Morrison

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m.
First Gateway Credit Union
200 N. Base Street
MORRISON, IL 61270-3042
United States
Phone:
(815) 499-4918
Email:
mwelding@mchstaff.com
Meet at 1st Gateway Credit Union, 200 N Base St, Morrison, IL every Wednesday except the 3rd Wednesday of the month, when we meet at The Bread Lady, 203 W. Main St, Morrison.
District Site
Venue Map
Home Page Stories
Morrison Rotary helps place solar lights on Veterans graves
On November 7, 2026, Members of the Morrison Rotary Club were honored to be part of the Grove Hill Cemetery lighting project funded by Vets for Vets and Home Depot. Over 1,100 solar lights were placed on veterans graves by our team plus many others. Nate had the privilege of placing a light on his grandpa's grave. Would you agree the end result is just stunning! What an honor to recognize our Morrison Vets who served our country!
Pictured (left to right) Mike Gunderson, Nate Jacobs, Dan Vandermyde, Kevin Schisler, Honorary Rotarian Matt Lee, LuEllen Lee and Mick Welding
Welcome New Member Anne West

The Morrison Rotary Club welcomes new member Anne West.  Anne was a graduate of the University of Illinois and while attending school, met her hubby Charles. They have 2 children ages 8 and 4. Her in-laws are Chick and Becky West. Anne has worked in banking over 20 years, all in Clinton. She is Retail Banking Officer at Citizens First Bank. She is planning to spend some time in the new Morrison branch. Citizens First did a Corporate membership which will allow a variety of members from their bank to attend meetings.

Pictured here is President Kevin Schisler, Anne and her sponsor Dr. Brad Yaklich

 

2026 Walk to End Polio

The Morrison Rotary Club was honored to participate in the International Polio Walk at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 24. President Kevin Schisler read the proclamation before we departed on our walk around the Morrison Sports Complex. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Morrison Rotary Roadside Cleanup 10/26

The Morrison Rotary Club had a great turnout on Wednesday, October 7 for our Adopt-A-Highway beautification project. Striving to make our mile of highway 30 a little cleaner was (left to right): Dave Hegwood, Brad Yaklich, Rich Groleau, Go Pack Go John Prange!, Mike Gunderson, Kevin Schisler, Stan Steines, Karl Kovarik, Paul Van Kampen, It's not just a man's world- Colleen Buckwalter and JD Benko. Thank you to all who help make our community a nicer place to live!

Morrison High School September Student of the Month

Morrison Rotary September 2026 Student of the Month

The Morrison High School September 2026 Student of the Month is Joshua McDearmon. Josh is the son of Jason and Hillary McDearmon. He is involved in football and track. He was on the track team that won the State Championship. One of his crowning jewels is that he broke the school record, previously held by his dad, in the hurdles. He also loves to play football! He is also involved in the B.L.I.N.D program at MHS and is on the student council. He is very involved in Emmanuel Church participating in mission trips, youth group plus he is on the tech team at the church. His future plans include a 4 year college most likely majoring in Mechanical Engineering.  

Morrison Rotary welcomes new member Dave Hegwood

The Morrison Rotary Club welcomed new member Dave Hegwood. Dave owns and operates Hegwood PC Repair. He specializes in desktop and laptop repairs, upgrades and data recovery. He also assists customers with malware and spam removal. Dave also uses a 3D printer to make custom made bowls, old toy parts and just about anything he can take a photo of and program on his machine. Dave is a Morrison resident. We are proud to introduce our new Rotarian, Dave Hegwood!

