Rock Island Today

State Senator Neil Anderson and State Representative Travis Weaver, alongside other state and community leaders, are set to commemorate the completion of the Bishop Hill Fence Project. The event will take place on Monday, December 2, at the Colony School in Bishop Hill.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin with the school opening at 12:30 p.m., followed by a ribbon-cutting event at 1 p.m. Several stakeholders, including Rep. Weaver, will deliver remarks during the occasion.

The project was a collaborative effort involving a public-private partnership between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center (IDOC), Rotary Community Corps, and the Rotary Club of Galva. Over 50 inmates participated in creating materials and installing fencing around the park located in the village center.

Hosted by the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association, the Park Fence Reception will offer light refreshments for attendees.

Rep. Weaver expressed his admiration for the community's dedication: “The Bishop Hill community has gone above and beyond to advocate for their beloved properties.” He added that he hopes to see continued partnerships among IDNR and IDOC.

State Senator Neil Anderson commented on the significance of such collaborations: “Partnerships like these are vital to villages like Bishop Hill,” highlighting their role in preserving local history.

Joella Krause, a preservation advocate and descendant of original colonists, noted the personal connection many have with this project: “Originally, there was a ravine in the Park where our ancestors lived, died, and were born... This collaborative project has restored the fence back to a respectable beauty.”

For more information about Rep. Travis Weaver's work or to contact his office, visit repweaver.com or call (309) 204-6514.