Oregon Republican Reporter

VOLUME 170 NO. 44 • SERVING OGLE COUNTY SINCE 1851

COUNTY NEWS

Friday, December 25, 2020 • $1.00

A MERRY TRIO

Lights for the Fence

A local tribute for fallen officers is planned for New Year’s Eve. / 20

COUNTY NEWS

River Rescue

Fire department crews rescue a driver from the Rock River. / 4

Fire Safety Fire chief talks about

Knox Box, a way for first responders to get into your home safely. / 19

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The Grinch, Santa, and Mrs. Claus wave to motorists before taking a ride around Oregon in fire vehicles on Dec. 19 as part of Oregon’s Candlelight Walk. Fire crew members had a list of addresses in town to drive by with the three celebrities. More photos on page 12-14.

One section • 24 Pages

INDEX Barn Fire...................13 Betty’s Column ...... 10 Business News......... 7 Colbert Column ....... 9

Classifieds .........22-23 COVID-19................4-5 Library News ...........18 Otto’s Column .......... 8

Property Transfers..16 Sheriff Activity........17 State Police .............17 Vaccine Update........ 5

DEATHS Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Carole M. Counsil, Rose Mary Roberts, Barbara J. Satterfield, Page 16

LOCAL NEWS

Oregon Republican Reporter / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

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Copyright 2020

Grand opening at Sweeny’s Outfitters

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a grand opening at Sweeny’s Outfitters pop-up shop located at 111 S. 4th St. in Oregon.

“Stop in and shop one of the longest running tack shops in the upper Midwest,” a chamber press release said. “They offer men’s, ladies’ and children’s western apparel, boots and tack.”

They also have some second chance consignment items including saddles, tack and show apparel. Belts and buckles, boots and more! Come check them out and welcome them to town!”

Holiday hours are Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can reach them at 920- 9465088.

Long Shots Photography

The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated a grand opening at Sweeny’s Outfitters popup shop located at 111 S. 4th St. in Oregon.

MT. MORRIS VILLAGE BOARD

Mt. Morris is facilitating new land deal Farm to table restaurant, deli and butcher shop planned

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Mt. Morris Village Board unanimously approved the facilitation of a property development deal involving the former site of the Penner building and a nearby property that are slated to become a farm to table restaurant and a deli and butcher shop at its Tuesday meeting.

Since the Penner building was demolished last year, the village has been working with purchase developers at 13 S. Wesley Ave. adjacent to the property for development, Village Attorney Rob LeSage said.

The village will purchase the adjacent property, which is owned by Tom Felker, for $40,000 cash. Immediately following that acquisition, the village will acquire the Penner property, after paying for half the cost of demolition, for $1.

Closing is set for Dec. 31 at 11:30 a.m., LeSage said. The village will then immediately turn around and sell those properties to a developer, Wesley 1895 Property LLC, for the purchase price it just paid, a total of $40,001.

Following the purchase, Wesley 1895

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Maddrell Excavating, of Monroe, Wisconsin, demolished the Penner building in downtown Mt. Morris on Oct. 16, 2019.

Property LLC will be developing the real estate into the restaurant and deli and butcher shop.

The city will be giving the developers TIF money to assist in the transaction.

“Under the TIF deal, it will be a total of $200,000 of TIF reimbursement for a project of $1.1 million,” LeSage said.

“There will be significant investment by the developer. The first $110,000 will be paid out during construction on a draw down basis. They will submit bills to the village. Upon completion and opening,

the village will pay $50,000. Finally, six months into operation, the village will pay $40,000 for a TIF reimbursement total of $200,000.”

LeSage said the city is involved with the transaction so the developer will have to follow terms of a redevelopment deal. Work on the properties is expected to begin after the first of the year.

“I think they’re going to be moving pretty quickly and residents will see real action,” LeSage said. “Their hope is to be open by July or August.”

HELPING THOSE IN NEED

Volunteers did the shopping for others

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Pine Creek Christian Church and the Polo community have come together to purchase Christmas gifts for hundreds of children over the years.

This year, however, was a little different due to COVID-19.

“The shopping changed this year as much as anything did,” Christmas Star Project organizer Sheryl Hopkins said. “More have done it for others that don’t want to go out.

A lot did it online more. Families, the number has been similar.”

The project involves families anonymously listing their children’s age and what they want for Christmas and community members taking them and purchasing gifts. This year, 72 kids will get gifts.

The presents were distributed to families last Friday and Saturday at the church. Hopkins said organizers were happy to go out and do some shopping for people who weren’t comfortable with it.

“There were only a few of us,” Hopkins said. “We didn’t have a problem with going out and doing it.

We know there’s a lot of children in

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Pine Creek Christian Church and the Polo community came together again this year to purchase Christmas gifts for children through the Christmas Star Project. Here, volunteers pose by some of the presents. Pictured, left to right, are: Charlotte Hoppe, Judy Riffle, Sandra Ford, Sheryl Hopkins, Judy Nettz, and Vicki Hey. need. Everyone is more than willing to help out.”

Hopkins estimates the church has been doing the Christmas Star proj-

ect for 15-20 years. This year, each Polo Police officer picked up a name and supported the process. About 30 families will get gifts this Christ-

mas.

“The families are always appreciative. More than happy to thank us.”

BUSINESS

Shaw Local News Network launches new website network

BY DENNIS ANDERSON

danderson@shawmedia.com The Shaw Local News Network has launched new websites to provide news to Northern Illinois readers with increased immediacy. The ShawLocal.com network also is available on app stores and includes all of Shaw Media’s local news coverage from its 53 Illinois newspapers and magazines.

Coverage on ShawLocal.

com includes award-winning publications, such as the Northwest Herald, Dixon Telegraph, Kane County Chronicle, Joliet Herald-News, and Ogle County Newspapers.

Also included in the Shaw Local app are Friday Night Drive, which covers prep football across the

region, and Starved Rock Country, which promotes tourism in the greater La Salle County area.

“We launched Shaw Local with new technology that improves the reader experience, and allows our reporters to get news up on the site faster,” said J. Tom Shaw, Shaw Media VP and

chief product officer.

For a limited time, all content is available free on the Shaw Local app. Existing subscribers can now also access all content across the Shaw Local News Network.

Shaw Media was founded in 1851 and is the third-oldest, continuously owned and operated family newspaper in the U.S. For information, visit www.ShawLocal.com.

The Christmas Cupboard is open. Stop in and see Carol Garkey. The shop is located at 116 N. Franklin, next to Scholl Insurance. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

host a Business after Hours or Breakfast before Business call the Chamber at 815-946-3131.

Certificates of Recognition The Polo Chamber of Commerce would like to issue Certificates of Recognition to any Polo Chamber of

Commerce business members who are celebrating five years of being in business, or those with five-year increments of being in business in Polo.

Contact us so that we can announce your special business celebration during our Annual Dinner.

POLO CHAMBER CHATTER Merry Christmas From All of Us to You! Help spread holiday joy by decorating your store or business front. Send your decoration photos to PoloChristmasFestival@gmail.com to be featured on our Facebook page.

Business After Hours If you are interested and would like to

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

Polo Christmas star project buys gifts for 72 kids

3

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

4

LOCAL NEWS

Man rescued from truck after driving into river Water was up to the windows when divers reached the driver

BY JEFF HELFRICH’

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com A Rockford man was listed in stable condition Tuesday after being rescued from his pickup truck after driving into the Rock River.

At 11:40 a.m. deputies and the Byron Fire Department were called to the 10,900 block of North Illinois 2 for a report of a truck in the river.

Roger Durham, 65, of Rockford was helped from his truck and taken to Swedish American Hospital for treatment. Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said Durham had a medical issue which caused the accident.

“The vehicle was 30 yards into the river when Byron Fire got there,” Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. “The subject was still in it and unconscious. The water was about 4.5 feet high when they got to him, up to the windows.”

VanVickle said Byron Fire used special equipment such as a dry suit to rescue Durham safely. Additional help was also en route as operations took place. First responders in the area are trained for situations like Tuesday’s due to the proximity of the river to Illinois 2.

“There’s a number of spots where that can happen,” VanVickle said.

“It has happened in the past. Especially this time of year when the water is so cold, getting on scene genuinely saves lives and it’s an example of that. It goes back to training. Today was a result of that.”

Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies and Byron Police assisted with traffic control. Maggio’s Towing removed the vehicle from the river.

An investigation into the accident is still underway, VanVickle said.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Five deaths, 271 cases in a week

Photos courtesy of the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department

A truck went into the Rock River in the 10,900 block of North Illinois 2 on Tuesday morning. The driver was rescued from his truck and later taken to Swedish American Hospital for treatment.

