Oregon Republican Reporter

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VOLUME 170 NO. 43 • SERVING OGLE COUNTY SINCE 1851

SM-ST1837683

Friday, December 18, 2020 • $1.00

COUNTY NEWS

Vaccine to Arrive

Health Administrator updates county board on vaccine protocols. / 4

COUNTY NEWS

TREE TIME

Letters to Santa

Check out what area kids have written to Santa! / 13-27

Donation Forreston’s Believe In

The Children receives a $15,000 donation for its Sibling Home. / 5

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Jada June Suter, 5, and her grandpa, Randy, drag their Christmas tree to the wrapping station as Coda Alvin Suter, 7, carries the saw they used to cut it down at the Oregon FFA Christmas Tree Farm on Sunday. The Oregon family has been one of many families to visit the old Sinnissippi Tree Farm site to get a live tree this year. The farm is open through Dec. 20.

One section • 40 Pages

INDEX Betty’s Column ........ 7 Colbert Column ..... 10 Business News....... 32 Church News.......... 39

Classifieds ..............40 Library News .....29-31 Oregon Police.........38 Otto’s Column .......... 6

Polo Police .............. 37 Property Transfers. 37 Sheriff Activity....... 37 Zoning ..................... 37

DEATHS Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Melissa D. Lamesch, Mary K. “Kathy” Raum, Thomas S. ‘Tom’ Strawbridge, Page 35

Oregon Republican Reporter / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OREGON BEAT

2

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Copyright 2020

Officials still waiting for forensic results 27-year-old woman and her unborn baby died Nov. 25 in Mt. Morris

Melissa Lamesch, her unborn baby, and cat Antonio were found dead Nov. 25 following a fire in Mt. Morris.

Facebook photo

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said Tuesday that his office is still waiting on toxicology results and other information in connection with the Mt. Morris fire where 27-year-old Melissa Lamesch and her unborn son were found dead Nov. 25.

“I don’t have anything additional to report right now,” VanVickle said.

“We’re still waiting on the tox screen.

We still haven’t heard. This is rather complex because it’s in the village. Mt.

Morris Police have asked for help with the investigation. It’s a multi-agency thing with the state fire marshal and our coroner.”

Ogle County Coroner Lou Finch said results typically come back within two to three weeks and he’s hoping for word by the end of the week. Results can take longer when more extensive information is asked for, which the county did in the case of this fire, Finch said.

Lamesch was found on the kitchen

floor in her single-story home at 206 S. Hannah Avenue. Her pet cat was also found dead.

Mt. Morris Fire Chief Rob Hough IV said the Ogle County 911 center received multiple calls at 4:29 p.m. for smoke coming from the residence.

Mt. Morris firefighters arrived on scene and saw heavy smoke venting from the roof and eaves.

“Smoke detectors could be heard sounding from the exterior of the residence,” Hough said in a press release.

“Reports from Dispatch and neighbors were that a resident was likely still inside.”

Hough said firefighters found heavy smoke and heat as they entered the structure.

While extinguishing the fire and searching the residence, Lamesch was found on the floor in the kitchen.

Her obituary appears on page 35.

OREGON CITY COUNCIL

Resolution on Exelon plant is approved

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Oregon City Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of the Byron Nuclear Plant staying open at its Tuesday meeting.

Earlier this year, Exelon stated its intention to close the Byron plant in September 2021. Since that announcement, local officials and taxing bodies have mobilized to keep the plant open along with state representatives.

“Obviously as a local government, we see the economic impact across many

areas of the community,” City Administrator Darin DeHaan said. “Those workers live and patronize businesses here.

We felt it was a good time to show the support.”

The city has been working with the Byron Station Response Committee, which was formed to save the plant.

DeHaan said Oregon is responding to requests the committee has made of it, such as putting an economic impact report together.

“We’re not specifically at the table,” DeHaan said. But we’re helping in any way we can.”

DeHaan said the city has talked about potential repercussions if the plant does follow through with a closure next year.

“You never want it to be doom and gloom,” DeHaan said. “We talked about what would happen to housing and house prices if a percentage leaves and we lose a large employer. We’re compartmentalizing each issue and the economic impacts. We’re trying to figure out how to recover in the worst situation. We’re preparing for it.”

In other action, the council unanimously approved raising garbage rates in town from $16.50 to $17.25.

Strohecker.

old or older to enter).”

50/50 raffle tickets will be available at multiple locations. $300 guaranteed minimum to win and they are only 6 for $5.

(Must be 18 years old or older to enter).

“Foodie Features” from 3-8 p.m. include making your own s’mores with Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center and walking tacos with the OHS Band. Both At Alpine Chiropractic Center at the corner of Illinois 64 and Illinois 2. Donations accepted.

The Oregon High School Jazz Band will also perform in the event room at Northside BarbaQ at 6 p.m. Space is limited.

“Remember to wear your face masks indoors when medically able,” Vos said.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Church offers free gift wrapping If you need some help wrapping Christmas presents this year, an Oregon church can help.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon is offering free gift wrapping on Saturday, Dec. 19 starting at 9 a.m.

“This year we will require that you reserve your spot by calling,” said Sandy Strohecker, church member. “Wrapping will be done in the fellowship room to allow for social distancing and masks will be required for everyone. No gift is too big or too small.”

Freewill donations will be accepted.

To schedule a wrapping, call Strohecker at 815-441-4128.

“Call early to reserve your time slot,” said

Candlelight Walk is Dec. 19 The Oregon Chamber of Commerce will host the second half of its Candlelight Walk event on Saturday, Dec. 19.

The 3-8 p.m. event will include free horse drawn wagon rides through town, Santa & Mrs Claus on an Oregon firetruck, and live music.

“I hear the police department has a lead on where we can find the Grinch too! See you there!,” said Liz Vos, executive director of the Chamber. “Be sure to visit all of our red bow businesses to enter for a chance to win prizes from each and the chance to win $250 in Candlelight Cash! (Must be 18 years

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Edward and Marian (Wessels) Schnulle of Polo will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Thursday, Dec. 31.

They were married in Sterling Dec. 31, 1950. They have three daughters, Marilyn (Don) Nelson, Marcia (Joe) Flessner and Marlys (Bob) Carpenter.

They have been blessed with 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and another due in January.

Since celebrating together is not feasible this year, please feel free to send them a card at 2039 N Valentine Rd, Polo IL 61064.

Edith Whitney will celebrate her 100th birthday on Dec. 24

Edward and Marian Schnulle of Polo will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 31.

MARRIAGE LICENSES Dec. 4: Jared Tyler Smith and Kaitlyn Alexandra Childers, both of Davis Junction; Larry Eugene Boes and Deborah Lynn Grimes, both of Byron; Joseph Henry Kielsmeier of Leaf River and Amber Kay Frye

of Polo; and Timothy Charles Carlson and Belinda Ann Fischer, both of Sycamore.

Dec. 9: Albert Billups and Krista Deanna Herchenbach, both of Dixon.

Edith Whitney will celebrate her 100th birthday on Thursday, Dec. 24.

She lived in the Oregon area for nearly all her life, but for the last 10 years she has been living in an independent facility in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

There she has enjoyed many new friends and all the activities of the facility.

She was an elementary school teacher in both Chana and Oregon schools during Edith Whitney her working years. Also, she was active in the Payne’s Point Emmanuel Lutheran Church, annually hosting their Ice Cream Social at her home.

Her sons Larry Whitney of Baraboo, Wisconsin, and Jerry Whitney of Stillman Valley, invite you to join the celebration of this special birthday by “showering” Edith with birthday/holiday wishes and cards sent to her at Edith Whitney, 800 Waldo Street Apt 3013, Baraboo, WI 53913.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

Couple to mark 70th anniversary

3

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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COUNTY BOARD

Health administrator says vaccine is on the way

Initial plan for county presented by Auman to Ogle County Board

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The COVID-19 vaccine will make its way to Ogle County this week.

Ogle County Health Department Public Administrator Kyle Auman detailed that and more in his COVID19 report to the Ogle County Board at its Tuesday meeting.

The vaccine is set to arrive at hospitals this week, where it will be distributed first to healthcare workers along with EMTs and paramedics. That phase, called 1A, will take “quite a bit of time,” Auman said.

“They have to be administered

in a hospital,” Auman said. “Next week we should get Moderna if we get federal approval. We should get vaccines weekly after this week until the whole county is vaccinated.”

The vaccine coming this week was made by Pfizer. Teachers, first responders and employees in facilities with potential for a large outbreak will be next up for vaccinations, Auman said. The general public will start to be eligible in “a couple of months, he said.

“That will be done at the health department and hospitals,” Auman said. “Those who are sensitive or at risk should talk to their healthcare provider.”

Auman said taking the vaccine will be voluntary, but he hopes to get 70-80 percent of county residents vaccinated. He hopes county residents will participate. He hasn’t received fact sheets on the Moderna

COVID-19 & SCHOOLS

Oregon schools again move to remote learning

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Oregon School District has again shifted to remote learning due to COVID-19 spread within its schools, Superintendent Tom Mahoney said Tuesday.

The district schools will be ceasing in-person learning through the end of the semester on Dec. 18. It plans to return to in-person learning. on Jan. 4.

“The health department called today and said they saw a link of virus spread at our school,” Mahoney said. “As of Monday to noon today, we quarantined 68 kids and nine staff members. It was based on that and our plan to close if there’s spread in our schools.”

Oregon previously did an adaptive pause from Nov. 19 until Dec. 3 due to spread in schools. Mahoney said he and his staff were disappointed to not be able to end the semester in school, but the concern for students and families was the priority.

“The children there are in a routine,” Mahoney said. “ It’s challenging to make that adjustment. Analytics say remote isn’t as effective.

The cultural opportunities with kids socializing, like classroom parties and celebrations to end the year, it’s hard to deprive them of that.”

The adaptive pause will not impact finals for high school students due to the school making the choice to not do finals earlier this year in an effort to “put kids in a position to be successful.”

Mahoney said he’s not yet in a place where he can evaluate the semester during COVID-19. He said the district is still looking at ways to best serve students. Numbers and experts say there has been a learning loss, Mahoney said.

At this time, there’s no plan to change in-person learning, Mahoney said. The school is waiting to hear on how the vaccine will become available to teachers and staff and what it will mean for schools. He said staff could start to receive it in February.

“We’re looking at what we can do to accelerate learning and feel good about where we’re at,” Mahoney said. “The support has been outstanding from teachers, support staff and families.”

vaccine yet, but said Pfizer “seems to be safe thus far.”

There is also a plan in place for county employees to be vaccinated in phase 1B, which will be firmed up after additional federal direction.

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said the health department has reached out to his office for the number of first responders in the county who want the vaccine. He estimated 50 percent of law enforcement will want it, but he said he won’t require it. There are about 100 law enforcement officers in the county.

“We’ll make it available to our first responders if they want it,” VanVickle said.

Corrections officers at the Ogle County Jail are considered law enforcement and will be eligible for the vaccine. VanVickle said vaccinations for inmates is an “ongoing discussion” with the health depart-

ment and he’s unsure where they fall in state plans.

