Russell Ruey from  J B D Siding is in the Studio- It is not too late for those Fall Projects or to Schedule Spring Projects Now

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 27, 2026

MAYOR:
Pledge of Allegiance Approve Regular Minutes Oct. 13, 2026
Roll Call TIF Application – Lilly’s
Public Comments W&S Pay Request - SCGP

CLERK:
Caucus Resolution
TREASURER:
CITY ATTORNEY:
Land on end of Wabash
201 S. Scofield - Hundley Property 160 Prairie – Charlie Mustread
724 Walnut – Xavier Hutchcroft 130 S. Marion – Sebastian Jemison
Beer Garden Ordinance
PUBLIC SAFETY:
Report on Fire Dept. Report on Police Report on Civil Defense

PUBLIC PROPERTY:
Tree City Report Landfill Report AEC Agreement
Public Properties Update Land Bank – International Property Maintenance Code
Asbestos Abatement Snow Removal Bids
FINANCE:
Tax Levy Ordinance
PUBLIC WORKS:
Building Permit report CFL Loan Program – Dearwester
New Deep Well Salt Bids
D&L Pay Request
LEGISLATIVE:
Code Book Update Code Book Changes
Code Book Section 4-1-6: Fees
EXECUTIVE SESSION:

NO RECYCLING

There will be NO RECYCLING at the Hancock County Highway Department this Friday, October 30, 2026. 

Lets talk Insurance with Mealiff Insurance- how often you should review your policy

What's up Doc? with Dr Tom Grant   with simple steps bringing healthy living back to the kitchen table

Road Closure  - 1600 East County Road

Friday, October 23, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m.

1600 East County Road between 1800 North and 1900 North, for a crossroad culvert replacement.

Road closure- 1800 North (Ferris Road)

1800 North (Ferris Road), between 1800 east and 1900 east (IL 94) will be closed to traffic after lunch today October 22nd 2026 for an extended amount of time for paving

Macomb ANNOUNCES GUIDANCE FOR TRICK OR TREATING

MACOMB, IL – The City of Macomb announced today that Friday October 30, and Saturday October 31 have been designated as the dates for City-wide door-to-door Trick or Treating. The hours have been set for 6:00PM to 8:30PM, both evenings.
Residents wishing to participate should have their exterior light on, which will not only indicate their willingness to greet and treat “ghouls and goblins” but provide an added measure of safety as well. Trick or treating activity should be limited to ages (12) and under. 
Parents are asked to accompany youngsters to ensure safety when crossing streets and encourage them to wear reflective clothing if possible. Motorists are encouraged to be extra vigilant as many neighborhoods will be filled with pedestrians focusing on treats.

Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Opens Nominations for 2026 Annual Awards

MACOMB, Ill. — The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2026 Annual Awards, recognizing the businesses, organizations, and individuals making a positive impact in the Macomb area.

Each year, the Chamber recognizes outstanding contributions through three awards: Business of the Year, Service Organization/Non-Profit of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. The Chamber Board of Directors will review nominations and select recipients.

Anyone may submit a nomination. Nominees should be recognized for their contributions to the Macomb area community in 2026.

The award categories recognize the following:

• Business of the Year: A Chamber-member business in the Macomb area that demonstrates qualities such as growth, innovation, excellent customer service, employee development, or community involvement.

• Service Organization/Non-Profit of the Year: A Chamber-member organization that makes a meaningful community impact through innovative or exemplary services and a positive environment for staff or volunteers.

• Citizen of the Year: An individual who demonstrates professional excellence, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Nominees must meet the eligibility requirements for their respective categories. Self-nominations are not permitted. Previous award winners are generally ineligible for three years.

Written nominations should be emailed to steven@macombareachamber.com no later than November 27, 2026. Those submitting nominations in multiple categories must send a separate email for each award.

The Chamber encourages community members to take this opportunity to recognize those whose work, service, and dedication help make the Macomb area a stronger place to live and work.

For more information about the awards or nomination eligibility, contact Steven Brody, Executive Director of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, at steven@macombareachamber.com.

