Mustafic, Anayeli Paliero Teles, Claire E. Thruman, Shannon N. Verner, Josh A. Warner, Autumn M. Yoder

German Valley: Haley M. Cuthrell

Lanark: Nicholas J. Kane, Lane A. Lessman, Rebecca A. Luther, Robert D. Markley

Lena: Kaversia L. Barber, Rebecca L. Diffenderfer, Amber G. Heinrich, Emily A. Pontnack

Milledgeville: Cody D. VanDyke

Monroe, WI: Jessica J. Klarer, Macayla M. Quinn

New York, NY: Cristobal Canela Rosado

Orangeville: Raegan L. Bass

Ridott: Baylee R. Manus, Emily M. Swift

Rio Grande, PR: Keeshawn A. Diaz

Rock City: Kennedy B. Schroeder, Elaine N . Zimmerman

Savanna: Hannah K. Johnson

Shannon: Emily G. Denekas, Hannah E. Woessner

Stockton: Walker E. Arand, Haylie M. Ford, Linzy M. Friedlein, Natasha L. Rowe, Ramsey P. Schulz, Hannah E. Smith

Sun Prairie, WI: Samuel M. Kerr

Warren: Autumn M. Flynn, Madison R. Tesmer

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — Five area students have been awarded scholarships to help cover the cost of healthcare education. More than 50 outstanding students applied for the 2019 FHN Healthcare Career Scholarships and Diversity Scholarships this year.

Students applying for the scholarship write an essay about their career path along with their strengths and personal goals to support the healthcare needs of FHN’s service area. The scholarship committee invited the top candidates for in-person interviews.

After the interviews, four winners were chosen to receive a $1,000 Healthcare Scholarship and one winner was chosen to receive a $1,000 Diversity Scholarship to help cover education expenses for the winter 2020 term. The 2019 FHN Healthcare Career Scholarship winners are:

Katherine Groezinger of Elizabeth, who is pursuing an occupational therapy degree at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Ill.

Bailey Johnson of Freeport, who is pursuing a speech pathology degree at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in Whitewater, Wis.

Keegan Koester of Freeport, who is pursuing a physical therapy degree at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa

Emma Nelson of Forreston, who is pursuing a speech pathology degree at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Ill.

The 2019 Diversity Scholarship winner is:

Teylor Macon of Freeport, who is pursuing a nursing degree at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill.

“We are proud to offer these scholarships each year to area students who excel,” said FHN Talent Acquisition Specialist Carol Boeke BSN, RN. “We are excited that they’ve chosen to pursue a future in the healthcare field and encourage them to keep FHN in mind for career guidance along their way, as well as when they’ve completed their education.”

FHN, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 1,400 employees, is an award-winning regional healthcare system committed to the health and well-being of the people of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin. FHN Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the state’s top hospitals for safety by the Leapfrog group and Healthgrades as well as by the world’s largest, completely independent, non-profit product- and service-testing organization. FHN caregivers serve an average of 1,500 people each day across FHN’s 21 locations in 5 counties spanning northwest Illinois. Organized in 1995 as an integrated healthcare delivery system, FHN is comprised of FHN Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital, 13 family healthcare centers offering primary and specialty medical care, hospice, occupational health services, and outpatient mental health services. For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — Due to the impending winter storm including expected snow and ice, the city of Freeport has declared a snow emergency for the City of Freeport as of 6:00 am Saturday, January 11, 2020. The snow emergency will be in effect until Monday, January 13, 2020 at 6:00 am.

The winter parking regulations are described in the City ordinance “468.03, Parking Prohibited Under Certain Conditions”.

All Central Business district residents (downtown area) must have their cars removed from the street from the issuance of the snow event for a period of seventy-two hours. No person shall leave parked or standing any motor vehicle on the “even-numbered” side of a street in the City on an “odd-numbered” day of the month. Nor shall any such vehicle be parked or standing on the “odd-numbered” side of a street in the City on an “even-numbered” day of the month.

For the purpose of this chapter, “odd” and “even” numbered days shall be considered as beginning at the hour of 8:00 a.m. after such declaration is made. Vehicles found in violation of the above parking regulations may be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense. Streets that have designated parking on one side only for an entire city block, shall be exempt.

City residents are further advised that sidewalks abutting their property must be cleaned of snow within 12 hours of the storm’s end and that it is a violation of City Ordinance to plow or otherwise dispose of snow from their property onto City streets and sidewalks. Residents are also encouraged to clear snow from around fire hydrants located near their houses.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — In accordance with an Illinois Department of Public Health recommendation, FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport has put into action the following visitor restrictions for the health and safety of our patients and staff:

• No visitors under the age of 18 (including the OB unit, to protect our youngest patients)
• Only two (2) visitors per patient at one time.
• Visitors with fever, cough, or sore throat should NOT visit. If they MUST, masks are required (and will be provided).
• Patients hospitalized for flu may have visitors ONLY when necessary for emotional well-being or care.
• Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette (cover coughs, tissue disposal immediately after use, hand sanitizer) MUST be followed at all times

These restrictions apply to ALL hospital patients, including OB and Pediatrics – please check with the nurse on duty if you have any questions.