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Ogle County Health Department reported 45 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, Dec. 22, for a total of 3,758.

Eighty eight cases were reported over the weekend. Two hundred and 71 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. The county has seen a total of 54 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Recoveries of documented cases stand at 3,077, with 35 new ones reported Tuesday.

The Illinois Department of Public Health site said Tuesday that there are 1,193 cases in the zip code that includes Rochelle, Creston and White Rock.

Stillman Valley has 207 cases, Byron has 704 cases and Davis Junction has 240 cases.

Oregon and Mt. Morris have 486

See COVID-19 UPDATE, Page 5

YOUR HEALTH

Health department staff working on plan for next dosage round

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com All 355 initial COVID-19 doses received last week were administered by the Ogle County Health Department in conjunction with Rochelle Community Hospital and KSB Hospital, OCHD Public Administrator Kyle Auman said on Tuesday.

The doses were given to healthcare workers and paramedics that wanted it. All hospital staff at RCH got the dose that wanted it.

“Some providers got a couple extra doses out of vials with CDC approval,” Auman said. “We’re waiting for the next round. We haven’t gotten it yet this week. We’re not sure when we will.”

Auman said the OCHD is working on plans for the next round of doses.

It has been asked to stick to administering to personnel within the 1A distribution phase. More guidance on who is to receive the vaccine next should come this week, he said.

Long-term care facilities in the county and state have a partnership with Walgreens or CVS pharmacies to get vaccines separately starting Dec. 28, which will be a big help, Auman said.

Auman said the vaccine process has been “hurry up and wait.”

“We were able to remain flexible,” Auman said. “I think things went well for the most part. All of our partners did well in working together. 355 in three days was a huge accomplishment.”

Auman believes the vaccine will be “a huge help” to hospitals, whose bed availability has improved in recent weeks. Vaccinating the rest of the county will take some time, though. An undetermined set number of doses will be received per week. Taking into account the twoleg vaccination format, it would take 100,000 doses to vaccinate 100 percent of the county.

COVID-19 cases in the area have gone down and are trending down, Auman said. The Christmas and New Year’s holidays will determine the next trend, he said. A “small bump” was seen after the Thanksgiving holiday due to gatherings.

A smaller than expected increase in cases may have been due to cases already being so high before Thanksgiving, he said.

“We’re keeping a close eye on Christmas and New Year’s,” Auman said. “This is only the peak of the second wave. It could happen again.”

Auman said he doesn’t know if the OCHD can stop people from going out during the upcoming holidays.

He says OCHD has been trying to work with business on doing the right things and being cautious.

The City of Rochelle has taken a proactive approach with business-

The first round of COVID-19 vaccine was delivered to Rochelle Community Hospital Dec. 16, Here, Ben Johnson of Rochelle Fire receives the vaccine. Photo supplied. es, offering monetary incentives for them to stay closed to prevent spread. Complaints in the county as a whole have slowed to “a couple a week,” with no additional closure orders issued due to noncompliance or outbreaks.

“We will try to keep things reasonable,” Auman said. “Christmas and New Year’s, it could be a spike again. It could be more distinct than Thanksgiving. Things have been

• COVID-19 UPDATE

Vehicles sit in line Saturday morning during a COVID-19 testing event outside the Northland Mall in Sterling. The Ogle County Health Department will offer free screenings Dec. 26-27 in Oregon.

Continued from Page 4

and 208 cases, respectively.

Polo has 200 cases, Leaf River has 98 cases and Forreston has 145 cases.

The Sauk Valley reported one coronavirus death and 173 new cases Tuesday.

Whiteside County had 107 new cases, with 16 younger than 20, 13 in their 20s, 18 in their 30s, 15 in their 40s, 16 in their 50s, 17 in their 60s, 10 in their 70s, and two in their 80s. There were also 50 new recoveries, and the county now totals 4,703 cases, 119 deaths and 3,680 recoveries.

Lee County reported the death of a woman in her 70s as well as 21 new cases, with two in their 20s, one in his or her 30s, two in their 40s, seven in their 50s, one in his or her 60s, and two in their 80s. Five were from the Dixon Correctional Center, and one was from the Liberty Court nursing home. There were also a dozen new recoveries, pushing the county’s total to 2,403 cases, 48 deaths and 1,937 recoveries.

Carroll County did not report updated numbers Tuesday, and sits at 1,262 cases and 29 deaths.

lower lately, it’s definitely a fear.”

After schools finished up their semesters on Dec. 18, Auman reflected on the return to school during COVID-19. He said for the most part, it went well and schools did a “fantastic job” of keeping infection out of their buildings.

As far as a return to school in January, Auman says that will depend on what numbers look like. The OCHD previously recommended a return on Jan. 18 in case of holiday spread. Some schools, such as Oregon, plan to return on Jan. 4.

Auman is planning public information campaigns on the vaccine as it becomes more available to the public in conjunction with RCH and KSB. Getting as many people as possible to take the vaccination is the priority.

“I think people need to think about it, we’re giving it to health providers first,” Auman said. “Why would we give it to those folks if it isn’t safe? These recommendations come from manufacturers and the FDA. I believe 1 million have been administered and there has been a small number of adverse effects.”

Auman believes confidence in the vaccine will grow as more people get it. 70-80 percent of the population will have to get it for “herd immunity.”

“I think confidence will grow as more are administered. 70-80 percent of our population will have to be vaccinated for herd immunity.

“It could be a hurdle if people don’t get it,” Auman said.

Michael Krabbenhoeft/ Shaw Media The North region (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties) has seen nine consecutive days under the 12% positivity rate. The region’s positivity rate decreased to 9.4%. Currently, 27.2% of medical/surgical beds are available and 25.9% of ICU beds.

The region has nine consecutive days above the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and 11 consecutive days above the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

Lee County’s rate decreased to 4.3%, and White-

side County’s rate decreased to 8.5%.

Within the region, there are 46 available, staffed ICU beds out of 179 total, and 250 ventilators out of 343 available.

Illinois announced 6,239 cases and 116 deaths Tuesday. The state has had 911,308 cases and 15,414 deaths.

Free Testing in Oregon The OCHD will be conducting COVID-19 testing at its facility at 907 Pines Rd. On Dec. 26 and 27 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

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

355 vaccine doses administered in Ogle County

5

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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FORRESTON

Forrestville educator pens kids’ Christmas book “Will Santa Stop Here” addresses COVID-19 quarantine and kids this Christmas season

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted children in Christy Garnhart’s classroom to ask her a very important question —“Is Santa still coming this year?”

As her answer, Garnhart decided to write a book about the subject.

“Will Santa Stop Here?: A Quarantine Christmas Carol” was published earlier this month and is available on Amazon.

Garnhart is a curriculum director for the Forrestville Valley School District and lives in German Valley with her husband and their five children.

“It’s about a little girl worried about Santa being able to come this year,” Garnhart said.

“She’s worried and goes to bed. He comes and crashes his sleigh. Rudolph has a mask on. A girl wonders how toys were made.

Elves are on a Zoom call. The little girl finds the elves.”

Publishing a children’s book is usually a 9-12 month process. The problem was, she didn’t come up with the idea until October.

Luckily, Garnhart met an illustrator online and they were able to get the book done and published in time for the holiday season.

Nicole Roberts illustrated the book remotely from Buenos Aires.

The book isn’t Garnhart’s first. She wrote an Easter-themed book that released in March right before the COVID-19 shutdown.

“I started writing stories when I was a therapist,” Garnhart said. “It worked with kids with autism and we write stories that way. I realized I had been doing it already. I was able to learn a lot.”

Garnhart has spent time promoting the book on social media and it’s for sale at local businesses in her area.

The Leaf River Library offered a reading of it for storytime.

There was also a reading to a class at Forreston Grade School.

The book was written in the midst of a hectic time in Garnhart’s work life as an educator during COVID-19. She works primarily with teachers on creating professional development activities for kids.

“It’s been a lot of ups and downs,” Garnhart said. “We’ve been in session in-person the whole time. We’re all just trying to figure out how to manage. With my five kids, three in school, telling them they have to wear masks. The administration, making sure everything is safe.”

The book can be purchased on Amazon.

Forrestville Valley School District Curriculum Director Christy Garnhart reads a book to a class at Forreston Grade School.

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@shawmedia.com

TOP LEFT: Christy Garnhart holds a copy of her book. TOP RIGHT & BELOW: Garnhart’s book, “Will Santa Stop Here? - A Quarantine Christmas Carol,” features many of the unique elements that defined 2020 , such as masks, using sanitizer and video conferences. On these pages, elves meet by video conference to discuss building toys for all the good girls and boys.