Nauvoo   German Fest  October 23rd and Pumpkin  Walk October 24th  Haunted  Ghost Tours October  31st! Nauvoo is the place  to celebrate all things October 

The Carthage  Lions Club presented a group of 4 H Members a check of $10,000.  during a recent meeting.  

Hancock County Health Department  on the Morning Brew- October is Breast Cancer Awareness month 

Katrina Morrison’s ‘Politics of Intention’ at Sandburg through Dec. 8

GALESBURG — The latest art show at Sandburg features works by award-winning local artist Katrina Morrison.

Morrison’s “Politics of Intention” is up in the Sandburg art gallery on the Galesburg campus through Dec. 8, and an opening reception will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 23. The reception is free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Morrison lives in Bishop Hill, where she teaches classes, shows and sells her art in her studio, Garden Thyme. A 1993 graduate of Bradley University, Morrison formed the Aledo Art Guild in 2000 and was an artist for the Quad City Arts’ metro arts program from 2002-03.

More recently, Morrison had a solo exhibition earlier this year in the Second Avenue Gallery at the Quad City Arts. She had two paintings, “Florence Italy” and “Chianti Region in Tuscany,” chosen for the 64ARTS national exhibition in 2025, with “Chianti Region in Tuscany” winning first place for Works on Paper. Also in 2025, Morrison’s “Tenuta di Sticciano” received first place in the Hot Ciao XII members show for the Contemporary Arts Center of Peoria. 

“I work in printmaking and mixed media painting, using black-and-white linocuts to tell an ongoing story of my life and my relationship to Mother Earth,” Morrison said. “These images are myself in different stages of my life. I use symbols, spirals and flowers to introduce other important females/goddesses.

“In my mixed media paintings, I draw and paint layers of texture and color to create memories of where I travel and what I experience. I use a mix of dry drawing mediums, thin glazes, thick layers of acrylic paint and details in oil sticks.  I finish with a luminous, natural, cold wax varnish. Much of this series of work is me trying to put into visual documentation my trip to Italy last year and France this spring. Dealing with the death of my parents, I went to Europe, finding freedom to create artwork that I love.”

Learn more about Morrison at her website, katrinamorrisonart.com. 

Carthage Park District Announces Ribbon Cutting for Carthage Lake Trail

The Carthage Park District invites the public to celebrate the official opening of the Carthage Lake Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, October 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Carthage Lake Trail.

This new trail offers residents and visitors a scenic route around Carthage Lake, connecting the community with nature and providing opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The ribbon cutting marks the completion of a project designed to enhance outdoor access and promote healthy, family?friendly activities.

Event Highlights

• A self?guided trail walk along the new path

• An interactive scavenger hunt for all ages

• A photo contest on social media

• A cozy campfire with s’mores

• Prizes for participation in activities

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring family and friends, explore the trail, and join in celebrating this exciting addition to Carthage’s park system.  Find more information at https://www.facebook.com/events/1085946694420331 or at www.carthageparkdistrict.org/carthage-lake-trail

About the Carthage Park District

The Carthage Park District is dedicated to providing quality recreational spaces and programs that enrich the lives of residents and visitors. Through community partnerships and ongoing development, the District continues to expand opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and environmental stewardship.

Join us outdoors and be part of this milestone for our community!

Kirstin Huls with the Illinois Extension Office on 4 H updates for October 

Kansas Lead Singer Ronnie Platt is in the Studio with Josh Dickman talking about October 23rd Concert  at Rhythm City Casino

Whats up Doc?  With Dr. Tom Grant

 Cancer Survior Becky Carle from Miss Fit Studios on the 6th annual Haunted Hustle    October 24th in Hamilton  with donations going to Hancock County Fights Cancer and HUGS

Richlyn Honer with the Hancock County Farm Bureau with October updates 

West-Central Illinois 4-H members earn top honors at state shooting sports competitions

