Friends win 2008 Environmental Hero Award

Friends of the Hennepin Canal members Joanne Gernant of Geneseo (from left), Duke and Barb Mueller of Milan, and Cathy Foes of Annawan receive the 2008 Environmental Hero Award Dec. 30 in Chicago. The award was presented by Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn for the group’s leadership in the grassroots efforts opposing Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s proposed closing of the Hennepin Canal. One week before the scheduled Nov. 30 closing, Blagojevich announced the Hennepin Canal would remain open. (Photo contributed)