Rock Island Today

Saturday was a busy day across the district, from Galesburg to Kewanee and Knoxville.

The day began with cooking hotdogs and hamburgers at the NAACP Galesburg backpacks in the park event at Kiwanis Park. The event featured many local community groups, including CASA, GYA, GHAS, BNSF, Galesburg Fire Department, Galesburg Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Department, a local barber, and others. Culver’s provided ice cream and yogurt. Horseback rides were available, and a local barber offered haircuts.

Following this event was Drew Haverback's Court of Honor. Although it is unusual to travel outside the district for such events, this occasion was special. Drew is the son of CSM (Ret USA) Bob and Kollette Haverback, who I served with for over 20 years. Drew repaired picnic tables, cut brush and trees, and started building a new pavilion at the Izaak Walton League Skeet range in Kewanee. He will soon be entering the military and will be promoted to E-3/PFC due to his Eagle Scout rank. "Congratulations Drew and Family."

The final stop was in Knoxville for the Throwdown: a Western Illinois Showdown. This significant event saw many local county fair champion beef, pig, goat or sheep winners participate in a judging contest at the Knox County fairground. The event attracted numerous participants with well-mannered animals and a large crowd. "You can see in the pictures how large the animals are and how well-mannered too." The cattle were seen lying next to trailers while families cooked out or enjoyed beverages.

"Congratulations to all the exhibitors," as well as "to the group who made this all possible for the young people" and "to the sponsors."