Youth from Adams, Brown, Hancock, Pike, and Schuyler County 4-H programs recently demonstrated
their marksmanship skills at the 2026 Illinois 4-H State Shooting Sports competitions, earning a state
championship and several top finishes against competitors from across Illinois.
A total of 167 Illinois 4-H members participated in statewide competitions in archery, rifle, pistol, and
shotgun disciplines. The events provide an opportunity for youth to measure progress toward personal
goals while developing sportsmanship, responsibility, and friendships with fellow 4-H members from
across the state.
West-central Illinois participants found success at the Illinois 4-H State Archery Tournament, held Sept.
19 at Pekin Archers in Pekin.
In the Senior Recurve Division, Grace Glasgow of Brown-Schuyler 4-H captured the state championship,
earning first place overall. Fellow Brown-Schuyler 4-H member Jake Glasgow placed fourth overall in the
Senior Compound Division, while Kirkland Bergman of Pike County 4-H finished fifth overall in the same
division.
Several local youth also represented their counties at the Illinois 4-H State Trap Shooting Competition,
held Sept. 26 at Brittany Shooting Park near Bunker Hill.
Natalie Blackorby of Adams County 4-H earned a top-10 finish, placing seventh overall in the state trap
shooting competition. Other Adams County participants included Cole Liesen, Kinley Lummer, Grady
Norsworthy, and Jacob Liesen. Jared DiPirima represented Hancock County 4-H in the state competition.
Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports helps youth develop confidence, discipline, leadership, and responsibility
through a positive youth development experience centered on safety, personal growth, and goal setting.
Volunteer leaders play a key role in mentoring participants and helping youth build skills both on and off
the range.
These competitions are about much more than scores, said Jennifer Shelts, 4-H Program Coordinator.
Youth spend months practicing, setting goals, learning safe firearm and archery skills, and supporting

one another. We are proud of the accomplishments and sportsmanship demonstrated by all of our
participants.;
For more information about Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports and local 4-H opportunities, visit
extension.illinois.edu/abhps.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois
Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond
Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build
confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science.
Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40%
more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more
likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next
generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
About Extension: University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge,
and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's
land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102
Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s
mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and
agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served
through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and
economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural
resources, environment, and energy.
CONTACT: Jennifer Shelts, Illinois Extension, 4-H Program Coordinator, jshelts@illinois.edu

Rachel Kerns from MTC Communications is on the Morning Brew and talks about the fiber reconnect project and building into the northwest  and  NOW southern parts of Hancock County

Basco  West Point   Denver and Bentley fiber is coming!!!!

Road Closure

Road Closure TODAY October 14th  from 8:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m.  2450 East (Middle Creek Road) between 1300 North and 1220 North, for culvert replacement

Sandburg College-   Now accredited  for Nursing!    Dr. Jodi is in the Studio   with all the college updates and activites for the Community 

Whats up DOC?   With Dr Tom Grant - What did your kids actually eat yesterday?

Update on Illinois Harvest Permit Program and Dyed Diesel

llinois Farm Bureau is providing an update on Governor Pritzker’s October 6 Executive Order regarding the Illinois Harvest Permit Program and the temporary use of off-road dyed diesel on highways and state roads for farming and agricultural purposes through December 31, 2026. While the order provides temporary penalty relief and directs state agencies to pursue additional federal relief, it does not specifically excuse any motor fuel tax liability that may be owed. IFB continues to work with the Illinois Department of Revenue and other stakeholders to better understand the tax implications and remains concerned about how enforcement will be handled after the temporary authorization expires. IFB will continue to monitor developments at both the federal and state levels and will share additional information as it becomes available.