During his presentation, Auman said out of Ogle’s 49 COVID-19 deaths so far, 23 have been from long-term care facilities. The county is at 12.1 percent positivity. The regional rate is at 10.7 percent. He hopes to get to 6.5 percent and maintain it for a period of time.

“Hospitals are still being hit hard,” Auman said, “Regionally, we have 23.1 percent availability in ICU beds and 28.1 percent in med surge beds. We’re paying close attention to Rochelle Community Hospital and KSB and seeing a lot of activity. Only a couple of those beds are available.”

Auman said the vaccine’s arrival has brought some-much needed optimism.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel, things are looking up,” Auman said.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Ogle County cases up to 3,487 as of Dec. 15

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Ogle County Health Department reported 27 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, Dec. 15, totaling 3,487.

One hundred and fifteen cases were reported over the weekend.

275 new cases have come in the past week. Ages and locations of the individuals that test positive are not being released to protect their privacy.

The OCHD has reported five new deaths in the past week. Ogle County has seen a total of 49 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Recoveries of documented cases stand at 2,798, with 41 new ones reported Tuesday.

The Illinois Department of Public Health site said Tuesday that there are 1,121 cases in the zip code that includes Rochelle, Creston and White Rock.

Stillman Valley has 197 cases, Byron has 665 cases and Davis Junction has 224 cases.

Oregon and Mt. Morris have 430 and 191 cases, respectively.

Polo has 195 cases, Leaf River has

87 cases and Forreston has 138 cases.

The Sauk Valley as a whole reported six new deaths Tuesday.

The Whiteside County Health Department announced 35 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, along with 90 recoveries. The new cases involved five people younger than 20, eight in their 20s, five in their 40s, nine in their 50s, two in their 60s, two in their 70s and two older than 80.

The Lee County Unified team announced five COVID-related deaths Tuesday involving one woman older than 100, one in her 80s, two in their 70s and a man in his 60s. Lee County also announced 19 new cases Tuesday, one of which was from Liberty Court. There also were 24 recoveries. The new cases involved one teen, two people in their 20s, two in their 30s, four in their 40s, three in their 50s and six in their 60s.

Whiteside County has had 4,404 cases, 3,015 recoveries and 110 deaths. Lee County has had 2,262 cases, 1,730 recoveries and 46 deaths.

Carroll County, which did not report updated data on Tuesday, has had 1,222 cases, 1,154 recoveries and 28 deaths.

FORRESTON PROJECT

Church Women United donate to complete the kitchen at Sibling Home

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Church Women United recently presented Forreston’s Believe In The Children and Executive Director Patti Jennings with the funds to complete the kitchen at its 310 Sibling Home project.

“This donation affords us the opportunity to create a new, functional and up-to-date kitchen that will serve children in care for years to come,” Jennings said.

The Sibling Home located at 310 South 1st St. in Forreston, serves to provide families in Northern Illinois with emergency and short term care for multiple siblings whose families are in crisis.

With the goal of being able to house siblings in the same loving home and environment, the home is being renovated by Believe In The Children.

Scheduled for a February 2021 opening and with the support of tradesmen, area businesses, many volunteers and advocates, the home will be equipped, furnished and ready to provide the love and support needed as children are faced with the challenges of separation from their families.

Leona Dirks, president of Church Women United said the donation was prompted by one of the members that saw an article about the Sibling home in the local paper.

“We were looking for a project we could make a grant for that would make a difference in our part of Illinois,” Vice President Mary Terrie Snavely said. “Our funding comes from a bequeathment of an anonymous donor.”

From now until Dec. 31, supporters of Believe In The Children can double the impact of their donations.

In this time of uncertainty and challenges, the demands for the services of Believe In The Children continues to grow creating new opportunities to impact at-risk children and their families, Jennings said in a press release.

“With demand growing as children and families face challenging situations, Believe In The Children expands services. With each new service and effort to help, increased financial demands are realized,”

Church Women United presented Forreston’s Believe In The Children Executive Director Patti Jennings with a $15,000 donation last week to complete its 310 Sibling Home. Pictured, left to right, are: Linda Nolon, Jennings, Mary Terrie Snavely, Leona Dirks and Helen Moore. Photo supplied. she said. “Thanks to the generosity of two anonymous supporters, donations to the 501(c)3 charity will be doubled. The first $20,000 will exhaust the match pool.

“We are seeing a daily increase in the demand for the services we currently offer and opportunities to add additional programs to satisfy the needs of families and children in Northern Illinois,” Jennings said.

“None of what Believe does would be possible without continued financial support. The generosity of these donors will have a great impact on our abilities going into 2021.”

Kalina Joins Team On Sept. 7 Katie Kalina joined the team at Believe In the Children, adding another professional available for at-risk children and their families.

With demand growing as children and families face challenging situations, Believe In The Children expanded professional services and teamed up with Kalina.

As a full-time MSW, Kalina shares the same goals and passion for children and young people and continues to use her talent and knowledge as Believe In The Children expands services.

“Katie provides a whole new dimension to our programs and services,” Jennings said. “She comes with the training and expertise that

Jeff Helfrich/Shaw Media

Believe In The Children in Forreston is working to renovate the 310 Sibling Home, which is going to be a placement home for siblings that need temporary foster care. This is the state of the home after outdoor renovations. allows us to give even more clients a ‘hand up’ and move forward with exciting new projects.”

Kalina has excelled in the non-profit field since obtaining her education. Working with adolescents and community members to curb areas of violence that adolescents face is a primary goal.

She has served on various committees and boards of local organizations including her role as founder/ president of Team Chopper, a local fundraising non-profit. Kalina holds a bachelor’s degree in arts in human

services from Columbia College of Missouri and a master’s degree in social work from Aurora University.

She has lived in the Forreston area for over 15 years and is looking forward to serving those in her community.

For more information or to donate to Believe In The Children and the 310 Sibling Home, visit www.believeinthechildren.org, call 815-837-1500 or email info@believeinthechildren. org.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

Believe In The Children receives $15,000 donation

5

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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LOCAL HISTORY

Young family had first home in Scott Township Editor’s note: Otto Dick, Oregon has researched the people, places and events important in the Oregon area’s history for the Ogle County Historical Society. The following is one of a series of the articles he has written.

BY OTTO DICK

E

arly settlers did not settle in Scott Township as early as other parts of Ogle County since little timber existed in this area.

Several years after Ogle County was officially founded early settlers had a chance to establish farms on the Scott fine flat prairie lands.

One exception to this flat prairie in Scott Township was an area called Big Mound.

About two and a half miles to the southwest of the present Davis Junction is this mound which is visible for 15 miles. After the Civil War a celebration known as the “Union Forever” was held there.

A flagpole was dedicated and a large linen flag was unfolded by two veterans. Settlers from a 30 mile radius came with picnic baskets to celebrate the occasion.

A highlight of the event was a mock Civil War battle staged northeast of Big Mound. In 1871 Big Mound was purchased for the Big Mound Cemetery.

Today Scott Township is an agricultural area surrounding the village of Davis Junction and unincorporated Holcomb. Illinois 72 is an east-west minor arterial route and Illinois 251 a north-south major collector route through Scott Township.

Illinois 72 has an average daily traffic count of 5,300 vehicles and Illinois 251 a count of 4,850.

Davis Junction was established in 1875 when the Pacific Railroad was established.

Jeremiah Davis contributed $4,000 for the grading of the Pacific Railroad and years later donated the right of way through his property for the Chicago and Iowa Railroad branch railroad which ran from Rochelle to Rockford.

This was the railroad that served Oregon during WWI and WWII. Soldiers used the Chicago and Iowa railroad from Oregon to Camp Grant, now the Rockford Airport.

The Village of Holcomb was established by Joseph Sheaff. The first house built in Holcomb by Perry Frantz in 1876 is still standing and is now a residence.

Thomas O. Young, an early settler in Scott Township, is an example of

ABOVE: The Scott Township Historical Society is located in Davis Junction. BELOW LEFT: The C.B.Q Depot was located in Holcomb in Scott Township. BELOW RIGHT: This is the water tower in modern-day Davis Junction. Photos provided by Otto Dick

life and what they endured.

Thomas was born in 1790 in New Jersey and at the age of 18 was living in Canada. He returned to America and joined the American Army in the War of 1812.

After the war he settled in Cleveland, Ohio. He married Lydia O’Brien and their eight children were born in Ohio. Several of their acquaintances had moved to Ogle

County so they moved here around 1838.

Taking six horses, two wagons and a carriage they arrived here coming by way of Chicago.

In 1836 Chicago was a town of about 3,000 people. Thomas and his son Thomas rode in the covered wagon pulled by two white oxen.

Mrs. Young drove the carriage with their four daughters and their

infant son. Their sons George and Ogden rode horses. After 14 days the family arrived and purchased several hundred acres.

This became their home and was the first settlement in Scott Township.

It was recorded that he carried a revolver in his belt as he plowed his fields and slept in the barn to protect his horses at night.

LOCAL HISTORY

ow many of you have ever grown your own holiday color? This is a little more than just bringing in the traditional poinsettia to brighten up the house at Christmas.

This is planting a bulb or bulbs in a container and watching what will happen.

Our daughter Krista belongs to a PEO Chapter in Kenosha and for a fund raiser they sold fall planting bulbs. I ordered daffodils for spring and some small crocus.

I had daffodils growing all over the flower bed in Eagle Point and I loved looking out the window to see this splash of yellow as a harbinger of arriving spring.

When we moved to town the first thing I did was plant daffodils in the outside flower bed so I could see them from the window. Then we moved again and there was one little cluster of daffodils far away from the house.

So I ordered from Krista daffodil bulbs for the flower bed near the house and some small crocus near the doorway in front. That was the end of my fall planting.

Then Krista and Jim came down one day and Krista said, “I have ordered an amaryllis bulb for you so you can have some color at Christmas.”

This was something new for me. She was also thinking about us being cooped up in the house due to the virus and we would have something to watch.

She went on to say, “I do not know what con-

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE Remove all decorations.

No wreaths, garland, or plastic bags.

Sponsored by: Ogle County Solid Waste Mgmt. Dept.

Due to Covid-19 there will be no curbside pick up of trees by the high school FFA clubs.

Please take your tree to a drop off site.

Rochelle Residents: The City Street Departm ent will chip trees at the curb, January 4-18, 2021

REMOVE ALL DECORATIONS. NO WREATHS, GARLAND,OR PLASTIC BAGS. Any questions call Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department 815-732-4020 SM-ST1843627

COMMENTARY Betty Obendorf Polo Historical Society

tainer I will use to plant the amaryllis bulb.”

I said, “I know” and I headed for the garage.

There on the shelf was the perfect container that my mother had used years and years ago to force bulbs in the winter.

That container had held too many memories of white flowers in the winter in our home in Polo and I just could not get rid of it. As my mother aged and could no longer force her bulbs, Ruby Jean, my sister, and I would do it for her.

