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The Morton High School band, based in Morton, Illinois, has a stellar reputation for its exceptional musical talent and competitive achievements. Over the years, the band has become a powerhouse, consistently performing at a high level in both state and national competitions. Their success is largely due to the dedication of the students and the strong leadership from their directors, Bob Hornsby and Katrina Fitzpatrick. These two have been instrumental in shaping the band’s growth, pushing the students to strive for excellence in both musicianship and discipline.

Morton’s band program is known for its well-rounded approach, balancing marching band performances in the fall with concert band and jazz ensembles throughout the year. The marching band has earned numerous accolades, including top finishes in state competitions and appearances at prestigious events. They often perform at local parades, football games, and community events, serving as a source of pride for Morton.

In addition to the competitive side, the band also fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork among its members, with many students continuing to pursue music in college and beyond. The Morton High School band’s success is a reflection of the town's commitment to supporting the arts and investing in the youth, making it a significant part of the local culture.

Learn about Katrina's near-death experience to see some llamas, and let Bob tell you which two 90's rock bands are best to play drums to. These two, along with the help of many staffers, an army of volunteering parents, and with wild support from administration, have put together 19 back-to-back state championships. Of all the "things" that these two are to so many people, I'm proud to say that they're two very good "friends" to me.

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Ms. D'Alfanso is the Cross Country coach for Morton Junior High School. Her team recently won the state competition, highlighting her success as a coach and the accomplishments of her athletes. She plays a key role in shaping the young runners, guiding them both physically and mentally to perform at their best.
Owen secured 4th place at the state competition, helping to lift his team to a championship. He shares some of his physical preparations prior to the season, his race mindset, and his favorite super heroes.
Listen in on the wonders of cross country, Ms. D'Alfanso's coaching philosophy, and how Owen is building off of this season's success with plans ahead for next year.

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Kim Litwiller is the Executive Director of the Morton Chamber of Commerce and the CEO of the Morton Economic Development Council in Morton, Illinois. She was initially hired as the Director of Business Development in January 2024, but by June 2024, she was promoted to Executive Director and CEO of the Chamber and the EDC. Litwiller's goal in her leadership role is to unify the community and place a renewed emphasis on local businesses. Her experience in business development helps drive economic growth and strengthen community engagement in Morton.

Listen and learn more about Kim, her soft heart for coffee shops, her impressions of her first ever Morton Pumpkin Festival, and the relationships that she's built in the past year with 2 other staffers as they were thrown into the mix of planning and operating the 2024 Morton Pumpkin Festival.

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Jeremy Short serves on the board of directors for the Morton Chamber of Commerce and works for Precision Planting, a company that specializes in advanced agricultural technology solutions to optimize planting performance. Precision Planting is known for its innovative tools, such as the eMHD planter, which enhance farming efficiency and productivity by improving seed placement, monitoring, and overall crop performance​.
Stemming from a small town in Ohio and graduating from Taylor University, Jeremy met his wife, Michelle, in college and relocated to Morton to start a career and pastoral care. Eventually shifting over to Precision planting in 2008, he's now developing a role responsible for leadership and community services. He loves winding ride on his motorcycle, some Ohio football, and some time in nature. Ramping up to be a grandfather, he's excited about a growing family and is already looking forward to the day he gets to take his future grandson on a few Pfest rides. He loves his small town, how it rally's around its people, the schools, and the churches.

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In 2015, Williams took on the role of director at Morton Public Library, succeeding a director who had held the position for 36 years. Since then, she has focused on enhancing community engagement and partnerships, bringing her expertise in public relations to strengthen connections between the library and local organizations. Additionally, she has been instrumental in strategic planning for the library, implementing a five-year plan and updating its mission and vision to better serve the Morton community.

Outside of her professional life, Williams is involved with the Morton Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Morton, and the Girl Scouts, and is a mother of two. She also continues her involvement with the Illinois Library Association and has served in various leadership positions throughout her career.

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