C A R R O L L C O U N T Y
R E P U B L I C A N W O M E N
Established in 1943
HomeOur Mission
Carroll County Republican Women is dedicated to promoting the principles of the Republican Party through an informed electorate by educating and empowering its members, and by electing Republicans to local, state and national offices.
It is our mission to strengthen the voice of Republican women at all community and government levels. We support our local, state and national candidates and elected officials. We aspire to teach patriotism and the benefits of involvement.
Our History
- Carroll County Republican Women (CCRW) was founded in 1943 and was one of the first clubs to be established in Illinois.
- The Club serves the communities of Carroll County Illinois, including Mt. Carroll, Savanna, Thomson, Chadwick, Milledgeville, Lanark, Shannon and Lake Carroll.
- We take pride in our American heritage, our community and the support of our troops.
- We are dedicated to the U.S. Constitution and to the principles of the Republican Party.
- CCRW is part of the Illinois Federation of Republican Women (IFRW) and of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW).
Republican Women are the heart and hands, the foot soldiers of the Republican Party.
Republican Women are informed, attuned, and motivated to synergize Republican principles.
Join us for 2025!
Together We
-Identify and Elect Republican candidates at all levels.
-Volunteer and Vote and hold accountable Republican
and other Elected Officials.
-Team up and stand shoulder to shoulder to continue to
Keep America Great
We are an army of Republican Women that support the Republican Party Platform and work towards growing new Republican leaders at all levels of government.
2016 thru 2024 we have already been making History!
What will YOU do to be a positive part
of that history in 2025?
Make a difference and grow our freedoms.
Bring a friend to join our Club TODAY!
PAST PRESIDENTS
Patty Hiher 2023-2024
Lana Soldat, 2021-2022
Honorable Rep. Tony McCombie, 2019-20
Jodi Purlee, 2015-2018
Robin McConnel, 2011-2014
Michelle Schuman, 2007- 2010
Venita McConnel, 2005-2006
Judy Gray, 2003-2004
Betty Harms, 2001-2002
Frances Burkholder, 1999-2001
Sandra Kopecky, 1995-1998
Frances Burkholder, 1993-1994
Margie Bausman, 1989-1992
JoAnn Palmer, 1987-1988
Val Warner, 1987
Betty Harms, 1983-1986
Wanda Stewart, 1981-1982
Nancy Freeman, 1979-1980
Marilyn Magill, 1977-1978
Helen Turnbaugh, 1975-1976
Harriet Bickelhaupt, 1973-1974
Bernelle Weiler, 1971-1972
Helen Mackay, 1967-1970
Martha Hartman, 1965-1966
Roberta Colehour Rusk, 1964
Maxine Polhill, 1963-1964
Evelyn Senneff, 1959-1962
N. Jean Sturtevant, 1957-1958
Mrs. Stanley Finnefrock, 1955-1956
Maxine Polhill, 1943-1954
Engaging, Educating & Empowering Women...
since 1943
C C R W S c h o l a r s h i p W i n n e r s
2024-----Isabella Lego - Lanark
2023-----Tori Mosher - Mt. Carroll
2022-----Ty Bickelhaupt - Mt. Carroll
2021-----Sophia Guenzler - Savanna
2020-----Nicole Adolph - Mt. Carroll
2019-----Kortney Queckenborne - Milledgeville
2018-----Leah Kuiper - Lanark
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
BYLAWS COMMITTEE
Conduct a biennial review of the CCRW bylaws and Standing Rules; to receive, consider, and draft recommendations in regard to possible changes in Bylaws and Standing Rules.
CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Mobilize CCRW in support of local, state and federal campaigns. Organize participation in local parades and the county fair. Gather and submit the CCRW campaign hours to NFRW twice a year in January and July.
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Prepare and implement a plan for raising funds in order
to meet the CCRW’s budget.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Inform CCRW membership on state and national issues pending in the Illinois General Assembly and US Congress.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Assist in efforts to increase membership and aid in the planning of membership recruitment events.
PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
Plan CCRW meetings by securing the venue, menu, cost of attendance, table decorations and speaker(s).
PUBLIC RELATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS
Promote good public relations for the CCRW; not only through the usual media such as newspapers, and radio, but also through social media, email, newsletters, CCRW website, and the precinct committeemen.
AMERICANISM - MELP LITERACY
Foster respect for the Flag of the United States of America as well as provide educational materials/books to local libraries and/or schools.
ARMED SERVICES
Seek to identify veterans in our community so as to honor them and their service to our country.
AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP- CCRW SCHOLARSHIP & BERNELLE WEILER
Establish criteria for the CCRW Annual Scholarship Award directed to local High Schools Seniors and determine a worthy recipient. Winner will present their essay at the June meeting. Also, establish criteria for the Bernette Weiler Award (CCRW Woman of the Year), determine the winner, if one, and announce the winner at the final CCRW meeting of the year.
CARING FOR AMERICA
Support our local communities by supporting local organizations such as but not limited to local food pantries, active military, law enforcement, fire officials, and other first responders.
CLUB ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Review criteria for the NFRW Club Achievement Award biennial program and pursue a level of achievement. CCRW was awarded the highest level (Diamond) in 2021 and 2023, and the Gold Club Achievement Award in 2019.
HISTORIAN
Assists the Secretary in documenting and maintaining historical events.
