Local Students Receive Scholarships Totaling More Than $90,000 from the Community Foundation

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri has awarded $91,400 in scholarships and recognition awards to 30 area students and one local educator pursuing higher education and excellence in the classroom.

The scholarships, most of which are from permanently endowed funds, will support recipients as they attend accredited post-secondary institutions during the 2025-2026 academic year. Each scholarship is guided by the unique legacy or interests of the donor who established it.

“Each of these scholarships tells a story, but the common thread is an investment into the future,” said Catherine Meckes, CEO of the Community Foundation. “Whether the scholarship fund was established to honor a loved one, encourage local young people, or celebrate a milestone, each award carries forth that story. Our donors believe in education, and they believe in the young people of our communities. We’re proud to help their legacies live on through these awards.”

This year’s scholarships and their respective recipients include:

• Abby Chamberlain, a graduate of Pikeland CUSD #10 High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Chamberlain will attend John Wood Community College and will study ag business management.
• Anna Venvertloh, a graduate of Quincy High School, received the Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship. Venvertloh will attend the University of Notre Dame and study in the fields of science and math.
• Aubrey Trowbridge, a graduate of Quincy High School, received the F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship. Trowbridge will attend Illinois State University to study education.
• Augustine Mahsman received her fourth-year renewal from the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund.
• Austin Garnett, a student of Quincy University, received the Amelia E. Bauner, Frances A. Hall, and Walter J. Hall Scholarship. Garnett will continue to study education.
• Benjamin Kaylor, a graduate of Canton High School, received the Ben C. & Etta Plank Memorial Scholarship. Kaylor will attend State Technical College of Missouri and will study agriculture.
• Braxton Forshey, a graduate of Pikeland CUSD #10 High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Forshey will attend Illinois State University to study Agriculture Education.
• Brayden Hill, a graduate of Hannibal High School, received the Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship. Braydon Hill is a graduate of Hannibal High School. Hill will attend Missouri Science and Technology to study geophysics and geological engineering.
• Carter Jones, a graduate of Pleasant Hill CUSD #3 High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Jones will attend Lake Land College to study agriculture technology.
• Dennis Hedges, a graduate of Highland High School, received the Ben C. and Etta M. Plank Scholarship. Hedges will attend the Moberly Area Community College and study agriculture.
• Dorothy Renae Billups, a graduate of Palmyra High School, received the Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship. Billups will attend Columbia College to study business management.
• Emmalee Drebes received her third-year renewal from the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund.
• Flint Kirk, a graduate of Griggsville-Perry High School, received the Robert L. Adams Memorial Education Scholarship. Kirk will attend Ozark Technical College to study electrical distribution systems.
• Grace Fessenden received her second-year renewal from the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund.
• Hannah Hodges, a graduate of Western CUSD #12 High School, received the Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship. Hodges will attend Black Hills State University.
• Kayla Maguire received a second-year renewal award from the F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship Fund. Maguire attends Quincy University and studies education.
• Keyarri Holder, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund. Holder will attend Drake University and will study acting and K-6 Education.
• Lane Lipcaman, a graduate of Griggsville-Perry High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Lipcaman will attend Iowa State University to study agriculture.
• Logan Fencik, a graduate of Griggsville-Perry High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Fencik will attend Iowa State University to study agronomy.
• Lydia Fisher received a second-year scholarship from the F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship Fund.
• Lynton Bock, a graduate of Palmyra High School, received the Alton A. Vannice FF Leadership Scholarship. Bock will attend the University of Missouri to study agriculture education and agriculture business.
• Macy Behrens, a graduate of Hannibal High School, received the Clifford H. Ahrens Scholarship Fund. Behrens will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to study law.
• Madison Burse, a graduate of Pleasant Hill High School, received the Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship Fund. Burse will attend Culver-Stockton College to study nursing.
• Mallory Blessing, a graduate of Canton High School, received the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund Student Award. Blessing will attend the University of Northern Iowa to study early childhood education.
• Mariah Dunham, a graduate of Pikeland CUSD #10 High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Dunham will attend John Wood Community College to study agriculture.
• Miles Lorton, a graduate of Calhoun District #40 High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Lorton is a graduate of Calhoun District 40 High School and attends Lincoln Land Community College to study agricultural business.
• Olivia Brodbeck, a graduate of Brussels CUSD #42 High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Brodbeck will attend Western Illinois University to study precision agriculture and agronomy.
• Taylor Richie received a renewal from the F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship Fund.
• Wyatt Lipcaman, a graduate of Griggsville-Perry, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Lipcaman attends Iowa State University to study agronomy.
• Wyatt McClintock, a graduate of Pikeland CUSD #10 High School and current student of John Wood Community College studying agriculture science, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship.

Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund – Palmyra High School

In 2012, Alton Vannice’s wife, Joyce, and their family, decided to honor Alton's legacy of agricultural leadership by establishing the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund. The family endowed a scholarship for the further education of Palmyra FFA students who show outstanding leadership qualities and seek to enter agricultural careers. Alton Vannice was a 10th generation farmer who learned the skills of leadership through his experiences in the Palmyra FFA Chapter. Alton's beliefs in his community and in agriculture were expressed as he served on numerous committees and boards throughout his farming career. He gladly served in these capacities and others because he believed in the values expressed in the FFA creed: leadership, respect, the ability to work efficiently and think clearly, and in the promise of better days through better ways.

Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund - Quincy (IL) Senior High School

The Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship at an accredited two-year or four-year institution for a Quincy High School senior intending to pursue a degree in education. Becky Swisher Crowe taught at Quincy Junior High School and Quincy Senior High School. She was killed March 9, 1979 in an automobile accident on her way to work. Her colleagues immediately set up a scholarship in her name. “Becky loved kids and teaching,” said her best friend Karen Bottorff. “Whenever she was around, it was a happier place.” In 2006, the scholarship was transferred to the Community Foundation to ensure Becky’s name and legacy endured.

Ben C. & Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund - Canton High School and Highland High School
Dorothy Plank established the Ben C. and Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund, in honor of her parents, through her trust. The scholarship is for students graduating from Canton High School or Highland High School (Lewis County, Missouri) to help fund college tuition. The endowed fund will continue to provide support for students continuing their education for years to come.

Dorothy Plank was a modest person who did not draw attention to herself. She thought long and hard about what she wanted to do to benefit others. A longtime friend and her attorney both agreed that while living she would not have wanted people to know her estate plans. They also agree that what Miss Plank did serves as an example for others to consider when planning for charitable causes.

Clifford H. Ahrens Scholarship – Hannibal (MO) High School

The Clifford H. Ahrens scholarship was established in memory of the late Honorable Clifford H. Ahrens, who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, serving the citizens of Missouri as a well-respected attorney and judge. The scholarship will annually provide support to a Hannibal High School graduate who intends to study law.

Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship – Pike and Calhoun County (IL) High Schools

With a goal to support future farmers and share their dedication to community, Delford and Portia Richter gifted a 234-acre farm to the Community Foundation in December of 2024 to establish an endowed scholarship fund.

This scholarship will annually provide support to graduates of high schools in Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois, who will study agriculture and related areas at an accredited postsecondary educational or nonprofit technical institution located in Illinois, Missouri, or Iowa.

Dorothy Motley Memorial Scholarship Fund – Barry (IL) High School

The Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship Fund was established as part of Mrs. Motley’s will to assist a Barry High School student attending college. “Mrs. Motley was very quaint and lived quietly,” said Debbie Harshman, owner of The Paper in Barry. “She made (people) feel so special. That quality is priceless...making others feel special.” The scholarship for a graduate of the former Barry, now Western High School, helps with expenses for attending an accredited post-secondary institution.

F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship Fund – Quincy (IL) Senior High School

The F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2021 in honor of Joan’s dedication to education. Joan spent 39 years as an elementary teacher in Wisconsin, Singapore, and Quincy, Illinois.

The scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Quincy Senior High School who intends to pursue a teaching career at an accredited two-year or four-year post-secondary institution, with a preference for elementary education. Based on academic achievement, merit, financial need, and good citizenship, the scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years.

Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund - Hannibal (MO) High School

The Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to a Hannibal High School graduate who will be attending an accredited post-secondary institution for tuition, room and board, fees and/or books, and related expenses.

At its 50th reunion, two members of the Hannibal High School Class of 1955 challenged others to establish a scholarship to give back to the community and school that were so important to them during their formative years. Forty-six members made founding gifts to establish this scholarship fund in 2005.

Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund - Quincy (IL) Senior High School

The scholarship was initiated with a gift from Dr. John E. Sallstrom to commemorate the 50th Reunion of the QHS Class of 1957. “The scholarship fund should help the recipients continue their chosen career paths and motivate them to strive for excellence in their lives,” says Dr. Sallstrom. “If it encourages other individuals and classes to do something similar in the future, the whole community will be enriched.” The Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund provides one or more scholarships to a Quincy High School graduate who will be attending an accredited, four-year post-secondary institution for tuition, room and board, fees, and/or books, and related expenses.

Robert L. Adams Memorial Education Scholarship Fund – Griggsville-Perry High School (IL)

The Robert L. Adams Memorial Education Scholarship Fund was established in memory of dedicated educator Robert Adams. The fund seeks to support graduates of Griggsville-Perry High School who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution to pursue a career in education or a technical trade.

Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund – Palmyra (MO) High School

The Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established with memorials and donations made following Teresa’s death in May 2004. The scholarship assists a Palmyra R-1 High School student attending a post-secondary school. Teresa’s roots were in Palmyra. She had many family and friends there.  She spent her life’s work in radio. Her ability to work and deal with people earned her great respect, according to her employer and friend, Bud Janes, former owner of Bick Broadcasting.

Tom and Judy Zenge Fund - Canton (MO) R-V High School

The student scholarship recipient recommends the selection of the Key Teacher award recipient. The primary consideration is for the teacher who has been most influential in helping the student to achieve academic success. Mrs. Brittany Welker is an art teacher at Canton R-V High School. With the award, Mrs. Welker hopes to buy cameras to improve the quality of supplies for the students involved in Yearbook and Photography.

The Zenges established their fund in 2006 with the Community Foundation to provide annual scholarships and teacher recognition awards at Canton R-V High School. The scholarship provided by the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund encourages the best and brightest young men and women to enter technical careers, whether engineering, research, teaching, manufacturing or other related fields. The teacher award recognizes a teacher who continues to make learning a lifelong passion.

Virginia Kay Leinweber Leeds Scholarship – Pleasant Hill High School

The family of Virginia ‘Ginger’ Leeds established the fund as a tribute to the health care professionals who took care of Ginger when hospitalized. Although Ginger was confined to a wheelchair at age 33, she kept her enthusiasm for life and sense of humor. She returned to college at age 43, where she completed her bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees.

The Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to Pleasant Hill High School graduates interested in pursuing the field of nursing. “Mom loved young people and wanted to see everyone have the opportunity to go to college,” says her daughter, Leah Erke. “I chose the field of nursing as a way to honor all of the nurses who cared for her.”

For a comprehensive list of scholarships and detailed application information, please visit the Community Foundation's official website at www.mycommunityfoundation.org/scholarships.

The Community Foundation is committed to supporting the educational aspirations of students in our region. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of these opportunities to further their education and contribute positively to their communities.

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The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri is an endowment builder, community connector, and grant maker. Together with its donors, the Community Foundation improves the quality of life in the communities it serves by growing permanent charitable resources and fostering collaborative philanthropy.

Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has distributed more than $20 million in grants from 250 funds to advance arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services. For more information, call 217-222-1237, email info@mycommunityfoundation.org or go to mycommunityfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/mycommunityfoundation.

Grain Bin Rescue – Marietta IL

Marietta, IL
At 12:01 pm on Wednesday July 24, 2025, the Macomb Fire Department was requested for
mutual aid from the Smithfield Fire Department for a grain bin rescue located at 1530 E Hart Rd in Marietta Il. Members of the Macomb Fire Department along with members of the Macomb Fire  Technical Rescue Team responded to the incident. Enroute, command requested additional Technical Rescue Teams from Canton and Quincy. The first arriving unit arrived on-scene at 12:23 and completed an initial assessment. They found the victim submerged in corn up to his chin, with the first responders removing corn through the bin door. Incident command immediately ordered a relief cut to the opposite side of the bin until the Technical Rescue Team arrived. Once enough grain had been removed, access through the door was made to the patient; t this point it was determined that the patient was conscious and alert. Technical Rescue  members from Macomb and Canton arrived on scene at approximately 12:32 and performed another relief cut and assisted with the interior operations. The patient was rescued from the bin and transferred to LifeFlight at approximately 12:57.
Thank you to all departments involved in the incident during the extreme heat incident.
Please remember these Grain Bin Safety Tips:
? Never go in alone – Always have someone outside the bin.
? Shut off equipment – Turn off augers before entry.
? Use a safety harness – Wear a lifeline tied off outside.
? Test the air – Check for toxic gases or low oxygen.
? Avoid walking on crusted grain – It may collapse under you.
? Watch for flowing grain – It can pull you under in seconds.
? Post warning signs – Keep others alert and informed.
? Stay trained – Know the risks and emergency steps.
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ENHANCING ACCESS TO NUTRITIONAL OPTIONS