It had sat on a shelf neglected for a number of years.

Krista washed it up and said, “It is perfect.”

It went home with her to Kenosha and I forgot about it. Then over Thanksgiving she came back and with her was the amaryllis bulb all planted in mom’s container. It was protected as they traveled like a child in a car seat.

The one stalk was quite tall nestled in a bed of rocks in mom’s perfect container. We placed it

See BETTY’S COLUMN, Page 8

The amaryllis bulb, planted in mom’s container, brings brilliant color to the Christmas season. It is pictured here beside my grandmother’s old lamp.

DROP OFF SITES: STARTING DECEMBER 26TH

Register for our annual

Oregon: Park District Maintenance Dept., 507 Hill St. Byron: Byron boat launch lot, E. Blackhawk Dr. (Rt. 2) Forreston: 407 N. Locust St. Leaf River: 605 Main St. Rochelle: Atwood Park, 10th Ave. & 20th St. Monroe Center: Lichty’s Landscaping 309 Pacific St. Polo: Southwest corner of E. Colden St. & S. Green Ave.

DROP OFF ENDS, JANUARY 24, 2021

Byron • Oregon • Rochelle • Rockford • Roscoe/Rockton • Stillman Valley Member FDIC

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

Mom’s container is a perfect home for new amaryllis H

7

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

8

POLO COMMUNITY EVENT

Precision assembly for church council’s baskets 160 food baskets prepped, delivered by volunteers

BY EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@shawmedia.com Twenty-some volunteers were like a well-oiled machine Dec.11 at the Faith Discovery Church in Polo as they efficiently prepped 160 Christmas food baskets for delivery to area residents the next day.

Donning face masks and spacing themselves 6-feet apart, the volunteers picked up two empty paper bags and boxes in the church’s foyer and then made their way to the community room, snaking around tables in a U-formation, dropping in cans of vegetables, jars of jellies, and boxes of macaroni and cheese along with other non-perishable food items.

Volunteer Joyce Cates was the last stop in the food line making sure each box received a fresh loaf of bread, carefully placed on top of boxes and cans.

And Linda Poole was the last stop in the assembly line, placing a Bible and pamphlet in each filled box before they were placed on the church’s pews in the sanctuary.

“Sometimes we give them a Bible and some year’s a pamphlet, but the way this year is... we’re giving them both,” Poole said.

“Them” were the 160 families or individuals who received the food items on Saturday, along with a ham and pound of frozen sausage, for the upcoming holiday season.

People either signed up to receive the baskets directly or through Lifeline, or were referred by a minister or a member of the community, Martin said.

“We’ll put the hams in tomorrow and the sausage from Deuth Farms in the morning,” said Jan Martin, the architect behind the basket

ABOVE: Anne Thompson readies jars of jellies for other volunteers to place in Christmas food baskets for area residents during the Polo Council of Churches event Dec. 11.

AT LEFT: Jan Martin, 2020 Christmas food basket program organizer, fills one of 160 Christmas food baskets. Volunteers assembled the baskets at the Faith Discovery Center and distributed them on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

See FOOD BASKETS, Page 9

• BETTY’S COLUMN

Continued from Page 7

on top of the desk in front of a window where I could watch it from my chair.

It is beside my grandmother’s old lamp that has a covered bridge scene on the lampshade. Something else I could not part with when we moved

into the little house.

A week later the amaryllis has bloomed and a second bloom followed in the next day or two with a third one coming in the middle. A second stalk is shooting up and that is getting ready to open.

Obviously it likes its spot on the desk with just the right amount of light.

Mike Faivre stopped by with

the mail from the museum and he instantly saw the amaryllis and laughed. He had just come from Menards in Sterling where he purchased amaryllis bulbs. He said, “But I will not have them blooming

by Christmas!”

He is an authority on forcing amaryllis bulbs and other kinds and launched forth into the care of them following blooming. I am not that far

into the whole process and now I am content with just looking at it as it brightens the house with this splash of red for the holidays.

It is spectacular in Christmas color.

As we hunker down for winter weather I keep wondering how long will these blooms last? That is the next question to ask Mike when he comes for the next visit.

9

• FOOD BASKETS

Continued from Page 8 assembly line.

Some recipients picked up their basket through a drive-thru at the church while others had theirs delivered by more volunteers on Saturday.

The food items were purchased through cash donations or donated by other churches or local businesses.

“People donate cash so we could purchase the hams and other items.

Deuth Farms donated one pound

of ground sausage to each basket,” Martin said. “It really is a community effort.”

Families with children also received “goody bags” with candy canes and toys, compliments of the Town & Country Days Committee, that group that runs Polo’s annual June festival.

The assembly and distribution is done by volunteers from Polo churches, all working together through the Polo Council of Churches.

“A different church spearheads it each year,” said Martin. “Assembly has been done here at Faith Discov-

ery Church the past several years.”

Andy Colbert, a member of the Crossroads Church in Polo, was one of Friday’s volunteers helping fill baskets. He said his church gave syrup to this year’s drive.

A seasoned, long-distance runner, Colbert made the “loop” in 1:54 seconds, with a 15-second stop to chat briefly with another volunteer.

“It took us 45 minutes tonight,” Martin said. “It’s always been less than an hour.”

Martin said this year’s assembly line included precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“We did have mitigations for

COVID-19,” she said. “We made some changes with the line going around the tables so volunteers could stay spaced.”

A total of around 50 volunteers worked on the project this year. The Polo Council of Churches has been offering the program for 40-plus years, Martin said.

Monetary donations may be made to Polo Council of Churches at First State Bank Polo or by contacting local participating churches For more information call Jan Martin at 815-440-2561.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Volunteers stand apart among the 160 Christmas food baskets they assembled for area residents during the Polo Council of Churches Christmas Food Basket program on Dec. 11.

The baskets were assembled on Friday night at the Faith Discovery Center and distributed on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

HAPPY RETIREMENT

Oregon colonel retires after 35 years of service Newman is a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan tours of service STAFF REPORT

news@shawmedia.com A 35-year career of service came to an end in the place it began – the Illinois National Guard Armory in Dixon.

“It’s fitting that we’re here at the place it all started,” Col. Gerald Newman told the small group of friends and family on hand on Dec. 5. “My military career started right here in an office upstairs. It makes sense that it comes to a close here, too.”

The retirement of a senior officer is typically a large event, but Newman kept the event small to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Newman, an Oregon resident, enlisted in 1985 as an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, based at the Dixon armory. Five years later, he graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Industrial Technology and commissioned as an air defense artillery officer with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 202nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, also based in the armory.

Newman has held a variety of leadership positions in his career, most recently as the commander of the 108th Sustainment Brigade based in Chicago.

The 108th recently returned from

Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spretizer

Col. Gerald Newman of Oregon, receives his certificate of retirement from Maj. Gen. Michael Zerbonia, Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard. Newman, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, retired Dec. 5 after 35 years of service. a deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in Iraq, Newman’s unit was awarded the U.S. Secretary of Defense’s Sustainment, Training Advise and Assistance of Foreign Military Forces Award.

Newman was also on state active duty for the “Great Flood” of 1993.

He also deployed in 2005 to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and in 2012 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Maj. Gen. Michael Zerbonia, assistant adjutant general - Army, Illinois National Guard, and commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, who deployed with Newman to Iraq

and Afghanistan, officiated Newman’s retirement ceremony.

“When you think of Col. Newman, you think hard-working, driven and dedicated,” Zerbonia said. “I’ve been with Jerry since the beginning.

When I came off active duty in 1996, he was right there running a PT test right next to me. We’ve been together ever since.”

Zerbonia lauded Newman’s service and ability to embrace any assignment given to him. He also thanked him and his family for the many years of hard work and dedication to the Guard. Zerbonia spoke highly of the memories and deployments he shared with Newman.

“When you serve with someone, you create a bond, but when you deploy with someone, that bond becomes an unbreakable bond of shared service and friendship,” he said. “It’s a little hard standing up here: I’m not just saying good-bye to a great officer, but also one of my best friends in the military.”

During the ceremony, Newman was presented with his retirement orders, a retirement certificate and a flag commemorating his service.

Newman’s wife, Angie, also was presented a certificate of retirement as a thank-you to her dedication to her husband’s career.

Newman also presented his wife, his mother and mother-in-law with bouquets of roses in appreciation of their support.

Throughout his career, Newman said, he seized every opportunity given to him and attributed his success to taking those opportunities, even if they weren’t exactly what he was hoping for.

“My great-grandmother used to say everything happens for a reason, and it stuck with me,” Newman said.

“I went wherever I was needed and took every opportunity. My reward wasn’t my success, but the success of the soldiers and officers that I commanded.”

Newman thanked the many mentors he had during his military career, but was especially grateful for the advice of a retired Cmdr.

Sgt. Maj. William Lafferty, who told Newman about the Guard.

“The decision to join was the best decision I made,” Newman said. “If it weren’t for that decision, I wouldn’t have the family that I have today.”

ROTARY NEWS

Oregon Rotary Foundation awards scholarships

BY HOLLIE J GUIST, JR.

President, Oregon Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. The Oregon Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the names of our area students who have been selected as 2020 Oregon Rotary Club Foundation College Scholars.

The recipients of these awards traditionally excel academically, as well as in their many volunteer activities making them each exemplary representatives of the values of Rotary International.

Johnathan Prose and Bailey Montavon have been awarded the extra

distinction of being named as the 2020 Oregon Rotary Foundation Club’s Andrew and Helen Cirksena Scholars.

Students who maintain their honor roll status with a rigorous class load and extensive community service are given this award for going above and beyond standard accomplishments.

Johnathan Prose Jonathan is an Oregon class of 2017 graduate who attended Kishwaukee College first, then went on

to further his studies at Iowa State University.

He is now a senior who is pursuing a degree in Environmental and Civil Engineering while still shining as an exemplary scholar, active in campus ministry and community service volunteer.

Changes in the way people work and volunteer in 2020 look much different than they did in the past.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, this feels exciting to Johnathan. He has grown to realize that when his passions, interests and volunteering tasks intertwine, responsibilities no

longer feel like work.

Bailey Montavon Bailey is also a senior, but she is studying accountancy at Illinois State University. Despite being on an accelerated path to her degree and the many organizations she is a part of, Bailey still manages to maintain her admirable GPA and volunteer in multiple community events. Her lifestyle displays how she values her commitments and the communities

See SCHOLARSHIPS, Page 11

SPORTS COLUMN

o far, there are three parts to this story, but the fourth and final chapter promises to be the best of all.

Part I begins at Rochelle in 1972 with my freshman football season and ends in November of 1975 after a playoff loss to Geneva. For each of those four years, I had the good fortune of lining up next to Todd Smith.

He was a tackle and I was an end. No matter the formation, we were always on the same side and when it came to double-team blocking, Todd made my life very easy.

Strong bonds are created in sports, but once the cheering stops and the games are over, people often move on with their lives and that was the case with Todd and I. It wasn’t until about 25 years later that I began to see Todd again and ironically it was at the exact same place that football-playing bond ended – at Helms Field in Rochelle.