REGIONAL BUSINESS

A yet-to-be-named company to redevelop Nippon Sharyo building in Rochelle

BY RACHEL RODGERS

rrodgers@shawmedia.com Economic development leaders are preparing for a “jackpot” of a development coming to Rochelle.

A yet-to-be-named company is planning to redevelop the two Nippon Sharyo buildings at the ProLogis industrial park off of Interstates 88 and 39, invest at least $130 million, and create more than 150 jobs, Rochelle Economic Development Director Jason Anderson said.

Nippon Sharyo, a Japanese railcar maker, opened in 2012 and closed in 2018, after incurring huge losses after it was unable to complete a high-tech, bi-level railcar project. The plant was highly specialized for making about 120 of the railcars annually for North American transportation agencies.

Anderson and Andy Shaw, administrator for the Lee-Ogle Enterprise Zone, approached the Dixon City Council about “Project Jackpot” Monday during a public hearing for creating a new

A major manufacturer could soon be moving into the Nippon Sharyo buildings in Rochelle. high-impact incentive tier to accommodate the project.

“A recent study of the competitive environment in surrounding enterprise zones has found that we should be more aggressive with incentives for larger projects,” Anderson said. “It’s a critical component for Project Jackpot coming to Rochelle.”

The enterprise zone allows for six years of property tax abatements of 50% if a company meets requirements for new capital investments and job creation within the zone, and the proposed super tier would allow for a 10-year extension of the 50% abatement for developments of at least $100 million that would add at least 125 new jobs.

Development would need to happen within two

Oregon VFW members Stan Asp, Jason Stoller (Commander), and Bob Coulter were three of several volunteers who assembled and delivered Christmas food baskets. More on page 15.

years, and the company must maintain 95% of the jobs created.

Dixon Mayor Li Arellano Jr. said with larger projects such as this one, they’re not only competing with other zones across the state but outside Illinois as well, and higher incentives put them on the same economic playing field as others.

With state incentives not being what they used to be, it’s up to local organizations to become creative in attracting industry to an area, Anderson added.

The two Nippon buildings combined have more than 800,000 square feet of industrial and office space on 57 acres. They were sold a year ago for $18 million to a buyer under the name of 1600 Ritchie Court LLC in Delaware, which is the address for the site.

“It’s all very positive,” Anderson said. “It’s very exciting to see this beautiful campus being redeveloped.”

An ordinance amending the enterprise zone for the new incentive tier will likely be presented to the council at its Jan. 19 meeting, and Anderson and Shaw will be making their rounds to other government partners in the zone next month and into February.

The company has yet to be identified publicly, but Anderson said the manufacturer has 17 facilities across the country and could open the door to further developments in the region.

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Earleen Hinton/ Shaw Media

Scot DeWall and his family

would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the recent drive-through tribute for Scot at Serenity House in Oregon.

For people to take time out of their day to express their love during this hectic time was wonderful and really made Scot’s day. There were over 100 cars that participated, and traffic control was handled by the Sheriff’s Department during this event. So, thank you to all who were involved in making this happen for Scot - it was a wonderful tribute.

SM-ST1845258

Hale & Elaine Guy Jim & Melodie DeWall

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

Manufacturer to revamp building, add 150 jobs

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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LOCAL HISTORY

Basketball, silent movies made the news in 1928 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 The front page of the January 26, 1928 edition featured a section entitled “Happenings About Our Community”. The first happening was Matrimonial news.

This was a cartoon showing a bachelor reading a letter. While reading one of the letters he said,”(By golly I didn’t think a girl could call me such pretty names and this is the 10th letter too, gosh, gee wiz, I bet she is sweet. Oh boy ain’t it’s leap year.”

Mt. Morris High School and Mt. Morris College Basketball were important events. The Happenings section gave their next opponents against Morrison H.S. and Wheaton College.

A section on the front page was titled “Famous Movie, Ben Hur, comes to the Gem Theatre next Tuesday and Wednesday. BEN HUR is a picture that brings to your door the realms of beauty and magnificence never before conceived by man, it unfolds before your eyes scenes so awe-in-inspiring in their grandeur, so poignant and breath-taking in their tremendous action that it will

enthrall you from beginning to end.

Adults 50c: Children 25c.”

This would have been the 1925 silent film version. Other silent movies scheduled were The Lone Eagle, The Garden of Allah, and The Thirteenth Hour.

The Forget Section,“forget the hasty unkind word, forget you’re not a millionaire, forgetthe slander you have heard, forget the storms of yesterday, forget the knocker he’s a freak, forget the iceman’s bill so large, forget the weather if it’s bad, forget the gray streaks in your hair, forget the quarrel and it’s cause, forget the trials you have had, forget the coffee if it’s cold, but don’t forget to pay your dues.”

From the section titled “Willing Maidens Besiege Market”. This matrimonial column listed lonesome bachelors of Mount Morris who craved a touch of femininity in their prosaic lives, caused quite a stir in the gentle hearts wherever the Mt. Morris Index went.

Several of these letters were published in the Index. One couple wrote: “We are simply thrilled over your recent ad , as we are two lonely

little orphan girls wanting a loving husband and home of our own. We don’t want to seem bold to our prospects, so we thought in this manner we could get in touch with them without undue embarrassment to either party. We are sending a description of ourselves for you to forward to the young men.

Other news items were: “A radio dance at Odd Fellow Hall Saturday night was attended by a goodly number of invited guests.

One of C. H. Newcomerer’s big Kolstar radios provided the music under the manipulation of Walter Deenan, local expert.”

“One of the most enthusiastic gatherings of ex-doughboys, gobs and marines ever held in northern Illinois was sponsored by Mount Morris Post, 143, American Legion of Illinois at the Kable Inn last Saturday evening.”

The Mt. Morris Index was published from 1890-1969.

SPORTS COLUMN

COVID-19 virus has definitely changed the sports experience

W

ith the death of not just one former high-school football playing buddy last week from pneumonia, but another one (from suicide) as well; some of my time has been spent in reflection to my teenage years.

One of my tangents was in regard to quality of life in high schools right now. I’ve been wondering how kids are getting along?

A few weeks ago, I casually asked a senior about that and he said some are adapting just fine, while others are not as receptive to what COVID-19 is doing to school life. That makes sense.

One person does not constitute an empirically based poll, but extreme social distancing measures makes it difficult to converse with people.

Sure, I could call or text to get a feel for what’s happening. However, there is no better way to communicate than a face-to-face conversation.

As a grizzled sports reporter of 25 years, I’ve spoken with plenty of kids from all over Illinois.

It might be after a state-championship wrestling match, breaking a record in track, suffering a loss to a neighboring rival in basketball or preparing for a big contest.

That’s where you begin to get a feel for what is

COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

really on their mind. Unfortunately, it is rare that you ever get the full story.

Unless you develop a personal relationship with an athlete, they are reluctant to open up with you.

I understand that and coaches also warn their charges to be careful to what they say to media members. Another drawback to interviewing is the tight deadlines, which force a reporter to quickly grab a sentence or two.

One thing is certain. There is so much more media attention nowadays than when I was in school.

The standard practice for reporters back then was to interview coaches only after a game, kind of like the old statement that children should to be seen, not heard. I’m not sure when that changed, but most papers encourage their reporters to get quotes from athletes.

But, what if the kid doesn’t have anything meaningful to say nor wants to talk. I’ve had that happen plenty of times. That is where asking a coach for the players most silver-tongued comes

in handy.

Getting back to the original topic, what would I be hearing about the quality of life at school without any sports to play? And, would it be different from one school to the next, say a perennial power to a doormat?

In lieu of being able to visit with kids from local schools, my reflections go back to how I would of felt if sports were cancelled when I was a senior.

For lack of a better term, it would have sucked.

As a teenager, there is desire within to compete and sports allow that outlet. Also missing would be the special friendships formed from being on a team together.

Being in a sport satisfies a passion of doing something you really enjoy. If I couldn’t have pole vaulted competitively in high school, I would have felt deprived.

Interaction with other schools, especially your rivals, enhances the entire experience. Having lost that makes your world smaller.

What about the bond formed with coaches, the same men and women who do more than teach athletic skills. The best ones create a desire within you to learn, just as a good teacher does.

I could go on about how things would have felt for me 45 years if there were no sports. For now, my heart goes out to the young people in high school today.

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

My heart goes out to high school athletes this year

9

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

LOCAL HISTORY

Christmas festivities are coming via Zoom this year C hristmas is just around the corner and usually Krista, our daughter in Wisconsin, would be baking the Christmas cookies. They always were a work of art placed on her tiered cookie holder.

I would make the eggnog and the slush punch from Carol Hammer’s recipe. Others came with candy and assorted snacks.

