The City of Galva is proud to announce the official adoption of the Galva Comprehensive Plan 2025, a milestone achievement that sets a clear, community-driven vision for the city’s future. Developed with the assistance of Hometown Consulting, the plan represents months of collaboration, public engagement, and strategic analysis focused on strengthening Galva for generations to come.

A comprehensive plan is a long-range guide that helps communities make informed decisions about growth, development, and investment. Rather than regulating individual projects, it provides a framework that aligns land use, housing, transportation, economic development, infrastructure, parks, and community services with shared community goals. For Galva, the Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap—helping City leaders, residents, and partners work toward a unified vision.

The Galva Comprehensive Plan 2025 is especially important as the city prepares for future opportunities and challenges. Rooted in Galva’s strong agricultural, industrial, and cultural heritage, the plan focuses on revitalizing downtown, supporting local businesses, expanding housing choices, improving transportation safety, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing parks, recreation, and community services. It also emphasizes partnerships, workforce development, historic preservation, and strategic investment to ensure Galva remains competitive, welcoming, and resilient.

City Administrator Dave Dyer highlighted both the significance of the plan and the collaborative effort behind it.

“This plan is a celebration of Galva’s people and its potential,” said Dyer. “The Galva Comprehensive Plan 2025 gives us a clear, realistic path forward—one that honors our history while preparing us for new opportunities. Working with Hometown Consulting was an excellent experience. Their team helped us engage the community, identify priorities, and turn ideas into a plan we can use to guide decisions, pursue grants, and invest wisely in Galva’s future.”

Hometown Consulting, a professional community and economic development consulting firm specializing in municipal administration, strategic planning, and revitalization, partnered with the City to guide the planning process, combining data-driven analysis with strong community engagement. The resulting plan reflects resident input, aligns with regional and state initiatives, and provides practical, implementable strategies that City leaders can rely on moving forward.

With the adoption of the Galva Comprehensive Plan 2025, the City of Galva takes an important step toward a vibrant future—one defined by thoughtful growth, strong neighborhoods, a thriving downtown, and a high quality of life for residents of all ages.

To view the Galva Comprehensive Plan 2025 visit the link below.

Applications are due December 8, 2025, and can be found at – Galva City Hall 311 NW 4^th Ave, Galva IL

City of Galva JOB DESCRIPTION
Department: Water/Wastewater
Title: Maintenance Worker
Reports to: Water/Wastewater Superintendent
Salary: starts at $21.98/hr with a competitive benefits package including health, life and dental insurances, 10 paid holidays, paid time off, and IMRF pension
 
Purpose of Position:
Under general direction, assists in completing assigned tasks from the superintendent. Maintain and repair water and wastewater plants, along with the water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Acting upon verbal and written instructions from the Superintendent, written work orders, perform work to assist in accomplishing the tasks assigned to the work team.
Maintains and repairs the water and wastewater plants, the water distribution system, the wastewater and storm collection systems.
Operates small equipment and hand tools.
Performs manual labor as required.
Follows directions and performs minimal record keeping appropriate to the job.
Required to respond to emergencies under the Superintendents direction.

Minimum Training and Experience:
High school diploma or GED.
Must obtain a class B CDL with air brake within 6 months of hire.
Must work to obtain a Class 2 wastewater and Class C water license.

Minimum Physical requirements:
Frequent standing and walking; work subject to changing weather conditions. Requires occasional periods of strength, lifting objects weighing 50 lbs. or more as well as physical activity climbing ditches, steps, crawling, bending, stooping, crouching, etc. Requires clarity of vision, depth perception, and field of vision to populate equipment. Eye/hand/foot coordination, manual and finger dexterity, normal hearing and conversational skills.
Some work performed in an environment with undesirable conditions: exposure to extreme heat and cold, rain and snow, noise, dust, fumes, moving parts, burns, electric shock, and toxic agents. Occupational hazards are those associated with direct contact to moving machinery, i.e.: Saws, backhoes, loaders, leading to cuts, bruises, abrasions, burns, strains, backaches, and potentially more serious injury.
Basic knowledge of the work methods, general practices, materials and equipment used in various public works activities such as plant operation, piping, electrical, and control system maintenance and troubleshooting.  Ability to understand and communicate written and oral instructions and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, peers, and the public.

Beta Sigma Phi’s annual Love Tree program is now underway! If you are able to help a child in need this holiday season, please pick up an ornament located at the Galva Senior Citizens Center, Community State Bank, or the State Bank of Toulon.

From State Representative Travis Weaver’s Facebook 9:35am November 18, 2025:

I would like to recognize Carlin Follis as the first honoree in our Citizen Spotlight feature. For decades, Carlin has made significant contributions to her community in Galva as a volunteer, leader, and dedicated professional. As her nominator stated, Carlin has volunteered her time to any cause that needs help, and her efforts have touched nearly every aspect of community life in Galva and beyond.

