E-News Update: Whiteside County visits focus on job growth, healthcare, and food access

February 6, 2026

Medicare 101 in Rock Falls attracts a crowd

State Representative Brad Fritts and I hosted a free Medicare 101 Seminar for local seniors on Tuesday morning, February 3rd at the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce.

The seminar was hosted by an expert from the Illinois Department on Aging's Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), who was able to offer information and guidance about the intricacies of Medicare. This information will assist Medicare recipients in making empowered decisions about their coverage options. Attendees were also able to get their questions answered and talk with others going through the same process.

Fulton, IL Local Officials and Retail Visits

After a great lunch at Krumpets in Fulton with Mayor Shane Malone and 1st Ward Alderwoman Barb Mask, I was so glad to tour several of the great businesses in downtown Fulton.Chelsea Lesniewski opened Homemade Hippie Boutique with great new offerings including boutique consignments from local artisans, permanent jewelry and more. What a welcome addition to Fulton retail!

I also was happy to get time to stop in again to Rooted Boutique to visit with Jackie and Kayla Wilkin. They were one of my first business visits in Fulton and it was fun to visit again. In addition to running a successful destination business, both are active with Fulton Fun Crew, putting together great events for the community and visitors alike! Jackie serves as 4th Ward Alderwoman and they bring great enthusiasm to hometown pride.

Fulton is an outstanding community on the Mississippi River that is worth visiting, and watching, as it continues to grow!

Touring Several Whiteside County Food Pantries

While visiting Whiteside County this week, I was pleased to tour several food pantries which have been partner organizations for my Holiday Diaper Drive for several years.

Morrison Food Pantry:

I was happy to get an opportunity to stop by on Tuesday to catch up and get a tour from Food Pantry Director Leveda Ashlin and several board members and volunteers. The Morrison Food Pantry has expanded in recent years and continues to innovate improvements to better serve their client families in this time of growing need. Monetary donations are always welcome to assist their operations (drop a check by, if you can), as well as gifts of donated meat, eggs, hygiene and personal care items. Small size cleaning products and detergents are always needed.

https://morrisonfoodpantry.org/index#home

Morrison Food Pantry, 200 W Lincolnway, Morrison, IL 61270

Fulton Thomson Food Pantry:

The Fulton Thomson Food Pantry was another stop with Mayor Shane Malone to catch up and get a tour from several longtime volunteers. With a need that is always changing, monetary donations are always welcome to assist their operations (a check can be dropped during pantry hours), as well as gifts of breakfast cereal, donated meat, eggs, and hygiene items. It was great to hear about how the whole town gets involved in supporting the pantry; most recently after a large apartment fire downtown several weeks ago.

Fulton Thomson Food Pantry, 1114 Third St, Fulton, IL 61252

You can learn more about all the pantries supported in our diaper drive at the link below. They need our help and rely on community support and volunteers.

Diaper Pantries Serving the 73rd District - Ryan Spain

Thank you to our hosts

Additional stops in Whiteside County this week included meeting with Morrison Community Hospital about their expansion and the challenges they are meeting in rural healthcare delivery and to speak to an area Women's Club. Thank you to all of our hosts this week!

Happy Birthday President Ronald Reagan, born in Tampico

From the Tampico Historical Society-

The Tampico Area Historical Society and the Birthplace of Ronald Reagan will be hosting a birthday event with tours and cupcakes at both museums in Tampico, IL on Ronald Reagan's birthday, February 6th.

The celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come take a tour of the apartment where the Reagans lived and discover more of Tampico's history.

The first 20 kids to come (with an adult) and take a guided tour of the Birthplace and museum will receive a goodie bag. In addition, any students in grades Kindergarten-5th grade will receive a free Junior Historian Club Membership Card for 2026 in honor of America's 250th.

As America turns 250 years in 2026, we would like to do our part by honoring a native whose legacy led him to Hollywood, a gubernatorial seat in California, and to the White House.

In addition, if you are unfamiliar with Tampico's rich history, please join us that day to learn more about Admiral Joseph Mason Reeves, inventor of modern day football helmet as well as the Father of Carrier Aviation, and John Shaheen, OSS agent who led serious operations during World War II with the likes of catcher Moe Berge and Julia Childs. He is also the brother-in-law of Hugh Downs, who was married to sister Ruth Downs. The Shaheen family owned and operated a grocery store while living in Tampico, IL.

You can find the Tampico Area Historical Society on Facebook, Tik Tok, and at our website.