Because of an injury he wasn’t able to work as ironworker anymore and began taking photos at football games, eventually setting up a Rochelle athletic website.

I had already been prowling the sidelines for a few years as a part-time sports reporter. Whenever I was on the Rochelle beat, there was Todd and his camera.

Newspaper clippings of my articles were oldschool scrapbook stuff, while his digital camera offered cyberspace memories. As we reacquainted ourselves, a new bond was created and that

• SCHOLARSHIPS

Continued from Page 10 she is a part of.

The additional 2020 recipients of the Oregon Rotary Foundation Club College Scholarships include Ellie Egyed, Addison Kitzmiller, Chloe Klein, and Allyse Ketter. These scholars excel academically and in service. We hope the award of these scholarships will allow these students to further their opportunities and that they will continue to serve with the high ideals that Rotary International supports.

Ellie Egyed Ellie Egyed is a junior at Carroll University. She is majoring in elementary education and is planning on attaining a dual certification in special education as well.

She is hoping to create a healthy and positive learning environment for children and to be that constant support for them so that they can succeed and thrive in the future.

Addison Kitzmiller A 2018 OHS graduate, Addison Kitzmiller is now attending Northern Illinois University where she is studying to become a physical therapist.

As a three-sport, high school ath-

COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

was the second part of the story.

Part III begins on a car ride in November of 2017. Rochelle had its best football team in quite a while and a quarterfinal match-up at Morris was the biggest obstacle to a first-ever trip to the state championship game.

The program had a proud history, but suffered an inordinate amount of gut-wrenching playoff losses, starting when Todd and I were seniors.

As the two of us drove down I-39, I remember hearing how proud he was when his son Cole was a senior and Rochelle beat Geneva in a regular-season game a few years earlier. It was a bit of redemption for our 1975 loss, but beating Morris would really exorcise the demons.

The emotional attachment as former players was taxing enough, let alone the one we had as reporter and photographer.

Like a dagger to the heart, Rochelle narrowly lost to Morris and the ride home seemed a lot longer. But, it was dangerous ground we were treading by allowing a high-school football game to determine our emotional well being.

lete and a former college basketball player herself, Addison’s goal is to attain her doctorate in this field and work in a college setting with the athletes there.

Her many ventures into community service has helped her realize that it is the small things in life make her the happiest. As she strives for excellence in her chosen field, she is also trying to enjoy those moments as well.

Chloe Klein At 19 years old, Chloe Klein has already completed her prerequisite classes locally at Sauk Valley Community College and has gone on to transfer to the University of Iowa’s Radiologic Technology program.

In this three-year course, Chloe will not only work toward her main degree, but she will be also be certified in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

After graduation, Chloe is planning to work as a radiology technologist in the x-ray or MRI department of a hospital or clinic.

Outside of her academic work, Chloe is a part of an organization that fundraises, provides emotional and financial support for the pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

We both knew that and that is where chapter three begins to take shape.

Until this time, any bond we shared, be it as players or sideline media, was based upon high-school football and all the subsequent glory attained. Slowly, we began opening up to one another about where God fits into the equation.

Bear in mind, we were two guys that had spent much of their adult life separated from God. Little did we know we were about to be rocketed to a spiritual realm of living that would make a state football title by Rochelle pale in comparison.

It started with me inviting Todd to go to a 3-day Christian retreat, which is much harder than asking a guy to go to the ball game with you.

He went and fully committed himself to a life of Christ, soon taking classes in ministerial leadership.

What an inspiration Todd became to me and our talks were no not so much about football, but of love and service to your fellow man. Instead of just friends, we became true brothers.

The reason that the fourth and final chapter of this story promises to be the best is because we both have an eternal resting place in Heaven.

Todd died on Saturday from Covid-related pneumonia and when my time comes, I will be with him again.

There is no bond better than one given by Christ.

She feels blessed to be a part of a team when she can make a difference in someone’s life and continues to look for other ways to serve in her new community.

Allyse Ketter In a year that has had many unknowns for us all, Allyse Ketter has worked hard to remain a constant in her leadership roles on the Illinois State University campus.

As she prepares to graduate with her Bachelor of Science for Recreation and Park Administration degree in just eight months, Allyse has forged into this new virtual world we have all found ourselves a part of in 2020.

Both in her academic life as well as in her community service, Allyse has strived to have positive impact on her professors, fellow students, and community members now more than ever.

Through unique and innovative ways, she has sought out and created virtual alternatives to traditional life, both on and off campus. Understanding that we all face a difficult transitional time, she has sought out and initiated ways to improve classes, programs and protocols for hundreds of students and to lighten the load of professors.

Scholarships for High School Seniors The Oregon Rotary Club also gave away several high school scholarships this year.

The recipients of those awards were Lauren Montavon, Holly Handschuh, Elizabeth Villarreal and Cynthia Nyderek.

Our Foundation members are proud of the hard work and the awareness these students show and hope to see more of it in the future.

The Oregon Rotary Club Foundation program has been assisting students on their academic journey for 36 years.

The program began in 1984 with one $500 scholarship being awarded.

As of this year 195 scholarships amounting to over $370,000 have been awarded. Each year, the Oregon Rotary Club Foundation Board selects recipients whom the board feels meets the ideals of Rotary International.

The annual decision process is a very difficult yet rewarding experience because of the large number of outstanding applicants that apply each year.

The Oregon community should be very proud of these individuals who are not only excellent students, but participate in activities geared toward helping others, as well.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

Former teammates became friends off the gridiron S

11

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

12

COUNTY NEWS

Precautions, preparation key to coroner’s work

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Ogle County Coroner Lou Finch makes sure that those who pass away with COVID-19 have the proper cause of death listed.

“It’s making sure that their death is the proper cause and that it’s properly recorded instead of just signing it off as COVID-19,” Finch said. “My thought process is, if someone is in hospice and already dying, their cause is already there. If they test positive after being in hospice already, I don’t rule it as a COVID-19 death. It would be that previous ailment.”

Finch said “universal precautions” and being prepared with PPE have been instrumental in his department’s work during COVID-19.

He said his four full-time staff members are trained on how to handle COVID-19 cases and made removals at the start of the pandemic when it was unknown how the virus was spread.

Funeral directors are now handling that work.

COVID-19 has increased work within Finch’s office, but he said his staff isn’t stressed.

Finch also runs Finch Funeral Home in Mt. Morris. He’s been frustrated by state limits placed on gatherings at funeral Ogle County Coroner homes that don’t necessarLou Finch ily apply at other potential places of mourning like churches.

“I think it’s a shame they have to choose the amount for a service and it depends on the venue,” Finch said. “I don’t think the state is fluid in its recommendations. Within a funeral home, it’s 10 people. Churches, the state isn’t putting anything on them. The church says their capacity

and what percentage of that they want in. I don’t know why they don’t recognize funeral homes as a religious place.”

Finch said the pandemic has changed how things are run in the funeral business. Families’ wishes and views have changed, he said.

“You see funeral homes now, people aren’t visiting them like they used to,” Finch said. “They’re using other entities like churches or having celebrations of life or drive thru memorials.”

The funeral business was up and down before COVID-19, Finch said. He can’t tell if there have been increases due to the pandemic.

So far, Finch has found the community to be accommodating, understanding and careful with the funeral process during COVID-19 amid unusual circumstances and guidelines.

“They understand I worry about everyone being taken care of and what visitors are,” Finch said. “We do different things to make sure everyone has a chance to say goodbye.”

COVID-19 UPDATE

Additional positive COVID-19 cases at Pinecrest CEO posts letter on website

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com On Dec. 11, Pinecrest nursing staff conducted the second round of COVID-19 testing of its community and it yielded positive tests of a Village employee and a Village resident.

“Unfortunately, today’s testing revealed three new positive tests among Village residents,” CEO Ferol Labash said in a letter on their website.

“Additionally, due to symptoms noted, a Village cottage resident was tested and determined to be positive for COVID 19.”

Ogle County Health Department Public Administrator Kyle Auman directed testing to be com-

pleted as planned on Tuesday, Dec. 15. An additional round of testing will be completed on Friday, Dec. 18.

“All Pinecrest Village residents should remain in their apartments until at least Dec. 18,” the letter said.

Pinecrest must receive two rounds of tests with no new positives in order to remove the restriction requiring residents to remain in their apartments. Visits to Pinecrest Village continue to be suspended indefinitely. Caregivers providing medically necessary assistance will be allowed into the building and should wear full PPE during their visit, the letter said.

Labash also wrote that meal services will continue to be contactless. Meals will be delivered by dining services to a tray outside of residents’ apartments. Dining services knock to let people know the meal has been delivered.

Rochelle Veterinary Hospital

Housekeeping services will not be resumed during the quarantine period. Residents should not use the laundry facilities until at least Dec. 19. This may be extended if additional positive test results are received, the letter said.

If residents have a medical emergency, dial 911.

If the call cord in an apartment is pulled, nursing staff has been instructed to call 911.

“If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, please call the Pinecrest Community main number 815-734-4103 and we will make arrangements to conduct a rapid COVID test at the first availability of the Pinecrest Village CNA,” Labash said in the letter.

Written updates will be provided via Pinecrest’s Facebook page as well as the website at: https:// www.pinecrestcommunity.org/Pinecrest-Information/COVID-19-pandemic-information.

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com â&#x20AC;¢ Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14

15

Let’s face it, 2020 has been a tough year, and you’d be forgiven if you found it hard to summon up some Christmas spirit. But as is often the case, we can learn something from the children.

Their enthusiasm for Christmas hasn’t dimmed, as you’ll see in these letters from area grade-schoolers. Their hopes for the holiday remind us all that there’s still plenty of Christmas joy to go around. We hope you take a moment to read their merry missives.

You may notice the occasional spelling misstep in some of the letters; that’s because we’re printing the notes as is, in all their child-like charm. Heck, who could blame these tykes for a stumble on the keyboard here and there? They’re writing to Santa, after all, and they were probably pretty darn excited – and we suspect the jolly old elf won’t put anyone on his naughty list for a misspelled word or two.

First, we’d like to thank all the children whose letters to Santa fill the pages of this special section. May all your holiday hopes and wishes come true. We’d also like to thank our readers and advertisers, without whom this section wouldn’t be possible.

And last but not least, Santa’s honorary elves: the teachers who gathered up all the letters and sent them in.

We wish all of them a very Merry Christmas!

From all of us at Sauk Valley Media

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

Dear Letters to Santa readers,

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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JOY cont’d on page 17

17 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

JOY cont’d from page 16

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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CANN cont’d on page 19

19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

CANN cont’d from page 18

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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Merry Christmas Salon & Spa

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It’s the most wonderful time of year to celebrate kindness, friendship and family. We’re grateful to have you in our family of customers, and we wish you all the best this holiday season.

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21 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

In the spirit of the season, we extend our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for choosing Central Bank.