We all gathered on the day after Christmas, sang and played MCAHNY which is like a Christmas bingo. Then we would have pizza and take pictures.

It was always a big day with all the family together. Last year with four new babies it was a bit different.

This year it really will be different. We will do the whole thing by zoom!

No Christmas cookies, eggnog or slush punch and the family will be gathering each at their own homes. We will gather by zoom and even play MCAHNY which stands for Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Our cards have been sent over the Internet so we are ready. We even will attempt to sing.

We are not the only family facing a different kind of Christmas gathering. What unique ways are you planning in your family?

With the vaccine practically at our doorstep we do not want to do something silly. So we are enjoying a few family members at a time.

Steve came this week for a couple of days and

COMMENTARY Betty Obendorf Polo Historical Society

we drove around to see the Christmas decorations in Polo and Dixon. Always great to see the family members anytime.

We are also enjoying the decorations in the neighborhood It is nice to see the candles in every window in the McGrath House shining through the trees. We have wonderful memories of parties there at Christmas with Jim and Gina Cole.

Recently I went on the Internet and found another º with the original box and certificate that had come all the way from Germany around 35 years ago. It had a nice account of the history of Hintz Mueller-Blech. This ornament had ended up on a farm in the state of Ohio.

Wendy collects all sorts of vintage things she can sell on the Internet. She uses the money to help take care of animals she has saved. She finds them along the road and other places where people have dumped them.

She brings them back to health and then she will find a new home for these abandoned animals. I enjoyed reading all about her on her

Here is just a small sampling of Inge-Glas ornaments made in Germany. website.

One never knows where vintage items will come from or who has saved them through the years. I also have a nutcracker coming from somewhere and should arrive any day.

I am focusing on something new to put on my tree rather than think about what we will not have this Christmas.

HOLIDAY EVENT

“Parking Lot Caroling” a hit

If you can’t bring the people to church for a Christmas tradition, you can at least bring them to the parking lot to sing.

That’s exacly what the Pine Creek Christian Church did on Sunday when the church on West Penn Corner Road hosted “Parking Lot Caroling”.

Families and friends showed up for the afternoon event to sing along from the comfort of their own vehicles.

3D Sound provided the technology to transfer music to each visitor’s vehicle radio. Twenty-seven vehicles took part in the 2 p.m. event.

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@shawmedia.com

AT LEFT: Lyle Hopkins hands a bag of Christmas cookies and a program to a driver during the “Parking Lot Caroling” event Sunday afternoon at Pine Creek Christian Church. ABOVE: Carolers follow along during the playing of “Joy to the World”. A total of 27 vehicles full of carolers attended the socially distant event which was designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

BERTOLET LIBRARY

Hat and Mitten Tree This is your last week to bring in your donations of hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens on our tree. They will be distributed through the New Life Community Center in Forreston in January.

Winter Take & Make Crafts Miss Jana will have craft kits to keep you and your kids busy. Stop by each Monday to pick up your take & make craft kit for the week!

We have a variety of skill level projects including gingerbread houses and gnome ornaments. Stop in today!

New Releases Adult Fiction: The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict; Moonflower

Murders by Anthony Horowitz; NYPD Red 6 by James Patterson Juvenile Fiction: Scarlet and Ivy by Sophie Cleverly; Waste of Space by Stuart Gibbs Wednesday WhoDunIt Wednesday WhoDunIt will resume after the holidays. Put a new mystery title on your Christmas wish list!

Family Story Time

Family Story Time will resume after the holidays.

Reminder: We are unable to collect soft plastics at this time. Also, we regretfully cannot accept book donations right now. We apologize for the inconvenience. We ask that you refrain from depositing your plastics and book donations unattended.

Thank you for your cooperation.

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY Toilet Paper Wreath Contest Flush Away 2020. Toilet Paper Tube Wreath Contest. How to enter: create a wreath out of toilet paper tubes. It can be festive or funny, large or small, you decide. Send a photo of your creation to dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail.com with your name and phone number. Your family may enter multiple wreaths. Deadline: Dec. 30. Prize: Four pack of toilet paper, of course!

Free Library Cards for all OCUSD 220 Students Mt. Morris Public Library and Oregon Public Library, in conjunction with OCUSD 220, are partnering for a pilot

program where all students qualify for a free library card. Information and forms will be sent home from the school.

Contact the library at 815-734-4927 for more information.

Family Storytime In-person family storytime is available on Fridays by appointment and for one family at a time. It will last approximately 30 minutes and will include books, rhymes and a craft. Masks will be required for ages 3 and up and you will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entry to the library. Call the library at 815-734-4927 or email dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail.com to register.

Browsing & Computer Use By Appt.

We are open for browsing and computer use by appointment; call they library to schedule a time. Masks are required and you will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entering the library.

No unaccompanied children are allowed in the library at this time (do not bring your children if you will be using the computer). Browsing is limited to 30 minutes and computer use to one hour.

Curbside Pickup, Interlibrary Loans Curbside Service and Interlibrary Loans are available during regular busi-

Talk to your neighbors, then talk to me.

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.

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

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

Ashton United Methodist Church

ness hours. Mt. Morris patrons can place holds through the catalog, by calling or emailing.

Library staff is quarantining all returned items for a period of time.

Recently returned materials may remain on your account longer than usual. No overdue fines will be charged. New library cards: Patrons can call or email the library to set up an appointment to renew or receive new library cards.

Please bring a photo id and a second form of id with current address. Contact the library at 815-734-4927 or mmlib@ mtmorris-il.org.

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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.

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

Holiday Hours New Years Hours: Bertolet Memorial Library will close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31 and remain closed through Jan. 3. We will reopen on Monday, Jan. 4.

11

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

12

HOLIDAY EVENT

Officer handcuffs Grinch after theft in Oregon Candlelight Walk visitors witnessed the “crime” and “arrest”

BY EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@shawmedia.com It was a classic Grinch move, but Oregon ain’t no Whoville and this time the big green guy ended up in handcuffs.

The Grinch had a brief relapse into his old Christmas-thievery ways Dec. 19 during Oregon’s second installment of its Candlelight Christmas Walk.

While diners were enjoying tasty treats at Northside BarbaQ the Grinch, disguised as Santa Claus, entered the restaurant on North Fourth Street and started snatching presents from under the Christmas tree.

“Without Cindy Lou Who to stop him we really didn’t know what to do,” said a piano player who was playing holiday tunes when the incident occurred. “He was grabbing the presents and stuffing them into his bag. We were in shock. He was very green but I did not see Max his dog.”

Then the Grinch slithered out the door and headed north with a handful of visitors on his heels, filming documenting his would-be escape.

But that’s when Oregon Police Officer Mason Crawford stepped up.

“Hold it right there,” Crawford said as the Grinch tried to hide behind the lighted Blackhawk Crossing 4-H Club’s lighted float.

Crawford quickly grabbed the bag with the presents and promptly handcuffed the Grinch and escorted him away in a police squad.

Someone close to the investigation said that while in custody, the Grinch’s heart, which was two sizes too small, grew back to normal size and he apologized for the incident and was released back to Whoville officials.

He did, however, have to fulfill community service hours by delivering meals for Northside BarbaQ this week.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

ABOVE: The Grinch flees down North Fourth Street in Oregon after snatching the presents out from under the Christmas tree at Northside BarbaQ during the second installment of the Candlelight Walk. BELOW LEFT: Oregon Police Officer Mason Crawford loads the Grinch into a squad car. BELOW RIGHT: The Grinch is caught green-handed taking presents and shoving them into a bag.

COUNTY NEWS

Cause of fire remains undetermined

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Twenty to 30 sheep and one llama were saved after two barns caught fire in the 1300 block of South Skare Road on Monday evening, Oregon Fire Chief Michael Knoup said.

There were no livestock lost to the fire and no people were on the scene at the time of the fire. Both barns were a total loss, Knoup said.

“I think it was a great save,” Knoup said. “The challenge is how far that property is from our station.

We cover 120 square miles, and we got there in 12 minutes. We got them all out.”

The fires in both barns were fully-involved when fire crews arrived.

The fire was upgraded to a third alarm due to not having a water supply nearby. Knoup said “every crew you could think of” responded to provide water assistance.

The barns were used for raising

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Two barns were destroyed during a fire on Monday in the 1300 block of Skare Road, just south of Illinois 64, but all the livestock survived. Several fire departments responded to the call including Oregon, Mt. Morris, and Stillman Valley. sheep, Knoup said.

The owner was on-site feeding the animals around 4 p.m. before leaving.

The call came in at 10:24 p.m. and fire crews wrapped up at 2 a.m.