24-7 VENDING NOW AVAILABLE AT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Carthage, IL – Through the support of Employee Wellness funding, Memorial Hospital's
Courtyard Café has implemented a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week vending machine to better serve the nutritional needs of staff, patients, and visitors at any time, day or night.
Conveniently located inside the Courtyard Café near the hospita's main lobby, this new vending option provides quick, health-conscious snacks and meals outside of traditional Café hours. The machine is stocked with a variety of nutrient-dense options, including fresh fruit, sandwiches, salads, protein bites, cottage cheese, and balanced snack packs. These items are designed to promote wellness and sustained energy for those working late nights, staying with loved ones, or visiting after hours.
"Our team is proud to offer this new amenity for everyone who walks through our doors," said Brad Culpepper, Director of Hospitality."We know that access to fresh, nourishing food can make all the difference for families supporting patients, or staff working long shifts at all hours of the day or night. This is just another way we're living out our commitment to health, hospitality, and caring for our community."
Looking ahead, the Courtyard Café plans to expand its vending options to include homemade dessert items and convenient heat-and-eat meals, providing even more healthy choices around the clock.
For more information about Memorial Hospital's Courtyard Café and other services, please visit MHTLC.ORG.

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MEMORIAL MEDSPA INTRODUCES NEW PRIVATE ENTRANCE

Carthage, IL –  Memorial MedSpa is excited to announce the opening of a new, dedicated entrance for its clients at 630 Locust Street, Suite 2, in Carthage, Illinois. While the address remains the same, clients will now enjoy a more personalized and seamless arrival experience.

Previously sharing an entrance with Memorial Medical Clinic Obstetrics & Gynecology, Memorial MedSpa now welcomes guests through its own separate entrance—reflecting the MedSpa’s commitment to creating a tranquil, focused environment centered on confidence, care, and customized beauty & wellness treatments.

“This change allows us to better serve our clients with a more private, spa-like entry experience,” said Valerie Bostic, Director of Memorial MedSpa. “Our commitment to empowering individuals through regenerative and aesthetic medicine remains at the heart of everything we do, and this entrance marks an important step forward in delivering that elevated experience.”

Memorial MedSpa offers a range of state-of-the-art services including luxury facials and skincare, wrinkle reduction, hormone replacement therapy, and weight loss programs. With expert staff in medical aesthetics and women’s health, Memorial MedSpa remains a trusted provider for individuals seeking to feel confident, strong, and radiant.

The new entrance is located at 630 Locust St., Suite 2, Carthage, IL. As you approach from the parking lot, simply follow the sidewalk and turn right to enter through our new Memorial MedSpa entrance. Please call 217-357-6560 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation. You can learn more at www.memorialmedspa.com.

Visit us at our new entrance and experience the same trusted care—with even more comfort and convenience.

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2nd Annual  WEST POINT  Show  in the Shade   July 26  from  10 am - 3 pm 

University off Illinois Kirstin Huls- speaks with the success of  

Hancock County 4 H Fair for 2025 and this weeks Adams County Fair!

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL EARNS TOP HONOR FOR STROKE CARE EXCELLENCE

Carthage, IL – Memorial Hospital was recently honored with an award from the American Heart Association, recognizing its designation as an Emergent Stroke Ready hospital. Memorial earned the Get With The Guidelines Rural Stroke Gold award for providing quality stroke care across all its hospitals. 

This national award is presented to hospitals that report their performance metrics to the American Heart Association. Memorial Hospital’s commitment to using the most current evidence-based treatment guidelines through the Get with the Guidelines program has significantly contributed to improving patient care and outcomes in the community.

