Weather
Friday: Partly cloudy. High 45. Low 30.
Saturday: Sunny. High 47. Low 30.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 52. Low 31.
Mark Your Calendar
Nov. 22-24 Thirteen Past Midnight, Galesburg High School, 1135 W. Fremont St. Friday and Saturday 7 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. When a murder mystery game turns into a real murder, the party guests must find who among themselves is the killer while navigating their distrust, fears, and ambitions. With unexpected twists and humorous intrigue, the story keeps the audience guessing until the final reveal.” Tickets are available at the door, adults $5, and $3 for senior citizens.
Blessings in a Backpack
Knox students are in finals and on Winter Break, so Blessings in a Backpack are in need of volunteers on the following dates: December 3, 10, and 17. They set up at 7:30 a.m. and pack bags at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 101 North Prairie Street.
Carriage House
Last week Carriage House celebrated their six year anniversary!
Christmas in Action
Christmas in Action is currently looking for homeowners who need repairs for their homes.
Repairs will be done in April 2025. Requirements are they must own their home, be elderly and or disabled, need repairs to keep them in the home. Applications are at both Hy-Vees (2110 East Main Street and 1975 National Boulevard), the OAKS Senior Center (176 North Farnham Street), the VNA (2262 Grand Avenue), and the Library (264 West Main Street).
City of Galesburg
John Pritchard has announced that he will be seeking a third term and running for mayor in the April election.
Galesburg CUSD #205
On November 14 First Student and the district celebrated the successful deployment of 23 electric buses. More than 1,100 Galesburg CUSD #205 students are now riding new electric buses to and from the school.
The electric school buses are a first for Galesburg CUSD #205. Funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program covered the cost of the electric school buses and charging infrastructure.
Electric school buses are cleaner, quieter and safer. Replacing just one diesel school bus with an electric one can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54,000 pounds each year, which is the equivalent of 3.75 pounds of carbon dioxide for every mile driven.
Galesburg CUDS #205 is using First Charge, First Student’s innovative above-ground charging solution, to support it’s electric buses. First Charge eliminates the need for trenching, significantly reducing construction time and costs by up to 50 percent. Its flexible, expansion-ready design allows districts to scale electric fleets more efficiently, adapting easily as fleet sizes grow.
First Student is the largest operator of electric school buses in North America. The company has committed to transition 30,000 of its diesel buses to electric by 2035 to improve the health and well-being of even more students and communities.
Knox County Nursing Home
The Knox County Nursing Home is now a five star facility.
This is a testament to their commitment to providing exceptional care and services to their residents.
The rating between one to five stars, combines results and data from three important sources, including: health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.
Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades
The biannual Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades for the Fall of 2024 have been announced by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization for patient safety, and OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center has been named to the list.
Nearly 3,000 hospitals across the U.S. are assigned A, B, C, D, and F letter grades.
Widely acknowledged as one of the most prestigious distinctions a hospital can receive in the U.S., the recognition showcases OSF HealthCare's commitment to patient safety and quality.
OSF St. Mary Medical Center received an “A” grade.
“Achieving an ‘A’ grade from the Leapfrog Group is a testament to the dedication of
our Mission Partners, who provide exceptional care for our patients every day,” said
Lisa DeKezel, OSF HealthCare President. “We’re very proud of their ongoing
commitment to deliver safe, effective care in alignment with our Mission to serve with the greatest care and love.”
Three additional OSF HealthCare facilities achieved an “A” grade, OSF Healthcare
Saint James - John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac, OSF HealthCare Saint
Elizabeth in Ottawa and OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Ill.
Hospitals are assigned A, B, C, D, and F letter grades based on 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. These measures include patient care management, medication safety, frequency of healthcare-associated infections, and maternity care. The biannual report is calculated by a panel of safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public.
To see the full grade for all eligible OSF HealthCare facilities, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org.