“I don’t know if we were the closest department,” Knoup said. “The fire districts were laid out unusually originally. Oregon was a large district then.”

The cause of the fire is currently

ruled as undetermined. Knoup said he didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary and he’s leaning towards electrical as the cause.

There were devices on site used to heat water, he said.

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

Livestock saved in two barn fires east of Oregon

13

Oregon’s Candlelight Walk - Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Kaeson Gracia, 8, of Oregon, blows the fire out on his charred marshmallow as he makes S’mores at the Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center booth during Oregon’s Candlelight Walk Dec. 19. Santa Claus warms up by one of the firepits. Xander Gracia, 13, and his sister, Eliana, 7, of Oregon, toast marshmallows. Kristy Eckardt serves up Oregon High School Marching Tacos to two customers. The food was offered to visitors through a freewill donation and served as a fundraiser for the band. Santa climbs into an Oregon firetruck to visit Oregon homes and make “socially distanced” visits due to the pandemic.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

OREGON EVENT

The Oregon VFW, with some help from its friends, assembled and delivered 76 Christmas food baskets to families and individuals on Dec. 19.

The baskets included milk, ham, bread, potatoes, canned vegetables, apples and butter. Members of the VFW and Blackhawk Snowblazers

Snowmobile Club assembled the boxes and then delivered them with help from the Oregon Fire Department.

Each year the VFW Post #8739, seeks donations to purchase items for the food baskets and gives them to families and individuals in the Oregon area.

TOP RIGHT: Oregon VFW members stand by the Christmas Food Baskets they assembled and sorted on Dec. 19.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Oregon Fire Department members helped deliver the baskets.

RIGHT: These Blackhawk Snowblazers Snowmobile Club members also helped with the effort.

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

Mission accomplished! VFW food baskets delivered

15

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16

OBITUARIES CAROLE M. COUNSIL MT. MORRIS – Carole M. Counsil, 76, lost her multiyear battle with progressive supranuclear palsy on Monday, December 21, 2020 in her home in Mt. Morris.

Carole was born on July 28, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of Charles and Thelma (Lent) Gummel.

Carole married Earl Counsil on Oct. 27, 1962 in Nahunta, Georgia, and they were married for 58 years.

Carole started her working career with Barber-Greene Company in Aurora, in the purchasing department in the 1960s and she ended her career as office manager for Bulger Associates in South Elgin, in the early 2000s.

Shortly after her retirement, she moved to Mt. Morris.

Carole is survived by her husband, Earl Counsil; grandchildren, Valerie and Ty Counsil; sister, Janis McGuire; brother, Gary Gummel; and daughter-in-law, Debra Counsil.

She is preceded in death by her parents; beloved son, David W. Counsil; brother, Ronald Gummel; and sister,

Shirley Paar.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris. Services will be scheduled at a later date.

Carole’s family would like to thank all the people at Serenity Hospice & Home for the terrific comfort and care she received in her final days.

ROSE MARY ROBERTS OREGON – Rose Mary Roberts, 88, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2020.

A resident of Oregon Living and Rehab Center the past few years, she died from COVID-19 Her husband, Harold, preceded her in death. They been had married for 56 years.

She is enthusiastically remembered by her children, Ray (Corina); Robin Weaver (Jim); Randy; and Linda (Michael); and by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Brian (Stephanie) with Emma, Brandon, Brianna and Kane, Nicole (Adam), Melissa Nelson (Charley) with Gloria; Andrew Weaver (Renee) with Lucas and Elouise and David (Maureen Day). Her family and friends will miss her cheerfulness.

Rose Mary enjoyed being a home economics teacher’s aide at Lake Park High

School in Roselle, then worked at the Glen Ellyn Post Office for 25 years.

She enjoyed friends/activities at the senior center and gardening. Rose Mary grew over 300 varieties of daylilies.

A private service will be held.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Rock River Center.

BARBARA J. SATTERFIELD KINGSTON – Barbara J. Satterfield, 83, a Kingston, Illinois, resident since the early 1960s, died Friday, December 18, 2020, at DeKalb Co. Rehab.

Born June 22, 1937, in Rockford, the daughter of Robert L. and Lola J. (Blake) Duncan, Barbara married Donald L. Satterfield on July 23, 1955, in Mt. Morris.

A 1955 graduate of Mt. Morris High School, Barbara worked as an inspector at Automatic Electric, retiring in 1999 after many years.

She was a member of Kingston United Methodist Church and the “Grannies Read” program at Genoa Elementary School, and the Kingston Friendship Group.

Barb was a wonderful seamstress,

and enjoyed baking, cooking and attending family reunions. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Vicky (Garry) Greenlee of Ames, Iowa, Robin (Ted) Lawrence of DeKalb, Jill (Jim) Baenziger of Kingston, and Carrie of DeKalb; son, Mike (Gwen) Satterfield of Maryland; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marion (John) Thompson of Mt. Morris and Linda (Gary) Nesemeir of Byron; brother, Steve Duncan of Mt. Morris; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, in 2010, and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 1111 S. Alpine Road, Suite 307, Rockford, IL 61108.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm Tuesday, Dec. 29, for the family and via Zoom. Burial will be at Maple Cemetery, Kirkland.

Visit www.olsonfh.com for the Zoom link to the funeral service, for COVID-19 limitations or to express a condolence.

Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Quiram Kirkland Chapel, Kirkland, 815-522-3563.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Dec. 11-17 Warranty Deeds Eric L. Koty to Paula Mc Ginnis, 112 Cuyahoga Drive, Dixon, $0.

Mark W. and Laurie L. Barrett to Daniel R., Sharon and Matthew R. Bliss, 17650 W. Barclay Road, Polo, $285,000.

Nathaniel and Yasodra Paigen to Lorretts Aj Sigler, 5 Terrace Drive, Oregon, $155,000.

Jerry J. Griffin to Paul D. Holden, 117 S. Wesley St., Mt. Morris, $53,000.

Iron Horse Acres LLC to Gerald J. Gulke, one parcel in Byron, $979,200.

Barbara A. Netter and Sandra M. Anetsberger to Seth Richolson, 7552 N. River Road, Byron, $75,000.

Main Street Corner tLLC to Haywell LLC Residential Rentals, 111 N. Transit

St., Creston, $150,000.

DLMJ Investments LLC to Emily Dailey, 705 S. Third Ave., Oregon, $115,000.

June Schafer to Jeanna M. Mayotte, 511 S. Fifth St., Oregon, $83,000.

Danny E. and Laura L. McKean to Zachary T. and Krystn R. McKean, 602 S. 5th Ave., Forreston, $104,000.

The late Jane E. Dietrich to Tamara R. Labombard, 402 E. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, $95,000.

Mary Ellen and Ray F. McCracken IV to Kyle and Cortney Miller, 8590 N. Byron Hills Drive, Byron, $219,900.

Linda E. and Donna M. Tastad and Brenda J. Brown to Nicholas A. Potsic and Lincoln T. and Gianne Karla R. Shelby, 1027 Carrie Ave., Rochelle, $128,500.

Jeffrey S. and Kimberly S. McKinley to Angel and Wanda L. Vazquez, 499 N.

Sangamon Lane, Dixon, $135,000.

Daniel W. and Kayla M. Keller to Broc and Jaime Mohler, 130 Joanne Lane, Rochelle, $145,000.

Contry Homes Group LLC to Robert D. and Christiane M. Wiemken, 1363 Glacier Drive, Byron, $250,585.

William A. and Patricia A. Weronko to Darrin and Inez Vits, 307 N. Knollwood Drive, $282,500.

Ashley J. Sweda to Bernard H. and Deborah A. Paul, one parcel in Oregon, $170,000.

Soderholm, one parcel in Lincoln Township, $1,000.

Joseph and Haley Suarez to Scott Etes, 1213 W. First Ave., Rochelle, $0.

Trustee Deed Glennie Family Trust, Jerry Witbeck Glennie, trustee, to Randy W. and Cristi C. Pals, one parcel in Leaf River, $15,000.

Quit Claim Deeds Lorence E. and Ruth Ann Ludwig to Steven L. Ludwig, two parcels in Forreston, $0.

Illinois Central Railroad Co. to Paul

Deed John H. Sweeney and First Presbyterian Church of Oregon to Presbytery of Blackhawk of the Presbyterian Church USA, 200 S. 5th St., Oregon, $0.

Executor Deed The late Carlene F. Anderson by executor to John C. and Mary Beth Jilek, 5331 E. Nordic Woods Drive, Stillman Valley, $200,000.

• Oregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times •Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal Only $39 a year for subscribers living in Ogle County. Call 815-632-2518 to subscribe today!

