Around The Burg

Weather

Friday: Sunny. High 59. Low 43. 

Saturday: Sunny. High 69. Low 39.

Sunday: 55 percent chance of rain. High 74. Low 56. 

Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, May 3 Luminaria Decorating in support of the American Cancer Society, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St. Purchase, decorate and dedicate a luminaria in honor of those in your life touched by cancer in support of the American Cancer Society. The luminaria will be lit in remembrance on the evening of the Relay For Life event - June 11 - in Galesburg. Art supplies will be provided, and you are welcome to bring personalized items to use. Join us in the fight against cancer!

Carl Sandburg College

Starting this fall, Sandburg students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution can participate in a new, free weekly program to learn skills and help them transition to their next school.

The Career & Transfer Skilz Seminar is a four-semester series for students expecting to complete their undergraduate degree. It will be the first program of its kind by an Illinois community college.

Designed for students working toward a transferable degree who first enrolled at Sandburg for the current semester or will enroll for the upcoming fall semester, the program will equip participants with the tools to successfully go through the application and final decision processes that are part of transferring from Sandburg.

Sections of the seminar will be offered at 5:30-6 p.m. Tuesdays and 12:20-12:55 p.m. Thursdays.

Features of the program include career exploration through interest assessments and personality assessments; development of study skills and soft skills; and helping students plan out their classes to meet the major and graduation requirements of their targeted four-year schools. 

Current Sandburg students can learn more by contacting their advisor or the Student Development Office. Others can learn more by contacting the Sandburg Welcome Center at 309.345.3500 or welcomecenter@sandburg.edu.

Community Garden

The Salvation Army is starting a community garden this year! They are partnering with Hope Initiative, who has graciously provided them with seeds and plots of land. 

They are looking for partners, like you, and/or your organization, to take on 16’x16’ plots of the garden. Partners will be responsible to provide volunteers to plant, tend, water, and harvest this garden. Each plot will need to set up a leader who will be a point of contact to Nikki Hudson and who will manage the plot and its volunteers. Each plot will require 4-10 volunteers to keep up. 

They will be providing all of the tools, seeds and supplies needed to grow the garden. All they need is YOU!

At the end of the season all of the produce will be dispersed to your community, however, you see fit. As long as it is being given away for free. If wanted, the Salvation Army is happy to help you find ways to disperse any extra produce to local families in need. 

Plots will be starting May 2. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to get signed up.

You can contact the Salvation Army at (309) 342-9168. 

F&M Bank

Over the next few months, F&M Bank will change its name to CBI Bank & Trust.

F&M Bank has been a part of the CBI Bank & Trust family for nearly a quarter of a century. The decision to unify into one name, CBI Bank & Trust, is an important part of their efforts to unify across all of their market areas. They have NOT been sold and you will see very little (if any) change to their products, systems or services. This is simply a name change in order for their entire organization to have one name, one brand.

They will continue to be managed locally with decisions made by the staff you already know and trust. Additionally, their commitment to the local communities they serve will continue to be as strong as ever, both in terms of financial support as well as the involvement and leadership provided by their employees. Their dedication to providing exceptional service and maintaining a great workplace remains the same. 

The transition to their new brand will take place over the next few months and they anticipate it to be completed by the 3rd quarter of 2025. Again, to reiterate, this project will have very little (if any) impact on you and they will continue to communicate any pertinent information.

Galesburg High School

Congratulations Lexi Demott on being named Girls Coach of the Year by IBCA.

Gas

Following the decision by the Trump Administration to grant the request of certain Midwest states to opt out of an E10 RVP waiver, Illinois consumers faced a summer of higher prices and lower supply, had something not been done to address the looming deadline.

Today, the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association issued the following statement of support for Governor Pritzker and the other Midwest Governors who signed the joint letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, asking any emergency E15 RVP waiver also apply to E10:

“The Illinois Fuel and Retail Association thanks Governor Pritzker for his efforts to protect Illinois consumers, especially those in Southern Illinois who would have experienced supply issues and increased prices.” said Nate Harris, CEO and Vice President of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association (IFRA). “Terminals in Norris City, Illinois and Cape Girardeau, Missouri were going to be under intense storage capacity issues dealing with minimum order requirements of this boutique fuel. This request to include E10 in any emergency E15 federal waiver will allow gas stations, fuel distributors, bulk storage facilities and terminal operators the needed time to prepare for a statewide switch from 9.0 psi to 7.8 psi.”

“Inconsistent treatment of E10 and E15 would lead to a boutique fuel market for the Midwest, increasing prices for everyday Illinoisans. IFRA now calls on EPA Administrator Zeldin and President Trump to issue these federal emergency waivers in order to ensure consistent and uniform fuel specifications for both blends are applied nationwide.”

“IFRA members understand and appreciate the importance of Illinois leading the way on biofuels, including ethanol. We are committed to advocating for the continued and expanded use of ethanol in the liquid fuel industry in the state.”

Habitat for Humanity

The new hours for Habitat for Humanity are as follows Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Local Law Enforcement 

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) helped introduce the bipartisan Invest to Protect to support small and midsize police departments with increased federal funding to recruit, train, and retain law enforcement officers. 

“We need to make sure our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to serve our communities have the support they need to do their jobs,” said Congressman Sorensen. “This bipartisan legislation will give local police departments across the country a significant boost in funding to recruit, train, and retain officers during a time when many departments are struggling to fill their ranks.” 

“At a time when law enforcement needs critical funding, the Invest to Protect Act will undeniably help departments across not only Illinois but our entire country bridge budgetary shortfalls in critical areas such as recruitment and training,” said Rock Island County Sheriff Darren Hart. “I applaud Congressman Sorensen for his continued efforts in supporting our men and women in uniform.” 