Our Central focus is YOU

PLOCK cont’d on page 22

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

22

PLOCK cont’d from page 21

HOPKINS cont’d on page 23

23 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

HOPKINS cont’d from page 22

LAHTI cont’d on page 24

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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LAHTI cont’d from page 23

FAIVRE cont’d on page 25

25 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

FAIVRE cont’d on page 24

MERRELL cont’d on page 26

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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MERRELL cont’d from page 25

27 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com â&#x20AC;¢ Friday, December 18, 2020

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com â&#x20AC;¢ Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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Wishing You Peace & Prosperity In This Joyous Season!

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25 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

FAIVRE cont’d on page 24

MERRELL cont’d on page 26

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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MERRELL cont’d from page 25

27 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com â&#x20AC;¢ Friday, December 18, 2020

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

Venier Jewelers has served Dixon for 75 years

Four generations of the Venier family have worked at store

BY CODY CUTTER

ccutter@shawmedia.com It’s especially fitting when jewelry stores make it to their diamond anniversary, and Venier Jewelers of Dixon has reached that milestone.

For 75 years, four generations of the Venier family have not only been suppliers of special gifts to celebrate accomplishment, but also teachers of how to make life’s biggest leaps of faith, such as the all important marriage proposition, a success.

Even if it means having the three most active Venier men in the shop – partners Mike, 61; Bob, 59; and Anthony, 32 – catch up on the latest trends of the woman’s world.

The three-quarters of a century success all boils down to taking care of people the way they want to be taken care of, said Mike, the

Four generations of the family have been part of the operation, with family members Mike (left) and his wife Marguerite, Louie, Bob and Anthony working behind the glass counters to sell and repair jewelry, clocks and watches. third-generation business manager.

“We started with small means and continued to build it over the years based on trust, based on understanding our customer needs, keeping everything specific to our customer needs, and providing great, honest customer service,” Mike said. “We

focus on making sure our customers are satisfied, and if something isn’t to their perfect liking, then we make sure that it is.”

Like any multigenerational family business, an appreciation for history is important in maintaining trust for its customers, and the

showroom has plenty of pieces of Venier history all around it.

Anthony, Mike’s son, is the latest generation to work for the business that his great-grandfather Lorenzo started in 1945 and brings a modern twist to the operations. He got the store’s website going and among day-to-day business also handles the internet aspect of the business, which now includes private online video conferencing brought upon by the current coronavirus pandemic mitigations.

Every day brings a surprise, Anthony said.

“Waking up in the morning and not really knowing what the day is going to bring truly is what keeps me excited,” he said. “The unexpected and the unknown of our industry really is exciting, not knowing what kind of day we’re going to have is a lot of fun.”

While the last names of the partners all are the same, each one has their specific role. Louie, 84, is president and CEO and the buck continues to stop with him despite handing off much of his work to his sons and

See VENIERS, Page 33

At Venier Jewelers we are thankful to be celebrating our 75th year of business in downtown Dixon. Through the many changes in the industry and four generations of past family

employees, one thing remains the same... The support of our loyal customers! Without you, there is no 75 years, there would not be four generations, and there would be no Venier Jewelers.

On behalf of the late ‘Lorenzo’, Joe, Louie, Mike, Bob, Marguerite, Anthony, and the late ‘Boomer’, we say THANK YOU! We appreciate all of our customers in the Sauk Valley area and beyond. We hope to continue to serve you in the years ahead with all of your jewelry, gift giving and timekeeping needs.

God bless you and please have a safe and happy holiday season!

D I A M O N D S, F I N E J E W E L RY, J E W E L RY R E PA I R

117 W 1ST ST. DIXON, IL 815.284.3034 | www.venier je weler s. com SM-ST1843738

33 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

ABOVE: Venier Jewelers opened at 226 West First St. in Dixon in 1945. It moved one block east to 117 West First St. 20 years later, where the family built its own building.

RIGHT: Bob Venier works on designing a band for a ring. The store will design and repair any number of jewelry pieces and watches.

• VENIERS

Continued from Page 32

grandson. He started working for his father as a Dixon High School freshman in 1950, and still makes it to the store at least once a week.

“Working with my family is a big thing,” Louie said. “It’s always good to come to work and be with your family and make a living.”

Louie’s brother Joe, 95, was with the business up until a couple of years ago, spending plenty of time working with the delicate tools of the business into his 90s. Bob enjoys the backbench role, where skilled hands and the sharpest precision that gives each piece its unique style.

“I like the tradition that my grandfather and uncle started for us, and doing my part to make it continue, and whatever it takes to make it happen,” Bob said. “They gave it their heart and soul, forever.”

Venier’s not only sells new products, they repair them, too. That all involves repair, sizing, custom services, remounting, watch battery installation, engraving, rhodium plating, eye glass repair and bead stringing. The store also can appraise various jewelry and clocks.

Doing a lot of our services in-house has kept them competitive within the industry, Anthony said.

“That gives a lot of confidence to our customers, knowing that we’re not outsourcing a lot of our work.

It’s done here. When you’re dealing with precious jewelry and family heirlooms, it gives some quality and peace of mind to the customer knowing that their precious goods aren’t being sent all over the place.”

Despite being a family business, the Veniers had some non-family

members work for them for many years, including Beverly Pitzer and Eileen Hahn, two “loyal, longtime clerks,” Bob said, that helped make the customer service experience tremendous over the years.

“They were here since we were kids and saw us grow up into adults,” Bob said. “Those kind of employees you don’t find anymore; their honesty, their loyalty and willing to go through the changes of working inside a family business that isn’t theirs.”

Thousands of jewelry pieces come and go every year, but sometimes the Veniers can recognize pieces they’ve sold just by remembering the people they sold them to. Many pieces last for many years, and they’ve seen pieces brought in for a tune-up that originally were purchased when Louie was young.

“It’s pretty rare to see four generations get along and be able to stay in business for as long as we have,” Mike said. “There’s an appreciation for what our grandfather and our uncle started, and we want to see that tradition carried on to not only the level that they started, but to take it to another level. There’s not much of the industry we can’t do at this point.”

Since 1945 Venier Jewelers, 117 W. First St. in downtown Dixon, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday.

Go to venierjewelers.com, find them on Facebook or call 815-2843034 for more information.

Virtual appointments also can be arranged through the website with the Zoom video application.

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

34

4-H NEWS

Winners are listed for 2020 4-H achievement

Kathryn Snow, Blackhawk Crossing 4-H club, won the I Dare You Award.

Bode Martin of Carefree 4-H club was awarded the Coop Watch award.

dimensions: Community Service, Leadership, or Project Learning.

Diamond Level recognizes youth who completed six or more experiences in one of the three dimensions, with at least four of those experiences beyond the county level.

Emerald level recognizes youth who completed eight or more experiences in one of the three dimensions, with at least four of those experiences beyond the county level and at least two at the state, national, or international level.

Julia Heller, Grand Detour Greens 4-H Club received the Illinois State 4-H Key Award. This award is a statewide recognition program, sponsored for older 4-H members.

The purpose of the award is to reward members exhibiting outstanding leadership, community service, and mentoring during their 4-H involvement Lydia Sherburne, Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, received Best in Show for her Food Science Project from the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation. This award provides a $50 award for outstanding achievements in the Food Science Project.

Other special award winners were:

Renee Gehrke, By-YBadgers 4-H Club, won the 4-H Foundation award.

Outstanding Club President, Aubrey Craig, Mighty Clovers Outstanding Club Secretaries, Alexandria Cassens, By-Y-Badgers and Maddie Harland, Leaf River Busy Beavers Outstanding Club Treasurers, Isaac Charbonneau, Leaf River Busy Beavers and Wyatt Swanson, By-Y-Badgers Outstanding Club Reporter, Braden Rogers, Ogle Jolly and Cassidy Vincent, Hub Hickory Nuts Outstanding Club Historians, Lauren Carlson, By-Y-Badgers and Aubrey Janoski, Ogle Jolly Ogle County 4-H Drill Team Trav-

eling Horse Award, Cassidy Vincent, Hub Hickory Nuts Fifth Place Regional Senior Hippology Contest, Natalie Johnson, Leaf River Soaring Eagles Electricity Achievement Award, Preston Taylor, Hub Hickory Nuts Illinois Holstein-Friesian Association Award, Lacie Williams, Leaf River Soaring Eagles A number of awards were distributed to community clubs throughout the county in recognition of outstanding community service, educational programming, and promotional efforts.

Additionally, one club’s leader was recognized for their outstanding efforts to work together to effectively meet the needs of and coordinate the work of their club. Congratulations go to all of the following club winners: Ogle County 4-H Club-of-the-Year First place, Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club; Second place, By-Y-Badgers 4-H Club, and Third place, Carefree 4-H Club Top Leader Team Award, Summerhill Huskies 4-H Club: Catherine Byers and Vickie Smith Alumni Award, Michael Ring, Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame Recipient, Cheryl Price, Mt. Morris

Celebrate Christmas 2020 with your local United Methodist Churches!

Whether you plan to celebrate Christmas online, in-person, on the radio, on Youtube, or Facebook the 10 Hub Cluster United Methodist Churches welcome you and your family to join us for Christmas Services. Check out www.UMCHub.org/Christmas or the listed webpage or Facebook page listed for the most up to date info for service or streaming options.

Ashton United Methodist Church

Facebook search Ashton UMC, Ashton IL

Chana United Methodist Church

www.ChanaChurch.org

Franklin Grove United Methodist Church

Facebook search Franklin Grove UMC, Franklin Grove IL

Lighthouse United Methodist Church

Thank you for your business!

Wishing you a blessed holiday season.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Luke 2:14 “When Perfection Matters” | Call Steve Hershberger, Owner

815-973-6215

www.facebook.com/LighthouseUMCIL See all the HUB churches Christmas Schedules at

www.UMCHub.org/Christmas

C hristmas

HUB Cluster

Carol Cruise

www.facebook.com/NICHUBCluster YouTube search HUB Cluster

Ogle County’s top 4-H members and clubs were honored for outstanding achievement at a special drive thru program held Nov. 15 at the Ogle County Extension office.

Top county honors went to 4-H teens Alexandria Cassens of Byron and Bode Martin of Oregon.

Cassens is from By-Y-Badgers 4-H Club and Martin is from Carefree 4-H Club. Both received the Co-op Watch Award sponsored by Ogle County Farm Bureau and its affiliates.

Watches are awarded each year to the two 4-H’ers with the most impressive records of long-term leadership and service at the club level and beyond.

Renee Gehrke from Byron and in By-Y-Badgers 4-H club, received a $50 cash award sponsored by the Ogle County 4-H Foundation.

The Foundation Award is presented annually to a single 4-H’er who has shown leadership skills, a willingness to help with 4-H activities, and has served as a positive example to younger members.

Four youth were challenged to greater leadership and service as recipients of the “I Dare You” Leadership Award. New owners of William Danforth’s inspiring book, “I Dare You,” these youth were selected based on their previous leadership, citizenship, and project work.