YOUR TAXES

Ogle County has been issued a tentative property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue.

The property assessment equalization factor, often called the “multiplier”, is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law.

This equalization is particularly important because some of the state’s 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g. school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts).

If there were no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result.

State law requires property in Illinois to be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value.

Farm property is assessed differently, with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures, but with farmland and farm buildings assessed according to standards based on productivity.

The equalization factor is determined annually

for each county by comparing the sales price of individual properties sold over the past three years to the assessed value placed on those properties by the county supervisor of assessments/ county assessor.

If this three-year average level of assessment is one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be one.

If the average level of assessment is greater than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be less than one.

And if the average level of assessment is less than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be greater than one.

Assessments in Ogle County are at 33.23 percent of market value, based on sales of properties in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

The equalization factor currently being assigned is for 2020 taxes, payable in 2021.

Last year’s equalization factor for the county was 1.0000.3 The tentative factor is subject to change if the County Board of Review takes actions which significantly affect the county assessments or if

local officials or others can present data showing that the Department of Revenue’s estimates of the average level of assessments in the county should be adjusted.

A public hearing on the tentative multiplier will be held between 20 and 30 days after the tentative factor is published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county.

A change in the equalization factor does not mean total property tax bills will increase or decrease.

Tax bills are determined by local taxing bodies when they request money each year to provide services to local citizens.

If the amount requested by local taxing districts is not greater than the amount received in the previous year, then total property taxes will not increase even if assessments may have increased.

The assessed value of an individual property determines what portion of the tax burden a specific taxpayer will assume. That individual’s portion of tax responsibility is not changed by the multiplier.

Beard was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and issued written warnings

for speeding and not having a registration plate light.

Beard was issued an I-bond with a future court date to be scheduled.

STATE POLICE Kevin DG Beard Jr., 22, of Mt. Morris, was stopped for improper lane usage and speeding on Dec. 19 at 1:45 a.m. on Illinois Route 2 at Mud Creek Road.

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity.

Dec. 16 Leonardo Galvan, 61, of Rochelle was arrested at 3:14 p.m. for driving while license suspended after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Walmart in Rochelle on a 2003 Toyota for a lane violation. Galvan was released on a notice to appear and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 22.

Arnold Horton, 55, of Aurora was arrested at 5:20 p.m. for driving while license suspended after deputies conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 39 at mile marker 100 northbound. Horton was released on a notice to appear and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 27.

Dec. 18 Dartayvious Sims, 24, of Rockford was arrested at noon for unlawful possession of a weapon as a felon, unlawful possession of a weapon in a vehicle, no FOID card, driving without a valid license and driving while license suspended following a traffic stop on a black Dodge Neon in the 3,000 block of South Illinois 251.

It was learned the registration on the vehicle belonged to a Buick sedan. Sims was also issued additional citations for expired registration, no valid registration, failure to provide a driver’s license and no Front registration plate.

Sims was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond.

Dec. 19 At 3:05 a.m. Ogle County Sheriff’s Deputies, Rochelle Fire and Steward Fire were dispatched to a single vehicle roll over crash on Interstate 39 at Interstate 88. An investigation by deputies revealed that a vehicle driven by Lindsay Monroe, 33, of Rockford, was exiting Interstate 88 to northbound Interstate 39 when he lost control of the vehicle.

As a result, the vehicle overturned coming to rest on the northbound lanes of Interstate 39.

Monroe was transported by Rochelle Fire ambulance to Rochelle Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Johnny Tate, 52, of Rockford was arrested for driving while license revoked after he was stopped by deputies on Interstate 39 near Illinois 64 for

speeding. Tate was released on a I-bond and will appear in Ogle County court at a later date.

Rochelle. Sanchez was released on an I-Bond and will appear in Ogle County Court at a later date.

Dec. 20 Christopher N. Rollin, 44, of Rochelle, was arrested at 1:24 a.m. for driving while license suspended after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 9,500 block of East Illinois 64. Rollins was released on an individual bond and set a return court date. Rollin was also cited for speeding in excess of 35 miles per hour over the speed limit.

Stephen A. Muhleback, 25, of Rockford was arrested at 11:24 p.m. for aggravated fleeing to elude, reckless driving, resisting or obstructing a peace officer and driving while license suspended after deputies attempted to stop a vehicle traveling westbound on Illinois 72 from Pecatonica Road.

The vehicle had also fled from Dixon Police, Oregon Police, Mt. Morris Police, Forreston Police and Ogle County deputies earlier in the evening.

The vehicle fled into Forreston and stopped at Main Street and 1st Avenue where the driver, later identified as Muhleback, exited the vehicle and fled from deputies on foot.

A short time later, deputies located and arrested Muhleback.

He was also cited for speeding, improper traffic lane usage, disobeying a traffic control device, no registration, no insurance and an equipment violation.

Muhleback was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held with no bond.

Andrew Stowell, 28, of Dixon was arrested at 1:16 a.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 4,000 block of South Lowell Park Road.

Stowell was also issued citations for speeding and transport of alcohol by a driver. Stowell was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was released to correctional staff and held in lieu of bond.

Juan Sanchez, 30, of Rockford was arrested for driving while license suspended after being stopped for speeding by deputies on Interstate 39 near

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

2020 Ogle County tentative multiplier announced

17

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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FORRESTON LIBRARY Hat and Mitten Tree Thank you to everyone who brought in hats, mittens, and scarves for our tree! Your generosity will be keeping many people warm this winter!

Library Hours The library is open with the following hours: Monday 10am-1pm, 2-7 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10

a.m. - 1 p.m., 2-6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. We are closed on Friday and Sunday.

Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 and children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a responsible party. Curbside pickup is still available for anyone who wishes to use it.

Preschool Activities Looking for fun, engaging activities for

your preschooler? Our Grab n Go packets include a Scholastic story paper with a different theme each month, accompanying worksheets/coloring pages, and a code to access online stories and activities.

Call to reserve yours or stop in and pick one up for your favorite little person.

Library Updates

Please like our Facebook page to stay up to date with the most current information on our plans and activities and also check out our recently updated website at forrestonlibrary.org.

If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us by phone at 815-938-2624, email at forrestonpubliclibrary@gmail.com, or through Facebook messaging.

OREGON LIBRARY Holiday Library Hours The Oregon Public Library will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Have a safe holiday and keep reading!

New Library Procedures Oregon Public Library has shifted to touch free services due to the Tier 3 mitigation. We will only be offering curbside pick up and appointments for computer use, printing or faxing.

If you are interested in curbside pick up or a computer reservation please call 815-732-2724. Holds can be placed three different ways: Online through the catalog: http://search.prairiecat.info/iii/ encore/?lang=eng Over the phone with Library staff at 815-732-2724, or through our NEW mobile App - PrairieCat Mobile.

Log into your library account with

your library card number and PIN (last four digits of the library card number).

Once your requested items are available for pick up you will receive the automated notification from PrairieCat. Call us at 815-732-2724 after you receive this notice to schedule your curbside pick up.

Remember to check our Facebook posts or the local papers for new releases! You can also talk to the librarians for book recommendations and to place items on hold.

Book Bundles at the Library We have librarian created book bundles. Each bundle has 3-4 books, we have bundles of mysteries, holiday books, fiction, non fiction, assorted and even a trilogy from a local author.

Paint Your New Year’s Eve Glass Make and Take Kits Available Dec. 28

Pick up your free kit to paint your wine glass and toast the New Year in style. Kits include wine glass, two paint markers, and stencils. Instructional video available on our website. Registration for kits required, 815-732-2724.

Must be Oregon Public Library District Patron.

Monday and will be recorded for use at any time if you are unable to attend the live virtual class. Please register 815732-2724.

Library Book Clubs Afternoon Book Club, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 12:30 p.m., “The Giver of Stars”

by Jojo Moyes.

Books on Tap Book Club meets on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. to discuss The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate.

New Library App - This allows patrons to check library accounts, search for items, place holds, and see library events from a mobile device.

Download the PrairieCat Mobile app today! Search for PrairieCat Mobile on your device’s app store, connect with your Oregon Public Library card and you are all set.

Maker Monday’s, Take and Make Crafts - Ages 18 and up. Registration required at 815-732-2724. Kits are available. One Monday a month, the Library will provide a take and make kit. The class will be held at 10:30 a.m. on a

Take It Tuesdays - Kits vary and are first come, first serve. New kits available on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Friends of the Library Grab Bag Sale This is an ongoing sale and the bags are in the library labeled by genre. Bags are $5. There are approximately 8-10 books in each bag.