Pictured here (left to right)- Dr. John Tomasino, his sponsor, Dave and Rotary President Kevin Schisler

Rotary Garbage clean up July 2026
Morrison Rotarians gathered together once again to make sure the mile from Dairy Queen to the Veterinary Clinic is free from garbage. Our faithful Trash Troopers pictured left to right are: Paul VanKampen, JD Benko, John Tomasino, Tanner Girard, Mike Gunderson, Stan Steines, Brad Yaklich, Karl Kovarik, Mick Welding and Kevin Schisler (kneeling). A big thank you to John Prange who went out early and gathered a bagful and to honorary member and photographer, GiGi Yaklich.
Passing of the Presidents Torch
Today the Ceremonial Passing of the gavel took place. Presenting a Past-Presidents pin and a commemorative plaque to outgoing President Ellen Smith, was in-coming President Kevin Schisler. Ellen also presented Kevin with a Presidents pin. Ellen was congratulated for a job well done. Kevin noted he would discuss some of his goals for the upcoming year at a later meeting. Congratulations to both Ellen Smith and to Kevin Schisler!
Morrison Rotary presents Bicycle Helmets to 3rd Grade Students
Thanks to the members of the Morrison Rotary club who came to place Rotary stickers on the back of bicycle helmets, next week, 72 Morrison 3rd graders will get a free potentially life-saving helmet.
Pictured here (left to right- Mick Welding, Ellen Smith, Carrie Melton, Karl Kovarik, Nate Jacobs, Kevin Schisler, Rich Groleau and John Prange. Thank you Karl for ordering the helmets and the stickers. These will be given to the kids on May 28 at a bicycle safety assembly at Southside School.
 
Morrison Rotary welcomes April MHS Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary Recognizes MHS Students of the Month   
The Morrison Rotary Club was pleased to recognize our April Morrison High School Students of the Month, Terry Arias and Quinn Blevins
 
Terry Arias
Terry is the daughter of Joe and Amy Arias. She has been involved in band, choir, color guard and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also enjoys the key club and working on projects in surrounding communities for the Sauk Valley Impact program. She loves fictional writing and digital art. She has even begun selling some of her art pieces. IN addition to art, she also has a passion for kids. Her plans are to attend Sauk Valley College, courtesy of Impact hours, and then onto NIU for an elementary ed degree. She will never lose her passion for art and will continue to be a part-time artist.
 
Quinn Blevins
Quinn is the daughter of Hillary and Marshall Blevins and granddaughter of Stephanie Vavra. She loves marching band, concert band, color guard, choir and theater. She was the varsity captain for the past 2 years of the scholastic bowl. She is a Gold Scout award winner in the Girl Scouts. Her hobbies and interests include writing, art, dungeons and dragons, crocheting and theater. Her future plans are to attend Sauk Valley College for two years courtesy of the Impact Program and then go to NIU for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Production and Design.
 
Pictured here (left to right) Morrison Rotary President-Elect Kevin Schisler, Terry Arias, Quinn Blevins and Morrison High School principal, Dr. Dusti Markham.
 
April 8 2026 Road Cleanup Crew
Completing another successful highway beautification project were Morrison Rotarians (from L-R) Kneeling- Brad Yaklich, Standing- Paul Van Kampen, Dan Vandermyde, JD Benko, John Prange, Mike Gunderson, Rich Groleau, Ted Volckmann, Stan Steines, Kevin Schisler, and Mick Welding. A trove of wonderful items were rescued from the upcoming mowing season. Well done gents!
 
March 2026 Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary Recognizes MHS Students of the Month   
The Morrison Rotary Club was pleased to recognize our March Morrison High School Students of the Month, Brady Anderson and Ethan Lee
 
Brady Anderson
Brady is the son of Nate and Jenny Anderson. He has participated in wrestling, football and track in his high school career. He recently won the state title in the 100-meter run, 4 x 200, 4 x 100 and he got 2nd in the 200-meter run, losing to his teammate Levi Milder by tenths of a second. He was part of the state championship track team. When not running track, he likes to help with community projects, setting up at the county fair and helping coach flag football. He enjoys competing in sports and achieving his goals. Next year he plans to attend UNI in Cedar Falls IA to run track and experience new and exciting things.
 
Ethan Lee
Ethan is the son of Thomas and Lauren Lee. He participated in marching and concert band, pep band, advanced choir, theater, key club and scholastic bowl. He participates in 4-H, the SVCC Impact program and his church youth group. He loves to play piano, and video games and he loves to listen to music while walking around our wonderful city to just clear his head and enjoy nature. His future plans are to attend Sauk Valley Community College and major in Agribusiness.
 