Lim’s
This year Lim’s is helping spread the holiday cheer to a few foster children in our area. At the shop (975 North Henderson Street) you’ll see a little Christmas tree with a few names on it. There are gift suggestions on the back of the tags for each child.
Malewa Cafe
Malewa Cafe has opened its doors inside the Galesburg Selfie Museum (144 North Broad Street). Some items available on their menu are chawarma, poulet mayo, wooden chicken leg, dindon, samoussa, and kamundele.
Master Gardeners
The 1970s were a time of change; people nationwide had growing concerns about environmental damage from industrial pollution and a renewed interest in home gardening. The environmental movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day, and the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program. Now, the University of Illinois Extension is celebrating the 50-year legacy and accomplishments of the Illinois Master Gardener volunteer program.
Illinois Extension Master Gardeners enrich communities with their commitment to horticulture education and the art and science of growing. Over 2,000 active volunteers invest their time and talents in cultivating collaborative gardens that feed and support healthy communities, foster hands-on learning, and support the environment. In 2023 alone, 2,358 active volunteers invested 165,508 hours of service to improve the well-being of their environment and those who live in it.
The national Master Gardener program is rooted in the Northwest, where phone lines were ringing off the hook in the early 1970s for Washington State University Extension Agents David Gibby and Bill Scheer, with people asking for advice on home garden maintenance. They devised a plan to educate volunteers on the science of gardening and then to disperse the information to the public. Their idea blossomed and branched out, eventually inspiring the spread of the Master Gardener program to all 50 states.
In 1975, Floyd Giles, former Extension horticulture specialist, and state Master Gardener coordinator, formed the first Master Gardener program in Illinois, based in Will County and neighboring Chicagoland, DuPage, and Cook counties. The first training session had humble beginnings in the Des Plaines post office. Today, the program continues to expand across Illinois, involving local gardening projects in rural villages, suburban communities, and urban centers.
Since its inception in Illinois, the Master Gardener program has witnessed 50 years of countless volunteers dedicating their time and efforts to support projects. These initiatives include community gardens, therapeutic gardening programs, school partnerships, and education on environmental stewardship, among others.
"We are incredibly proud of the growth in the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program and the impact it has made over the past 50 years," said Candice Anderson, state Master Gardener specialist. "Our volunteers are the core of our program, and each one is passionate about making gardening accessible to everyone across Illinois and serving their communities in impactful ways. This celebration allows us to reflect on our achievements while fostering plans for the future."
As the program marks 50 years of positive impact, Master Gardeners continue to uphold their mission of "Helping Others Learn to Grow." In celebration of this golden milestone, in 2025, Extension will offer local and regional events, celebrate generations of volunteers and staff, and continue highlighting the program's evolution and momentum for the future.
"From the corners of micro-communities to bustling cities, the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program has become a trusted source of horticulture education for gardeners across the state," said Associate Dean and Director of Extension Shelly Nickols-Richardson, "Their impact on the state is felt through lasting relationships between natural resources, broader agricultural production, and people. We are excited to support an equitable future that promotes continued growth, engagement, and inclusivity for all individuals."
Looking ahead, the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program will continue to adapt to meet the needs of Illinois residents and welcome new generations of gardeners from various backgrounds. Reinforcing the mission, program leaders will continue actively eliminating participation barriers. Hybrid training models have been adopted by the locally provided Master Gardener programs statewide, aligning with Illinois Extension's newly launched 10-year Strategic Plan, aimed at advancing digital accessibility, supporting families, providing safe and culturally responsible food sources, and promoting sustainability.
Rooted in a legacy of education, environmental stewardship, and the development of impactful gardening projects, Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are enduringly committed to answering the call for gardening knowledge in Illinois.
Nelson Family Christmas Trees
This year will be the Nelson Family Christmas Trees 4th season. They open Friday, November 29 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Santa will be in his Shanty both Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Chloe’s Sweet Shoppe will also be open and serving hot chocolate, cupcakes, cookies, and other goodies.