This years’ winners are Nicholas Cassens, By-Y-Badgers; Bruce Gehrke, By-Y-Badgers; Braden Rogers, Ogle Jolly, and Kathryn Snow, Blackhawk Crossing.

Lillian Kennedy, Hub Hickory Nuts 4-H Club, received the Emerald Experience Award in Project Learning. This state award recognizes youth who have expanded their 4-H careers beyond the county level.

The award is presented at two levels and in one of the following

Ready to get in the holiday spirit?

Checkout the Hub Cluster Christmas Carol Cruise.

Dec 4-6. Drive by each of the Hub City area churches to sing along and learn the history of 10 different Christmas Carols. Scan this code to learn more.

OBITUARIES MT. MORRIS - Melissa Deanne Lamesch, 27, lifelong Mt. Morris resident, died unexpectedly in her home Wednesday, November 25, 2020 with her unborn son.

She was born May 10, 1993 in Rockford, the daughter of Gustave Lamesch III and Deanna (Shedd) Lamesch.

Melissa was a 2011 graduate of Oregon High School and attended Roosevelt University in Chicago, Northern Illinois University, Rock Valley College and Elgin Community College.

She was a 2020 graduate of the Swedish-American EMS Paramedic class.

MARY K. “KATHY” RAUM OREGON – Mary K. “Kathy” Raum, 83, a lifelong Oregon/Byron resident, died Sunday, December 13, 2020 in her home in Oregon.

She was born Aug. 17, 1937 in Afton, Iowa, the daughter of Edmund and Rose (Wollensack) Vogel.

Kathy was a 1956 graduate of Byron High School and was head of the “50’s Club” for her Byron High School classmates and ran the Byron Nostalgia Facebook page.

THOMAS S. ‘TOM’ STRAWBRIDGE ROCKFORD – Thomas S. “Tom” Strawbridge died peacefully of natural causes Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Amberwood Care Center in Rockford.

The son of L. R. “Bud” Strawbridge and Isla (Whitsell) Strawbridge, Tom was born March 21, 1952 in DeKalb.

Tom attended grade school in Rochelle, and high school in Oregon.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Nov. 9, 1969 and was stationed at Kaiserslautern, Germany where he served as a

Melissa was employed as an EMT by Trace Ambulance Service in Tinley Park and hosted trivia nights for Pub Trivia USA. She was a longtime employee of Sullivan’s Foods.

Melissa was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon and Faith Lutheran Church of Forreston.

Growing up, she was part of Girl Scout Troop 480, and Circle M 4-H, as well as the Oregon High School Student Council, color guard, and bowling team.

Melissa is survived by her father, Gus-

tave Lamesch III of Mt. Morris; mother, Deanna Lamesch of Malta; siblings, Cassie (Justin) Baal of Normal, Karl Lamesch of Malta, Bryan Lamesch of Malta and Julialyn Shedd of Malta; paternal grandmother, Mary Lamesch of Wheaton; maternal grandmother, Diane Shedd of Malta; nephews, Kolbe and Mayson Baal; and niece and goddaughter, Maddison Baal.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Gustave Lamesch, Jr.; and maternal grandfather, Daniel Shedd.

Melissa was obsessed over her cat, Antonio. She was known for her tremendously unique smile, always arriving fashionably late, and her love of eating

and napping. Everything was done in her perfectionistic ways and always in true “Melissa Fashion.”

She was unapologetically herself.

A private family funeral service was held on Monday, Dec. 14, in St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon, Burial was at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for contribution toward the planting a tree in her memory at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle and a donation to Animal House Shelter, where Melissa adopted Antonio.

Also, the family is accepting children’s toy donations in memory of the unborn baby.

She married John Peter Raum on April 27, 1957 in Byron. She was employed at the Ogle County Zoning Office for many years, retiring in 2000.

Kathy was very artistic and an active member of the Eagle’s Nest Art Group, serving as Treasurer and was also a Girl Scout leader 1963-1968. She enjoyed sewing, making most of her own and many of her daughter’s clothes.

Kathy was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Oregon where she sang with the church choir most of her adult life.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Pete Raum of Oregon; daughter, Christine (Kenn Gall) Raum of Rock City; sons, Pete (Gary Lenhart) Raum, Jr. of Oregon and Craig (Shigeko) Raum of Yokasuka, Japan; grandchildren: Brittany and Alexandra Raum, Jennifer and Rebecca Raum, and Andy and Jaime Raum; and great grandchildren, Linkin and Layke.

She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Joseph Francis Vogel.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon. A Celebration of Life will also be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kathy’s name may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon. Farrell-Holland-Gale assisted the family. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to send online condolences.

supply clerk.

He was honorably discharged in 1972.

“Pops,” as he was known to his wide circle of friends, enjoyed a variety of jobs but identified most affectionately his years as a bartender, barber, insurance agent, car salesman, and restaurateur.

He never met a stranger and relished his connections with people.

Surviving are his son, Christopher “Kit” (Julie) Strawbridge of High Point, North Carolina; grandsons, Joshua (Alex) Burcham and Jarred (Kenzie) Burcham; and great-granddaughter, Averie. Also,

surviving are his sisters, Linda R. Daub of Chana, Donna (Tom) Heid of Cape Haze, Florida and Aunt Marjorie (Strawbridge) Gregory of Cottonwood, Arizona as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends who cared.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Darrell Daub; niece, Angela Daub-Bergstrom; and significant other, Debra Matheny.

At Tom’s wishes, cremation will take place. Assistance to the family was graciously accorded by Tim at Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory.

The family also wishes to acknowl-

edge Rochelle Community Hospital, Amberwood Care Center, Unity Hospice and the VA Hospital of Madison for the kind and respectful care he received in his final days.

Due to COVID-19, restrictions memorial services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom’s name may be given to Rochelle Fire Department Ambulance Service or Lifescape Meals on Wheels program, both of which were active participants in Tom’s care in the past several years.

• Oregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times •Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal Only $39 a year for subscribers living in Ogle County.

Call 815-732-6166, ext. 2518 to subscribe today!

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

MELISSA D. LAMESCH

35

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

36

BUSINESS

Spring Valley sells out after new drive thru opens

Owner offers thanks for all the support

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Spring Valley Restaurant sold out of its new broasted chicken over the weekend after opening its new drive thru to adapt to COVID-19 guidelines last Friday.

“Thank you to everyone for all the support,” the restaurant posted on its Facebook page. “We are extremely grateful and are doing the best we can.”

The restaurant held a ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday with representatives from the chamber of commerce and city in attendance.

Spring Valley was closed Monday after selling out and reopened Tuesday. The new drive thru consists of a digital menu board with a speaker system to use with its current pickup window.

The restaurant has been closed for most of the year due to state COVID19 regulations. Owner Mat Ajvazi

Jeff Helfrich/Shaw Media

Representatives from the Oregon Chamber of Commerce, the City of Oregon and Spring Valley Restaurant pose for a photo at the ribbon cutting of Spring Valley’s new COVID-19-safe drive thru and menu. recently took over ownership from his parents and put the changes into motion. He says the dining room will reopen when possible.

“We feel it’s the right thing to do,” Ajvazi said. “It’s to keep the community and employees safe. It’s a family business and we’re tight with the

community. Even if everyone isn’t doing it, we want to take that next step because we care. If we can stop one death or case, it’s worth it.”

Happy

Holidays

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POLO POLICE

Dec. 9 Frank M. Kowal, 46, of Polo, was cited for driving with no driver’s license.

Kowal was given a notice to appear.

in a 30 mph speed zone. Hutchinson was released on an I-Bond.

Joseph D. Dawsey, 37, of Polo, was arrested for operating a motor vehicle with a revoked license and possession of cannabis under 30 gm. Dawsey was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

lation of bail bond. Gonzalez was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

I-Bond.

Dec. 10 Karen S. Hutchison, 62, of Milledgeville, was cited for speeding 38 mph

Dec. 12 Pedro O. Gonzalez, 49, of Polo, was arrested for domestic battery and vio-

Dec. 13 Meghan E. O’Rorke, 22, of Steward, was cited for speeding 43 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. O’Rorke was released on an I-Bond.

Isaac James McBride, 17, of Polo, was cited for speeding 48 mph in a 35 mph speed zone. McBride was released on an

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity.

Palacios was released on scene and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 22 at 9 a.m.

10 percent of the $3,000 bond, was released, and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8 at 9 a.m.

Dec. 12 Juan Palacios, 52, of Omaha, Nebraska was arrested at 4:37 p.m. for no driver’s license after deputies conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 39 at Big Mound.

Dec. 13 Andrew P. Lamb, 29, of Kirkland was arrested on an outstanding warrant for speeding after he turned himself in to the Ogle County Jail. He posted the

Dec. 14 Ryan J T Corson, 19, of Oregon was arrested at 5 p.m. for unlawful possession of cannabis, a Class four felony and unlawful possession of cannabis

with the intent to deliver, a class three felony. He was arrested deputies served a search warrant in the 200 block of Hastings Avenue in Oregon. Corson was transported to the Ogle County Jail and was scheduled to appear in bond court on Dec. 15. Deputies were assisted by the Oregon Police Department.

Zenz Buildings-Hueber Feeds LLC, section 34, Scott township, addition to commercial building, $50,000.

Merlin Fox, section 31, Rockvale township, remove accessory building.

Bruce Carlson, section 31, Leaf River township, residential accessory building.

Todd Brazeal, section 10, Lynnville

township, residential accessory building.

Wausau Homes-Tallman, section 21, Rockvale township, single-family dwelling, $400,000.

AT&T, section 25, Brookville township, replace antenna on existing telecommunications tower, $15,000.

Chris and Angela Stephenitch, section

8, Taylor township, residential accessory building.

Kurt Bruno, section 35, Eagle Point township, agricultural storage building.

Michael Deuth, section 32, Lincoln township, remove and replace agricultural storage building.

Rochelle, $216,000.

• Robert J. Challand to Rigoberto A. Cervantes, 1101 Tilton Park Drive, Rochelle, $143,000.

• Blake and Bobbi Stockton to John L. and C. Janine Elliott, 5252 S. Wendell Drive, Rochelle, $152,900.

• Christine P. and Robert A. Swanson to Richard G. and Corrinne E. Bicker, 310 E. River View Drive, Byron, $188,500.

• Bowman Farms Inc. to Kwik Trip Inc., 1000 S. Seventh St, Rochelle, $324,000.

• Jeffrey M. and Karen K. Johnson to Jason Allen Eldon, 6487 E. Possum Trail, Byron, $152,000.

• Ronald A. and Angie E. Blumeyer to Beau T. and Stacia N. Burke, 6459 W. Haldane Road, Mt. Morris, $345,000.

• Byron Reserve LLC to Tyler M. and Emily Hoffman, 199 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $182,900.

• Charles E. Beard to Michael A. and Colleen M. Stukenberg, 7630 N. Mile Road, Forreston, $450,000.

• Timothy G. Martin to Homestead by Urban Farmgirl LLC, 3890 N. state Route

251, Holcomb, $180,000.