Tentative Road Closure

Tentative Road Closure, 2450 East (Middle Creek Road), from 1500 North (136) to 1350 North, Friday, October 9th.  Between 8:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m

Hancock County 4-H members, volunteers recognized at Achievement Day

CARTHAGE, Ill. – Hancock County 4-H members, volunteers, and supporters were recognized during the
annual Hancock County 4-H Achievement Day program on Oct. 4, celebrating accomplishments from the
2025-2026 4-H year.
The event highlighted outstanding member achievements, volunteer service, record book
accomplishments, and the impact of the Hancock County 4-H Foundation.
Program organizers began the ceremony by recognizing the Hancock County 4-H Foundation and its
ongoing commitment to supporting local youth through scholarships, conference participation, camps,
and other educational opportunities. Several 4-H members shared testimonials about how Foundation
funding enhanced their 4-H experiences and helped them pursue leadership and learning opportunities.
Among the special awards presented, Lily Newton of the Burnside Rising Stars 4-H Club was named
Outstanding Club Treasurer, and Emily Dixon of Burnside Rising Stars was recognized as Outstanding
Club Secretary. These awards honor club officers who demonstrate exceptional recordkeeping,
organization, and leadership through their service to local 4-H clubs.
A special highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of Dave Biery as an Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
recipient. Biery has dedicated many years of service to Hancock County 4-H and currently serves on the
Hancock County Building & Grounds Committee. His continued volunteer leadership and support have
positively impacted generations of local 4-H members.
The ceremony also celebrated 19 Cloverbud members who completed the Cloverbud program and will
transition into traditional 4-H membership during the 2026-2027 program year.
Achievement Day also recognized members who completed outstanding 4-H records. Record books
encourage youth to reflect on project work, document accomplishments, and develop important life
skills such as organization, goal setting, and communication.
Outstanding Cloverbud Record awards were presented to Austin Edmunds and Jensen Jacquot.

Outstanding Livestock Record awards were presented to Nicholas Beeler and Avalee Caron.
Outstanding Permanent Record awards were presented to Lilyana Bliss, Kaleb Mohr, and Zeke Whitaker.
Permanent Records document a member's long-term involvement in 4-H, leadership experiences,
community service, and personal growth throughout their 4-H career.
Project Award winners were recognized for excellence in their project work and applications:
? Animal Science: Abiigail Grove
? Career and Leadership Development: Courtney Lucie
? Civic Engagement: Lilyana Bliss
? Creative and Cultural Arts: Kaleb Mohr
? Environmental Sciences: Avalee Caron
? Gardening, Agriculture, and Food Access: Lilyana Bliss
? Healthy Living: Lauralyn Caron
? STEM: Nicholas Beeler
Experience Awards were also presented to members who participated in activities and events at the
club, county, regional, state, and national levels throughout the year.
Bronze Experience Award recipients were Joey Wilhelm, Ava Shuman, and Brynlei Shuman.
Silver Experience Awards were presented to Lilyana Bliss, Kaleb Mohr, Gabe Whitaker, and Jed
Whitaker.
Zeke Whitaker earned the Gold Experience Award.
The program concluded by recognizing Hancock County 4-H volunteer club leaders for their dedication
to youth development and service to local communities. Honored leaders included Ryan Jacquot, Lauren
Koehler, Elizabeth Dixon, Hannah Whitaker, James Whitaker, Holly Whitaker, Jessie Kohlmorgan, Jeff
Lionberger, Natalie Lionberger, Karen Beeler, Cindy Roskamp, Chris Wollbrink, Stephani Hardy, and
Shelby Bruenger.
"Hancock County 4-H continues to thrive because of the dedication of our members, volunteers,
families, and supporters," said program organizers. "Achievement Day is an opportunity to celebrate
accomplishments from the past year while looking ahead to new opportunities in the year to come."
For more information about Hancock County 4-H, contact the Illinois Extension office at 217-357-2150
or visit extension.illinois.edu/abhps.
About Illinois 4-H:Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois
Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond
Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build
confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science.
Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40%

more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more
likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next
generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
About Extension: University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge,
and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's
land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102
Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s
mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and
agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served
through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and
economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural
resources, environment, and energy.
CONTACT: Madeline Davis, Illinois Extension, Hancock County 4-H Program Coordinator,
mdavis13@illinois.edu

Road Closure

450 East County Road (Middle Creek), between 1500 North (136) and 1350 North will be closed Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m. For a crossroad culvert replacement.