They will have Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Fraser Fir, and Balsam Fir trees for sale as well as 12” and 16” wreaths.
Opening weekend hours are Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. After opening weekend their hours will be Monday through Friday 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Santa’s hours are: December 6 from 6 to 8 p.m., December 7 from 1 to 5 p.m., December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m., December 14 from 1 to 5 p.m., December 15 from 1 to 5 p.m., December 16 from 6 to 8 p.m., December 17 from 6 to 8 p.m., December 18 from 6 to 8 p.m., December 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., December 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.
December 20 will be their last day of the season.
Opie’s Bar & Grill
Last week Opie’s celebrated their two year anniversary. Congratulations Opie’s!
OSF
OSF HealthCare Holy Family Medical Center, a committed health care provider in Monmouth, Illinois, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious 5-star rating by the National
Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing dedication and excellence in rural health care, as well as being named to the National Rural Honor Roll.
This esteemed designation is a testament to the dedication of OSF Holy Family to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates hospitals based on rigorous standards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care and overall hospital performance.
“I am incredibly proud that OSF HealthCare Holy Family Medical Center has achieved the prestigious NRRS 5-star rating,” says Lisa DeKezel, president of OSF Holy Family. “This accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our entire team. Every day, our Mission Partners go above and beyond to uphold our commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients and the rural communities we serve.”
The 5-star rating reflects the ongoing commitment of OSF Holy Family to meet the unique health care needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital’s success in providing outstanding medical services, despite the challenges often faced by rural health care facilities.
The 2025 National Rural Honor Roll honorees, announced each November, include rural hospitals that have met the highest standards for patient experience, based on cumulative ratings submitted by October 31, 2024. This annual recognition reinforces NRHA’s commitment to supporting and uplifting rural health care facilities as pillars of their communities.
“These awards really shine a spotlight on the heart and hard work that our rural hospitals bring to their communities,” says Brock Slabach, COO of the National Rural Health Association. “Rural health care comes with unique challenges, and reaching this level of excellence shows not only the clinical expertise but also the deep commitment these hospitals have to the people they serve. This recognition celebrates rural health care as a source of strength, compassion and healing – right where it’s needed most.”
OSF Holy Family extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible.
The 5-star rating system ranks rural and critical access hospitals – with five stars being the top ranking and one star being the lowest. The star ratings are like the CMS Stars, which allow hospitals and clinics to promote their success and are used as high-quality recognitions. Most small and rural hospitals (60 percent) do not qualify because of the low number of qualifying inpatients for the CMS rankings but are held to the same high patient satisfaction criteria. This program recognizes the hard work and dedication rural and critical access hospitals provide across the country. The rankings will include overnight hospital stays (HCAHPS) and are based on data collected by certified CMS patient satisfaction vendors.
The National Rural Honor Roll was created to honor rural and critical access hospitals and clinics that consistently deliver exceptional health care, showcasing them as leaders in patient-centered care within their communities. Facilities included on the Honor Roll receive recognition for their dedication and excellence that sets them apart, demonstrating their commitment to patient well-being.
For more information visit RuralRatings.US.
Page for a Day
Evelyn Wilbur, a 9th grader at Orion High School, was a Page for a Day in the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday. She was the guest of State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha).
“I was glad to have Evelyn here with us in Springfield to get a first-hand look at how state government works,” Swanson said. “She got to meet with legislators, tour the Capitol and see the workings of the House of Representatives up close.”
Evelyn is a 4.0 high honor roll student at Orion High School, where she is active in numerous clubs and activities including golf, band, choir, student council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Culinary and Robotics clubs, drama and the Orion Gray Matters Collective, which shines a light on the importance of mental health. She is involved in the community through her work with the American Legion Auxiliary, the Orion Community Band and the Orion Area Food Pantry and Riverbend Food Pantry.