• Donald J. Geralds to Nicholas A. and Jessica L. Faivre, 6039 S. Bel-Dora Drive, $162,000.

• Nicholas A. and Jessica L. Faivre to Keith and Marguerite Pontnack, 631 N. 14th St., Rochelle, $129,900.

• Antoni and Meghan Kurzac to Eric J. Sundvall, 908 W. Washington St., Oregon, $107,500.

• Rachel and Noah Hansen to Michael T. and Malia R. Snodgrass, 6953 N. Alpine Drive, Stillman Valley, $202,000.

Busey Bank, trustee, nine parcels in Lynville Township, $0.

• Codelle D. Leonard Trust, Nancy Leonard Schabacker and Debra Leonard Drew, trustees, to John Vaughn, 6879 S. Linscott Road, Ashton, $120,000.

• Ruth E. and Kenneth A. Gaston Trusts Nos. 696-698, Susan R. Book, trustee, to Michael A. Gaston, 8159 W. White Eagle Road, Adeline, $79,050.

• William C. Meiter Trust 398, Charlotte A. Meiter, trustee, to Samuel A. and Kelsey R. Montana, 4565 E. Cascio Drive, Byron, $47,500.

• Ruth E. and Kenneth A. Gaston Trusts Nos. 696-698, Susan R. Book, trustee, to Kathleen A. Gronewold General Trust, Kathleen A. Gronewold, trustee, two parcels in Maryland Township and 8159 W. White Eagle Road, Adeline, $1,033,659.

• Nancy J. Kerwin Declaration Trust, Nancy J. Kerwin, trustee to Jared and Amanda Stumpenhorst, 1096 N. Etnyre Terrace, Oregon, $200,000.

General Calls for Service Citizen Complaints/Assist ........... 16 Animal Complaint ............................ 2 Disturbance/Domestic ................... 3 Fire/Medical Assist .........................4 Lock Out ............................................4 911 Hang Up...................................... 3 Traffic Stop ..................................... 14 County Assist ....................................1 Possession of Cannabis...................1

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF

ZONING CERTIFICATES The following Ogle County zoning certificates were issued in November.

Gene Ashton, section 35, Mt. Morris township, residential accessory building.

Hickory Ridge III, LLC, section 17, Flagg township, two single-family dwellings, $190,000 and $200,000.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS These Ogle County property transfers were recorded the week of Dec. 4-10.

Warranty Deeds • Douglas R. and Lauire J. Gay to Scott Andrew Guillemette and Jessica Iris Diaz, 728 N. Second Ave., Rochelle, $126,000.

• Anthony Tuttle to Brian Lee and Lira M. Carte, 16822 E. Eddy Road, Davis Junction, $173,500.

• LGM Properties LLC to David Pelayo, 324 Irene Ave., Rochelle, $98,000.

• Thomas R. and Amie K. Hodges to Peter A. Gaddis, 8941 N Sunnyside Drive, Byron, $280,000.

• Amy and Roger E. Wakenight Jr. to Shari A. Wakenight and Gregory C. McKean, 506 S. Green Ave., Polo, $75,000.

• Seuring Farms Inc. to Jacob H. and Connie M. Geerts, 13555 W. Montague Road, Forreston, $255,000.

• Anders Paterson and Emily Painter to Jenny Guijosa Alanis, 329 W. Willis Ave., Rochelle, $134,000.

• Dawn M. Jensen to Bobbie Puttbrese, 14473 E Hemstock Road,

Quit Claim Deeds • Diana Somer to Joseph and Dawn Somers, 17917 E. Lindenwood Road, Lyndenwood, $0.

• Joseph Leo Reising to Muhamet Matt Ajvazi, 308 E. Washington St., Oregon, $0.

Trustee’s Deeds • Trust No. 031999618, Bank Illinois, Champaign National Bank, Main Street Bank and Trust and Busey Trust Co., trustees, to Trust No. 1092001130,

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

37 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

Police Chief Tim Rockwood released the following information.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

38

REGIONAL NEWS

Teens charged with murder could be transferred

Anna Schroeder pleaded guilty to murdering mom; girlfriend is also charged

BY TIMOTHY EGGERT

teggert@shawmedia.com Nearly a year after she pleaded guilty to the July 6, 2017 murder of her mother, and more than 5 months since she inherited the legal right to be detained among other adult defendants, Anna Schroeder soon could be transferred to Whiteside County jail.

Sheriff John Booker told members of the Whiteside County Board Public Safety Committee on Dec. 10 that he opposes the potential move and disapproves of the possibility of Schroeder’s then-girlfriend, Rachel Helm, joining her at the jail.

Investigators say Helm encouraged Schroeder to kill 53-year-old Peggy Schroeder, then helped her cover up the shooting by trying to clean the scene before setting Schroeder’s house on fire.

“It’s not what I want. I don’t want them in here,” Booker told members of the committee. “I just think it would be a terrible situation.”

If the couple were to be transferred to the jail, they would be required under a previous court order to be separated.

“I’m not sure if we’re even going to be able to do that,” Booker said, citing difficulties sheriff’s deputies have had implementing coronavirus-inspired social distancing practices in the jail.

If the jail’s population went down, Booker added, then sheriff’s deputies could place Schroeder in one cell block and put Helm in another.

Booker said his main objection to the pair’s move from the Mary Davis Detention Home in Galesburg is rooted in “terrible behavior” among the jail’s current female detainees.

Most of the women at the jail, Booker said, don’t get along, fight with each other, and are on

Alex T. Paschal/Shaw Media

Anna Schroeder (left) and Rachel Helm (right) are shown here in May 2018 file photos, when they were both 16.

They are now 18 and are eligible to be transferred from the Mary Davis Detention Home in Galesburg, a juvenile facility, to the Whiteside County Jail in Morrison. “lock back,” a term typically used by detainees to describe the reduced amount of time they are allowed outside of their cells. “[The female detainees] get to be out [of their cells] an hour a day, because all they do is fight with each other,” Booker said.

Schroeder and Helm are at Mary Davis because they both were 15 when they were indicted in 2017 for Peggy’s murder.

In Illinois, juveniles need special approval from a judge to be charged, tried in criminal courtrooms and held in jails as adults.

Schroeder initially was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of arson and one count of concealing a homicidal death.

Helm is charged with concealment of homicidal death and arson.

Schroeder’s case was transferred from juvenile court to adult court in June 2018, two months after Helm’s case also was transferred to adult court.

But now, the women are both 18 – Helm reached the milestone in January and Schroeder hit the

mark in July – meaning they can be detained in jail among other adult defendants while they await court proceedings.

That wait would likely be shorter for Schroeder, who is waiting for a 2021 sentencing hearing, after her November sentencing hearings were struck because of uncertainties amid the coronavirus pandemic.

She entered into a limited plea agreement in January, accepting a lesser second-degree murder charge in exchange for dropping the other charges.

Helm has yet to go to trial, after her case has been perpetually continued, without objection from Whiteside County prosecutors, for more than 2 years.

An agreed order was entered on Nov. 24 to postpone her Nov. 25 hearing “as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis,” court records show.

Court records further indicate that after the November hearing was canceled, a request to notify Mary Davis that Helm would not need to appear in court was “unfortunately” not “timely communicated to MDDH.” As a result, Helm was brought to the courthouse, and appeared without her attorney, court records show.

If she had been held at the jail, that miscommunication likely would have been avoided.

Another potential upside to housing Schroeder and Helm at the jail, Booker said, would be a savings of $110 per day.

The county pays $250 a day to house Schroeder and Helm at the MDDH; it costs only about $70 a day to house a defendant in the jail, he said.

Since 2017, the county has paid $273,750 to house the pair at Mary Davis, so moving them to the jail could bring a savings of about $40,000 per year, he said.

“It’s not ideal [to house Schroeder and Helm at the jail], but unfortunately in a time like this, we need to save money. If bringing them here is gonna save us some money, then I guess it’s something we should do,” Booker said.

OREGON POLICE Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville reports the following police activity.

Dec. 1 Taylor B. Faletti, 24, of LaSalle, was issued a citation at 7:43 p.m. for speeding, 54 mph in a 40 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 100 block of E. Washington Street.

Dec. 5 Torye C. Greene, 30, of Oregon, was arrested at 8:10 p.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for failure to appear for a theft charge.

Greene was released from custody at this time and advised of a new court date.

Dec. 7 Brian F. Hermes, 49, of Franklin Grove, was arrested at 4:28 p.m. on an outstanding Lee County warrant for failure to appear. Hermes was transported to the Ogle County Judicial Center.

Dec. 8 John M. Lambert, 70, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 9:20 a.m. for disobeying a stop sign. This violation occurred in the 1100 block of Jefferson Street.

Dec. 11 At 3:17 p.m., police investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of S. 3rd and Hill Streets. The

crash involved a 1993 Chevrolet, driven

by Matthew W. Brennan,43, of Rockford, who struck a 1998 Chevrolet driven by Megan R. Larson, 26, of Pontiac. No citations were issued.

Dec. 13 Oscar O. Reyes-Romero, 33, of Chicago, was issued a citation at 8:38 a.m. for speeding, 60smph in a 30smph zone.

This violation occurred in the 100 block of N. Daysville Road.

Seven parking citations and two verbal warnings issued from Nov. 30-Dec. 13.

Please note: Any arrests listed are

merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law General Calls for Service Nov. 30-Dec. 13 Checking a Subject / Vehicle ......... 8 Citizen Complaints ............................3 Citizen Assist / Civil Problem........12 Assist EMS / Other Dept. ................ 6 Disturbance / Dom Battery ............. 1 Alarm Response................................. 1 911 Hang-up / Open Line..................2 Lockout Vehicle / Building...............5 Ordinance Violations.........................7 Traffic Stops ...................................... 8

ADELINE ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH

BAILEYVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

303 W. Franklin St., Baileyville Pastor Gary Branam www.baileyvillebaptistchurch.org

BAILEYVILLE REFORMED CHURCH

400 W. Center St., Baileyville Pastor Bruce Otto 815-235-1201

BROOKVILLE & ELKHORN UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES

Brookville: 17725 W. Chamber St. in Brookville Elkorn: Corner of Wilson Mill & Brick Church Roads

CHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 606 Main St., Chana Pastor Matt Smith 815-732-7683 chanaumc@gmail.com

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

2035 Ill. Rt. 26, Dixon 815-284-4554 Pastor David Andermann 815-632-6767

OPEN BIBLE

302 S. Franklin St., Polo Luke Schier, Pastor 815-946-2848 PoloOpenBible.org

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH Polo Campus

107 N. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor John Guthrie 815-732-2960 or 815-732-6569

EBENEZER REFORMED CHURCH

FORRESTON REFORMED CHURCH

2997 N. German Church Rd. Rev. Josiah Youngquist.

815-732-6313 www.ebenezerreformed.com

EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 764 N. Stillman Road, Oregon (Payne’s Point) Pastor Andrew Kayes 815-732-2424

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS 102 S. Seminary St., Mt. Morris Senior Pastor Bruce McKanna Associate Pastor Logan Murphy 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org office@efcmm.org

FAITH DISCOVERY CHURCH 801 W. Oregon St., Polo Pastor Jeremy Heller 815-946-3588

501 Third Ave. Pastor Lyle Zumdahl 815-938-2424 lylezumdahl@gmail.com

FREEDOM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

Pastor Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 www.freedomlutheran.org.