MOON OVER MACOMB THE FALL FESTIVAL RETURNS TO
DOWNTOWN MACOMB OCTOBER 17, 2026

MACOMB, IL- The Office of City Marketing and Downtown Development invites the community to Moon Over Macomb the Fall Festival Saturday, October 17, 2026, with family friendly
activities planned between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. across the downtown area.
This year’s event will feature returning favorites such as the Halloween Costume Parade and Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides, along with fall-themed children’s activities hosted by the Macomb Public Library, Western Illinois Museum, and more!
“Along with our planned family friendly activities, the fall festival continues through the evening with a variety of live entertainment downtown,” said Savannah Ballard, Marketing and Downtown Development Director. “Thanks to the support of our local organizations and downtown businesses, we’re able to offer a festive event for everyone to enjoy,” she added.
For a full list of activities and event details, visit the City of Macomb Community Event
Calendar: https://bit.ly/MOMFF2026

National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution

The Shadrach Bond Chapter of The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution has recently completed a history and lineage of nine soldiers that connect
with present descendants in Hancock County. Il. Names such as Ferris, Johnston, Mack, Dallas, Hunt, Marsh, McReynolds, Williams, Wilson, Gay, Yaw, Hammond, Albers, Harding, White, Worth (Bettisworth), Wedding, Stuckwisch, Murphy, Long,
Squier, Faul, Phillips, Clark, Cheney, Wolfe, Ramsey, McClain, Crain, McCubbin, Riggins, Smith, Mosley, Moore, Junk, Bliss, Perkins, Lamphere, Works, Mumford, Rose and many others. The program will be presented by Joyce Buckert and other members of the chapter. Come learn about the soldiers who are buried in the county and a little about their services and their families. As written by Warren Van Dine in the History of
Hancock County, Illinois, 1968, “they risked life and property, facing British guns on historic fields of that conflict, to hand down to us our heritage of the American way of
life. God grant we may never forget these gallant men and their sacrifices. To recall their breath-taking brushes with death in battle and the hunger and cold they endured year- after-year in army camps bring tears to one’s eye every time these are recounted.” A book will be available for purchase in time for a Christmas present. You may find your family is connected to one of the soldiers.

Carthage Library Grand Opening Celebration

Carthage Public Library District invites the public to join in a grand opening celebration for the new library building at 250 N 1st Street in Carthage. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, and include a flag raising, speeches, and a ribbon cutting. This will be followed by an Open House with tours of the library until 4:00 p.m. The Friends of the Library will serve refreshments in the library’s community room. Groundbreaking for the new building began on April 16, 2025. The library moved into the building during July and has been open to the public since July 30, 2026. Land for the building was donated by Prairieland Investment Group, LLC. Funding for the project was provided by a Public Library Construction Act Grant from the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of the Secretary of State, using state funds; by a bond referendum; and by many generous donations from the public. For more information contact the library at 217-357-3232 or email cartlib@mtcnow.net

Sandburg plants tree in honor of alumnus, fallen Carthage firefighter

 Doug Buckert's father Gene, sister Carla and mother Joyce attended a tree dedication in memory of Buckert at the Carthage campus on Sept. 9on what would have been Buckert’s 51st birthday. Buckert, a Sandburg alumnus and member of the Carthage Fire Department, was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call near Burnside on Oct. 2, 1997.

GALESBURG — Sandburg recently dedicated a tree on its Carthage campus in memory of an alumnus and fallen first responder.

A purple prince flowering crabapple tree was planted in honor of Doug Buckert, a volunteer member of the Carthage Fire Department who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call near Burnside on Oct. 2, 1997. 

Buckert graduated from Sandburg in 1995 with an associate degree, and he earned another degree from Sandburg in 1997 as part of the college’s first mortuary science program graduating class.

Doug's parents, Gene and Joyce Buckert, along with his sister, Carla, were present for the tree dedication ceremony, which took place Sept. 9 on what would have been Buckert’s 51st birthday.