Pictured here (left to right)- Morrison High School principal Dr. Dusti Markham, Ethan Lee, Brady Anderson, Morrison Rotary president Ellen Smith
 
Paul Harris Award winners
The Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition is one of the highest honors in Rotary, awarded to individuals who contribute—or in whose name is contributed—a total of $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation, or for exceptional service to the community. Established in 1957, it honors founder Paul Harris and supports global humanitarian efforts, granting recipients a certificate, pin, and medallions. Two Morrison Rotarians were recently recognized for their support of the Paul Harris Foundation. Luke Vanderbleek was recognized by Foundation Chairman Dave Abele for attaining the Paul Harris + 3 award or $3,000 and Stan Steines received a pin for a Paul Harris +2 award. Congratulations to both of these Rotarians for their ongoing financial support of the Paul Harris Foundation.
 
 
            Dave and Luke Vanderbleek
 
 
          Dave and Stan Steines
 
 
Rotary Club tours Morrison Tech Innovation Center
This week our club was treated to a tour of the Innovation Center at Morrison Tech. Thank you Mike Gunderson for coordinating the visit and for Chris Scott who showed us the 3D printing room, the room for forging metal, woodworking areas and general design and build areas with plasma, water and many other cutting and design features. They also have a showroom of projects made by their students with items for sale. This facility is such an asset to our community! Beautiful work!!
 
February 2026 Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary Club recognizes the MHS February 2026 Students of the Month
 
Sophia Milnes
 
Sophia is the daughter of Mitchell and Leigh Milnes. She is involved in volleyball, student council, key club, prom committee, and B.L.I.N.D. She works at the Duis Center in Sterling, and she also enjoys doing community service with the Sauk Valley College Impact Program. Her hobbies are volleyball, cooking, reading and doing anything involving creativity. She will be playing volleyball at St. Ambrose University while pursuing a nursing career.
 
Harper Buikema
 
Harper is the daughter of Jason and Domini Buikema. She loves playing volleyball and softball for the past 4 years. She is the social media publicity officer for the Student Council. She is honored to be a member of the National Honor Society. She is also a member of the prom committee. In her spare time, she places flags at the cemetery for the American Legion. She also assists with the Custom Pak picnic, and the Morrison Rotary Club has appreciated her help with our annual Harvest Hammer. Harper is also a Sauk Valley College Impact volunteer. Her hobbies include reading, shopping, working, cleaning, organizing, spending time with loved ones and she finds satisfaction of just staying on schedule! Her future plans are to attend Blackhawk College to major in business while pursuing a certification in real estate appraising.
 
Pictured here is Sophia, Morrison High School Principal Dr. Dusti Markham, Harper and Morrison Rotary Club President Ellen Smith
 
 
 
January 2026 Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary Recognizes MHS Students of the Month   
The Morrison Rotary Club was pleased to recognize our January Morrison High School Students of the Month, Allie Anderson and Brayden Rubright
 
Allie Anderson
Allie is the daughter of Dana and Mike Anderson. She is involved in student council, B.L.I.N.D, key club, prom committee and she is a member of the National Honor Society. She also loves to play softball and volleyball. She also volunteers for the Rotary Club Harvest Hammer, the Custom Pak picnic and she loves to do activities with kids from Northside and Southside Schools. Her future plans are to attend Aurora University to play softball and major in education.
 
Brayden Rubright
Brayden is the son of Brianne Rubright. He participates in student council and B.L.I.N.D. He has played football, basketball, and baseball all 4 years of high school. He also attended the Rotary sponsored RYLA camp and was selected to go to Clemson University for an ethics camp. He loves to teach 1st-5th grade kids how to play basketball. He also participates in student council and B.L.I.N.D. In addition to playing sports, he also loves to watch sports, play video games with his friends and listen to music. His future plans are to play basketball in college while majoring in Business Finance and Marketing.
 