Congressman Sorensen has met with local police officers throughout Illinois’ 17th district and understands that too many departments are often working on strained budgets and lack the necessary equipment needed to adequately protect our neighborhoods. Just last year, he helped secure $200,000 for local police in Winnebago County to improve mental health and wellness services. He also announced  $750,000 in federal funding to help the Town of Normal hire six law enforcement officers to increase community policing and crime prevention efforts. 

Prairie Players

Step into the enchanted world of Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved musical that intertwines classic fairy tales with a twist. Prairie Players Civic Theatre invites performers of all backgrounds to audition for this magical journey where wishes come true—but not always as expected—on May 4 from 2-4 pm and May 5 from 6-8 pm at Prairie Players Civic Theatre, 160 S. Seminary Street, Galesburg. 

The director of Into the Woods is John Siebken. Bob Fornander is the music director. For auditions, individuals will sing The Star-Spangled Banner and participate in cold readings from the Into the Woods script. Learn more about audition requirements and the rehearsal schedule at prairieplayers.com/intothewoods.html.

Prairie Players welcomes individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds to audition. Please note that ages are flexible and open to interpretation based on casting needs.

Performances of Into the Woods are July 11-13 at the Galesburg Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg Street, Galesburg.

We look forward to seeing you at auditions and bringing this enchanting tale to life together! If you would like to audition but cannot make it to the theatre on May 4 or 5, please reach out to csiebken@prairieplayers.com.

University of Illinois Extension

"Agriculture unites us all" was the resounding message as representatives from University of Illinois Extension, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and nearly 50 diverse agriculture organizations converged on the state Capitol for the 55th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day.

The event, organized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, brought together agricultural stakeholders to advocate for the industry that serves as the backbone of Illinois' economy. The state continues to be a leading producer of soybeans, corn, and swine, as well as numerous specialty crops.

The day featured opening remarks from Governor J.B. Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and Director Costello, with additional comments from Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Doris Turner (D-Springfield) and House Agriculture Committee Minority Spokesperson Charlie Meier (R-109th District).

"We are proud to stand alongside our partners to advocate for policies that support the continued growth and sustainability of this vital industry," said Germán Bollero, dean of the College of ACES. "Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of agriculture, not just to Illinois’ economy, but to the health and well-being of our communities. Our college is committed to advancing research, education, and outreach that empowers future generations of agricultural leaders, from our youth programs to cutting-edge research in sustainable farming practices and beyond."

Hundreds of young leaders from 4-H, FFA, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences participated, highlighting the vital role of youth in agriculture's future.

In a powerful address, Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team Chair Janella Neary shared how the organization has grown dramatically. "The University of Illinois Extension 4-H program reaches nearly 200,000 youth between the ages of five to 18," Neary told lawmakers.

Neary, a freshman at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studying agricultural education in the College of ACES, emphasized how 4-H provides youth with opportunities to explore agriculture, STEM, community service, civic engagement, and leadership development. She highlighted her journey from showing livestock on her family's Centennial Farm to chairing the state's 4-H Youth Leadership Team.

"I would not be the person I am today without 4-H and the guidance given to me by my mentors," Neary said. "As we reflect today on the impact of 4-H and the dedication of our agriculturist partners, let us remember that University of Illinois and Illinois Extension positively impact the families in your legislative districts."

Throughout the day, attendees had opportunities to meet with legislators to discuss University of Illinois’ efforts to support agriculture through research, education, and outreach programs. Key topics included sustaining family farms, expanding agricultural education, increasing access to mental health resources in rural communities, and protecting farmland.

VNA

VNA Community Services is proud to announce that Galesburg will officially become the 53rd city in Illinois to be recognized as a Dementia Friendly Community, joining the nationwide movement known as Dementia Friendly America. This recognition signifies the city’s commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive environment for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

To celebrate this milestone, VNA will host the Dementia Friendly Galesburg Kickoff Celebration on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kensington Ballroom, 311 E Simmons

Street, Galesburg, Illinois.

The evening will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Lauren Brown, nationally recognized dementia advocate and founder of The Alzheimer’s Experience. Dr. Brown will provide insight into how communities can better understand and support those facing cognitive decline, as well as strategies for building systems of care that foster dignity and belonging.

The event will also include a variety of interactive demonstrations, informational activities, and

opportunities to learn about dementia-friendly practices. Light refreshments will be provided.

“This is not just an event—it’s a statement,” said Michael Bennett, Executive Director of VNA

Community Services. “By launching Dementia Friendly Galesburg, we are saying loudly and clearly that people living with dementia deserve more than just care—they deserve understanding, autonomy, and inclusion. We have brought together some of the finest minds our area has to offer to help us move from awareness to action, and we hope this kickoff inspires ongoing collaboration across every sector of our community.”

Through its leadership role in this effort, VNA Community Services has convened healthcare

professionals, nonprofit organizations, city stakeholders, and citizen advocates to create a comprehensive, sustainable approach to dementia inclusion. As a member of the national Dementia Friendly America initiative, Galesburg joins a growing coalition of communities working to make daily life more accessible for individuals with memory loss through training, design, communication, and community engagement.

The May 2 event is free and open to the public. Families, caregivers, business leaders, educators, and all interested community members are encouraged to attend.

Event Details:

Dementia Friendly Galesburg Kickoff Celebration

Date: Friday, May 2, 2025

Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: Kensington Ballroom, 311 E Simmons St, Galesburg, IL

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lauren Brown

Admission: Free and open to the public

For additional information, contact VNA Community Services at (309) 342-1152 or visit

https://volunteernetworkonaging.org/dementia-friendly-galesburg/.