71st District residents can find more news about the General Assembly and information about upcoming events on Rep. Swanson’s legislative website at repswanson.com.
Prairieland Hospice
Prairieland Hospice Foundation of Galesburg is about caring and helping.
They have provided blankets, personal items and holiday meals for hospice patients and sponsored grief camps for children coping with the death of a loved one.
Now the foundation’s compassion has extended to Black Hawk College students in the form of five new scholarships.
Prairieland Hospice Foundation donated $10,000 to the Black Hawk College Foundation to create an annual scholarship for four nursing students and one EMS student. Each student received $500 for the 2024-25 school year.
Although the foundation is based in Galesburg, it works with Compassus, a company that provides hospice services in Galesburg and Moline.
Over the years, Prairieland has offered support and services to Compassus patients and the surrounding communities.
“We want to do something for the community,” said Dr. Jim Cecil, a retired physician and president of the Prairieland Hospice Foundation.
“Education is the key,” he said. “I’m a great believer in education.”
Akos Tiwa of Moline, an Associate Degree Nursing student, is one of the scholarship recipients.
“Nursing school is hard and expensive,” she wrote in her thank you letter. “Knowing the expenses that come with nursing school, I started to worry about how to pay for it all.
“I sincerely thank you for your generosity and support in assisting me to advance my education because of these donations,” she wrote. “You are unquestionably big helpers to Black Hawk College students.”
Scholarship recipient Tyler Kline of Colona, an Emergency Medical Services student, has volunteered with two rural fire departments in addition to working full time for an ambulance service.
“Since I was a little kid, I have always been attracted to public services,” he said.
Receiving the Prairieland Hospice Foundation Scholarship is helping him pursue his dream of becoming a paramedic.
“My major is EMS. I chose it because I love helping people and I want to continue in a family tradition of public services,” he said.
Zenaida Landeros, executive director of the Black Hawk College Foundation, said the generosity of the Prairieland Hospice Foundation provides vital support to students who are training to become the skilled and compassionate caregivers the community needs.
“We are deeply grateful to Prairieland Hospice Foundation of Galesburg for investing in our nursing and EMS students,” she said. “Because of Prairieland’s help, these students can focus fully on their education and future careers in health care.”
Social Security
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) voted to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which expands Social Security benefits to workers, spouses, and others with eligible pensions. Sorensen is a vocal supporter of this legislation.
“Social Security is a sacred promise to more than 100,000 of my neighbors in Central and Northwestern Illinois who benefit from this important program,” said Sorensen. “Our communities have worked for decades to get these benefits, and it is long past time we expand access to Social Security and put more money into the pockets of those who have earned it. I am proud to have helped pass this bipartisan bill through the House to show the people we serve that we respect their labor and hard work. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill and get it to the president’s desk for his signature.”
The Social Security Fairness Act:
Repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for those who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government.
Eliminates the government pension offset (GPO), which can reduce Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions.
Eliminates the windfall elimination provision, which can reduce Social Security benefits for those who receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes.
The Social Security Fairness Act overwhelmingly passed the house by a vote of 327 to 75. The bill will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
WIU
Western Illinois University is introducing a new minor in Applied Artificial Intelligence beginning in the Fall 2025 semester at the Macomb campus.
Students will be able to take an introductory computer science course with programming and follow it with a variety of courses to increase exposure and background in Artificial Intelligence.
The curriculum will introduce two new courses at WIU: Artificial Intelligence Exploration (CS 217) and Deep Learning with Applications (CS 463).
"We are excited about offering this new Applied Artificial Intelligence minor as it provides students an opportunity to learn about a rapidly growing technology they are likely to encounter in the workforce,” Dennis DeVolder, Director of the WIU School of Computer Sciences, said. "Students entering their career paths with this skill set will have an advantage over those who do not have these skills.”
To learn more about WIU’s Computer Science program, visit wiu.edu/computerscience.
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