Carlin is a founding member of Crossroads Cultural Connections and the Levitt AMP Galva Music Series. She also worked as a pharmacy technician at Galva Pharmacy and plays a key role with the Galva Historical Society. In addition, Carlin serves as the Director of the Galva Senior Citizens Center and has been an essential organizer of the Galva Freedom Fest.

Carlin’s nominator concluded by stating, “Simply put, Carlin Follis is one of those rare individuals whose goodness radiates through every part of her life. Her decades of volunteerism, kindness, and leadership have made an immeasurable difference in Galva and to all who know her. She embodies the very best of what community means, and she is richly deserving of this and every honor for those who serve their communities.”

Thank you, Carlin, for your incredible compassion and dedicated service to the Galva community! I am honored to recognize and spotlight your efforts.

As a reminder, we are still accepting submissions for Citizen Spotlight honors. If you would like to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their special contributions to your community, please visit the link below and fill out the form. Thank you!

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfyLf07sR1VfS…/viewform

**The Galva Fire District burn ban is lifted as of 8:00am, October 10, 2025**

Due to extremely dry conditions, the Galva Community Fire Department has issued a burn ban for all of the Galva Fire District, including the City of Galva until further notice. For updates, continue to monitor this webpage.

View the Galva Fire District map at the link below.

The City of Galva Water Department will be flushing fire hydrants between October 7th – October 17th. The water department will start in the SE and SW quadrants of town and will end in the NW and NE quadrants.

Rusty water can occur in ANY part of the town during this time, so it is suggested that residents run their water through their lines for a few minutes before washing any clothes in their washing machines.

This is an announcement by your City of Galva Superintendent of Water,

Greg Thompson

The Galva Arts Council is thrilled to announce that it has been selected by the Levitt Foundation as a returning grantee for the 2026–2028 Levitt AMP Galva Music Series, securing a three-year grant totaling $120,000. The grant will be dispersed in annual increments of up to $40,000 and requires a dollar-for-dollar match from the community.

This funding ensures the continuation of one of the area’s most beloved traditions, bringing 10 free, family-friendly concerts to Wiley Park each summer. Since its inception in 2018, the Levitt AMP Galva Music Series has drawn tens of thousands of people together to experience world-class live music in a welcoming outdoor setting, strengthening community bonds and stimulating local pride and economic activity.

The Levitt Foundation selected Galva as a returning grantee after a competitive review process, citing the series’ proven impact, strong community support, and alignment with the Levitt mission of building community through music.

“This series has impacted life in this area immensely and in ways that are well beyond the concerts,” said John Taylor, founder of the Levitt AMP Galva Music Series. “This support allows us to continue offering high-quality, diverse, and inclusive concerts that are completely free to the public. It’s about more than just music—it’s about creating a place to live where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.”

Taylor also emphasized the series’ broader impact: “These concerts not only enrich our cultural landscape but also generate real economic benefits for local businesses, restaurants, and vendors. On concert weekends, you can feel the energy ripple through town—families are out, shops are busy, and Galva shines as a welcoming destination.”

He added, “Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible support of our community. The Levitt Foundation’s grant requires local matching funds, and year after year our neighbors, sponsors, and volunteers have stepped up to make sure these concerts continue. That kind of collective commitment is what makes Galva truly special.”

The Galva Arts Council is grateful to the Levitt Foundation, local sponsors, volunteers, and community members whose support makes this series possible. Planning for the 2026 Levitt AMP Galva Music Series is already underway, with more details to be announced in the coming months.

Anyone interested in donating or getting involved should reach out via the Levitt AMP Galva Music Series Facebook page or at GalvaMusic.com.

Cà d’Zan House Concerts is honored to present Cécilia, one of Canada’s most dynamic and exciting traditional music groups, on Sunday, September 21st. The evening begins with a potluck and social hour from 6:00–7:00 PM, followed by the concert at 7:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. This all-ages event has a suggested donation of $20–30 to support the artists.

About Cécilia

Cécilia is the inspired collaboration of three of Canada’s finest musicians: accordionist Timi Turmel, pianist/violinist Erin Leahy, and fiddler Louis Schryer. Together, they craft a thrilling blend of Celtic, Québecois, and traditional music infused with the freshness of jazz, swing, and classical influences. Their performances are joyous, virtuosic, and deeply human, inviting audiences to share in the sheer fun and connection of live music.

Their debut album, Accent, showcases the trio’s vibrant arrangements and rhythmic drive, and their concerts have been described as “overflowing with warmth, energy, and soul.” Whether weaving the intricate fiddle lines of Schryer—an 8-time Canadian Fiddle Champion—the powerhouse piano and violin of Erin Leahy of the world-renowned LEAHY family, or Turmel’s dazzling accordion playing, Cécilia creates an experience that lingers long after the final note.