All medical services remain available to patients of all ages throughout FHN. Those who feel they or a family member may have the flu and could be contagious can take advantage of telemedicine services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through FHNow. Visit www.fhn.org/fhnow for details.

FHN, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 1,400 employees, is an award-winning regional healthcare system committed to the health and well-being of the people of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin. FHN Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the state’s top hospitals for safety by the Leapfrog group and Healthgrades as well as by the world’s largest, completely independent, non-profit product- and service-testing organization. FHN caregivers serve an average of 1,500 people each day across FHN’s 19 locations in 5 counties spanning northwest Illinois. Organized in 1995 as an integrated healthcare delivery system, FHN is comprised of FHN Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital, 13 family healthcare centers offering primary and specialty medical care, hospice, and outpatient mental health services. For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org.

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — Here’s an opportunity for Freeport’s dreams to come true. The popular television network HGTV is currently on the search for a small community (ahem, Freeport) to receive a complete makeover of an entire municipality, from single-family homes to public parks and more.

On Wednesday, the network announced an upcoming spinoff of its hit series Home Town, in which hosts Erin and Ben Napier will spearhead the renovation in a series that will span six episodes, and completely rennovate an entire town.

The best news for Freeport? The towns up for consideration must have a population of 40,000 or less, which just so happens to fit Freeport perfectly. And from now until Friday, February 7, fans can nominate their town to be the one featured on Home Town Takeover at HGTVHomeTownTakeover.com.

Submissions require a video tour of the village itself, with a focus on the buildings and areas that might need the most sprucing up, as well as stories from locals and photos that point to what’s special about that particular area.

“Renovating one house at a time is an awesome experience, but the chance to support an entire town, where we can help bring a community back to life and enhance the lives of the people who live and work there, is something we’ve always wanted to try,” host Ben Napier said in a statement.

So let’s nominate Freeport. We’ll kick it off with a donation of our time to film an entire video tour, if anyone out there wants to donate their time (be a show host) to explain the parts of Freeport that we’d like to show to HGTV on camera.  We’ll put together an entire piece and submit it to HGTV by February 4th. (7th actually, see correction below)

Or just gather some photos and put together a short video yourself and submit it here.

Here’s your chance Freeport for a HGTV Hometown makeover, and while you’re thinking about all the possibilities, tell us a part of Freeport that YOU think would be a great aspect to show the folks at HGTV.

• What are the areas that might need the most sprucing up?
• What’s special about Freeport?
• What stories can we tell about a particular area of Freeport both past and present, and what got us here?
• What homes with great architecture can we show?

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — Former Highland Cougar men’s basketball player, Antwon Harris of Clarksville, Tenn. has been inducted to the NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

Harris, a 2006 First-Team All-American, led the Highland Cougar Men’s Basketball team to a third-place finish in the 2006 NJCAA Division I National Tournament. The Cougars finished the year 34-2. Harris was also named 1st Team All-Region and Most Valuable Player of the Arrowhead Conference.

“I am very excited and proud to have Antwon inducted to the NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame,” said Pete Norman, Highland Athletic Director. “He was an integral part of a very special and talented team that left a lasting impact on the storied history of Cougar Basketball. Antwon is family and a proud member of Cougar Nation and so very deserving of this recognition.”

Harris credits his drive from being underrated and often the underdog. “I used that to fuel me,” he said.

Harris received his Associate of General Studies from Highland Community College in 2006.

“My time at Highland College was incredible and really set the tone for things to come,” said Harris. “I went to a winning culture and a fan base that was the best in the country.”

After Highland, Harris played two years at Winthrop University highlighted by two NCAA Tournament appearances and a first-round win vs. Notre Dame. In 2008, he graduated from the university with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

Harris returned to Freeport coaching the Lady Cougar basketball team as the assistant coach in 2015 and as the head coach in 2016.

Harris now resides in Rockford where he is the Curriculum Program Coordinator and teacher at Legacy Academy of Excellence Charter School.

“It is an honor and privilege to be inducted into the Region IV Sports Hall of Fame,” Harris said. “It’s a surreal feeling right now. I have never set out to be a Hall of Famer. I just wanted to go to college and play basketball because I loved it.”

Harris joins his former coach and Highland Athletic Director Pete Norman (2010 inductee), as a member of the NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame. Harris will be recognized at half-time of the Highland Cougar game vs. Kankakee on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 3 p.m.

For a complete listing of the NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame inductees, please go to region4sports.com

FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — Highland Community College’s president, Tim Hood, will retire in June at the end of his second multi-year contract with the College. Hood shared his intent with the Highland Board of Trustees during the closed session at the January 28 regular board meeting. He has served as the president since July 1, 2015.

“We are appreciative of Tim’s dedication to Highland and wish him the best on his retirement,” said Jim Endress, Chair, Highland Community College Board of Trustees.

Hood’s journey at Highland began in 2011 as the Vice President of Academic Services. He was later named the Executive Vice President in 2014. Then in 2015, Hood became the 8th President of Highland Community College after the retirement of Dr. Joe Kanosky, the 7th President and Chief Executive Officer.