2025 Morrison Christmas Parade
A big thank you to Bill Bart from Kunes Auto Group in Morrison to letting us use a new Dodge Ram to display our Rotary Wheel at the annual Morrison Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. Thank you to Rotarian Brad Yaklich for offering to drive the truck. Great publicity!
 
November 2025 MHS Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary Recognizes MHS Students of the Month   
The Morrison Rotary Club was pleased to recognize our November Morrison High School Students of the Month, Alayna Zinke and Noah Robbins
Alayna Zinke
Alayna is the daughter of Ryan and Melissa Zinke. Her school activities include Pom Pons, Student Council, B.L.I.N.D., Prom Committee and she is a member of the National Honor Society. She has assisted with 4-H, Happy Tails drive, Christmas Giving Tree, the Food Pantry, Resthave Family Fun Day and she helps with the Rotary sponsored Harvest Hammer, for which we are very grateful! Her hobbies include Dance, Drawing, Nail Art, Showing Dairy Cows and editing Music for Performances. Her future plans include a 4 year University or College and then ultimately transferring to a Chiropractic College.
Noah Robbins
Noah is the son of Joseph and Amy Robbins. He participated in Varsity football and track 4 years, baseball and Student Council for 3 years, B.L.I.N.D. leader for 2 years and he has been a member of the National Honor Society the past 2 years. His Community activities include assisting with flag football, working at the Custom-Pak picnic 3 years and volunteering with the Sauk Impact program all 4 years of high school. His hobbies are sports, skiing, lifting weights and golfing. His future plans are to either play football at UW- Platteville and major in Forensic Science and minor in Criminal Justice or take advantage of free tuition thru the Impact program at Sauk and then transfer to Western Illinois University with the same major and minor plans.
 
Pictured here are Noah, MHS Principal Dr. Markham, Alayna and Rotary President Ellen Smith
 
Rotary Foundation Impact Story
So last night we were enjoying some libations after our District 6420 Foundation meeting. While chatting about the meeting, a young lady at the bar interrupted and asked about Rotary and the foundation. She works as a consultant for Wahl Clipper, based in Sterling IL. She has been here for 4 weeks working with Wahl in their employee benefits division. Although she lives in Michigan she spends time in many of the Wahl Clipper divisions.
Anyway, after we shared some statistics, impact stories about Rotary International and local projects we have been able to complete with the help of District Grants, she made a $40 donation to our Foundation. I think this is a feel-good story that I wanted to share with District 6420 and Laura. Shown here is a photo of the lady making a cash donation to Karl Kovarik, our Treasurer.
I love when things like this happen!
 
Highway Cleanup October 2025
We had a great turnout for our final highway cleanup of 2025. Helping to keep highway 30 clean were: (l-r) J.D. Benko, Paul Van Kampen, John Prange, Don Jevne, John Tomasino, Michael Gunderson, Stan Steines, Mick Welding, Brad Yaklich and Kevin Schisler (kneeling). Thanks again for a job well done gents!
 
October 2025 Students of the Month
Congratulations to the Morrison High School Rotary Students of the month: Emma Christin & Sarah Wetzell.
 
EMMA is involved in school activities such as cross country, track, key club, band, choir, the National Honor Society, and WACC. She is also on her church's praise team, volunteered at Paint the Town, is involved with YF Youth Group and Kingdom Life Youth Group. She has also volunteered to do flag placing and clean up. Her hobbies are running, knitting, drawing, reading, singing, playing the flute and baking. She has the future plans to continue her education at SVCC (through the Impact Program!) and then onto to another school - all to become an elementary school teacher/music teacher.
 
SARAH's school activities include: student council president, golf, BLIND, prom committee, homecoming dance planning committee, homecoming parade committee homecoming court and FFA. She is also an active volunteer totaling more than 100 hours in school programs, concession stands and Custom Pak picnic. Her hobbies are golf and mathematics. Sarah plans to continue her education in possibly psychology or engineering. Good Luck Students in all you do!
 