Each performance is not just a concert but a celebration of tradition, innovation, and community. Audiences leave with smiles on their faces, uplifted by music that is as timeless as it is contemporary.

Event Details:

Who: Cécilia (Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy, Louis Schryer)

When: Sunday, September 21st

Where: Ca d’zan House Concerts, Cambridge, IL (Bishop Hill Creative Commons rain location)

Schedule: Potluck & Social Hour at 6:00 PM | Concert at 7:00 PM

Suggested Donation: $20–30 | All Ages Welcome

Bring: Lawn chairs or blankets

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience three master musicians at the top of their craft in an intimate small-town setting.

For tickets and more information please visit the link below.

The annual 19th century harvest festival Jordbruksdagarna (pronounced yord-brooks-DAH-ga-na) will take place Saturday September 27 and Sunday September 28, 2025 in historic Bishop Hill, IL. As always, there will be a variety of traditional craft demonstrations, food, vendors, and hands-on activities for the children during the 53rd Jordbruksdagarna (Swedish for “agricultural days”) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Demonstrations, hands-on activities, music, and the history skit are all free.

In the village park each day, artisans will weave, carve wood, forge metal, make butter, and more. Vendors will also be selling baked goods, crafts, and much more in the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Musical performances will include Coffee Creek at noon and 2 p.m., and the Nordic Dancers of Chicago at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day at the gazebo.

Jordbruksdagarna is not just in the park but all over Bishop Hill. Uncle Bud’s Apple Cider Slushie and Pop of the Morning will be next to the Carpenter Building serving food and drinks. Nature’s Creations will be selling pumpkins, gourds, and more by the Colony Store. Behind the Bjorklund Hotel from noon to 4 p.m. each day, visitors, especially children, can try their hand at shelling corn, making bricks, pressing apples into cider, and creating a cornhusk doll. You can view sorghum pressing and cooking. Visitors can explore Henry County’s agricultural heritage at the Henry County Historical Museum, where a variety of antique tractors and implements will be on display outdoors. Each day at the Henry County Historical Museum and by the Krans Livery Stable, the Bishop Hill Agricultural Association will be conducting 19th century harvest activities. The Colony School will be hosting “Meet the Colonists” display. Author Mary Davidsaver will be doing a book signing at the Prairie Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tractor people movers will also be available to transport people around town to experience many of the activities, museums, and stores that Bishop Hill has to offer. All the previously mentioned activities will be occurring both days.

On Saturday September 27 only, at the Colony School, the Old Settlers’ Association will be selling their famous Colony Stew from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. At the Steeple Building Museum, the BHHA Acting Troupe will perform their Bishop Hill Colony history skit On the Road Again! starting at 11 a.m. In the southwest corner of the park, TriCo Equestrian Center will have pony rides from noon to 3 p.m. for a fee. Miller’s Petting Zoo will be located in the northwest corner of the park. The traditional Irish music duo “The Ammonites” will be busking outside the Bishop Hill Creative Commons from noon to 2 p.m. Author Jannifer Powelson will be doing a book signing at the Prairie Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the Henry County Museum from 1 to 2:30 p.m., there will be a presentation on Illinois Ho-Chuck Native Americans. Finally, the Bishop Hill Methodist Church will be having a bake sale and Operation Christmas Child will be having a pulled ham lunch by the Steeple Building.

On Sunday September 28 only, there will be a Community Church Service in the park at 10 a.m. open to all.

Jordbruksdagarna is organized by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association and supported by the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Bishop Hill Agricultural Association, and VASA National Archives. The event is also partly funded by the Illinois Art Council, Nature’s Creations, State Bank of Toulon, TerraForm Power, Wilbur and Marilyn Nelson, River Valley Cooperative, Gold Star FS, Peck Farms, and Henry County Independent Insurance Agents Association. WJRE is our major media sponsor. The Cambridge FFA, Galva FFA, and Galva Boy Scouts provided special assistance, along with many other volunteers.

For more details about Jordbruksdagarna activities, call 309 927-3899, email bhha@mymctc.net, or visit the links below.

Residents of Illinois can safely and responsibly dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste at a FREE collection event on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline.

Accepted items include aerosol paint, antifreeze, cleaning products, fluorescent bulbs, gasoline, herbicides, insecticides, oil-based paints, pesticides, used motor oil, and more. Please note that latex paint, electronics, appliances, and other non-household items will not be accepted.

Advance registration is required to reserve your drop-off time. To sign via the link below.

This event is hosted by the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency (RICWMA) in partnership with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Learn more about the event and RICWMA at the links below.