Memorial Hospital is recognized as an Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This certification reflects the hospital’s commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through prompt intervention for stroke patients. To achieve this certification, Memorial Hospital meets rigorous standards, including a dedicated stroke-focused program, trained medical professionals specializing in stroke care, and personalized care tailored to the needs of stroke patients.

As a certified Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital, Memorial Hospital is fully equipped and prepared to deliver high-quality care to patients experiencing a stroke. Strokes demand immediate and specialized care, and having an Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital in the area provides medical support that can save lives and minimize the long-term impact of strokes. 

Additionally, this certification provides the community with a sense of security and confidence, knowing that the hospital is prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis, which in turn leads to improved recovery rates and outcomes for stroke patients.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL LABORATORY RECEIVES ACCREDITATION 

FROM COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS 

Carthage, IL – The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to Memorial Hospital Laboratory, Carthage, Illinois, based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs. Recognized for rigorous and robust standards, CAP accreditation elevates quality and mitigates risk, an important way that laboratories can contribute to improved patient outcomes. 

The facility’s director, Dr. Katherine Kasper, was advised of this global recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. Memorial Hospital Laboratory is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.  

“This accreditation affirms our commitment to the highest standards in laboratory medicine,” said Dr. Kasper.  

Ada Bair, Memorial Hospital CEO, said: “We are proud of our lab team and their dedication to safe, quality care. This achievement reflects our mission to continuously raise the bar for patient service.”

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During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control procedures. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management. These reviews help verify activities and reflect the most recent best practices. 

With over 23,000 laboratory participants, CAP partners with laboratories worldwide to elevate the quality of laboratory medicine with best-in-class solutions designed to drive operational excellence, achieve diagnostic confidence, and ensure the best patient care. 

About the College of American Pathologists 

As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, CAP serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit CAP.org. 

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Pictured: (Left to Right): Elly Krieg, Phlebotomist, Christina Meek, MT(ASCP), and Shabbir Quereshi, MLS(ASCP)cm at Memorial Hospital Laboratory. 

Reflections of Early Life  and the Culture of Hancock County presented by Illinois Historian John Hallwas 

This program, by well-known Illinois historian John Hallwas, will provide

insights about, and appreciation for, life in early Hancock County--and it

will focus on some local poets who reflected the issues and struggles of

nineteenth-century residents. Three authors who produced some poems that

are still interesting for us today will be emphasized: Thomas Gregg, the

early newspaperman and historian who resided in Carthage, Warsaw, Plymouth,

and Hamilton; Eliza Snow, a noted Mormon woman who lived at Nauvoo during

the turbulent years of local conflict and then participated in the exodus

to Utah; and John Hay, the famous Secretary of State and Lincoln biographer

who had been raised in Warsaw, and whose ballads about rural folks became

nationally famous.

Hallwas has written thirty books, several plays, and hundreds of articles

about Illinois history and literature--including a biography of Thomas

Gregg and articles about Eliza Snow and John Hay. Retired from Western

Illinois University, he lives in Macomb and has interacted with a variety

of western Illinois historians over the past fifty years, including several

from Hancock County.

*Reflections on Early Life and Culture in Hancock County by Some Local

Poets***

*July 19, 2025*

*Carthage Community Center*

*301 E. Main*

*7:00 P.M.*

This program is a grant sponsored by the Two Rivers Arts Council

The American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit- Weekdays until July 17th at the Hancock County Courthouse

View the Exhibit now til July 17th    M-F 8 am to 4 pm    

This is a once in a lfetme display  brought to you by a collboration between Daughters of American Revolution and American Battlefield Trust

BBB Don Obrien 2nd level Scam- Have you received a text stating you have a traffic ticket or a toll?   Department of Transportation will never text you requesting   payment. 

Sandburg among first community colleges in country to be part of Common App platform

GALESBURG — Through a pilot partnership with the Illinois Community College Board, Sandburg is one of the first community colleges in the country where students can apply through the Common App, a platform that streamlines the college application process while providing resources and guidance to make college more accessible for students. 

This is the first targeted effort by Common App to include colleges such as Sandburg that offer primarily associate-level degrees. The partnership is part of Common App’s Next Chapter, which aims to increase access by closing the gap in low- and middle-income students applying through Common App.

Sandburg was joined by fellow Illinois institutions Sauk Valley Community College, Rend Lake College and Black Hawk College in the initial cohort for the 2024-25 application season. That group will expand to include three more Illinois community colleges — Lincoln Land Community College, Oakton College and Triton College — for 2025-26.

