The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
July 21, 2026 President Nick Knowles called the Rotary Club’s 3rd meeting to order with the ringing of the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. Larry Adams delivered the invocation, and Ron Peterson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Steve Tibbitts reported attendance of 28 members in person and 1 member via Zoom, representing 52% of the club’s membership.
With five guests in attendance, total participation was 34 individuals. Guests included the speaker, Joe Davis, head football coach at WIU; Austin Taylor, assistant coach; John Vigezzi, Assistant Governor from the Macomb Centennial Morning Rotary Club; Dr. Jamie Johnson, Director of the LEJA Department at WIU; and Collin Adams, guest of Larry Adams.
Happy Money followed, with six Rotarians sharing special events from the past week. During the 50/50 drawing, Pat Osterman held the winning ticket and had the opportunity to claim the $146 prize by drawing the 9 of Hearts from the remaining 33 cards. Unfortunately, he drew the 7 of Diamonds and did not win this week.
President Nick announced that the club’s 5th Tuesday Social will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Park Place. Ryan Van Dolah will begin the Cash Raffle next week to launch the project.
Nick introduced Todd Lester, who presented a check for $9,968 to Jimmie Koller in support of the “Kicks for Kids” project, an initiative completed in partnership with the Rotary Club of Macomb to provide shoes for children in the Macomb schools. Jimmie then addressed the club and reported that, during the program’s inaugural year, shoes were provided to students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
He noted that planning is already underway for next year, when the program is expected to serve children from pre-kindergarten through high school. Jimmie expressed his appreciation to the Rotary Club of Macomb for its generosity and assistance in helping launch this successful project.
Todd Lester was then called upon to introduce the guest speaker, WIU Head Football Coach Joe Davis.
Todd noted that he had been fortunate to serve on the group that interviewed Joe in December 2023 and believed at that time that he was the right person to lead the WIU football program.
This will be Coach Davis’s third year as head coach, and he has retained all but one member of his coaching staff. The program also returns a standout freshman quarterback and completed another strong recruiting class. Coach Davis is married to Whitney, and they have two daughters who attend Macomb schools.
Coach Davis began by introducing Coach Austin Taylor, the new defensive line coach, who joined the program from Indiana Wesleyan University and brings considerable coaching experience. Coach Davis noted that Austin exemplifies the qualities he seeks in his staff, particularly strong character and the ability to serve as an outstanding mentor to student-athletes. He also expressed his appreciation for Macomb, describing it as an excellent community in which to be involved. He noted that when residents approach coaches and players to share their support and best wishes for the team’s success, it is deeply meaningful to everyone in the program.
Coach Davis then highlighted the team’s achievements, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA for five consecutive semesters and completing more than 1,200 hours of community service. He emphasized the importance of multi-sport athletes and the team’s commitment to academic excellence. He also noted that the Ohio Valley Conference is wide open this year, with several teams positioned to compete for the conference title. Coach Davis expressed confidence that WIU will be competitive this season with the program they have built, stating that this is the year his team should be ready to demonstrate what the “Fighting Leathernecks” are all about.
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 lives and to “Unite for Good.”
Todd Lester, who presented a check for $9,968 to Jimmie Koller in support of the “Kicks for Kids” project, an initiative completed in partnership with the Rotary Club of Macomb to provide shoes for children in the Macomb schools. Jimmie then addressed the club and reported that, during the program’s inaugural year, shoes were provided to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. He noted that planning is already underway for next year, when the program is expected to serve children from pre-kindergarten through high school. Jimmie expressed his appreciation to the Rotary
