The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
April 7, 2026 President Elect Nick Knowles commenced the Rotary Club’s 40th meeting by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The invocation was delivered by Todd Rodeffer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mark Pfleiger.
Ryan Van Dolah announced attendance: 26 members were present, representing 49% of the club’s membership. Including six guests, total attendance reached 32.
The guests were Keela Treenepohl, WIU students Jeff Lee and Maddison Butler (our speakers), April’s Junior Rotarians Collin Adams and Karsyn Trusley, and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway.
Nine Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent significant events. The 50/50 drawing was conducted; Blake Severs, our newest member, had the opportunity to win $39 by drawing the 9 of Hearts but drew the 6 of Diamonds, resulting in no winner for this round.
President Elect Nick then read the birthdays and membership anniversaries for April. Birthday celebrants included Dick Passmore, Ann Stites, Lynne Campbell, Blake Severs, and John McMillan. Membership anniversaries were acknowledged for Todd Lester (29 years), Bruce Biagini (51 years), Keith Engel (46 years), and Mark Pfleiger (8 years). The group sang “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating birthdays.
Several announcements were shared with the membership. Tickets for the Cubs-Cardinals game scheduled for May 30, 2026, are still available for purchase. Members interested in attending may contact Emily Gillett or Nick Estes. The club is encouraged to invite guests to meetings throughout the month, aiming to welcome six new members to complete the “8 in 8” challenge promoted by the Rotary District.
Emily Gillett introduced our guest speaker, Keela Treenepohl, Interim Director of Agriculture at WIU. Dr.
Treenepohl is an animal science ruminant nutritionist with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a PhD from the University of Illinois.
Originally from Wisconsin, she spent four years teaching in California before joining WIU in the fall of 2017. Dr.
Treenepohl was appointed Interim Director of the School of Agriculture in 2025. She and her family, including her husband and two daughters, are actively involved in farming.
Dr. Treenepohl provided an overview of the School of Agriculture’s programs and achievements, highlighting top-five placements in national competitions and the successful large livestock judging team. She emphasized the critical role of hands-on learning and community engagement within the school. Dr.
Treenepohl also presented a comprehensive schedule of upcoming events, including the 74th Annual Ag Banquet, the Ag Legacy online sale, and guided tours conducted by WIU staff and students, among several other activities.
Following her presentation, Dr. Treenepohl introduced two WIU agriculture students, Jeffrey Lee and Maddie Butler, who shared their experiences and future plans in agricultural business. Both expressed their appreciation for the opportunities available at WIU and the School of Agriculture to further their education and careers in the field.
The meeting concluded with the recitation of the “Four Way Test” and the sounding of the Rotary bell, encouraging all members to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
Interested in speaking at Rotary or becoming a member, contact Tom Stites at [email protected].