GERMAN VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Church and Main Streets Pastor Don Plock

GRACE VALLEY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH 8210 E. Edwardsville Rd., German Valley Pastor Eric Schlukebir 815-362-6601

LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

402 Second Ave., Forreston Pastor Scott Ralston Church 815-938-3203

FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 702 E. Dixon St., Polo Pastor Brian LeBaron 815-946-3212 faithumcpolo

6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd., Leaf River Pastor Billy Hardy 815-738-2205 leafriverbc@gmail.com

LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 104 E. Rt. 72, Leaf River Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-345-3038

LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

205 N. Jefferson Ave., Polo Pastor Chris Bradshaw 815-837-5255 polo@crossroadscn.com www.crossroadscn.com

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

505 Hill St., Oregon Pastor David Snow 815-732-2642 www.fbcoregon.org

4938 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor Matt Smith

MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

102 N. Maple St., Mt. Morris Pastor Julie Bunt 815-734-4853 www.disciplesumc.org

200 S. Fifth St., Oregon Rev. Karen Gerhard Conner 815-732-2894 www.fpcoregon.com

EAST JORDAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

22027 Polo Rd., Sterling Jim Miller, Pastor 815-626-0104

FORRESTON GROVE CHURCH

7246 N. Freeport Rd., Forreston Presbyterian Church in America Pastor Drew Jones 815-938-3605 www.forrestongrovechurch.com

402 First Ave., Forreston Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-938-2380

409 W. Brayton Rd, P.O. Box 2055 Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Pastor Ginny Haney Phone: 815-734-4573

NORTH GROVE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

10384 W. Coffman Rd., Forreston Pastor Mark Phillips Church: 815-938-2194 Pastor’s Cell: 760-550-4563

OREGON CHURCH OF GOD

ST. MARY CHURCH

860 W. Oregon Trail Rd. Pastor Michael Hoffman 815-732-6847

301 N. Fourth St., Oregon Father Joseph P. Naill Office Phone 815-732-7383 Office FAX 815-732-4742

OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

200 S. Fourth, Oregon Rev. Megan Smick 815-732-2994 oregonumc@outlook.com

PINE CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH 5076 S. Lowell Park Rd. Pastor Charlotte Hoppe 815-946-3949

POLO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

Congress Ave. & Webster St. PoloCob3@rgmail.com

PRAIRIE DELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

16032 W. Coffman Rd., Shannon 815-864-2448

RIVERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 609 S. 10th St., Oregon Craig Arnold, Pastor 812-236-1213

ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1000 Ill. 64 West Oregon Rev. Eldred George 815-732-7211 www.saintbrides.org saint.bride.church@gmail.com

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH

6024 N. Columbine Rd., Forreston Rev. Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 pastorofstjames1850@gmail.com

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

201 N. Division Ave., Polo Pastor Terrie Wilder 815-946-2919

213 N. Franklin Ave., Polo Father Joseph P. Naill 815-946-2535

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH 114 S. Fifth St., Oregon 815-732-2367

ST. WENDELIN CATHOLIC CHURCH 18 S. Linn St., Shannon Rev. Michael Bolger 815-864-2548

SAUK VALLEY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 416 Prospect St., Dixon John Lewis, Pastor 815-677-9199

SILVER CREEK REFORMED CHURCH 326 S. Bunker Hill Rd. German Valley Pastor Grant Mulder 815-362-2129

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 308 E. Brayton Mt. Morris Pastor Josh Ehrler 815-734-6354 trinitymmil@frontier.com www.trinitymmil.net

VAN BROCKLIN-FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3582 Bolton Rd.., Freeport Pastor Dawn Barr 815-291-0601

WEST BRANCH CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 4014 West Branch Rd., Forreston 815-938-2586

How to submit church news Changes in church listings and articles about special church services and events can be emailed to news@oglecountynews.com.

For more information call 815-732-6166 ext. 2591.

SHANNON • POLO • LAKE CARROLL

708 S. Division St., Polo • 946-2714

Byron • Oregon • Rochelle • Rockford Member Roscoe/Rockton • Stillman Valley FDIC

211 S. Division Ave., Rt. 26 Polo Member 946-2777 FDIC

39 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

9106 Cedar St. in Adeline Phone 815-541-4863

EAST OREGON CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD

LEGAL NOTICES

101

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE In re the Estate of: MARTHA JEAN WAGNER, Deceased.

2020 P 85 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of MARTHA JEAN WAGNER. Letters of Office were issued on November 24, 2020, to MICHAEL C. BLUM, as Inde-

LEGAL NOTICES

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LEGAL NOTICES

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pendent Executor, whose attorney is M. Thomas Suits, of the Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064.

Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act,

LEGAL NOTICES

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LEGAL NOTICES

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1975, as amended, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be Claims barred. against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney

LEGAL NOTICES

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LEGAL NOTICES

101

y within 10 days after it has been filed.

By: MICHAEL C. BLUM Independent Executor Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 West Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@ suitslegal.com Dec. 4, 11, 18, 2020 Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on December 4, 2020, a certificate was filed in the

LEGAL NOTICES

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Universal Telephone Assistance Programs Administered in Illinois by the Universal Telephone Assistance Corporation (UTAC) LifeLine Program Making local phone service affordable Lifeline is a program which provides $5.25 in assistance to help pay monthly charge from local telephone service. This federally funded program is available to qualified low-income consumers. If the qualifying low-income consumer voluntarily elects toll blocking while initiating Lifeline service, a service deposit is not required.

If toll blocking is unavailable, the carrier may charge a service deposit. Toll blocking will prevent the connection of outgoing toll calls from a residence.

Who is eligible for these programs?

You are eligible if you are a recipient of one of the following programs: Medicaid SNAP (food stamps) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Public Housing Assistance Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefi Customer households income is at or below 135% of the National Poverty Guidelines, for household of that size Where can I apply for the LifeLine and/or LinkUp programs?

For additional information or enrollment in these programs, contact the Leaf River Telephone Company. Link-up and Lifeline are federally funded programs. The Illinois Commerce Commission cannot guarantee that all Eligible Telecommunications Carriers will receive funding to support these programs. Reimbursement for these programs depends on the FCC's Fund Administrator's management and distribution of the funds collected through universal service mechanisms.

The Universal Telephone Service Assistance Program (UTSAP) The Universal Telephone Service Assistance Program (UTSAP) is funded by voluntary contributions from Illinois ratepayers. Consumers wishing to participate in the funding of UTSAP may do so by electing to contribute, on a monthly basis, a fixed amount to be included by the Leaf River Telephone Company on their monthly telephone bill.

Customers may designate an amount to be included each month from these choices Residential customers Business customers $ .50 $ 1.00 $1.00 $10.00 or $2.00 or $25.00 $5.00 Customers may also elect to make a onetime contribution to the UTSAP Administrator. It is the responsibility of the local exchange company to solicit, collect and remit the contributions on behalf of the customers to the UTSAP Administrator.

The address of the UTSAP Administrator is: Post Office Box 1176, Springfield, Illinois 62705-1176.

The voluntary contributions assist qualified low-income customers by providing additional assistance to the Universal Telephone Assistance programs. Those who wish to apply for assistance or make a contribution to UTSAP may contact their local telephone company. Each year the Commission determines the amount of UTSAP assistance, most recently in Docket 07-0399.

December 18, 2020

LEGAL NOTICES

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Ogle County Clerk's office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: A.L.E. Construction 800 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 Dated: December 4, 2020 Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Dec. 11, 18, 25, 2020

VOLUNTEERS

126

CASA 15th Judicial Circuit (Lee/ Carroll/Ogle Counties) is seeking volunteers in the Ogle County area to advocate for children in the Ogle County court system involved in abuse and neglect cases.

Your involvement can impact a child’s future.

Contact Trisha Morrow, Executive Director (815) 288-1901 www.casaleecar roll.com

APARTMENTSFURNISHED 305

ROCK FALLS 1 & 2BR Hampton Apts.

815-625-7043

STERLING Sinnissippi Townhomes Spacious 2/3BR 2 story townhomes Central air, Good location. Laundry hookup.

(815)626-1130.

WOOD / FUEL

746

Better Efficiency and more heat output than traditional wood heating. Central Boiler Classic Edge Titanium HDX OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE. Call Today!!

Silver Streak AG Services LLC 815-718-3414 Call 815-625-3600 to announce weddings or engagements in Celebrations!

WANT TO BUY 795

AUTOMOBILES 905

Local Buyer Pays Cash 4 Gold, Silver, Coins, Estate Gold, Single Earrings, Antiques, etc. 24/7 779-245-2950

'03 Acura RSX 2 Dr, 4 cyl automatic 147,000 mile, new breaks, runs good, $2495 1227 N. Vernon St., Princeton 708-752-3742

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE

SUVS

New, never unpacked, electric sit to stand lift w/ padded sling, buttock strap, & toilet swing. $900, Free delivery up to 124 miles.

815-238-5959

HAY & STRAW

825

FOR SALE: Grass Hay, Small Square, First & second crop, $6.00 ea.

815-499-8968 NO TEXT!

LIVESTOCK / SUPPLIES

840

DISABLED LIVESTOCK WANTED Top Prices Paid 815-871-2697 SCHAAP LIVESTOCK

LOOKING FOR QUALITY NEWSPAPER CARRIERS Routes Available Now Dixon

4th Ave, Graham, Hubbell (Rt. 3102 - 58 customers) 1st-4th Ave, Palmyra St, Hill Dr (Rt. 3107 - 83 customers) Marclare, Apple, Brinton, Washington (Rt. 3081 - 90 customers)

Sterling and Rock Falls

Several routes available! Call for more details.

Call for available Motor Routes!

est. 1851

CALL 815-625-3600 EXT. 5301 Telegraph • 113 S. Peoria Dixon, IL 61021

SEARCH FOR LOCAL CARS

909

2000 Chevy Suburban LT 4WD new tires/brakes all new brake lines Runs great $2500 obo 815-986-6477 please leave msg.

CHILD CARE

512

NO INDIVIDUAL, unless licensed or holding a permit as a childcare facility, may cause to be published any advertisement soliciting a child care service.* A childcare facility that is licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may publish advertisements of the services for which it is specifically licensed or issued a permit. Sauk Valley Media strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify the validity of the license of any facility before placing a child in its care. *Family homes that care for no more than three (3) children under the age of twelve or which receive only children from a single household, for less than 24 hours per day, are exempt from licensure as day care homes. The three children to whom this exemption applies includes the family's natural or adopted children and any other persons under the age of 12 whether related or unrelated to the operator of the day care home. (DCFS Rule, Part 377.3 (c))

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 18, 2020

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