“Illinois community colleges have long served as accessible and affordable entry points into higher education,” Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham said. “By joining Common App, these colleges are strengthening their commitment to access, opening new doors for students and making the pathway to higher education even more seamless and attainable.”

Prospective students can continue to apply directly to Sandburg at sandburg.edu/apply, but the collaboration with Common App means that students who use that platform can apply to multiple colleges — including Sandburg — at once.

“Being part of this initial community college cohort with Common App is a huge opportunity for Sandburg because it allows us to cast a much wider net for students who may enroll here,” said Gabi Hurtado, director of recruitment at Sandburg. “Having Sandburg as part of the Common App can help put us on the radar for students who either may not have realized it was a possibility for them or didn’t consider it as one of their first options.”

Each year, more than one million students apply to college through the Common App’s online application. Founded in 1975, Common App serves over 1,100 member colleges and universities worldwide. In 2023, the organization launched its Next Chapter with the goal of closing its equity gap in low- and middle-income students applying to college by 2030.

“To close the gap in low- and middle-income students applying, we need to expand the types of institutions students can connect with,” said Jenny Rickard, president & CEO of Common App. “Community colleges are critical to helping students, especially those from low- and middle-income communities, pursue their postsecondary dreams. We are excited both to help our members expand their reach and to provide our applicants even more opportunities to explore.”

To learn more about Sandburg’s partnership with Common App, contact our Welcome Center at 309.345.3500 or welcomecenter@sandburg.edu.

COLLEEN WILDRICK NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
HANCOCK COUNTY SENIOR & CHILDCARE SERVICES

Carthage, IL – Hancock County Senior &;Childcare Services (HCSCS) is pleased to announce the selection of Colleen Wildrick as its new Executive Director. Wildrick brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community service to her new role. She most recently served as Director of Development for Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Her connection to HCSCS is especially meaningful, as she began her career in healthcare as a Universal Worker at Hancock Village, where her passin for caring for seniors was sparked. “I am truly excited to return to an organization that has played such an important role early in my career,” said Wildrick. “I look forward to working with this dedicated team to ensure that we continue to provide compassionate, high-quality care to those we serve.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Wildrick serves as President of the Kiwanis Club in Carthage and is also involved with Food for Thoughts Hancock County.
HCSCS encompasses Hickory Grove, a supportive living facility; Maple Grove, a specialized
memory care facility; and Willow Grove, a childcare  and learning center. Wildrick’s leadership will support these vital programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors, children, and families throughout Hancock County.
HCSCS extends a warm welcome to Wildrick as she steps into her leadership role. Her
experience, vision, and deep ties to the community will help guide the organization’s mission of caring for Hancock County’s seniors and children for years to come.
For more information about HCSCS, please visit hancockvillage.org.

July 12th 7 am to 9 am come meet the Kiwanis Club and find out more information on how YOU can help out the community! 

Laney Sullivan and Nolan Murphy with the 4 H Federation- on why YOU should join 4H and the Federation to be a mentor  Come to the 4 H Fair  July 7- 10 

Laney Sullivan and Nolan Murphy with the 4 H Federation- on why YOU should join 4H and the Federation to be a mentor  Come to the 4 H Fair  July 7- 10 

4H Food Drive need your HELP!!!! Bring  can items to the 4 H Fair July 7- 10th 

Carthage Public Library   Amy Gee and DeAnne Dawdy with July   updates including how the  new library build is progressing 

4H Federation Members Olivia  Rose and Emily Wilhelm with what you can expect at the 4H Fair July 7-10 When the rabbit Show and Clover Buds  judging begins

4 H Federation Members Olivia Johnson and Audrey Sullivan invite everyone to Tuesday July 8th as it is FAMIY NIGHT  and the OLYMPICS  GAMES!!!

Hancock County Farm Bureau  Intern-   Sarah Riggins  on all the  HCFB Events 

Nauvoo Tourism Director Rebecca Williamson  invites everyone to fireworks July 3rd, the Pageant  starting on  July 9th and reminding everyone on the Nauvoo Grape Festival 

BBB Don Obrien  explains how scammers can capture a voice in 3 seconds and use it  for you to believe there is an emergency with a love one