POLO LIBRARY Curbside Pickup Mondays - 2-6 p.m.; Tuesdays - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Wednesdays - 2-6 p.m.; Thursdays - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Fridays - 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.; and Saturdays - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Step 1 - Log in to your PrairieCat/ Encore account and request items for pickup. You can also call 815-946-2713 or email library@pololibrary.org at least one business day in advance of preferred pickup day with a list of items you would like to check out.

Need a suggestion? Library staff are happy to select several books for you to try.

Step 2 - Call 815-946-2713 to schedule a date and time for your contactless pickup Please remain in your car and allow library staff to place your items in your trunk or back seat.

Step 3 - Drop items off as you are fin-

ished with them. Our book drop, located to the left of the Congress Street door, will continue to be open 24/7.

brary.readsquared.com.

Additional Curbside Services We are still offering copy/print (.25/ Black and White .50/Color) and fax ($1/ page). We also offer home delivery at no extra charge for patrons who are unable to use curbside pickup. Please call 815-946-2713 for more information and to schedule an appointment or home delivery.

Book Subscription Box - Grades 6-12 - The book subscription box contains one book to read and some goodies. You pick the genre, we supply the book! Email library@pololibrary.org and ask for a Book Subscription Box form, fill it out, and we’ll call you to set up a pickup time when your box is ready. Read the book while you enjoy some treats, then return the book in the book drop.

Winter Reading Programs - All Ages - Jan. 4 - Feb. 28 - This winter, travel through reading. There is a “Passport to Reading” program, recommended for kids and students ages 0 - 6th grade, or the “Travel the World through Reading” program for everyone else, 7th grade and up. For more information about the programs and to register, Visit pololi-

Book Clubs The Polo Library currently has two traditional book clubs meeting via Zoom, one on the fourth Monday of each month and one on the fourth Friday of each month, both at 1:30 p.m.

In January, we will be starting a third book club that will be a books to movies group that will meet on Zoom on a

weekday evening (exact day and time to be decided by people interested in joining the book club).

If you have any questions or are interested in joining any of the book clubs, please email: carlap@pololibrary.org Library Cards Did you know that if you live in the Polo School District and are under the age of 18 you qualify for a free library card?

Any person of student age (4-18 years old) living in the Polo School District qualifies for a free Polo Library card.

Wi-Fi Access Wi-Fi is available 24/7 outside of the library building, even outside of library hours. You can access the Wi-Fi by joining the Polo Public Library Guest Access network, you do not need a password.

YOUR SAFETY

Device allows first responders to open doors safely during emergencies

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Oregon Fire Chief Michael Knoup has an idea for area shoppers in need of Christmas present ideas.

A Knox Box is a device that can be installed near the front door of residential homes with a key inside that can only be accessed by first responders like OFD. It saves the time and effort of having to find entry or break down a door.

“I think we’ve broken 3-4 doors this year,” Knoup said. “And we wouldn’t have to secure the property after.”

The Knox Box is aimed at fall-like situations, such as residents hitting Life Alert-like help buttons or calling 911 and then being unable to unlock the door.

“If you’ve fallen and we can’t get access, we’ll spend time going around to doors and windows,” Knoup said. “It definitely can save lives.”

The Knox Box costs $175, Knoup said, and there are around 100 already in use in the Oregon Fire district.

“A good share” of commercial businesses in Oregon also utilize a form of the Knox Box, but are utilized more for fires and emergencies during closed hours.

“The residential program is more for EMS type situations. Commercial ones are more for fires and stuff like that. If it’s a business at 2 a.m. when alarms are going off, we can go in without damage,” he said.

More information on the Knox Box can be found at knoxbox.com.

Knoup and his department has been working to reduce risk of fires and carbon monoxide during the holiday season due to Christmas lights and decorations and people using their fireplaces more often.

“It’s challenging to deal with,” Knoup said. “My recommendation is to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. We’ll come out for free and check them. We have a grant program where we can install new detectors. Please call us.”

ABOVE: Oregon Fire Chief Michael Knoup shows how the Knox Home Box can fit over a residential door with a n attached door hanger.

The locked box keeps a key to the home that can only be accessed by fire department officials during an emergency.

The boxes can also be attached to the outside of a residence or business.

AT LEFT: The Knox Box is sent directly to residents after they order it at www.knoxbox.com.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

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

Fire chief advocates for Knox Box for easy entry

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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SPECIAL EVENT

Tribute to fallen police officers is set for Dec. 31 Fence to be lit with glow sticks on New Year’s Eve

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com After an injury forced her to stop serving as a first responder, Karen Davis was looking for ways to honor other officers who have paid the ultimate price.

On New Year’s Eve, the fence outside Davis’ home at 1423 E. Flagg Rd. will be adorned with lights honoring the nation’s fallen law enforcement officers.

There will be a glow stick for each of the 200 plus officers lost in the line of duty.

“I was a firefighter and EMT, I did K9 search and rescue,” Davis said.

“I figure it’s the best way to thank everybody. I can’t serve with them anymore. I figured I’d honor them.”

Davis trains search and rescue Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@shawmedia.com and detector dogs, and has worked with law enforcement K9 units as a ABOVE: Karen Davis discusses her plans for a tribute to fallen officers at her property along Flagg Road in rural Oregon. Davis has a civilian volunteer for 20 years. She sign with updated numbers of fallen officers and on New Year’s Eve a glow stick will be lit and attached to the fence in honor of each still works with Lee County search fallen officer. The display will last for about two nights or until the glow sticks stop glowing. BELOW: She raises an American flag. and rescue on training after getting involved four years ago.

She also started with the Franklin Grove Fire Department in 2014 before a back injury forced her to take a sabbatical earlier this year. Her fire experience dates back to Tooele County in Utah in 2004.

“I injured my back in 2006 during firefighter certification,” Davis said. “I was in the department with Rust Valley in Utah.

But I finished and have been trying to get it fixed ever since.

In Utah I ran narcotics exposures and cadaver dogs. I became an instructor. I made it into something I could do with my back.”

Davis still worked for years with the nagging injury.

“If someone’s life was at stake, I’d still pick them up,” Davis said. “But I just can’t do it anymore.”

Davis has her own venture where she takes dogs from shelters and trains them to work as service dogs for the elderly.

She then donates the trained dogs to those in need.

“I do behavior modification,” Davis said. “I take nasty dogs and turn them into nice ones. Older people can’t afford a $3,000 dog on social security.”

Davis plans to do the memorial display for years to come.

Next year could be firefighters or EMTs lost in the line of duty. Later years could be branches of the military, or those lost to suicide after serving, she said.

The memorial will be drive-by in style due to COVID-19.

People will come out in the afternoon on Dec. 31 to help with zip tying the glow sticks. Those that help will need to wear a mask and gloves.

She’ll be keeping an eye on the page that displays the lost officers in case it updates. It’s currently at 280, she said. She’ll be sitting by a fire and adding more if need be or replacing or shaking them up to glow again.

“If it was safer, I’d have a little more socialization,” Davis said. “There will be a few fire pits out there if someone wants to stop, they can have a moment. Then they need to move along.”

21

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Plumbing & Heating of Rochelle 815-562-8784

Jeanette Linker of Polo 815-946-3452

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

2020 Chronology of Area Businesses

www.oglecountynews.com

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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LEGAL NOTICE State of Illinois Department of Agriculture NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following licenses have been voluntary surrendered and experienced failure on 11/30/2020 for Davidson Grain, Inc. Davidson Grain, Inc. has been ordered to cease and desist doing business as a licensed grain warehouse and dealer in the state of Illinois.

License Issued for Location Grain Dealer License #10507 Rt. 38 & Woodlawn Road Creston Illinois 60113 Warehouse License #1923 Rt. 38 & Woodlawn Road Creston Illinois 60113 Therefore, any person or producer of grain who has sold grain to the above company and has not been paid or received final payment, may contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Warehouses, State Fairgrounds, P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281, (800) 654-0882.

All producers who have not been paid by Davidson Grain, Inc. must file a claim to be considered for payment. The claimant's claim shall be barred if not filed with the Department on or before the later of: (a) the claim date of 2/28/2021 or (b) 7 days from the date notice was mailed to a claimant if the date notice was mailed to that claimant on or before the claim date.

Claim forms and claims may be obtained and filed at Rt. 38 & Woodlawn Road Creston Illinois 60113 or the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Warehouses, P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281.