September 2025 Students of the Month and new members
It is very rare to recognize 2 new members on the same date we honor Morrison High School September 2025 Students of the Month. Pictured here are the new Morrison School Superintendent Dr. Matt DeBaene, Levi Milder, Bella Scuchette, and the new Morrison High School Principal Dr. Dusti Markham. Welcome new Rotary members Dr. DeBaene and Dr. Markham and congratulations to two well deserving Students of the Month!
 
Morrison recognizes September Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary Recognizes MHS Students of the Month   
The Morrison Rotary Club was pleased to recognize our first two Morrison High School Students of the Month, Isabella (Bella) Scuchette and Levi Milder
Bella Scuchette
Bella is a senior at Morrison High School. She is involved in B.L.I.N.D and Student Council and the Sauk Valley College IMPACT program. In addition, she is on the Morrison softball team and MHS Pon Squad. Her future plans are to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy and then obtain her master’s degree in the same field. She is undecided on a college.
Levi Milder
Levi is the son of Matthew and Amanda Milder. He is completing his 4th year of football, and track. In addition, he wrestled for 3 years at MHS. He was all-conference in track and was a part of the first ever Illinois State Champion 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 relay teams and he also captured gold in the 200 and 3rd in the 100. Outside of running Levi likes to help kids in flag football, help with the food pantry and volunteer at Morrison Athletic Boosters events. His hobbies include video games, golf and being outdoors. His future plans are to pursue a Masters degree as a Dietician and also run track for a Division 1 school.
Morrison Rotary inducts two new members!
Morrison Rotary Welcomes New Members        
The Morrison Rotary Club started the year off right by recruiting two new members. Pictured here as they were sworn in (l-r) is Sponsor John Prange, Morrison High School Principal, Dr. Dusti Markham, Morrison District #6 Superintendent Dr. Matt DeBaene and President Ellen Smith. Dr. Markham and Dr. DeBaene have already plugged into our group. As new staff members, both have been getting to know the kids, their families and their friends throughout our community. Welcome aboard!
Morrison Rotary welcomes new School Superintendent Dr. Matt Debaene and Principal Dr. Dusti Markham
The Morrison Rotary Club was honored to have the new Morrison High School Superintendent, Dr. Matt Debaene and High School Principal Dr. Dusti Markham. Dr. Debaene has been in Morrison since last November perusing area businesses, restaurants and gathering places so he can meet people in the community. He previously worked in Geneseo and Moline. Dr. Markham resides in Sterling with her husband. She and Dr. Debaene have worked together for a few years so they form the perfect team to help the Morrison Schools prosper. And they both plan to join Rotary! Welcome to you both!
 
Morrison Facebook

November 2026

S
M
T
W
T
F
S
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
01
02
03
04
05
Club Executives & Directors
President
Kevin Schisler
President Elect
Rich Groleau
President Nominee
Emma Gilbert
Past President
Ellen Smith
Treasurer
Karl Kovarik
Secretary
John Prange
Sergeant At Arms
Michael Blean
Bulletin Editor
Gary Steinert
Board Member 2025-27
Carrie Melton
Board Member 2025-27
Nate Jacobs
Board Member 2026-28
Emma Gilbert
Board Member 2026-28
Dave Abele
Membership
Michael Gunderson
New Member Mentor
John Prange
Public Image
Mick Welding
Rotary Foundation
Dave Abele
Literacy
Ellen Smith
Scholarship
Karl Kovarik
Service Projects
LuEllen Lee
RYLA
Stan Steines
End Polio Now
Dave Abele
Web Site
Mick Welding
Youth Exchange Officer
Stan Steines
Events and Fundraisers Photo Album
Enter your email address and the message you want to send.
fields are required
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Suellen Girard
    November 4
  • JD Benko
    November 16
  • Randy Larson
    November 17
  • Bill Bird
    November 25
Join Date:
  • John Tomasino
    November 17, 1982
    44 years
  • Bill Bird
    November 19, 1997
    29 years
  • Karl Kovarik
    November 19, 1997
    29 years
  • Colleen Buckwalter
    November 22, 2023
    3 years
  • Nate Jacobs
    November 27, 2024
    2 years
  • Brad Yaklich
    November 30, 2011
    15 years
Site Pages
 

Rotary Links