The Buckert family also continues to honor Doug’s memory through a Sandburg Foundation scholarship in his name. The Walter Douglas "Doug" Buckert Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a second- year mortuary science student. The recipient must demonstrate qualities of leadership and civic-mindedness both in their community and the classroom and exemplify the qualities of servant leadership

Sandburg commemorates 60th anniversary by opening time capsule

On the day Sandburg celebrated its 60th anniversary, members of the college community took a trip back in time.

Sandburg faculty, staff, students, alumni and others from the area gathered for a Founders Day celebration Sept. 24 in the Graham Health System Science & Technology Center Atrium. The date marked the 60th anniversary of voters approving the establishment of the college, and the first classes in Sandburg’s history took place just shy of a year later, on Sept. 18, 1967.

The event included a display of Sandburg’s history through each decade, and it featured items from a time capsule sealed in 1976 as part of the college’s 10th anniversary. It was placed in what was then the exterior of building D and is now inside the college’s Public Safety office. The tin capsule was inserted into the brick wall and covered with a block engraved “1976.”

College officials opened the time capsule earlier last week, ahead of the Founders Day celebration. Inside it were letters from then-president Eltis Henson (the first president in Sandburg history), the student trustee at the time and the faculty council chairman in 1976.

Other items in the time capsule included college catalogs from 1975-76 and 1976-77, a photo of the original board of trustees, a program from the 1976 practical nursing graduation and a copy of the college’s newsletter from spring 1975, which featured a story on the groundbreaking of the first permanent buildings on what’s now the Galesburg campus.

Items from the 1976 time capsule are on display in the Sandburg library. The college plans to collect current-era items throughout the course of the year and reseal the time capsule so it can be opened by a future generation.

Sandburg President Dr. Seamus Reilly summarized Henson’s letter, which was produced on a typewriter and includes the salutation “TO WHOMEVER MAY OPEN THIS BOX.”

Henson’s letter noted Sandburg’s initial decade had been trying but rewarding. The college had grown from 300 students to more than 3,000. It had also expanded its district, increased its tax base, earned accreditation and established itself as a reputable place of higher learning in the community.

“The ability of Sandburg College to overcome serious problems and to become highly recognized for quality of education and service of its people can be attributed to the strong and dedicated personnel who have made up the board of trustees, the faculty and the staff,” Henson wrote.

“Fifty years later,” Reilly said, “I can tell you that those words still ring true. A college is not its buildings. It is not its classrooms. It is not even its name on a diploma. A college is its people, and most importantly, it is our students.”

While the college has had numerous physical changes and modes of instruction have evolved, the Sandburg of those many years ago shares several qualities with the one that exists today, and its core mission, Reilly said, remains the same.

“What is most interesting about this letter isn't the numbers,” Reilly said. “It is what he believed those numbers represented. He wrote that Sandburg had a responsibility to play an even greater role in the lives of the people of the district, and he challenged those who would follow to continue improving not only the quality of instruction but the quality of the life of the people Sandburg serves. It's a remarkable message to receive 50 years later, because while the college has changed in countless ways, that fundamental responsibility has not.”

Krista Winters, assistant professor of biology and current faculty representative to the board of trustees, read a letter from the time capsule dated Oct. 29, 1976, and written by Art Williamson, who was chairman of the faculty council.

“It is impossible to predict what changes in education and delivery systems will be made in the next 50 years,” Williamson wrote. “I know there have been tremendous changes in the past seven years that I have been on the faculty. If we are lucky, we will move into the permanent facilities in about a month. I wonder what changes will be made in them by the time you read this.”

“There’s a lot,” Winters quipped.

Theo Salim, the current student representative to the board, shared a letter to the 2026 student body written by 1976-77 student trustee Ron Rabernort.

Rabenort’s letter closed: “Finally, I would like to wish you all the best rewards possible, for an education cannot be simply measured in dollars and cents, but rather it is the inner fulfillment of a lifetime. Peace be with you all.”

Nauvoo Tourism Director Rebecca Williamson- October is is here whats happening in Nauvoo this month including  the Pumpkin Walk and Octoberfest!