Jerry Costello II, Acting Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture December 25, January 1, 8, 2020

Annual Report of Receipts and Disbursements Polo Public Library District Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2019 and Ending June 30, 2020 Receipts Real Estate Taxes 106,268.03 Donations 71,819.65 State Grants 3,516.25 Fines & Fees 1,178.67 Non-Resident Fees 1,125.00 Book Sales 283.30 Interest 1,122.87 185,313.77 Disbursements Salary & Wage Range: (Under $25,000) E Ditzler, J Gunder, B Hook, P Houck, E Olsen, C Pope, C Scott; P Stevens, D Winters, N Zeigler ($25,000-$49,999) E Finfrock Disbursements to Vendors or Individuals ($2,500 minimum): Constellation Energy $3,127.78; IL Dept of Revenue $3,786.42; IMRF $14,758.82; PrairieCat $5,210.62; RMC Imaging, Inc $7,555.00; Vanderheyden Furniture & Flooring $7,846.95; West Bend Mutual Ins Co $7,238.35 Disbursements by Category: Personnel $104,260.89; Collection Development $7,318.82; Programming $4,183.94; Technology $11,630.73; Grant Outlays $3521.58; Facilites & Equipment $30,192.53; Operations $13,434.17; Capital Purchases 1,796.00.

I, the undersigned, hereby do certify that I am duly qualified and acting Treasurer of the Polo Public Library District, Polo, Illinois, and as such official I do further certify that the above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief: Sarah Rowland, Treasurer, Polo Public Library District, November 10, 2020 December 25, 2020

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY HOLCOMB BANK f/k/a Holcomb State Bank, Plaintiff, vs. William B. Hagemann, Craig Hagemann, and Cindy Timm, as Executors of the ESTATE OF BERNICE A. HAGEMANN, THE DELONG CO., INC., BECK'S SUPERIOR HYBRIDS INC., and UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants. NO. 2020-CH-25 PUBLIC NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE Public Notice is hereby given that in pursuant of the Decree entered in said Court in the above-entitled cause on the 24th day of July, 2020, I, Brian Van Vickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, or such other Deputy as may be sitting in my stead, will on February 5, 2021 at the hour of 10:00 a.m. in the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, Administration Building, 202 South First Street, Oregon, Illinois, sell at public venue to the highest and best bidder for cash the following described lands and premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois in said Judgment mentioned or so much thereof as may be necessary to realize the amount due to satisfy said Judgment with the terms and conditions as set forth herein: The name, address and telephone number of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate is: JAMES E. STEVENS, Barrick Switzer Long Balsley & Van Evera, LLP, 6833 Stalter Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61108, (815) 962-6611 A. The common address of said property is: 7906 N. Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084 (PIN 05-33-200-019) and legally described as: PARCEL 2: Part of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 28; part of the Northwest Quarter (1/4) of Section 34 and part of the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 33, all in Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, bounded and described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 28; thence North 0 degrees 02 minutes 02 seconds East along the East line of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of said Section 28, a distance of 483.78 feet; thence South 44 degrees 53 minutes 12 seconds East, a distance of 703.72 feet (711.48 feet deeded) to the centerline of a public road designated Kishwaukee Road (County Highway No. 33, 102-TR);thence South 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 100.03 feet to the point of beginning of the hereinafter described tract of land; thence North 44 degrees 53 minutes 12 seconds West, a distance of 870.19 feet; thence North 89 degrees 08 minutes 17 seconds West parallel with the South line of said Section 28, a distance of 840.71 feet; thence South 0 degrees 15 minutes 41 seconds East parallel with the West line of the East Half (1/2) of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of said Section 28, a distance of 1064.76 feet; thence South 4 degrees 36 minutes 48 seconds West, a distance of 338.26 feet to the centerline of a public road designated Hales Corner Road; thence South 86 degrees 43 minutes 56 seconds East along said centerline, a distance of 404.94 feet; thence South 67 degrees 28 minutes 56 seconds East along said centerline, a distance of 243.37 feet (243.25 feet deeded) to the intersection of the centerline of said Kishwaukee Road; thence North 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds East along the centerline of said Kishwaukee Road, a distance of 1228.57 feet to the Point of Beginning, all situated in the Township of Marion, County of Ogle and State of Illinois; EXCEPTING THEREFROM the following described tract: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 28, Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian; thence North 0 degrees 02 minutes 02 seconds East along the East line of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of said Section 28, a distance of 483.78 feet; thence South 44 degrees 53 minutes 12 seconds East, a distance of 703.72 feet (711.48 feet deeded) to the centerline of a public road designated Kishwaukee Road (County Highway No. 33, 102-TR); thence South 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 1199.60 feet to the point of beginning of the hereinafter described tract of land; thence continuing South 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 129.00 feet to the intersection of the centerline of said Kishwaukee Road and the centerline of a public road designated Hales Corner Road; thence North 67 degrees 28 minutes 56 seconds West along the centerline of said Hales Corner Road, a distance of 243.37 feet (243.25 feet deeded); thence North 86 degrees 43 minutes 56 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 404.94 feet; thence North 4 degrees 36 minutes 48 seconds East, a distance of 338.26 feet; thence North 0 degrees 15 minutes 41 seconds West parallel with the West line of the East Half (1/2) of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 28, Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, a distance of 364.00 feet; thence South 43 degrees 43 minutes 34 seconds East, a distance of 1002.00 feet to the Point of Beginning; situated in the Township of Marion, County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

B. A description of the improvements on the real estate is: single family residence with 29.23 acres. The terms of the sale are: 25% down to the highest bidder by certified funds at the close of the auction; the balance, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to the quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.If the property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER) YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW, UNLESS, THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN JUDICIALLY FOUND TO BE ABANDONED. The judgment amount was $184,210.33. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file to verify this information. /s/ Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County JAMES E. STEVENS (3128256), Barrick Switzer Long Balsley & Van Evera, LLP, 6833 Stalter Drive, Rockford, IL 61108, 815-962-6611 (jstevens@bslbv.com) December 25, 2020 & January 1, 8, 2021

Don’t need it?

SELL IT!

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NOTICE OF PUBLICATION AVAILABILITY OF LIST OF PERSONS SELECTED BY OGLE COUNTY BOARD AS JUDGES OF ELECTION Notice is hereby given that the Board of said Ogle County has duly selected, as provided by law, that a list of Judges of Election is available for inspection in the office of the County Clerk.

Application for confirmation and approval has been made to the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial District of said County; Judge Robert T. Hanson has set the date for hearing on objections to the confirmation and approval of those prospective judges on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. in Oregon, Illinois Anyone having knowledge of any reason why these individuals should not be confirmed or approved by this court must file their objection in writing on or before the opening of court on said day.

Notice is further given, that if no cause to the contrary be shown as specified, such appointments shall be confirmed by order of court, as provided by law.

Date: December 17, 2020 Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk December 25, 2020

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Public Notice The City of Oregon approved the Annual Audit for the fiscal year May 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020 at their scheduled Council meeting December 15, 2020. A copy is available for viewing at City Hall 115 N 3rd Street and also on the City Website at cityoforegon.org.

Dec. 25, 2020

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

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code: 034078

Sydney Bartelt The City of Polo, City of Polo Illinois, will hold a City Clerk Dec. 25, 2020 Public Meeting to discuss the possible purchase of the CedarStone build- VOLUNTEERS 126 ing (610 S. Division Ave Polo, IL 61064) CASA for a new City Hall 15th Judicial on Tuesday, DeCircuit (Lee/ cember 29, 2020 at Carroll/Ogle 7:00p.m. via Zoom.

Counties) All interested citiis seeking volunzens will be given teers in the Ogle an opportunity to ask questions con- County area to adcerning the possi- vocate for children ble purchase as in the Ogle County Publication Notice well as to express court system inPublic Notice is their views either volved in abuse hereby given that verbally or in writ- and neglect cases. on December 4, ing. The proposed Your involvement 2020, a certificate layout may be excan impact a was filed in the amined in the City child’s future.

Ogle County Clerk's office at Contact Trisha Clerk's office set- City Hall or online Morrow, Executing forth the at www.poloil.org . tive Director names and post (815) 288-1901 office address of Join Zoom Meeting www.casaleecar all of the persons https://us02web. roll.com owning, conduct- zoom.us/j/8978403 ing and transacting 0897?pwd=SVFZO the business W55V2dhcUcvSGZ APARTMENTSknown as: FURNISHED 305 wcGZuRVNvZz09 A.L.E. Construction Meeting ID: 897 800 W. Mason St. 8403 0897 PassPolo, IL 61064 code: 034078 Dated: Dial by your loca- ROCK FALLS December 4, 2020 tion +1 312 626 Laura J. Cook, 6799 US (Chicago) 1 & 2BR Ogle County Clerk Meeting ID: 897 Hampton Apts.

Dec. 11, 18, 25, 8403 0897 Pass815-625-7043 2020

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

STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF OGLE

LEGAL NOTICES

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 25, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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