During Hood’s years at Highland, he revitalized the Lifelong Learning program, added multiple new programs, and was instrumental in doubling the number of transfer agreements with 4-year colleges and universities.

He helped grow the CollegeNOW program from 2 to 11 participating high schools, giving area students the opportunity to enroll full-time in college-level courses while earning dual credit toward a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.

Calling it a “somber period” Hood helped the College bounce back from the 2016-2017 Illinois Budget Impasse where the College was short more than $2 million in state funding.

Cultivating a partnership with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), Hood helped write and secure a matching grant proposal which paved the way for the HCC Foundation to raise money to fund nearly $1 million to support student scholarships for those with financial challenges. Hood and Rock Valley College president Dr. Doug Jensen helped write and secure a $675,000 grant for both colleges to collaborate in expanding career pathway opportunities with area schools and businesses.

Other grants awarded during Hood’s presidency include a $1.4 million Project Succeed grant, a $1.3 million Upward Bound grant, and a $30,000 CCampis child care grant. Hood also commended the entrepreneurship and collaboration of the faculty and staff led solar array project that is estimated to impact the Highland budget by about $30,000 annually.

He’s supported the hard work of more than 354 Honors Students and cheered on Cougar Athletics through national and regional championships including the Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Bowling and Women’s Bowling teams.

More than 1,970 graduates have completed certificates or degrees, and 1,900 business professionals completed leadership or customized training programs during his presidency. This May’s commencement will be Hood’s last as Highland’s president.

As Hood reflected, “We have some of the best programs and student support services in the state, largely thanks to collaboration between extraordinary faculty, staff, college board members, our Foundation, with tremendous support from educational and external partners. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve with all, and we can be very proud of what we have accomplished working together.”

The Highland Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting later this month to start the process of a succession plan.

“At that time, we will discuss the next steps for Highland and our community,” said Endress.

UPDATED Feb 8, 2020 — The Iowa Democratic Party released the majority of caucus results late Tuesday afternoon–a highly anticipated move following a problem-plagued night of voting.

With 62% of precincts reporting, (now 100%) former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg had 26.20% of the vote and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders had 26.13%, according to the Iowa Democratic Party. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren had 17.98%, former Vice President Joe Biden had 15.85% and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar had 12.27% of the vote.

The announcement comes after an embarrassing stumble Monday night when technical problems forced the party to delay the announcement of the results.

As for the remaining % of the results, spokesperson Mandy McClure said that “we will continue to release results as we are able to.”

IDP Caucus 2020 Results

See the Iowa map and Precinct Level Results here.

Expect the drum beat on ethics reform to continue at the State Capitol as more legislators become embroiled in what is now apparently a web of corruption being unwoven by President Trump’s Federal Department of Justice.

While Governor Pritzker attempted to lay out his annual priorities to legislators in his State of the State speech at the end of January, the cloud of corruption and indictments dogged the Democrat Governor in delivering his second annual address the same week as it was announced that Senator Martin Sandoval, the godfather of the gas-tax, was accepting a plea deal in return for his cooperation with federal investigators. Sandoval is singing a song to save himself. It seems the feds are widening their investigation of corruption among Democrat officials accused of misdeeds in the legislature as well as corrupt local officials from the Northeast corner of our state. Bribery and self-dealing may just be the tip of the iceberg before the song is over.

Even as John Cullerton exited the Senate Presidency this past month, he did not leave his role as head of the debt-laden Senate Democrat campaign committee without returning hundreds of thousands of dollars in refunded dues from the indebted organization to two former members under indictment. These two ill-famed officials, in violation of the public trust, may now use the funds Cullerton sent them for their own legal defense of their purported crimes. Again, this practice is legal under current Illinois law.

There are Democrats, as well as Republicans, that are sincerely disgusted by this behavior. State Representative Maurice West (D-Rockford) joined me as Chief Co-Sponsor of my legislation, House Bill 4087, to prohibit use of campaign funds for the legal defense of crimes. Representative West also joined me as a Chief Co-Sponsor of my legislation, House Bill 4085, which institutes a minimum fine of $100,000 for legislators convicted of a felony in performance of their job as a public servant. Representative West shares a desire to close these ethical loopholes that are apparent. His common-sense approach may buck some of those in his own party, but places him squarely with the People of Illinois, who are fed up with corruption. Representative West’s support of these issues should be commended!

Unfortunately, much as it may seem so, over the past year, federal investigators cannot indict us into a more ethical state government. That work rests with legislators who need to close loopholes and prove to Illinoisans they are worthy of the trust that has been placed in them. That’s why I am sponsoring these two measures to do my part to make improvements. Other legislators are championing further measures, which are also needed.

This is not about which party gets credit for ending corruption. Subversion of our Republic through corruption and self-dealing threatens the foundation of our government systems and the trust that is foundational to good government. May we look back on 2020 as the year we did something about it and set Illinois on a better course for our future.

Guest Column from State Representative Andrew Chesney